scholarly journals Circulating MicroRNA-21 As A Novel Noninvasive Biomarker for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Compared with Alpha Fetoprotein Gold Test

Author(s):  
Asmaa Gamal Osman ◽  
Khalid Shaaban Hashem ◽  
Laila Mohamed Youssef ◽  
Ahmed Nabil

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the greatest traditional kind of pre-eminent cancer worldwide, which happens mainly in chronic liver disease and cirrhotic patients. The available surveillance strategies for suspected HCC patients include serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and liver imaging have been mainly recommended. However, the sensitivity and selectivity of these diagnostic strategies especially in the early stages of HCC have many obstacles. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding RNAs that are 18–25 nucleotides in length. Plasma miRNAs may be a promising new biomarker for cancer detection and prognosis in the early stages. Assessment of Plasma MicroRNA-21 (miRNA-21) significance as a noninvasive Hepatocellular carcinoma marker compared with AFP gold standard test to improve HCC early diagnostic power. This is a prospective research project that included 90 patients in total, split into three classes., liver cirrhosis patients (LC) without any malignancies and (HCC) patients in addition to the healthy control group. Patients and controls were subjected to the clinical studies, routine investigations, imaging studies, and detection of plasma miRNA-21 & AFP. miRNA-21 showed a highly significant difference in the 3 studied groups. Control group with LC group, control group with HCC group, and LC group with HCC group P value (P 0.0001, P1 0.0001, P2 0.0001and P3 0.0001) respectively. Also, a highly significant difference was observed between pre-TACE and post-TACE miRNA-21 in the HCC group P value (0.0001). Circulating miRNA-21 may be used as a noninvasive co biomarker with AFP to increase HCC diagnostic accuracy in its early stages.

2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 3033-3033
Author(s):  
Alexandre Prieur ◽  
Eric Assenat ◽  
Marie Dupuy ◽  
Sarah Iltache ◽  
Berengere Vire ◽  
...  

3033 Background: Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is the most widely used biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) prognosis since it is expressed in the advanced stages of the disease. Consequently, AFP is not useful in establishing a prognosis for patients with a tumor in the early stages of the disease. hPG80 (circulating progastrin), a new drug target for cancer treatment which plays a pivotal role in tumorigenesis, is present in the blood of multiple types of cancers at early stages including HCC. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of plasma hPG80 in patients with HCC, in combination or not with AFP. Methods: A total of 168 HCC patients (BCLC from 0 to D) managed with local or systemic treatments, (“Liverpool” biobank) were enrolled prospectively and analyzed retrospectively. hPG80 was quantified using DxPG80 Lab kit (ECS-Progastrin) and AFP was quantified using Cobas E411 in the blood of HCC patients. An optimal cutoff value of hPG80 was identified at 4.5 pM by calculating the minimal p-value based on the log-rank method. For AFP, a cutoff of 100 ng/mL was used as for liver transplantation (Notarpaolo, 2016). The prognostic impact of hPG80 and AFP levels on patient survival was assessed using Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank tests. Results: The median overall survival (OS) of the full cohort is 20.9 months. HCC patients with high hPG80 levels (hPG80+: >4.5 pM, 105/168) had significantly lower median OS compared to patients with low hPG80 levels (hPG80-: <4.5 pM, 63/168) (12.4 months versus undefined respectively, p < 0.0001). Patients with high AFP (AFP+: >100 ng/mL, 69/165) had significantly lower median OS compared to patients with low AFP (AFP: <100 ng/mL 96/165) (7.2 months versus undefined, p < 0.0001). To improve the stratification, the patients were further categorized into four groups: hPG80-/AFP- (n = 42), hPG80+/AFP- (n = 54), hPG80-/AFP+ (n = 21) and hPG80+/AFP+ (n = 48). In the AFP- group, hPG80+ patients exhibited a significantly worse prognosis than those with hPG80- (26.3 months versus undefined, p=0.0087). Similarly, in the AFP+ group, patients with hPG80+ had a significantly worse survival compared to hPG80- patients (5.7 months versus 13.4 months, p = 0.0391). Finally, we evaluated the median OS of AFP+ patients according to BCLC staging. Interestingly, in the group BCLC 0 to B, hPG80+ had a significantly worse prognosis than those with hPG80- (15.8 months versus 40.25 months, p=0.0317). Conclusions: Our findings show that hPG80 could serve as a new prognostic biomarker in HCC. Used in combination with AFP, it improves the stratification of the patients in good and worst prognosis, especially for those patients with negative AFP and early-stage HCC.


Blood ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 120 (21) ◽  
pp. 4388-4388
Author(s):  
Amal M. El-beshlawy ◽  
Hala Gabr ◽  
Rania Zayed ◽  
Laila Hegaz ◽  
Rania Fawzy ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 4388 Background: Hemophilia is caused by a single-gene defect in which a small increase in gene products could transform a severe form of hemophilia into a mild one. Hemophilia treatments are readily available in developed countries, however In Egypt, Most hemophilia patients are treated with plasma or cryoprecipitate, where the treatment is associated with a high risk of blood-borne diseases. Liver transplantation in human and canine hemophilia A results in an increase in factor VIII levels to normal. Studies showed that BMCs not only differentiated into hepatic and liver cells, but they did express the intact gene of the FVIII A3 domain. Objective: In this work we studied the ability of bone marrow derived stem cells from hemophilia patients' relatives (carrier or normal) to be differentiated into hepatocytes expressing FVIII m-RNA in vitro as a step towards transplantation in haemophilia patients. It was necessary to prove that the applied culture conditions were successful not only to obtain hepaotocyte morphology but also hepatocyte ability to produce FVIII. Methods: The study was conducted on family relatives of five hemophilia A patients attending the hematology clinic, Cairo University hospitals. From each family, one hemophilia A carrier and one healthy person were subjected to the study. Informed consent was obtained from the participants. BM-HSCs were cultured in liquid culture containing HGF for 6 days. Differentiation into hepatocytes was evaluated by alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) expression using immunohistochemistry, albumin synthesis in culture supernatant using microalbumin assay kit, factor VIII activity by one stage clotting assay and expression of FVIII mRNA by RT-PCR. Results: Cell morphology changed after 6 days culture; round or polygonal-shaped cells with moderate cytoplasm and a medium-sized nucleus were observed. Morphologic confirmation of hepatocyte differentiation was done by immunocytochemistry; human alpha fetoprotein positive cells were detected in the culture. The positive cells appeared round or pear shaped, most of them contained one nucleus. However, few cells were binucleated with brown stained cytoplasm and bluish nuclei (Figure 1 A, B). By image analysis, the mean number of alpha fetoprotein positive cells estimated in10 random high power fields was 11 ± 1.6, 11 ±1.8 cells/HPF in the carriers and controls respectively. Immunophenotyping after culture; the percentage of CD 34+ve cells for the carrier group ranged from 0.5 to 2.5 with the mean of 1.2 ± 0.8 and from 0.7 to 2.1 with the mean of 1.5 ± 0.7 for the control group. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (p > 0.05) and the percentage of CD 90+ve cells for the carrier group ranged from 11.1 to 14.2 with the mean of 12.7 ± 1.2 and from 12.6 to 13.8 with the mean of 13.3 ± 0.6 for the control group. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (p > 0.05). On comparison between immunophenotyping before and after culture in both groups, statistical analysis showed highly significant decrease in CD34 positivity (p value 0.002 and 0.001) in the carriers and controls respectively associated with highly significant increase in the percentage of CD90 positive cells (p value 0.000) in the two groups. Albumin secretion was detected in the culture supernate at the 6th day culture, the mean albumin level was 0.52 mg/L ± 0.32 and 0.6 mg/L ± 0.4 in the carriers and controls respectively. F VIII activity was estimated; with the mean of 0.14%±0.021% and 0.5%±0.4% in the carriers and controls respectively. Transcription of FVIII m-RNA was detected by qualitative RT-PCR in 2 carriers and all controls (Figure 2). Conclusion: BM derived hepatocytes showed positive AFP expression. Functional tests performed showed their ability to produce albumin and perform FVIII activity. Also FVIII mRNA expression was detected. Induction of HSCs differentiation by in vitro manipulation may become a valuable tool to provide a cell source for liver transplant procedures and treatment of haemophilia patients. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-77
Author(s):  
Rohimah Ismail ◽  
Chong Mei Chan ◽  
Wan Muhammad Azly W. Zulkafli ◽  
Hasnah Zani ◽  
Zainab Mohd Shafie

                The evolution of information technology has exerted great influence on nursing education via new pedagogy of knowledge delivery without time and place restriction. Mobile technology revolutionises nursing education and clinical practice via empowering skills of critical thinking and clinical decision-making through learning. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of using mobile messenger (Whatsapp) as an educational supporting tool among nursing students. The study design used is a Cluster Randomized Control Trail. Two nursing colleges were selected. Sample size was 93 participants, 48 from the Kuala Terengganu Nursing College Kuala Terengganu as the intervention group while the control group were recruited among 45 participants from UniSZA Nursing College. There is a significant difference in the level of knowledge between pre and posttest among intervention group (mean difference was -8.70 with a standard deviation 8.42, p-value< 0.001) and 93.8 percent of the respondents perceived the usefulness of using WhatsApp mobile messenger to enhance learning. This demonstrates that learning through mobile messenger (WhatsApp) enhances learning and is well received as a new method of learning by almost all students.   Keywords: Mobile learning, WhatsApp messenger, Social Interaction


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 205031212110202
Author(s):  
Rgda Mohamed Osman ◽  
Mounkaila Noma ◽  
Abdallah Elssir Ahmed ◽  
Hanadi Abdelbagi ◽  
Rihab Ali Omer ◽  
...  

Objectives: Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease. This study aimed to determine the association of interleukin-17A-197G/A polymorphism with rheumatoid arthritis in Sudanese patients. Methods: A case–control study was conducted between March and December 2018. Clinical and demographic data of the study participants were collected and analyzed. Polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism molecular technique was done to investigate interleukin-17A-197G/A polymorphisms. All statistical tests were considered statistically significant when p < 0.05. Results: The study population included 266 participants aged between 1 and 85 years, with an average of 40 years, classified into 85 (31.2%) cases (mean age 48.5 ± 11.3 years), and 181 (68.8%) controls (mean age 35.3 ± 15.9 years). The interleukin-17A homozygote AA genotype was more frequent among the control group compared to the case group; 95 (52.5%) and 7 (8.2%), respectively. The homozygote GG and the heterozygote AG genotypes were proportionally not different among the cases and control groups; 13 (54.2%) and 11 (45.8%), and 65 (46.4%) and 75 (53.6%), respectively. According to the distribution of interleukin-17A genotypes, a statistically significant difference was observed among cases with the interleukin-17A AA and AG genotypes, p values 0.001 and 0.004, respectively. For the association interleukin-17A genotypes and family history a negatively significant association was reported (95% confidence interval, –0.219, p value = 0.001). There was also a negatively significant association of interleukin-17A genotypes and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (95% confidence interval, −0.141, p value = 0.002). Conclusion: This study is the first study in Sudan established the association between interleukin-17A-197G/A (rs2275913) polymorphisms and susceptibly to rheumatoid arthritis. These findings appeal for further research in Sudan to investigate the exact role of IL-17A in immunopathology and disease severity among Sudanese rheumatoid arthritis


Biology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 358
Author(s):  
Javier Aragoneses ◽  
Ana Suárez ◽  
Nansi López-Valverde ◽  
Francisco Martínez-Martínez ◽  
Juan Manuel Aragoneses

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of implant surface treatment with carboxyethylphosphonic acid and fibroblast growth factor 2 on the bone–implant interface during the osseointegration period in vivo using an animal model. The present research was carried out in six minipigs, in whose left tibia implants were inserted as follows: eight implants with a standard surface treatment, for the control group, and eight implants with a surface treatment of carboxyethylphosphonic acid and immobilization of FGF-2, for the test group. At 4 weeks after the insertion of the implants, the animals were sacrificed for the histomorphometric analysis of the samples. The means of the results for the implant–bone contact variable (BIC) were 46.39 ± 17.49% for the test group and 34.00 ± 9.92% for the control group; the difference was not statistically significant. For the corrected implant–bone contact variable (BICc), the mean value of the test group was 60.48 ± 18.11%, and that for the control group, 43.08 ± 10.77%; the difference was statistically significant (p-value = 0.035). The new bone formation (BV/TV) showed average results of 27.28 ± 3.88% for the test group and 26.63 ± 7.90% for the control group, meaning that the differences were not statistically significant (p-value = 0.839). Regarding the bone density at the interthread level (BAI/TA), the mean value of the test group was 32.27 ± 6.70%, and that of the control group was 32.91 ± 7.76%, with a p-value of 0.863, while for the peri-implant density (BAP/TA), the mean value of the test group was 44.96 ± 7.55%, and that for the control group was 44.80 ± 8.68%, without a significant difference between the groups. The current research only found a significant difference for the bone–implant contact at the cortical level; therefore, it could be considered that FGF-2 acts on the mineralization of bone tissue. The application of carboxyethylphosphonic acid on the surface of implants can be considered a promising alternative as a biomimetic coating for the immobilization of FGF-2. Despite no differences in the new bone formation around the implants or in the interthread or peri-implant bone density being detected, the biofunctionalization of the implant surface with FGF-2 accelerates the mineralization of the bone–implant interface at the cortical level, thereby reducing the osseointegration period.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
I Jafaripour ◽  
Z Aryanian ◽  
S Hosseinzadeh ◽  
R Pourkia ◽  
MM Ansari Ramandi ◽  
...  

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction Lichen planus (LP) which is a chronic inflammatory disease can cause impaired atrial electromechanical coupling, leading to increased risk of atrial fibrillation. Purpose The present study aimed to evaluate atrial electromechanical coupling in LP patients by using electrocardiography (ECG) and echocardiography. Methods Forty-six LP patients were investigated in this cross-sectional case-control study. The control group comprised healthy individuals selected in age and gender-matched manner. Echocardiography and ECG were done for all patients to show inter and intra-atrial electromechanical delays and P wave dispersion respectively. The electromechanical delays were calculated by using the difference between the delays from the onset of the P wave on ECG to the onset of A wave on tissue Doppler recordings of the different areas. Results The baseline characteristics of the case and control group were similar and did not differ significantly. The P wave dispersion was 45.63 ± 3.48 milliseconds in the LP group in comparison to 36.56 ± 2.87 milliseconds in the control group (p &lt; 0.001). As shown in the table, the intra and inter-atrial electromechanical delays were also significantly prolonged in LP patients when compared to the control group (p &lt; 0.001). There was no significant difference between the left and right ventricular systolic function and diastolic function of the two groups. Conclusion The results of the study indicate the presence of significant impaired atrial electromechanical coupling in patients with LP confirmed by both electrocardiographic and echocardiographic tools. Electromechanical delays Case N = 46 (mean ± SD) Control N = 46 (mean ± SD) P value Septal - PA (msec) 59.71 ± 13.24 44.39 ± 11.07 0.002 Lateral - PA (msec) 55.71 ± 13.26 48.89 ± 11.21 0.009 Tricuspid - PA (msec) 52.37 ± 13.12 43.28 ± 10.58 0.002 Inter-atrial delay (msec) (lateral PA−RV PA) 8.47 ± 1.62 6.37 ± 1.36 &lt;0.001 Intra-atrial delay (msec) (LA) [lateral PA−septal PA] 4.80 ± 1.48 3.83 ± 0.82 &lt;0.001 Intra-atrial delay (msec) (RA) [septal PA−RV PA] 3.91 ± 0.96 2.02 ± 0.71 &lt;0.001 PA Delay from the onset of the P wave on ECG to the onset of A wave on tissue Doppler, N: number, SD: Standard Deviation, LA: Left Atrium, RA: Right Atrium, RV: Right Ventricle


Author(s):  
Muhammad Kashif ◽  
Nosheen Manzoor ◽  
Rimsha Safdar ◽  
Hafsa Khan ◽  
Maryam Farooq ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND: Cervicogenic headache (CGH) is a common condition that results in significant disability. To treat this dysfunction, Mulligan described sustained natural apophyseal gliders (SNAGs) as a manual therapy approach. However, only inconclusive short-term evidence exists for treating CGH with SNAGs. OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to investigate the effect of SNAGs in the treatment of CGH. METHODS: Fourty female patients ranging from 20 to 40 years with CGH were randomly assigned to two groups: 20 in a treatment group and 20 in a control group. SNAGs were applied to the treatment group while the control group received placebo treatment. Both groups received their respective treatment for 20 minutes, alternately three times per week, for a total of 12 times in four weeks. The outcome measures were the Neck Disability Index (NDI) and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Participants were assessed at baseline and at the end of each week. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 20. Independent t-testing was used to reveal changes between groups. One-way ANOVA was used to determine changes within groups. The level of significance was P< 0.05. RESULTS: Twenty participants (100%) in the treatment group and 17 (85%) in the control group had a history of headache aggravation with active movements or passive head positioning. There was no significant difference at baseline (p> 0.05), indicating that both groups were homogeneous at the time of recruitment. The p value (p< 0.05) showed a significant difference in pain and level of disability at three and four weeks (p< 0.05) in patients treated with SNAGs. However, the cervical range of motion (ROM) showed a statistically significant improvement in flexion and extension in the treatment group (p< 0.05) while there was no significant improvement in side flexion and rotation ROM in both groups (p> 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study found that SNAGs were effective in reducing pain and neck disability and improved ROM in females with CGH.


2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 276
Author(s):  
Yusari Asih ◽  
I Gusti Ayu Mirah WS

<p><span>Baby Massage and Spa was a traditional effort that uses a holistic approach through comprehensive care using a combination of massage and water therapy methods that are carried out in an integrated manner to balance the body, mind, and feelings. Age 3-6 months is the right time for babies to do massage and spa. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of baby massage and spa on the growth of infants aged 3-5 months in Pringsewu District in 2018. This study uses a quasi-experimental approach with research design pre and post-test with control group design. The purposive sampling technique was taken with a sample of 30 infants as the intervention group and 30 infants as the control group. Data were processed using computerization and analyzed using the T-Test. The results showed that there were significant differences between body weight, body length and baby head circumference in the pre and post-treatment. There was no significant difference in the average increase in infant weight between babies who were carried out by baby massage and spa with babies who were not carried out by baby massage and spa with p-value 0.116. There is a significant difference in the baby's body length and head circumference performed by baby massage and spa with those not carried out by baby massage and spa with p-value 0.000. Baby Massage and Spa has a significant effect on increasing the growth of babies aged 3-5 months.</span></p><p><span> </span></p>


2021 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Humaira Fayyaz ◽  
Shazadi Ambreen ◽  
Hammad Raziq ◽  
Azmat Hayyat

Objectives: To compare the levels of cortisol in patients of vasovagal syncope (VVS) and postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS). Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted at Islamic International Medical College, Rawalpindi and Electrophysiology Department at (AFIC). This study included 80 subjects, comprising of 35 patients in each group of vasovagal syncope and postural tachycardia syndrome and 10 healthy subjects. Patients with complaint of syncope was evaluated for vasovagal syncope and postural tachycardia syndrome using Head Up Tilt Test (HUTT). Blood samples of all the participants were taken and serum cortisol was analyzed using ELISA method. Results were analyzed on SPSS Statistics 21 using ANOVA with a p-value of ≤0.05 regarded as significant. Results: Hormonal analysis shows that cortisol levels in the vasovagal, postural tachycardia syndrome and in control group was 153±16.7pg/ml, 160.17±pg/ml, and 69.65±5.8pg/ml respectively. Cortisol levels were significantly higher in both vasovagal and POTS groups as compared to controls with a p-value of 0.04 and 0.023 respectively. However, there was no significant difference between vasovagal and POTS patients with p value 0.570. Conclusion: It is concluded from the study that cortisol responses of VVS and POTS were positive. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.1.4122 How to cite this:Khan HF, Ambreen S, Raziq H, Hayat A. Comparison of cortisol levels in patients with vasovagal syncope and postural tachycardia syndrome. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(1):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.1.4122 This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Osman Baştuğ ◽  
Bahadır İnan ◽  
Ahmet Özdemir ◽  
Binnaz Çelik ◽  
Funda Baştuğ ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, and hyperphosphatemia are common electrolyte disturbances in perinatal asphyxia(PA). Different reasons have been proposed for these electrolyte disturbances. This study investigated the effect of the urinary excretion of calcium(Ca), magnesium(Mg), and phosphorus(P) on the serum levels of these substances in babies who were treated using therapeutic hypothermia for hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy(HİE) caused by PA. This study sheds light on the pathophysiology that may cause changes in the serum values of these electrolytes.Method: This study included 21 healthy newborns(control group) and 38 patients(HİE group) who had undergone therapeutic hypothermia due to HİE. Only infants with a gestational age of 36 weeks and above and a birth weight of 2000 g and above were evaluated. The urine and serum Ca, Mg, P, and creatinine levels of all infants were evaluated at 24, 48, and 72 hours.Results: The lower serum Ca value and the higher serum P value of the HİE group were found to be statistically significant compared to the control group. There was no significant difference in serum Mg values between the groups. However, hypomagnesemia was detected in five patients from the HİE group. The urine excretions of these substances, which were checked at different times, were found to be significantly higher in the HİE group compared to the control group.Conclusion: This study determined that the urinary excretion of Ca, Mg, and P has an effect on the serum Ca, Mg, and P levels of infants with HİE.


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