Calnexin ELISA Kit

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignancy, but the prognosis remains poor due to the lack of sensitive diagnostic markers. To gain insight into the central molecular features common to all types of HCC, and to identify novel diagnostic markers or therapeutic targets for HCC, we performed a gene expression profiling analysis using a high throughput RT-PCR system. After examining the mRNA expression of 3,072 genes in 204 (119 tumor and 85 non-tumor) liver samples, we identified differential gene expression between the HCV group (n=80), HBV group (n=19) and non-B, non-C group (n=20) with a principal component analysis and a correlation spectrum analysis. After selection of genes differentially expressed between tumor and non-tumor tissues (p < 0.01) within each HCC group, a total of 51 differentially expressed genes (23 upregulated and 28 downregulated genes) were found to be common to the three HCC groups. Gene Ontology grouping analysis revealed that genes with functions related to cell proliferation or differentiation and genes encoding extracellular proteins were found to be significantly enriched in these 51 common genes. Using an Atelocollagen-based cell transfection array for functional analysis of eight upregulated genes, five (CANX, FAM34A, PVRL2, LAMR1, and GBA) significantly inhibited cellular apoptosis by two independent assays. In conclusion, we identified 51 differentially expressed genes, common to all HCC types. Among these genes, there was a high incidence of anti-apoptotic activity. This combination approach with the advanced statistical methods and the bioinformatical analysis may be useful for finding novel molecular targets for diagnosis and therapy.

Background: Familial partial lipodystrophy of the Dunnigan type is one of the most common inherited lipodystrophies variables. These individuals have important metabolic disorders that cause predisposition to various diseases. In this study we aimed to demonstrate the relation between the metabolic abnormalities, inflammatory profile and the expression of genes involved in the activation of the endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) in subjects with FPLD. Methods: We evaluated 14 female FPLD patients and compared with 13 female healthy individuals. The subjects were paired with their respective BMI and age and categorized into two groups: Familial partial lipodystrophy of the Dunnigan type (FPLD) and control. Patients were fasted for 12 h before blood collection for measurement of HbA1c, glucose, insulin, lipids and inflammatory markers. Subcutaneous adipose tissue was collected by puncture aspiration of submental region during ambulatorial surgical aesthetic procedure. Results: We demonstrate that patients with FPLD show increased HbA1c (p < 0.01), fasting glucose (p < 0.002) and triglycerides (p < 0.005) while HDL/cholesterol (p < 0.001) was lower when compared to healthy individuals. We found that 64.2% FPLD patients had metabolic syndrome according to International Diabetes Federation definition. We also observe increased AUC of glucose (p < 0.001) and insulin during oGTT, featuring a frame of hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia, suggesting insulin resistance. Also we found hyperactivation of several genes responsible for ERS such as ATF-4 (p < 0.01), ATF-6 (p < 0.01), EIF2 alpha 3K (p < 0.005), CCT4 (p < 0.001), CHOP (p < 0.01), CALR (p < 0.001) and CANX (p < 0.005), that corroborate the idea that diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome are associated with direct damage to the endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis. Ultimately, we note that individuals with lipodystrophy have an increase in serum interleukins, keys of the inflammatory process, as IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha and IL-6 (p < 0.05 all), compared with healthy individuals, which can be the trigger to insulin resistance in this population. Conclusion: Individuals with FPLD besides having typical dysfunctions of metabolic syndrome, show a hyperactivation of ERS associated with increased systemic inflammatory profile, which together may explain the complex clinical aspect of this diseases.