When a Palearctic bacterium meets a Nearctic insect vector: Genetic and ecological insights into the emergence of the grapevine Flavescence dorée epidemics in Europe.

Flavescence dorée (FD) is a European quarantine grapevine disease transmitted by the Deltocephalinae leafhopper Scaphoideus titanus. Whereas this vector had been introduced from North America, the possible European origin of FD phytoplasma needed to be challenged and correlated with ecological and genetic drivers of FD emergence. For that purpose, a survey of genetic diversity of these phytoplasmas in grapevines, S.

Red sludge-induced mRNA and miRNA expression alterations in vital organs of CBA/Ca mice.

Several studies have investigated the ecological and genotoxic effects of the red mud accident in 2010 in Ajka, Hungary, but none was designed to reveal the early biological effects of red mud exposure at the level of early-responding gene expression. To address relevant questions, in the present study expression alterations of oncogenes (c-myc, K-ras), tumor suppressor genes (Bcl2, p53) and apoptosis-regulatory micro(mi) RNAs (miR-21, miR-27a, miR-93, miR-221) were analized 1, 3, 6 and 24 h after a single intraperitoneal injection of red mud to CBA/Ca mice. We observed changes in the expression of all investigated mRNAs, miR-21 and miR-221 in the liver, spleen, lung, kidney and lymph nodes of mice.

Human papillomavirus infections among Hungarian female sex workers.

The purpose of this study was to assess the human papillomavirus (HPV) prevalence in cervical, oropharyngeal and anal samples of the high-risk population of Hungarian female sex workers (FSWs). HPV testing of swab specimens from FSWs (n = 34) using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methodology was performed. Results were compared with control group (n = 52) matched for age.

The possible role of Mena protein and its splicing-derived variants in embryogenesis, carcinogenesis, and tumor invasion: a systematic review of the literature.

The Ena/VASP (enabled/vasodilator stimulated phosphoprotein) family includes the binding actin proteins such as mammalian Ena (Mena), VASP, and Ena-VASP-like. It is known that the perturbation of actin cycle could determine alteration in the mobility of cells and in consequence of organogenesis. Few recent studies have revealed that Mena protein could play a role in breast or pancreatic carcinogenesis.

Evaluation of MicroRNA expression pattern of gastric adenocarcinoma associated with socioeconomic, environmental and lifestyle factors in northwestern Hungary.

Aim: Gastric cancer is among the most common causes of cancer-related death worldwide. Since microRNAs (miRNAs) represent an emerging field of cancer research, there is an increasing interest regarding the miRNA responses to environmental and lifestyle exposures. The aim of our study was to analyze whether social status, living conditions and lifestyle behaviours, such as cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption, are associated with specific miRNA expression patterns of gastric adenocarcinoma.

The role of p66shc in taxol- and dichloroacetic acid-dependent renal toxicity.

Background/aim: Taxol and dichloroacetic acid (DCA) are anticancer agents with potential renal toxicity. Previously, we have shown that the Ser36-phosphorylated p66shc adaptor protein mediates renal toxicity of selected anticancer modalities through increasing production of intracellular reactive oxygen species and consequent mitochondrial depolarization. Here, we analyzed whether p66shc plays a role in potential renal toxicity of Taxol and DCA.

Regulation of cytotoxic, non-estrogenic, oxidative stress-induced processes of zearalenone in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe.

This study investigates the non-estrogenic mode of zearalenone (ZEA) toxicity in a novel aspect via accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the regulation of the activities of antioxidant enzymes in the Schizosaccharomyces pombe in acute toxicity tests. In comparison with the control, 500 μM ZEA treatment caused 66% decrease in the concentration of glutathione (GSH), which was a consequence, in the absence of ZEA-GSH interaction, of the GSH-consuming processes of the antioxidant system; this depletion of GSH initiated a 1.8- and 2.

Alternatives for the intensive follow-up after curative resection of colorectal cancer. Potential novel biomarkers for the recommendations.

Early diagnosis of recurrence and metastasis of colorectal cancer following surgery of curative intent is of vital importance in terms of survival and quality of life. The consistent implementation of appropriate patient follow-up strategy is therefore essential. Debates over the methodology, evaluation and strategy of follow-up have been known for many years, and continue today.

Unique microRNA expression profiles in cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer is the second leading cause of death among female patients with cancer in the world. Our aim was to analyze cervical cancer cases, in the Southwestern Transdanubian Region of Hungary, with regard to human papillomavirus (HPV) genotype and histological and clinical grading. After HPV testing and genotyping, the expressions of eight different pre-microRNAs (miR-21, miR-27a, miR-34a, miR-146a, miR-155, miR-196a, miR-203, miR-221) in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) primary human cervical cancer samples were evaluated with the help of the LightCycler 480 PCR System (Roche).

Expression of NFkB1, GADD45A and JNK1 in salivary gland carcinomas of different histotypes.

The class of salivary gland tumours is very heterogenous, both in a histopathological and clinical sense. Since they are uncommon lesions, their clinical management is still problematic. Molecular mechanisms underlying the development of these cancer types may be fundamental for the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of this disease.

miRNA expression profiles of oral squamous cell carcinomas.

Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) development involves complex machinery of genomic and epigenetic regulations including microRNA (miRNA) expression changes. We aimed to analyze the expression patterns of a set of miRNAs in human TNM stage I and II OSCC samples in an autologous normal mucosa-controlled experimental design.

Materials And Methods: Forty samples of OSCC and 40 matched normal tissues were evaluated for miR-21, miR-155, miR-191, miR-146a, miR-221 and miR-222 expression in a LightCycler 480(PCR) system.

Deuterium depleted water effects on survival of lung cancer patients and expression of Kras, Bcl2, and Myc genes in mouse lung.

Although advances in cancer therapies continue to develop, the shortness of the survival of lung cancer patients is still disappointing. Therefore, finding new adjuvant strategies is within the focus of cancer cure. Based on observations that deuterium depletion inhibits the growth of cancer cell lines and suppresses certain proto-oncogenes, we have conducted a clinical study in 129 patients with small cell and nonsmall cell lung cancers who consumed deuterium-depleted drinking water (DDW) as a nontoxic agent in addition to conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Association of pre-miR-146a rs2910164 polymorphism with the risk of head and neck cancer.

Background: Over- or underexpression of miR-146a has been reported in several different human tumor types, and a polymorphism in its precursor form (pre-miR-146a rs2910164 G/C) has been recently studied in connection with cancer susceptibility. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible influence of the pre-miR-146a rs2910164 polymorphism on the risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC).

Patients And Methods: The study included 468 patients with HNSCC and 468 cancer-free, age-, gender-, and smoking-matched controls.

Very early effect of DMBA and MNU on microRNA expression.

Background: microRNA expression profile analysis provides evaluation of the early stages of carcinogenesis. This study focuses on early alteration of miRNA expression after treatment with different carcinogens.

Materials And Methods: Mice were intraperitoneally injected with one dose of 7,12-dimethylbenz(α)anthracene (DMBA) and N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU).

Effects of purified glycerol from biodiesel on miRNAs compared to the expression profile of selected mRNAs in Balb/c mice.

Background: We investigated the effect of corn-derived biodiesel glycerol on microRNAs (miRNAs) and mRNAs, which play a central role in regulating cell survival, apoptosis and carcinogenesis.

Materials And Methods: Inbred Balb/c mice were treated with purified glycerol from biodiesel for 24 hours. After administration, we determined the expressions of miR-21, miR-27a, miR-34a, miR-93, miR-143, miR-146a, miR-148a, miR-155, miR-196a, miR-203, miR-205, miR-221 and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain enhancer of activated B-cells-1 (Nfκb1), mitogen-activated protein kinase-8 (Mapk8) and v-Ki-ras2 Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (K-ras) genes in the liver of mice.

Cisplatin enhances interaction between p66Shc and HSP27: its role in reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton in renal proximal tubule cells.

Background/aim: Cisplatin nephrotoxicity includes early activation of the pro-apoptotic p66Shc and disorganization of the actin cytoskeleton, integrity which is regulated by heat-shock protein-27 (Hsp27). Here we determined the potential role of p66Shc in abrogating the Hsp27 function.

Materials And Methods: Effects of p66Shc knockdown and Hsp27 overexpression on F-actin stress fibers after cisplatin treatment were visualized by phalloidin staining.

Effect of an educational intervention on Hungarian adolescents' awareness, beliefs and attitudes on the prevention of cervical cancer.

The alarming national data on the mortality and morbidity rates of cervical cancer as well as the results of a Hungarian survey demonstrating adolescents' low level of understanding of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and HPV vaccination encouraged the authors to conduct an educational intervention. The aim of this survey was to explore the impact of a brief, HPV-focused program on adolescents' knowledge, beliefs and attitudes. A self-administered anonymous questionnaire was completed by 394 male and female adolescents in September, 2010, in Hungary.

[Need for developing a new strategy in the follow-up of colorectal cancer patients; the micro RNAs (miRNAs), as potential new biomarkers of early detection].

In the mortality statistics of European countries colorectal cancers are known to assume the 2nd place after lung cancer. The mortality indices are particularly unfavourable in Hungary. Early detection is therefore of vital importance to the patient either the detection of the primary or recurrence after successful surgery is concerned.

Retinal and renal vascular permeability changes caused by stem cell stimulation in alloxan-induced diabetic rats, measured by extravasation of fluorescein.

Aim: To determine whether treatment with the stem cell stimulator Olimpiq® Stem×Cell prevents increase of retinal and renal vascular permeability in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

Materials And Methods: Two groups of Wistar rats were made diabetic by single intraperitoneal injection of Alloxan. The third, the control group, received vehicle alone.

Mena, a new available marker in tumors of salivary glands?

Mena (mammalian Ena) is an actin regulatory protein involved in cell motility and adhesion. Based on its potential role in malignant transformation revealed in other organs, we analyzed the Mena expression in normal salivary glands (SG) and salivary tumors. Mena expression was determined in normal SG (n=10) and also benign (n=20) and malignant (n=35) lesions of SG.

Historical public health in central europe with special reference to hungary. Long-term environmental effects of a historical cataclysm.

Hungary, in the centre of Carpathian basin grapples with numerous challenges in order to improve catastrophic indices of environmental conditions of the country, as well as the state of health of the population. Some of these problems are subjects of financial and health policy, and can be solved internally. The remaining environmental problems can only be remedied by cooperation with neighbouring younger countries.

Effects of cytochrome P450 1A1 and uridine-diphosphate-glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 allelic polymorphisms on the risk of development and the prognosis of head and neck cancers.

We studied the effect of allelic polymorphisms of cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) and uridine-diphosphate-glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 (UGT1A1) on the risk of development of head and neck cancers and overall survival. One hundred and forty-two head and neck cancer patients (48 with laryngeal, 42 with hypopharyngeal and 52 with mesopharyngeal tumours) were included in the study. The control group (150 individuals) included volunteers without malignant tumours.

DMBA induces deregulation of miRNA expression of let-7, miR-21 and miR-146a in CBA/CA mice.

Background: 7,12-Dimethylbenz(α)anthracene (DMBA) is a carcinogen capable of inducing various types of tumors.

Materials And Methods: We investigated the effect of DMBA on micro-RNA expression in CBA/CA H2(k) inbred mice after 24 hours and one week from exposure.

Results: Expression levels of miR-21, miR-146a and let-7a were significantly higher in the vital organs of the mice 24 hours after DMBA exposure compared to those of the controls.

Epigenetic modifiers exert renal toxicity through induction of p66shc.

Background/aims: Trichostatin A (TSA) and 5-azacytidine (5AZA) induce reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated injury in renal proximal tubule cells. Since TSA and 5AZA are activators of p66shc, we questioned whether p66shc may mediate renal toxicity of TSA- and 5AZA.

Materials And Methods: Renal proximal tubule cells were treated with either TSA or 5AZA for 24 hours followed by treatment with 200 μM H(2)O(2).