Gene expression profiles of non-small cell lung cancer: survival prediction and new biomarkers.

Objectives: Despite the well-defined histological types of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), a given stage is often associated with wide-ranging survival rates and treatment outcomes. This disparity has led to an increased demand for the discovery and identification of new informative biomarkers.

Methods: In the current study, we screened 81 NSCLC samples using Illumina whole-genome gene expression microarrays in an effort to identify differentially expressed genes and new NSCLC biomarkers.

Airway obstruction correlates with collagenase-2 (MMP-8) expression and activation in bronchial asthma.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) contribute to extracellular matrix and basement membrane degradation in asthma. The present study analyzed molecular forms and degree of activation and expression of MMP-8 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), BALF cells, and bronchial tissue specimens from 14 steroid-naive asthma patients, 13 uncontrolled severe asthma patients, 13 controlled asthma patients, and 14 healthy subjects by Western immunoblotting, immunohistochemistry, and in situ hybridization. Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization revealed a prominent MMP-8 immunoreactivity in submucosal inflammatory, glandular, and shed, but not in intact bronchial epithelial cells of asthma patients.