BACKGROUND: RNA integrity is the essential factor that determines the accuracy of mRNA transcript measurements obtained with quantitative real-time reversetranscription PCR (RT-qPCR), but evidence is clearly lacking on whether this conclusion also applies to microRNAs (miRNAs). We evaluated this issue by comparative analysis of the dependence of miRNA and mRNA measurements on RNA integrity in renal and prostate samples, under both model and clinical conditions.
MVD in prostate cancer is closely related to other factors contributing to tumor aggressiveness. However, the implementation of this parameter into routinely performed pathological reports does not seem to be warranted.
Abstract. Solid tumours need to induce their own vascular supply, and microvessel density (MVD) has emerged as a prognostic factor in several tumours. We hypothesized that mRNA levels of some endothelial factors in prostate cancer tissue would correlate with histologically measured MVD, or other pathological parameters. Expression levels of the endothelial factors CD31, CD34, CD105, CD144, CD146, CAV1 and VEGFR2 were assessed by RT-qPCR in matched freshly frozen normal and tumour tissues from 69 patients that underwent radical prostatectomy. The results were compared to pathological parameters and the MVD in the corresponding paraffin-embedded material, as determined by immunohistochemistry against CD31 and CD34. Comparing mRNA expression in matched normal and tumour samples, only CAV1 showed relevant differences, being down-regulated in tumour tissues (fold change = -1
The diagnostic yield of sural nerve biopsy was evaluated in 120 peripheral neuropathy patients. In 58 (48%) a final diagnosis was reached without biopsy, while 14 (11.5%) remained undiagnosed. Nerve biopsy contributed to the final diagnosis in 20 of the 53 biopsies (38%). In patients with motor conduction velocity below 30 m/s, sural nerve histology was helpful in 65% of biopsies. In patients with milder reduction in conduction biopsy contributed in only 11%. It is concluded that in general neurological population, nerve biopsy is of limited value as a routine diagnostic procedure. However, in patients with marked slowing of conduction velocity, in whom the diagnosis is not immediately apparent, sural nerve biopsy is indicated.
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