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Yousuf T, Dar SB, Bangri SA, Choh NA, Rasool Z, Shah A, Rather RA, Rah B, Bhat GR, Ali S, Afroze D. Diagnostic implication of a circulating serum-based three-microRNA signature in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Genet 2022; 13:929787. [PMID: 36457743 PMCID: PMC9705795 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.929787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Owing to the diagnostic dilemma, the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains impoverished, contributing to the globally high mortality rate. Currently, HCC diagnosis depends on the combination of imaging modalities and the measurement of serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels. Nevertheless, these conventional modalities exhibit poor performance in detecting HCC at early stages. Thus, there is a pressing need to identify novel circulating biomarkers to promote diagnostic accuracy and surveillance. Circulating miRNAs are emerging as promising diagnostic tools in screening various cancers, including HCC. However, because of heterogenous and, at times, contradictory reports, the universality of miRNAs in clinical settings remains elusive. Consequently, we proposed to explore the diagnostic potential of ten miRNAs selected on a candidate-based approach in HCC diagnosis. The expression of ten candidate miRNAs (Let-7a, miR-15a, miR-26a, miR-124, miR-126, miR-155, miR-219, miR-221, miR-222, and miR-340) was investigated in serum and tissue of 66 subjects, including 33 HCC patients and 33 healthy controls (HC), by rt-PCR. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was used to determine the diagnostic accuracy of the prospective serum miRNA panel. To anticipate the potential biological roles of a three-miRNA signature, the target genes were evaluated using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) signaling pathway. The serum and tissue expression of miRNAs (Let-7a, miR-26a, miR-124, miR-155, miR-221, miR-222, and miR-340) were differentially expressed in HCC patients (p < 0.05). The ROC analysis revealed promising diagnostic performance of Let-7a (AUC = 0.801), miR-221 (AUC = 0.786), and miR-2 (AUC = 0.758) in discriminating HCC from HC. Furthermore, in a logistic regression equation, we identified a three-miRNA panel (Let-7a, miR-221, and miR-222; AUC = 0.932) with improved diagnostic efficiency in differentiating HCC from HC. Remarkably, the combination of AFP and a three-miRNA panel offered a higher accuracy of HCC diagnosis (AUC = 0.961) than AFP alone. The functional enrichment analysis demonstrated that target genes may contribute to pathways associated with HCC and cell-cycle regulation, indicating possible crosstalk of miRNAs with HCC development. To conclude, the combined classifier of a three-miRNA panel and AFP could be indispensable circulating biomarkers for HCC diagnosis. Furthermore, targeting predicted genes may provide new therapeutic clues for the treatment of aggressive HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahira Yousuf
- Advance Centre for Human Genetics, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, SKIMS, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Sadaf Bashir Dar
- Advance Centre for Human Genetics, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Sadaf Ali Bangri
- Department of Surgical Gastroenterology, SKIMS, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Naseer A. Choh
- Department of Radio-Diagnosis, SKIMS, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Zubaida Rasool
- Department of Pathology, SKIMS, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Altaf Shah
- Department of Gastroenterology, SKIMS, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Rafiq Ahmed Rather
- Advance Centre for Human Genetics, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Bilal Rah
- Advance Centre for Human Genetics, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Gh Rasool Bhat
- Advance Centre for Human Genetics, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Shazia Ali
- Advance Centre for Human Genetics, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Dil Afroze
- Advance Centre for Human Genetics, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, SKIMS, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
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Rah B, Rather RA, Bhat GR, Baba AB, Mushtaq I, Farooq M, Yousuf T, Dar SB, Parveen S, Hassan R, Mohammad F, Qassim I, Bhat A, Ali S, Zargar MH, Afroze D. JAK/STAT Signaling: Molecular Targets, Therapeutic Opportunities, and Limitations of Targeted Inhibitions in Solid Malignancies. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:821344. [PMID: 35401182 PMCID: PMC8987160 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.821344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
JAK/STAT signaling pathway is one of the important regulatory signaling cascades for the myriad of cellular processes initiated by various types of ligands such as growth factors, hormones, and cytokines. The physiological processes regulated by JAK/STAT signaling are immune regulation, cell proliferation, cell survival, apoptosis and hematopoiesis of myeloid and non-myeloid cells. Dysregulation of JAK/STAT signaling is reported in various immunological disorders, hematological and other solid malignancies through various oncogenic activation mutations in receptors, downstream mediators, and associated transcriptional factors such as STATs. STATs typically have a dual role when explored in the context of cancer. While several members of the STAT family are involved in malignancies, however, a few members which include STAT3 and STAT5 are linked to tumor initiation and progression. Other STAT members such as STAT1 and STAT2 are pivotal for antitumor defense and maintenance of an effective and long-term immune response through evolutionarily conserved programs. The effects of JAK/STAT signaling and the persistent activation of STATs in tumor cell survival; proliferation and invasion have made the JAK/STAT pathway an ideal target for drug development and cancer therapy. Therefore, understanding the intricate JAK/STAT signaling in the pathogenesis of solid malignancies needs extensive research. A better understanding of the functionally redundant roles of JAKs and STATs may provide a rationale for improving existing cancer therapies which have deleterious effects on normal cells and to identifying novel targets for therapeutic intervention in solid malignancies.
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Rah B, Banday MA, Bhat GR, Shah OJ, Jeelani H, Kawoosa F, Yousuf T, Afroze D. Evaluation of biomarkers, genetic mutations, and epigenetic modifications in early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:6093-6109. [PMID: 34629822 PMCID: PMC8476336 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i36.6093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the deadliest malignancies with an alarming mortality rate. Despite significant advancement in diagnostics and therapeutics, early diagnosis remains elusive causing poor prognosis, marred by mutations and epigenetic modifications in key genes which contribute to disease progression.
AIM To evaluate the various biological tumor markers collectively for early diagnosis which could act as prognostic biomarkers and helps in future therapeutics of PC in Kashmir valley.
METHODS A total of 50 confirmed PC cases were included in the study to evaluate the levels of carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9), tissue polypeptide specific antigen (TPS), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Mutational analysis was performed to evaluate the mutations in Kirsten rat sarcoma (KRAS), Breast cancer type 2 (BRCA-2), and deleted in pancreatic cancer-4 (DPC-4) genes. However, epigenetic modifications (methylation of CpG islands) were performed in the promoter regions of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (p16; CDKN2A), MutL homolog 1 (hMLH1), and Ras association domain-containing protein 1(RASSF1A) genes.
RESULTS We found significantly elevated levels of biological markers CA 19-9 (P ≤ 0.05), TPS (P ≤ 0.05), CEA (P ≤ 0.001), and VEGF (P ≤ 0.001). Molecular genetic analysis revealed that KRAS gene mutation is predominant in codon 12 (16 subjects, P ≤ 0.05), and 13 (12 subjects, P ≤ 0.05). However, we did not find a mutation in DPC-4 (1203G > T) and BRCA-2 (617delT) genes. Furthermore, epigenetic modification revealed that CpG methylation in 21 (P ≤ 0.05) and 4 subjects in the promoter regions of the p16 and hMLH1 gene, respectively.
CONCLUSION In conclusion, CA 19-9, TPS, CEA, and VEGF levels were significantly elevated and collectively have potential as diagnostic and prognostic markers in PC. Global data of mutation in the KRAS gene commonly in codon 12 and rare in codon 13 could augment the predisposition towards PC. Additionally, methylation of the p16 gene could also modulate transcription of genes thereby increasing the predisposition and susceptibility towards PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bilal Rah
- Advanced Centre for Human Genetics, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar 190011, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Manzoor Ahmad Banday
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar 190011, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Gh Rasool Bhat
- Advanced Centre for Human Genetics, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar 190011, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Omar J Shah
- Department of Surgical Gastroenterology, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar 190011, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Humira Jeelani
- Advanced Centre for Human Genetics, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar 190011, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Fizalah Kawoosa
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Science, Srinagar 190011, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Tahira Yousuf
- Advanced Centre for Human Genetics, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar 190011, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Dil Afroze
- Advanced Centre for Human Genetics, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar 190011, Jammu and Kashmir, India
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Yousuf T, Naz M, Roberson CB, Wise SM, Rowland DL. Depression as a Function of Social Support in Transgender and Cisgender Individuals with Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:2462. [PMID: 33802257 PMCID: PMC7967598 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18052462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This study focused on the relationships among social support, self-esteem, and depression in transgender and cisgender individuals suffering from an incurable or curable sexually transmitted disease. Data were collected from 210 participants with an STI using a semi-structured interview along with culturally adapted standardized instruments. Results indicated no differences between transgender and cisgender groups in depression, although there were large differences in social support and self-esteem. Preliminary regression analysis identified only STI type and duration of STI as significant predictors of depression. However, when moderating roles for both social support and self-esteem were tested, each added to the explained variance and, equally importantly, revealed the effects of both gender status and social support on depression. These findings not only demonstrate how the compound stressors of gender minority status and STI type affect depressive symptoms, but also reveal the critical role that social support can play in mitigating depressive symptoms in those with gender minority status. Findings are interpreted within the context of South/Central Asian cultures that have pre- and post-colonial traditions regarding the social role of non-binary individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahira Yousuf
- Institute of Professional Psychology, Bahria University, Karachi 75260, Pakistan; (T.Y.); (M.N.)
| | - Mahwish Naz
- Institute of Professional Psychology, Bahria University, Karachi 75260, Pakistan; (T.Y.); (M.N.)
| | - Candace B. Roberson
- Department of Psychology, Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN 46383, USA; (C.B.R.); (S.M.W.)
| | - Suzanna M. Wise
- Department of Psychology, Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN 46383, USA; (C.B.R.); (S.M.W.)
| | - David L. Rowland
- Department of Psychology, Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN 46383, USA; (C.B.R.); (S.M.W.)
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Jan I, Rather RA, Mushtaq I, Malik AA, Besina S, Baba AB, Farooq M, Yousuf T, Rah B, Afroze D. Helicobacter pylori Subdues Cytokine Signaling to Alter Mucosal Inflammation via Hypermethylation of Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 1 Gene During Gastric Carcinogenesis. Front Oncol 2021; 10:604747. [PMID: 33569347 PMCID: PMC7868987 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.604747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Helicobacter pylori infection has been associated with the onset of gastric mucosal inflammation and is known to perturb the balance between T-regulatory (Treg) and T-helper 17 (Th17) cells which causes a spurt of interleukin 17 (IL17) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) from Th17 and Treg cells within the gastric milieu. IL17 instigates a surge of interleukin 6 (IL6) from T-helper 1 (Th1) and T-helper 2 (Th2) cells. Further, H. pylori infection is known to stimulate the atypical DNA methylation in gastric mucosa. However, the precise role of cytokine signaling in induction of epigenetic modifications during gastric carcinogenesis is vaguely understood. In this study, patient samples from were examined using real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), PCR, methylation-specific (MS)-PCR, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. We found that H. pylori infection augments the production of interleukin 10 (IL10), IL6, and TGF-β in the gastric milieu and systemic circulation. Together with the IL6/IL10 mediated hyperactivation of the JAK/STAT pathway, H. pylori infection causes the inactivation of suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) gene through the hypermethylation of the promoter region. This study signifies that H. pylori-mediated epigenetic silencing of SOCS1 in concert with inflammatory cytokines miffs hyperactivation of the JAK/STAT cascade during gastric carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iqra Jan
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, India
| | - Rafiq A Rather
- Department of Advanced Centre for Human Genetics, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, India
| | - Ifra Mushtaq
- Department of Advanced Centre for Human Genetics, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, India
| | - Ajaz A Malik
- Department of General and Minimal Invasive Surgery, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, India
| | - Syed Besina
- Department of Pathology, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, India
| | - Abdul Basit Baba
- Department of Advanced Centre for Human Genetics, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, India
| | - Muzamil Farooq
- Department of Advanced Centre for Human Genetics, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, India
| | - Tahira Yousuf
- Department of Advanced Centre for Human Genetics, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, India
| | - Bilal Rah
- Department of Advanced Centre for Human Genetics, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, India
| | - Dil Afroze
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, India.,Department of Advanced Centre for Human Genetics, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, India
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Murtaza G, Yousuf T, Kabir C, Desai C. Examining Pump Exchange and Laboratory Markers of Organ Function Among LVAD Related Hospitalizations for Hemolytic Events. J Heart Lung Transplant 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2017.01.671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
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