Altered Expression of Neuroplasticity-Related Genes in Alcohol Addiction and Treatment.

Alcohol use disorder's complexity arises from genetic and environmental factors, with alcohol metabolism genes and neurotransmitter pathways being critical. This study aims to analyze synaptic plasticity gene expression changes in individuals with AUD in order to study their contribution to AUD development and to identify potential biomarkers of treatment response. RNA was extracted from whole peripheral blood (20 patients, 10 healthy controls), before and after treatment (Qiagen AllPrep RNA/DNA Mini Kit), and the gene expression of 84 genes related to neuroplasticity was studied using the RT2 Profiler for Human Synaptic Plasticity RT-PCR Array (PAHS-126ZA, Qiagen), comparing AUD patients to control and responders to non-responders.

Gut microbiome in alcohol use disorder: Implications for health outcomes and therapeutic strategies-a literature review.

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) represents a major public health issue which affects millions of people globally and consist a chronic relapsing condition associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and has emerged as a significant contributor to the pathophysiology of various psychiatric disorders. Recent evidence suggests that the gut microbiome is intimately linked to the development and progression of AUD, with alcohol consumption directly impacting its composition and function.

Polymorphisms in and genes modify risk for inflammatory bowel disease.

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) seems to arise from an interplay between genetic and environmental factors. and genes code for 2 members of the C-type lectin receptor superfamily, which participate in the immune response against various pathogens, mediating inflammatory signaling. polymorphisms have been linked to the risk of Crohn's disease (CD), whereas has been implicated in fungal dysbiosis, chemically induced colitis in mice and undertreated ulcerative colitis (UC) in humans.

The complexity in DNA methylation analysis of allergic diseases.

Purpose Of Review: This review aims to report all the recent studies that are implicated in DNA methylation analysis in the field of allergy and to underline the complexity of the study methodologies and results.

Recent Findings: Although the growing number of DNA methylation studies have yet to point to a specific mechanism, herein we provide an overview of the majority of pathways considered to be implicated and highlight particular genes, like KNH2 , ATPAF2 and ZNF385A , for their potential as biomarkers.

Summary: The epigenetic profile of respiratory allergic diseases, and particularly DNA methylation, has been investigated in various populations, so as to gain a better understanding of its role in pathogenesis.

Development of an homeostasis model between airway epithelial cells, bacteria and bacteriophages: a time-lapsed observation of cell viability and inflammatory response.

Bacteriophages represent the most extensive group of viruses within the human virome and have a significant impact on general health and well-being by regulating bacterial population dynamics. , found in the anterior nostrils, throat and skin, is an opportunistic pathobiont that can cause a wide range of diseases, from chronic inflammation to severe and acute infections. In this study, we developed a human cell-based homeostasis model between a clinically isolated strain of 141 and active phages for this strain (PYO) isolated from the commercial Pyophage cocktail (PYO).

Association of Alcohol Use Disorder Risk With , and Genetic Polymorphisms.

Background/aim: Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic, multifactorial psychiatric condition with an enormous impact on public health and social cost. Genetic studies suggest a heritability, and genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have revealed genetic polymorphisms influencing AUD development. Our study aimed to investigate known variants located in ADH1B, DRD2, FAAH, SLC39A8, GCKR, and PDYN genes (rs1229984, rs7121986, rs324420, rs13107325, rs1260326, rs2281285 respectively) in an AUD Greek cohort in order to shed more light on the genetic predisposition to AUD.

Association of miRNA-145 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms.

Background/aim: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding RNA molecules that exert post-transcriptional gene expression regulation in response to cellular or environmental changes. Genetic variation affects their synthesis and cellular actions, and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are one example of genetic variants studied in relation to various diseases. Literature indicates that the differentially expressed miRNA-145 in patients' serum is an essential biomarker for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).

DNA methylation biomarkers in asthma and rhinitis: Are we there yet?

The study of epigenetics has improved our understanding of mechanisms underpinning gene-environment interactions and is providing new insights in the pathophysiology of respiratory allergic diseases. We reviewed the literature on DNA methylation patterns across different tissues in asthma and/or rhinitis and attempted to elucidate differentially methylated loci that could be used to characterize asthma or rhinitis. Although nasal and bronchial epithelia are similar in their histological structure and cellular composition, genetic and epigenetic regulation may differ across tissues.

Development of a Point-of-Care System Based on White Light Reflectance Spectroscopy: Application in CRP Determination.

The development of methods and miniaturized systems for fast and reliable quantitative determinations at the Point-of-Care is a top challenge and priority in diagnostics. In this work, a compact bench-top system, based on White Light Reflectance Spectroscopy, is introduced and evaluated in an application with high clinical interest, namely the determination of C-Reactive protein (CRP) in human blood samples. The system encompassed all the necessary electronic and optical components for the performance of the assay, while the dedicated software provided the sequence and duration of assay steps, the reagents flow rate, the real-time monitoring of sensor response, and data processing to deliver in short time and accurately the CPR concentration in the sample.

B-cell activating factor (BAFF) expression is associated with Crohn's disease and can serve as a potential prognostic indicator of disease response to Infliximab treatment.

Background: Several studies correlated elevated B-cell activating factor (BAFF) levels and its polymorphisms (SNPs) in patients with autoimmunity. Limited data existed regarding the role of BAFF in Crohn's Disease (CD) susceptibility and/or treatment response to infliximab.

Aim: This study aims to evaluate BAFF expression in CD patients, investigate if its expression can predict response to infliximab treatment, and examine the association of BAFF SNPs with CD susceptibility.

Type I and II Interferon Signatures Can Predict the Response to Anti-TNF Agents in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients: Involvement of the Microbiota.

Background: Anti-TNF agents have been a cornerstone of IBD therapy; however, response to treatment has been variable, and clinically applicable biomarkers are urgently needed. We hypothesized that the type I and type II interferon (IFN) signatures may be a confounding factor for response to antitumor necrosis factor (TNF) treatment via interactions with the host and its gut microbiota.

Methods: Peripheral blood from 30 IBD patients and 10 healthy controls was subjected to real-time quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction for type I and type II IFN genes (IFNGs), both at baseline and after treatment with anti-TNF.

Is there a correlation between infliximab trough levels and the development of adverse events in patients with inflammatory bowel disease?

Background/aims: The measurement of infliximab trough levels (IFX-TLs) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is performed to optimize treatment. However, the association between the development of adverse events (AEs) and IFX-TLs has not been sufficiently studied thus far. To investigate the possible association of IFX-TLs with AEs in Greek patients with IBD receiving maintenance treatment with IFX.

MALAT1 as a Versatile Regulator of Cancer: Overview of the updates from Predatory role as Competitive Endogenous RNA to Mechanistic Insights.

The central dogma of molecular biology, has remained a cornerstone of classical molecular biology. However, serendipitously discovered microRNAs (miRNAs) in nematodes paradigmatically shifted our current knowledge of the intricate mechanisms during transitions from transcription to translation. The discovery of miRNA captured considerable attention and appreciation, and we had witnessed an explosion in the field of non-coding RNAs.

Inflammatory bowel disease pathobiology: the role of the interferon signature.

The pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is still unclear, but includes both inflammatory and autoimmune reactions. Current methodological approaches could better elucidate the cytokine pathways and the genetics involved in the etiopathogenesis of this disease. Interferons (IFNs) are cytokines that play a key role in autoimmune/inflammatory disorders because of their pro- and anti-inflammatory properties as well as their immunoregulatory functions.

Colonic mucosal and serum expression of microRNAs in canine large intestinal inflammatory bowel disease.

Background: Canine inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic gastrointestinal (GI) disorders of still largely unknown etiology. Canine IBD diagnosis is time-consuming and costly as other diseases with similar signs should be initially excluded. In human IBD microRNA (miR) expression changes have been reported in GI mucosa and blood.

Polymorphisms of the BARX1 and ADAMTS17 Locus Genes in Individuals With Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

Background/aims: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) represents a common condition having a substantial impact on the patients' quality of life, as well as the health system. According to many studies, the and genes have been suggested as genetic risk loci for the development of GERD and its complications. The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential association between GERD and and polymorphisms.

DAB2IP Expression in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: EZH2 and mir-363-3p as Potential Mediators.

Background/aim: Nine genetic loci have been associated with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) susceptibility, including DAB2IP. This gene is playing a role in apoptosis, cell proliferation and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in cancers. This study aimed to elucidate the differential expression levels of DAB2IP in AAA tissues and investigate whether mir-363-3p and EZH2 can be considered as potential mediators of its expression.

Serum Proteomic Signatures of Male Breast Cancer.

Background: To date, the elucidation of serum protein alterations in male breast cancer (MBC) has not been extensively studied, due to the rarity of the disease.

Materials And Methods: In the present work, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) were employed to detect differences in serum protein expression between patients with MBC and healthy controls.

Results: A panel of differentially expressed serum proteins was identified, including proteins involved in the regulation of the cell cycle [e.

Infliximab trough levels are decreasing over time in patients with inflammatory bowel disease on maintenance treatment with infliximab.

Background: Infliximab trough levels (IFX-TLs) and antibodies to infliximab (ATIs) have been suggested as useful markers for the optimization of treatment in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We aimed to estimate the patterns over time of IFX-TLs and ATIs in IBD patients on maintenance treatment with IFX.

Methods: Two different measurements of IFX-TLs and ATIs were performed (ELISA; Eagle BioSciences) at a 10-month interval using serum samples of consecutive patients on maintenance treatment with IFX.

Risk factors for gastroesophageal reflux disease and analysis of genetic contributors.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common gastrointestinal disorder with an increasing prevalence. GERD develops when the reflux of stomach contents causes troublesome typical and atypical symptoms and/or complications. Several risk factors of GERD have been identified and evaluated over the years, including a considerable amount of genetic factors.

Association of miR-146 rs2910164, miR-196a rs11614913, miR-221 rs113054794 and miR-224 rs188519172 polymorphisms with anti-TNF treatment response in a Greek population with Crohn's disease.

Aim: To investigate the correlation between rs2910164, rs11 614913, rs113054794, and rs188519172 polymorphisms and response to anti-TNF treatment in patients with Crohn's disease (CD).

Methods: One hundred seven patients with CD based on standard clinical, endoscopic, radiological, and pathological criteria were included in the study. They all received infliximab or adalimumab intravenously or subcutaneously at standard induction doses as per international guidelines.

Influence of environmental factors in the development of inflammatory bowel diseases.

Idiopathic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), are multifactorial diseases that are manifested after disruption of a genetic predisposed individual and its intestinal microflora through an environmental stimulus. Urbanization and industrialization are associated with IBD. Epidemiological data, clinical observations and family/immigrants studies indicate the significance of environmental influence in the development of IBD.

Specific detection of OCT4 isoforms in inflammatory bowel disease.

Background: Developmentally early cells are mobilized into peripheral blood in Crohn's disease (CD) patients. OCT4, is considered to be important in sustaining the pluripotency of stem cells. OCT4 splicing variants are differentially expressed in pluripotent and non-pluripotent cells.

Association of survivin promoter polymorphisms with inflammatory bowel disease and response to antitumor necrosis factor therapy.

Background/aim: Recent evidence suggests that survivin, a member of the inhibitors of apoptosis family that prevents cell death and regulates cell division is implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of the study was to identify a possible association between individual genetic variation, IBD susceptibility, and response to infliximab (IFX).

Material And Methods: The expression levels of survivin were detected in pathologic areas of fresh tissues and blood samples by real-time reverse transcriptase - polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) from IBD patients.