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Introduction: Lupus nephritis (LN) is one of the most prevalent severe organ manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), impacting 70% of SLE patients. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), are small non-coding RNA molecules which influence the expression of approximately one-third of human genes after the process of transcription. Dysregulation of miRNAs was documented in numerous disorders, including SLE and LN. Cytokines are the orchestrators of the immune response in autoimmune diseases. Our study aims to explore the variation in the levels of circulating miRNAs and proinflammatory cytokines as potential diagnostic biomarkers among LN and SLE patients without LN in comparison to controls. Methods: The study involved 20 LN patients, 20 SLE patients without LN, and 10 healthy controls. Serum levels of IL-12 and IL-21 in addition to miR-124, miR-146a, miR-199a, and miR-21 were assessed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for cytokines and quantitative real-time PCR for miRNAs. Results: A significant downregulation in miR-124 (p<0.001) and a significant overexpression of miR-146a (p=0.005) were found in SLE patients without LN in comparison to controls. In comparison to SLE patients without LN and the control group, miR-199a, miR-21, and miR-146a were significantly upregulated in LN patients (p=<0.001) with high diagnostic values of these miRNAs in discriminating LN from SLE patients without LN according to Receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis. Logistic regression analysis revealed that only miR-199a is an independent predictor of LN (OR 1.69; 95% CI: 1.1-2.6). The expression of miR-124 was reduced in LN patients in comparison to the control but increased in LN patients in comparison to SLE patients without LN. However, there was no statistically significant difference in either scenario. In comparison to both SLE patients without LN and controls, LN patients exhibited the highest serum levels of IL-12 and IL-21, with no statistically significant difference. Regression analysis revealed that only miR-146a was associated with creatinine levels and SLEDAI score (p= 0.009 and 0.03, respectively), while miR-124 was associated with hemoglobin level (p=0.03). Conclusion: MiR-199a is an independent predictor for LN and might be used as a diagnostic biomarker for this disease. MiR-146a might play an important role in LN pathophysiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study's objective was to compare the cytokine expression of IL‐8 in periapical tissues of single‐rooted teeth with symptomatic apical periodontitis (SAP) before and after root canal treatments. As well as, comparing IL‐8 levels in peri‐apical tissues between vital and necrotic teeth with SAP. Methodology: Thirty‐six patients were allocated according to their pulp status into two experimental groups (n = 18) receiving the same treatment protocol; group 1: Vital pulps with SAP, and group 2: non‐vital pulps with SAP. Conventional endodontic treatment was done on two visits; isolation and disinfection of the operative field were undertaken, and two‐stage access cavity preparation was implemented. The first pre‐instrumentation peri‐apical sample (S1) was collected prior to cleaning and shaping procedures. A 2.5% NaOCl irrigation was used to thoroughly irrigate the canal after performing root canal preparation utilising the ProTaper Next (PTN) rotary system. After 1 week, the second post‐instrumentation peri‐apical sample (S2) was collected. Using an ELISA kit, the quantity of IL‐8 was evaluated following the collection of all samples. Results: In all pre‐instrumentation samples, IL‐8 was detected (100%). The level of IL‐8 expression was significantly decreased from the S1 to S2 of all samples (p < 0.001). The intra‐group comparison showed a statistically significant reduction in the level of IL‐8 expression between S1 and S2 in both vital and non‐vital groups where p < 0.001* in both groups. The inter‐group comparison of levels of IL‐8 expression (vital and non‐vital) revealed a significant difference between both groups regarding the pretreatment sample with the higher levels of IL‐8 shown in the non‐vital group (p < 0.001). While in the post‐treatment sample, both groups showed a significant reduction in the level of IL‐8 expression but the difference between them was not statistically significant (p = 0.226). Conclusion: Root canal instrumentation seems to be efficient in decreasing the levels of anti‐inflammatory cytokines, namely IL‐8. Further research should clarify how intra‐canal medicaments affect inflammatory mediator levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is considered the third most common cancer around the world and second in terms of mortality. A significant aspect in its development is genetics. The risk of CRC and other clinicopathologic characteristics were investigated in this work in relation to the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) MEG3 rs7158663 polymorphism, MEG3 expression, in an Egyptian population. Methods: 160 CRC patients and 160 healthy controls were enrolled in this case-control study. The lncRNA MEG3 rs7158663 was examined using TaqMan Real-time PCR. RT-PCR was used to assess the levels of serum MEG3 expression. Results: A significant higher expression of 'A' allele (risk allele) and A/A genotype in CRC cases vs. control subjects (P <0.001) Participants with A/A genotype had 4.8 times higher odds to exhibit CRC. Serum MEG3 gene expression was generally low in CRC patients, and it was considerably lower in those with the rs7158663 AA genotype than those with the GG genotype (P <0.001). It was found that CRC patients with the rs7158663 GA genotype had lower serum MEG3 expression levels than those with the GG genotype (P <0.001). Conclusions: MEG3 low expression and MEG3 rs7158663 (AA) were associated with CRC risk in Egyptian patients and may serve as a diagnostic and prognostic marker for CRC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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 <0.001). MS patients had also significantly lower VD and VDR levels in comparison to controls (p value <0.001 and <0.001, respectively). Patients with secondary progressive MS (SPMS) have a significantly higher miRNA-22 level than patients with relapsing remitting MS (RRMS) (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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To assess the expression of Myb in the saliva and salivary gland tissues of patients suffering from salivary gland tumors to find out its ability to differentiate between salivary gland carcinomas and benign tumors. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective study comprising 70 patients with salivary gland tumors classified into two equal groups: 35 patients had benign tumors and 35 patients had malignant salivary gland carcinomas. Expression of Myb level in the saliva and salivary gland tissues of the patients was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and detected by immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis. For parametric data, Student's t test was used, and for nonparametric data Mann-Whitney U test was used. However, qualitative data were presented as frequencies and percentages. Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test, when applicable, was used for the comparisons. ROC (receiver-operating characteristic) curve was constructed to determine the cutoff values of Myb for differentiation between the groups. Results: There was a statistically significant difference (P = 0.029) of Myb level in saliva and tissue in the malignant group in comparison to the benign group. Myb ELISA test in salivary gland tissues at a cutoff value of 355 mg/g could discriminate between benign and malignant salivary gland tumors with an 88.9% sensitivity, 86.7% specificity, and accuracy amounting to 91.8%. At a cutoff value of 78.9 mg/mL, Myb ELISA test in saliva could discriminate between benign and malignant salivary gland tumors with an 85.6% sensitivity, 79.7% specificity, and accuracy amounting to 83.4%. In tissues, Myb detection by IHC is significantly more diagnostic than by ELISA. Conclusion: Myb expression by ELISA was markedly observed in salivary gland tumors especially malignant carcinoma. Therefore, it can be used as a simple primary marker for the detection of salivary gland tumors in saliva or tissue biopsy. Myb expression evaluation by ELISA can differentiate between malignant and benign salivary gland tumors. The level of Myb detected in saliva can furnish an early diagnosis of salivary gland cancer as well as a noninvasive aid to monitor recurrence of malignant salivary gland lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]