<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

<p>Cancer development and progression are characterized by intricate genetic and epigenetic alternations, with DNA methylation playing a crucial role in this transformative process. Recent advancements in DNA methylation mapping technologies have significantly contributed to the identification of novel cancer biomarkers. We provide a short overview of Conformité Européenne-marked in vitro diagnostic tests designed to detect DNA methylation changes in oncology practice.</p>
</abstract>

DNA Methylation Biomarkers in Cancer Diagnostics

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

<p>The progression of tumor formation is a multifactorial process that involves changes at different levels. Within this intricate molecular and cellular landscape of tumorigenesis, specific enzymes, namely matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), emerge as pivotal contributors. They may influence this process at the level of tissue remodelling, angiogenesis, changes in cell signalling, invasion and metastasis, but may also serve as prognostic markers or therapeutic targets. Although the function of MMPs has been known for a long time, their specific role in the pathogenesis of brain tumors has only begun to be investigated in the last three decades. Deregulation of MMPs expression, frequently observed in brain tumor tissue, is associated with malignant phenotype, dependent on the grade of malignancy and associated with a worse prognosis. They participate in tissue remodelling under physiological and pathological conditions, which predetermines their action especially in the process of invasion and migration of tumor cells into the surrounding tissue. Related to their potential in tumor progression, they are also being investigated as possible targets in anticancer therapy. It would be very difficult to characterize in detail the role of all known MMPs in the context of brain tumor pathogenesis, so we have selected those that have an essential effect in this issue.</p>
</abstract>

The Role of Selected Matrix Metalloproteinases in the Pathogenesis of Gliomas

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

<sec>
<h3>Introduction</h3>
<p>Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading oncogenic disorders, both in terms of incidence and mortality. The etiology of the disease is certainly multifactorial. Various risk factors like alcohol consumption, smoking, CRC family history, inflammatory bowel disease, hormone therapy, aspirin/nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs use, higher body mass index, consumption of red and/or processed meat, insufficient physical activity, and decreased intake of fruit and vegetables have been pointed out; however, there is not enough support evidence for a single particular causative mechanism. Recently, gut bacterial microbiota has been shown to influence significantly the pathogenesis of CRC. However, little attention is paid to the putative impact of plasmids in gut flora.</p>
</sec>
<sec>
<h3>Material and methods</h3>
<p>We have designed and tested the workflow for semi-selective isolation and amplification of random circular sequences. The exploitation of rolling circle amplification (RCA) with a random hexamers protocol is crucial for the outcome.</p>
</sec>
<sec>
<h3>Results</h3>
<p>Our results suggest that it is possible to isolate and amplify plasmid DNA from gut flora and further process, sequence, and identify them.</p>
</sec>
<sec>
<h3>Discussion</h3>
<p>Little is known about the interactions between bacterial plasmids and human cells. The collection of plasmid sequencing data and the comparison of CRC patients and healthy control sequences can be the first step to elucidating this phenomenon.</p>
</sec>
</abstract>

Characterization of Plasmids Isolated from Bacterial Flora of CRC Patients – Proof of Concept

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

<p>DNA methylation is characterized as a gene regulatory mechanism that involves the methylation of the 5-carbon (C5) position of cytosine, resulting in the formation of 5-methylcytosine. The analysis of aberrantly methylated cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) dinucleotides, primarily in the promoter regions of tumor suppressor genes, can serve as promising prognostic and predictive markers of cancer development. Meis homeobox 1 (<italic>MEIS1</italic>) gene, crucial for cell growth and differentiation, exhibits dysregulation linked to various cancer types, acting as both a positive and negative regulator. The selection of an appropriate method for the evaluation of gene promoter methylation status is important for clinical implementation without biases regarding false positive and false negative outcomes. The study focuses on the optimization of a novel droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) assay for identifying the methylation status of <italic>MEIS1</italic>. Compared to traditional methods, ddPCR offers an increased sensitivity and specificity, presenting a promising tool for precise DNA methylation assessment with potential implications for cancer diagnostics and prognostics.</p>
</abstract>

Optimizing Droplet Digital PCR Assay for Precise Assessment of MEIS1 Gene Promoter Methylation

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

<p>Hematological malignancies represent a heterogeneous group of diseases that may have overlapping clinical manifestations. Successful and optimal management depends on early and accurate diagnosis of the disease. Differential diagnosis therefore requires methods of morphology, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, and also molecular and cytogenetic examinations. Molecular diagnostic techniques are becoming more accurate and sophisticated, which is why nowadays hematopathological diagnosis relies heavily on molecular and cytogenetic analyses. They are beneficial not only for diagnosis, but also for evaluating prognostic and risk markers, as well as treatment monitoring. This article presents an overview of selected hematological malignancies – mature lymphoid neoplasms, multiple myelomas, myeloproliferative neoplasms, myelodysplastic syndromes, and acute myeloid leukemias; their molecular pathology, risk and prognostic markers. Understanding of the biologic basis leds to a targeted therapy development for the treatment of these diseases.</p>
</abstract>

Molecular Pathology of Hematologic Malignancies

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

<p>Various types of cancer exhibit distinct sensitivities to anticancer drugs, reflecting their unique developmental pathways. Exploiting mitochondrial dysfunction in cancer cells presents novel therapeutic opportunities. In recent years, advancements have underscored the significance of oxidative phosphorylation, fatty acid oxidation, and glutamine addiction in cancer cells, shifting attention towards mitochondrial metabolism. The foundation of mitochondrial medicine lies in comprehending targeted mitochondrial therapy and the development of specific mitochondrial drugs. Certain alterations within mitochondrial metabolism lead to the accumulation of oncometabolites, serving as epigenetic regulators, or an increase in reactive oxygen species production, both of which contribute to tumorigenesis. Importantly, the substantial involvement of mitochondrial metabolism in tumorigenesis offers potential avenues for exploiting as strategies for cancer therapy. Integrated pharmacological approaches targeting mitochondrial metabolic pathways are imperative for an effective eradication of tumor masses and a concurrent elimination of small subpopulations of mitochondria. The significance of mitochondria in cancer is undeniable, offering numerous appealing targets for both tailored and personalized cancer therapy.</p>
</abstract>

Metabolic Flexibility: Targeting Mitochondrial Dynamics in Cancer Therapy

AHEAD OF PRINT

Volume 24 (2024): Issue 1 (April 2024)

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Acta Medica Martiniana

 Acta Medica Martiniana is a medical scientific journal, first published in print form in December 2001. It is a continuation of the journal / almanac Folia Medica Martiniana (1971 - 1996). The journal‘s owner is the Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Slovakia. The aims and scope of the AMM:   Dissemination of research results and scientific knowledge from all areas of medicine and nursing.  Stimulation, facilitation and supporting of publication activity for the young medical research and clinical generation. The contributions of young novice authors (PhD students and post-doctorials) are particularly welcome.   Acta Medica Martiniana (AMM) publishes, and here only in English, high quality original papers (in extenso and short-rapid communications), case reports as well as review articles.  Acta Medica Martiniana is an open-access journal, with a periodicity of publishing three times per year (Apr/Aug/Dec). It covers a wide range of basic medical disciplines, such as anatomy, histology, biochemistry, human physiology, pharmacology, etc., as well as all clinical areas incl. preventive medicine, public health and nursing. Interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary manuscripts, including papers from all areas of biomedical research, are welcome.  All articles are submitted to a peer-review process. They are peer-reviewed anonymously (double blind) by external experts pursuant to the standard evaluation criteria. Based on the reviewers opinions, the Editorial Board will decide whether a paper is to be included in the journal.  Rejection Rate:   15-30%   Archiving  Sciendo archives the contents of this journal in Portico - digital long-term preservation service of scholarly books, journals and collections.  Plagiarism Policy  The editorial board is participating in a growing community of Similarity Check System's users in order to ensure that the content published is original and trustworthy. Similarity Check is a medium that allows for comprehensive manuscripts screening, aimed to eliminate plagiarism and provide a high standard and quality peer-review process. 