MicroRNA-122 in patients with hepatitis B and hepatitis B virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is known as a serious problem in the domain of public health and approximately 350 million people across the world are affected with this infectious disease. As well, microRNAs are recognized as a type of small non-coding RNAs that can be widely used as a diagnostic biomarker and prognosis method of special diseases. In this respect, microRNA-122 or miR-122 can play a significant role in the pathogenesis of several hepatic diseases. Given the importance of microRNA-122 in the liver as well as its pathology, this study focused on the potential functions of microRNA-122 in pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of HBV infection. In this regard, the findings of previous studies had indicated that expression of microRNA-122 in patients with HBV infection could be significantly deregulated. The results of this study were consistent with the idea that diagnosis and treatment of this infectious disease using microRNA-122 could be an efficient method. Keywords Author Keywords:Hepatitis B virus (HBV); microRNA-122; hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); biomarker KeyWords Plus:REGION CONFERS RISK; MIRNA-122-BINDING SITE; CIRCULATING MICRORNAS; REGULATORY CIRCUITRY; CELL-PROLIFERATION; VIRAL REPLICATION; DOWN-REGULATION; LIVER-CANCER; MIR-122; EXPRESSIO

Intestinal Parasites Infection in Children with Cancer in Ahvaz, Southwest Iran

Background. Infection with intestinal parasites is widespread worldwide, especially in developing countries. Intestinal parasites are known as one of the leading causes of diarrhea in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised subjects, but cancer patients are highly susceptible to contamination, and it can be deadly for them. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of intestinal parasites in immunocompromised patients in Ahvaz. Material and Methods. In this descriptive cross-sectional pilot case-control study, fecal samples were collected from 52 children with malignancies hospitalized in Baqaei2 hospital in Ahvaz. A questionnaire including demographic information, type of cancer, type of gastrointestinal symptoms, and laboratory diagnosis was completed for each patient. The collected specimens were examined by direct smear, Logul staining, and concentration. Result. The 52 stool samples were collected, 46% were female and 54% male. The age range of children enrolled in the study was from 4 months to 16 years. Of these stool samples, 38.38% were infected with a variety of parasitic intestinal infections (helminths and protozoa). In this study, protozoan parasites, Blastocystis (23%), Chilomastix mesnili (1.92%), Endolimax nana (7.7%), and Entamoeba coli (1.92%), and helminth infection, Strongyloides stercoralis (3.84%), were observed and statistical analysis showed that there was a significant relationship between gastrointestinal symptoms and parasitic infection in children with cancer. Conclusion. Blastocystis and Endolimax nana are the most prevalent gastrointestinal parasitic protozoans that infect individuals admitted to Baqaei2 Hospital of Ahvaz, Iran. Since parasitic intestinal infections in immunocompromised patients lead to fatal diarrhea, children with parasitic infections must be carefully identified and treated

The Relationship between the Gene Expression Level of MYC Gene and Non-Coding RNA Lnc-Myc-2-34 Dup1 in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Background: In recent years, an increasing trend in the incidence of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has been reported. However, the molecular mechanisms involved are not fully understood. Because of the importance of c-MYC in ALL pathogenesis, it is important to consider the associated lncRNAs in identifying the molecular mechanisms involved in disease progression. The consequences of notch signals, depending on the dose and content can be highly pleiotropic. In hemolymphoid, notch signaling affects various cell lines at different stages of growth. The present study aimed to investigate the role of the MYC gene and related LncRNAs as a potential target for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Methods: This case-control study was performed on 40 ALL patients and 40 healthy controls during the years 2020-2021. For this purpose, total RNA was extracted from blood samples and after cDNA synthesis, MYC, and-myc-2-34 dup1 expression was measured using Real-Time PCR. Statistical analysis of the results was performed using SPSS software and appropriate tests. Findings: The results of the gene expression study showed that in patients with ALL, MYC expression and related lncRNA lnc-myc-2-34 dup1 compared to controls had significant increases. These expression changes were not significantly different in age, sex, MRD, and T-ALL and B-ALL categories. lncRNA lnc-myc-2-34 dup1 correlated with the MYC gene, and the ROC curve indicated their potential as a strong biomarker. Conclusion: Using lncRNAs as diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic markers can be an appropriate option that needs further research. According to the present study findings, the increased expression of myc-2-34 dup1 in patients with ALL has been reported for the first time thus, can be used as strong biomarkers