In this study, we examined several molecular markers in prostate and breast cancer patients and in normal individuals. The markers tested were: variations in the quantity of plasma DNA, glutathione-S-transferase P1 gene (GSTP1), Ras association domain family 1A (RASSF1A), and ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) methylation status in plasma, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and plasma samples from prostate cancer patients. DNA quantification in plasma was performed using real-time PCR (RT-PCR). We assessed the methylation status of GSTP1 in plasma DNA using methylation-specific PCR (MSP) assay, while the methylation status of RASSF1A and ATM genes was examined by the MethyLight technology. RT-PCR analysis was used for the detection of mRNA, PSMA, and CEA. In 58.3% of newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients and 26.7% of prostate cancer patients under therapy, plasma DNA levels were increased. Additionally, 48.5% of breast cancer patients showed plasma DNA levels above the cutoff limit. GSTP1 Promotor hypermethylation was detectable in 75% of plasma samples obtained from patients with newly diagnosed prostate cancer and in 36.8% of patients under therapy, whereas 26% and 14% of the breast cancer patients tested were positive for RASSF1A and ATM methylation, respectively. The combination of DNA load and promotor methylation status identified 88% of prostate cancer patients and 54% of breast cancer patients. This study shows that free-circulating DNA can be detected in cancer patients compared with disease-free individuals, and suggests a new, noninvasive approach for early detection of cancer.

According to the Greek Ministry of Environment, there are 2,000 contaminated sites in Greece. The agricultural production in these sites should be evaluated to provide an assessment and recommendations on the necessary actions required for crop sustainability. This study investigated the effects of heavy metals on White clover (Trifolium repens L.) growth in an above-referenced multi-metal contaminated site in the absence/presence of zeolite as an agent empowering the rehabilitation of pollution and immobilization of heavy metals. The addition of 1% zeolite to the polluted soils significantly contributed to plant growth by limiting the availability of Cd, Pb and Zn. However, the dry biomass of plants grown in the presence of zeolite was evaluated to be unsuitable as a raw material (feed) in livestock production, due to the high Cd toxicity. In the context of sustainable production, this study aims to holistically approach and evaluate mechanisms of phytoremediation, bioaccumulation and the disposal of the bioaccumulator as a high value-added product (feed).