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The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG) C161T polymorphism (rs3856806) may be a risk factor for in-stent restenosis (ISR) due to its known associations with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), obesity, and coronary artery disease (CAD). This study aims to investigate the relationship between PPARG-C161T polymorphism and the risk of ISR, considering clinical features.

Genetic variations of LGALS3 (Galectin-3) were found to be associated with treatment resistance, mortality, recurrence, high tumor volume and multiple tumor involvement in solid organ cancers. The modulators of extracellular matrix (ECM), which is a dynamic factor in the larynx tissue with high biomechanical and regenerating ability, can play an important role. We aimed to investigate the relationship between the genetic variants of LGALS3, one of these modulators, with Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (LSCC).

Recent reports showing that neo-atherosclerosis formation in stented coronary artery is characterized by the accumulation of lipid-laden macrophages within the neointima has strengthened the possibility that elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol may be a risk factor for in-stent restenosis (ISR). Protein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin-9 (PCSK9) protein plays an important role in cholesterol metabolism by degrading of LDL receptors. The gain-of-function E670G (rs505151) mutation of the PCSK9 gene is a well-known genetic risk factor for hypercholesterolemia. This study evaluated for the first time the association of the E670G variation with the serum lipids, PCSK9 levels and concomitant diseases on the ISR risk. The study included 109 ISR, and 82 Non-ISR patients, based on the results of coronary angiography. Genotypes were determined using the real-time PCR and serum PCSK9 levels were measured by ELISA technique. The rare G allele of PCSK9 E670G ( p  < 0.05), hyperlipidemia (HL) ( p  < 0.001), and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) ( p  < 0.01) were associated with increased risk for ISR. In hyperlipidemic conditions, the E670G -G allele was associated with hypercholesterolemia and a higher risk of ISR ( p  < 0.001), while the E670G- AA genotype has been associated with a high prevalence of T2DM and hypertension. In addition, diabetic ISRs had higher serum PCSK9 levels ( p  < 0.05) and the E670G -AA genotype was associated with increased levels of diabetes markers. Our results indicated that the unusual effects of both G allele and AA genotype of the PCSK9 E670G variation may be involved in the risk of ISR in association with concomitant metabolic diseases.

Background: Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase 1 (IDO1)-mediated tryptophan degradation, which is the rate-limiting enzyme of tryptophan/kynurenine pathway, may cause immune suppression in the tumor microenvironment, while potentiating proliferative and metastatic activity in the tumor focus, Phase studies of IDO1 inhibitors are ongoing, and our study aims to evaluate the potential contribution of IDO1 gene expression to the tryptophan/kynurenine pathway in tumor and tumor microenvironment foci in gastric cancer (GC) on a clinicopathological axis, METHOD: In the case-control study design, the determination of tryptophan and its metabolites in the serum of 51 GC and 49 healthy controls was made using High Pressure Liquid Chromatography-Fluorescence Detector (HPLC-FD). IDO1 expression in a total of 102 tissues with tumor and tumor microenvironment was detected by quantitative PCR (q-PCR)., Results: In gastric tumors, 3,25-fold decreased expression of IDO1 was detected according to the tumor microenvironment (p=0,05), IDO1 expression was found to be more than 2 times higher in signet ring cell carcinoma (SRCC) and poorly differentiated tumors without distant organ metastasis (p<0,05), In GC, tryptophan level was found to be 1,6 times lower than in control (AUC:0889; cut off≤21,57; p<0001), Low tryptophan level was found in advanced tumor stage compared to early stage and in the presence of perineural invasion compared to its absence (p<0,05) The level of kynurenine was found to be approximately 1,8 times lower in SRCC (p=0,04), CONCLUSION: Increased tryptophan accumulation in the gastric tumor and its microenvironment, when catabolized via IDO1, exhibits histological type, tumor differentiation, and metastasis-promoting effects more prominently in aggressive subtypes such as SRCC., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Ilhan Yaylim reports financial support was provided by Istanbul University Scientific Research Projects Unit. The hypothesis setup for this study was made by Cem Horozoğlu and İlhan Yaylım. If there are other authors, they declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier GmbH.)

Background: Although the implication of receptor of advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE) has been reported in coronary artery disease, its roles in coronary artery ectasia (CAE) have remained undetermined. Furthermore, the effect of RAGE polymorfisms were not well-defined in scope of soluble RAGE (sRAGE) levels. Thus, we aimed to investigate the influence of the functional polymorphisms of RAGE -374T > A (rs1800624) and G82S (rs2070600) in CAE development., Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in 2 groups selected of 2452 patients who underwent elective coronary angiography (CAG) for evaluation after positive noninvasive heart tests. Group-I included 98 patients with non-obstructive coronary artery disease and CAE, and Group-II (control) included 100 patients with normal coronary arteries. SNPs were genotyped by real-time PCR using Taqman® genotyping assay. Serum sRAGE and soluble lectin-like oxidized receptor-1 (sOLR1) were assayed by ELISA and serum lipids were measured enzymatically., Results: The frequencies of the RAGE -374A allele and -374AA genotype were significantly higher in CAE patients compared to controls (p < 0.001). sRAGE levels were not different between study groups, while sOLR1 levels were elevated in CAE (p = 0.004). In controls without systemic disease, -374A allele was associated with low sRAGE levels (p < 0.05), but this association was not significant in controls with HT. Similarly, sRAGE levels of CAE patients with both HT and T2DM were higher than those no systemic disease (p = 0.02). The -374A allele was also associated with younger patient age and higher platelet count in the CAE group in both total and subgroup analyses. In the correlation analyses, the -374A allele was also negatively correlated with age and positively correlated with Plt in all of these CAE groups. In the total CAE group, sRAGE levels also showed a positive correlation with age and a negative correlation with HDL-cholesterol levels. On the other hand, a negative correlation was observed between sRAGE and Plt in the total, hypertensive and no systemic disease control subgroups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed that the -374A allele (p < 0.001), hyperlipidemia (p < 0.05), and high sOLR1 level (p < 0.05) are risk factors for CAE. ROC curve analysis shows that RAGE -374A allele has AUC of 0.713 (sensitivity: 83.7 %, specificity: 59.0 %), which is higher than HLD (sensitivity: 59.2 %, specificity: 69.0 %), HT (sensitivity: 62.4 %, specificity: 61.1 %) and high sOLR1 level (≥0.67 ng/ml)) (sensitivity: 59.8 %, specificity: 58.5 %)., Conclusion: Beside the demonstration of the relationship between -374A allele and increased risk of CAE for the first time, our results indicate that antihypertensive and antidiabetic treatment in CAE patients causes an increase in sRAGE levels. The lack of an association between the expected -374A allele and low sRAGE levels in total CAE group was attributed to the high proportion of hypertensive patients and hence to antihypertensive treatment. Moreover, the RAGE -374A allele is associated with younger age at CAE and higher Plt, suggesting that -374A may also be associated with platelet activation, which plays a role in the pathogenesis of CAE. However, our data need to be confirmed in a large study for definitive conclusions., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Breast cancer (BC) has a high incidence rate among women worldwide, and the mechanisms and etiology of this disease are not yet fully understood. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma), a nuclear hormone receptor that plays important roles in energy metabolism and cellular differentiation, is also suggested to be effective in cancer development. However, the results of studies investigating the cancer association with PPARgamma are inconsistent, creating a need for further investigation of the effects of this transcription factor on BC risk. We have examined the Pro12Ala-(rs1801282) and C161T-(rs3856806) polymorphisms of the PPARgamma gene in Turkish patients with BC in this case-control study. A total of 95 women diagnosed with BC as cases and 119 controls were genotyped for PPARgamma polymorphisms by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism techniques. The ProPro genotype and T161 allele were associated with an increased risk of BC comparing with the Ala12 allele and CC161 genotype, respectively (p < 0.001). The multivariate regression analysis confirmed that the ProPro genotype (p < 0.011), T161 allele (p < 0.001), smoking (p = 0.019), and advanced age (> 60 years) (p = 0.007) are risk factors for breast cancer. We also found that the PPARgamma Pro12Ala and C161T polymorphisms were in linkage disequilibrium (D':0.511, r 2 :0.099). It was determined that carrying ProPro-T161 risky PPARgamma haplotype was associated with a higher risk of BC compared to protective Ala12-CC161 haplotype (p < 0.01, OR:7.797, 95% CI:3.521-17.263). We concluded that PPARgamma Pro12Ala and C161T polymorphisms are associated with increased BC risk, and ProPro-T161 risky haplotype, which is in linkage disequilibrium, increases this effect., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Background: The nuclear receptors Rev-erb alpha and Rev-erb beta are transcription factors that regulate the function of genes in glucose and lipid metabolism, and they also form a link between circadian rhythm and metabolism. We evaluated the variations in Rev-erb alpha and Rev-erb beta genes together with biochemical parameters as risk factors in type 2 diabetic (T2DM) patients., Methods: Molecular analyses of Rev-erb alpha and Rev-erb beta genes were performed on genomic DNA by using next-generation sequencing in 42 T2DM patients (21 obese and 21 non-obese) and 66 healthy controls., Results: We found 26 rare mutations in the study groups, including 13 missense mutations, 9 silent mutations, 3 5'UTR variations, and a 3'UTR variation, of which 9 were novel variations (5 missense and 3 silent and 1 5'UTR). Six common variations were also found in the Rev-erb genes; Rev-erb beta Chr3:24003765 A > G, Rev-erb beta rs924403442 (Chr3:24006717) G > T, Rev-erb alpha Chr17:38253751 T > C, Rev-erb alpha rs72836608 C > A, Rev-erb alpha rs2314339 C > T and Rev-erb alpha rs2102928 C > T. Of these, Rev-erb beta Chr3:24003765 A > G was a novel missense mutation (p.Q197R), while others were identified as intronic variants. T2DM patients with Rev-erb beta rs924403442 T allele had lower body surface area (BSA) than noncarriers (GG genotype) (p = 0.039). Rev-erb alpha rs72836608 A allele and Rev-erb alpha rs2314339 CC genotype were associated with decreased serum HDL-cholesterol levels in T2DM patients (p = 0.025 and p = 0.027, respectively). In our study, different effects of Rev-erbs polymorphisms were found according to gender and presence of obesity. Rev-erb alpha rs72836608 (C > A) and rs2314339 (C > T) and Rev-erb alpha rs2102928 (C > T) were associated with low HDL-C levels in male T2DM patients. In female patients, Rev-erb alpha rs2102928 (C > T) was associated with high microalbuminuria and Rev-erb beta rs9244403442 G > T was associated with low HDL and high BSA values. In addition, Rev-erb alpha Chr17: 38,253,751 (T > C), rs72836608 (C > A), and rs2314339 (C > T) and Rev-erb beta Chr3:24003765 (A > G) were associated with increased serum GGT levels in obese T2DM patients. In non-obese patients, Rev-erbs SNPs had no effect on serum GGT levels., Conclusion: Our findings indicate that variations in the Rev-erb alpha and Rev-erb beta genes can affect metabolic changes in T2DM and these effects may vary depending on gender and obesity., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) plays an important role in endothelial function. Hyperglycemia-induced impaired redox status is 1 of the well-known pathophysiologic characteristics of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and it plays a crucial role in the causes of disease. Our aim was to clarify any possible relationship between the ICAM-1 Lys469Glu polymorphism and systemic redox status in women with and without GDM. Also, we investigated whether this polymorphism could be associated with a change for better or worse as evidenced by clinical and redox biomarkers., Methods: The ICAM-1 polymorphism statuses of 89 pregnant women without GDM and 53 pregnant women with GDM were found. Stratifying patients based on GDM and polymorphism status, we investigated various redox homeostasis markers. The independent t test was used., Results: Significantly higher systemic oxidative damage and diminished antioxidant defense were found in pregnant women with GDM. Also, results showed that whether pregnant women were carrying the Lys469Glu polymorphism or not did not seem to be associated with significant differences, as evidenced by comparable systemic oxidative damage., Conclusions: Although no significant difference was observed between genotypes, the oxidative damage observed in patients with GDM warrants earlier screening and management in the light of new evidence., (Copyright © 2018 Diabetes Canada. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Induction of cardiac contractures by 4-AP in Ca2+-free medium implied the involvement of SR and PLC-IP3 cascade. Thus, the role of PLC-IP3 cascade against contractile actions of 4-AP in electrically-driven rat atrial and diaphragmatic strips were studied both in the presence, and absence of Ca2+ using neomycin, a PLC inhibitor, and heparin, an IP3-R antagonist. 4-AP was applied cumulatively in logarithmically increasing concentrations in the range of 1-16µg/ml, and the preparations were treated with neomycin (400µM) or heparin (400µg/ml) for 3min prior to 4-AP injection. Post-rest potentiation in atrial strips was obtained by interruption of stimulation for 30min. 4-AP caused biphasic alteration in twitch amplitudes, as initially increased up to 16mM and then depressed due to contracture development, which were not affected significantly by neomycin and heparin. Both atrial and denervated diaphragmatic strips challenged to 4-AP in the presence and absence of Ca2+ developed dose dependent contractures which were significantly antagonized both by neomycin and heparin (p&lt;0.05). Post-rest first contractions in controls were found to be reduced by 2min exposure to 4mM 4-AP and augmented by 3min exposure to heparin alone. 4-AP responses in the presence of neomycin and heparin were significantly higher than with those only treated with 4-AP alone and lesser than controls. Because of the fact that 4-AP inducing contracture in Ca2+-free medium, Ca2+ causing contracture should be of SR in origin. Depending on these results, it was concluded that activation of PLC-IP3 cascade by 4-AP is involved in the mediation of contracture and contractile actions of this molecule.

Background: The OLR1 gene has been identified as a candidate gene for coronary artery disease (CAD). Six single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the OLR1 gene located within intron 4 (IVS4-27G>C, IVS4-73C>T, IVS4-14A>G), intron 5 (IVS5-70A>G, IVS5-27G>T) and 3'UTR (188C>T) comprise a linkage disequilibrium (LD) block, which is strongly associated with the elevated risk of CAD., Objectives: We aimed to investigate the effects of the OLR1 IVS4-14A>G and -73C>T SNPs on metabolic parameters in Turkish CAD patients, and the linkage between these 2 genetic variants., Material and Methods: The present study was carried out in 97 CAD patients and 78 healthy individuals. The OLR1 IVS4 genotypings were performed by polymerase chain reaction - restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method., Results: Serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels and body mass index (BMI) were higher in control subjects with IVS4-73CC genotype than in T allele carriers (CT+TT) (respectively, p = 0.002 and p = 0.024), while BMI values were lower in patients with CC genotype (p = 0.046). Patients with IVS4-14G allele (AG+GG) had a statistically higher low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol level (p = 0.027) than patients with -14AA genotype. Also the systolic blood pressure (SBP) levels were statistically higher in IVS4- 73C allele carriers (CT+CC) than in non-carriers (TT) (p = 0.045). A strong linkage between IVS4-14A>G and -73C>T SNPs of the OLR1 gene was detected in patients (D > 0.76)., Conclusions: Our results indicated that the intron 4-14A>G and -73C>T SNPs of the OLR1 gene can be inherited together. The present data also suggests that the OLR1 gene may contribute to the development of hypercholesterolemia in patients with CAD.

Aim: Prolactinomas are thought to arise from clonal expansion of a single mutated cell which is subjected to growth stimuli of several permissive factors, although the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying tumorigenesis remain unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the role of p16 (540C→G and 580C→T) and mouse double minute 2 (MDM2) (SNP309T→G) gene polymorphisms in tumorigenesis and characteristics of prolactinoma., Patients and Methods: A total of 74 patients with prolactinoma and 100 age- and gender-matched healthy individuals were enrolled in the study. Serum prolactin levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). p16 and MDM2 polymorphisms were determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment polymorphism and agarose gel electrophoresis., Results: p16 540C→G genotype distribution was found to be: CC: 66.2%, CG: 28.4%, GG: 5.4%; p16 580C→T genotype distribution was found to be: CC: 82.4%, CT: 17.6%, TT: 0% and MDM2 genotype distribution was found to be: TT: 31.1%, TG: 47.3%, GG: 21.6% in patients with prolactinoma. Tumor diameter before treatment was correlated with prolactin levels before treatment and percentage of prolactin decrease with treatment (r=0.719, p<0.001, p=0.034 r=0.256, respectively). The number of patients with tumor size decrease of more than 50% in those with homozygous genotype (TT+GG) of MDM2 SNP309T→G was significantly higher than in heterozygous genotype (TG) carriers (odds ratio(OR)=0.18, 95% confidence interval(CI)=0.06-0.58; p=0.003)., Conclusion: This study showed that p16 and MDM2 polymorphisms do not play a decisive role in tumorigenesis, but some genotypes of these polymorphisms might be associated with follow-up characteristics of prolactinoma., (Copyright© 2017, International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.)

Background/aim: New compounds for cancer treatment are needed due to persistenly unsatisfactory management of cancer. [PdCl(terpy)](sac)·2H2O] (sac=saccharinate, and terpy=2,2':6',2"-terpyridine) is a compound synthesized for this purpose. We investigated its anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects on Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC) in vivo., Materials and Methods: 42 Balb-c female mice were subcutaneously (s.c.) injected with EAC cells (1st day) and then randomly divided into 5 groups: control (0.9% NaCl), complex (2 mg/kg), complex (3 mg/kg) cisplatin (4 mg/kg) and paclitaxel (12.5 mg/kg). On the 5th and 12th day animals were drug administrated. At 14th day, animals were sacrificed. Expression of cell death and/or cell cycle-related markers (Bcl-2, Bax, active caspase-3, p53, PCNA) and apoptosis were investigated immunohisto-chemically. Survival-related markers (Akt, GSK-3β, IGF-1R, IR, IRS-1, p70S6K, PRAS40) were evaluated by luminex analysis., Results: Expression of p53, PCNA, Bcl-2 was found decreased (p<0.001) and that of active caspase-3, Bax, and apoptotic cells was found increased (p<0.001) in all groups. The survival-related markers did not show any statistical difference in complex groups., Conclusion: The Pd(II)-complex seems to have a strong anticancer activity on EAC by inducing apoptosis via both suppression of proliferation and activation of apoptosis in vivo, similar to the effects of cisplatin and paclitaxel., (Copyright © 2016 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved.)

Background/aim: Breast cancer is one of the most common and lethal types of cancer among women. We focused on the importance of the immune system in the etiology of breast cancer by investigating critical polymorphisms of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA4) and cluster of differentiation 28 (CD28) gene, and circulating levels of these proteins., Materials and Methods: A total of 79 patients with breast cancer and 76 healthy controls were enrolled. Molecular assessment of CTLA4 (rs231775&rs5742909) and CD28 (rs3116496) variants were determined with polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism techniques. Circulating levels of soluble forms of CTLA4 and CD28 were analyzed by ELISA., Results: Although no significant association was found between study groups, CTLA4 +49AA genotypic frequency, and sCTLA4 and sCD28 levels were higher in patients. Some clinicopathological features were also related with CTLA4 and CD28 variants and blood levels., Conclusion: While CTLA4 +49AA genotype is increased in patients with breast cancer, the CTLA4 -318T allele may have a prognostic value. In addition, sCTLA4 and sCD28 can be used for diagnostic purposes in patients with breast cancer., (Copyright © 2016 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved.)

Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is a multifaceted and genomically complex disease and cellular and preclinical studies have demystified wide ranging molecular mechanisms which underpin its development and progression and resistance against wide ranging molecular therapeutics. Oxidative stress is a widely studied molecular mechanism and reportedly involved in carcinogenesis. Increasingly it is being realized that accumulation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) activates defensive mechanism to counteract oxidative stress induced damage. Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) are important members of defensive machinery. We investigated whether the polymorphisms of MnSOD (Ala-9Val, rs4880) and GPx1 (Pro198Leu, rs1050450) are associated with LSCC and also evaluated possible interactions between these polymorphisms and various lifestyle factors or pathological features of patients. For this purpose, 67 LSCC patients and 73 healty controls were enrolled. Molecular assessment of MnSOD and GPx1 variants were determined with polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism techniques. We found that the frequency of both heterozygous PL genotype and P allele was considerably higher in patients with advanced tumor stage (T3/T4) than in those with early tumor stage (T1/T2) (OR= 5.106; 95% CI=1.372-19.004; p<0.001, OR=5.787; 95% CI =1.564-21.414; p<0.001 respectively). Although the frequency of ValVal/LL combine genotype was significantly decreased (OR=0.204, 95% CI=0.055-0.760; p=0.021), the frequency of ValAla/PL combine genotypes was higher in patients with stage T3/T4 than in those patients with stage T1/T2 (p=0.027). Consequently, we have concluded that variants of GPx1 and MnSOD should not be considered as a risk factor of LSCC, only may be accepted as a prognostic markers. Use of new technologies such as metabolomics and deep DNA sequencing will prove to be helpful in developing a deeper knowledge related to how cancer cell metabolism adapts and provides a buffer against increased oxidative stress.

Cancer is a multifaceted and genomically complex disease. Research over the years has gradually provided a near complete resolution of cancer landscape and it is now known that genetic/epigenetic mutations, inactivation of tumor suppressors, Overexpression of oncogenes, spatio-temporally dysregulated intracellular signaling cascades, epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), metastasis and loss of apoptosis are some of the most extensively studied biological mechanisms that underpin cancer development and progression. Increasingly it is being realized that current therapeutic interventions are becoming ineffective because of tumor heterogeneity and rapidly developing resistance against drugs. Considerable biological activities exerted by bioactive ingredients isolated from natural sources have revolutionized the field of natural product chemistry and rapid developments in preclinical studies are encouraging. Viscum album has emerged as a deeply studied natural source with substantial and multifaceted biological activities. In this review we have attempted to provide recent breakthroughs in existing scientific literature with emphasis on targeting of protein network in cancer cells. We partition this review into different sections, highlighting latest information from cell culture studies, preclinical and clinically oriented studies. We summarized how bioactive ingredients of Viscum album modulated extrinsic and intrinsic pathways in cancer cells. However, surprisingly, none of the study reported stimulatory effects on TRAIL receptors. The review provided in-depth analysis of how Viscum album modulated Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in cancer cells and how bioactive chemicals tactfully targeted cytoskeletal machinery in cancer cells as evidenced by cell culture studies. It is noteworthy that Viscum album has entered into various phases of clinical trials, however, there are still knowledge gaps in our understanding regarding how various bioactive constituents of Viscum album modulate intracellular signaling cascades in cancer. Better and deeper comprehension oncogenic signaling cascades will prove to be helful in getting a step closer to individualized medicine.

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most frequent cancer worldwide. Research has revealed the contributions of the immune system and anti-inflammatory pathways in the development of cancer. The balance between cluster of differentiation 28 (CD28) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA4) signaling is important for the regulation of immune responses. The oxidant-antioxidant balance by sustaining redox control via several defense mechanisms is also an important factor for the progression of cancer. The aim of the present study was to determine the distribution of CTLA4/CD28 variants and oxidant-antioxidant status in patients with CRC., Materials and Methods: This study enrolled 80 patients with CRC and 115 healthy controls. We used a spectrophotometric assay to detect the levels of lipid peroxidation products malon dialdehyde (MDA) and lipid hydroperoxide (LHP), and measured the concentration of protein damage products, advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) and protein carbonyl (PCO). Additionally, antioxidant levels were detected by measuring copper, zinc, superoxide dismutase (Zn-Cu SOD) and total thiol (T-SH) levels, and advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). The CTLA4 -318C>T, CTLA4 49A>G and CD28C>T genotypes were determined by using restriction enzymes., Results: AOPP and PCO levels were increased in patients with CRC as well as those of LHP, MDA and AGE, while the levels of antioxidants such as Cu-Zn SOD and T-SH were lower. Lower serum levels of CTLA4 and higher serum levels of CD28 were detected in patients and, an association of the CTLA4 -318C/T polymorphism was found in patients with CRC., Conclusion: Our oxidative stress was increased in patients with CRC, suggesting the contribution of this disturbed oxidative status to serum CTLA4 and CD28 levels, and to the pathogenesis of CRC., (Copyright© 2015 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved.)

miRNA involvement has been observed in almost every type of cancer, including breast cancer. The etiology of abnormal expression of miRNAs in cancer is still not clearly understood. In order to obtain insight into miRNA de-regulation in breast cancer, we analyzed expression levels of five breast cancer-related miRNAs, miRNA21, miRNA155, miRNA19a, miRNA17-5p and let7a miRNA, in both malignant and neighboring non-tumoral paraffin-embedded tissues of 47 patients with invasive ductal breast cancer. The targeted miRNAs, and a reference snRNA, U6, were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. let7a Levels were significantly lower in patients with lymphatic invasion than in those without (p=0.047). miR21 was down-regulated in 93.3% of patients with necrosis [p=0.017 (Fisher's exact test (FE))], while at least one oncogenic miRNA was up-regulated in 87.3% of the patients with invasive ductal carcinoma [p=0.009 (FE)]. In addition, tumor-suppressor miRNA was down-regulated or unaltered in 65.8% of the patients with tumor grade 2 or 3 and in all with grade 1 [p=0.047 (FE)]. Based on this preliminary study, we suggest that these miRNAs, especially let7a and miRNA21, might be useful markers in follow-up of breast cancer and in prognosis., (Copyright© 2015 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved.)

Aim: The present study investigated the effects of growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) and GH-receptor (GHR)/exon-3 polymorphism on diabetes mellitus (DM) and coronary heart disease (CHD) patients., Patients and Methods: Ninety patients with CHD, 90 patients with DM and 96 controls were included in this study. The GH, IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 serum levels were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. GHR/exon-3 variants were determined by multiplex-polymerase chain reaction., Results: The frequency of all alleles and genotypes in all study groups were distributed according to the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. In addition, any association between GHR/exon-3 variants and the presence of risk factors were detected. The blood levels of GH, IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 were not distributed according to GHR/exon-3 variants. However, in the DM group, higher levels of IGF-1 and lower levels of GH and IGFBP-3, and in CHD group lower levels of IGF-1, GH and IGFBP-3 were observed. The order of GH levels were DM