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The frequency of selected polymorphisms, one in each gene coding for proteins with antioxidative properties (CAT, SOD2, GPX1, NQO1) was compared between patients suffering from pain-related temporomandibular disorders (TMDp;n=85) and control subjects (CTR;n=85). According to the Oral Behaviours Checklist score participants were divided into high-frequency parafunction (HFP;n=98) and low-frequency parafunction (LFP;n=72) groups. In addition, we have investigated the association of selected polymorphisms with participants' psychological (anxiety, depression) and psychosomatic (hypervigilance, somatosensory amplification) characteristics. Polymorphisms rs1001179, rs4880, rs1050450, rs689452 were genotyped using the genomic DNA extracted from buccal mucosa swabs and real-time TaqMan genotyping assays. No differences in genotype distribution between TMDp patients and control subjects were found. Still, TMDp patients who were homozygous for minor allele A, related to the GPX1 polymorphism rs1050450 reported significantly more waking-state oral behaviours compared to GA+GG genotype carriers (score: 30 vs. 23, p=0.019). Frequency of genotype AA for rs1050450 polymorphism was higher in HFP compared to LFP participants (14.3% vs. 4.2%, p =0.030). Most important predictors of waking-state oral behaviours were depression, anxiety, AA genotype (rs1050450) and female sex. Explored genetic factors were not found to be significant risk factors for either TMDp or sleep-related oral behaviours. The association of waking-state oral behaviours with selected gene polymorphisms additionally supports previous assumptions that the daytime bruxism is more closely linked to various stress manifestations, which might also be reflected through the variability related to cellular antioxidative activity.

The number of published studies on curcuminoids in cancer research, including its lead molecule curcumin and synthetic analogs, has been increasing substantially during the past two decades. Insights on the diversity of inhibitory effects they produced on a multitude of pathways involved in carcinogenesis and tumor progression were provided. As this wealth of data was obtained in a setting of various experimental and clinical data, this review first aimed at presenting a chronology of discoveries and an update on their complex in vivo effects. Secondly, there are many interesting questions linked to their pleiotropic effects. One of them, which is a growing research topic, relates to their ability to modulate metabolic reprogramming. This review will also cover the use of curcuminoids as chemosensitizing molecules, that can be combined with several anticancer drugs for reversing the phenomenon of multidrug resistance. Finally, current investigations in these three complementary research fields raise several important questions that will be put in the prospects for the future research related to the importance of these molecules in cancer research.

Prostate cancer is among the leading cancers according to both incidence and mortality. Due to the high molecular, morphological and clinical heterogeneity, the course of prostate cancer ranges from slow growth that usually does not require immediate therapeutic intervention to aggressive and fatal disease that spreads quickly. However, currently available biomarkers cannot precisely predict the course of a disease, and novel strategies are needed to guide prostate cancer management. Amino acids serve numerous roles in cancers, among which are energy production, building block reservoirs, maintenance of redox homeostasis, epigenetic regulation, immune system modulation and resistance to therapy. In this article, by using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data, we found that the expression of amino acid metabolism-related genes is highly aberrant in prostate cancer, which holds potential to be exploited in biomarker design or in treatment strategies. This change in expression is especially evident for catabolism genes and transporters from the solute carrier family. Furthermore, by using recursive partitioning, we confirmed that the Gleason score is strongly prognostic for progression-free survival. However, the expression of the genes SERINC3 (phosphatidylserine and sphingolipids generation) and CSAD (hypotaurine generation) can refine prognosis for high and low Gleason scores, respectively. Therefore, our results hold potential for novel prostate cancer progression biomarkers.

Objectives: To investigate frequency of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in pain-related temporomandibular disorders (TMDp) and to determine whether specific SNPs, psychological, psychosomatic and behavioural characteristics are predictive for pain existence and intensity (low pain intensity (LPI)/high pain intensity (HPI)). Methods: Genomic DNA was extracted from buccal mucosa swabs (85 TMDp ; 85 controls) for evaluating frequency of selected SNPs: catechol-O- methyltransferase (rs4680, rs4818), opiorphin (rs1387964), alpha subunit of voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.1 (rs6432860) and voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.9 (rs33985936). Participants completed questionnaires on somatosensory amplification, anxiety and depression symptoms and oral behaviours (OB). Results: Sleep-related OB frequency was higher in TMDp patients compared to controls (p = 0.008). Compared to LPI, HPI patients had higher depression (p = 0.020) and anxiety scores (p = 0.017). TMDp group showed higher frequency of CC genotype (rs1387964) than controls (12.9% vs. 3.5%, p = 0.025). Following adjustments for age, sex and sleep-related OB, the significance of the recessive model (CC vs. TC + TT) between TMDp patients and controls was retained (OR = 5.783 ; 95%CI: 1.454– 23.004). Frequency of GG genotype (rs4680 and rs4818) was higher in HPI compared to LPI patients (40% vs. 11.4%, p = 0.006 ; 24% vs. 3% ; p = 0.012, respectively). The difference remained significant after adjusting for age, sex, depression, anxiety and sleep-related OB (rs4680: OR = 3.621 ; 95%CI: 1.580–8.297 ; rs4818: OR = 4.919, 95%CI: 1.641– 14.746). Conclusion: This study has demonstrated that rs1387964 CC genotype was associated with TMDp while rs4680 GG and rs4818 GG genotypes contributed to HPI.

Anticancer monotherapies are often insufficient in eradicating cancer cells because cancers are driven by changes in numerous genes and pathways. Combination anticancer therapies which aim to target several cancer traits at once represent a substantial improvement in anticancer treatment. Cisplatin is a conventional chemotherapy agent widely used in the treatment of different cancer types. However, the shortcomings of cisplatin use include its toxicity and development of resistance. Therefore, from early on, combination therapies that include cisplatin were considered and used in a variety of cancers. EZH2, an epigenetic regulator, is frequently upregulated in cancers which, in general, potentiates cancer cell malignant behavior. In the past decade, numerous EZH2 inhibitors have been explored for their anticancer properties. In this overview, we present the studies that discuss the joint action of cisplatin and EZH2 inhibitors. According to the data presented, the use of cisplatin and EZH2 inhibitors may be beneficial in the treatment of lung, ovarian, and breast cancers, since there is a substantial amount of published evidence that suggests their concerted action. However, in testicular germ cell tumors, such a combination would not be recommended because cisplatin resistance seems to be associated with decreased expression of EZH2 in this tumor type.

The activity of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) is tightly linked to the maintenance of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) level. This enzyme catalyzes methylation of nicotinamide (NAM) into methyl nicotinamide (MNAM), which is either excreted or further metabolized to N1-methyl-2-pyridone-5-carboxamide (2-PY) and H2O2. Enzymatic activity of NNMT is important for the prevention of NAM-mediated inhibition of NAD+-consuming enzymes poly–adenosine -diphosphate (ADP), ribose polymerases (PARPs), and sirtuins (SIRTs). Inappropriately high expression and activity of NNMT, commonly present in various types of cancer, has the potential to disrupt NAD+ homeostasis and cellular methylation potential. Largely overlooked, in the context of cancer, is the inhibitory effect of 2-PY on PARP-1 activity, which abrogates NNMT’s positive effect on cellular NAD+ flux by stalling liberation of NAM and reducing NAD+ synthesis in the salvage pathway. This review describes, and discusses, the mechanisms by which NNMT promotes NAD+ depletion and epigenetic reprogramming, leading to the development of metabolic plasticity, evasion of a major tumor suppressive process of cellular senescence, and acquisition of stem cell properties. All these phenomena are related to therapy resistance and worse clinical outcomes.

The aim of this review is to provide a brief overview of some current approaches regarding diagnostics, pathologic features, treatment, and genetics of prostate carcinoma (PCa). Prostate carcinoma is the most common visceral tumor and the second most common cancer-related cause of death in males. Clinical outcomes for patients with localized prostate cancer are excellent, but despite advances in prostate cancer treatments, castrate-resistant prostate cancer and metastatic prostate cancer patients have a poor prognosis. Advanced large-scale genomic studies revealed a large number of genetic alterations in prostate cancer. The meaning of these alterations needs to be validated in the specific prostate cancer molecular subtype context. Along these lines, there is a critical need for establishing genetically engineered mouse models, which would include speckle type BTB/POZ protein and isocitrate Dehydrogenase (NADP (+)) 1 mutant, as well as androgen receptor neuroendocrine subtypes of prostate cancer. Another urgent need is developing highly metastatic prostate cancer models, as only up to 17% of available models dis- play bone metastases and exhibit a less typical neuroendocrine prostate cancer or sarcomatoid carcinoma. Moreover, androgen deprivation and relapse should be mimicked in the genetically engineered mouse models, as androgen independence may yield a better model for metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer. The development of such refined animal models should be guid- ed by comparative genomics of primary versus corresponding metastatic tumors. Such an approach will have the potential to illuminate the key genetic events associated with specific molecular prostate cancer subsets and indicate directions for effective therapy.Conclusion. Despite excellent results in the treatment of localized prostatic carcinoma, castrate-resistant prostate can- cer and metastatic prostate cancer have a poor prognosis. Advanced large-scale genomic studies revealed a large number of ge- netic alterations in PCa. Experimental models of prostate carcinoma in genetically modified mice could provide new data about the genetic changes in such cancers and help in developing better animal models for treatment resistant prostate carcinomas.

Most data published on curcumin and curcumin-based formulations are very promising. In cancer research, the majority of data has been obtained in vitro. Less frequently, researchers used experimental animals. The results of several clinical studies are conclusive, and these studies have established a good foundation for further research focusing on implementing curcumin in clinical oncology. However, the issues regarding timely data reporting and lack of disclosure of the exact curcumin formulations used in these studies should not be neglected. This article is a snapshot of the current status of publicly available data on curcumin clinical trials and a detailed presentation of results obtained so far with some curcumin formulations. Phenomena related to the observed effects of curcumin shown in clinical trials are presented, and its modifying effect on gut microbiota and metabolic reprogramming is discussed. Based on available data, there is a strong indication that curcumin and its metabolites present molecules that do not necessarily need to be abundant in order to act locally and benefit systemically. Future clinical studies should be designed in a way that will take that fact into consideration.

The health effects of green tea are associated with catechins: (−)-epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG), (−)-epigallocatechin, (−)-epicatechin-3-O-gallate, and (−)-epicatechin. An understanding of compound absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity characteristics is essential for explaining its biological activities. Herein, absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity properties of in vivo detected metabolites of green tea catechins (GTCs) have been analyzed in silico. The influence of metabolic transformations on absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion profiles of GTCs corresponds to the effects of size, charge, and lipophilicity, as already observed for other small molecules. Mutagenic, carcinogenic, or liver toxic effects were predicted only for a few metabolites. Similar to galloylated GTCs EGCG and (--)-epicatechin-3-O-gallate, the sulfo-conjugates were predicted to bind at the warfarin binding site. The low free plasma concentration of these derivatives may be consequential to their serum albumin binding. The activity cliff detected for methylated conjugates of EGCG indicates that GTCs' pro-oxidative activity in bound state comes primarily from free hydroxyl groups of the pyrogallol ring B.

In order to support uncontrolled proliferation, cancer cells need to adapt to increased energetic and biosynthetic requirements. One such adjustment is aerobic glycolysis or the Warburg effect. It is characterized by increased glucose uptake and lactate production. Curcumin, a natural compound, has been shown to interact with multiple molecules and signaling pathways in cancer cells, including those relevant for cell metabolism. The effect of curcumin and its solvent, ethanol, was explored on four different cancer cell lines, in which the Warburg effect varied. Vital cellular parameters (proliferation, viability) were measured along with the glucose consumption and lactate production. The transcripts of pyruvate kinase 1 and 2 (PKM1, PKM2), serine hydroxymethyltransferase 2 (SHMT2) and phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH) were quantified with RT-qPCR. The amount and intracellular localization of PKM1, PKM2 and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) proteins were analyzed by Western blot. The response to ethanol and curcumin seemed to be cell-type specific, with respect to all parameters analyzed. High sensitivity to curcumin was present in the cell lines originating from head and neck squamous cell carcinomas: FaDu, Detroit 562 and, especially, Cal27. Very low sensitivity was observed in the colon adenocarcinoma-originating HT-29 cell line, which retained, after exposure to curcumin, a higher levels of lactate production despite decreased glucose consumption. The effects of ethanol were significant.

Pleiotropic effects of curcumin have been the subject of intensive research. The interest in this molecule for preventive medicine may further increase because of its potential to modulate inflamm-aging. Although direct data related to its effect on inflamm-aging does not exist, there is a strong possibility that its well-known anti-inflammatory properties may be relevant to this phenomenon. Curcumin’s binding to various proteins, which was shown to be dependent on cellular oxidative status, is yet another feature for exploration in depth. Finally, the binding of curcumin to various metabolic enzymes is crucial to curcumin’s interference with powerful metabolic machinery, and can also be crucial for metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells. This review offers a synthesis and functional links that may better explain older data, some observational, in light of the most recent findings on curcumin. Our focus is on its modes of action that have the potential to alleviate specific morbidities of the 21st century.

Opisani su neki načini djelovanja kurkumina na zloćudno preobraženu stanicu i prokementiran je njegov potencijal za uvođenje u liječenje zloćudne bolesti.

Notwithstanding multiple mechanisms of radical scavenging (RS), measured RS activities (RSA) of flavonoids are usually related to O-H bond dissociation enthalpy (BDE) for hydrogen atom transfer (HAT). For 12 flavonoids the reaction free energies were calculated for: (1) HAT, (2) single electron transfer - proton transfer (SET-PT) and (3) sequential proton loss electron transfer (SPLET) in gas and aqueous phases. Aqueous free energies, like bond dissociation (BDFEaq), ionization (IFEaq) and deprotonation (ΔGdeprot, aq) free energies were estimated using thermochemical cycles. While in gas HAT is a RS mechanism (BDFEg < IFEg < ΔGdeprot, g), in water SPLET can be concurrent or dominant mechanism depending upon pH since ΔGdeprot, aq < BDFEaq and ETFEaq ≤ BDFEaq. For 12 flavonoids, BDFEaq has been correlated with ΔGdeprot, aq and ETFEaq with r = 0.74 and 0.87 respectively. This reveals why BD(F)E parameter explains most of variance in variously measured RSA data even if the underlying mechanism is SPLET.

Veliki depresivni poremećaj (MDD, od engl. Major Depressive Disorder) jedan je od najčešćih psihosomatskih poremećaja, sa snažnom tendencijom porasta broja oboljelih. Do 2020. godine mogao bi postati drugi najveći zdravstveni svjetski problem. Uzroci nastanaka bolesti, kao i klinička slika, vrlo su složeni. Ovakva složenost posljedica je aktivnosti velikog broja gena, od kojih svaki „pridonosi“ nastanku i izražaju bolesti s relativno malim udjelom. Sve veći broj rezultata mnogih studija upućuje na važnost epigenetičkih mehanizama regulacije aktivnosti gena, kao poveznicu bioloških i drugih čimbenika koji se povezuju s nastankom depresije. Većina istraživanja pokazuje uzročno-posljedičnu vezu između različitih bioloških i psihosocijalnih čimbenika, s jedne strane, te međuovisne promjene obrazaca metilacije/demetilacije molekule DNK i promjene koda histona, s druge strane. Sve je više podataka o značajnoj ulozi različitih nekodirajućih molekula RNK u nastanku depresivnog poremećaja. Konačno, pokazalo se da mnogi antidepresivi djeluju na epigenom. Ovaj učinak otvara potpuno novo poglavlje u razumijevanju patogeneze i epigenetičke podloge liječenja depresivnog poremećaja., Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) represents one of the most common psychosomatic disorders with a pronounced increasing incidence. It is expected to become the number two major world health problem by 2020. The causes of MDD as well as its clinical features are very complex. The probable reason for such complexity relates to a large number of genes, being involved in a condition where each gene makes only a minor contribution to the MDD etiology and clinic phenotypes. An increasing number of studies published during last decade have pointed out the importance of epigenetic regulatory mechanisms in affecting gene activity as well as constituting a possible link between biological and other factors related to MDD. Most of the studies have shown causality between different, MDD related biological and psycho-social factors. They have also described mutually controlled processes involved in the regulation of DNA methylation and establishment of histone code. There is a growing body of evidence on the significant role of non-coding RNA molecules in the ethiopathogenesis of MDD. Finally, it was shown that many antidepressive agents exert much influence on the epigenome. Such activity opens a new chapter in understanding the MDD pathogenesis and the basis for epigenome-reshaping related therapy.

The expression of non‑metastatic expressed/non‑metastatic 23 nucleoside diphosphate kinase 1 (nm23‑H1) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX‑2) proteins in thyroid carcinoma have been analysed in a number of previous studies, but this requires further study. The current study focused on the expression levels of nm23‑H1 and COX‑2 in 130 human thyroid papillary carcinoma (PTC) tissues. Of the 130 PTC tissues, 55 were classified as microcarcinoma and may provide information on the development of the specific characteristics of this tumour type. Routine histopathological examination and immunohistochemical detection of nm23‑H1 and COX‑2 expression was performed on 130 PTC tissues from patients treated in the Clinical Hospital for Tumours (Zagreb, Croatia) between January 2000 and December 2007. The stain intensity of nm23‑H1 and COX‑2 proteins was compared with the characteristics of the patients and the tumour. The highest overall expression rate of nm23‑H1 and COX‑2 was 90 and 67.6%, respectively, and the joint expression of these proteins was statistically significant. The median expression level of nm23‑H1 was significantly increased in the classical and follicular histological group of the PTC tissues compared with tissues from other histological groups. The median expression level of COX‑2 was significantly increased in the follicular histological group, and reduced in the diffuse‑sclerosing group of PTC tissues. All the metastatic microcarcinoma tissues had increased expression levels of the two proteins in comparison with microcarcinoma tissues without lymph node metastases ; however, this variation was only statistically significant for COX‑2 expression levels. Therefore the results of the current study indicate that COX‑2 protein levels may be able to differentiate which thyroid papillary microcarcinoma tumours possess metastatic potential.

Green tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world. Its healthy effects are ascribed primarily to the following catechins, its polyphenolic components: (-)-epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG); (-)-epigallocatechin (EGC); (-)-epicatechin-3-O-gallate (ECG); and (-)-epicatechin (EC). The present study explored the effects of in vivo metabolic transformations of the green tea catechins in terms of their absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity (ADME/Tox) by employing various computational approaches and tools. A comprehensive understanding of ADME/Tox characteristics of the compounds is essential for understanding their biological activities. The programs VolSurf+ [1] and ADMET PredictorTM [2] were used for generating molecular descriptors that were further applied in Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to distinguish these compounds and their main metabolites (Figure 1) regarding ADME/Tox features and to compare in silico predictions with experimental data available in literature. The effect of metabolic transformation on the distribution of catechins in the body was investigated by applying the program AutoDock4 [3] for non-covalent molecular docking into the extended Sudlow’s binding site I of human serum albumin (HSA).

Many 1,4-dihydropyridines (DHPs) possess redox properties. In this review DHPs are surveyed as protectors against oxidative stress (OS) and related disorders, considering the DHPs as specific group of potential antioxidants with bioprotective capacities. They have several peculiarities related to antioxidant activity (AOA). Several commercially available calcium antagonist, 1,4-DHP drugs, their metabolites, and calcium agonists were shown to express AOA. Synthesis, hydrogen donor properties, AOA, and methods and approaches used to reveal biological activities of various groups of 1,4-DHPs are presented. Examples of DHPs antioxidant activities and protective effects of DHPs against OS induced damage in low density lipoproteins (LDL), mitochondria, microsomes, isolated cells, and cell cultures are highlighted. Comparison of the AOA of different DHPs and other antioxidants is also given. According to the data presented, the DHPs might be considered as bellwether among synthetic compounds targeting OS and potential pharmacological model compounds targeting oxidative stress important for medicinal chemistry.

The gene for insulin-like growth factor two, IGF2 is maternally imprinted. Fifteen heterozygous samples were analyzed for the IGF2 imprinting status and promoter usage. IGF2 LOI was detected in four non-tumorous tissues and in six laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) tumors. There was no clear pattern of specific promoter activity in LSCC tumors and the adjacent normal tissues. P1 promoter usage was active in eight LSCCs, among them four with LOI. As it was activated in four tumors with maintenance of imprinting (MOI) and four non-tumors, we concluded that P1 promoter is not exclusively connected with IGF2 LOI in LSCC.

The human nm23-H1 was discovered as a tumor metastasis suppressor based on its reduced expression in melanoma cell lines with low vs. high metastatic potential. It encodes for one of two subunits of the nucleoside-diphosphate kinase. Besides its role in the maintenance of the cells NTP pool, nm23 plays a key role in different cellular processes. The role of nm23-H1 in these processes still has to be elucidated. Our goal was to identify Nm23-H1 downstream targets by subjecting Nm23-H1 overexpressing CAL 27 cells (oral squamous cell carcinoma) to microarray analysis. The genes with changed expression patterns could be clustered into several groups: TGF signaling pathway, cell adhesion, invasion and motility, proteasome machinery, cell cycle, epithelial structural and related molecules and others. Based on the expression patterns observed we presume that nm23-H1 might have a role in oral squamous cell carcinomas, which should be confirmed by future experiments.

Prikaz i opis znanstvenog dijela konferencije: Third International Conference on Mechanisms of Action of Nutraceuticals (ICMAN 3)

Summary Aims The roles of tumour suppressor genes: adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) and E-cadherin (CDH1) were investigated in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Methods Forty-five human clear cell renal cell carcinomas were tested for APC gene instability by polymerase chain reaction/loss of heterozygosity using the restriction fragment length polymorphism method E-cadherin gene was analysed by PCR amplification of tetranucleotide marker (D16S752) and the alleles were visualised by PAGE/silver staining. Results The overall proportion of loss of heterozygosity of the APC gene was 37.5% (9/24). D16S752 marker linked to E-cadherin gene (informativeness 91%) revealed three samples with loss of heterozygosity (7.5%). Interestingly, replication error phenotype was detected in 9.1% of clear cell renal cell carcinoma samples. Multivariate statistical analysis of samples informative for both APC and E-cadherin genes showed that, in this data set, loss of heterozygosity of the APC gene is correlated with advanced age and more severe TNM stages. Genetic changes of the E-cadherin gene, on the other hand, appear to be correlated with younger age groups and less severe TNM stages. Conclusions Our results suggest that alterations, both in APC and E-cadherin genes, are involved in the evolution and progression of clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Microsatellite genetic instability of the E-cadherin gene indicates that another cellular mechanism, mismatch repair, may also be targeted in this malignancy.

Various plant polyphenols have been recognized as redox active molecules. This review discusses some aspects of polyphenols’ modes of redox action, corresponding structure-activity relationships and their potential to be applied as adjuvants to conventional cytostatic drugs. Polyphenols’ antioxidative capacity has been discussed as the basis for targeting oxidative stress and, consequently, for their chemopreventive and anti-inflammatory activities, which may alleviate side-effects on normal cells arising from oxidative stress caused by cytostatics. Some polyphenols may scavenge various free radicals directly, and some of them are found to suppress free radical production through inhibiting NADPH oxidases and xanthine oxidase. Additionally, polyphenols may increase antioxidative defense in normal cells by increasing the activity of NRF2, transcription factor for many protective proteins. The activation of the NRF2-mediated signaling pathways in cancer cells results in chemoresistance. Luteolin, apigenin and chrysin reduce NRF2 expression and increase the chemosensitivity of cancer cells to cytostatic drugs. Their common 5, 7-dihydroxy-4H-chromen-4-one moiety, may represent a starting pharmacophore model for designing novel, non-toxic compounds for overcoming chemoresistance. However, prooxidative activity of some polyphenols (quercetin, EGCG) may also provide a basis for their use as chemotherapeutic adjuvants since they may enhance cytotoxic effects of cytostatics selectively on cancer cells. However, considerable caution is needed in applying polyphenols to anticancer therapy, since their effects greatly depend on the applied dose, the cell type, exposure time and environmental conditions.

BACKGROUND:Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and sirtuin 2 (SIRT2) are NAD+-dependent protein deacetylases involved in the regulation of key cancer-associated genes. In this study we evaluated the relevance of these deacetylases in lung cancer biology. MATERIAL AND METHODS:Protein levels of SIRT1 and SIRT2 were determined in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines and primary tumors from 105 patients. Changes in proliferation were assessed after SIRT1 and SIRT2 downregulation in lung cancer cell lines using siRNA-mediated technology or tenovin-1, a SIRT1 and SIRT2 inhibitor. RESULTS:High SIRT1 and SIRT2 protein levels were found in NSCLC cell lines compared with non-tumor lung epithelial cells. The expression of SIRT1 and SIRT2 proteins was also significantly higher in lung primary tumors than in normal tissue (P

Epigenome is a common name for heritable chemical modifications of DNA and histone molecules, of which DNA methylation and histone acetylation and methylation represent the most studied parts. Nucleosomes, the chromatin building units, are positioned in a way that is strictly dependent on the epigenome changes. Based on the presence of a specific epigenetic modification, the chromatin becomes less or more condensed. These changes in chromatin structure are inevitably related to gene activity. For example, DNA hypermethylation joined with histone hypoacetylation is frequently related to a condensed form of chromatin, marking the region of DNA that should not be active during a specific time window. This implies that genes in that specific region may become active once the aforementioned marks are removed. Indeed, epigenome represents a very powerful, extremely flexible “tool” for regulating gene activity and the major reason for the well-known phenomena of “time specific” and “tissue specific” gene expression.

The mechanisms of beneficial preventive and therapeutic effects achieved by traditional and complementary medicine are currently being deciphered in molecular medicine. Curcumin, a yellow-colored polyphenol derived from the rhizome of turmeric (Curcuma longa), influences a wide variety of cellular processes through the reshaping of many molecular targets. One of them, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), represents a strong mediator of inflammation and, in a majority of systems, supports the pro-proliferative features of cancer cells. The application of various anticancer drugs, cytostatics, triggers signals which lead to an increase in cellular NF- κB activity. As a consequence, cancer cells often reshape their survival signaling pathways and, over time, become resistant to applied therapy. Curcumin was shown to be a strong inhibitor of NF- κB activity and its inhibitory effect on NF-κB related pathways often leads to cellular apoptotic response. All these facts, tested and confirmed in many different biological systems, have paved the way for research aimed to elucidate the potential beneficial effects of combining curcumin and various anti-cancer drugs in order to establish more efficient and less toxic cancer treatment modalities. This review addresses certain aspects of NF-κB-related inflammatory response, its role in carcinogenesis and therapy benefits that may be gained through silencing NF-κB by selectively combining curcumin and various anticancer drugs.

Relatively little is known about molecular genetic events that participate in the genesis and progression of hemangiopericytoma. In this study, we describe two cases of hemangiopericytoma accompanied by severe hypoglycemia. Tumor cells from patient 1 exhibited insulin-growth factor i (IGF I) and insulin-like growth factor I receptor (IGF IR) mRNA transcripts. Tumor cells from patient 2 exhibited IGF II, IGF IR and IGF binding proteins 1-3 mRNA. Serum from patient 2 contained IGF II, mostly in a large molecular form ("big" IGF II) ; the IGF II level did not change after the tumor removal. The presence of IGF IR in tumor cells was confirmed by immunoprecipitation with antibodies that recognize human IGF IR subunit (visualized as a 460-kDa band). The hemangiopericytoma cells derived from patient 1 expressed 210 000 IGF I receptors/cells. Specific binding of IGF I to the tumor cell membrane fraction was higher in tissue from patient 1, while the tissue of patient 2 showed relatively low IGF I binding. In contrast, IGF II binding was much higher in tissue from patient 2. Both tumor tissues showed positive immunostaining for c-Jun ; one tumor showed strong immunostaining for c-Myc, H-Ras and p53, while the other exhibited strong reaction with H-Ras antibodies only. No loss of the heterozygosity at the genes APC, NFI and nm23-H1 loci in tumor tissue obtained from patient 1 was found. In effect, our results suggest multiple molecular genetic changes in hemangiopericytoma - activation of some oncogenes and the IGF growth factor family. IGF ligands together with IGF IR could be responsible for hypoglycemia and perhaps the transformed phenotype.

BORIS is a paralog of a highly conserved, multi-functional chromatin factor CTCF. Unlike CTCF, which has been shown to possess tumor-suppressive properties, BORIS belongs to the "cancer/testis antigen" family normally expressed only in germ cells and aberrantly activated in a variety of tumors. The consequences of BORIS expression, relative abundance of its isoforms, and its role in carcinogenesis have not been completely elucidated. It activates transcription of hTERT and MYC, genes relevant for laryngeal carcinoma progression. In this study, BORIS expression has been analyzed at the transcriptional level by RT-PCR and protein level by semi-quantitative immunohistochemistry in 32 laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas and adjacent non-tumorous tissue. BORIS was detected in 44 % (14/32) laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma samples, while it was detected only in one normal, tumor-adjacent tissue sample. Tree based survival analysis, using the recursive partitioning algorithm mvpart, extracted the ratio of relative abundance of BORIS transcript variants containing exon 7 (BORIS 7+) and those lacking exon 7 (BORIS 7-) as an independent prognostic factor associated with disease relapse during a 5-year follow-up period. Patients having BORIS 7+/BORIS 7- ratio ≥1 had a higher rate of disease relapse than patients with BORIS 7+/BORIS 7- ratio

Cancer has long been considered primarily a genetic disease, caused by different mutations throughout the genome. In 1983., Feinberg and Vogelstein discovered that the level of DNA methylation significantly varies between primary human malignant tumors and their normal counterparts (Feinberg & Vogelstein, 1983). Before this publication, there had been a paper describing changes in DNA methylation in cancer cell cultures, including the influence of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea on the level of DNA methylation in Raji cells (Boehm & Drahovsky, 1981). Currently, we are presented with much experimental data showing multilevel changes in cancer cells. In this context, two major areas of epigenomic research DNA methylation and histone modifications appear most promising in understanding the multistep nature of carcinogenesis. Additionally, they seem to have the potential for being cancer biomarkers, useful in early detection, in predicting the biological behavior of tumors and for therapy monitoring, as recently reviewed (Rodriguez-Paredes & Esteller, 2011; Baylin & Jones, 2011). Finally, epigenetic changes are well-recognized targets for cancer therapy, alone, or in combination with various cytostatics (Ren et al, 2011). Epigenetic changes are also of the greatest importance in chemoprevention, as there is increasing data relating to possibly reversing epigenetic changes in the earliest phase of carcinogenesis, when genetic changes have yet to develop (reviewed, Huang et al., 2011). It is not easy to understand the particular rules applicable to epigenomic processes. If one specific epigenetic change, relating to a specific gene/its promoter, exists in a majority of tumors of a specific type, it does not necessarily mean that the same change exists in another type of tumor. This is consequential, and represents one reason for obvious differences in responses to epigenomic therapy. Recently, we wrote a review article on some aspects of epigenomic changes in which we used the term „epigenetic networking“. If we imagine each of our living cells as an orchestra performing the symphony of life, then each player (a gene) of the orchestra needs to play in concert with 30,000 other players. The communication that produces the network of our epi-genome is established at many levels: transcriptionally, post-transcriptionally, through protein translation, at the level of post-translational protein modifications, through their orchestrated interactions and, finally, their interaction with the DNA that can be modified in order to accept or reject the protein partner. This is the way of

We examined nm23-H1 protein levels in human oligodendrogliomas by immunohistochemistry. This class of brain tumor does not form spontaneous metastases, but its progression from benign (oligodendroglioma) toward malignant phenotype (oligodendroglioma transitionale and glioblastoma oligodendrogliale) can be followed. Two types of tumors, ODG-II and ODG-T, were highly positive for nm23 protein. However, there was no clear correlation between the extent of protein expression and tumor aggressiveness. No nm23 protein was detected in nonproliferative normal brain tissues and was found in only a few ODG-I specimens. As cell proliferation becomes more pronounced (OGD-II, ODG-T), nm23 protein becomes detectable in almost all samples. However, of the glioblastoma oligodendrogliale samples examined, 76% were negative for nm23-H1 protein. suggesting a change in nm23-H1 gene expression with increasing neoplastic progression. Our findings are in contrast to a proposed role of nm23-H1 protein as a tumor metastasis suppressor and support that it cannot serve as a reliable prognostic tumor indicator in all cases. However, our findings may contribute to a better understanding of glial tumor development and improve the accuracy of tumor diagnosis.

The cation-independent mannose-6-phosphate/insulin-like growth factor 2 receptor (M6P/IGF2R) is a multifunctional receptor. It is involved in a variety of cellular processes which become dysregulated in cancer. Its tumor suppressor role was recognized a long time ago. However, due to its multifunctionality, it is not easy to understand the extent of its relevance to normal cellular physiology. Accordingly, it is even more difficult understanding its role in carcinogenesis. This review presents critical and focused highlights of data relating to M6P/IGF2R, obtained during more than 25 years of cancer research.

Za razliku od genomike, koja se temelji na proučavanju građe – anatomije gena, epigenomika se temelji na izučavanju nasljednih varijacija u aktivnosti gena, dakle njihovoj fiziologiji. Osnovni epigenetički procesi, regulatori aktivnosti gena su metilacija molekule DNA i post translacijske modifikacije histona. Ova dva procesa međusobno se nadopunjuju pri čemu stvaraju epigenetičku mrežu događaja koja u konačnici regulira aktivnost pojedinih gena. Uspostava određenog tipa epigenetičke mreže ovisi o anatomiji gena i njegovog promotora te stalnom međudjelovanju egzogenih i endogenih čimbenika koji dovode do stvaranja karakterističnog epigenetičkog biljega. Sve se više uviđa važnost reverzibilnosti uspostave i uklanjanja epigenetičkih molekularnih biljega u svim, a naročito u zloćudnim bolestima. Istraživanja u području epigenomike, primjene novih, epigenomskih pristupa u liječenju, a posebno u području razvoja “pametnih”, epigenetičkih lijekova, u uzlaznoj su putanji koja još uvijek nije dosegla svoj zenit., Epigenetics is focused on gene physiology, analyzing inherited variations in gene expression, while genomics is focused on gene anatomy, analyzing gene structure. DNA methylation and histone post-translational modifications are the basic epigentic mechanisms regulating gene activity. These two processes complement each other, creating an epigenetic network of events which regulates specifi c gene activity. Establishing a particular type of epigenetic network depends on the anatomy of both the gene and its promoter, as well as the permanent interaction of exogenic and endogenic factors, which result in a particular epigenetic mark. As a result of new data, the importance of epigenetic marks as a reversible process, is becoming increasingly relevant to disease development, especially for cancer. One looks forward to the promise, still to be fully realized, of research in epigenetics, including new approaches to therapy and the development of “smart” epigenetic drugs.

Insulinomas and phaeochromocytomas are neuroendocrine tumours that may be either sporadic or manifestation of a familial cancer syndromes and are both derived from the neural crest. In the present study, gene components of different signalling pathways were investigated in sporadic human insulinomas and phaeochromocytomas to identify the responsible candidates. Ret and k-ras were tested for activating point mutations, and NF1, p53, BRCA1, nm23-H1, SDHB and SDHD for loss of heterozygosity (LOH). Twenty-two sporadic insulinomas and 15 phaeochromocytomas were analysed by the polymerase chain reaction using restriction fragment length polymorphism or dinucleotide repeat polymorphism methods. The results of our analysis demonstrate that the most frequent changes were point mutations of k-ras: 23% of insulinomas and 62% of phaeochromocytomas harboured k-ras mutations. The analysis also showed two phaeochromocytomas with point mutations of the ret oncogene. Only one insulinoma showed LOH of NF1, and another showed LOH of p53. Allelic loss of BRCA1 was detected in two insulinomas, and of nm23-H1 in another insulinoma. Allelic losses of the SDHB gene were present in two phaeochromocytoma and one insulinoma cases and allelic losses of SDHD were present in one phaeochromocytoma case. The changes observed in phaeochromocytomas were more homogenous and confined to k-ras and ret oncogenes, whereas insulinomas showed more heterogenic situation. Our findings may contribute to a better understanding of the genetic profile of neuroendocrine tumours.

Imprinting analyses of IGF2 and H19, loss of heterozygosity (LOH) analyses of IGF2R and CTCF and Helicobacter pylori detection, were performed on 35 human laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas (LSCC). Forty-six percent of the tumors were heterozygous for IGF2, and 54% were informative for the H19. Biallelic expression of IGF2 was observed in 33% (5 out of 15) of the tumors and in 27% (4 out of 15) of adjacent non-tumorous laryngeal tissues. H19 loss of imprinting (LOI) was observed in 24% (4 out of 17) of the tumors. For IGF2R and CTCF, 71% (25 out of 35) and 50% (17/34), respectively, of the samples were heterozygous, and LOH was detected in 12% (3 out of 25) and 6% (1 out of 17), respectively, of the tumors. H. pylori was found in 26% (9/35) of these tumors. Among them, four were informative for the imprinting analysis. The presence of H. pylori had no effect on IGF2/H19 imprinting. Only the H. pylori detection was further broadened with an additional 47 laryngeal tumors, resulting in a total final positivity of close to 16% (13 out of 82). This study represents the largest comprehensive IGF2/H19 imprinting study done to date on well-defined samples of human laryngeal carcinomas and corresponding non-tumorous tissue. For the first time, the analyses of IGF2/H19 imprinting have been broadened with LOH analyses of IGF2R and CTCF, with both of these genes acting as modulators of IGF2 and H19 activity. Although there were indications that H. pylori may be present in LSCC, we are the first to show its presence in LSCC by two direct techniques: Giemsa staining and nested-PCR.

Curcumin (diferuloymethane), a natural compound used in traditional medicine, exerts an antiproliferative effect on various tumor cell lines by an incompletely understood mechanism. It has been shown that low doses of curcumin downregulate DNA topoisomerase II alpha (TOP2A) which is upregulated in many malignances. The activity of TOP2A is required for RNA polymerase II transcription on chromatin templates. Recently, it has been reported that CTCF, a multifunctional transcription factor, recruits the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (LS Pol II) to its target sites genome-wide. This recruitment of LS Pol II is more pronounced in proliferating cells than in fully differentiated cells. As expression of imprinted genes is often altered in tumors, we investigated the potential effect of curcumin treatment on transcription of the imprinted H19 gene, located distally from the CTCF binding site, in human tumor cell lines HCT 116, SW 620, HeLa, Cal 27, Hep-2 and Detroit 562. Transcription of TOP2A and concomitantly H19 was supressed in all tumor cell lines tested. Monoallelic IGF2 expression was maintained in curcumin-treated cancer cells, indicating the involvement of mechanism/s other than disturbance of CTCF insulator function at the IGF2/H19 locus. Curcumin did not alter H19 gene transcription in primary cell cultures derived from normal human tissues. J. Cell. Biochem. 104: 1781–1792, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Clinoptilolite is a nontoxic natural zeolite with properties of an ion-exchanger and adsorbent. Earlier studies showed that clinoptilolite could be an adjuvant in cancer therapy. The aim of this study was to define effects of clinoptilolite in cell media in cell viability and activity of key proteins regulating cell survival, cell division and stress response. The number of viable cells, DNA synthesis and activity of EGF-R, PKB/Akt and NF B was reduced, while apoptosis was increased in cells that were cultured in medium supplemneted with clinoptilolite. These results might be due to adsorbtion of some serum components such as EGF to clinoptilolite. In treated medium without serum the predominant role of clinoptilolite is that of cation exchange, likely affecting calcium levels and calcium-dependent signalling pathways. These results are in line with other data that confirm enhanced apoptosis in cells incubated in treated medium. Together, data presented here demonstrate that clinoptilolite affects cellular microenvironment through mechanisms that are dependent on adsorptive and ion-exchange characteristics of this material.

Brojne epidemiološke i kliničke studije utvrdile su pušenje duhana čimbenikom rizika za progresiju parodontne bolesti. Također je pronađena pozitivna korelacija izme đu nižega socioekonomskog statusa i težine parodontne bolesti.Željeli smo istražiti utjecaj pušenja na klinički parodontni status i subgingivni mikrobni profil u pacijenata s PTSP-om i pacijenata s progresivnom parodontnom bolesti. Istraživanje je uključilo 130 ispitanika podijeljenih u 3 skupine. Prva je skupina bila 50 osoba kojima je postavljena dijagnoza PTSP-a, i aktivno su sudjelovali u Domovinskom ratu. Druga se skupina sastojala od 50 pacijenata s uznapredovalim parodontitisom, a kontrolnu skupinu tvorilo je 30 parodontno zdravih osoba. Osobe iz tih skupina nisu bile izravno izložene ratnom stresu. Klinički pregled parodonta uključivao je mjerenje indeksa plaka (PI), indeksa krvarećeg sulkusa (SBI) dubine sondiranja (PD) i klinički gubitak pričvrstka (CAL). Parodontni patogeni Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (Aa), Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) i Eikenella corrodens (Ec) identificirani su s pomoću metode lančane reakcije polimeraze (PCR). Pušački i društvenoekonomski status, mjeren stupnjem naobrazbe takođe su određeni. Ispitanici s PTSP-om su u usporedbi s drugim dvjema skupinama imali najveći postotak pušača. U skupini s PTSP-om 78% ispitanika bili su pušači, a samo je 33% kontrolnih ispitanika pušilo. U skupini s PTSP-om 34% je pušilo manje od 20 cigareta na dan, a 30% je pušilo više od 40 cigareta na dan. Ovo razlikuje PTSP skupinu od druge dvije. Rezultati pokazuju da su, gledajući sve skupine zajedno, pušači imali više parodontnih upala i destrukcija nego nepušači, premda su samo PI i SBI vrijednosti bile statistički znatne. Odnos jakosti parodontne upale i destrukcije u pušača i nepušača je isti, i kada se promatra svaka skupina zasebno. Nisu pronađene statistički znatne razlike između prevalencije bakterija Aa, Pg i Ec imeđu pušača i nepušača. Skupina s PTSP-om imala je najniži stupanj školovanja. Navika pušenja i niži društvenoekonomski status čimbenici su koji utječu na zdravlje parodonta i pridonose parodontnoj upali u oboljelih od PTSP-a., Numerous epidemiological and clinical studies have identified tobacco smoking as a risk factor for periodontal disease progression. Positive correlation between lower socioeconimic status and periodontal disease severity has also been found. We wanted to study the influence of smoking on clinical periodontal status and the subgingival microbial profile in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) patients and patients with progressive periodontal disease. The investigation included 130 subjects divided in to three groups. The first group comprised 50 persons diagnosed with PTSD, who has actively participated in the Croatian liberation war. The second group were 50 patients treated for advanced periodontitis, and the control group were 30 periodontally healthy subjects. Subjects from the latter two groups were not directly subjected to war-related stress. Clinical periodontal examination included recording of plaque index (PI), sulcus bleeding index (SBI), probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment loss (CAL). Periodontal pathogens Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (Aa),Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) and Eikenella corrodens (Ec) were identified using poymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Smoking and socioeconomic status, evaluated by the level od education, were also assessed. The group of subjects with PTSD, compared to the other groups, had most cigarette smokers. In the PTSD group, 78% were smokers, wile only 33% of control subjects smoked. In the PTSD group, 34% smoked less than 20 cigarettes per day, and 30% smoked more than 40 cigarettes per day. In this respect PTSD group differs greatly from the other group. The results show that, of all participiants, smokers had more periodontal inflammation and destruction than non-smokers, although only PI and SBI values were significantly higher. This relationship is similar for each of the studied groups. No statistically significant difference was observed between bacterial prevalence of Aa, Pg and Ec between smokers and nonsmokers. PTSD group had the lowest education level. Smoking habits and lower socioeconimic status are contributing factors influencing the periodontal status of PTSD patients.

Nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to detect the presence of Helicobacter pylori in tongue mucosa in 268 patients divided into four groups according to their diagnosis: 87 with atrophic glossitis, 37 with benign migratory glossitis and 144 with burning mouth syndrome (BMS). The latter group was subdivided according to anatomic site of burning sensation: subgroup A (54 patients) with complaints limited to tongue and subgroup B (90 patients) with burning sensations in other parts of oral mucosa. H. pylori was found in 43 samples (16%). Bacteria were significantly less present in tongue mucosa affected with benign migratory glossitis compared with atrophic glossitis and BMS (P=0.025). This difference was more obvious when compared with atrophic glossitis only (P=0.006). Mucosal changes in these conditions might make the oral environment more acceptable for H. pylori colonization compared with normal mucosa, and this mechanism may play a role in its oro-oral transmission.

Breast cancer is among the most common tumors affecting women. It is characterized by a number of genetic aberrations. Five to 10% of all cases are estimated to be inherited. The hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome includes genetic alterations of various susceptibility genes, particularly BRCA 1 and BRCA 2. Breast tumors of patients with germ-line mutations in the BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 gene have an increase of additional genetic defects compared with sporadic breast tumors. Here we review some new findings in the function of BRCA 1 gene function. Accumulation of somatic genetic changes during tumor progression map follows a specific and more aggressive pathway of chromosome damage in these individuals. A major BRCA 1 downstream target gene is the DNA damage-responsive gene GADD 45. Induction of BRCA 1 triggers apoptosis through activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase/stress-activated protein kinase (JNK/SAPK). BRCA 1 interacts with a complex SWI/SNF, a chromatin remodeling complex, important in gene expression. Recent advances in genomics and bioinformatics, particularly in DNA-sequencing approaches and DNA-chip technology are expected to improve identification of small molecules, which might be drugable targets. New knowledge about the genetic portrait of breast tumor is coming from differential gene expression profiling using microarrays. Human genome studies, as well as development of “DNA chips”, provide a window for observing patterns of gene activity in cells, which will contribute to more accurate cancer classification. However, there is a lot of work connected with analytical and statistical tools, which has to be done in order to validate function of differentially expressed genes. Knowledge of the molecular characteristics of breast tumor already started to make possible identification of those breast cancer patients who could benefit from therapies that target those features. Progress in basic research in signaling provides the opportunity to attack at least some signal-transduction targets involved in proliferation, survival, invasion, angiogenesis, metastasis and resistance. Exciting knowledge in breast cancer biology is rapidly accumulating in parallel with recent developments in rational selection and validation of relevant targets that provide unique opportunities for development of “intelligent” therapeutics.