Key methodological challenges in detecting circulating miRNAs in different biofluids.

The technological advancement in diagnostic techniques has immensely improved the capability of predicting disease progression. Yet, there is a great interest in developing newer biomarkers that can enhance disease risk prediction thereby minimising the associated morbidity and mortality. Circulating miRNAs, a non-coding RNA molecule, are critical regulators in the pathophysiology of various complex multifactorial diseases.

An in-house multilocus SNP genotyping assay for evaluation of complex genetic diseases.

Background: With an increase in the discovery of newer genetic loci/polymorphisms in complex multifactorial diseases, there is also an increased need for methods that can simultaneously genotype multiple loci in a cost-effective manner. Using coronary artery disease (CAD) as a model, the study aimed to develop an in-house multilocus assay for simultaneous detection of 17 genetic variants in 11 genes implicated in CAD.

Methods: A multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based reverse line blot hybridization (MPCR-RLBH) approach was used, where each DNA sample was amplified using two separate MPCRs, and the alleles were genotyped using covalently immobilized, amino-linked sequence-specific oligonucleotide probes using an enhanced chemiluminescence system.

Nucleoside diphosphate-linked moiety X-type motif 15 C415T variant as a predictor for thiopurine-induced toxicity in Indian patients.

Background And Aim: Interindividual variation seen in the thiopurine metabolism is attributed to the genetic variant in thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) gene leading to myelosuppression. In Asians, the thiopurine-induced toxicity is not completely explained by TPMT variants. Literature indicates that a newer genetic variant in nucleoside diphosphate-linked moiety X-type motif 15 (NUDT15) gene is associated with thiopurine intolerance.

Troponin T and Heart Type Fatty Acid Binding Protein (h-Fabp) as Biomarkers in Patients Presenting with Chest Pain.

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a term for a range of clinical signs and symptoms suggestive of myocardial ischemia. It results in functional and structural changes and ultimately releasing protein from injured cardiomyocytes. These cardiac markers play a major role in diagnosis and prognosis of ACS.

Role of thrombomodulin gene in Indian population with coronary artery disease.

Context: Thrombomodulin (TM), a natural anticoagulant have been implicated in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD) thus emphasizing its potential role as a biomarker.

Objectives: To investigate the role of the TM genetic variants and soluble TM (sTM) plasma levels in Indian population with CAD.

Materials And Methods: This case-control study involved genotyping of the entire TM gene and sTM levels estimation in 266 subjects.

Design of Allele Specific PCR for Rapid Detection of CYP3A5 (A6986G) and Mdr-1 (C3435T) Polymorphisms.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms in CYP3A5 (A6986G) and MDR-1 (C3435T) genes have been shown to be associated with the pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus in case of renal transplant recipients. Knowing these genotypes of the recipients before undergoing transplantation, is therefore essential for physicians to adjust the starting dose of tacrolimus in order to avoid drug induced nephrotoxicity. We have designed an allele specific PCR method for easier and rapid detection of these polymorphisms.