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The infectious agents may be the etiological factor of up to 15–20% of cancers. In stomach cancer, attention is paid to Helicobacter pylori and Epstein-Barr virus, both of which cause gastritis and can lead to tumor development. In co-infection, the inflammatory process is much more intense. We assessed the seroprevalence towards H. pylori and EBV in 32 patients with diagnosed gastric cancer. H. pylori antibodies were found in 69% patients, and anti-EBV – in all of them. The study confirmed that co-infection of H. pylori and EBV seems to be important in etiopathology of gastric cancer.

The growth hormone (GH)/insulin-like growth factor-1 axis is responsible for glucose homeostasis. In the present study we assessed the expression levels of miRNA-124, miRNA-210 and miRNA-375 and immunoexpression of IGFBP-3 in relation to the concentrations of IGF-1 and glucose in athletes performing different types of effort. Sixty-six young male athletes (age 25.4±4.1 years) were divided into: group EN (33 male athletes; age 25.6±4.4 years) with endurance-type efforts (disciplines: triathlon, long distance running, cycling) and group ST (33 male athletes; age 25.2±3.9 years) with strength-type efforts (disciplines: weightlifting, body building, CrossFit). The control group consisted of 28 non-training men (age 29.1±4.7 years). Statistically significantly higher IGF-1 concentration and lower glucose concentration (P0.05). Levels of expression of miRNA-210 and miRNA-375 were higher in athletes vs. controls (P>0.05). The obtained data confirmed the importance of the somatotropic axis in the regulation of metabolic adaptation to physical exercise. The detected variation in the concentrations and expression levels of the studied molecules involved in the somatotropic axis in athletes confirmed the role of the somatotropic axis in adaptation to physical effort. Statistically significant reduction of glucose concentration and the highest expression of IGF-1in serum in athletes suggest the anabolic effect of IGF-1 through insulin receptors on many tissues under the influence of moderate physical exercises (mainly during resistance training).

A pro-inflammatory cytokine, IL-17A, is associated with increased risk of developing numerous cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). IL-17A is a target gene for miR-9. This encouraged us to analyze these two genes in terms of their usefulness as prognostic markers in NSCLC. The expression levels of IL-17A gene and miR-9 was assessed in 26 NSCLC tissue samples and 26 unchanged lung tissue adjacent to lung tumors (control tissue), using qPCR. In both tissue groups, a decreased expression of IL-17A was observed in 100% of samples. Increased expression of miRNA-9 was observed in 92% of tumor samples, and in 100% of control samples. Neither statistical differences in the level of expression IL-17A depending on the patient’s age, gender, smoking status, nor histopathology of the cancer was found. Regarding the presence of nodule metastasis (‘N’ value in TNM classification), significantly lower expression level of IL-17A was observed in cN2 as compared with cN1 group. Additionally, statistically lower IL-17A expression was found in III versus II tumor stage (cAJCC classification). Significant negative correlation between both studied genes was revealed in SCC subgroup. This leads to the conclusion that miRNA-9 can regulate the expression of IL-17A as an IL-17A mRNA antagonistic mediator. Inhibition of proinflammatory action of IL-17A in correlation with tumor progression can be related to various activity of Th17 cells on cancer development according to its immunogenicity, and also may suggest suppressive role of IL-17A in tumor progression. However, because of low number of analyzed samples, further studies on the functional role of IL-17A in development and/or progression NSCLC seem warranted.

Muscle strength and maximal speed are factors determining athlete’s results during competition. Their association with ACTN3 gene activity has been documented. The purpose of this study was the analysis of ACTN3 gene expression during a 2 month training cycle of soccer players and its correlation with the countermovement jump (CMJ) and squat jump (SJ). The study group consisted of 22 soccer players (aged 17‐18). The study material included peripheral blood lymphocytes. The relative expression (RQ) of the ACTN3 gene was analyzed by qPCR and performed before and after the two‐month training cycle. Before the training cycle low expression levels of ACTN3 (median RQ = 0.95) were observed, yet after the training cycle they were elevated (median RQ = 1.98) ( p = 0.003). There was an increase in performance of both jumps: SJ (p = 0.020) and CMJ (p = 0.012) at the end of the training cycle. A simultaneous increase in the ACTN3 gene expression level and height in both jump tests was observed in 73% of athletes (p > 0.05). There were no significant relationships between the ACTN3 gene expression level and the results of the CMJ and SJ. However, explosive strength is a complex feature shaped by many different factors and it could be the reason why we did not observe correlations between these variables.

CC chemokine receptor type 7 (CCR7) and its ligands has been implicated in the occurrence and progression of NSCLC. Previous studies have revealed that the diagnostic value of CCR7/CCL19 axis in lung tumorigenesis remains controversial. The present study evaluates the relationship between the mRNA expression of CCR7/CCL19 axis and selected regulatory miRNAs in NSCLC patients. It analyzes the expression level of CCR7 mRNA and its ligand in tumor tissue in relation to expression level of two miRNAs: miR let-7a and miR-335, as transcriptional regulators of study genes. Twenty-seven patients (n = 27) were enrolled. The expression of the studied genes and miRNAs was evaluated by qPCR. Tumour tissue fragments, adjacent macroscopically-unchanged lung tissue (control) and patient serum were used as biological material for study. Elevated expression of CCR7 and CCL19 mRNA was observed in patients with metastasis to lymph nodes. We noticed upregulated miR-335 expression and downregulated miR let-7a expression in patient serum with regard to AJCC tumor staging. Higher miR-335 expression and lower miR let-7a expression level was observed in patients with metastasis to lymph node. The presence of changes observed in the expression level of miR-335 and miR let-7a in the serum of NSCLC patients in relation to lymph node metastases and tumor stage may serve as a non-invasive molecular biomarker of tumor progression; however, this observation requires further investigation.

Ultra-marathon (UM) running is an extreme endurance exercise. However, the mechanisms triggered with its practice remain unclear. While it is documented that strenuous physical activity activates immune responses and vitamin D plays a role in immune system suppression, data on the relationship between vitamin D status and cytokine profile in athletic populations are limited. To analyse the relative mRNA expression levels of selected pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17, TNF-α), COX-2, vitamin D receptor and abundance of selected inflammatory microRNAs (Hsa-miR-21, -miR-146a, -miR-150, -miR-155, -miR-222, -miR-223) before and after a 100 km race in amateur runners in the presence or absence of vitamin D supplementation. Twenty runners aged 36-40years were divided into two groups: with and without vitamin D3 supplementation (10,000units daily). Blood samples were collected before and 12 h after the UM. The mRNA expression levels of selected cytokines

Purpose Pentraxin 3 (PTX-3) is an acute phase protein that belongs to the pentraxin superfamily. It is synthesized locally at the site of inflammation and its levels are related to the damage of blood vessels. There are only a few studies examining the relationship between PTX-3 and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum levels of PTX-3 and relative PTX-3 gene expression in COPD patients and their correlations with cigarette smoking history and lung function. Materials/methods A total number of 34 participants were enrolled into this study. Only stable patients without comorbidities were recruited. After obtaining written informed consent all planned procedures were performed (pre- and post-bronchodilator spirometry, blood samples for PTX-3 serum levels and PTX-3 gene expression measurements, demographical data, medical history, COPD patients were also asked for CAT and MMRC questionnaires). Results PTX-3 serum levels were significantly higher in the COPD group (29.22 (5.47) ng/ml vs. 14.64 (3.64) ng/ml). PTX-3 gene relative quantification (RQ) values were also significantly higher in the COPD group (0.15 (1.33) vs. -2.80 (1.99)). No differences in CRP serum levels were found between the control group and the COPD group. Conclusions Our study demonstrates that serum levels of PTX-3 and the relative expression values of its gene are elevated in COPD, and can be related to cigarette smoking history.

Background COPD has been regarded as a global epidemic due to an increase in pollution and tobacco exposure. Therefore, the study of molecular mechanism as the basis for modern therapy is important. Objective The aim of the study was the assessment of gene expression levels, IL-6, IL-6ST, PIAS3, STAT3, and miRNAs, miR-1, miR-106b, miR-155, in patients with COPD. Methods Induced sputum as well as PBMC were collected from 40 patients clinically verified according to the GOLD 2017 (A-D) classification and from the control group (n = 20). The levels of gene and miRNA expression were analysed by qPCR. Results Statistically significant differences between the study group vs. control group were observed for IL-6 (P = 0.008, Mann-Whitney U test), and miR-155 (P = 0.03, Mann-Whitney U test). There were statistically significant differences between patients: current smokers vs. ex- smokers for STAT3, (P = 0.04, Mann-Whitney U test) and miR-155 (P = 0.03, Mann-Whitney U test) with a higher expression in current smokers. Conclusions Differences in gene expression levels of the IL-6 / gp130 / STAT3 pathway and miRNA depending on the smoking status and classification of patients according to GOLD suggest the importance of these genes in the pathogenesis of COPD and may indicate their potential utility in monitoring the course of the disease.

The aim of the study was a search for diagnostic and/or prognostic biomarkers in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, based on circulating microRNAs (miRs: miR-23a, miR-361, miR-1228 and miR-let7i) in extracellular vesicles (EVs). Serum EVs were isolated from NSCLC patients (n = 31) and control subjects (n = 21). RNA was isolated from EVs and reverse transcription reaction was performed. Relative levels of miR-23a, miR-361, miR-1228 and miR-let7i were assessed in real-time qPCR using TaqMan probes. Analysis was based on the 2-ΔΔCT method. Statistically significant lower levels of miR-23a and miR-let7i were observed among NSCLC patients vs. control group: miR-23a, 0.054 vs. 0.107, miR-let7i, 0.193 vs. 0.369 (p = 0.003, p = 0.005, respectively). A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis demonstrated the diagnostic potential of each individual serum EV-derived miRNA with an area under the curve AUC = 0.744 for miR-23a (p = 0.0003), 0.733 for miR-let7i (p = 0.0007). The decreased level of miR-23a in patients correlated with metastasis to lymph nodes and with AJCC tumor staging system. The results demonstrate that miR-23a and miR-let7i may prove clinically useful as significant, non-invasive markers in NSCLC diagnosis. Additionally, changing profile level of miR-23a that correlates with cancer development may be considered as an NSCLC progression marker.

COPD has been regarded as a global epidemic due to an increase in pollution and tobacco exposure. Therefore, the study of molecular mechanism as the basis for modern therapy is important. The aim of the study was the assessment of gene expression levels, IL-6, IL-6ST, PIAS3, STAT3, and miRNAs, miRNA-1, miRNA-106b, miRNA-155, in patients with COPD. Induced sputum as well as PBMC were collected from 40 patients clinically verified according to the GOLD 2021 (A–D) classification and from the control group (n = 20). The levels of gene and miRNA expression were analysed by qPCR. In induced sputum IL6 was significantly down-regulated in COPD group compared with control (p = 0.0008), while IL6ST were up-regulated (p = 0.05). The results were also statistically significant for STAT3 (p = 0.04) and miRNA-155 (p = 0.03) with higher expression in the current smokers compared to ex-smokers. Higher expression levels for IL6ST (p = 0.03) in COPD patients with the exacerbation history compared to COPD patients without the exacerbation history were noted. Compared induced sputum and PB lymphocytes we observed higher expression of IL6 (p = 0.0003), STAT3 (p = 0.000001) miRNA-106b (p = 0.000069 and miRNA-155 (p = 0.000016) in induced sputum with lower expression of PIAS3 (p = 0.006), IL6ST (p = 0.002) and miRNA-1 (p = 0.001). Differences in gene expression levels of the IL-6/IL6ST/STAT3 pathway and miRNA depending on the smoking status and classification of patients according to GOLD suggest the importance of these genes in the pathogenesis of COPD and may indicate their potential utility in monitoring the course of the disease.

Background The interleukin (IL)-4/IL-13/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 6 signaling pathway and the SOCS3 gene, one of its main regulators, constitute an important link between the inflammation process in the epithelial cells and inflammatory-related tumorigenesis. The present study is the first to evaluate IL-4, IL-13, STAT6, and SOCS3 mRNA expression in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) histopathological subtypes. Methods Gene expression levels were assessed using TaqMan® probes by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) in lung tumor samples and unchanged lung tissue samples. Results Increased expression of IL-4, IL-13, and STAT6 was observed in all histopathological NSCLC subtypes (squamous cell carcinoma [SCC], adenocarcinoma [AC], and large cell carcinoma [LCC]). Significantly higher expression of IL-13 and STAT6 (p = 0.019 and p = 0.008, respectively) was found in SCC than in LCC. No statistically significant differences were found for IL-4. Significantly higher SOCS3 expression was found in LCC than in AC (p = 0.027). A negative correlation (rho = –0.519) was observed for the STAT6 and SOCS3 genes in SCC (p = 0.005). No associations were found between gene expression and tumor staging (post-operative Tumor Node Metastasis [pTNM], American Joint Committee on Cancer [AJCC]), patients’ age, sex, or history of smoking. Conclusions As the number of LCC cases in our study was quite low, the statistically significant results obtained should be confirmed in a larger group of patients, particularly as the relationships identified between increased IL-4, IL-13, and STAT6 mRNA expression and decreased SOCS3 expression suggest that these genes may serve as potential diagnostic markers for differentiating between NSCLC histopathological subtypes.

Background Interleukin(IL)-33 is an epithelial alarmin important for eosinophil maturation, activation and survival. The aim of this study was to examine the association between IL-33, its receptor expression and airway eosinophilic inflammation in non-atopic COPD. Methods IL-33 concentrations were measured in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) collected from healthy non-smokers, asthmatics and non-atopic COPD subjects using ELISA. Serum and sputum samples were collected from healthy non-smokers, healthy smokers and non-atopic COPD patients. Based on sputum eosinophil count, COPD subjects were divided into subgroups with airway eosinophilic inflammation (sputum eosinophils > 3%) or without (sputum eosinophils ≤3%). IL-33 and soluble form of IL-33 receptor (sST2) protein concentrations were measured in serum and sputum supernatants using ELISA. ST2 mRNA expression was measured in peripheral mononuclear cells and sputum cells by qPCR. Hemopoietic progenitor cells (HPC) expressing ST2 and intracellular IL-5 were enumerated in blood and induced sputum by means of flow cytometry. Results IL-33 levels in EBC were increased in COPD patients to a similar extent as in asthma and correlated with blood eosinophil count. Furthermore, serum and sputum IL-33 levels were higher in COPD subjects with sputum eosinophilia than in those with a sputum eosinophil count ≤3% (p

Recently studies have shown that, depending on the type of training and its duration, the expression levels of selected circulating myomiRNAs (c-miR-27a,b, c-miR-29a,b,c, c-miR-133a) differ and correlate with the physiological indicators of adaptation to physical activity. To analyse the expression of selected classes of miRNAs in soccer players during different periods of their training cycle. The study involved 22 soccer players aged 17-18 years. The multi-stage 20-m shuttle run test was used to estimate VO2 max among the soccer players. Samples serum were collected at baseline (time point I), after one week (time point II), and after 2 months of training (time point III). The analysis of the relative quantification (RQ) level of three exosomal myomiRNAs, c-miRNA-27b, c-miR-29a, and c-miR-133, was performed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) at three time points – before the training, after 1 week of training and after the completion of two months of competition season training. The expression analysis showed low expression levels (according to references) of all evaluated myomiRNAs before the training cycle. Analysis performed after a week of the training cycle and after completion of the entire training cycle showed elevated expression of all tested myomiRNAs. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences between the first and the second time point in soccer players for c-miR- 27b and c-miR-29a; between the first and the third time point for c-miR-27b and c-miR-29a; and between the second and the third time point for c-miR-27b. Statistical analysis showed a positive correlation between the levels of c-miR-29a and VO2 max. Two months of training affected the expression of c-miR-27b and miR‑29a in soccer players. The increased expression of c-miR-27b and c-miR-29 with training could indicate their probable role in the adaptation process that takes place in the muscular system. Possibly, the expression of c-miR-29a will be found to be involved in cardiorespiratory fitness in future research.

Muscle strength and maximal speed are factors determining athlete’s results during competition. Their association with ACTN3 gene activity has been documented. The purpose of this study was the analysis of ACTN3 gene expression during a 2 month training cycle of soccer players and its correlation with the countermovement jump (CMJ) and squat jump (SJ). The study group consisted of 22 soccer players (aged 17‐18). The study material included peripheral blood lymphocytes. The relative expression (RQ) of the ACTN3 gene was analyzed by qPCR and performed before and after the two‐month training cycle. Before the training cycle low expression levels of ACTN3 (median RQ = 0.95) were observed, yet after the training cycle they were elevated (median RQ = 1.98) ( p = 0.003). There was an increase in performance of both jumps: SJ (p = 0.020) and CMJ (p = 0.012) at the end of the training cycle. A simultaneous increase in the ACTN3 gene expression level and height in both jump tests was observed in 73% of athletes (p > 0.05). There were no significant relationships between the ACTN3 gene expression level and the results of the CMJ and SJ. However, explosive strength is a complex feature shaped by many different factors and it could be the reason why we did not observe correlations between these variables.

Sebastian Majewski,1 Damian Tworek,2 Karolina Szewczyk,1 Justyna Kiszałkiewicz,3 Zofia Kurmanowska,1 Ewa Brzeziańska-Lasota,3 Hanna Jerczyńska,4 Adam Antczak,2 Wojciech Jerzy Piotrowski,1 Paweł Górski11Department of Pneumology and Allergy, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland; 2Department of General and Oncological Pulmonology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland; 3Department of Molecular Bases of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland; 4Central Scientific Laboratory (CoreLab), Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, PolandBackground: Despite the absence of endogenous chitin in humans, chitinases are present in the serum of healthy subjects and their levels are increased in a variety of chronic inflammatory conditions. It has been shown that chitotriosidase and structurally related chitinase-like protein-YKL-40 contribute to the pathogenesis of COPD. However, details regarding the relation of their systemic and local airways levels remain unknown.Objectives: To examine peripheral blood and sputum chitotriosidase and YKL-40 expression in smokers and patients with COPD.Methods: Forty patients with COPD, 20 healthy smokers and 10 healthy never-smokers were studied. Serum and induced sputum chitotriosidase protein and activity levels, YKL-40 concentrations, and their gene expression in sputum cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were evaluated.Results: Both chitotriosidase protein levels and activity were higher in sputum obtained from COPD subjects compared to healthy never-smokers (P

FHIT is a tumor suppressor gene that is frequently silenced in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and also in preneoplastic lesions. Promoter hypermethylation was previously observed in NSCLC, and its epigenetic silencing, observed on mRNA or protein level, was proposed to predict NSCLC outcome. In the present study we evaluated the relationship between FHIT expression on mRNA level and promoter methylation, or immunoexpression level. The aim of this study was to analyze the usefulness of FHIT as early differentiating biomarker in NSCLC patients. Lung tissue specimens were obtained from 59 patients with diagnosed NSCLC (SCC=34, AC=20, LCC=5). FHIT promoter methylation was assessed in methylation-specific PCR. Relative expression analysis of FHIT was performed in real-time PCR (qPCR) and protein immunoexpression by ELISA assay. Significant differences in FHIT expression between NSCLC histopathological groups (SCC, AC, LCC) were observed (p=0.000009), with the lowest level in SCC. FHIT expression was significantly higher (p=0.034) in men vs. women. Methylated FHIT alleles were present both in NSCLC and control specimens. Mean MI value was higher in control tissue vs. neoplasm, and in men vs. women and it increased with patient age. Significant increase in MI level was observed in N0 group vs. N1 and N2, according to the TNM staging (p=0.0073). Differences in FHIT expression levels between AC, LCC and SCC indicated the usefulness of this gene as a diagnostic marker for NSCLC subtype differentiation. FHIT promoter hypermethylation both in cancer and control tissue indicated the presence of epigenetic alterations in early stage of NSCLC development. Differences in gene promoter methylation between cancer patients with and without node infiltration might be considered as a prognostic marker. Significantly lower FHIT protein immunoexpression was revealed in the group with long and intense history of smoking assessed as PYs (PY

Elevated COX-2 activity is associated with the development of chronic lung diseases leading to bronchial obstruction, including sarcoidosis. The aim of the study was to examine expression pattern of COX-2 messenger RNA (mRNA). Expression was performed by q-PCR method in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cells and peripheral blood (PB) lymphocytes in sarcoidosis patients (n = 61) and control group (n = 30). Analysis of COX-2 mRNA expression level in BAL fluid and PB revealed downregulation in sarcoidosis and control groups. In PB lymphocytes, the statistically significant difference between patients and controls was observed (P = 0.003, Mann–Whitney U test), with higher expression in patients. There were no statistically significant differences between patients without and with parenchymal involvement (stages I vs. II–IV), between patients with acute vs. insidious onset of disease and between patients with abnormal vs. normal spirometry (P > 0.05, Mann–Whitney U test). Results suggest that expression of COX-2 mRNA in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis is not related to clinical classifications.

Introduction: Asthma is associated with activation of interleukin-4 (IL-4)/interleukin-13 (IL-13)/signal transducer and activator of transcription factor-6(STAT6) inflammatory response via overexpression of all pathway components: IL-4, IL-13, and STAT6. Objectives: To evaluate the association of IL-4, IL-13, and STAT6 expression and immunoexpression with atopic asthma development. Patients and methods: Fifty patients with atopic asthma and 20 healthy controls were enrolled into the study. Relative gene expression was analyzed by qPCR method. Immunoexpression was assessed by ELISA method. Results: The expression levels of IL-4, IL-13, and STAT6 were higher in patients compared to the controls, but a statistically significant difference was observed only for IL-13 ( P = 0.03). In immunoexpression analysis, a statistically significant difference between patients and controls was found for IgE ( P = 0.03). Significant positive correlations in the patient group were found between IL-13 gene expression and total level of serum IgE (rho = 0.230, P = 0.033), STAT6 gene/STAT6 protein and total level of serum IgE ( STAT6: rho = 0.077, P = 0.038; STAT6: rho = 0.049, P = 0.042), IL-4, and STAT6 expression (rho = 0.098, P = 0.048). Any significant correlations were found between expression/immunoexpression levels of the studied genes and clinical classification, clinical features, or lung function parameters. Conclusions: Our data support the role of Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-13) and STAT6 in Th1/Th2 imbalance and highlight the etiological relationship between IL-4/IL-13/STAT6 signaling and atopy and asthma.

INTRODUCTION Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) proteins are critically involved in tumorigenesis in various cancers, including lung cancer. OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to analyze the immunoexpression levels of 3 STAT proteins: STAT3, STAT5, and STAT6 in their phosphorylated forms (pSTATs), STAT inhibitors PIAS3 and SOCS3, and additionally cyclooxygenase 2 (COX‑2), as potential diagnostic and prognostic markers in lung cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS The study included 71 patients diagnosed with non- small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The immunoexpression levels of the proteins were assessed in lung tissue samples, using an enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assay. Tumors were staged using the postoperative TNM classification. RESULTS All studied STATs were overexpressed in 54% to 55% of NSCLC specimens. Significantly higher STAT3 and STAT6 immunoexpression levels were observed in squamous cell carcinoma. Significant differences between NSCLC samples and controls were found for STAT5. Significantly higher STAT5 levels were observed in pT2 tumors. The COX‑2 overexpression was observed in 55% of NSCLC specimens and was significantly higher in T2 tumors. STAT inhibitors were underexpressed in 56% to 58% of NSCLC specimens. The PIAS3 immunoexpression was significantly lower in non-squamous cell carcinoma. The SOCS3 level was significantly lower in smaller tumors (pT1). Negative correlations between STAT5 and PIAS3 levels, as well as between STAT6 and SOCS levels, and a positive correlation between STAT5 and COX-2 levels were observed. CONCLUSIONS The deregulated expression of the studied pSTATs and their inhibitors may be involved in the development and progression of lung cancer. The observed differences between the histotypes suggest the potential usefulness of STAT proteins as diagnostic markers. Our results may contribute to the search for targets in lung cancer therapy.

According to the latest data, lung cancer is one of the most common cancer worldwide, men contributing nearly 21.2% and women 8.6% of all diagnosed cancers. Late detection of tumour drastically reduces the chance for a cure. Thus, it is important to search for candidate biomarkers for screening of early stage nonsmall cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). Tumour suppressor genes, DLEC1, TUSC4 and MLH1, localized on 3p21 are recognized to play a role in NSCLC carcinogenesis. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the DLEC1, TUSC4 and MLH1 mRNA expression, and clinical features of NSCLC patients, tobacco addiction, and tumour histopathological characteristics. The DLEC1, TUSC4 and MLH1 expression was analysed in lung tumour tissue samples obtained from 69 patients diagnosed with NSCLC: squamous cell carcinoma (n = 34), adenocarcinoma (n = 24), large cell carcinoma (n = 5), carcinoma adenosquamosum (n = 5). A decreased gene expression (RQ < 0.7) was observed for DLEC1 in 60.9% of tumour samples, for MLH1 in 50.7% and for TUSC4 in 26% of NSCLC samples. DLEC1 was decreased in more aggressive subtypes: large cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma-squamous cell carcinoma. The simultaneous downregulation of two of the studied genes, DLEC1 andMLH1,was observed in 30.4% of NSCLCsamples, highlighting the importance of these two genes in lung carcinogenesis. We found no correlation between the DLEC1, TUSC4 and MLH1 gene expression and NSCLC patient characteristics (gender, age and smoking) or cancer histopathology. No significant differences in the gene expression among NSCLC subtypes indicate the weakness of DLEC1, TUSC4 and MLH1 expression analysis as potential differentiating markers of NSCLC subtypes in the Polish population.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) belong to heterogenic group of interstitial lung diseases (ILD). For the reason that this group of diseases present with complex clinical non-specific features, they represent a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. In this review we focus on several crucial signaling pathways participating in inflammation, fibrosis and EMT processes, so important in the course of ILD: TNF-α/NFκβ, TGF-β/SMAD, Wnt-β-catenin and PI3K-Akt signaling. Moreover, this review summarizes the role of selected signaling pathways and some miRNAs which are their regulators during development and progression of IPF and HP. Recent advances indicate the potential role of miRNAs as a molecular markers differentiating clinical course of ILD.

Lung cancer is the most common cause of death in men and second only to breast cancer in women. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in tumorigenesis and function as oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes. Among other genes, miRNAs regulate matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), the proteolytic enzymes playing a significant role in the degradation of extracellular matrix, enhancing tumor invasion and metastasis. The aim of the study was to evaluate the expression levels of selected miRNAs: miR-26a, miR-29b and miR-519d, and their target gene, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The results were correlated with tumor staging, NSCLC histopathological subtypes and patients' demographical features to assess the possible diagnostic/prognostic value of the studied miRNAs and MMP-2. Total RNA was isolated from 38 NSCLC tissue samples, and the expression analysis was performed using TaqMan(®) probes in qPCR assay. The results indicated underexpression of selected miRNAs and overexpression of MMP-2. The decrease in miRNA-29b expression was statistically significant and differentiated NSCLC histopathological subtypes. Additionally, statistically significant negative correlation was found between MMP-2 expression and its regulatory miR-26a. There are very few studies reporting miRNA-MMPs analysis on mRNA level in lung cancer, and no similar reports are available from Polish population. The results of our pilot study indicated the diagnostic potential of miR-29b and MMP-2, an inverse association between miR-26a and MMP-2, and proved the role of MMP-2 and the studied miRNAs in lung carcinogenesis. Further studies are needed to verify their potential usefulness for the treatment of lung cancer.

Despite therapeutic advances, lung cancer remains one of the most common causes of cancer-related death in the world. There is a need to develop biomarkers of diagnostic and/or prognostic value and to translate findings in basic science research to clinical application. Tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) represent potential useful markers for disease detection, progression and treatment target. We tried to elucidate the role of three 3p21.3 TSGs: DLEC1, ITGA9 and MLH1, in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We assessed their expression pattern by qPCR in 59 NSCLC tissues and in the matched macroscopically unchanged lung tissues. Additionally, we analyzed gene promoter methylation status by methylation-specific PCR in NSCLC samples. We did not find significant correlations between gene expression and methylation. In case of DLEC1 and ITGA9, expression levels were decreased in 71–78 % of tumor samples and significantly different between tumor and normal tissues (P = 0.0001). It could point to their diagnostic value. ITGA9 could also be regarded as a diagnostic marker differentiating NSCLC subtypes, as its expression level was significantly lower in squamous cell carcinoma (P = 0.001). The simultaneous down-regulation of DLEC1 and ITGA9 was observed in 52.5 % of NSCLCs. MSPs revealed high frequencies of gene promoter methylation in NSCLCs: 84 % for DLEC1 and MLH1 and 57 % for ITGA9. Methylation indexes reflected moderate gene methylation levels: 34 % for ITGA9, 27 % for MLH1 and 26 % for DLEC1. However, frequent simultaneous methylation of the studied genes in more than 50 % of NSCLCs suggests the possibility of consider them as a panel of epigenetic markers.

In the present study, we analyzed (1) the type of HPV infection and (2) the frequency of loss of heterozygosity and microsatellite imbalance (LOH/MSI) in normal cytology and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN1-3). The cytological material included: low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (CIN1, n = 11), high-grade lesions (CIN2 and CIN3, n = 13), and cytologically normal cells from non-neoplastic cervical samples (n = 8). HPV genotyping was done using RealLine HPV 16/18 kit. We used 20 microsatellite markers from: 1p31.2, 3p14.3, 3p21.3, 3p22.2, 3p24.2, 3p25.3, 7q32.2, 9p21.3, 11p15.5, 12q23.2, and 16q22.1. LOH/MSI was correlated with clinicopathological parameters. The presence of HPV DNA was revealed in 78.13 % samples, including normal cytology. LOH/MSI was the most frequent for: 3p25.3 (39 %), 3p22.2 (20.83 %), 3p24.2 (20 %), and 3p14.3 (16.67 %). It was demonstrated that D3S1234 (FHIT; 3p14.3), D3S1611 (MLH1; 3p22.2), D3S1583 (RARB; 3p24.2), D3S1317 and D3S3611 (VHL; 3p25.3) could differentiate patients with CIN2/CIN3 versus CIN1, showing significantly higher frequency in CIN2/CIN3. LOH/MSI frequency for other than 3p markers was lower, 10-22.2 %. The simultaneous occurrence of LOH/MSI for several markers (OFAL) was higher in CIN2/CIN3. Significant differences in OFAL were found between samples with versus without HPV infection. In HPV-positive patients, significant differences in OFAL were found between normal cytology, CIN1 and CIN2/CIN3. HPV infection influences the increase in LOH/MSI frequency, especially in tumor suppressor gene loci. Several studied microsatellite markers seem to be useful for CIN grading. Hopefully, the obtained results, if confirmed on larger patient cohort, would allow creating a panel of markers supporting clinical diagnosis in patients with HPV infection.

Sarcoidosis is an orphan inflammatory disorder that can virtually affect any organ or system in the body, although the lungs and lymph nodes are most frequently involved. Sarcoidosis is believed to derive from an interaction between environmental and genetic agents. Many studies emphasize a strong association between certain human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles and sarcoidosis susceptibility. Several new insights have allowed the further evaluation of other candidate genes with a potential function in the immunopathogenesis of sarcoidosis. This review summarizes recent advances in the identification of novel molecular markers that may play a role in different stages of disease, such as the acute phase of inflammation, granuloma formation and fibrosis. Furthermore, this article elucidates the role of both TGF-β/Smad and (HIF)-1a-VEGF-ING-4 signaling pathways in the development of sarcoidosis. The potential epigenetic regulation of the processes occurring in sarcoidosis by miRNA is also discussed.

Background The chronic course of pulmonary sarcoidosis can lead to lung dysfunction due to fibrosis, in which the signalling pathways TGF-β/Smad and VEGF-A may play a key role. Methods We evaluated immunoexpression of TGF-β1, Smad2, 3, and 7, and VEGF-A in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid of patients (n = 57) classified according to the presence of lung parenchymal involvement (radiological stage I vs. II-III), acute vs. insidious onset, lung function test (LFT) results, calcium metabolism parameters, percentage of BAL lymphocytes (BAL-L%), BAL CD4+/CD8+ ratio, age, and gender. Immunoexpression analysis of proteins was performed by ELISA. Results The immunoexpression of all studied proteins were higher in serum than in BAL fluid of patients (p >0.05). The serum levels of TGF-β1 (p = 0.03), Smad2 (p = 0.01), and VEGF-A (p = 0.0002) were significantly higher in sarcoidosis patients compared to healthy controls. There were no differences within the sarcoidosis group between patients with vs. without parenchymal involvement, acute vs. insidious onset, or patients with normal vs. abnormal spirometry results. In patients with abnormal spirometry results a negative correlation was found between forced vital capacity (FVC) % predicted value and TGF-β1 immunoexpression in BAL fluid, and positive correlations were observed between the intensity of lung parenchymal changes estimated by high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT scores) and Smad 2 level in serum. Conclusions TGF-β/Smad signalling pathway and VEGF-A participate in the pathogenesis of sarcoidosis. BAL TGF-β1, and Smad 2 in serum seem to be promising biomarkers with negative prognostic value, but further studies are required to confirmed our observations.

Angiogenesis/angiostasis regulated by hypoxia inducible factor-1A (HIF-1A)/vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)/inhibitor of growth protein 4 (ING-4) axis may be crucial for the course and outcome of sarcoidosis. Overexpression of angiogenic factors (activation of VEGF through HIF-1A) may predispose to chronic course and lung fibrosis, whereas immunoangiostasis (related to an overexpression of inhibitory ING-4) may be involved in granuloma formation in early sarcoid inflammation, or sustained or recurrent formation of granulomas. In this work we investigated gene expression of HIF-1A, VEGF and ING-4 in bronchoalveolar fluid (BALF) cells and in peripheral blood (PB) lymphocytes of sarcoidosis patients (n = 94), to better understand mechanisms of the disease and to search for its biomarkers. The relative gene expression level (RQ value) was analyzed by qPCR. The results were evaluated according to the presence of lung parenchymal involvement (radiological stage I vs. II–IV), acute vs. insidious onset, lung function tests, calcium metabolism parameters, percentage of lymphocytes (BALL %) and BAL CD4+/CD8+ in BALF, age, and gender. In BALF cells, the ING-4 and VEGF RQ values were increased, while HIF-1A expression was decreased. In PB lymphocytes all studied genes were overexpressed. Higher expression of HIF-1A in PB lymphocytes of patients with abnormal spirometry, and in BALF cells of patients with lung volume restriction was found. VEGF gene expression in BALF cells was also higher in patients with abnormal spirometry. These findings were in line with previous data on the role of HIF-1A/VEGF/ING-4 axis in the pathogenesis of sarcoidosis. Up-regulated HIF-1A and VEGF genes are linked to acknowledged negative prognostics.

Signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs), their inhibitors and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) participate in transformations of many various types of cancers. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between STAT5A/B, COX-2, and PIAS3 mRNA expression and tumor staging, metastasis status, and histopathological subtype in 71 patients with confirmed non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) diagnosis. Total RNA was isolated from NSCLC tissue samples and the expression of the studied genes was assessed using TaqMan probes in real-time PCR assay. The expression levels of STAT5A, STAT5B, and COX-2 genes were increased in 69%, 79%, and 71% NSCLC samples respectively, while PIAS3 expression was decreased in the majority (69%) of the studied tissues. Statistically significant differences were observed between STAT5 isoforms (P = 0.0008), with higher expression of STAT5B. We found statistically significant positive correlation between STAT5B and COX-2 (rho = 0.045), and significant negative correlation between STAT5B and PIAS3 (rho = -0.049). The negative correlation between STAT5B and PIAS3 (rho = -0.43) was also observed in T2a+T2b tumor group. Additionally, STAT5B and COX-2 expression levels were significantly different between T1a+T1b and T2a+T2b tumors (P = 0.002 and P = 0.041, respectively), with higher expression of both genes in T2 tumor stage. PIAS3 expression was significantly lower in NSCC subtype as compared with SCC subtype (P = 0.017). Also, STAT5A and STAT5B immunoexpression was assessed, and the results indicated significantly higher protein levels in NSCLC patients as compared with controls (P = 0.048 and P = 0.034, respectively). High STAT5B immunoexpression was positively correlated with STAT5B gene expression in tumors (rho = 0.755). STAT5B protein level was also significantly higher in T2a+T2b tumors, reflecting high STAT5B gene expression in this group. There was no statistically significant association between mRNA and protein expression levels of the studied genes and patients' characteristics: age, gender, smoking. The obtained results highlight the importance of the genes STAT5B and COX-2 in lung cancer progression.

Lung fibrosis is a complication of sarcoidosis, in which TGF-β/Smad pathway may play an important role. We evaluated gene expression of TGF-β1, SMAD2, 3 and 7 in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cells and peripheral blood (PB) lymphocytes of sarcoidosis patients (n = 94) to better understand the mechanisms of sarcoid inflammation. The relative gene expression was analyzed by qPCR method. Selected clinical/radiological features and biochemical markers were taken into account in the analysis. We found that TGF-β1 and SMAD3 expressions in PB lymphocytes were significantly higher in sarcoidosis patients. Up-regulation of SMAD7 (inhibitory Smad) and down-regulation of SMAD3 in BAL cells in all subgroups were found. The expression of TGF-β1 in PB lymphocytes was the highest in patients with lung parenchymal involvement and in the insidious onset phenotype. The expression of TGF-β1 in BAL cells was higher in patients with abnormal spirometry (p = 0.012), and TGF-β1 and SMAD3 in patients with restrictive pattern (p = 0.034 and 0.031, respectively). Several statistically significant negative correlations were found between the expression levels of SMAD2 and 3 in BAL cells and various LFT parameters. We conclude that TGF-β/Smad pathway is involved in the pathogenesis of pulmonary sarcoidosis. These biomarkers (especially TGF-β1, SMAD2 and 3) are of a negative prognostic value.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in the world. Early detection, based on molecular markers, could decrease mortality from this disease. Tumor development is often associated with inactivation or loss of tumor suppressor genes (TSGs). The aim of the present study was to analyze the expression level of FAM107A gene, a TSG located in 3p21.1, in lung cancer tumors and in tumor adjacent normal lung samples. Promoter methylation status of FAM107A was evaluated as the potential mechanism of its epigenetic silencing. The relationship between gene mRNA expression and tumor staging, metastasis status, and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) histopathological subtypes in 60 patients was analyzed. Total RNA was isolated from tissue samples and gene expression was assessed in qPCR assay. Gene promoter methylation status was evaluated in MSP reactions, using bisulfite converted DNA and two pairs of primers: methylated and unmethylated. We found that the expression of the gene was dramatically decreased in all NSCLC samples and was significantly lower than in tumor adjacent normal lung tissue. Promoter methylation of FAM107A gene was confirmed only in the minority of NSCLCs. The results highlight the importance of FAM107A in lung carcinogenesis, although indicate other than promoter hypermethylation mechanism of the gene decreased expression.

Background Tumor suppressor gene (TSG) inactivation plays a crucial role in carcinogenesis. FUS1, NPRL2/G21 and RASSF1A are TSGs from LUCA region at 3p21.3, a critical chromosomal region in lung cancer development. The aim of the study was to analyze and compare the expression levels of these 3 TSGs in NSCLC, as well as in macroscopically unchanged lung tissue surrounding the primary lesion, and to look for the possible epigenetic mechanism of TSG inactivation via gene promoter methylation. Methods Expression levels of 3 TSGs and 2 DNA methyltransferases, DNMT1 and DNMT3B, were assessed using real-time PCR method (qPCR) in 59 primary non-small cell lung tumors and the matched macroscopically unchanged lung tissue samples. Promoter methylation status of TSGs was analyzed using methylation-specific PCRs (MSP method) and Methylation Index (MI) value was calculated for each gene. Results The expression of all three TSGs were significantly different between NSCLC subtypes: RASSF1A and FUS1 expression levels were significantly lower in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and NPRL2/G21 in adenocarcinoma (AC). RASSF1A showed significantly lower expression in tumors vs macroscopically unchanged lung tissues. Methylation frequency was 38–76 %, depending on the gene. The highest MI value was found for RASSF1A (52 %) and the lowest for NPRL2/G21 (5 %). The simultaneous decreased expression and methylation of at least one RASSF1A allele was observed in 71 % tumor samples. Inverse correlation between gene expression and promoter methylation was found for FUS1 (rs = −0.41) in SCC subtype. Expression levels of DNMTs were significantly increased in 75–92 % NSCLCs and were significantly higher in tumors than in normal lung tissue. However, no correlation between mRNA expression levels of DNMTs and DNA methylation status of the studied TSGs was found. Conclusions The results indicate the potential role of the studied TSGs in the differentiation of NSCLC histopathological subtypes. The significant differences in RASSF1A expression levels between NSCLC and macroscopically unchanged lung tissue highlight its possible diagnostic role in lung cancer in situ recognition. High percentage of lung tumor samples with simultaneous RASSF1A decreased expression and gene promoter methylation indicates its epigenetic silencing. However, DNMT overexpression doesn’t seem to be a critical determinate of its promoter hypermethylation.

Background miRNAs control important cellular functions including angiogenesis/angiostasis or fibrosis and reveal altered expression during pathological processes in the lung. Methods The aim of the study was to investigate the expression of selected miRNAs (miR-let7f, miR-15b, miR-16, miR-20a, miR-27b, miR-128a, miR-130a, miR-192 miR-221, miR-222) in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis (n = 94) and controls (n = 50). The expression was assessed by q-PCR in BALF cells and peripheral blood lymphocytes (PB lymphocytes). For statistical analysis, the Kruskal–Wallis test, Mann–Whitney U- test, Neuman–Keuls’ multiple comparison test, and Spearman’s rank correlation were used. Results In BALF cells, significantly higher expression of miR-192 and miR-221 and lower expression of miR-15b were found in patients than controls. MiR-27b, miR-192 and miR-221 expression was significantly higher in patients without parenchymal involvement (stages I) than those at stages II-IV. Patients with acute disease demonstrated significantly higher miR-27b, miR-192 and miR-221 expression than those with insidious onset. For PB lymphocytes, patients demonstrated significantly greater miR-15b, miR-27b, miR-192, miR-221 and miR-222 expression, but lower miR-let7f and miR-130a expression, than controls. Stage I patients demonstrated significantly higher miR-16 and miR-15b expression than those in stages II-IV, and patients with the acute form demonstrated higher miR-130a and miR-15b expression. In BALF cells, miR-16 and miR-20a expression was significantly higher in patients with lung volume restriction, and miR-let7f was higher in the PB lymphocytes in patients with obturation. Several correlations were observed between the pattern of miRNA expression, lung function parameters and selected laboratory markers. Conclusion The obtained results suggest that the studied miRNAs play a role in the pathogenesis of sarcoidosis, and that some of them might have negative prognostic value. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12881-016-0266-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.