Objectives: Immunochemical fecal occult blood test has been commonly used for community-based colorectal cancer screening. There is a wide variety of fecal immunochemical test (FIT) products available in the market. However, there is limited performance information for many brands, making it essential to assess and compare the performance of these FITs. Therefore, this study aims to assess the level of agreement between eight FIT products with various cut-off values (two quantitative, six qualitative) and to evaluate the analytical performance of FITs through repeatability, interference, and stability analyses. Methods: This study was conducted using a total of 313 stool specimens of which 211 specimens were obtained from randomly selected patients without any dietary restrictions, and the remainder 101 specimens were spiked with hemoglobin. The fecal occult blood results from all brands were evaluated as positive or negative. The level of agreement of FITs were assessed. Repeatability, stability and interference studies of FITs were also carried out. Results: FITs were found to have fair to almost perfect agreement with kappa values ranging from 0.28 to 0.94 (all p<0.001) in the pairwise comparisons but statistically significant differences were found among most FITs by McNemar's test with Bonferroni correction (adjusted alpha=0.0018). Repeatability and interference studies showed consistent results, but stability performance varied among FITs. Conclusion: This study showed that agreement and analytical performance among FITs vary, that statistically significant differences may be observed between some test pairs, and that agreement measures alone are not sufficient when considering test interchangeability. Test selection should be based on a comprehensive assessment that considers analytical performance together with agreement results and the potential impact on laboratory and clinical management.
Objectives: Multiple myeloma (MM) is characterized by clonal plasma cell proliferation and significant systemic impacts. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between routine hemogram and biochemical parameters and disease severity markers (M-protein and (3-2 microglobulin [(3-2M]) to identify accessible clinical indicators of tumor load at the time of diagnosis. Methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, newly diagnosed, treatment-naive MM patients and healthy controls were analyzed. Statistical significance was set at a threshold (p<0.00125) using Bonferroni correction to prevent Type I errors. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictors of high M-protein load (>= 3g/dL), and ROC analysis was used to determine the diagnostic performance of significant parameters. Results: MM patients exhibited significantly lower WBC, RBC, HCT, and PLT counts, and higher BUN and CRP levels compared to controls (p<0.001). (3-2M showed significant correlations with several routine parameters; however, partial correlation and multivariable regression revealed that these associations were entirely dependent on renal function. Conversely, multivariable logistic regression identified RBC count (OR=0.383, p=0.026), eGFR, and age as significant independent predictors of high M-protein load. Notably, each 1 & times;106/mu L decline in RBC count was associated with a 161% increase in the risk of high disease severity. ROC analysis established an optimal RBC cut-off value of 3.73 & times;106/mu L (AUC: 0.695, sensitivity: 64.1%, specificity: 69.6%) for predicting high tumor load. Conclusion: Routine laboratory data, particularly RBC count, serve as powerful indicators of MM severity at the time of initial diagnosis. Unlike (3-2M, which is heavily influenced by renal status, RBC count is an independent predictor of monoclonal protein load. A baseline RBC level below 3.73 & times;106/mu L should alert clinicians to a potentially high tumor load, facilitating rapid triage and treatment prioritization.
Objectives: Insulin resistance is one of the main reasons responsible for the pathogenesis of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). LEAP2 functions as an endogenous antagonist of the ghrelin receptor and is associated with insulin resistance. Irisin is a thermogenic myokine that causes energy expenditure by converting white adipose tissue into brown adipose tissue. Based on this information, we aimed to reveal the possible relationship between Leap2, irisin levels, and insulin resistance in newly diagnosedT2DM patients Methods: Our study consisted of 82 patients newly diagnosed with T2DM and 74 Healthy control groups who do not use any medication. Leap2 and irisin levels were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Results: Compared to the control group, we found the serum irisin levels significantly lower in the diabetic group. LEAP2 levels were significantly higher in the diabetic group. In the patient group, we found a negative correlation between irisin levels and HOMA-IR and insulin levels and a positive correlation with HDL. On the contrary, we found a positive correlation between LEAP2 levels and HOMA-IR, insulin, and triglyceride levels. Conclusion: In patients with T2DM, LEAP2 levels are higher and irisin levels are lower than in healthy people. Various molecules have been the target of many studies on maintaining glucous homeostasis, and preventing and improving diabetes mellitus. Therefore, the role of adipomyokines in T2DM and insulin resistance should be further investigated. To our knowledge, this study will be the first report correlating T2DM, LEAP2, and irisin levels and HOMA-IR in humans.
Objectives: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a major microvascular complication of diabetes characterized by vascular instability and oxidative stress. This study aimed to evaluate the serum levels of Fibulin-5, Selenium-Binding Protein-1 (SBP-1), and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-C (VEGF-C) across different clinical stages of DR and to investigate their independent pathophysiological associations. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 179 participants categorized into four groups: healthy controls (n=45), diabetes mellitus (DM) without retinopathy (n=45), non-proliferative DR (NPDR) (n=45), and proliferative DR (PDR) (n=44). Serum levels were measured using ELISA. The strength of clinical associations was evaluated via ROC analysis, and independent relationships were assessed using multivariable logistic regression models adjusting for age and HbA1c. Results: Serum Fibulin-5 and SBP-1 levels were significantly elevated in the NPDR group compared to all other groups (p<0.001 for both). In multivariable regression, both Fibulin-5 (OR: 3.13, p=0.0004) and SBP-1 (OR: 1.63, p=0.004) maintained a strong, independent association with the NPDR stage, distinct from systemic glycemic control. VEGF-C levels did not show significant differences among the groups (p=0.310). Conclusion: The stage-specific dramatic elevations of Fibulin-5 and SBP-1 in NPDR suggest a systemic reflection of a compensatory mechanism against early retinal microvascular injury and oxidative stress, which appears to diminish in the advanced PDR stage. These findings provide novel observational insights into the systemic dynamics of extracellular matrix remodeling and redox stress in DR pathogenesis.
Objectives: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by epidermal dysregulation and increased oxidative stress. This study investigated the protective effects of boric acid (BA) in HaCaT keratinocytes exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute inflammatory redox stress using a simultaneous treatment protocol. Methods: HaCaT cells were assigned to control, LPS (10 & micro;g/mL or 200 ng/mL), BA (20 or 100 & micro;M), and simultaneous treatment (LPS + BA) groups. Cell viability was assessed by CCK-8 assay. Oxidative status was evaluated by malondialdehyde (MDA) and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), total sulfhydryl (TSH), and antioxidant parameters [superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT)]. Cell migration was analyzed by a wound healing assay. Results: LPS exposure did not cause overt cytotoxicity at 24 h but was associated with increased MDA and reduced CAT activity, indicating inflammatory oxidative stress. AOPP levels did not show a marked change under these acute conditions. Simultaneous BA administration maintained keratinocyte viability and attenuated LPS-associated lipid per-oxidation, while partially restoring antioxidant defenses and improving wound closure. Conclusion: BA modulates oxidative stress markers and supports antioxidant defense and migratory capacity in LPS-stimulated keratinocytes. These findings support BA as a candidate redox-modulating compound that warrants validation in immune-competent and in vivo models relevant to psoriasis.
Objectives: Theobromine has been reported to exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. However, its molecular impact on cancer-associated signaling pathways remains poorly understood.This research was undertaken to evaluate the pro-apoptotic signaling effects ofTheobromine on A549 lung cancer and Saos-2 osteosarcoma cells, focusing on modulation of the NF-kappa B signaling pathway. Methods: A549 and Saos-2 cells were exposed to Theobromine and the reference NF-kappa B inhibitor sulfasalazine at their IC(50)concentrations. Cell viability and IC(50)values were determined using the WST-1 assay. Apoptosis was quantified by Annexin V-FITC/PI staining, and total and phosphorylated NF-kappa B and IKK protein levels were quantified by flow cytometry. Results: Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). In A549 lung cancer cells, Theobromine significantly induced apoptosis (p<0.001 for late apoptotic cells). A significant reduction in both total and phosphorylated NF-kappa B and IKK protein levels was observed compared with controls (p<0.05 for p-NF-kappa B and IKK, p<0.001 for p-IKK). In Saos-2 osteosarcoma cells, similarly increased apoptotic cell populations were observed (p<0.001 for early and late apoptotic cells). The treatment also resulted in reduced total and phosphorylated NF-kappa B and IKK levels (p<0.05 for NF kappa B, p<0.001 for p-NF-kappa B, p<0.01 for IKK, and p<0.0001 for p-IKK). Conclusion:This study provides the first evidence thatTheobromine suppresses the NF-kappa B/IKK signaling pathway and promotes apoptosis in A549 and Saos-2 cancer cells. These findings suggest that Theobromine may act as a safe, naturally derived NF-kappa B modulator with potential applications as an adjuvant or chemopreventive agent in cancer therapy.
Objectives:This study aimed to investigate novel composite lipid indices, including the non-High Density Cholesterol/ High Density Cholesterol ratio, Lipoprotein Combined Index, and Triglyceride-Glucose Index in adults with low vitamin B12 levels, alongside established markers such as Castelli Risk Index I, Castelli Risk Index II, and the Atherogenic Index of Plasma. By examining the relationship between vitamin B12 status and these indices, it aimed to clarify the role of low vitamin B12 levels in cardiometabolic risk. Methods: This retrospective study included 400 participants. Glucose and lipid levels were measured using fasting serum samples. Composite lipid parameter values were calculated according to methodologies described in the literature. Results were compared between low vitamin B12 levels and control groups. Results: In this study, low vitamin B12 levels were found to be associated with low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p=0.035), high atherogenic plasma index (p=0.048), and high triglyceride-glucose index (p=0.043). In contrast, no significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of Castelli Risk Index I, Castelli Risk Index II, non-High Density Cholesterol/High Density Cholesterol ratio, or Lipoprotein Combined Index.The area under the ROC curve was found to be +/- standard error of 0.557 +/- 0.029 [95% CI: 0.501-0.613] (p=0.048) for the Atherogenic Plasma Index and +/- standard error of 0.557 +/- 0.029 [95% CI: 0.500-0.613] (p=0.049) for the Triglyceride-Glucose Index. Conclusion: In this study, B12 deficiency was associated with negative lipid indices. It is hypothesized that regular assessment of B12 levels and appropriate correction of deficiencies may help reduce cardiometabolic risk. Further prospective studies with comprehensive biomarkers are needed to clarify causality and clinical benefit.
Objectives: Parkinson's disease (PD) is associated with systemic metabolic alterations; however, reproducibility and methodological standardization remain ongoing challenges in metabolomics research. This exploratory case-control study aimed to evaluate whether targeted plasma free amino acid profiling reveals statistically robust differences between PD patients and healthy controls. Methods: Forty-three patients with PD and 43 age-and sex-matched healthy controls were included. Plasma free amino acids were quantified using a targeted triple quadrupole LC-MS/MS platform with Appendix 1 isotope-labeled internal standards. Between-group comparisons were performed with appropriate statistical tests. False discovery rate (FDR) correction and effect size (Cohen's d) calculations were applied. Compound-based KEGG pathway enrichment analysis was conducted using FDR-significant metabolites. ROC analyses were performed for signal strength assessment only. Results: After FDR correction, alanine, arginine, aspartic acid, proline, taurine, threonine, and phenylalanine/tyrosine-related ratios remained significant, with moderate-to-large effect sizes. Compound-based KEGG enrichment demonstrated significant clustering within interconnected amino acid metabolism pathways, including arginine and proline metabolism, taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, glycine, serine and threonine metabolism, and alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism (pathway-level FDR <0.05). Exploratory ROC analyses showed moderate signal strength for proline (AUC=0.794), taurine (AUC=0.792), and threonine (AUC=0.780). Conclusion:Targeted plasma amino acid profiling revealed coordinated systemic alterations in amino acid metabolism in PD within a statistically disciplined analytical framework. These findings reflect peripheral metabolic variation and should be interpreted as exploratory and hypothesis-generating. The study primarily contributes an analytically validated and FDR-corrected dataset to the discussion on methodological rigor in PD metabolomics, rather than evidence of diagnostic or mechanistic inference. Validation in longitudinal, clinically well-characterized cohorts is required.
Objectives: This study aims to analyze the plasma free amino acid profiles pre and post dialysis in patients with chronic kidney failure (CRF), and to evaluate their potential utility in diagnosis and treatment by comparing them with profiles from a healthy control group Methods: Plasma samples were collected from 46 healthy control and 46 patients diagnosed with CRF who applied to & Scedil;anl & imath;urfa Harran University Medical Faculty Dialysis Department. Plasma free amino acid profiles were analyzed with LC-MS/MS. Results: Mean values of alanine, arginine, aspartic acid, citrulline, histidine, methionine, tyrosine, hydroxyproline, glycine, leucine, isoleucine, lysine, ornithine, phenylalanine, proline, serine glutamic acid, glutamine, valine, taurine, alloisoleucine, alphaaminoadipic acid, anserine, gammaaminobutyric acid, 1-methylhistidine, 3-methylhistidine, 5-hy-droxytryptophan levels in CRF patients exhibited higher levels compared to the control group. Phosphoethanolamine, cystine, alphaaminobutyric acid, betaaminoisobutyric acid and tryptophan were found to be lower in CRF patients than control group. When post-dialysis compared to pre-dialysis; there was an increase in citrulline, histidine, alanine, arginine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, glycine, cystine, isoleucine, proline, phosphoethanolamine, taurine, alloisoleucin, alphaaminoadipic acid, ancerine, alphaaminobutyric acid, betaaminoisobutyric acid, beta alanin, 1-methylhistidine , 5-hydroxytryptophan levels; there was a decrease was observed in glutamine, leucine, lysine, ornithine, phenylalanine, serine, valine, asparagine, methionine, tryptophan, tyrosine, hydroxyproline, gammaaminobutyric acid, 3-methylhis-tidine levels. Citrulline, glycine, anserine, alphaaminobutyric acid, gammaaminobutyric acid, phosphoethanolamine and taurine levels were found to be significant in the Paired samples test, which was used to test the significance of the difference between the arithmetic means of the groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: More studies were needed to understand the role of amino acids in CRF.
Objectives: Brucella species are highly infectious organisms that can gain access to the human body through various routes, including the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts, conjunctiva, and eroded skin. In some cases, they may also enter the bloodstream directly, as in transfusion-related cases or via transplacental transmission. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential role of serum anti-inflammatory and antioxidant factors such as nuclear factor erythropoi-etin-2 (NRF2), heme oxygenase (HO-1), and neopterin in brucellosis and to investigate their relationship with serologic anti-Brucella antibody findings. Methods: A total of 90 patients with brucellosis and 30 healthy control individuals were included in the study. The patient group was divided into three subgroups according to antibody titers: 30 patients with a 1/160 titer, 30 patients with a 1/320 titer, and 30 patients with a 1/640 titer. Blood samples were collected and transferred into biochemistry tubes containing gel. The tubes were then centrifuged at 4000 rpm for 10 minutes to separate the serum. The separated serum samples were stored at-80 degrees C. Serum levels of NRF2, HO-1, and neopterin were measured using the ELISA method. Results: No significant differences in biomarker levels were observed between gender or age groups. However, biomarker levels varied significantly according to antibody titer. Healthy controls exhibited the lowest levels of NRF2, HO-1, and neopterin, whereas the 1/640 titer group exhibited the highest levels. NRF2, HO-1, and neopterin levels increased progressively with rising anti-Brucella antibody titers (p<0.01). Conclusion: NRF2, HO-1, and neopterin levels were positively correlated with antibody titers, suggesting that these biomarkers may play a role in the immune response to brucellosis. Further studies with larger patient groups are needed to better understand and confirm these findings.
Objectives: Although the C-reactive protein/albumin ratio is accepted as a current biomarker in many diseases, such as myocardial infarction, studies on its clinical relevance in patients diagnosed with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of the C-reactive protein/albumin ratio in patients with NSTEMI. Methods: This retrospective study included 300 patients diagnosed with NSTEMI. All patients were compared in terms of survival status and clinical, biochemical, and inflammatory markers. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were used to determine the predictive value of CRP, albumin, and the CRP/albumin ratio. Results: The CRP/ALB ratio was significantly higher in the mortality group than in the survivor group (p=0.001), whereas albumin levels were significantly lower (p=0.001). This ratio had a strong positive correlation with the CHA2DS2-VASc score (rho=0.711, p<0.001) and independently predicted in-hospital mortality (OR=1.485, p=0.046). ROC analysis revealed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.891 for the CRP/albumin ratio, which was significantly better than that of CRP or albumin alone (p<0.001). Although the combined CRP-albumin model had a slightly higher AUC (0.894), it was not significantly different from the C-reactive protein/albumin ratio. Conclusion: The CRP/ALB ratio is a strong and independent predictor of in-hospital mortality in patients with NSTEMI. As an easily accessible and cost-effective biomarker, it provides valuable prognostic information and may improve early risk stratification and treatment strategies in clinical settings.
Objectives: The proliferation of digital educational platforms has transformed medical education delivery, yet concerns regarding content quality persist. This study systematically evaluates clinical biochemistry educational content on YouTube and examines relationships between content characteristics and audience engagement. Methods: A systematic YouTube search was conducted August 1-15, 2025, using standardized clinical biochemistry education terms. Videos were evaluated using a validated 10-point quality assessment framework encompassing scientific accuracy, educational structure, producer credibility, and technical accessibility. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and linear regression modeling. Results: Of 152 identified videos, 69 met inclusion criteria (total views: 14,247,835; average of 206,491 +/- 167,420). Quality assessment revealed 65.2% (n=45) demonstrated high quality (8-10 points), 30.4% (n=21) moderate quality (5-7 points), and 4.4% (n=3) low quality (1-4 points). Pearson correlation identified robust positive association between quality scores and view counts (r=0.782, p<0.001), with quality accounting for 61.2% of viewership variance (r2=0.612). Corporate training channels (34.8%) demonstrated highest mean viewership (n=247,825). Conclusion: While YouTube is a valuable platform for clinical biochemistry education, quality standardization and accessibility improvements are needed. The analysis reveals the potential and diversity of digital educational tools in clinical biochemistry education.
Objectives: Oocyte quality and maturation are critical factors determining successful fertilization and embryo development in vitro. However, delays in processing ovarian tissues after animal slaughter or collection can negatively impact oocyte viability and developmental potential. This study investigated the effect of Quercetin on the maturation of bovine oocytes subjected to a field-relevant post-mortem delay. Methods: Oocytes were isolated from ovaries approximately six-hour delay post-collection, mimicking practical conditions encountered in tissue handling. Then, they were treated with hyaluronidase, mechanically denuded, and cultured with quercetin at concentration of 15 & micro;g/mL, against a control group. Results: The results demonstrated that quercetin improved the extrusion of polar bodies compared to the control group. Additionally, pH variations were noted among control and quercetin treated group, potentially influencing maturation outcomes. Conclusion: These findings highlight that quercetin at 15 & micro;g/mL significantly enhances the maturation of bovine oocytes, suggesting its potential to modulate oocyte quality in vitro.
Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of Total Laboratory Automation (TLA) with the implementation of the Beckman Coulter DxA Fit 5000 on laboratory workload and performance. Methods: A comparative analysis was conducted at the Biochemistry Laboratory of Zonguldak B & uuml;lent Ecevit Hospital, covering the pre-automation period (May 1-June 30, 2024) and the post-automation period (May 1-June 30, 2025). Key performance indicators included mean turnaround time (TAT), median TAT, 90th percentile TAT, the proportion of outliers at 60 and 120 minutes, and achievement of emergency department (ED) benchmarks (<= 45 minutes). Test volumes were monitored to ensure stability as a covariate. Results: Following the introduction of TLA, mean TAT decreased by up to 20%, median TAT by 18%, and 90th percentile TAT by 25% across inpatient and outpatient tests. Outlier rates at 60 minutes declined from 12% to 10% in inpatients and from 83% to 55% in outpatients. For STAT testing, the proportion of samples meeting the 45-minute ED benchmark increased from 65% to 88%.Total test volumes remained largely stable between periods, indicating that observed TAT improvements were attributable to automation rather than changes in sample volume. Glucose exhibited the shortest mean TAT, whereas gamma-glutamyl transferase had the longest. In outpatient testing, C-reactive protein demonstrated the highest compliance with the 60-minute TAT benchmark, while human chorionic gonadotropin showed the lowest; however, all outpatient tests were completed within 120 minutes. Conclusion: The implementation of TLA significantly improved numerical TAT metrics, reduced outlier frequencies, and increased achievement of ED benchmarks, while maintaining stable test volumes, highlighting enhanced efficiency, predictability, and workflow stability in a high-volume university hospital laboratory setting.
Objectives: The relationship between polycythemia and hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) has been investigated in several studies. This study aimed to evaluate the association between iron parameters and Hemochromatosis Protein (HFE) gene mutations in patients with primary or secondary polycythemia, as well as in non-polycythemic patients with elevated iron parameters. Methods: A total of 106 patients who were evaluated for polycythemia or underwent HFE mutation testing due to elevated transferrin saturation (TS) and ferritin levels in the hematology department between 2015 and 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Results: The median age of the 106 patients (77 male, 29 female) was 54 years (range, 19-83). HFE gene mutations were detected in 44 patients (41.5%; 31 male, 13 female). Thirty-seven patients (35%) with Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPNs) were classified as Group 1, 52 (49%) with secondary polycythemia as Group 2, and 17 (16%) who underwent HFE mutation testing due to elevated TS/ferritin levels without polycythemia as Group 3. The mean TS level in Group 1 was significantly higher than in Group 2 (p=0.032). Among HFE(+) patients, mean TS was significantly higher in Group 3 compared with Group 2 (p=0.023). When all polycythemic HFE(+) patients (primary + secondary) were compared with non-polycythemic HFE(+) patients, mean TS was significantly higher in non-polycythemic patients (p=0.026). Conclusion: The relatively high frequency of HFE positivity in patients with secondary polycythemia, together with its association with lower TS levels, suggests that the possibility of HH should not be overlooked in secondary polycythemia, even at lower TS levels.
Objectives: The limitation of internal quality control (IQC) based on daily running of commercially available QC material is that it is non-commutable and errors cannot be detected in between the scheduled runs. This study was carried out with the objective of finding the utility of patient based real time quality control (PBRTQC) in overcoming these limitations. Methods: This observational descriptive study was carried out in the clinical chemistry laboratory ofa tertiary care hospital between July 2023 to December 2023. PBRTQC was initiated in the laboratory by using Average of Normal (AoN) approach for serum sodium and potassium. Patients'sample-based reference mean (RPM) and standard deviation (RPSD) were calculated from the previous six months' data using reference intervals as truncation limits. For the next 2000 samples, the mean was calculated for each block of 20 samples (x) and designated as x1, x2, x3... These block means were plotted on the LJ chart and alarms were raised on the violation of predefined control rules. These alarms were investigated and necessary corrective measures were implied in the laboratory. Results: RPM +/- RPSD for sodium was 139.23 +/- 3.72 mEq/L and potassium was 4.26 +/- 0.45 mEq/L. The scheduled IQC was within range during the study. Alarms were raised for x13, x28, x29, x30, x35, x36, x55, x74 and x96. The workup of these alarms revealed instrument calibration error in most of the cases. However, analysis of x35 and x36 revealed delayed transport, improper temperature maintenance and partial hemolysis. All responsible personnel were given training regarding sample transport procedure. Using real time monitoring, we were able to detect errors which would have otherwise gone unnoticed by conventional IQC. Conclusion: PBRTQC permits stringent quality control in analytical as well as pre-analytical phase of testing procedure, even during the intervals between scheduled IQC runs. Successful implementation of PBRTQC will provide additional confidence in reporting laboratory results.
Objectives: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide. Urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), which is encoded by the PLAU gene, is a serine protease involved in the degradation of the extracellular matrix. Increasing evidence indicates that PLAU is overexpressed in various cancers and is associated with poor prognosis, making it a potential biomarker for cancer. However, its potential role in HCC remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the role of PLAU and related microRNAs in HCC using multiple bioinformatics tools. Methods: PLAU expression was evaluated using the TNMplot and GEPIA2 databases. Promoter methylation levels were assessed through UALCAN. Survival analysis (overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates), was conducted using the Kaplan-Meier Plotter. Protein-protein interaction networks were examined with STRING. Target miRNAs were identified using TargetScan 8.0. Differential expression, survival analysis, and co-expression of miRNAs were investigated using ENCORI. Results: PLAU expression was significantly upregulated in liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) compared to normal tissues (p<0.05). Promoter methylation level of PLAU was significantly increased (hypermethylation) in LIHC tissues (p=5.43x10(-12)). Elevated PLAU expression was not associated with OS (p=0.16) and RFS (p=0.28) rates. hsa-miR-181a-5p, hsa-miR-181b-5p, hsa-miR-181c-5p, and hsa-miR-181d-5p were positively correlated with PLAU in LIHC tissue (p<0.05). The hsa-miR-181a-5p and hsa-miR-181b-5p were up-regulated in LIHC (p<0.05). Conclusion: In conclusion, our study highlights the potential role of PLAU and its related miRNAs (hsa-miR-181a-5p and hsa-miR-181b-5p) in HCC. However, elevated PLAU expression did not correlate with survival rates, indicating its involvement in tumor development but no prognostic significance. Further applicable studies are needed on this subject.
Objectives: In this study, we aimed to establish reliable reference intervals (RIs) for free triiodothyronine (fT3), free thyroxine (fT4), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in our population using the Beckman Coulter UniCel DxI 800. Methods: We followed the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) C28-A3 guidelines to calculate RIs through both direct (DRM) and indirect methods (IDM) and compared them with the RIs provided by Beckman Coulter UniCel DxI 800 Access (R) immunoassay system. High sensitive (h)TSH reagent used for TSH analyses. For DM, we excluded anti thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) or antithyroglobulin (anti-TG) positive samples, outliers, and samples with insufficient serum, resulting in final sample sizes of 420 for TSH, 411 for fT4, and 407 for fT3. For IDM, anti-TPO or anti-TG-positive samples, repeated samples, and outliers were excluded, resulting in final sample sizes of 2874 for TSH, 2072 for fT4, and 1163 for fT3. Results: Our study included 450 participants (225 females, 225 males) over the age of eighteen for DRM and utilized data from the Laboratory Information System (LIS) between March 1, 2018, and February 28, 2020, for IDM. After excluding certain samples and outliers, the final sample sizes were determined. The reference intervals (RIs) for TSH, fT4, and fT3 were 0.42-4.18 mIU/L, 0.41-4.45 mIU/L, 0.57-1.08 ng/dL, 0.63-1.14 ng/dL, 2.62-4.01 pg/mL, and 2.72- 4.41 pg/ mL for DRM and IDM, respectively. Conclusion: In conclusion, the RI that we will use for thyroid hormones in our laboratory is different from that provided by the manufacturer.
