Protein C and S activities in COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

COVID-19 has been associated with alterations in coagulation. Recent reports have shown that protein C and S activities are altered in COVID-19. This may affect the complications and outcome of the disease. However, their exact role in COVID-19 remains uncertain. The aim of the current study was therefore to analyze all papers in the literature on protein C and S activities in COVID-19. We searched three medical electronic databases. Of the 2442 papers, 28 studies were selected for the present meta-analysis. For the meta-analysis, means ± standard deviations with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for protein C and S activities were extracted. Pooled p values were calculated using STATA software. Protein C and S activities were significantly lower in COVID-19 patients than in healthy controls (pooled p values: 0.04 and 0.02, respectively). Similarly, protein C activities were considerably lower in nonsurviving patients (pooled p value = 0.00). There was no association between proteins C or S and thrombosis risk or ICU admission in COVID-19 patients (p value > 0.05). COVID-19 patients may exhibit lower activities of the C and S proteins, which might affect disease outcome; however, additional attention should be given when considering therapeutic strategies for these patients.

Expression of DR4, DR5, FAS, Caspase-8 and, DDIAS Genes in AML Patients.

Background: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common acute leukemia in adults and accompanies a worse survival. In this study, gene expression levels of 5 key players of apoptosis, including DR4, DR5, FAS, caspase 8, and DNA damage-induced apoptosis suppressor (DDIAS), have been evaluated in AML patients compared with controls, aiming to evaluate their possible role and prognostic impact. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in the Cancer Molecular Pathology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. A total of 30 newly diagnosed AML cases as well as 30 healthy controls enrolled in the study. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to evaluate the expressions of DR4, DR5, FAS, DDIAS, and caspase 8 genes in cases and controls. Other necessary data, including cytogenetic findings, mutations, French-American-British (FAB) classification, and survival, were retrieved from hospital records and by direct contact with patients. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS software. When appropriate, the Mann-Whitney U, Pearson's correlation, and the t tests were utilized. Overall survival (OS) was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: The expression of all evaluated genes, including DDIAS (0.89 ± 0.20), DR4 (0.67 ± 0.24), DR5 (0.72 ± 0.24), FAS (0.70 ± 0.25), and Caspase 8 (0.77 ± 0.20) were significantly decreased in AML patients compared with the controls (P < 0.001). Patients with the t (16;16) or inv (16) expressed significantly higher amounts of the FAS gene and those with FLT3 mutation exhibited lower expression of caspase 8. Expression of the evaluated genes showed no significant effect on survival. Conclusion: The expression of DR4, DR5, FAS, and caspase 8 seems to be decreased in AML. Lower expression of these molecules may aid AML cells in avoiding apoptosis because they are involved in the initiation of apoptosis, making them potential targets for treatment.

Evaluating the frequency, prognosis and survival of RUNX1 and ASXL1 mutations in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia in northeastern Iran.

To evaluate the frequency and prognosis of runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1) and additional sex combs like-1 (ASXL1) mutations in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) patients in northeastern Iran. This cross-sectional study was performed on 40 patients with AML (including 35 patients with denovo AML and five patients with secondary AML) from February 2018 to February 2021. All patients were followed up for 36 months. We evaluated the frequency and survival rate of RUNX1 and ASXL1 mutations in AML patients. To detect mutations, peripheral blood samples and bone marrow aspiration were taken from all participants. One male patient (2.5%) had RUNX1 mutations and four cases (10%; 3 females vs. 1 male) had ASXL1 mutations. The survival rates of AML patients after 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 24 and 36 months were 98%, 90%, 77%, 62%, 52%, 27% and 20%, respectively. There was a significant relationship between the occurrence of ASXL1 mutations and the survival of patients with AML (p = 0.027). Also, there was a significant relationship between the incidence of death and haemoglobin levels in patients with AML (p = 0.045). Thus, with an increase of one unit in patients' haemoglobin levels, the risk of death is reduced by 16.6%. Patients with AML had a high mortality rate, poor therapy outcome and low survival rate. ASXL1 and RUNX1 mutations are associated with a worse prognosis in patients with newly diagnosed AML. Also, we witnessed that the prevalence of ASXL1 to RUNX1 mutations was higher in northeastern Iran compared with other regions.

Deregulation of the Expression of Beclin1 and Light Chain 3(LC3), Autophagy-Related Genes, in COVID-19 Patients.

Background: The autophagy machinery is reported to be employed by Coronaviruses during their replication. Beclin-1 (BECN1) and protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) are two key elements in the autophagy process, and their inhibition can prevent the replication of some coronaviruses in vitro. Here, we aimed to investigate the expression levels of Beclin-1 and LC3 in COVID-19 patients and healthy controls, hoping to find new therapeutic targets. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Imam Reza and Ghaem University Hospitals, Mashhad, Iran. Nasopharyngeal samples of 68 consecutive Covid-19 patients and 61 healthy controls, who have been referred to the laboratories for COVID-19 PCR testing between 21 March to 21 September 2021, were used in order to evaluate the expression of BECN1 and LC3 genes using the Real-time quantitative PCR method. Demographic and other laboratory findings of patients were extracted from the hospital electronic system. SPSS Statistics 16.0 and Graph Pad Prism 8.4.2 soft wares were used for statistical analysis. Non-parametric tests were used. Results: BECN1 expression was significantly higher in COVID-19 patients compared to the controls (14.37±18.84 vs. 4.26±7.39, p=0.001). The expression of LC3 gene was significantly lower in patients compared to the controls (1.01±1.06 vs. 1.49±1.12, p=0.007). There was no significant correlation between the expression levels of BECN1 and LC3. Patients with lower BECN1 expression showed significantly higher RBC counts, higher Urea and lower HCO3 levels. The patients in LC3Low group showed significantly lower MCH, MCHC and PH levels compared to the others. Conclusion: Regarding the significant difference in the expression of BECN1 and LC3 in COVID-19 patients compared to the controls, these molecules may have a role in the pathogenesis of this disease. In case of further confirmation of this role, these molecules may be used as possible therapeutic targets.

Urinary tract infections in kidney transplant recipients 1st year after transplantation.

BACKGROUND: One of the main causes of adverse complications following kidney transplantation is urinary tract infection (UTI). This study was done to define the incidence rate, clinical profiles, causative microorganisms, and UTI risk factors among kidney transplant recipients in Mashhad city. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, we perused medical files of 247 kidney recipients who underwent transplant surgery at Mashhad University Montaserie Hospital, during 2012-2014. All patients were followed for UTI during the 1st year after surgery. RESULTS: 75 episodes of UTI developed by 152 pathogens in 56 (22.7%) of patients during 1-year follow-up. 26.6% of total UTIs were diagnosed within the 1st month after transplantation. The most frequently isolated uropathogens were Escherichia coli (55.3%, n = 84). The high rate of candiduria (8.5%) was observed, too. CONCLUSION: UTI is known as one of the hospitalization reasons in kidney transplantation recipients. Defining appropriate antibiotic prophylaxis against bacterial and fungal agents and early removal of urethral catheter are suggested to decrease posttransplantation complications.

Quantitative assessment of Wilms tumor 1 expression by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction in patients with acute myeloblastic leukemia.

BACKGROUND: The Wilms tumor 1 (WT1) gene is originally defined as a tumor suppressor gene and a transcription factor that overexpressed in leukemic cells. It is highly expressed in more than 80% of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients, both in bone marrow (BM) and in peripheral blood (PB), and it is used as a powerful and independent marker of minimal residual disease (MRD); we have determined the expression levels of the WT1 by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RQ-PCR) in PB and BM in 126 newly diagnosed AML patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was done in molecular pathology and cancer research center from April 2014 to June 2015, RQ-PCR method was used to determine the WT1 gene expression in BM and/or PB samples from 126 patients of AML, we cloned both WT1 and ABL genes for creating a standard curve, and we calculate copy number of WT1 genes in patients. RESULTS: A total of 126 AML patients consist of 70 males (55.6%) and 56 females (44.4%), with a median age of 26 years; 104 (81%) patients out of 126 show overexpression of WT1 gene. We also concomitant monitoring of fusion transcripts (PML RARa, AML1-ETO, MLL-MLL, CBFb-MYH11, or DEK-CAN) in our patients, the AML1-ETO group showing remarkably low levels of WT1 compared with other fusion transcript and the CBFB-MYH11 showing high levels of WT1. CONCLUSION: We conclude that WT1 expression by RQ-PCR in AML patients may be employed as an independent tool to detect MRD in the majority of normal karyotype AML patients.

Evaluation of BAALC gene expression in normal cytogenetic acute myeloid leukemia patients in north-east of Iran.

Background: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is known as one of the most common leukemia among adults. Environmental and different genetic factors affect disease process, prognosis and treatment. Among different genetic factors NPM1, FLT3, MLL and BAALC genes are the most effective on patient's survival rate. The aim of this study was to assess amount of BAALC gene expression in AML patients, and its relation to survival rate. Methods: In this case-control study, from all 94 individuals referred to Ghaem Medical Center during 2012-2015, 47 cases were normal cytogenetic AML and others were healthy individuals that were studied as control group. Real-time PCR method was applied for gene expression evaluation. Other information of patients was extracted from medical documents. SPSS v.21 was used for data processing. Results: Mean age of studied cases was 31.50 years. The most of BAALC gene expression was seen in M1 and M2 subtypes, and the less was in M5. A significant relation was found between amount of gene expression and patient's survival rate. Conclusion: BAALC gene expression was increased significantly in AML cases. BAALC expression had reverse relation with patients' survival rate in North-East of Iran.

Prognostic significance of ASXL1 mutations in acute myeloid leukemia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Although genetic mutations in additional sex-combs-like 1 (ASXL1) are prevalent in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), their exact impact on the AML prognosis remains uncertain. Hence, the present article was carried out to explore the prognostic importance of ASXL1 mutations in AML. Methods: We thoroughly searched electronic scientific databases to find eligible papers. Twenty-seven studies with an overall number of 8,953 participants were selected for the current systematic review. The hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for overall survival (OS), event-free survival (EFS), and relapse-free survival (RFS) were extracted from all studies with multivariate or univariate analysis. Pooled HRs and p-values were also calculated as a part of our work. Results: The pooled HR for OS in multivariable analysis indicated that ASXL1 significantly diminished survival in AML patients (pooled HR: 1.67; 95% CI: 1.342-2.091). Conclusions: ASXL1 mutations may confer a poor prognosis in AML. Hence, they may be regarded as potential prognostic factors. However, more detailed studies with different ASXL1 mutations are suggested to shed light on this issue.

The Emerging Roles of Aldehyde Dehydrogenase in Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Its Therapeutic Potential.

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a malignant disorder characterized by myeloid differentiation arrest and uncontrolled clonal expansion of abnormal myeloid progenitor cells. AML is the most common malignant bone marrow (BM) disease in adults and accounts for approximately 80% of adult leukemia cases. There has been little improvement in the treatment of patients with AML over the past decade. Cytogenetic and morphologic heterogeneity of AML and the difficulty in distinguishing leukemic stem cells (LSCs) from normal hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) continue to be the major challenges in treating this malignancy. In recent years, intensive efforts have been made to explore novel potential markers for the efficient identification and characterization of leukemic stem cells. Aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) is a potential target molecule that plays crucial roles in leukemic stem cell survival and multidrug resistance, mainly through its involvement in the detoxification of many endogenous and exogenous aldehydes. The selection and isolation of cancer stem cells based on high ALDH activity seem to be a useful approach in many human malignancies, especially leukemia. Moreover, it is worth mentioning that several previous studies have indicated that a high ALDH activity (classified as ALDHbr cells in flow cytometry) can act as an independent prognostic factor in several types of cancer. In the present review, we update and critically discuss the available data regarding the importance of ALDH activity in normal and leukemic stem cells and its potential diagnostic and therapeutic implications.

Evaluation of the expression of LC3-II and BECLIN1 genes of autophagy pathway in patients with hematological malignancies.

Background: Autophagy is a pathway for the degradation of cytoplasmic components, which plays an essential role in various cellular and physiological processes, including cell renewal and survival, and immune responses. While recent studies have shown that they can play a role in cancer treatment, the precise mechanisms of autophagy in leukemogenesis are not fully understood. We have assessed the expression levels of LC3 and BECLIN1 as two crucial autophagy mediators in patients with leukemia. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on bone marrow or peripheral blood samples of 61 leukemia patients (24 AML, 20 ALL, and 17 CML) and compared to 18 healthy controls. Real-time PCR was used to quantitate gene expression. SPSS statistics 16.0 and Graph Pad Prism 8.4.2 software were applied for statistical analysis. Results: While BECLIN1 expression was significantly lower in AML, ALL, and CML patients as compared to the control group (p < 0.05), LC3 showed significantly different expression only in the AML patients (P= 0.03). There was no significant correlation between the expression levels of BECLIN1 with LC3 (p> 0.05). Whilst the AML LC3high group had a significantly lower lymphocyte count (P= 0.023), the AML BECLIN1low group had a significantly higher MPV levels (P= 0.044). Furthermore, ALL LC3high group indicated a significantly lower HCT count (P= 0.017). Conclusion: Significant changes in the expression levels of BECLINI and LC3 in hematologic malignancies may indicate a possible role for autophagy in their pathogenesis. However, further studies are warranted to confirm these findings.

Molecular Status of BRAF Mutation in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: An Analysis of 57 Cases in the Northeast of Iran.

Background & Objective: Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the most prevalent type of ovarian cancer. Previous studies have elucidated different pathways for the progression of this malignancy. The mutation in the B-Raf proto-oncogene, serine/threonine kinase (BRAF) gene, a member of the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway, plays a role in the development of EOC. The current study aimed to determine the frequency of the BRAF V600E mutation in ovarian serous and mucinous tumors, including borderline and carcinoma subtypes. Methods: A total of 57 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples, including serous borderline tumors (SBTs), low-grade serous carcinomas (LGSCs), high-grade serous carcinomas (HGSCs), mucinous borderline tumors (MBTs), and mucinous carcinomas, and 57 normal ovarian tissues were collected. The BRAF V600E mutation was analyzed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing. Results: While 40% of the SBT harbor BRAF mutation, we found no BRAF mutation in the invasive serous carcinoma (P=0.017). Also, there was only 1 BRAF mutation in MBT and no mutation in mucinous carcinomas. In addition, we found no mutation in the control group. Conclusion: The BRAF mutation is most frequent in borderline tumors but not in invasive serous carcinomas. It seems that 2 different pathways exist for the development of ovarian epithelial neoplasms: one for borderline tumors and the other for high-grade invasive carcinomas. Our study supports this hypothesis. The BRAF mutation is rare in mucinous neoplasms.

Altered expression of NEAT1 variants and P53, PTEN, and BCL-2 genes in patients with acute myeloid leukemia.

BACKGROUND: Newly discovered evidence showed that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) can play crucial roles in the development of cancer therapies. Nuclear Enriched Abundant Transcripts 1 (NEAT1) is one of the lncRNAs the expression of which changes in different cancers. The role of NEAT1 in apoptosis is discussed in various malignancies. This study aimed to determine the NEAT1 expression and its correlation with P53, PTEN, and BCL-2 genes expression in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. METHOD: In this study, using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), we analyzed the expression of NEAT1, P53, PTEN, and BCL-2 genes in 21 AML patients. Moreover, relative quantification analysis was performed by delta-delta CT method (2 -ΔΔCT) method. RESULTS: Our results showed that NEAT1 expression was significantly lower in AML patients compared to healthy controls (P-value < 0.05). While a significant correlation was observed between the expression levels of NEAT1 and PTEN genes in AML patients (P-value < 0.05), there was no correlation between the expression levels of NEAT1 with P53 and BCL-2 (P-value > 0.05). CONCLUSION: According to the results, increased expression of NEAT1 gene may play a role in the apoptosis of AML cells, despite the oncogenic role in most solid tumors.

Evaluation of FLT3-ITD Mutations and MDR1 Gene Expression in AML Patients.

Background & Objective: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a hematopoietic malignancy caused by genetic abnormalities. Currently, molecular and genetic factors are routinely used as diagnostic and prognostic markers. FLT-3 is one of the most known diagnostic factors in AML. MDR1 gene belongs to the ATP binding cassette family; it is known as one of the chemotherapy-resistant causes of AML. We aimed to study FLT-3ITD mutations and their association with MDR1 gene expression in AML individuals. Methods: For investigation, 80 AML individuals and 20 healthy controls were selected. This study was done in the Cancer molecular Pathology Research Center of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (MUMS), Iran during 2017-2019. FLT3-ITD mutation was assessed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR); Real-time quantitative PCR was performed to measure the amount of MDR1 gene expression. Bone marrow and blood smears of patients were evaluated in terms of morphology. SPSS 16.0 was used for data analysis. Results: FLT3-ITD mutation and MDR1 overexpression were found in 18.8% and 23.8% of AML patients, respectively. Statistical analysis did not show any relationship or association between these two markers. Cuplike morphology was observed in blast cells in 21.25% of AML cases, which was associated with the presence of FLT3-ITD mutation. Conclusion: FLT-3 and MDR1 function independently. Survival studies to determine the exact role of MDR1 overexpression in drug resistance issues would be suggested.

High Resolution Melting Analysis for Evaluation of mir-612 (Rs12803915) Genetic Variant with Susceptibility to Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

BACKGROUND: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a highly heterogeneous malignancy that accounts for nearly 75% of leukemias in children. While the exact mechanism of ALL is not fully understood, some genetic variants have been implicated as associated with ALL susceptibility. The association between some genetic variants in miRNA genes and ALL risk has been described previously. A previous study suggested that mir-612 rs12803915 G> A may be associated with pediatric ALL risk. High-resolution melting (HRM) analysis is a reliable method that can be applied for polymorphism detection. METHODS: This retrospective study was performed on 100 B-ALL patients (52 males and 48 females; age 4.6 ± 3.2 years) and 105 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (48 males and 57 females; age 5.1 ± 3 years). We used HRM to identify mir-612 rs12803915 genotypes. Sanger sequencing was applied to validate the HRM results. RESULTS: High resolution melting analysis was used to genotype the mir-612 rs12803915 polymorphism. We found no association between rs12803915 allele A and B-ALL risk in any inheritance models (p> 0.05). CONCLUSION: HRM is a suitable method to detect SNP rs12803915 in the mir-612 gene; however, we found no significant association between the rs12803915 polymorphism and ALL risk.

The Survival of Patients with t(15;17)(q22;q12) Positive Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia: A Study in North-East of Iran.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) with t(15;17)(q22;q12) is a relatively common subtype of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Here, our objective was to ascertain the survival of patients with this leukemia in north-east of Iran. METHODS: Survival rates of 42 APL patients with t(15;17)(q22;q12) were assessed. Clinical information was obtained from archived medical records. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS 18 software using log-ranked test and Kaplan Maier survival analysis. RESULTS: Females and males comprised 49% and 51%, respectively. The mean age at diagnosis was 34.3 ± 14.1 years old. During the study period, 17 demises occurred in males, while this number was 7 in females. The mean survival of patients (month) was 23.22 ± 3.57 (95% CI: 16.21 ± 30.2). The five-year survival rate obtained 30%. Regarding demographic and clinical features, the highest rates of 5-year survival were recorded in patients with 20-35 years old (47.6%), males (51%), white blood cell count <10 × 10 9 /l (48%), and platelet count >140 × 10 9 /l (100%). CONCLUSION: Younger age, lower WBC count and higher platelet count were significantly associated with longer survival in AML patients with t(15;17)(q22; q12).

Fertility preservation in girls with turner syndrome: prognostic signs of the presence of ovarian follicles.

CONTEXT: Many girls with Turner syndrome have follicles in their ovaries at adolescence. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to study which girls might benefit from ovarian tissue freezing for fertility preservation. DESIGN: Clinical and laboratory parameters and ovarian follicle counts were analyzed among girls referred by 25 pediatric endocrinologists. SUBJECTS AND SETTING: Fifty-seven girls with Turner syndrome, aged 8-19.8 yr, were studied at a university hospital. INTERVENTIONS: Ovarian tissue was biopsied laparoscopically, studied for the presence of follicles, and cryopreserved. Blood samples were drawn for hormone measurements. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Presence of follicles in the biopsied tissue related to age, signs of spontaneous puberty, karyotype, and serum concentrations of gonadotropins and anti-Müllerian hormone were assessed. RESULTS: Ovarian biopsy was feasible in 47 of the 57 girls. In 15 of the 57 girls (26%), there were follicles in the tissue piece analyzed histologically. Six of seven girls (86%) with mosaicism, six of 22 (27%) with structural chromosomal abnormalities, and three of 28 with karyotype 45X (10.7%) had follicles. Eight of the 13 girls (62%) with spontaneous menarche had follicles, and 11 of the 19 girls (58%) who had signs of spontaneous puberty had follicles. The age group 12-16 yr had the highest proportion of girls with follicles. Normal FSH and anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations for age and pubertal stage were more frequent in girls with follicles. CONCLUSIONS: Signs of spontaneous puberty, mosaicism, and normal hormone concentrations were positive and statistically significant but not exclusive prognostic factors as regards finding follicles.

Vitrification versus controlled-rate freezing in cryopreservation of human ovarian tissue.

BACKGROUND: Controlled-rate freezing of ovarian cortical tissue for preservation of fertility among young women facing chemo- or radio-therapy is a widely accepted procedure. To improve the method for cryopreservation of ovarian tissue, particularly the stroma, we carried out a systematic comparison of vitrification versus slow programmed freezing. METHODS: Ovarian tissue from 20 women, donated during Caesarean section, was used for parallel comparison of survival and detailed light and electron microscopic (EM) morphology of oocytes, granulosa cells and ovarian stroma after freezing (slow freezing and vitrification), thawing and 24-h culture. Using tissue obtained from the same patient, we compared four cryopreservation protocols and fresh tissue. The cryoprotectants used in slow freezing were 1,2-propanediol (PrOH)-sucrose and ethylene glycol (EG)-sucrose. For vitrification, tissues were incubated for 5 or 10 min in three solutions containing a combination of dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO), PrOH, EG and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). RESULTS: Cryopreservation using controlled-rate freezing and vitrification preserved the morphological characteristics of ovarian tissue generally well. As revealed by morphological analysis, particularly EM, the ovarian stroma was significantly better preserved after vitrification than after slow freezing (P < 0.001). The follicles were similarly preserved after all freezing methods. CONCLUSIONS: Vitrification using a combination of PrOH, EG, DMSO and PVP was comparable to slow freezing in terms of preserving follicles in human ovarian tissue. Ovarian stroma had significantly better morphological integrity after vitrification than after controlled-rate freezing.

The Effect of Hookah Use on Buccal Mucosa: Evaluation of Repair Index

Background and aim: Cigarettes, hookah, and tobacco are the most important etiologic factors for oral cancers and dysplastic lesions. This study was undertaken to determine the correlation between hookah use and the percentage of cells with micronucleus, karyorrhexis, karyolysis, and broken egg in the buccal mucosa; and secondly to compare hookah user and non-user in terms of repair index. Materials and methods: The present historical cohort study was carried out on 72 samples taken from 36 hookah users and 36 control subjects. Smear samples were obtained from participants' buccal mucosa for cytological evaluation using Papanicolaou technique. Then, the percentages of cells with micronucleus, karyorrhexis, karyolysis, and broken egg were recorded and the repair index was calculated. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U test. Results: A total of 72 samples taken from 36 hookah users and 36 control subjects were evaluated. The means of micronucleus scores in the buccal mucosa cells of hookah users and controls were 10.7±2.6 and 5.8±2.0, the karyorrhexis scores in the hookah users and controls were 0.1±0.06 and 0.04±0.06, and the karyolysis scores in hookah users and controls were 0.16±0.05 and 0.08±0.06, respectively. These differences were statistically significant between hookah users and controls (P<0.001). The broken egg score was 0.66±0.07 for the hookah users and 0.03±0.04 for the control group, revealing a statistically significant difference (P<0.036). Finally, the repair index values were 0.03±0.01 and 0.05±0.13 in hookah users and controls, respectively. This difference was also significant (P<0.026). Conclusion: The percentages of cells with micronucleus, karyorrhexis, karyolysis, and broken egg in the buccal mucosa of hookah users were significantly higher than those in control group; in addition, the repair index of the buccal mucosa cells in hookah users was significantly lower than that in the control group.

Decreased expression of lncRNA loc285194 as an independent prognostic marker in cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have indicated that lncRNA loc285194 is aberrantly expressed in many types of cancer. This meta-analysis was performed to elucidate the potential role of lncRNA loc285194 as a prognostic marker in malignant tumors. METHODS: An electronic search of PubMed, Medline, Embase, and Web of Science was performed to identify all eligible papers related to the prognostic impact of lncRNA loc285194 expression in cancer. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were extracted from the included studies to explore the association between lncRNA loc285194 expression and patient overall and disease-free survival (OS & DFS). The odds ratios (ORs) were also calculated to assess the association between lncRNA loc285194 expression and clinicopathological parameters. RESULTS: A total of 14 eligible articles with 1215 patients were included in this meta-analysis. Meta-results revealed that low expression of lncRNA loc285194 was significantly correlated with poorer overall survival (OS; HR = 2.34; 95% CI, 1.78-3.06; P < 0.001) and disease-free survival (DFS; HR = 2.66; 95% CI, 1.95-3.64; P = 0.001) rates in cancer patients. Low lncRNA loc285194 expression was also found to be significantly associated with lymph node metastasis (LNM; OR = 2.17; 95% CI, 1.23-3.83; P = 0.007), and distant metastasis (DM; OR = 2.49; 95% CI, 1.26-4.91; P = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that decreased level of lncRNA loc285194 was associated with poor clinical outcomes for patients with different types of cancer, supporting a promising potential biomarker for prognosis and metastasis in human cancers.

Analysis of KRAS gene mutation associated with Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with gastric cancer.

OBJECTIVES: KRAS proto-oncogene mutation can be considered a diagnostic factor for treating various malignancies. Helicobacter pylori infection, a risk factor for stomach cancer, may cause DNA damage and genetic changes. The aim of the current study was to assess the association of gastric cancer and KRAS mutation, demographic factors, and H. pylori infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: DNA was extracted from a total of 140 FFPE gastric cancer tissue samples. detection of KRAS mutation (codons 12 and 13) in tumors was performed by PCR amplification, followed by gel electrophoresis and DNA sequencing. PCR diagnosed any H. pylori infection. RESULTS: KRAS mutation was detected in 6 of the 140 (4.2%) gastric cancer tissue samples. 18 samples (12.8%), all of which were male (P<0.05), tested positive for H. pylori infection. KRAS mutations were present in 22.2% (4/18) of the samples with H. pylori infection (P<0.05). The mean age of patients was 62.25±12.61 years (range: 30-93 years). A male predominance (2.5 to 1) was reported in the gastric cancers, and at diagnosis, women were significantly younger than men (P=0.004). No association was observed between age or gender and KRAS mutation. Neither was one found between age and H. pylori infection. Tumors from H. pylori + subjects were significantly more likely to have KRAS mutation than tumors from H. pylori - subjects (OR=17.1). CONCLUSION: The data suggest that H. pylori infection when compared with the absence of H. pylori infection, is associated with a higher prevalence of KRAS mutation in gastric cancer.