Cell-free DNA and RNA in plasma as a new molecular marker for prostate and breast cancer.

In this study, we examined several molecular markers in prostate and breast cancer patients and in normal individuals. The markers tested were: variations in the quantity of plasma DNA, glutathione-S-transferase P1 gene (GSTP1), Ras association domain family 1A (RASSF1A), and ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) methylation status in plasma, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and plasma samples from prostate cancer patients. DNA quantification in plasma was performed using real-time PCR (RT-PCR).

hMSH2 is the most commonly mutated MMR gene in a cohort of Greek HNPCC patients.

Germline mutations in genes encoding proteins involved in DNA mismatch repair are responsible for the autosomal dominantly inherited cancer predisposition syndrome hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC). We describe here analysis of hMLH1 and hMSH2 in nine Greek families referred to our centre for HNPCC. A unique disease-causing mutation has been identified in seven out of nine (78%) families.

Elucidation of cytomegalovirus disease recurrence in an HIV-1-positive patient.

Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is responsible for the most common opportunistic viral infection in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The colon is a common site for CMV infection in patients positive for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The clinical diagnosis of CMV infection is based on the characteristic endoscopic appearance of extensive ulceration of the gastric mucosa.

Genetic alterations of the APC gene in familial adenomatous polyposis patients of the hellenic group for the study of colorectal cancer.

Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP)-a premalignant clinical entity inherited as an autosomal dominant trait-is characterized by the development of hundreds to thousands of adenomatous polyps of the colorectum during the second and third decade of life. Approximately 80% of the FAP patients harbour truncating germ-line mutations in the APC tumor suppressor gene (Adenomatous Polyposis Coli). We tested 48 members from 9 families.