Investigation of JC polyomavirus (JCV) genome in colorectal cancer patients from Iran

Background: JC polyomavirus (JCV) is an epitheliotropic and neurotropic virus that identified in relationship with some devastating complications such as progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) and linked to colorectal cancer. The aim of current study was to identify the prevalence of JCV in colorectal cancer for the first time in Iran. Methods: This retrospective case-control study was conducted by the hospitals affiliated to Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran from 2011 to 2016. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) blocks were used for DNA extraction by QIAamp® DNA FFPE Tissue Kit. The SYBER Green Real-time PCR assay performed by specific primers for JCV T-Large Ag. Melting curve analysis used for evaluation of amplification specificity. Positive control cloned in pTZ57R/T plasmid by Generay Biotechnology system. Results: Of 157 specimens 66 were colorectal cancer by the mean age (y) ± std. deviation 59.35±14.48 and 91 healthy control by the mean age (y) ± std. deviation 57.21±14.66. All 157 specimens tested for JCV T-Large Ag gene by Real-time PCR method and we found that there was not any positive result although the melting analysis showed specificity of positive control amplification. Conclusion: Low prevalence of JCV infection in Iranian CRC population confirmed by the current study results; there was not any JCV positive result in CRC and healthy control groups. Further studies by broader and different populations are recommended

Investigation of CTNNB1 gene mutations and expression in hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhosis in association with hepatitis B virus infection

Hepatitis B virus (HBV), along with Hepatitis C virus chronic infection, represents a major risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. However, molecular mechanisms involved in the development of HCC are not yet completely understood. Recent studies have indicated that mutations in CTNNB1 gene encoding for β-catenin protein lead to aberrant activation of the Wnt/ β-catenin pathway. The mutations in turn activate several downstream genes, including c-Myc, promoting the neoplastic process. The present study evaluated the mutational profile of the CTNNB1 gene and expression levels of CTNNB1 and c-Myc genes in HBV-related HCC, as well as in cirrhotic and control tissues. Mutational analysis of the β-catenin gene and HBV genotyping were conducted by direct sequencing. Expression of β-catenin and c-Myc genes was assessed using real-time PCR. Among the HCC cases, 18.1 showed missense point mutation in exon 3 of CTNNB1, more frequently in codons 32, 33, 38 and 45. The frequency of mutation in the hotspots of exon 3 was significantly higher in non-viral HCCs (29.4) rather than HBV-related cases (12.7, P = 0.021). The expression of β-catenin and c-Myc genes was found upregulated in cirrhotic tissues in association with HBV infection. Mutations at both phosphorylation and neighboring sites were associated with increased activity of the Wnt pathway. The results demonstrated that mutated β-catenin caused activation of the Wnt pathway, but the rate of CTNNB1 gene mutations was not related to HBV infection. HBV factors may deregulate the Wnt pathway by causing epigenetic alterations in the HBV-related HCC. © 2020 The Author(s)

Human Papillomavirus Type 16 Integration Analysis by Real-time PCR Assay in Associated Cancers

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common viral infection worldwide associated with a variety of cancers. The integration of the HPV genome in these patients causes chromosomal instability and triggers carcinogenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the HPV-16 genome physical status in four major cancers related to HPV infection. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded blocks from our previous projects on head and neck, colorectal, penile, and cervical cancers were collected, and HPV-16�positive specimens were used for further analysis. The DNA extraction copy number of E2 and E7 genes was calculated by qualitative real-time PCR method. Serially diluted standards that were cloned in PUC57 plasmid were used. Standard curve and melting curve analysis was used for quantification. Of the 672 specimens studied, 76 (11.3) were HPV-16 positive. We found that 35.6 (16/45) were integrated. Statistical analysis showed that there were significant correlations between integration of HPV-16 and cervical cancer end-stage carcinogenesis (P <.0001), episomal form, and ASCUS lesions (P =.045). Significant correlation in penile cancer patients was seen between the episomal form and high-grade cancer stage (P =.037). Integration is a major factor in the carcinogenesis mechanism of HPV and has different prevalence in various cancers with a higher rate in progression except in penile cancer. © 201

Human Papillomavirus Type 16 Integration Analysis by Real-time PCR Assay in Associated Cancers

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common viral infection worldwide associated with a variety of cancers. The integration of the HPV genome in these patients causes chromosomal instability and triggers carcinogenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the HPV-16 genome physical status in four major cancers related to HPV infection. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded blocks from our previous projects on head and neck, colorectal, penile, and cervical cancers were collected, and HPV-16�positive specimens were used for further analysis. The DNA extraction copy number of E2 and E7 genes was calculated by qualitative real-time PCR method. Serially diluted standards that were cloned in PUC57 plasmid were used. Standard curve and melting curve analysis was used for quantification. Of the 672 specimens studied, 76 (11.3) were HPV-16 positive. We found that 35.6 (16/45) were integrated. Statistical analysis showed that there were significant correlations between integration of HPV-16 and cervical cancer end-stage carcinogenesis (P <.0001), episomal form, and ASCUS lesions (P =.045). Significant correlation in penile cancer patients was seen between the episomal form and high-grade cancer stage (P =.037). Integration is a major factor in the carcinogenesis mechanism of HPV and has different prevalence in various cancers with a higher rate in progression except in penile cancer. © 201

Polymorphism of IL-28B gene (rs12979860) in HCV genotype 1 patients treated by pegylated Interferon and Ribavirin

Background: Nowadays, the immune response to hepatitis C (HCV) treatment has become a crucial issue mostly due to the interleukin 28B (IL-28B) polymorphism effects in chronic HCV patients. The aim of this study was to detect the polymorphism of IL-28B gene (rs12979860) in HCV genotype 1 patients treated with pegylated Interferon and Ribavirin. Methods: From the 2010 to 2012, a total of 115 peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of HCV patients who presented to Gastrointestinal & Liver Disease Research Center (GILDRC), Firoozgar Hospital, Tehran, Iran were enrolled in this retrospective cross sectional study. Samples were then categorized based on the presence of sustained virologic response (SVR and no-SVR). Variables including age, gender, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels of the two groups were investigated based on different IL-28B genotypes. Results: Analysis by the variables of age and gender showed a mean age ± SD of 42.1±14.0 and gender variability of 44 females (38.2) and 71 males (61.8). Adding up these results, the analysis of ALT levels revealed that there was between 293 and 14 mg/ml; AST levels ranged between 217 and 17 mg/ml; the viral load (HCV RNA) ranged between 7,822,000 and 50 IU/ml; the prevalence of CC, CT and TT genotypes were 90.9, 54 and 25.0. Conclusion: IL-28B polymorphism has an effective impact on the therapeutic response to ribavirin and peginterferon combination therapy in chronic HCV patients infected by different genotypes. This polymorphism is crucial in natural clearance. © 2016, Iran J Pathol. All rights reserved

Evaluating tissue levels of the eight trace elements and heavy metals among esophagus and gastric cancer patients: A comparison between cancerous and non-cancerous tissues

Background: Considering the affecting role of environmental factors including trace elements and heavy metals on the upper gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, there is paucity of empirical research in tissue evaluations. Objectives: The present study aimed to measure the tissue content of some trace elements and heavy metals such as zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), tin (Sn), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), lead (Pb), and iron (Fe) in esophagus and gastric cancerous tissues compared to the adjacent healthy tissues. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, the aforementioned trace elements and heavy metals were evaluated among patients with esophagus and gastric cancers. During endoscopy, multiple samples were taken from cancerous lesions and the adjacent healthy tissues. The classic flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS) method was employed as the study framework. Results: Fifty patients with the mean age of 53.92 ± 8.73 were enrolled in the current study. Thirteen patients suffered from esophageal cancer and thirty-seven patients were afflicted with gastric cancer. The results revealed significant differences in the median concentrations of Zn, Cr, Sn and, Cu (P < 0.05) between the two groups. Although there were no significant changes in the tissue content in the esophageal samples, in the median concentrations of Zn, Cr and, Sn (P < 0.05) in gastric tissues, significant differences were observed. Further, the results indicated that gender enacted an affecting role in the level of some trace elements and heavy metals. Conclusion: The tissue contents of some elements were altered in gastric and esophageal cancers; this difference may reflect the underlying mechanism of cellular changing during the tumorigenesis or direct exposure of these elements. It seems that under the shade of other coexisting risk factors, larger cohort studies are suggested to be conducted to investigate other probable aspects in this area of interest. © 202