Post-translational modifications (PTMs) play a crucial role in increasing proteomic diversity. N-linked glycosylation acts as a key regulatory layer that influences protein stability, trafficking, circulation, and immune responses. Unlike conventional inflammatory biomarkers that measure individual proteins, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy identifies the combined signals GlycA and GlycB from glycoproteins, offering an overall view of systemic glycoprotein changes. These signals represent the N-glycosylation patterns of several abundant acute-phase proteins (APPs), giving detailed molecular insights. This review offers a detailed assessment of GlycA and GlycB as mechanistically grounded indicators of liver glycoprotein remodeling and systemic inflammation. GlycA mainly indicates the levels and structural complexity of N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) and N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) residues linked to acute-phase glycoproteins and glycan branching. In contrast, GlycB reflects changes in terminal sialylation, which influences glycoprotein half-life, immune recognition via lectins, and inflammatory signaling. Collectively, these biomarkers combine measurements of hepatic APP production with variations in glycan structure, offering mechanistically anchored reporters of hepatic glycoprotein remodeling. We explore the enzymatic pathways responsible for N-glycan branching, fucosylation, and sialylation, as well as the roles of major APP scaffolds in the GlycA and GlycB resonances. We also highlight the emerging clinical significance of these signals across infectious, autoimmune, cardiovascular, metabolic, neurodegenerative, and cancer-related diseases. Rather than serving simply as markers of inflammation, GlycA and GlycB provide mechanistically interpretable readouts of cytokine-driven hepatic glycoprotein remodeling and systemic immune activation, supporting their application in disease risk stratification, longitudinal monitoring, therapeutic response assessment, and precision medicine.
Introduction: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is linked to poor progression and a high mortality rate. It is classified and evaluated using the standard Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). In addition, serum biomarkers, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), procalcitonin (PCT), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), may facilitate accurate TBI severity evaluation, thereby assisting in its prognosis and clinical outcome.Methods: This study included 20 patients with TBI aged ≥18 years who were admitted within 12 h of injury to the intensive care unit (ICU). Serum samples for assessing VEGF, TNF-α, and PCT concentrations were acquired at admission 0 h, 24 h, and 72 h and analyzed by ELISA.Results: Serum concentrations of VEGF, TNF-α, and PCT (p < 0.0001) were significantly elevated at all time intervals in patients with TBI than in the control group (healthy individuals). Compared to the admission (0 h) time point, VEGF concentrations exhibited no significant differences among different time points, whereas TNF-α concentrations had increased significantly (p < 0.001) at 24 h. PCT concentrations exhibited a continuous elevation through time points, peaking at 72 h (p < 0.01). The highest diagnostic performance for PCT was noted at 72 h, with an AUC of 0.834 (p < 0.004). In addition, PCT and VEGF showed a significant negative correlation at 24 h, indicating potential opposing roles in trauma response.Conclusion: Serum PCT concentrations can be utilized to track the progression of TBI because of a continuous increase in its concentration with time.
Introduction:Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a global health challenge, with disproportionately high mortality rates in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Tumor markers such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) are used for diagnostic purposes and for monitoring treatment results. The relationship between these markers, individually or in combination, with clinical presentation, metastatic patterns and survival outcomes has not been extensively researched. Methods:In this South African retrospective study, we assess the association of the tumor marker levels on presentation, diagnosis, and prognosis. Data was analyzed using chi-square tests, t-tests, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Results:The study included 501 patients, treated between 2010 and 2024. Elevated AFP levels were associated with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, hepatomegaly, and pulmonary metastases, while elevated CA19-9 levels were associated with more advanced liver disease. Survival analysis confirmed shorter survival for patients with elevated AFP and CA19-9 levels compared to normal levels (p < 0.001). Elevated CEA levels were not significantly associated with survival. Patients with no elevated markers (i.e., "triple-negative" for AFP, CEA, and CA19-9) had the longest survival, compared to those with multiple elevated markers (p < 0.001). Conclusion:AFP and CA19-9 elevations were associated with more advanced disease and poorer survival outcomes. We emphasize the importance of integrating tumor marker levels with imaging and histopathology for a multimodal diagnostic approach. Further research is needed to validate these associations to better define the role of biomarkers in HCC management.
Introduction:The objective of this study was to conduct a comparative evaluation of systemic inflammatory markers in various forms of gallbladder inflammation in patients with acute calculous cholecystitis (ACC). Methods:The article presents information about a scientific study conducted to study the content of peripheral blood leukocytes, taking into account the form of ACC in 116 patients. The patients were divided into two groups: Group I consisted of 53 patients with the catarrhal form of ACC, and Group II included 63 patients with the destructive forms (phlegmonous and gangrenous). Dynamic studies conducted before and after cholecystectomy in 116 patients showed that the level of leukocytes depended on the form of ACC. Results:The cell indices evaluated in this study, such as lymphocyte neutrophil ratio (LNR), lymphocyte monocyte ratio (LMR), neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and systemic inflammation response index (SIRI), present a more accessible and efficient alternative to assess systemic inflammation in clinical practice, especially in the context of acute cholecystitis. Conclusion:Systemic inflammatory cell biomarkers, such as the LNR, LMR, NLR, MLR, LER , and SIRI, are significantly associated with the clinical forms of ACC and provide useful insights into the intensity of the inflammatory process in the gallbladder.
Introduction: Blood biomarkers play a crucial role in the diagnosis and prognosis of tumor. The present researchwas designed to study the diagnostic effect of serum biomarkers, namely carcino-embryonic antigen (CEA), cancerantigen 15-3 (CA15-3), and plasma biomarker viz., circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA); and their correlation withcytological and histopathological results.Methods: A total of 60 blood samples were collected. Out of which 36 samples were from the dogs affected withcanine mammary tumors, and 24 samples were from the apparently healthy dogs. CEA and CA15-3 were estimatedusing Sandwich ELISA, and cfDNA was estimated by the ccfDNA kit. A significant Positive correlation wasobserved between tumor blood biomarker levels, cytology and histopathological grades of the tumors.Results: We found that CA15-3 can be a more effective serum tumour biomarker than CEA for diagnosing caninemammary gland tumours. This finding showed a positive correlation with the clinical grade of the disease. Theconcentration of serum markers and cfDNA in animals affected with malignant mammary gland tumours washigher compared to the benign entity of tumours and healthy control groups. The ROC curve analysis revealedthat the sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) of CEA and CA15-3 biomarkers improved when used together. INcomparison to healthy controls, canines with both benign and malignant neoplasia showed significantly higher(p < 0.05) cfDNA concentrations.Conclusion: This study highlights the role of blood tumor biomarkers for routine screening of animals in earlydiagnosis of tumors, further treatment, and prognosis.
Introduction:Anti-centromere antibodies are associated with limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis (lcSSc) and a more favorable prognosis. The centromere HEp-2 pattern (AC-3) suggests the presence of antibodies against CENP antigens, mainly CENP-B/A. This study analyzed clinical and demographic associations of anti-centromere antibodies in a cohort of patients exclusively with the lcSSc form of SSc. The frequency of CENP-B and CENP-A reactivity in samples with the AC-3 pattern was also evaluated. Method:Samples from 38 lcSSc patients with AC-3 were evaluated for reactivity to CENP-B/A using line-blot and ELISA. Clinical data from 68 lcSSc patients (20 AC-3 and 48 Non-AC-3) were analyzed. Results:Of the AC-3 samples, 84% and 82% were reactive against CENP-B and CENP-A, respectively, by line-blot, and 92% were positive for CENP-B by ELISA. Concordance for CENP-B reactivity between ELISA and line-blot was 79%. Reactivity to both CENP-B and CENP-A was found in 68% of AC-3 samples, while one sample was positive only for CENP-A. Overall, 97% of AC-3 samples were reactive to CENP-B, and all were reactive to either CENP-B or CENP-A. Clinically, interstitial lung disease (ILD) was less frequent in AC-3 patients compared to Non-AC-3 (10.5% vs. 54.2%; p = 0.001). Other organ involvement frequencies were similar. Conclusion:ILD was less frequent in lcSSc patients with a positive AC-3 pattern as compared to those with a non-AC-3 pattern, which could suggest a less severe prognosis. In addition, anti-CENP-B was the predominant autoantibody in samples yielding the AC-3 pattern, but anti-CENP-A reactivity was also prevalent, and exclusive anti-CENP-A reactivity was also observed.
Introduction:The triplet FOLFOXIRI (fluorouracil, leucovorin, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan) may be considered an effective option in the neoadjuvant setting for metastatic colon cancer (mCRC). To investigate potential molecular criteria for treatment response, we evaluate the transcriptome of paired primary colon tumors and liver metastases. Method:Two sets of quadruple-matched specimens (primary colon tumor, liver metastasis, normal colon and liver tissues) from five patients with resectable mCRC before and after neoadjuvant FOLFOXIRI were selected for RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). Results:RNA-seq data showed that liver metastases exhibited a higher number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) than colon tumors (FDR < 0.05, 301 vs. 62, respectively). Up-regulation of IL1RN, MTCO1P12, RN7SL1, ALDH1A1, DUSP1, COX1, and FOS may be associated with colon tumor sensitivity to FOLFOXIRI. HBB, GADD45B, DUSP1, FOSB, HBA2, TSC22D3, TAGLN, PER1, CSRP1, CCN2, NAMPT, ZBTB16, SERPINE1, ISG20, SRGN, ATF3, IL7R, IFITM2, and KLF2 may potentially be involved in the partial liver metastasis response. EPS8L2 was the only gene highly expressed in pre-treatment liver tissue of the complete responder patient compared to others (|Log2FC| = 3.84, FDR < 0.05). Conclusion:Data obtained indicate transcriptional discordance between the primary tumors and liver metastases during neoadjuvant FOLFOXIRI, with the pattern of DEGs involved in their response being distinct. The EPS8L2 transcript could be regarded as a candidate biomarker of liver complete response; however, prognostic conclusions cannot be drawn from this cohort.
Introduction:The coronavirus is a novel pandemic disease that began in Wuhan, China, and further spread globally. Therefore, the aim of this retrospective work was to look at the clinical characteristics and outcomes of diabetic and blood pressure patients compared with a healthy patient who was infected with coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Methods:Data and outcomes were gathered from medical records and analyzed in 150 patients. The disease is frequently diagnosed via nucleic acid-based viral identification from swabs, sputum, or bronchial alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) using diagnostic reagents such as quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). COVID-19 chest radiographs were obtained, and clinical characteristics and outcomes were evaluated. In this study, we analyzed and compared the severity of the disease, its outcome, any associated complications, and clinical laboratory findings in COVID-19 patients between diabetic, hypertensive, and healthy individuals. Results and Conclusion:According to the findings, COVID-19 can cause a wide range of symptoms, which range from asymptomatic to severe respiratory problems and death. Diabetes appears to be one of the most significant comorbidities associated with a worse COVID-19 result. COVID-19 patients with diabetes (50 (33%) and hypertension (50 (33%)) had more ICU admissions compared with the non-diabetic and non-blood pressure patients (50 (33%)). During the treatment follow-up, 10 (6.6%) of the 150 patients passed away, 140 (93%) were released, 110 (73%) were discharged, and 30 (20%) kept in the hospital. Compared to non-diabetic and healthy COVID-19 patients, diabetic COVID-19 patients had a greater mortality rate.
Background:Sepsis is a life-threatening condition and a major cause of hospital mortality worldwide. This study investigated the diagnostic utility of monocyte mean volume (MONO MEAN-V), monocyte distribution width (MDW), monocyte mean conductivity (MONO MEAN-C), and monocyte standard deviation conductivity (MONO Sd-C) for sepsis, compared to conventional markers. Methods:A prospective cohort study was conducted in two centers, enrolling adult patients classified into three groups: sepsis, septic shock, and febrile. Blood was drawn from septic patients on days 1, 3, and 5 of admission. MDW and other inflammatory parameters were measured in all patients. Results:Patients with sepsis or septic shock exhibited significantly elevated MONO MEAN-V, MDW, and MONO MEAN-C and lower MONO Sd-C compared to febrile patients. Among the biomarkers evaluated, MDW emerged as a reliable predictor of sepsis. A cut-off MDW value of 25.1 on day 1 demonstrated optimal diagnostic performance, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.84 (95% CI: 0.77-0.91), sensitivity of 75%, and specificity of 91.2%. Conclusions:MDW appears to be a cost-effective, rapid marker for sepsis detection, performing at least as effectively as existing biomarkers. Our findings corroborate other published studies, highlighting MDW's potential to enhance early sepsis recognition.
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.33393/jcb.2025.3564.].
Background:Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common inflammatory rheumatic disease, and it significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and death. The evaluation of cardiovascular risk (CVR) is crucial in these patients, but it may be underestimated using the current criteria, as they do not include nontraditional CVR factors. Soluble ST-2, which is the circulating form of the IL-33 receptor, has been identified as a biomarker for cardiovascular and rheumatic diseases. In this study, we examined the role of sST-2 in assessing CVR in RA. Methods:Monocentric, retrospective, observational trial. Inclusion of RA patients on variable DMARD therapy. Analysis of RA disease using established scores (DAS 28, VAS, HFQ), clinical findings (number of swollen and painful joints), and laboratory investigation. Documentation of numerous CVR variables. Quantification of soluble sST-2 by ELISA. Results:In total, 129 individuals were included. Soluble sST-2 did neither correlate nor was associated with any variable of RA disease activity. In contrast, significant associations were identified between sST-2 and a number of established CVR markers. Conclusions:The data indicates a novel role for sST-2 in CVR prediction in RA.
Background:Systemic inflammation is crucial in cancer cachexia, but the optimal measurement method remains unclear. This study compares markers of systemic inflammation (MoSI) in predicting weight loss in patients with metastatic cancer. Methods:This prospective, observational multi-center study involved patients undergoing radiotherapy for bone metastases. Baseline assessments included demographics, clinical characteristics, previous weight loss, and appetite loss. MoSI included: C-reactive protein (CRP), albumin, white blood cells, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio, interleukin-6 (IL-6), modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS), and Prognostic Nutritional Index. Body weight was recorded at baseline, 3, and 8 weeks post-radiotherapy. Multiple linear regression assessed MoSI's predictive ability for weight loss, adjusting for previous weight loss, appetite loss, and primary tumour type. Goodness-of-fit was assessed using adjusted R2. Results:Out of 574 recruited patients, 540 and 470 were analyzed at 3 and 8 weeks, respectively. The median age (IQR) was 67 (15), 330 (61%) were male, and 397 (74%) had a Karnofsky performance status ≥70. In a base model without MoSI, significant predictors of weight loss at 3 weeks were appetite loss and urological, lung, and gastrointestinal cancer (adjusted R2 of 0.064), while at 8 weeks, urological and lung cancer were significant (adjusted R2 of 0.035). At 3 weeks, all MoSI significantly improved the base model, with adjusted R2 between 0.078 and 0.091. At 8 weeks: CRP, mGPS, albumin and IL-6 improved the model; however only CRP and mGPS retained an adjusted R2 of ~0.09. Conclusions:All MoSI predicted weight loss, but CRP and mGPS were the most optimal.
Background:This research was performed to evaluate Irisin and Insulin concentrations in Thyroid patients. Material and methods:This investigation was performed as a cross-sectional study within the Biochemistry Department at KMC, Mangalore, and the Central Lab at KMCH-AT, Mangalore. Participants were classified into two cohorts: those having regular thyroid function as well as those having thyroid disorder, including both hypothyroid and hyperthyroid patients, with 28 individuals (n = 28) in each category based on thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels obtained during thyroid dysfunction screenings. Socio-demographic variables like height, weight, and body mass index were calculated, along with the assessment of hypertensive or hypotensive conditions. Insulin levels were quantified using an automated analyzer system. Statistical analyses were performed utilizing Easy-R (EZR) version 1.55, developed by Jichi Medical University in Saitama, Japan. The normal distribution of the parameters was evaluated through normality tests, with t-tests and Kruskal-Wallis tests applied as appropriate. Results:Irisin levels significantly declined in hypothyroid individuals while showing an insignificant rise in hyperthyroidism. Insulin levels significantly increased in hyperthyroid patients compared to normal and hypothyroid groups. A positive correlation between insulin and irisin was found in hypothyroidism, while a negative correlation was observed in hyperthyroidism. Conclusion:Preliminary findings of this study indicate a potential interdependence between Irisin and thyroid levels. Investigating the interaction between the thyroid profile and irisin can pave the way for considering irisin as a biomarker for novel treatment strategies in thyroid disorders and metabolic conditions.
Introduction: Prostate cancer (PCa) management presents a multifaceted clinical challenge, intricately linking oncological considerations with cardiovascular health. Despite the recognized importance of lipid metabolism and hypertension in this interwoven relationship, their involvement in PCa development remains partially understood. This study aimed to explore variations in plasma metabolome among Sudanese PCa patients and their associated comorbidities. Methods: Plasma samples were collected from 50 patients across four hospitals in Sudan and profiled by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. One-dimensional proton NMR spectra were acquired for each sample using standard nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy pulse sequence presat on a 500 MHz Bruker Avance III HD NMR spectrometer. Metabolite concentrations were quantified using R scripts developed in-house. Univariate and multivariate analyses were generated in the R software. Results: Patients were categorized into four distinct metabotypes based on their metabolic profiles, and statistical analyses were conducted to evaluate the significance of observed differences. Our findings revealed high levels of fatty acids, phospholipids, cholesterol, valine, leucine, and isoleucine associated with non-hypertensive patients. In contrast, hypertensive patients were associated with high GlycA and GlycB levels and altered amino acid metabolism. Conclusion: These findings underscore the intricate interplay between metabolic dysregulation and hypertension in PCa patients. Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise molecular pathways underlying lipid metabolism in PCa and to explore the therapeutic potential of targeting these pathways. In conclusion, our study contributes to a deeper understanding of the metabolic landscape of PCa in Sudanese patients, emphasizing the importance of personalized approaches in cancer management.
Purpose: Circulating tumor cell (CTC)-based ERBB2 (HER2) assay is a laboratory test developed by Epic Sciences using single-cell genomics to detect ERBB2 (HER2) amplification in CTCs found in the peripheral blood of metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients. Patients and methods: Peripheral blood was collected in Streck tubes and centrifugation was used to remove plasma and red blood cells. The remaining nucleated cells were deposited on glass slides, immunofluorescent-stained with proprietary antibodies, scanned by a high-definition digital scanner, and analyzed by a proprietary algorithm. In addition, single-cell genomics was performed on selected CTC. Analytical validation was performed using white blood cells from healthy donors and breast cancer cell lines with known levels of ERBB2 amplification. Clinical concordance was assessed on MBC patients whose blood was tested by the CTC ERBB2 (HER2) assay and those results are compared to results of matched metastatic tissue biopsy (immunohistochemistry [IHC] 3+ or IHC2+/in situ hybridization [ISH+]). Results: Epic’s ERBB2 (HER2) assay detected 2-fold ERBB2 amplification with 85% sensitivity and 94% specificity. In the clinical concordance study, among the 50% of the cases that had ERBB2 status results from CTCs found to be chromosomally-unstable, the CTC ERBB2 (HER2) assay showed sensitivity of 69% and specificity of 78% when compared to HER2 status by metastatic tissue biopsy. Conclusions: The CTC ERBB2 (HER2) assay can consistently detect ERBB2 status in MBC cell lines and in the population of patients with MBC with detectable chromosomally unstable CTCs for whom tissue biopsy is not available or is infeasible.
Background: Periodontitis is an inflammatory reaction to subgingival pathogenic microorganisms that causes gradual deterioration of the gingiva, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone. Interleukin (IL)-21 is the most recently found member of type I cytokine family that is upregulated during inflammation. The current study aims to investigate the biological plausibility of IL-21 as a biomarker for chronic periodontitis. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional clinico-biochemical investigation included 15 systemically healthy, 15 periodontally healthy, 15 chronic gingivitis, and 15 chronic periodontitis subjects aged 25 to 60 years. Following subject enrollment, gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and blood samples were then taken from each subject. The concentration of IL-21 in all samples was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. The data was examined using the Kruskal-Wallis test and the Spearman correlation test. Results: Serum IL-21 levels in chronic periodontitis patients were substantially greater than in periodontally healthy individuals. GCF IL-21 levels were substantially greater in gingivitis and chronic periodontitis patients compared to periodontally healthy individuals. In terms of clinical indicators, serum IL-21 levels correlated significantly with bleeding index (BI) in the chronic periodontitis group. In chronic periodontitis group, disease severity as evaluated by probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment loss (CAL) did not correlate with serum or GCF IL-21 levels. Conclusion: According to the current study’s findings, periodontally involved patients had higher IL-21 levels than periodontally healthy patients, suggesting it can be used as biomarker. Further studies with larger sample size can shed more light on the clinical advantage of IL-21 as a possible marker for disease activity and progression.
Background and aim: The aim of the current study is to assess the relation between carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) measurements, renal Doppler resistive index (RI) and serum levels of interleukin-13 (IL-13) and annexin-V (An-V) in children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS). Materials and methods: The present case-control study was conducted on 60 children with INS and 60 age- and sex-matched healthy children. All participants were subjected to evaluation of serum levels of IL-13 and An-V and ultrasound Doppler measurement of CIMT and renal RI. Results: Patients expressed significantly higher An-V (5.9 ± 2.6 vs. 2.1 ± 0.8 ng/mL, p<0.001) and IL-13 (19.2 ± 7.6 vs. 3.4 ± 1.4 ng/L) levels when compared with healthy counterparts. Moreover, it was shown that patients had significantly higher CIMT (0.49 ± 0.06 vs. 0.35 ± 0.03, p<0.001) as compared to controls. No significant differences were noted between the studied groups regarding right or left RIs. Correlation analysis identified significant direct correlation between serum An-V levels and albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) (r = 0.55), cholesterol (r = 0.48), triglycerides (r = 0.36), IL-13 (r = 0.92) and CIMT (r = 0.53). Similar correlations could be found between serum IL-13 levels and CIMT measurements and the corresponding parameters. Conclusions: The present study suggests an association between higher early atherosclerosis expressed as elevated CIMT measurements in children with INS and elevated serum levels of An-V and IL-13.
Background:For patients with mCRPC, PSMA-targeted radioligand treatment has significantly improved the clinical outcome. A blood-based liquid biopsy assay for recognizing PSMA protein expression on circulating tumor cells may be beneficial for better informing therapeutic decision-making and identifying the patients most likely to benefit from PSMA-targeted radioligand therapy.Methods:Using high-throughput imaging and digital AI pathology algorithms, a four-color immunofluorescence assay has been developed to find PSMA protein expression on CTCs on a glass slide. Cell line cells (LNCaP/PC3s/22Rv1) spiked into healthy donor blood were used to study the precision, specificity, sensitivity, limit of detection, and overall accuracy of the assay. Clinical validation and low-pass whole-genome sequencing were performed in PSMA-PET-positive patients with high-risk mCRPC (N = 24) utilizing 3 mL of blood.Results:The PSMA CTC IF assay achieved analytical specificity, sensitivity, and overall accuracy above 99% with high precision. In the clinical validation, 76% (16/21) of the cases were PSMA positive with CTC heterogeneity, and 88% (21/24) of the patients contained at least one conventional CTC per milliliter of blood. Thirty-six low-pass-sequenced CTCs from 11 individuals with mCRPC frequently exhibited copy number increases in AR and MYC and losses in RB1, PTEN, TP53, and BRCA2 locus.Conclusions:The analytical validation utilizing Epic Sciences' liquid biopsy CTC platform demonstrated the potential to detect PSMA protein expression in CTCs from patients with mCRPC. This assay is positioned as an effective research tool to evaluate PSMA expression, heterogeneity, and therapeutic response in many ongoing clinical studies to target tumors that express PSMA.
Purpose: Cataract is a major cause of blindness worldwide with a greater prevalence in developing countries like India. Owing to speculations about the relationship of various biochemical markers and cataract formation this case-control study was designed with the aim to know the impact of serum blood sugar, serum electrolytes and serum calcium on the etiopathogenesis of cataract in Kashmiri population. Methods: A total of 300 cases diagnosed with cataract and 360 healthy controls were taken for the study. Serum of all the cases and controls was analyzed for blood sugar and calcium using spectrometric techniques. Sodium and potassium were analyzed using Ion-Selective Electrode technology. All the investigations were done on ABBOTT c4000 fully automatic clinical chemistry analyzer. Results: Most of the patients in our study were ≥50 years of age having posterior subcapsular cataract. The mean levels of serum fasting blood sugar (mg/dL), serum sodium (mmol/L), serum potassium (mmol/L) and serum calcium (mg/dL) were 99.4 ± 7.7; 140.4 ± 2.5; 4.2 ± 0.5; and 8.9 ± 0.5, respectively, in cases compared to 107.7 ± 12.3; 142.9 ± 5.0; 3.8 ± 0.5; and 8.3 ± 1.7, respectively, in healthy controls. A significantly higher number of cataract cases had elevated serum glucose and sodium levels, low serum potassium and calcium levels compared to healthy controls. Conclusions: Hyperglycemia, hypernatremia, hypokalemia and hypocalcemia can independently increase the patients’ risk to cataracts. Corrections in these biochemical parameters may reduce cataract incidence.
