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Epigenetic profiling: analysis of dna methylation and demethylation patterns in triple-negative breast cancer

2026-08-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Epigenetic profiling: analysis of dna methylation and demethylation patterns in triple-negative breast cancer Authors: Indira A. Hundekari Abstract: Introduction: TNBC is a highly advanced, molecular subtype of breast cancer, characterized by lack of gene expression of the estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor and HEGF-2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor-2). Additionally, patients with TNBC, the absence of particular therapeutic targets are associated with unfavorable clinical results, while the high risk of metastasis and recurrence. There is increasing evidence that epigenetic modifications, such as methylation of DNA and demethylation events, are important factors in the spread and development of TNBC, also in metastasis and treatment resistance. While active demethylation of DNA through 5-hydroxymethyl-cytosine (5-hmC) has been connected to chromatin remodeling and gene regulation, DNA methylation through 5-methyl-cytosine (5-mC) is a crucial mechanism for silencing genes. Tumor suppressor genes, oncogenic signaling pathways, and all cellular differentiation pathways have been linked to the abnormal levels of 5-mC and 5-hmC found in TNBC samples. Method: The research investigated how DNA methylation and demethylation markers in tumor tissue affect the response of TNBC patients to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) compared to those who did not receive NACT, while exploring the relationship between 5-methylcytosine (5-mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC), revealing new insights into the predictive significance of these epigenetic indicators. The study comprised 40 female patients with TNBC, where 15 underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) and 25 did not. Global DNA methylation and demethylation levels were measured using an ELISA-based technique to investigate the content of 5-mC and 5-hmC levels in DNA extracted from biopsy samples of patients receiving NACT and postoperative tissues from those without NACT. Results: There was a significant positive correlation found between two global methylation markers (rs=0.929, p < 0.0001).Favorable association between 5-hmc and 5-mC was observed (rs= 0.017, p < 0.951 and rs= 0.069, p < 0.743, respectively). Hence we propose that 5-methylcytosine and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine to be consider as key molecular markers of pathogenesis of TNBC. Moreover, the findings support epigenetic interventions aimed to restore DNA methylation dynamics to a "normal" state.

Evaluation of Serum Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and Placental Growth Factor (PlGF) Levels in Unexplained Early Pregnancy Loss: A Case-Control Study

2026-06-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Evaluation of Serum Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and Placental Growth Factor (PlGF) Levels in Unexplained Early Pregnancy Loss: A Case-Control Study Authors: Mahantesh BB, Nilima Dongre , Ashalata Mallapur Abstract: Background: Early pregnancy loss, defined as spontaneous termination of pregnancy before 20 weeks of gestation or fetal weight below 500 g, remains a common obstetric complication. While several etiological factors, such as genetic abnormalities and uterine defects, are established, nearly half of the cases remain unexplained, necessitating exploration of underlying biochemical mechanisms. Objective: To evaluate and compare serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and placental growth factor (PlGF) in women with early pregnancy loss and healthy pregnant controls of similar gestational age and to assess the association and diagnostic performance of these angiogenic markers. Methods: A hospital-based case-control study was conducted involving 60 pregnant women aged 19-45 years with pregnancies of less than 20 weeks' gestation, including 30 cases of early pregnancy loss and 30 healthy pregnant controls with viable intrauterine pregnancies of comparable gestational age. Participants were recruited from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of HSK Hospital, Bagalkot, and biochemical analysis was performed at Bharatiya Lingayat Development Educational Association (Deemed to be University) (BLDE [DU]), Vijayapura. Serum VEGF and PlGF levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Statistical analysis was performed using IBM Corp. Released 2014. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 20. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp., applying chi-square and independent t-tests, with results expressed as mean ± standard deviation (SD). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to assess diagnostic performance and derive optimal cut-off values. Results: Serum VEGF and PlGF levels were significantly reduced in cases compared to controls (p < 0.05), indicating impaired angiogenesis in early pregnancy loss. ROC analysis showed adequate diagnostic performance for VEGF and excellent diagnostic performance for PlGF in differentiating cases from controls within this case-control sample. Conclusion: Reduced serum VEGF and PlGF levels are associated with early pregnancy loss and may serve as adjunctive diagnostic biomarkers for identifying altered angiogenic profiles in affected women after validation in larger prospective studies.

Use of Forced Oscillation Technique in Preoperative Patient Evaluation and Its Comparison with Spirometry

2026-09-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Use of Forced Oscillation Technique in Preoperative Patient Evaluation and Its Comparison with Spirometry Authors: Dr. Shankar G Koralli1*, Dr. Sangamesh2, Dr. Sunil S Guggari3, Dr. Veena Korishetty4

Succeed early: Early initiation of breastfeeding: A prospective observational study

2026-08-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Succeed early: Early initiation of breastfeeding: A prospective observational study Authors: Preeti Shankar Malapure1 . iD , Namita Gupta1 Ravindra Naganoor2 . iD , Rajasri G Yaliwal1* . iD , Santhoshi Dantapuram1,