EVALUATION OF HEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS, AND MOLECULAR ALTERATIONS IN THE EXON-1-3 OF APEX1 GENE AS POTENTIAL CONTRIBUTOR TO GASTRIC CANCER RISK

Main Article Content

Ayesha Sadiq
Bilal Ahmad
Khuzin Dinislam
Nigar Aksar
Tariq Ahmed
Hajira Bibi

Keywords

H. pylori infection, Hematological parameters, APEX1 gene, Gastric cancer, Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Genetic

Abstract

Background: Gastric cancer remains a significant global health concern, with its progression influenced by a myriad of genetic and environmental factors. Among these factors, the interaction between host genes and infectious agents, such as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), has garnered attention for its potential role in gastric carcinogenesis.


Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the association between H. pylori infection and alterations in hematological parameters, as well as the detection of H. pylori APEX-1 genes such as (EXON-1, EXON-2 & EXON-3) using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the APEX1 gene. Blood samples were obtained from gastric patients and a control group, and hematological parameters including white blood cell counts, red blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelet count, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration were measured.


Results: The results indicated no significant differences in WBC, RBC, HGB, HCT, MCV, MCH, and MCHC between gastric patients and the control group (p > 0.05). However, a statistically significant decrease in platelet count was observed in gastric patients compared to the control group (283 ± 67.50 vs. 261 ± 57, p = 0.034). Additionally, DNA extracted from H. pylori positive blood samples underwent PCR targeting APEX1 gene, confirming H. pylori positivity. Positive PCR results were observed in samples S1 and S2, displaying a product size of 342 base pairs. Moreover, samples S35, S36, S37, and S71 exhibited positive PCR results in exon 5 of APEX1, with a product size of 292 base pairs.


Conclusion: This study provides insights into the potential correlation between H. pylori infection, hematological parameters, and genetic alterations in the APEX1 gene. Further research is warranted to explore the clinical implications of these findings in the context of gastric cancer development.

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