Prolonged culturing of colonic epithelial organoids derived from healthy individuals and ulcerative colitis patients results in the decrease of LINE-1 methylation level

Patient-derived human intestinal organoids are becoming an indispensable tool for the research of digestive system in health and disease. However, very little is still known about the long-term culturing effect on global genomic methylation level in colonic epithelial organoids derived from healthy individuals as well as active and quiescent ulcerative colitis (UC) patients. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the epigenetic stability of these organoids by assessing the methylation level of LINE-1 during prolonged culturing. We found that LINE-1 region of both healthy control and UC patient colon tissues as well as corresponding epithelial organoids is highly methylated (exceeding 60%). We also showed that long-term culturing of colonic epithelial organoids generated from stem cells of healthy and diseased (both active and quiescent UC) individuals results in decrease of LINE-1 (up to 8%) methylation level, when compared to tissue of origin and short-term cultures. Moreover, we revealed that LINE-1 methylation level in sub-cultured organoids decreases at different pace depending on the patient diagnosis (healthy control, active or quiescent UC). Therefore, we propose LINE-1 as a potential and convenient biomarker for reliable assessment of global methylation status of patient-derived intestinal epithelial organoids in routine testing of ex vivo cultures.

The association of E2F1 and E2F2 single nucleotide polymorphisms with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma pathomorphological features

BACKGROUND

Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is one of the most common types of cancer in the upper respiratory tract. It is well-known that it has a high mortality rate and poor prognosis in advanced stages. There are well-known risk factors for LSCC, though new specific and prognostic blood-based markers for LSCC development and prognosis are essential. The current study aimed to evaluate the impact of four different single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), E2F1 (rs3213183 and rs3213180) and E2F2 (rs2075993 and rs3820028), on LSCC development, morphological features, and patient 5-year survival rate.

METHODS

A total of 200 LSCC patients and 200 controls were included in this study; both groups were matched by age and sex. In the present study, we analyzed four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the genes E2F1 (rs3213183 and rs3213180) and E2F2 (rs2075993 and rs3820028) and evaluated their associations with the risk of LSCC development, its clinical and morphological manifestation, and patients 5-year survival rate. Genotyping was carried out using RT-PCR.

RESULTS

None of the analyzed SNPs showed a direct association with LSCC development. E2F2 rs2075993 G allele carriers (OR = 4.589, 95% CI 1.050-20.051, p = 0.043) and rs3820028 A allele carriers (OR = 4.750, 95% CI 1.088-20.736, p = 0.038) had a statistically significantly higher risk for poor differentiated or undifferentiated LSCC than non-carriers. E2F1 rs3213180 GC heterozygotes were found to have a 3.7-fold increased risk for lymph node involvement (OR = 3.710, 95% CI 1.452-9.479, p = 0.006). There was no statistically significant association between investigated SNPs and patient 5-year survival rate.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study indicates that E2F2 rs2075993 and rs3820028 impact LSCC differentiation, whereas E2F1 rs3213180 - on lymph node involvement.

The Association of Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphisms with Vitamin D, Total IgE, and Blood Eosinophils in Patients with Atopy

BACKGROUND

In order to improve the control of atopic diseases, it is important to clarify the pathogenesis of atopy and identify its various triggers. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the vitamin D receptor gene (VDR) may impact atopy. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible associations between VDR SNPs and vitamin D, total IgE, and eosinophils in atopy.

METHODS

In total, 203 adults, including 122 patients with atopic diseases (45 with atopic dermatitis, 77 with allergic asthma) and 81 healthy controls, were involved in the study. The blood eosinophil count was determined with an automated hematology analyzer. Vitamin D and total immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels were evaluated using the ELISA method. Polymorphisms in the VDR gene were analyzed with real-time PCR using TaqMan probes.

RESULTS

We analyzed six VDR single nucleotide polymorphisms and found a significant association between VDR rs731236 GG genotype and normal vitamin D levels in atopic patients and healthy subjects (OR 11.33; 95% CI: 1.049-122.388 and OR 4.04; 95% CI: 1.117-14.588, respectively, p < 0.05). Additionally, the study results revealed a significant relationship between the VDR rs2228570 GG genotype and normal vitamin D levels in patients with atopy and healthy subjects (OR 3.80; 95% CI: 1.190-12.134 and OR 2.09; 95% CI: 1.044-4.194, respectively, p < 0.05). The rs2228570 allele A was associated with decreased vitamin D levels in patients with atopy and healthy subjects (OR 0.28; 95% CI: 0.098-0.804 and OR 0.229; 95% CI: 0.069-0.761, respectively, p < 0.05). The VDR rs3847987 genotypes AA and AC were significantly associated with normal vitamin D levels in healthy subjects (OR 35.99; 95% CI: 6.401-202.446 and OR 4.72; 95% CI: 1.489-15.007, respectively, p < 0.05). In addition, a decreased amount of vitamin D was associated with atopic diseases such as atopic dermatitis and allergic asthma (OR 0.49; 95% CI: 0.439-1.308 and OR 0.58; 95% CI: 0.372-0.908, respectively, p < 0.05). The rs11168293 allele T was associated with the normal range of total IgE in atopy (OR 2.366; 95% CI: 1.133-5.027; p < 0.05). Significant associations were found between VDR rs731263 allele G, rs11168293 allele G, and increased blood eosinophil levels in patients with atopy (OR 0.319; 95% CI: 0.163-0.934 and OR 0.323; 95% CI: 0.112-0.935, respectively, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

A decreased vitamin D level showed a significant relationship with atopic diseases (atopic dermatitis and allergic asthma). The association between the VDR gene polymorphisms rs2228570, rs731236, and rs11168293 and vitamin D, total IgE, and blood eosinophils in patients with atopy suggested that VDR polymorphisms and the vitamin D level should be considered when examining the factors associated with atopy.

Genetic Diversity in Bronchial Asthma Susceptibility: Exploring the Role of Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphisms in Varied Geographic Contexts

Bronchial asthma (BA) exhibits varying prevalence across global populations, prompting a comprehensive investigation into genetic and environmental determinants. Vitamin D is a potent immunomodulator capable of suppressing inflammatory signals in several cell types involved in the asthmatic response; it exerts effects on the immune system by binding to the nuclear vitamin D receptor (VDR). VDR gene genetic variations are affecting serum vitamin D levels with a possible role in the BA risk. The current study aimed to examine the complex interaction of various factors (genetic background, serum vitamin D levels, and geographic location) to identify differences in the influence of these factors on the susceptibility to asthma between populations at different latitudes. Focusing on Eastern European cohorts from Latvia and Lithuania and comparing them with published data on East Asian populations, we explore the impact of VDR gene polymorphisms on BA susceptibility. Genotyping four key VDR SNPs and assessing their association with 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels, our study unveils significant associations of the studied loci with the risk of asthma-both risk-reducing and increasing effects, differently distributed between Baltic and East Asian populations. The functional effects of in silico VDR gene genetic variations are also identified and discussed.

Vitamin D receptor and vitamin D binding protein gene polymorphisms in patients with asthma: a pilot study

BACKGROUND

The effects of vitamin D are exerted by interaction with the vitamin D receptor (VDR) and vitamin D binding protein (VDBP). Polymorphisms in VDR or VDBP genes may affect vitamin D levels, influencing the pathogenesis of asthma and atopy. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible association of VDR and VDBP gene single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP), 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), blood eosinophils and total IgE level in subjects with asthma in comparison with healthy individuals.

METHODS

This case-control study enrolled 63 subjects with asthma (45 allergic and 18 non-allergic) and 32 healthy subjects were involved in the study. Sensitization of subjects to inhaled allergens was determined by a skin prick test, lung function was evaluated by spirometry. Blood eosinophil count was determined by standard methods. Serum 25(OH)D and total IgE levels were evaluated by ELISA. Polymorphisms in the VDR and VDBP genes on the 12q13.11 and 4q13.3 chromosomal region were analyzed using TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assay probes.

RESULTS

In asthma patients with vitamin D deficiency (< 20 ng/ml) the allele G of rs11168293 of VDR was more common than in those having insufficiency (20-30 ng/ml) of vitamin D (63% and 31%, p < 0.05). Moreover, asthmatic subject with rs11168293 G allele has significant higher blood eosinophil count compared to asthmatic without the rs11168293 G allele (8.5 ± 12.3% vs. 5.1 ± 1.5%, p < 0.05). Significantly higher IgE level was found in subjects with allergic asthma with the allele A of rs7041 on VDBP gene than in those without this allele (540 ± 110 and 240 ± 80 IU/ml, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The association of polymorphisms in VDBP and VDR gene, the rs11168293 G allele and the rs7041 A allele, with 25(OH)D, blood eosinophil and total IgE level in asthma, let us suggest that vitamin D, VDR and VDBP gene polymorphisms are important in pathogenesis of asthma despite its form in relation to atopy.

Mitochondria-Related TFAM and POLG Gene Variants and Associations with Tumor Characteristics and Patient Survival in Head and Neck Cancer

In 2020, 878,348 newly reported cases and 444,347 deaths related to head and neck cancer were reported. These numbers suggest that there is still a need for molecular biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of the disease. In this study, we aimed to analyze mitochondria-related mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) and DNA polymerase γ (POLG) single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the head and neck cancer patient group and evaluate associations between SNPs, disease characteristics, and patient outcomes. Genotyping was performed using TaqMan probes with Real-Time polymerase chain reaction. We found associations between TFAM gene SNPs rs11006129 and rs3900887 and patient survival status. We found that patients with the TFAM rs11006129 CC genotype and non-carriers of the T allele had longer survival times than those with the CT genotype or T-allele carriers. Additionally, patients with the TFAM rs3900887 A allele tended to have shorter survival times than non-carriers of the A allele. Our findings suggest that variants in the TFAM gene may play an important role in head and neck cancer patient survival and could be considered and further evaluated as prognostic biomarkers. However, due to the limited sample size (n = 115), further studies in larger and more diverse cohorts are needed to confirm these findings.

Mitochondria-related TFAM gene variants and their effects on patients with cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer in women worldwide, with high incidence and mortality rates, particularly in developing countries. There are human papillomavirus vaccines and cytological screening programs available; however, there are no molecular markers that would aid the prognosis of the course of the disease or prediction of the outcomes of the patients. The aim of the present study was to investigate the associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) gene (rs11006132, rs11006129, rs1937, rs16912174, rs16912202 and rs3900887), and the clinical parameters and tumor phenotype of patients with cervical cancer. DNA isolated from patients with cervical cancer (n=172) was used for genotyping using Real-Time PCR using TaqMan probes. It was revealed that the TFAM rs3900887 TT and AT genotypes were associated with a lower risk of developing larger tumors. The results showed an association between the rs3900887 SNP and tumor phenotype, indicating TFAM rs3900887 as a potential biomarker for tumor size in cervical cancer.

Vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms in atopy

Background

The occurrence of allergic conditions, for example allergic asthma, rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis, is rising worldwide. These allergic conditions are associated with poor life quality. Vitamin D is proposed to be linked with increased risk and severe forms of allergic diseases.

Aims

This review article aimed to evaluate the vitamin D level role and polymorphisms of vitamin D receptor gene (VDR) in atopy.

Methods & Materials

We analyzed publications that were focusing on levels of vitamin D and/or polymorphism analysis of vitamin D receptor gene in allergic asthma, rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis patients.

Results

We noticed that levels of vitamin D are extensively studied in atopy by many research groups, however, polymorphisms of vitamin D receptor gene and their link with levels of vitamin D lack comprehensive data. There is evidence that vitamin D may be associated with anti‐inflammatory effects in allergic diseases. Some of VDR polymorphisms also may play a role in pathogenesis of these diseases. However, the data from different studies are controversial.

Discussion

The results of different studies are usually inconsistent, most probably due to populational bias or differences in methodology. Even though, more evidence shows a positive impact of vitamin D on the risk and outcomes of allergic diseases, especially atopic dermatitis, and asthma.

Conclusions

There is controversial data about the level of vitamin D and its role in atopy; however, more evidence shows a positive impact on the risk and outcomes of allergic diseases.

POLG Gene Variants in Cervical Cancer Patients and Their Associations with Clinical and Pathomorphological Tumor Characteristics

Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers in women worldwide. Human papillomaviruses are known to be the main, but not the only risk factor, of this cancer type. Despite all the knowledge on this cancer type, it is still a challenge to predict the course of the disease, and therefore, minimally invasive biomarkers are needed. This study aimed to analyze single-nucleotide variants in the POLG gene and assess the associations with tumor phenotype and patient outcome. A total of 172 cervical cancer patients were included in this study. Clinical and tumor data were gathered from medical records retrospectively. Single nucleotide variations were determined using TaqMan probes with Real-Time PCR. Significant associations between POLG rs3087374 and cervical cancer patients' tumor histological type, stage, and tumor size were determined. The CA genotype and A allele of rs3087374 increased the probability of adenocarcinoma histological tumor type, IIIA stage, and T3 tumor size compared to CC genotype and C allele, respectively. Furthermore, patients with AA genotype in rs2072267 had longer metastasis-free survival than those with the GG genotype. Our data suggest that mitochondrial polymerase gamma encoded by nuclear POLG gene is important for specific tumor phenotype formation and patient outcome in cervical cancer.

The role of functional polymorphisms in oxidative stress-related genes on early-stage breast cancer survival

BACKGROUND

Genetic variations in oxidative stress-related genes may alter the coded protein level and impact the pathogenesis of breast cancer.

METHODS

The current study investigated the associations of functional single nucleotide polymorphisms in the NFE2L2, HMOX1, P21, TXNRD2, and ATF3 genes with the early-stage breast cancer clinicopathological characteristics and disease-free survival, metastasis-free survival, and overall survival. A total of 202 Eastern European (Lithuanian) women with primary I-II stage breast cancer were involved. Genotyping of the single nucleotide polymorphisms was performed using TaqMan single nucleotide polymorphisms genotyping assays.

RESULTS

The CA+AA genotypes of P21 rs1801270 were significantly less frequent in patients with lymph node metastasis and larger tumor size (P=0.041 and P=0.022, respectively). The TT genotype in ATF3 rs3125289 had significantly lower risk of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) negative, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) positive status (P=0.023, P=0.046, and P=0.040, respectively). In both, univariate and multivariate Cox analysis, TXNRD2 rs1139793 GG genotype vs. GA+AA was a negative prognostic factor for disease-free survival (multivariate hazard ratio (HR) 2.248; P=0.025) and overall survival (multivariate HR 2.248; P=0.029). The ATF3 rs11119982 CC genotype in the genotype model was a negative prognostic factor for disease-free survival (multivariate HR 5.878; P=0.006), metastasis-free survival (multivariate HR 4.759; P=0.018), and overall survival (multivariate HR 3.280; P=0.048).

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that P21 rs1801270 is associated with lymph node metastasis and larger tumor size, and ATF3 rs3125289 is associated with ER, PR, and HER2 status. Two potential, novel, early-stage breast cancer survival biomarkers, TXNRD2 rs1139793 and ATF3 rs11119982, were detected. Further investigations are needed to confirm the results of the current study.

The impact of mitochondria-related POLG and TFAM variants on breast cancer pathomorphological characteristics and patient outcomes

PURPOSE

Breast cancer is the most frequent female cancer, leading to relapse with distant metastasis of approximately one-third of patients. Cancer is usually considered a genetic disease involving mutations in nuclear DNA. However, genes, coding for mitochondrial proteins or regulatory molecules, are rarely under consideration. This study aimed to analyse 10 single nucleotide variants in POLG and TFAM genes and assess their association with tumour phenotype and disease outcome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 234 breast cancer patients were included in this study. Variations were determined with Real-Time PCR using TaqMan^® probes.

RESULTS

We found that patients with POLG rs2307441 TT and CT genotypes had a lower probability for vascular invasion than those with CC genotype (p = 0.001). Patients with POLG rs2072267 AG genotype were predisposed for progression compared with GG genotype (p = 0.015). TFAM rs3900887 TT genotype was associated with a higher probability for positive oestrogen receptors (p = 0.003) and lymphatic invasion (p = 0.001) in comparison to AA genotype, patients with TT (p = 0.000) were more likely to have positive lymph nodes.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that variations in POLG and TFAM genes are important determinacies of tumour phenotype and disease outcome in breast cancer patients.

Association of angiogenesis and inflammation-related gene functional polymorphisms with early-stage breast cancer prognosis

Genetic variations in inflammation- and angiogenesis-related genes may alter the coded protein level and impact the pathogenesis of breast cancer (BC). The present study investigated the association of functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the VEGFA, IL-1β, IL-1α and IL-6 genes with the early-stage BC phenotype and survival. Genomic DNA and clinical data were collected for 202 adult Eastern European (Lithuanian) women with primary I-II stage BC. Genotyping of the SNPs was performed using TaqMan SNP genotyping assays. Nine VEGFA, IL-1β, IL-1α and IL-6 polymorphisms were analysed. The VEGFA and IL-6 haplotypes were inferred using Phase software. Patients were prospectively followed-up for recurrence, occurrence of metastasis and mortality until April 30, 2019. All studied genotypes were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and had the same distribution as the 1,000 Genomes project Phase 3 dataset for European population. Significant associations of the studied SNPs with clinicopathologic variables were observed between IL-1α rs1800587 C allele and larger primary tumour size; IL-6 rs1800797 A allele, rs1800797 GA genotype, rs1800795 C allele, IL-6 (rs1800797-re1800795) AC diplotype and hormonal receptor-positive disease; IL-6 rs1800797 A allele and HER2 negative status. In univariate Cox survival analysis, IL-1α rs1800587 CC and IL-6 rs1800797 GG genotype carriers exhibited worse disease-free survival (DFS), metastasis-free survival (MFS) and overall survival (OS). The IL-6 rs1800795 GG genotype was associated with worse OS. IL-6 (rs1800797, rs1800795) GG/GG diplotype carriers had shorter MFS and OS. Multivariate Cox survival analysis revealed that the IL-1α rs1800587 CC genotype was an independent negative prognostic factor for DFS, MFS and OS, and the IL6 GG/GG diplotype was an independent negative prognostic factor for MFS and OS. According to the present study, functional SNPs in the IL-1α and IL-6 genes may contribute to the identification of patients at higher risk of BC recurrence, development of metastases and worse OS among early-stage patients with BC.

The association of matrix metalloproteinases polymorphisms and interleukins in advanced age-related macular degeneration

PURPOSE

To assess the impact of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)1-1607 1G/2G (rs1799750), MMP7-181 A/G (rs11568818) single-nucleotide polymorphism and systemic cytokins interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), IL-6 levels on the development of exudative age-related macular degeneration (eAMD) Methodology: The study group comprised 282 patients with eAMD, and the control group enrolled 379 randomly selected persons. The genotyping of MMP1-1607 (rs1799750) and MMP7-181 (rs11568818) was performed by using the polymerase chain reaction-based restriction fragment length polymorphism method. To determine IL-1β and IL-6 serum levels, the immunoenzymatic method with monoclonal antibodies coated plates was performed.

RESULTS

MMP1 rs1799750 1G/2G genotype was more frequently found in the development of eAMD. It was associated with a 4.3-fold increased risk for eAMD under the codominant model and a 4.9-fold increased risk for eAMD under the overdominant model. The effect was more pronounced at the age of less than 65 years. IL-1β concentration was significantly higher for MMP1 rs1799750 1G/1G genotype and MMP7 rs11568818 A/G genotype in eAMD patients compared with control group subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

MMP1 rs1799750 1G/2G genotype was found to play a significant role in the development of eAMD at the age of less than 65 years. IL-1β concentration was significantly higher in eAMD patients for MMP1 rs1799750 1G/1G genotype and MMP7 rs11568818 A/G genotype compared with control group subjects.

Gene methylation profile of gastric cancerous tissue according to tumor site in the stomach

Background

There is considerable information on the methylation of the promoter regions of different genes involved in gastric carcinogenesis. However, there is a lack of information on how this epigenetic process differs in tumors originating at different sites in the stomach.

The aim of this study is to assess the methylation profiles of the MLH1, MGMT, and DAPK-1 genes in cancerous tissues from different stomach sites.

Methods

Samples were acquired from 81 patients suffering stomach adenocarcinoma who underwent surgery for gastric cancer in the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Hospital Kaunas Clinics in 2009–2012. Gene methylation was investigated with methylation-specific PCR. The study was approved by the Lithuanian Biomedical Research Ethics Committee.

Results

The frequencies of methylation in cancerous tissues from the upper, middle, and lower thirds of the stomach were 11.1, 23.1, and 45.4 %, respectively, for MLH1; 22.2, 30.8, and 57.6 %, respectively, for MGMT; and 44.4, 48.7, and 51.5 %, respectively, for DAPK-1. MLH1 and MGMT methylation was observed more often in the lower third of the stomach than in the upper third (p < 0.05). In the middle third, DAPK-1 promoter methylation was related to more-advanced disease in the lymph nodes (N2–3 compared with N0–1 [p = 0.02]) and advanced tumor stage (stage III rather than stages I–II [p = 0.05]). MLH1 and MGMT methylation correlated inversely when the tumor was located in the lower third of the stomach (coefficient, –0.48; p = 0.01). DAPK-1 and MLH1 methylation correlated inversely in tumors in the middle-third of the stomach (coefficient, –0.41; p = 0.01).

Conclusion

Gene promoter methylation depends on the gastric tumor location.

The prognostic value of IL10 and TNF alpha functional polymorphisms in premenopausal early-stage breast cancer patients

BACKGROUND

Interleukin-10 and tumor necrosis factor α play an important role in breast carcinogenesis. Genes, encoding those two cytokines, contain single nucleotide polymorphisms, which are associated with differential levels of gene transcription. This study analyzes single nucleotide polymorphisms in interleukin 10 and tumor necrosis factor α genes and their contribution to breast cancer phenotype, lymph node status and survival in a group of young Lithuanian women with early-stage breast cancer patients.

RESULTS

We genotyped 100 premenopausal Eastern European (Lithuanian) patients with stage I-II breast cancer, ≤ 50 years old at the time of diagnosis, for interleukin 10 -592A > C, -819C > T and -1082A > G and tumor necrosis factor α -308G > A single nucleotide polymorphisms in the gene promoter region. We used the polymerase chain reaction, namely a restriction fragment length polymorphism method, for a SNP analysis. All genotypes were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and had the same distribution as the HapMap CEU population. Holders of IL10 -592A > C heterozygous IL10 -592 AC genotype had a higher probability of estrogen receptor positive breast cancer phenotype than homozygous variants (P = 0.017). Phased ACC haplotype of IL10 polymorphisms was associated with younger age of diagnosis (P = 0.017). Of all the tested single nucleotide polymorphisms, only TNFα -308G > A has revealed a prognostic capability for breast cancer survival. GA genotype carriers, compared to GG, showed a significant disadvantage in progression-free survival (P = 0.005, adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 4.631, 95 % confidence interval (CI) = 1.587 - 13.512), metastasis-free survival (P = 0.010, HR = 4.708, 95 % CI = 1.445 - 15.345) and overall survival (P = 0.037, HR = 4.829, 95 % CI = 1.098 - 21.243).

CONCLUSIONS

According to our data, IL10 -1082A > G, -819 T > C, -592A > C polymorphisms and phased haplotypes have not revealed a prognostic value for breast cancer. On the contrary, the TNFα -308 polymorphism might modulate the risk and contribute to the identification of patients at a higher risk of breast cancer recurrence, metastasis and worse overall survival among young Lithuanian early-stage breast cancer patients.

Duffy and kidd genotyping facilitates pretransfusion testing in patients undergoing long-term transfusion therapy

Objective: Conventional serologic typing of red blood cell systems other than ABO and RhD can be inaccurate and difficult to interpret in patients who have recently undergone blood transfusion. While molecular-based assays are not used routinely, the usefulness of genotyping was investigated in order to determine patients who may benefit from this procedure.

Materials and Methods: Blood samples were taken from 101 patients with haemato-oncological, chronic renal, or gastroenterological diseases and from 50 donor controls; the samples were tested for Fya and Fyb by applying serologic and genetic methods. All patients had received 3 or more units of RBCs during the last 3 months. An average of 6.1 RBC units were transfused per patient. The average length of time from transfusion until blood sampling was 24.4 days. The haemagglutination test was applied for serological analysis, and the restriction length polymorphism assay was used for genotyping.

Results: In total, 33 (32.7%) patients showed positive reactions with anti-Fya or anti-Fyb while being negative genetically. False-positive Fya results were found in 23 samples, and false-positive Fyb in 10 specimens. During the last 3 months, significantly more RBC units were transfused to patients with discrepant results than to those with accurate phenotyping/genotyping results: median of 5 (mean ± SE: 6.85±0.69) versus median of 4 (mean: 5.71±0.51), respectively (p=0.025). The median length of time after the last transfusion was 25 days (mean: 28.72±2.23 days) in the group with accurate phenotyping/genotyping results versus a median of 14 days (mean: 15.52±1.95 days) in the group with discrepant results (p=0.001). Phenotypes and genotypes coincided in all donor samples.

Conclusion: Genotyping assays for the Duffy system should be considered if the patient underwent blood transfusion less than 3 or 4 weeks before the sample collection. If the time frame from RBC transfusion exceeds 6 weeks, Duffy phenotyping can provide accurate results.

Dose response and kinetics of foci disappearance following exposure to high- and low-LET ionizing radiation

PURPOSE

The effect of different radiation qualities on (i) 53BP1 (p53 Binding Protein 1) and p-ATM (phosphorylated ataxia telangiectasia mutated) foci induction, and (ii) on the kinetics of foci disappearance was analysed.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Normal human skin fibroblasts were exposed to 240 kV broad-field X-rays or targeted with individually counted helium ((3)He) particles or protons ((1)H) from a Charged Particle Microbeam. Anti-p-ATM and anti-53BP1 antibodies were used for foci visualisation via immunocytochemistry.

RESULTS

1 Gy of X-rays yielded approximately 33 53BP1-positive foci/cell. The ratio between the number of delivered particles and yielded tracks was found to be 1:1 and 3:1 after targeted (3)He and (1)H irradiation, respectively. It was determined that approximately 50% of radiation-induced damage was repaired as measured by loss of foci during the first 2, 6, and 10 hours following X-ray, protons, and (3)He irradiation, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

There was significant radiation quality dependence for 53BP1- and p-ATM-positive foci induction observed. Foci disappearance was radiation dose-independent in the samples irradiated with X-rays. Our results confirm that kinetics of foci disappearance depends on radiation quality, even when individual ions are targeted to cells.

Development of the IFJ single ion hit facility for cell irradiation

In recent years, a single ion hit facility has been constructed at the IFJ ion microprobe. The setup is used for the precise irradiations of living cells by a controlled number of ions. Investigations of such type have two very important requirements: (1) cells must be examined in their natural state and environment (i.e. without previously being killed, preferentially neither fixed nor stained) and (2) the possibility of automatic irradiation of large number of cells (including computer recognition of cells positions) must be provided. This work presents some of the crucial features of the off-line and on-line optical systems, including self-developed software responsible for automatic cell recognition.

Genetic polymorphisms in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Etiology of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease remains unknown but, despite some inconsistencies in reports on inflammatory cells, mediators and proteases involved in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, genetic risk factors were proposed as a cause of susceptibility to the disease. Results of many studies suggested polygenic inheritance, with the genetic component consisting of several genes of a small effect each, rather than of single major gene. We are going to review the clinical importance of alpha-1 antitrypsin, glutathione S-transferase, microsomal epoxide hydrolase, matrix metalloproteinase, tumor necrosis factor-a, alpha-1 antichymotrypsin, alpha 2-macroglobulin, cytochrome P4501A1, heme oxygenase-1 genes polymorphisms associated with susceptibility and progression of the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.