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There is increasing evidence that immunohistochemical expression of p53, Ki-67, and Bcl-2 is associated with aggressive (aBCC) and less aggressive (nBCC) histological subtypes and may have a prognostic role.To investigate the clinicopathological features and immunohistochemical expressions of p53, Ki-67, and Bcl-2 in cutaneous basal cell carcinoma focusing on histological subtypes. Their roles and possible interactions in the development and progression of BCC are discussed.A total of 50 BCC samples from 50 patients from Western Mexico between June 2018 and June 2019 were included. Paraffin-embedded samples were immunostained with p53, Ki-67, and Bcl-2 antibodies. Semi-quantitative analysis was performed to determine the intensity and positivity of immunostained cells. Parametrical and non-parametrical tests were performed according to the sample's distribution.Samples included 21 nBCC and 29 aBCC. The statistical analysis showed statistical association when grouped as non-aggressive and aggressive subtypes for p53 (We found that a high expression of Bcl-2 and a low expression of p53 was associated with more indolent histopathological features of BCC and therefore better outcomes. These findings suggest that examination of p53 and Bcl-2 expression in BCC patients may provide valuable prognostic information. These biomarkers may play a role in the development and progression of some cases of BCC.

Atherosclerosis plays an important role in the pathophysiology of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). CD36 is a scavenger receptor involved in lipid metabolism. Some single-nucleotide variants in the non-coding region could indirectly alter the expression and the function of the protein.The aim of this study was to investigate the gene and protein expression associated with CD36 variants (rs1194182;C G; rs1049654;C A, rs1334512;G T, and rs3211892;G A) in ACS patients from the western Mexican population.We recruited 310 ACS patients and 308 subjects in the control group (CG). Genotyping was determined by TaqMan SNP genotyping assays. CD36 expression at the mRNA level was quantified by TaqMan gene expression assays. Soluble CD36 (sCD36) was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.We show that rs1194182G C variant provides a protective effect with a 1.7-fold lower susceptibility to develop ACS (p = 0.03); however, this association was masked by diabetes and dyslipidemia. We observed a higher sCD36 concentration in patient with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) compared with patients with unstable angina (UA) (p = 0.038). Likewise, in diabetic patients versus non-diabetic (p 0.001). We observed in patients an increase in CD36 mRNA expression (1.91 times higher) than in the CG (p = 0.02).The rs1194182 seems to be associated with diabetes in a risky manner, in ACS patients and protective for dyslipidemia in both groups. The concentration of sCD36 seems to be associated with the clinical spectrum of the ACS patients and the presence of diabetes, since patients with STEMI present significantly elevated level compared with UA.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common dermatological neoplasms in Caucasian populations. In Mexico, a prevalence of 3.9 per 1000 habitants is estimated. Recently, the macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) has been related to different types of cancer. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the genetic association of haplotypes of [-794(CATT)5-8/-173G>C]MIF gene polymorphisms and its soluble levels in BCC. A total of 360 individuals were recruited for the study, that is, 180 of the total amounts were patients with BCC histologically confirmed and the remaining 180 individuals were identified as control subjects (CS). Both polymorphisms were genotyped by PCR and PCR-RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism), and MIF serum levels were measured by ELISA kit. A borderline difference was found between the 55 genotype and the susceptibility to BCC (5.6% vs 1.7% in BCC and CS, respectively, OR=3.7 and p=0.04). Furthermore, the haplotype 7G showed a significant association with BCC (p=0.02, OR=1.99). Concerning MIF soluble levels, patients with BCC showed a media of 2.1 ng/mL and CS showed 4.4 ng/mL, the comparison between groups was significant (p

Skin cancer is one of the main types of cancer worldwide, and non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most frequent within this group. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are the most common types. Multifactorial features are well-known for cancer development, and new hallmarks are gaining relevance. Genetics and epigenetic regulation play an essential role in cancer susceptibility and progression, as well as the variety of cells and molecules that interact in the tumor microenvironment. In this review, we provide an update on the genetic features of NMSC, candidate genes, and new therapies, considering diverse perspectives of skin carcinogenesis. The global health situation and the pandemic have been challenging for health care systems, especially in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with cancer. We provide innovative approaches to overcome the difficulties in the current clinical dynamics.

Introduction. Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory disease, where fibrin deposition and the impairment in its degradation have been shown to play an important role in the demyelination process. Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is a serine protease that enhances the conversion of plasminogen into its active form plasmin, the principal tPA inhibitor is the PAI-1. Several PAI-1 polymorphisms impact its gene expression and protein activity. Furthermore, the aim of this study was to investigate the association between the - 844 G>A, HindIII C>G, and 4G/5G PAI-1 polymorphisms and susceptibility to MS. Material and Methods. The study group included 400 Mexican mestizo subjects: 200 unrelated patients and 200 unrelated individuals identified as control subjects. The analysis of PAI-1 polymorphisms was performed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Results. A significant association was found between the CG genotype of the HindIII C>G PAI-1 polymorphism and susceptibility to MS (OR=1.58, p=0.03); moreover, the frequency of 5G allele and 5G/5G genotype of the 4G/5G PAI-1 polymorphism was statistically significant (OR=1.36 and p=0.04 and OR=2.43 and p=0.02, respectively). With respect to the relation between the scores of progression (EDSS) and severity (MSSS), no association was found between EDSS and genotypes of the PAI-1 polymorphisms analyzed. Regarding MSSS, male that carries genotype GA of the -844 G>A and genotype 4G/5G of the 4G/5G PAI-1 polymorphisms showed a significant association with an increase of media of MSSS in comparison with females (p=0.01 in both cases).

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common dermatological neoplasms in Caucasian populations. In Mexico, a prevalence of 3.9 per 1000 habitants is estimated. Recently, the macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) has been related to different types of cancer. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the genetic association of haplotypes of [-794(CATT)5-8/-173GC]MIF gene polymorphisms and its soluble levels in BCC. A total of 360 individuals were recruited for the study, that is, 180 of the total amounts were patients with BCC histologically confirmed and the remaining 180 individuals were identified as control subjects (CS). Both polymorphisms were genotyped by PCR and PCR-RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism), and MIF serum levels were measured by ELISA kit. A borderline difference was found between the 55 genotype and the susceptibility to BCC (5.6% vs 1.7% in BCC and CS, respectively, OR=3.7 and p=0.04). Furthermore, the haplotype 7G showed a significant association with BCC (p=0.02, OR=1.99). Concerning MIF soluble levels, patients with BCC showed a media of 2.1 ng/mL and CS showed 4.4 ng/mL, the comparison between groups was significant (p0.01). Our findings suggest that the 55 genotype and the haplotype 7G are associated with the susceptibility to BCC; furthermore, a significant difference was found between MIF soluble levels in both study groups.

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is the leading cause of death in elderly patients worldwide. Due its participation in apoptosis, fibrosis, and angiogenesis, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) isoforms had been categorized as risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. However, due their contradictory activities, a cardioprotective role has been suggested. The aim was to measure the plasma levels of TGF-β1, 2, and 3 proteins in patients with ACS. This was a case-control study including 225 subjects. The three activated isoforms were measured in serum using the Bio-Plex Pro TGF-β assay by means of magnetic beads; the fluorescence intensity of reporter signal was read in a Bio-Plex Magpix instrument. We observed a significant reduction of the three activated isoforms of TGF-β in patients with ACS. The three TGF-β isoforms were positively correlated with each other in moderate-to-strong manner. TGFβ-2 was inversely correlated with glucose and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, whereas TGF-β3 was inversely correlated with the serum cholesterol concentration. The production of TGF-β1, TGF-β2, and TGF-β3 are decreased in the serum of patients with ACS. Further follow-up controlled studies with a larger sample size are needed, in order to test whether TGF-β isoforms could be useful as biomarkers that complement the diagnosis of ACS.

Background Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a cytokine capable of stimulating inflammatory cytokine and matrix metalloproteinase production from macrophages and synovial fibroblasts, which leads to persistent inflammation and bone degradation, two of the major pathological processes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of MIF promoter polymorphisms (−794CATT5‐8 rs5844572 and −173G > C, rs755622), circulating MIF levels, and mRNA expression with RA susceptibility and disease activity. Methods A case–control study was conducted in 200 RA patients and 200 control subjects (CS) from Southern Mexico. Genotyping was performed by conventional PCR and PCR‐RFLP methods. MIF mRNA expression was quantified by real‐time PCR and MIF serum levels were determined by an ELISA kit. Results The 7,7 (−794CATT5‐8) and −173CC (−173G > C) genotypes were associated with higher disease activity in RA patients. MIF serum levels were increased, and MIF mRNA expression was reduced in RA patients as compared to CS. In addition, RA patients with moderate disease activity had higher MIF levels than those with low disease activity. The −794CATT5‐8 and −173G > C MIF polymorphisms were not associated with RA susceptibility. Conclusion These results suggest an important role of MIF polymorphisms and MIF serum levels with disease activity in RA., MIF −794CATT5‐8 and −173G > C polymorphisms are not associated with RA susceptibility risk in a southern Mexican population. The 7,7 (−794CATT5‐8) and GC (−173G > C) genotypes are associated with high‐ and low disease activity, respectively. Higher MIF serum levels are associated with moderate disease activity in RA patients.

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) can be triggered by the presence of inflammatory factors which promote the activation of immune cells by costimulatory molecules such as CD40 and its ligand CD40L. Environmental and genetic factors are involved in the etiology of the ACS. The aim of this study was to explore the gene and protein expression associated with CD40 and CD40L genetic variants in ACS patients from the western Mexican population. A total of 620 individuals from western Mexico were recruited: 320 ACS patients and 300 individuals without a history of ischemic cardiopathy were evaluated. The genotype was determined using TaqMan SNP genotyping assays. CD40 and CD40L expressions at the mRNA level were quantified using TaqMan Gene Expression Assays. Soluble protein isoforms were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We did not find evidence of association between CD40 (rs1883832, rs4810485, and rs11086998) and CD40L (rs3092952 and rs3092920) genetic variants and susceptibility to ACS, although rs1883832 and rs4810485 were significantly associated with high sCD40 plasma levels. Plasma levels of sCD40L can be affected by gender and the clinical spectrum of acute coronary syndrome. Our results do not suggest a functional role of CD40 and CD40L genetic variants in ACS. However, they could reflect the inflammatory process and platelet activation in ACS patients, even when they are under pharmacological therapy. Due to the important roles of the CD40-CD40L system in the pathogenesis of ACS, longitudinal studies are required to determine if soluble levels of CD40 and CD40L could be clinically useful markers of a recurrent cardiovascular event after an ACS.

Background. Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) has an important impact in public health with high morbidity and mortality. Prothrombotic and proinflammatory states are involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) is the major inhibitor of the fibrinolysis and also is part of immune response. The -844 G>A gene polymorphism is related to increased PAI-1 protein levels. The aim of the study is to evaluate the association of -844 G>A PAI-1 polymorphism with ACS.Methods. A total of 646 individuals were recruited from Western Mexico: 350 unrelated healthy subjects and 296 patients with diagnosis of ACS.Results. The most important risk factor in our population was hypertension, followed by smoking. The genetic distribution showed an association of the A allele (OR=1.27,P=0.04) and AA genotype (OR=1.86,P=0.02) with ACS. The recessive model displayed similar results (OR=1.76,P=0.02). As additional finding, we observed significant differences in the genetic distribution of ACS dyslipidemic patients (OR=1.99,P=0.04). The A allele and AA genotype of -844 polymorphism of PAI-1 gene are risk factors for ACS. The AA genotype might be associated with the development of dyslipidemia in ACS patients.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the dermatological neoplasm more prevalent worldwide, in recent years there has been an increase in the number of cases becoming a health problem. Despite its high incidence, there is little information about genetic factors that lead to the carcinogenesis of this neoplasms. In the last years, macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) has received particular attention, its expression has been linked to the development of different types of cancer. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the genetic association of −794 CATT5–8 and −173 G>C MIF polymorphisms with BCC. A total of 150 BCC patients and 150 individuals with similar age than cases as a control group were recruited. Total genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes by the salting out method. The −794 CATT5–8 MIF polymorphism was analyzed by conventional PCR and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, the −173 G>C MIF polymorphism was genotyped by PCR-RFLP as was done in previous studies by our research group. It was found that BCC incidence is higher in women than men additionally the localization of this neoplasia are more prevalent in head and neck. Also, it was found that the 5/5 genotype of the −794 CATT5–8 MIF polymorphisms of confers a risk to BCC development (OR=4.55, p=0.04). Respect to the −173 G>C MIF polymorphism we did not find a statistical difference. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the 5/5 genotyope of −794 CATT5–8 MIF polymorphism is associated with the development of BCC in patients from western Mexico. Further studies are needed due to the relation of the functions of MIF and de development of cancer.

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) belongs to the clinical entities characterized by obstruction of a coronary artery. In its etiology, inflammation contributes significantly trough the activation of immune cells by co-stimulatory molecules as CD40 and CD40L. The purpose of this work was to explore the changes of mRNA and circulating soluble levels of CD40-CD40L in ACS patients and association with genetic variants in a western Mexican population. 320 ACS patients and 300 individuals with similar age than cases without ischemic cardiopathy were recruited. Genotype determination was made using TaqMan SNP genotyping assays. CD40 and CD40L mRNA expression in whole blood samples were quantified using TaqMan Gene Expression Assays. Soluble levels were measured in plasma by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We did not find evidence of association between on CD40 (rs1883832, rs4810485 and rs11086998) and CD40L (rs3092952 and rs3092920) genetic variants and susceptibility to ACS nor changes in their mRNA expression (p>0.05), although rs1883832 and rs4810485 affected significantly sCD40 circulating levels (p=0.005; p=0.015, respectively). Circulating soluble levels were higher in ACS patients; specifically sCD40L was higher in male patients with unstable angina compared to female patients (p=0.016). Our results showed genetic variants affect soluble levels of CD40 although the CD40 and CD40L polymorphisms are not associated with susceptibility to ACS in western Mexican population. CD40L mRNA expression, sCD40 and sCD40L plasma levels were higher in ACS patients even when they are under pharmacological treatment, which suggests an active role of the CD40-CD40L system in the immunopathogenesis of acute coronary syndrome.

Introduction. The acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a complex disease where genetic and environmental factors are involved.E-selectingene is a candidate for ACS progression due to its contribution in the inflammatory process and endothelial function. The rs5361 (561A>C) polymorphism in theE-selectingene has been linked to changes in gene expression, affinity for its receptor, and plasmatic levels; therefore it is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to determine the association of the rs5361 polymorphism with ACS and to measure serum levels of soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin).Materials and Methods. 283 ACS patients and 205 healthy subjects (HS) from Western Mexico were included. The polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism was used to determine the rs5361 polymorphism. The sE-selectin levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results. Neither genotype nor allele frequencies of the rs5361 polymorphism showed statistical differences between groups. The sE-selectin levels were significantly higher in ACS patients compared to HS (54.58 versus 40.41 ng/ml,P=0.02). The C allele had no effect on sE-selectin levels.Conclusions. The rs5361E-selectingene polymorphism is not a susceptibility marker for ACS in Western Mexico population. However, sE-selectin may be a biological marker of ACS.

L-selectin gene (SELL) is a candidate gene for the development of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) that contributes to endothelial dysfunction. The -642CT (rs2205849) and 725CT (rs2229569) polymorphisms have been associated with changes in gene expression, ligand affinity and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the haplotypes constructed with the -642CT and 725CT polymorphisms of the SELL gene, the expression levels of its mRNA and the serum levels of soluble L-selectin with ACS.We recruited 615 individuals of Mexican origin matched by age, including 342 patients with ACS and 273 individuals without personal history of ischemic cardiopathy as control group (CG). Genotyping was performed by PCR-RFLP. The qPCR technique was used to analyze the expression of mRNA using TaqMan® UPL probes. The levels of soluble L-selectin were measured with ELISA.The allele variants in both polymorphisms were over-represented in the CG compared to the ACS (OR range: 0.371-0.716, p0.006). The CT and TT haplotypes had a protective effect against the development of ACS (OR=0.401, p0.0001; OR=0.628, p0.0001, respectively). SELL expression was 3.076 times higher in the ACS group compared to CG (p0.001). The levels of soluble L-selectin were similar between ACS and CG.Both polymorphisms had no effect on mRNA expression and soluble protein levels. The polymorphisms -642CT and 725CT of the SELL gene are protective factors against the development of ACS. There is an increased gene expression of L-selectin in ACS compared to CG in the population of Western Mexico.

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is considered one of the main causes of death worldwide. Contradictory findings concerning the impact of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene on cardiovascular diseases have been reported. Previous conclusions point out that the variability in results depends on ethnicity and genetic polymorphisms to determine the association of rs4340 polymorphisms of the ACE gene and ACE circulating levels in ACS. Genotyping of rs4340 polymorphisms was performed in a total of 600 individuals from Western Mexico divided into two groups: the ACS and the control group (CG). The polymorphisms were identified by polymerase chain reaction. Serum ACE concentration was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. D/D carriers had higher ACE levels than I/I carriers (3.6 vs 2.8 ng/mL, P < 0.0021) in the CG. The D/D genotype of the rs4340 polymorphism is associated with higher ACE concentration levels; however, the polymorphism was not associated with ACS.

Inflammation has gained a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS). TNF-α is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that could be a potential biomarker in ACS due to its multiple functions. The rs1799964 TNFA polymorphism (-1031TC) has been associated with a decrease in gene transcription and cytokine levels.To determine the association of rs1799964 TNFA polymorphism and TNF-α soluble levels in ACS.A total of 251 patients diagnosed with ACS and 164 individuals without cardiovascular diseases classified as the reference group (RG), were included. The rs1799964 polymorphism was genotyped by PCR-RFLP. Soluble protein levels were determined by ELISA. Statistical analyses were performed using chi square and U-Mann Whitney tests.The genotype and allele frequencies were different between ACS and RG (OR=0.317, p=0.01; OR=0.688, p=0.03 respectively). ACS patients had higher soluble TNF-α levels compared with the RG (31.08 vs 23.00pg/mL, p0.001); according genotype significant differences were observed (T/T: 24.06 vs T/C: 34.95pg/mL, p=0.0001) in patients. In the RG, T/T carriers showed discrete lower levels than C/C genotype (22.14 vs 27.83pg/mL, p=0.04).The -1031C allele of the TNFA polymorphism confers protection for the development of ACS. The T/C genotype carriers had higher TNF-α serum levels compared to the T/T genotype in ACS. In addition, the -1031TC TNFA polymorphism was associated with dyslipidemia in ACS in a Western Mexican population.

The macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is related to the progression of atherosclerosis, which, in turn, is a key factor in the development of acute coronary syndrome (ACS).MIFhas a CATT short tandem repeat (STR) at position −794 that might be involved in its expression rate. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the −794CATT5–8 MIFgene polymorphism and susceptibility to ACS in a western Mexican population. This research included 200 ACS patients classified according to the criteria of the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and 200 healthy subjects (HS). The −794CATT5–8 MIFgene polymorphism was analyzed using a conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. The 6 allele was the most frequent in both groups (ACS: 54% and HS: 57%). The most common genotypes in ACS patients and HS were 6/7 and 6/6, respectively, and a significant association was found between the 6/7 genotype and susceptibility to ACS (68% versus 47% in ACS and HS, resp.,P=0.03). We conclude that the 6/7 genotype of theMIF−794CATT5–8polymorphism is associated with susceptibility to ACS in a western Mexican population.