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Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is known to be a multifactorial disorder. Numerous observational studies have suggested the implication of multiple genetic and environmental factors in the pathogenesis of MS. The aim of this work was to evaluate expression of the microRNA-22 (miRNA-22) level, in relation to vitamin D (VD) and VD receptor (VDR) levels in patients with MS during remission state. Methods: This case-control study was conducted in 50 patients with clinically definite MS and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. miRNA-22 expression was assessed in both MS patients and controls using quantitative RT-PCR. The serum level of VD and VDR was assessed in both MS patients and controls using ELISA techniques. Results: The miRNA-22 level was significantly downregulated in MS patients in comparison to controls (p value p value p value = 0.042). There was a statistically significant positive correlation between the miRNA-22 level and EDSS (p value = 0.033). There was also a statistically significant positive correlation between the miRNA-22 level and VDR level (p value = 0.002). Conclusion: The miRNA-22 level was significantly downregulated in MS patients, but it had a positive correlation with disability status. Patients with SPMS have a significantly higher miRNA-22 level than patients with RRMS. VD and VDR levels were significantly lower in MS patients than controls. The miRNA-22 level was positively correlated with the VDR level.

Background: A major impact of the IL28B gene polymor-phism on the response to antiviral therapy in chronic hepatitis C have been described recently by a lot of studies. This study aims to scrutinize the impact of IL28B genotypes of donors and recipients on the response to treatment with INF based therapy or DAA among patients that underwent liver trans-plantation. Aim of Study: This study aims to correlate IL28B genotype of donors and recipients for patients that had undergone liver transplantation with the response to INF based therapy, and the response to Direct Acting Antivirals (DAA). Patients and Methods: Donor and recipient IL28B geno-typing by PCR was done for 24 patients who experienced LT for HCV-induced end stage liver disease with established standard follow up evaluations post liver transplant for two years. Pegylated interferon-a (PEG-IFN-a) and ribavirin were received by 10 of the patients and direct acting antiviral (DAA) agents were offered to the remaining 14 patients. Results: We found that there was no impact of IL 28B polymorphism on the response to anti viral treatment (AVT) by (DAA) agents, as all different IL 28B genotypes and different recipient/donor patterns eventually achieved SVR even in cases with two unfavorable non-CC genotypes in both recipients and donors. We also found that the donor rs 12979860 CC genotype was strongly associated with the success of PEG-IFN-a and ribavirin treatment of recurrent hepatitis C. Conclusions: In the era of DAAs, it seems likely that it will be possible to overcome the effect of IL28B polymorphism with DAAs combinations.

Background: Recent studies have described a major impact of the IL28B gene polymorphism on graft survival post liver transplantation. Our study aims to investigate the impact of IL28B of donors and recipients on the natural course and outcome of liver transplantation due to end stage HCV related liver disease. Aim of Study: This study aims to investigate SNP of IL28B gene in Egyptian patients with end stage HCV related liver disease. Correlating the prevalence of IL-28b-alleles with patient and graft survival and with the progression of fibrosis for HCV-induced (graft) liver disease after liver transplantation. Also to correlate IL28B genotype with the outcome after liver transplantation. Patients and Methods: Donor and recipient IL28B rs12979860C>T single nucleotide genotype was determined in 24 patients who had undergone LT for HCV-induced end stage liver disease and received regular follow-up evaluations for two years post liver transplantation. Results: We found that the CC genotype frequency was reduced among patients with HCV related end stage liver disease while, in contrast, the frequency of CT & TT increased. No association was noted between IL 28B polymorphism of donors and recipients regarding fibrosis progression or patient and graft survival, as well as liver outcomes. Conclusions: No impact of IL 28B polymorphism on fibrosis progression, liver outcomes or patient and graft survival.

Cerebral ischemic stroke (CIS) is one of the primary causes of death worldwide and a major cause of long-term disability. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as crucial mediators in the pathology of CIS; however, their potential importance is yet to be discovered. Herein, we examined the association of four single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with the risk of CIS, their correlation with the lncRNAs, MALAT1 and ANRIL, expression, and the potential of serum MALAT1 and ANRIL as biomarkers for CIS. A total of 100 CIS patients and 100 healthy controls were recruited in the study. Genotyping and expression analysis of MALAT1 and ANRIL SNPs were carried out by qPCR. The present results showed that serum MALAT1 was downregulated, while serum ANRIL was overexpressed in CIS patients, relative to controls. MALAT1 downregulation discriminated CIS patients from controls by receiver-operating-characteristic analysis. Moreover, serum ANRIL denoted good diagnostic accuracy. MALAT1 rs619586 AA and rs3200401 CT, TT were associated with increased CIS risk, whereas ANRIL rs10965215 GG was found to be protective. The studied ANRIL rs10738605 polymorphism was not associated with CIS susceptibility. Notably, the G variant of MALAT1 rs619586 demonstrated a higher serum MALAT1 expression level. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed serum MALAT1 as well as MALAT1 rs3200401 CT + TT as independent predictors of CIS. Additionally, a negative association was found between the serum MALAT1 level and the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score. In conclusion, MALAT1 rs619586 and rs3200401 and ANRIL rs10965215 are novel prospective noninvasive diagnostic biomarkers for CIS predisposition.

To conduct a clinical biochemical study that aids in investigation of some non-coding RNA expressions and polymorphisms (including long non-coding RNAs and miRNAs) namely, MALAT-1 and miR-9 in attempt to provide new diagnostic biomarkers in vitiligo patients for Egyptians. Twenty patients having vitiligo and other twenty apparently controls were included in this study. Serum and biopsy were taken where patients were classified into lesional and peri-lesional groups. Laboratory and pathological investigations were assessed. Serum miR-9 and long-non coding MALAT-1 were measured. Vitiligo patients had a mean age of 36.40±13.75. The mean serum miR-9 level in patients group (4.28 ± 1.70) was significantly higher than in the control (1.05 ± 0.12) (p = 0.001). The MALAT-1 level in vitiligo patients was (3.65 ± 1.30) significantly higher than control (1.45 ± 0.15) (p = 0.001). There was a positive association between the expression levels of MALAT-1and miR-9in serum and tissue as well where p-value

Aim of the work: To investigate the relationship between serum 25(OH)D (25-hydroxyvitamin D) level and primary knee osteoarthritis (KOA) in Egyptian and Yemeni patients, and to demonstrate its impact on physical function and radiographic severity. Patients and methods: This study included 82 KOA patients; (41 Egyptian, 41 Yemeni), together with 80 controls; (40 Egyptian, 40 Yemeni). Serum 25(OH)D level was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Physical function was evaluated using 6-minute walk test (6MWT), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) score and chair stand test (CST). Knee radiographic grading was based on Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) scale. Results: The mean age of Egyptian and Yemeni patients was 53.4 ± 7.1 and 56.2 ± 7.5 years respectively. Serum 25(OH)D level was significantly decreased in Egyptian (13.3 ng/ml;5.3–39.6) and Yemeni (9.5 ng/ml; 3.8–49) KOA patients compared to their corresponding controls (27.7 ng/ml; 12.8–51.4 and 20.9 ng/ml; 8–45.5; p

Background: The present study was aimed to measure the salivary level of IL-17 in patients having atrophic and erosive Oral lichen planus lesions (OLP) and to evaluate the effect of topical corticosteroids used for treatment of erosive/atrophic oral lichen planus on the level of IL-17 in the saliva. Subjects and methods: The present study was performed on 40 subjects divided into 3 groups Group (I) Twenty patients diagnosed with erosive/atrophic OLP received topical steroid (triamcinolone acetonide0.1%) four times per day for four weeks. Group (II) Ten patients diagnosed with reticular OLP and Group (III) Ten patients with normal mucosa (healthy control Group). Salivary samples were collected before and after treatment in group (I) and once from subjects in group (II) and (III) for determination of IL-17 levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: The mean IL-17 levels in saliva of erosive/atrophic OLP group were statistically significantly higher before treatment with topical steroid than after treatment and both are statistically significantly higher than the reticular group and healthy control subjects. Also, the clinical score and pain visual analogue score values were statistically significantly higher in the erosive/atrophic group before treatment than after treatment. Conclusions: The salivary levels of IL-17 in erosive/atrophic OLP patients was higher than the reticular OLP patients and both are higher than the healthy control subjects, suggesting that IL-17 has a major role in the pathogenesis of OLP and its salivary level may be diagnostic for the severity of the condition of the erosive/atrophic OLP.

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a relatively common autoimmune disease in which genetic risk factors are well defined. Genetic studies are promising in exploring the long noncoding ribonucleic acids (lncRNAs): growth arrest-specific 5 (GAS5) and H19, and their possible role in the assessment of RA. Aim of the Work: The aim of the study was to describe the expression of GAS5 and H19 in serum samples of Egyptian RA patients in comparison to healthy controls, then to investigate its possible relation to RA clinical characteristics and disease activity. Patients and Methods: Levels of GAS5 and H19 expression were compared in serum samples from Egyptian RA patients (n = 100) and age- and sex-matched healthy controls (n = 100) and then correlated within the RA group to disease activity measured by the Disease Activity Score 28–erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR). Results: GAS5 was downregulated (0.59 ± 0.36), while H19 was upregulated (7.41 ± 1.3) in sera of Egyptian RA patients in comparison with controls (1.07 ± 0.09 and 1.1 ± 0.09 respectively). Further analysis showed a significant negative correlation of GAS5 to DAS28-ESR (r = -0.380). However, H19 showed a positive correlation to DAS28-ESR (r = 0.487 (P < 0.05). Conclusion: GAS5 was related to less disease activity, while H19 tended to be associated with more active disease. They might be useful in RA as potential biomarkers for disease activity assessment in the following years. Still, further researches are needed to support our findings and precisely determine their potential utility in RA.

Objectives: the current study investigated the levels of malondialdehyde & nitric oxide in saliva in oral premalignant and malignant lesions in order to determine their diagnostic value for the malignant and potentially malignant lesions. Subjects and Methods: A total of 100 subjects diagnosed with keratosis (n=20), leukoplakia (n=20), oral lichen planus (n=20), oral squamous cell carcinoma (n=20) & control group of healthy age- and gender-matched individuals (n=20) were included in this study. Clinical and histopathological examinations were performed to assure diagnosis then salivary samples were collected. Malondialdehyde and nitric oxide were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay technique. Results: Salivary malondialdehyde and nitric oxide were significantly high in the oral squamous cell carcinoma and oral lichen planus groups, where both showed 100% diagnostic accuracy. Pair-wise comparison between areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve revealed 90% for malondialdehyde and 85% for nitric oxide in the leukoplakia group, showing that malondialdehyde had statistically significantly higher mean areas under the ROC curve than nitric oxide. On comparing both markers in the keratosis group, malondialdehyde and nitric oxide showed 85% and 80% respectively with no statistically significant difference. Conclusion: malondialdehyde & nitric oxide are noteworthy diagnostic markers that could be utilized in diagnosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Background and Objectives: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a major oral cancer representative. Squamous cell carcinoma antigen (Scc-AG) is detected in squamous cell carcinoma of oral tissues and other different tissues. Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory disease with questionable malignant transformation. Methods: Forty-five participants divided into OSCC group and two control groups: oral lichen planus as an inflammatory disease (positive control) and healthy volunteers (negative control). Clinical staging and grading of OSCC was recorded. A double-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to evaluate the level of Scc-AG in serum and saliva. Results: Statistically significant difference for serum and salivary Scc-Ag, was found between the groups; OSCC, OLP on one hand and healthy controls on the other hand. No statistically significant difference was found between OSCC and OLP control groups in serum levels, while for salivary Scc-Ag a statistically significant difference was found between these two groups, with the higher values in OLP. Staging and grading in OSCC group were not found to be related to Scc-Ag level. Conclusion: Serum Scc-Ag cannot be used as a biomarker to differentiate between oral malignant and chronic inflammatory lesions. On the other hand, salivary Scc-Ag determination provides results more reliable than serum Scc-Ag and could be used in monitoring inflammatory oral disease activity as well as malignant conditions and could differentiate between them.

Background and Objectives: Oral Lichen Planus is a chronic, inflammatory, immune mediated disease affecting the oral cavity. It is the oral variant of the mucocutaneous disease lichen Planus. The pathogenesis of OLP has been deeply studied yet not totally clear, this prospective case control study aimed to evaluate squamous cell carcinoma antigen in serum and saliva of Oral lichen planus. Methods: 30 individuals were included in the study; oral lichen planus and healthy volunteers. Serum and salivary samples were collected from patients and volunteers. Pain score was performed using Visual Analogue Scale Thongprasom sign scoring for OLP was used to record the cases clinically; Oral lichen planus diagnosis was confirmed by histopathology. A double-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to assay the level of Human squamous cell carcinoma antigen in samples. Results: Both SccAg in serum and saliva showed statistically significantly higher mean levels than control group. ROC curve analysis of the two markers showed 100 % diagnostic accuracy on differentiation from control group at cut-off values of 2.6 and 1.5 ng/ml for Scc Ag in serum and saliva, respectively. Conclusion: Salivary SccAg can be considered as a significant diagnostic test for OLP disease activity.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Highly Upregulated in Liver Cancer (HULC) and microRNA-372 (miR-372) as biochemical markers in Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and HCV-infected patients. METHODS: The present study was conducted on 100 Egyptian individuals divided into 3 groups, 40 patients with HCC and HCV infection, 40 patients only HCV-infected, and 20 individuals as normal controls. They were subject to full history taking, full clinical and laboratory examination, and assessment of HULC and miR-372 levels by real-time PCR. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was found with p< 0.05 between HCC and each of HCV and control groups as regards HULC level with high mean among HCC followed by HCV patients. Our results also show a statistically significant difference with p< 0.05 between each of HCC and HCV compared to control as regards miR-372 level with low mean among HCC patients. CONCLUSION: HULC could be considered as a potential non-invasive marker for detection and early diagnosis of HCC. Also, it may play an important role in the early prophylaxis and control measures to reduce the incidence of HCC. However, miR-372 cannot be considered as a reliable marker as HULC for early detection of HCC especially in HCV patients.

Background: Immune dysregulation is undoubtedly implicated in the pathogenesis of oral lichen planus (OLP) and considering the importance of miR-155 in the regulation of the immune response the present study is conducted to assess salivary levels of miR-155 in patients with oral lichen planus lesions and compare these levels before and after corticosteroid therapy to explore its possible implication in the pathogenesis OLP. Methods: Thirty patients were enrolled in this study, 15 healthy individuals with normal mucosa as controls and 15 patients diagnosed with atrophic/erosive OLP lesions. Patients were treated with topical corticosteroid. Salivary levels of miR-155 were assessed before and after 4 weeks of topical steroids therapy. Clinical improvement was assessed via VAS score and Thongprasom scale. Results: A significant reduction of miR-155 levels four weeks post treatment was recorded with a value of 55.67%. There was a highly significant direct correlation between miR-155 levels and VAS score. Conclusion: The overexpression of miR-155 in OLP patients before treatment with its obvious reduction four weeks after therapy suggests it could be directly involved in OLP pathogenesis and shedding a light on the potential of miR-155 to act as an innovative therapeutic target for OLP.

Objectives Searching for sensitive, minimally invasive biomarkers that represent tumor-associated changes in the peripheral blood might enable the early diagnosis of breast cancer (BC) and monitoring of tumor progression. Methods Herein, we investigated the association of some circulating biomarkers with the risk of metastasis. In the current study, 115 BC patients which were subdivided into two groups: nonmetastatic breast cancer patients (NMBC) (n=83) and metastatic breast cancer patients (MBC) (n=32), and 79 apparently healthy controls were recruited. Serum protein levels of lysosomal protein transmembrane 4 beta (LAPTM4B), receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa b (NF-Kb) ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG), vitamin D (VIT D), chitinase-3-like protein 1 (also known as YKL-40), and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) were assessed in blood samples using ELISA technique. Results The results showed that RANKL and OPG had the highest diagnostic potential for MBC detection, with area under the curve values of 0.97 and 0.94, respectively. Moreover, logistic regression analysis showed that RANKL had the highest differentiation power in the discrimination of MBC from NMBC. Conclusion The study highlighted that measuring RANKL and OPG may be helpful in the early detection of metastasis in Egyptian patients with BC.

Background: Most of the available therapeutics of oral lichen planus are associated with adverse effects and there is no sufficient evidence to support the effectiveness of these modalities over placebo or over each other. Micronutrients including antioxidants modify the immune system function and are considered promising alternatives in management of OLP with negligible side effects. The current trial assessed the effect of adjunctive use of systemic vitamin E in symptomatic oral lichen planus patients. Methods: This randomized controlled clinical trial includes 30 symptomatic (erosive and atrophic) oral lichen planus patients in two parallel groups (intervention – topical triamcinolone acetonide adhesive paste and Vitamin E, control - topical triamcinolone acetonide adhesive paste and placebo), with allocation ratio 1:1. Outcome measures were pain intensity, clinical improvement and salivary level of total antioxidant capacity. Results: Mean amount of pain reduction and clinical improvement were greater in the experimental group with statistically significant difference. Mean amount of total antioxidant capacity upregulation was greater in the control group with no statistical difference. Conclusion: Adjunctive use of systemic vitamin E has shown promising results in management of OLP with no side effects.

Background: Duodenal ulcer is a major health problem that many scientists are interested in its management to avoid complications and the side effects of the usual treatments. Aim of Study: Demonstrating and comparing the possible effects of chronic administration of omega-three polyunsatu-rated fatty acids, leptin, and vinegar on duodenal ulcer in male albino rats, with the possible underlying mechanisms involved in such effects. Material and Methods: Four groups of experimental animals were used, with 16 rats in each: the control group (I), w-3 fatty acids fed (II), Leptin fed (III), and vinegar fed (IV). For each group, we estimated, from the gross duodenal exam-ination, the ulcer score and index, and percentage ulcer protection. Also, histology appearance of the duodenal mucosa was examined together with the measurement of duodenal HCO3-amount, CCK, and secretin gene expression. Results: In comparison to control group, the ulcer score and index were diminished significantly while percentage ulcer protection, HCO3-amount, and expression of secretin and CCK genes were increased significantly in rat groups fed with w-3, vinegar, and leptin. Vinegar has a more protective effect than w-3 and leptin. Conclusion: We conclude that vinegar, w-3, and leptin have a protective effect against induction of duodenal ulcer, and vinegar had a better effect against ulcer induction followed by w-3 and finally leptin.

Background: Vitiligo is an acquired, multifactorial disorder of the skin and mucous membranes. An elevated homocysteine level has been described in vitiligo. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) and cystathionine B synthase (CBS) are major determinants of the homocysteine metabolism. Objectives: Determine serum homocysteine levels in vitiligo patients as well as the association between MTHFR (C677T, A1298C) and CBSgene polymorphisms and susceptibility to vitiligo in a sample of those populations. Methods: Homocysteine levels were estimated by radioimmunoassay while MTHFR (C677T, A1298C) and CBSgene polymorphisms were detected by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism technique in 100 vitiligo patients and 80 healthy controls. Results: The homocysteine level was significantly higher in vitiligo patients than controls (p = 0.000). Significant differences in the genotype and allele distributions of single nucleotide polymorphisms of the MTHFR (C677T, A1298C) with the mutant genotypes are more common in the controls than patients (p = 0.001, 0.029, respectively). CBS gene mutant genotypes and alleles are more common in vitiligo patients than controls (p = 0.002). Conclusion: CBSand MTHFRgene polymorphisms may play a major role in the genetic susceptibility to vitiligo.

Introduction: Lichen planus is a relatively common chronic inflammatory disease. The bullous erosive type is characterized by the high risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma. AGEs are believed to generate chronic inflammation.Methodology: The study was carried on thirty participants; they were divided into two groups. Group (1): included 15 healthy participants free of any systemic diseases. Group (2): included 15 patients of bullous erosive oral lichen planus and free of any other diseases. Serum and salivary samples were taken from all participants at initial visit and after complete resolution of the lesions in the OLP patients using topical application of 0.1% or 0.05% betamethasone valerate gel. Results: In serum, whether before or after treatment, OLP group showed statistical significantly higher mean AGE levels than the control group. In saliva, before treatment, OLP group showed statistical significantly higher mean AGE levels than the control group. After treatment, there was a statistically significant decrease in AGE level. Conclusion: Both salivary and serum levels of AGE are valuable biomarkers in diagnosis and prognosis of OLP. Detection of AGE level in saliva can be considered as a valuable non-invasive method for diagnosis and prognosis of OLP.

Fibrosis across different organs and tissues is likely to share common pathophysiological mechanisms and pathways. Recently, a polymorphism (rs12979860) near the interferon lambda gene (IFNL3) was shown to be associated with fibrosis in liver across multiple disease etiologies. We determined whether this variant is a risk factor for pulmonary fibrosis (PF) and worsening cutaneous fibrosis in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Caucasian patients with SSc (n = 733) were genotyped to test for association with the presence of PF and worsening of skin fibrosis. Serum IFN-λ3 levels from 200 SSc cases were evaluated. An association of the IFNL3 polymorphism with PF was demonstrated (OR: 1.66 (95% CI: 1.142–2.416, p = 0.008). The IFNL3 variant was not a risk factor for worsening of skin fibrosis. Functionally, IFN-λ3 serum levels were higher among subjects with PF compared to those unaffected (P

Background: Vitamin D is an important micronutrient possessing valuable and diverse biological effects that are related to periodontal disease pathogenesis. Vitamin D levels are regulated by fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) which is strongly associated with inflammation. The aim of the present study was to explore the relation of vitamin D and FGF23 with periodontal disease through the assessment of their levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and serum in periodontitis patients before and after non-surgical periodontal therapy and to compare those levels with healthy controls in order to identify any possible correlation between them. Methods: Serum and GCF samples were collected at baseline and 3 months after therapy to evaluate levels of vitamin D3 and FGF23 using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in both study groups. Group I consisted of 15 controls who were systematically and periodontally healthy, while group II consisted of 15 subjects who were systematically healthy with stage II periodontitis. Results: A significant elevation in vitamin D3 levels in both GCF and serum were recorded 3 months after therapy with a 25.98% and 39.29% increase respectively. On the contrary, a significant reduction in mean values of FGF23 in both GCF and serum were found after treatment with a 49.75% and 39.28% decrease respectively. Conclusion: The results of the present investigation have shed light on a vital association of both FGF23 and vitamin D3 with periodontitis, where FGF23 is associated with periodontal inflammation and vitamin D3 is associated with periodontal health.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disease. We aimed to measure the level of miR-155 and its genetic variant rs767649 in patients with RA and to evaluate their rela...

Background: AGEs are formed under oxidative conditions and are called advanced glyco-xidation end products. Periodontitis is a multifactorial inflammatory condition. The periodontal tissue damage is caused directly by bacteria and indirectly by inflammation and immunologic response against the bacteria. This inflammatory response is characterized by generation of prolonged release of neutrophil proteolytic enzymes, pro-inflammatory mediators and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Therefore, periodontitis is strictly linked to numerous pathologies which are related to production of oxidative stress and AGEs. Methods: The study was conducted on thirty participants, they were divided into two groups; group (A) which included fifteen medically free subjects, and group (B) which included fifteen patients suffering from periodontitis. Serum and GCF samples were collected for assessment of AGEs before and after non -surgical periodontal therapy. Data were analysed by SPSS. Results: Periodontitis group showed statistically significant higher mean AGE levels than control group in both serum and GCF samples. Moreover, there was a statistically significant decrease in AGE levels in both serum and GCF after treatment.Conclusion: Crevicular level of AGEs can be used as a non-invasive diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for periodontitis.

Purpose: The current study was directed to estimate the role of porphoromonas gingivalis in the relation between rheumatoid arthritis and periodontitis by using subantimicrobial dose doxycycline.Subjects and methodology: The current study was accomplished on twenty patients who had mild or moderate chronic periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis they were partitioned into two groups: Group I; ten patients were exposed to mechanical debridement only and Group II: ten patients were exposed to mechanical debridement added to receiving small dose doxycycline (SDD) as a host modulatory agent (20mg twice daily) for three months. Results: group I exhibited a greatly significant improvement in clinical parameter in correlation to group II after three months follow up. Group II showed the statistically significantly lowest percentage decrease in number of bacteria in synovial fluid Conclusion: The adjunct use of doxycycline as host modulatory agent improved the treatment outcomes when used with mechanical debridement in rheumatoid arthritis and patients with periodontitis.KEYWORDS: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Periodontitis, low dose doxycycline, Porphoromonas Gingivalis

Aim of work To determine level of ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) in patients with Behçet’s disease (BD) and to assess its role in disease manifestations and activity. Patients and methods The study included 48 patients with BD and 38 matched controls. Disease activity was estimated by the BD current activity form. Serum IMA was measured. Results Mean age of the patients was 33.8±7.9 years. There were 42 males and six females, and the disease duration was 52.9±48.8 months. The serum IMA level was significantly increased in the patients with BD (50.9±12.9 U/ml) compared with the control (7.76±1.6 U/ml) (P

Background: Polymorphisms of long noncoding RNAs are lately documented as hazardous factors for the development of numerous tumors. Furthermore, the evaluation of noncoding RNAs has emerged as a novel detector of breast cancer patients. We aimed to genotype the HOXA transcript at the distal tip (HOTTIP) rs1859168 and assess its relationship with the levels of the serum HOTTIP and its target miR-615-3p in patients with breast cancer (BC). Methods: One hundred and fifty-one patients with BC, 139 patients with fibroadenoma (FA), and 143 healthy participants were incorporated into the current study. The genotyping of rs1859168 and the measurements of the HOTTIP and miR-615-3p levels were assessed using quantitative real-time PCR. Results: We revealed a significant association between each of the CC genotypes, C allele, dominant and recessive models, and the increased risk of BC (p = 0.013, p &lt, 0.001, p &lt, 0.001, and p &lt, 0.001, respectively) relative to the healthy controls. Similarly, the CC genotype, C allele, and recessive model were observed to be related to the increased incidence of BC with respect to FA (p &lt, 0.001 for all). A significant upregulation of HOTTIP and a marked decrease of miR-615-3p were verified in patients with BC compared to each of the healthy individuals, patients with FA, and the non-BC group (healthy subjects + FA) (p &lt, 0.001 for all). A significant negative correlation was demonstrated between the expression of HOTTIP and miR-615-3p in the serum of patients with BC. The HOTTIP expression was upregulated, while that of miR-615-3p was downregulated in patients with BC who carried the CC genotype with respect to those who carried the AA or AC genotypes (p &lt, 0.05 for all). Conclusions: The genetic variants of rs1859168 are linked to an increased susceptibility to BC. Moreover, HOTTIP and miR-615-3p may be used as novel indicators and targets for the treatment of patients with BC.

Genetic variants in microRNAs (miRNAs) can alter the miRNAs expression and/or function, accordingly, affecting the related biological pathways and disease risk. Dysregulation of miR-155 and miR-146a expression levels has been well-described in viral hepatitis B (HBV). In the current study, we aimed to assess rs767649 T/A and rs57095329 A/G polymorphisms in miR-155, and miR-146a genes, respectively, as risk factors for Chronic HBV (CHBV) in the Egyptian population. Also, we aimed to do in silico analysis to investigate the molecules that primarily target these miRNAs. One hundred patients diagnosed as CHBV and one hundred age and sex-matched controls with evidence of past HBV infection were genotyped for miR-155 (rs767649) and miR-146a (rs57095329) using real-time polymerase chain reaction. The rs767649 AT and AA genotypes in CHBV patients confer four folds and ten folds risk respectively, as compared to control subjects [(AOR = 4.245 (95%CI 2.009–8.970), pppp = 0.004] and [AOR = 5.604 (95%CI 2.157–14.563), p

It is quite clear that the ability to perceive taste sensations significantly affects food choice, which consequently affects health status in the long term. Gustatory dysfunction is a neglected symptom among the depressed patients and those under antidepressants therapy, although these patients are suspectable to oral problems, due to general self-negligence related to mental disease, fear of dental treatment, and side effects of varied medications utilized in psychiatry. This study is aimed at assessing gustatory thresholds (detection and recognition thresholds) among a sample of 30 depressed Egyptian adults under antidepressants therapy for at least 3 months or psychotherapy with age ranging from 20 to 50 years old, seeking the Psychiatric Clinic at the Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt. These patients were distributed into three equal groups (tricyclic antidepressants (TCA), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and psychotherapy) and were assessed for gustatory detection and recognition thresholds using the filter paper disc method through a scoring system. The participants were also divided into normal taste group in which both the detection and recognition scores were 1, while the scores from 2 till 5 were considered as hypogeusia group and the score of 6 was considered as dysgeusia group. The TCA group was statistically significant from the other 2 groups in sweet detection thresholds ( p = 0.043) and sweet recognition thresholds ( p = 0.007). Hypogeusia for sweet was statistically significant ( p = 0.041), where it was more common among TCA (70%) than both SSRIs and the psychotherapy group (20%). Gustatory dysfunction was found to be mostly associated with TCA followed by SSRIs particularly for sweet taste thresholds. More attention has to be given to taste changes among these patients as oral health affects general health by causing considerable pain and by changing what people eat, their speech, and their quality of life and wellbeing. Proper awareness and evaluation of this problem will improve the quality of life for the depressed patients and avoid unnecessary treatment. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03599011.

Background: Recent studies have demonstrated negative associations of serum uric acid (SUA) with serum 25 hydroxy vitamin D (25 [OH] vit D) among CKD patients. Objective: The aim of the study was to look for the impact of hypouricemic therapy using allopurinol on serum level of 25 (OH) vit D in CKD patients. Cases and Methods: Seventy-two CKD stage 3–5 patients were selected to this study. Patients with SUA above 7 mg/dL were allocated to hypouricemic therapy using allopurinol (group I). A control group of cases not suffering marked increase in SUA were included as control group (group II). All cases were followed up for 3 months. Serum Cr, SUA, ionized calcium (SiCa), phosphorus, 25 (OH) vitD, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and 24-h urine protein were estimated at entry and by the end of the study. Results: At least 20 cases completed the study in each group. Serum 25 (OH) vit D significantly increased in group I (26.4 [14.1] vs. 39.6 [14.8] at entry vs. at end of the study, p < 0.001). In addition, SUA, PTH, and urine protein significantly decreased (11 [1.6] vs. 3.95 [0.58] mg/dL, 267.5 [97.5] vs. 225.5 [153] ng/mL, and 2.7 [1.18] vs. 1.5 [1.08] gm/day, p < 0.001, = 0.043, and p < 0.001 and = 0.007, respectively). Conclusion: This study supports a negative causal relationship between SUA and serum 25 (OH) vit D. Further studies are still needed to confirm this conclusion.

Heat-shock proteins (HSPs) are a group of proteins that function to protect cells and tissues against different types of damage. The aim of this work was to study the relationship between the genetic variation in HSP70 genes and the risk for development of nephropathy in Egyptian patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). This study was carried out on 90 patients divided into three groups: 30 patients of Type 2 DM with nephropathy (Group I), 30 patients of Type 2 DM without nephropathy (Group II) with duration of diabetes > 10 years in both patient groups, and 30 healthy persons, who served as controls (Group III). All the studied patients were submitted to full history taking, complete clinical examination, and laboratory investigations including fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, renal function tests, and urinary albumin- to-creatinine ratio. HSP70-1 -110 AC, +190 G/C, HSP70-2 +1267 A/G, and shock protein70- hom +2437 T/C gene polymorphism were determined using the polymerase chain reaction- restriction fragment length polymorphism technique (PCR-RFLP). The results of the present study showed a highly statistically significant difference between Group I and Group II regarding family history, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and duration of diabetes. There was a significant difference in the distribution of C allele of HSP70-1 -110A/C and +190 G/C and G allele of HSP70-2+1267A/G with more frequent detection in nephropathy group versus other groups, while there was no significant difference in genotype and allele distributions among the three studied groups for the HSP70-hom. It can be concluded that the C allele distribution of (HSP70-1 -110 A/C and HSP70+190 C/G) and the G allele distribution of HSP70-2 +1267A/G are associated with the susceptibility to renal complications in Egyptian patients with Type 2 DM.

Background Current blood-based tests for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have inherent limitations, necessitating the need for additional new biomarkers for its diagnosis and monitoring disease activity and responsiveness to therapy. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) are deregulated in RA and were linked to its pathogenesis. This study investigated serum levels of APRIL, miR-223 and miR-155 in RA patients, their potential as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, and their correlation with disease activity and clinicopathological data. Methods One hundred and twenty Egyptian patients with RA and 130 healthy controls were included. Serum miRNAs and APRIL were assayed by RT-qPCR and ELISA, respectively. Results Serum APRIL and miR-223 were significantly upregulated, while miR-155 was unchanged in RA patients compared to controls. Serum miR-223 discriminated RA patients from controls with AUC = 0.85, whereas serum APRIL superiorly distinguished the two groups with AUC = 1 (sensitivity and specificity = 100% at cutoff> 4.19 ng/ml) by receiver-operating-characteristic analysis. Serum miR-223 was a significant predictor for RA diagnosis in multivariate logistic regression analysis. In RA group, serum APRIL was positively correlated with disease activity score (DAS28-CRP). Serum miR-223 expression was positively correlated with serum miR-155, APRIL levels and with the presence of subcutaneous nodules. Serum miR-155 levels were correlated with antinuclear antibody titer in reverse direction. Conclusion Our results suggest serum APRIL and miR-223 could serve as potential biomarkers of RA, with miR-223 as a predictor of RA risk and APRIL as an excellent biomarker of disease activity. Our data could be implicated for accurate and blood-based non-invasive diagnosis and prognosis of RA.

Objectives. Periodontitis is characterized by inflammatory destruction of periodontal tissue, loss of attachment, and bone resorption. The increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) is responsible for the oxidative damage occurring in periodontal tissues. Melatonin has important immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and powerful antioxidant functions. The current study was carried out to evaluate the effect of topical melatonin gel as an adjunct to nonsurgical periodontal therapy. Methods. This split-mouth randomized controlled clinical trial was performed on 24 patients with grade II periodontitis. Two sites in each patient were randomly assigned; test sites were treated by nonsurgical therapy followed by intrapocket application of 5% melatonin gel. Control sites were treated by nonsurgical therapy followed by intrapocket application of placebo gel. Both the melatonin and placebo gel were applied weekly once for four weeks. Assessment of clinical parameters (PD and CAL) was done at baseline and 3 months after therapy. Total antioxidative capacity (TAC) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) levels in GCF were also evaluated utilizing commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits (ELISA) at baseline and 3 months after therapy. Results. Treatment with topical melatonin was associated with a reduction in periodontal inflammation reflected as an improvement in the clinical periodontal parameters. Melatonin-treated sites showed a more statistically significant percent reduction in PD and more statistically significant percent gain in CAL than the control site. Additionally, a significant increase in TAC and a significant decrease in MMP-9 levels in GCF were found in melatonin-treated sites in comparison to control sites. Conclusions. The adjunctive use of topical melatonin gel with nonsurgical periodontal therapy has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity in the treatment of grade II periodontitis patients.

The pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) is influenced by the interaction of genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. The long noncoding RNA GAS5 acts as a competing endogenous RNA for microRNA-137 and is involved in demyelination. We investigated the association of GAS5 and miR-137 expression and their polymorphisms with MS susceptibility. One hundred and eight MS patients and 104 healthy controls were included. Expression analysis and genotyping of GAS5-rs2067079 and miR-137-rs1625579 single nucleotide polymorphisms were performed by qPCR. Serum GAS5 was upregulated, while serum miR-137 was downregulated in MS compared with the controls. Serum miR-137 was an excellent discriminator of MS patients from the controls (AUC = 0.97) and a negative independent predictor of MS in multivariate logistic analysis. Serum GAS5 expression was positively correlated with the expanded disability status scale scores in the relapsing-remitting MS patients. The rs2067079TT minor homozygote genotype was associated with an increased MS risk, while the rs1625579G minor allele was protective. rs1625579 showed an age-specific effect, while the rs2067079 affected the MS risk in gender- and age-specific manners. In MS patients, rs2067079TT was associated with a higher serum GAS5 than other genotypes, while serum miR-137 did not differ between rs1625579 genotypes. Our results suggest serum GAS5 and miR-137 as MS biomarkers, with miR-137 as a negative predictor of MS risk and GAS5 as a marker of MS severity. We propose rs2067079 and rs1625579 as novel genetic markers of MS susceptibility, and at least, rs2067079 possibly impacts the crosstalk between GAS5 and miR-137.

Background The present study investigated the serum detectability and the diagnostic implications of long non-coding RNAs; nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) and taurine upregulated gene 1 (TUG1) in viral hepatitis C (HCV) and HCV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods The study included twenty healthy controls, forty non-malignant HCV patients and forty HCV-associated HCC patients. The study assessed liver function tests, the antioxidant status, serum alpha fetoprotein, p53, NEAT1 and TUG1. Results Diminished serum expression of NEAT1 and TUG1 was observed in HCV and HCV-associated HCC and was closely associated with deregulated liver function and elevated AFP levels. A model of NEAT1, TUG1 and AFP accurately differentiated between HCC patients and healthy controls with sensitivity greater than that of AFP alone. Additionally, the diagnostic performance of a model of TUG1, p53 and AFP was superior to that of each marker alone for predicting HCC in HCV patients. Conclusion Significant alterations in the serum expression of NEAT1 and TUG1 in HCV and HCV-associated HCC patients were recorded. We propose NEAT1 and TUG1 as non-invasive, cost-effective and complementary biomarkers that improve the diagnostic characteristics of AFP.

Background: Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory mucocutaneous disease. Interleukin (IL)-17 is the signature cytokine of T-helper 17 cells, involved in the aetiology of many autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. Vitamin D has an immune-regulatory role and suppresses IL-17 production via direct transcriptional inhibition of IL-17 gene expression. Objective: To explore the relationship of IL-17 and vitamin D levels with LP, and the possible inter-relationship between IL-17 and vitamin D. Methods: The study enrolled 30 patients with LP and 30 healthy controls. Blood samples and skin biopsies were taken from all participants for evaluation of serum vitamin D, and serum and tissue IL-17 levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Patients had significantly higher serum and tissue IL-17 (p < 0.001 for both), as well as significantly lower serum vitamin D levels and more deficient patterns of vitamin D status than controls (p < 0.001 for both). In the patient group, there was a statistically significant positive correlation between extent of the disease and serum IL-17. There was no direct statistical correlation between IL-17 levels and serum vitamin D in either patients or controls. Conclusion: This study confirms a previously suggested role of IL-17 in the pathogenesis of LP and suggests its relation to the extent and severity of the disease. We also found an association between vitamin D deficiency and LP. However, a direct relationship between IL-17 and vitamin D deficiency could not be clarified.

Background: This study investigates the presence of interleukin (IL)-33 and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in saliva and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples of patients with chronic periodontitis and whether or not they are correlated with diabetes mellitus. Methods: Sixty subjects were included in this study: 20 chronic periodontitis patients (CP), 20 diabetic chronic periodontitis patients (CPDM) and 20 systemically and periodontally healthy subjects. GCF and saliva samples were collected from all participants. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits were used for assaying IL-33 and OPG levels. Analysis of variance was used to compare means of the CP and CP-DM groups with the control. Correlation analyses were performed to find the value of Spearman's correlation. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed to determine the cut-off values of the markers to differentiate between the groups. Areas under the ROC curve (AUCs) were compared using z-statistic. Results: IL-33, in both GCF and saliva, was significantly higher in the CP and CP-DM groups compared to the control, and significantly higher in the CP-DM group compared to the CP group in saliva. On the other hand, the level of OPG in GCF and saliva was significantly lower in the CP and CP-DM groups compared to the control, but was of no significance when comparing the CP-DM and CP groups. Conclusion: IL-33 seems to play a role in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease, while OPG may have a protective function. Diabetes may affect and influence the expression of IL-33. Thus, they could be utilized as diagnostic biomarkers for chronic periodontitis either in saliva or GCF.

Noncoding RNAs are emerging biomarkers for many diseases including diabetic retinopathy (DR). This study aimed to measure the expression levels of serum miR-20b, miR-17-3p, HOTAIR, and MALAT1 in DR patients. A total of 80 patients diagnosed as type 2 diabetes (T2D) and 81 healthy subjects were recruited in this study. T2D patients were divided into three groups: nondiabetic retinopathy (NDR) group (30 patients), nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) group (30 patients), and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) group (20 patients). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to assess the expression of serum miR-20b, miR-17-3p, HOTAIR, and MALAT1. We found a significant decrease in serum miR-20b and a significant increase in serum HOTAIR and MALAT1 in NDR patients compared to healthy subjects. Also, we revealed a significant decrease in serum miR-20b and miR-17-3p and a significant increase in serum HOTAIR and MALAT1 in each of NPDR and PDR groups when compared with healthy subjects. Furthermore, we reported a significant decrease in miR-20b and miR-17-3p and a significant increase in HOTAIR and MALAT1in DR as well as in PDR patients when compared with NDR patients. However, on comparing NPDR with NDR patients, no significant difference was observed regarding the expression levels of miR-20b and miR-17-3p, in contrast, significant elevation of serum HOTAIR and MALAT1 was found in NPDR. Moreover, we observed a significant decrease in serum miR-20b and miR-17-3p and a significant increase in serum HOTAIR and MALAT1 in PDR group relative to NPDR group. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used for evaluating the diagnostic value of the examined serum noncoding RNAs as novel biochemical indicators detecting severity of DR. Our analyses suggested that the examined serum noncoding RNAs may discriminate DR (PDR and NPDR) from NDR. Furthermore, these noncoding RNAs (less importantly miR-17) can be used as promising novel biomarkers for prediction DR severity, distinguishing PDR from NPDR patients. We can conclude that serum miR-20b, miR-17-3p, HOTAIR, and MALAT1 may be used as noninvasive biomarkers for screening of DR and early diagnosis of PDR. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 71(3):310-320, 2019.

Objectives This study aims to assess the role of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Patients and methods The study included 40 female SLE patients (mean age 25.5±6.2 years; range 15 to 39 years) diagnosed according to the American College of Rheumatology criteria and 30 female healthy controls (mean age 26.2±5.9 years; range 16 to 39 years). Disease activity was assessed using SLE Disease Activity Index. Patients were diagnosed with lupus nephritis if they met the criteria for renal disorder. SLE patients and controls were compared in terms of TGF-β1, low and high density lipoprotein, and triglyceride levels. Results Mean serum TGF-β1 level of patients with SLE was 1385.7±483.1 pg/mL, with a significant difference compared to control group (2079.6±125.4 pg/mL; p

Background The bone represents one of the most common sites of metastases in breast cancer. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the diagnostic potential of several circulating markers to detect metastasis to bones in patients with breast cancer. Patients and Methods Receptor activator of Nuclear Factor-kappa β (NF-Kβ) ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegrin (OPG), vitamin D (VIT D), Chitinase-3-like protein 1; also known as YKL-40, topoisomerase IIα (TOPO2a), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) were measured in blood samples obtained from 122 patients with breast cancer and 25 healthy controls. Results All biomarkers were significantly elevated in patients with breast cancer with bone metastasis compared with nonmetastatic patients except YKL-40. RANKL had the highest diagnostic performance for bone metastasis detection with an area under the curve of 97.3, a sensitivity of 85%, and a specificity of 98.6%. Furthermore, logistic regression analysis resulted in a model of RANKL combined with HER2 that had even higher discriminatory power of metastasis to bones than that of RANKL alone. Overall correct classification of the model was 98.9%. Conclusion We recommend that measuring RANKL together with HER2 can be routinely applied to allow early detection of bone metastases in patients with breast cancer.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disorder affecting the peripheral joints. Different microRNAs had been investigated in RA including miRNA-146a meanwhile, miRNA-499 there were no studies to prove its expression in RA serum samples. This study was performed to investigate expression of both miRNAs-146a and -499 and their polymorphisms in Egyptian patients with RA and to evaluate their relationship with clinico-pathological data. The present study includes 108 subjects classified into two main groups: 52 RA patients and 56 unrelated healthy controls. RA patients were subclassified according to DAS28 score into inactive (23 patients) and active (29 patients). Quantitative expression of serum miRNA-146a, miRNA-499 as well as their Genotyping rs2910164 (C/G) and rs3746444 (T/C), respectively, were done to all subjects using real-time PCR. Serum miRNA-146a and -499 were significantly over expressed in RA patients, but they were not correlated to disease activity. Serum miRNA-146a was negatively correlated with anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA). miRNA-146a (rs2910164) genotyping revealed that the GG genotype and the frequency of the G allele were significantly higher in RA patients compared to the controls. miRNA-499 (rs3746444), genotyping revealed that the CC genotype and the frequency of the C allele were significantly higher. It can be concluded that both miRNAs-146a and -499 can be used as diagnostic markers for RA patients. Both miRNA-146a (rs2710164) and miRNA-499 (rs3746444) were significantly associated with RA susceptibility. The C allele of miRNA-146a (rs2710164) can be considered to be protective. On the other hand, the C allele of miRNA-499 (rs3746444) was significantly associated with RA susceptibility.

Objective: This investigation was conducted to measure the levels of serum and salivary YKL- 40 and IL-8 in patients suffering from OLP and OSCC to assess their potential role as biomarkers of oral cancer. Methods: Forty five subjects with age ranging from 30 to 70 years were distributed into 3 groups; 15 patients having atrophic and/or erosive OLP, 15 patients suffering from OSCC and 15 systemically healthy control individuals.YKL-40 and IL-8 were identified in serum and saliva samples utilizing enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Results: Serum YKL-40 and salivary levels of YKL-40 and IL-8 in patients with OSCC and OLP were significantly higher than the healthy control group. In order to differentiate patients having OLP from those suffering from OSCC, our study utilized the analysis of the receiver operating curve (ROC) which showed an AUC of 0.878, 0.789, 0.789 and 0.7 for serum YKL-40, salivary YKL-40, serum IL-8, and salivary IL-8, respectively. Serum YKL-40 had the highest diagnostic accuracy revealing 93 % sensitivity and 73 % specificity. That has been followed by salivary YKL-40 and serum IL-8, both revealing a good diagnostic accuracy with 93%, 80 % sensitivity, and 60%, 73.3 % specificity respectively. Salivary IL- 8 as well yielded a good diagnostic accuracy and revealed degrees of sensitivity (80%) and specificity (63%). Cut off values of the biomarkers under investigation has been selected according to the distribution of sensitivities and specificities Conclusion: YKL-40 and IL-8 might be counted as biomarkers for identifying cancerous changes of OLP and the initial stage of OSCC.

Polymorphisms of the renin-angiotensin system genes influence the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and are connected with heart diseases. We explore the potential associations of ACE (I/D) and AGT (M235T) gene polymorphisms with coronary artery disease (CAD). A total of one hundred and twenty Egyptian patients (Sixty with CAD and sixty without CAD) and fifty healthy control subjects were included in the study. Genotyping of ACE (I/D) and AGT (M235T) were analyzed by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. Serum lipid profiles (total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL-C) were measured by the enzymatic colorimetric method. Our data showed that the ACE D allele frequency (P

Background Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a chief cause of mortality and debility worldwide. Maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3), is highly expressed in brain and was found to be upregulated after AIS. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in MEG3 have been associated with various diseases. The current study aimed to detect whether MEG3 SNPs, rs941576 and rs7158663, are associated with AIS risk in Egyptians. Subjects and methods samples were withdrawn from Egyptian subjects, 177 AIS patients and 73 controls, and genomic DNA was extracted to perform genotyping for rs941576 and rs7158663 using TaqMan Assays. Results A significantly higher risk of AIS was associated with rs941576 GG genotype before and after adjusting to age, gender, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus in the co-dominant (GG vs. AA: adjusted OR = 18.94, 95% CI: 2.38–50.52, P = 0.021) and dominant models (GG vs. AG + AA: adjusted OR = 18.095, 95% CI: 2.32–41.00, P = 0.006) and with G allele (G vs. A: adjusted OR = 2.20, 95% CI: 1.31–3.64, P = 0.003). Combined genotypes rs941576/rs7158663: AA/GG and GG/AA, in the co-dominant model, and GG/AG + AA, in the dominant model, were significantly more frequent in AIS than in control, 7.9% vs. 1.4%,11.3% vs 0% and 16.9% vs 1.4%, respectively. Furthermore, logistic regression analysis identified hypertension (OR (95%CI) = 7.48(2.64–21.22), P Conclusion The association between MEG3 rs941576, and AIS risk suggests that it may act as potential risk factor for AIS and be used in AIS prognosis in the future.

The impact of HULC rs7763881 on colorectal cancer (CRC) susceptibility is not yet known. Also, the biological function of the cancer-related rs6983267 remains unclear. We investigated the association of these SNPs with the risk of CRC and adenomatous polyps (AP), their correlation with CCAT2 and HULC expression, and the potential of serum CCAT2 and HULC as biomarkers for CRC. 120 CRC patients, 30 AP patients, and 96 healthy controls were included. Genotyping and serum lncRNAs were assayed by qPCR. Studied SNPs were not associated with AP susceptibility. rs6983267 GG was associated with increased CRC risk, whereas rs7763881 AC was protective. rs7763881 and rs6983267 CT haplotype was protective. Serum CCAT2 and HULC were upregulated in CRC and AP patients versus controls and discriminated these groups by ROC analysis. rs6983267 GG and rs7763881 AA patients demonstrated higher serum CCAT2 and HULC compared with GT/TT and AC, respectively. rs6983267 and serum HULC predicted CRC diagnosis among non-CRC groups (AP + controls) by multivariate analysis. Studied SNPs or serum long noncoding RNAs weren’t correlated with nodal or distant metastasis. In conclusion, rs6983267 and rs7763881 are potential genetic markers of CRC predisposition and correlate with serum CCAT2 and HULC, two novel potential non-invasive diagnostic biomarkers for CRC.

Aim of the work To assess the clinical significance of serum levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and its -863 C/A and 1031 T/C promoter polymorphism in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and find any association to disease activity and damage. Patients and methods Forty-two female SLE patients and 30 age and gender matched healthy control were included. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index and the Systemic Lupus International Collaboration Clinics-damage index were assessed. Serum TNF-α levels were measured and genotyped for TNF-α-863 C/A and 1031 T/C promoters. Results The SLE patients had a mean age of 28.5 ± 7.6 years and disease duration 3.3 ± 2.9 years. The mean serum TNF-α level in the SLE patients (8.2 ± 9.8 pg/ml) was significantly higher than in the control (3.5 ± 2.6 pg/ml) (p = 0.005). The TNF-α-863AA genotype was significantly frequent (52.4%) in the SLE patients compared to control (23.3%) (p = 0.012). Those patients had a significantly increased proteinuria and a tendency to a higher serum TNF-α level. Patients with TNF-α-1031 CC genotype had a significantly increased serum TNF-α levels (p = 0.002) and frequency of mucocutaneous manifestations (p = 0.03) as well as a higher frequency of lupus nephritis (LN) compared to those with TT genotype (p = 0.04). Only serum TNF-α level would predict the disease activity. Conclusion TNF-α-863 promoter gene polymorphism may be considered as a genetic marker for SLE susceptibility and its AA genotype was associated with LN and with high serum TNF-α production. The TNF-α-1031 AA genotype was related to an increased serum TNF-α level as well as to mucocutaneous manifestations and LN.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) is a nuclear receptor that is deregulated in obesity. PPARγ exerts diverse antineoplastic effects. Attempting to determine the clinical relevance of the epigenetic mechanisms controlling the expression PPARγ and susceptibility to colorectal cancer (CRC) in obese subjects, this study investigated the role of some microRNAs and DNA methylation on the deregulation of PPARγ. Seventy CRC patients (34 obese and 36 lean), 22 obese and 24 lean healthy controls were included. MicroRNA levels were measured in serum. PPARγ promoter methylation was evaluated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). PPARγ level was evaluated by measuring mRNA level in PBMC and protein level in serum. The tested microRNAs (miR-27b, 130b and 138) were significantly upregulated in obese and CRC patients. Obese and CRC patients had significantly low levels of PPARγ. A significant negative correlation was found between PPARγ levels and the studied microRNAs. There was a significant PPARγ promoter hypermethylation in CRC patients that correlated to low PPARγ levels. Our results suggest that upregulation of microRNAs 27b, 130b and 138 is associated with susceptibility to CRC in obese subjects through PPARγ downregulation. Hypermethylation of PPARγ gene promoter is associated with CRC through suppression of PPARγ regardless of BMI.

Background: The present study was conducted to evaluate the levels of interleukin (IL) – 17 in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and placental tissue samples of pregnant females as a possible marker in determining whether or not an association exists between chronic periodontitis and preterm labor. Methods: This case-control study included a random sample of 40 female patients, aged 18 to 35 years, who were assigned to one of the following four groups (10 subjects each): group 1 included patients who underwent spontaneous preterm birth (PB) and were diagnosed with chronic periodontitis upon clinical examination (preterm/periodontitis); group 2 included patients who underwent spontaneous PB and who had a healthy periodontium upon clinical examination (preterm/healthy periodontium); group 3 included patients who underwent spontaneous normal term birth and were diagnosed with chronic periodontitis upon clinical examination (term/periodontitis); and group 4 included patients who underwent spontaneous normal term birth and who had a healthy periodontium upon clinical examination (term/healthy periodontium). GCF and placental tissue samples were obtained from each patient and IL-17 levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: GCF levels of IL-17 were significantly higher (P=0.010) in patients with chronic periodontitis compared to those with a healthy periodontium. No significant differences were observed in IL-17 levels in placental tissue samples of all study groups. Conclusion: An association between chronic periodontitis and preterm labor could not be established based on IL-17 levels measured in the present study.

Background: Leukoplakia is the most common potentially malignant lesion of the oral cavity. The main objective in treatment of oral leukoplakia is to prevent malignant transformation. Retinoids and vitamin D analogues have anti-keratinizing and immunomodulatory properties and proven effectiveness in the treatment of leukoplakia.Aim of the study: the aim of this clinical trial was to compare the effectiveness of topical calcipotriol versus topical tretinoin in treatment of oral leukoplakia regarding changes in clinical score as well as salivary IL-6, TGF- β and MMP-9 levels.Methodology: 40 patients with oral leukoplakia were randomly assigned into two groups. Group 1: (n=20) patients were treated with topical calcipotriol gel applied twice daily for 4 weeks. Group 2: (n=20) patients were treated with topical tretinoin cream applied twice daily for 4 weeks. Clinical improvement as well as salivary level of TGF-β, IL-6 and MMP-9 was evaluated 4 weeks after treatment and compared to baseline values.Results: Both treatments resulted in clinical improvement with no significant differences between groups. However, calcipotriol produced a highly statistically significant reduction in salivary IL-6 and MMP-9 compared to tretinoin while both treatments caused significant reduction in salivary TGF-β with no significant difference.Conclusion: Calcipotriol could be considered a promising therapeutic alternative with fewer side effects for the treatment of oral leukoplakia.

The present study was designed to compare the prevalence of Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in saliva of oral lichen planus (OLP) patients with its serum levels, in order to verify the effectiveness of salivary VEGF in monitoring OLP lesions. Thirty eight individuals were included and subdivided into 4 groups, 8 patients suffering from papular OLP, 11 patients with atrophic OLP, 11 patients with erosive OLP and 8 individuals having age and gender matched with previous groups acting as a control group. Serum and whole unstimulated saliva samples were collected from all the included individuals to determine VEGF level in both saliva and serum utilizing the ELISA technique. The results showed that the control group had the lowest level of VEGF in both saliva and serum and the papular group had slightly higher values than that of the control. As for the erosive group, it showed the highest levels of VEGF in saliva as well as in serum followed by the atrophic group. Thus, it could be concluded that both serum and salivary VEGF levels correlate perfectly with the clinical severity of different OLP lesions and that VEGF seems to play an important role in pathogenesis, activity, and severity of OLP lesions also that the analysis of salivary VEGF level is a non-invasive reliable way for the diagnosis and the monitoring of disease activity and a measure of the effectiveness of new therapeutic modalities.Aim: The current study compared the VEGF expression in both serum and saliva between various forms of OLP patients and control subjects in order to determine the effectiveness of salivary VEGF to reflect the disease activity.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause of mortality and morbidity, and accounts for over 9% of cancer incidence worldwide. Nuclear localized silent information regulator 2 homolog 1 (SIRT1) gene exerts its effects via modulation of histone and non-histone targets. SIRT1 gene functions in the cell via histone deacetylase (HDAC) and/or adenosine diphosphate ribosyl transferase (ADPRT) enzymatic activity. The aim of this work is to study the relationship between SIRT1 polymorphism and its protein level in colorectal cancer patients in comparison to control cases. This study includes two group, thirty healthy subjects (control group) and one hundred CRC patients. SIRT-1 serum level was measured in both the groups by ELISA and gene polymorphisms of rs12778366, rs375891 and rs3740051were detected by real time PCR. For CRC patients clinical data was collected including tumor size, tumor grade, tumor site, obesity. CRC patients showed a significant increase in the mean level of serum SIRT-1 compared to control group (P Conclusion Serum level of SIRT-1 and T allele, C allele of rs12778366 and rs375891 respectively can be used as diagnostic markers for CRC patients.