This study aimed to assess the expression profile of messenger RNA (mRNA) and microRNA (miRNA) related to the dopaminergic system in five types of breast cancer in Polish women. Patients with five breast cancer subtypes were included in the study: luminal A (n = 130), luminal B (n = 196, including HER2−, n = 100; HER2+, n = 96), HER2+ (n = 36), and TNBC (n = 43); they underwent surgery, during which tumor tissue was removed along with a margin of healthy tissue (control material). The molecular analysis included a microarray profile of mRNAs and miRNAs associated with the dopaminergic system, a real-time polymerase chain reaction preceded by reverse transcription for selected genes, and determinations of their concentration using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The conducted statistical analysis showed that five mRNAs statistically significantly differentiated breast cancer sections regardless of subtype compared to control samples; these were dopamine receptor 2 (DRD2), dopamine receptor 3 (DRD3), dopamine receptor 25 (DRD5), transforming growth factor beta 2 (TGF-β-2), and caveolin 2 (CAV2). The predicted analysis showed that hsa-miR-141-3p can regulate the expression of DRD2 and TGF-β-2, whereas hsa-miR-4441 is potentially engaged in the expression regulation of DRD3 and DRD5. In addition, the expression pattern of DRD5 mRNA can also be regulated by has-miR-16-5p. The overexpression of DRD2 and DRD3, with concomitant silencing of DRD5 expression, confirms the presence of dopaminergic abnormalities in breast cancer patients. Moreover, these abnormalities may be the result of miR-141-3P, miR-16-5p, and miR-4441 activity, regulating proliferation or metastasis.

The aim of this study was to identify miRNAs that could potentially influence the activity of SMAD proteins involved in TGFβ signal transduction in five types of breast cancer in Polish women. Patients with five breast cancer subtypes were included in the study: luminal A (n = 130), luminal B HER2− (n = 100), luminal B HER2+ (n = 96), non-luminal HER2+ (n = 36), and TNBC (n = 43). During surgery, tumor tissue was removed along with a margin of healthy tissue (control). Molecular analysis included determination of the expression of genes related to SMAD protein signal transduction using mRNA microarrays and reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Protein expression was determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The miRNA profiling was performed using miRNA microarrays and the miRDB database. SMAD3 and SMAD5 were overexpressed in all types of breast cancer, which could be related to the reduced expression of miR-145, and the findings for SMAD4 and miR-155 were similar. Additionally, the level of SMAD7 was reduced, which may be due to the low activity of miR-15b and miR21b. This study determined the gene expression profiles involved in SMAD protein signal transduction across five different types of breast cancer and identified the miRNAs potentially regulating their activity. Overexpression of SMAD3, SMAD4, and SMAD5 suggests excessive activation of the TGFβ pathway, potentially promoting tumor growth and development. Concurrently, a significant reduction in SMAD7 expression removes inhibitory control in the TGFβ pathway, a phenomenon that is particularly evident in more aggressive breast cancer types.

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women. The Wnt pathway is involved in the regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation, survival, and migration. Its disruption may promote the induction of breast cancer and its further development. The aim of the study was to identify micro RNA (miRNAs) that could potentially influence the activity of Wnt-related genes in five types of breast cancer in Polish women. Study included patients with five breast cancer subtypes: 130 luminal A, 96 HER2-positive luminal B, 100 HER2-negative luminal B, 36 non-luminal HER2-positive, 43 triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Tumor tissue was removed during surgery along with a margin of healthy tissue (control group). Expression profile of Wnt-related genes was assessed with mRNA microarrays and reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Protein expression was conducted with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). miRNA profiling was carried out with miRNAs microarrays and the miRDB database. Reduced activity of miR-130a could be related to overexpression of CCND1 and GSK3B. Similarly for miR-199a and GSK3B. High activity of miR-2115 could be associated with downregulation of TCF7L2. WNT5 A overexpression may be linked to low levels of miR-497. In addition, study revealed increased levels of APC, DVL3, LEF1 with reduced activity of FZD4 and TCF7L1 in all five subtypes of breast cancer.

Background: C3 glomerulopathies (C3GN) are a group of rare kidney diseases associated with impaired complement regulation. The effects of this disease include the accumulation of complement C3 in the kidneys. Based on the clinical data, as well as light, fluorescence, and electron microscopy results, the diagnoses were verified. The study group consisted of biopsy specimens, which were obtained from 332 patients who were diagnosed with C3 glomerulopathy. In all cases, histopathological examinations were performed; deposits of complement C3 and C1q components, as well as the immunoglobulins IgA, IgG, and IgM, were identified using immunofluorescence. Furthermore, electron microscopy was also performed. Results: The histopathological examination results presented cases of C3GN (n = 111) and dense deposit disease (DDD; n = 17). The non-classified (NC) group was the most numerous (n = 204). The lack of classification was due to the poor severity of the lesions, even on the electron microscopic examination or in the presence of intense sclerotic lesions. Conclusions: In cases of suspected C3 glomerulopathies, we believe an electron microscopy examination is necessary. This examination is beneficial in mild-to-extremely-severe cases of this glomerulopathy, where the lesions are barely discernible when using immunofluorescence microscopy.

The goal of this paper was the evaluation of the changes in the expression profile of irisin, ghrelin, and titin in the carcinoma tissue and in the blood of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), including determining the profile of their expression in relation to patient nutrition. The study included 56 patients with diagnosed squamous cell carcinoma of HNSCC in the T3 and T4 stages of the disease. Healthy control tissue specimens were collected from an area 10 mm outside the histologically negative margin. In turn, the blood and serum from the control group came from healthy volunteers treated for non-oncologic reasons (n = 70). The molecular analysis allowed us to determine the profile of irisin, ghrelin, and titin methylation, evaluate their expression on the level of mRNA (quantitative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction; qRT-PCR) and protein (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Reaction; ELISA) in the carcinoma tissue and the margin of healthy tissue, as well as in serum of patients in the study and control groups. At the start of our observations, a Body Mass Index (BMI) < 18.5 was noted in 42 of the patients, while six months after the treatment a BMI < 18.5 was noted in 29 patients. We also noted a decrease in the expression of irisin, ghrelin, and titin both on the level of mRNA and protein, as well as a potential regulation of their expression via DNA methylation. There is no convincing evidence that the proteins assayed in the present work are specific with regard to HNSSC.

Background/Objectives: Endometrial cancer (EC) is a multifactorial disease influenced by metabolic, hormonal, and environmental factors. Trace and macroelements play a critical role in cellular homeostasis, oxidative stress, and tumor progression; however, their relationship with EC grading and clinical characteristics remains insufficiently understood. Methods: This study evaluated the concentrations of selected macro- and trace elements (Na, K, Ca, P, Mg, Mn, Cu, Zn, Be, As, Cr, Mo, Ti, Tl, Pb) in patients with endometrial cancer (G1–G3) and a control group (C). Elemental analysis was performed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Associations between elemental concentrations and clinicopathological variables, including age, body mass index (BMI), menopausal status, diabetes, and smoking, were assessed using appropriate statistical tests, including ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc analysis and Student’s t-test. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of elemental alterations. Results: Significant differences in elemental concentrations were observed across EC grading. Higher-grade tumors were associated with increased levels of Ca, P, Mg, and Mn, while Na and K showed a decreasing trend with tumor progression. No statistically significant differences were observed for Zn, Ti, Tl, or Pb across histological grades. Stratified analyses demonstrated that clinical and metabolic factors had a limited and selective impact on elemental profiles. Age and BMI were associated with minor variations in selected elements, whereas menopausal status, diabetes, and smoking showed predominantly non-significant or inconsistent effects. Multivariate analysis identified histological grade as the primary determinant of elemental alterations, while other variables exhibited weaker or element-specific associations. Conclusions: Elemental homeostasis in endometrial cancer is primarily associated with tumor progression rather than systemic metabolic or lifestyle factors. Changes in Ca-, P-, Mg-, and Mn-related pathways may reflect tumor-driven metabolic reprogramming, whereas most trace elements remain relatively stable. These findings suggest that elemental profiling may provide insight into EC biology, although its clinical utility requires further investigation.