Basic & Clinical Cancer Research
Year:2020 | Volume:12 | Issue:2|Papers Count:7

In Basic and Clinical Cancer Research (Vol. 12 No. 2), Pakdaman et al. reported breast cancer screening indicators in 14492 women aged 30-59 years living in Rudsar city of Gilan province located in the Caspian coastal area. As admitted by authors, the participation rate in the screening was lower than 50%. Although the world health organization (WHO) emphasized that countries in the EMRO region should screen women older than 50 years, only 21. 5% of the screened women were of the older age group, decreasing the screening program’ s efficiency. The incidence rate of breast cancer in Iran was 34. 49 per 100, 000, and it was about 80 per 100, 000 in age groups higher than 40. Given the age-standardized incidence rate (ASR) of breast cancer among the Iranian population, one would expect to detect cancer in 6992 women who participated in this screening program. One would also expect to observe 5-6 patients in the entire target population...

Background: This study evaluated and compared the quantitative expression of multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 (MRP1 ) and ATP-binding cassette subfamily G member 2 (ABCG2 ), two Multidrug Resistance (MDR) related genes, in 30 CML patients and 27 normal subjects. Methods: Total RNA was isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (MNCs) using the Trizol reagent. Then cDNAs were synthesized. Gene expression was quantified using Real-Time PCR System. The relative expression of target genes was calculated using the 2-Δ Δ Ct method. Results: High expression of MRP1 and ABCG2 mRNAs were detected in the patient group. Intra-group comparisons also revealed increased expression of ABCG2 in Accelerated Phase (AP)-Blastic Crisis (BC) patients compared to Chronic Phase (CP) patients. At the same time, the increased expression of MRP1 in AP-BC patients was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Considering the broad spectrum of ATP Binding Cassette (ABC) transporter superfamily substrates, they can play an essential role in cell fate determination. High expression of MRP1 and ABCG2 genes can result in the efflux of therapeutic agents and subsequent reduction in their intracellular concentration. This mechanism finally protects cells from the therapeutic effects of medications. On the other hand, these transporters can export growth factors out of the cell. Such exported molecules may have a growth-inducing effect on adjacent cells. These are the possible mechanisms for the participation of MRP1 and ABCG2 genes in conferring drug resistance to CML cells.

Background: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the high prevalence of breast cancer mortality in the least developed countries is due to the diagnosis at late phases. Accordingly, cost-effective breast cancer screening plans are the most effective methods to control this cancer and increase women’ s survival. Methods: This study aimed to evaluate the performance of the breast cancer screening program based on the guidelines of the Iran Ministry of Health on 14, 493 eligible women in rural areas of Rudsar city in 2018-19. We calculated performance indicators such as target coverage, identification of the at-risk population, early diagnosis, referral index, and other statistical using SPSS 22 software. Results: Out of 14493 rural women aged 30-59 referred to health homes, 6992 women underwent breast cancer screening. Coverage of the program in the The target population coverage was estimated at 48%. Most high-risk cases were 46 years and older, and the lowest rate was in women of <35 years. We found Thethat results showed that 0. 4% of the cases patients (n=27) were identified as the high-risk, and all (100%) referred to group according to the national guidelines with referral to a specialist for further evaluation. of 100%. All patients cases identified as high-risk groups atin the first phase of screening were found with BIRADS (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System) 4 and 5 based on biopsy specimens. Conclusion: The low target population coverage and the cases with advanced breast cancer indicated the need for more attention and consideration in implementing programs and policies for preventable cancer by all organizations. In this regard, there is a need for relevant interventions and follow-up by health authorities.

Background: Metastasis of cancer cells is the primary responsible for death in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β )-induced matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are essential for the metastasis process. Silibinin is a natural compound extracted from the Silybum marianum that exhibits anti-neoplastic activity in cancer cell lines. In this study, we evaluated the effects of silibinin on MMP-2 and MMP-9 induced by TGF-β in human HT-29 CRC cell line and the potential mechanism underlying the effects. Methods: The present in vitro study was done on the HT-29 cell line. The HT-29 cell line was cultured in RPMI1640 and exposed to TGF-β (5 ng/ml) in the absence and presence of different concentrations of silibinin (10, 25, 50, and 100 μ M). The effect of silibinin on HT-29 cell viability was measured with the MTT assay. A real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-Time PCR) determined the relative mRNA expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9. Western blotting was employed to examine MMP-2 and MMP 9 protein expression and Smad2 phosphorylation. Results: Silibinin inhibits cell viability of HT-29 cell line at 24 hours in a dose-dependent manner. TGF-β increased the mRNA and protein expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, and phosphorylated Smad2 compared to controls. Pharmacological inhibition with silibinin markedly blocked TGF-β – induced MMP-2 and MMP-9 mRNA and protein expression and Smad2 phosphorylation. Conclusion: Silibinin decreased the cell viability of HT-29 cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. Silibinin also inhibited TGF-β-stimulated MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression in HT-29 cells, possibly mediated with the Smad2 signaling pathway.

Background: Cervical cancer is a preventable cancer with various risk factors. In this study, we assessed different risk factors involved in invasive cervical cancer in the Northeast of Iran. Methods: In a case-control study, 99 patients with advanced cervical cancer were compared to 102 healthy, normal women. Cervical cancer risk factors were documented for these groups using a questionnaire and available medical notes. Univariate analysis was done for each risk factor, followed by multivariate regression analysis, to evaluate the most powerful risk factors after adjustment. Results: Multivariate model indicated that sexual transmitted diseases (STD) [p<0. 001; OR=7. 88, 95% CI (2. 59-23. 93)], age at first intercourse ≤ 16 [p=0. 048; OR=6. 22, 95% CI (1. 06-36. 51)] and age [p=0. 001; OR= 1. 11, 95% CI (1. 04-1. 18)] were independently significant risk factors for cervical cancer. Conclusion: According to this survey, the significant influence of major risk factors, including STD, age at first intercourse, and age itself, has been underlined. Moreover, increasing the social knowledge and educating people to prevent highrisk sexual behaviors, HPV testing, and routine use of HPV vaccine, which is nowadays regarded as a preventive measure in cervical cancer, may also be needed to be implemented in our prevention program.

Several epidemiological studies have reported that regular use of opium can be associated with an increased risk of developing cancers, including oesophageal, laryngeal, bladder, lung, and gastric cancer. In this systematic review, we aimed at investigating whether experimental studies support this finding and, if yes, how opium consumption can cause cancer. Most of the articles that have studied opium or its derivatives have found it as a carcinogen. However, due to the complex composition, different forms, and various ways of opium use, further comprehensive experimental studies are required. Using modern genomic and epigenomic methods seems to help determine the molecular mechanisms underlying opium carcinogenicity.