TNF–α influences lymphomagenesis by upregulating proinflammatory and antiapoptotic pathways. In this study, we evaluated the frequency of TNF–α rs1800629 (–308 G>A) polymorphism in newly diagnosed adult patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and its correlation with age at diagnosis, gender and subtype of ALL. In this case control study, a total of 330 individuals were recruited, including 165 newly diagnosed adult patients with ALL, from the Radiation and Isotope Center in Khartoum (RICK) and 165 healthy normal controls. TNF–α rs1800629 polymorphism was tested through allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. The frequency of the rs1800629 GA genotype was high (70.9% vs. 60%, OR = 1.84) in the patient group as compared to healthy controls, whereas GG and AA genotypes did not exhibit any statistically significant difference between controls and patients. Based on subtype, GG and GA rs1800629 genotypes showed increased risk of B-ALL (OR 0.46 and 2.12, respectively), whereas rs1800629 GG, GA and AA genotypes did not show any disease association with T-ALL (p > 0.05). Age at diagnosis and gender did not exhibit any association of rs1800629 with ALL in the patient group. In conclusion, rs1800629 is associated with high risk of adult B-ALL, with an insignificant effect of age at diagnosis and gender.

Nanocomposites comprised of CuO-TiO₂-chitosan-escin, which has adjustable physicochemical properties, provide a solution for therapeutic selectivity in cancer treatment. By controlling the intrinsic signaling primarily through the mitochondrial signaling pathway, we desired nanocomposites with enhanced anticancer activity by containing CuO-TiO₂-chitosan-escin. The metal oxides CuO and TiO₂, the natural polymer chitosan, and a phytochemical compound escin were combined to form CuO-TiO₂-chitosan-escin nanocomposites. The synthesized nanocomposites were confirmed and characterized using FTIR spectroscopy, TEM, and UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy. A human leukemia cell line (MOLT-4) was used to assess the efficacy and selectivity of nanocomposites. Based on a cytotoxicity study, CuO-TiO₂-chitosan-escin nanocomposites had inhibition concentrations (IC₅₀) of 13.68, 8.9, and 7.14 µg/mL against human T lymphoblast cells after 24, 48, and 72 h of incubation, respectively. Compared with untreated MOLT-4 cells, CuO-TiO₂-chitosan-escin nanocomposite-treated cells significantly increased (p < 0.05) caspase-3, -8, and -9 and decreased the levels of antioxidant enzymes GR, SOD, and GSH. Furthermore, MDA for lipid peroxidase and ROS levels significantly increased (p < 0.05) in the treated cells than in the untreated cells. Remarkably, CuO-TiO₂-chitosan-escin nanocomposite-mediated control of cell cycles were mainly achieved through the activation of caspase-3, -8, and -9.

Background: The ABO, Rh, and Kell blood groups are the most immunogenic and clinically important blood antigens. These antigens can trigger strong immune responses after blood transfusions, leading to alloimmunization and post-hemolytic transfusion reactions. The aim of this study was to determine prevalence of ABO, Rh, and Kell blood group antigens at the Al-Qurayyat Regional Laboratory and Blood Bank Center, Al-Qurayyat region, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This study was a prospective observational cross-sectional study conducted at the Al-Qurayyat Regional Laboratory and Blood Bank Center from November 2022 to September 2023. The selection of voluntary and replacement donors was based on recommendations by the Saudi Central Board for Accreditation of Healthcare Institutions (CBAHI). A total of 779 Saudi donors aged between 18 and 60 years participated in the study. Results: In this study, O blood group was the most prevalent (50.1%), followed by B (32.0%), A (14.4%), and AB (3.6%). RhD positivity was relatively high (93.3%); a characteristic of global trends. Among RhD-positive individuals, R1r and R1R1 were the most prevalent Rh phenotypes, consistent with trends observed in Caucasian and Asian populations; however, the most frequent Rh phenotype in RhD-negative individuals was rr. Presence of the Kell antigen was observed in 9.5% of the participants, and interestingly all individuals who tested positive for the Kell antigen were also RhD positive. Conversely, no RhD-negative individuals exhibited the Kell antigen. Conclusions: Findings from this study highlight the importance of implementing proper inventory management to ensure safe transfusion of blood products. Additionally, this study established a crucial baseline for clinically important blood antigens that also enhances understanding of blood groups and regional variations that could better inform healthcare management systems and public health policies in Saudi Arabia. (Clin. Lab. 2024;70:2290-2298. DOI: 10.7754/Clin.Lab.2024.240710)