Altered expression of NFY-C and RORA in colorectal adenocarcinomas.

NFY-C, a subunit of the transcription factor NFY, binds to the promoters of several eukaryotic genes, including cell cycle-related genes. RORA is a steroid hormone receptor implicated in a range of important cellular processes. We evaluated the expression of NFY-C and RORA in colorectal adenocarcinomas and normal colonic tissue.

Prion protein expression and the M129V polymorphism of the PRNP gene in patients with colorectal cancer.

The prion protein, PrP(C), is known mostly for its involvement in neurodegenerative spongiform encephalopathies. However, a role for this molecule in cancer is becoming increasingly recognized partly because it promotes cell proliferation and inhibits apoptosis. Moreover, the codon 129 polymorphism (M129V) of the PRNP gene (the PrP(C)-encoding gene) has been associated with neurodegenerative disease development and severity, while no information is available regarding its role in colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and disease progression.

Occult hepatitis B virus infection in hemodialysis patients with chronic HCV infection.

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of occult hepatitis B infection in hemodialysis patients with chronic HCV infection and to compare it with that of HCV-infected patients with normal renal function.

Methods: Forty-nine patients on maintenance hemodialysis and 48 HCV-infected but otherwise normal patients, both groups HCV RNA-positive and HBsAg-negative and matched for age and sex, were evaluated for the presence of HBV DNA in serum by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A proportion of patients (11/49 and 39/48, respectively) were also examined for HBV antigens in hepatocytes by immunohistochemistry.