Investigating MN/CA9 Gene Expression in Renal Cell Carcinoma Diagnosis

    Those suffering with renal cell carcinoma (a kind of kidney cancer that starts in the lining of small tubes of the kidney) did not previously have any sort of tumor marker that could have helped them be prepared for their potential diagnosis. Now, researchers are using gene expression (which is the process by which information encoded in a gene is used to direct the synthesis of a functional gene product) of MN/CA9 as a potential tumor marker for indicating the possibilities of having RCC. MN/CA9 is a cell surface glycoprotein and a tumor-associated antigen, it allows for the regulation of proliferation and oncogenesis in the cell. Researchers tested this idea of being able to use MN/CA9 as a tumor marker by using samples of kidney tissue, urine, and blood samples. Tissue wise they compared kidneys containing benign tumors as well as malignant and healthy kidneys. This gave researchers a good basis as to whether or not MN/CA9 could be a good tumor marker for those with RCC. It was found that the three patients who had metastatic RCC had the MN/CA9 gene expression present in their blood sample. This could potentially be a big step in medicine and being able to catch RCC early enough that a prognosis can begin for an individual. 

    Interventions in cancer prevention and therapies are so important being that they can determine life and death for so many people. Researchers finding that blood samples can help determine if certain individuals have the gene expression expected to be seen in those with renal cell carcinoma, physicians can begin prognosis and treatment earlier on than ever before. Also, if we were able to determine this gene expression with something as minimally invasive as a blood sample could be revolutionary in determining what other gene expressions can be seen in blood samples to help be proactive for those with certain genes leading to cancer. 

Links Cited:

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34716861/

2. https://bjui-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1046/j.1464-410x.1999.00007.x

Western Diet Contributing to Kidney Cancer

In the United States of America, barbecuing food is almost a religious practice; from tailgating to summer holidays, barbecuing is a popular method for cooking meats. Recent studies show that this method of cooking meats may be leading to renal cell carcinoma (RCC), the most common form of kidney cancer. Cooking meats over an open flame creates carcinogens, including 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenyl-imidazo(4,5-b) pyridine (PhIP) and amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo(4,5-f) quinoxaline (MeIQx). To determine whether the mechanism for developing RCC is viable, the researchers polled and collected genetic information from patients with RCC and people without this cancer. The results showed that people who had RCC consumed more red meat, PhIP, and MeIQx than the subjects without RCC. Due to these results, the correlation between RCC and consuming meats cooked over an open flame is viable. The researchers also investigated connections between human genetics and susceptibility to RCC. Their research showed that people with variations in the gene ITPR2 were more susceptible to the effects of consuming PhIP. Further experimentation needs to be carried out to clarify the mechanism for developing RCC.

Eating red meat has already been connected to health risks in the past, from heart disease to diabetes. Maybe this study is just more evidence that red meat should be avoided, and protein consumption should come from poultry, fish, beans, and other sources. I believe that as long as red meat is eaten in moderation, there will be less risk for developing RCC and other diseases. I also believe that this study shows the importance in the reduction of the cost of genome sequencing. If people can get their genome sequenced, they can find out if they have the ITPR2 mutant gene which increases their health risks due to PhIP consumption. If people know their own genome, then they could modify their diet to reduce risks due to their genetic composition.   

Increased Risk of Renal Cell Carcinoma Due to Meat Consumption

Having a high meat intake diet may lead to renal cell carcinoma through the intake of carcinogenic compounds which are created by certain cooking techniques such as barbecuing and pan-frying. In addition, a study by The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center has discovered that individuals with specific genetic mutations are more at risk to the harmful compounds created when cooking at high temperatures.

Renal cell carcinoma is the most common form of kidney cancer and is expected to be diagnosed in over 60,000 patients this year which is estimated to result in 14,000 deaths. This new research shows that the increase in RCC over the past several decades may be in correlation with the typical diet of those living in Western civilization. The research suggests that meat that has been cooked in high temperature fashions form the carcinogens 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenyl-imidazo(4,5-b) pyridine (PhIP) and amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo(4,5-f) quinoxaline (MeIQx). The kidneys are biochemically active organs which are responsible for filtering many harmful toxins from the body, therefore leaving them sustainable for the harm caused by these carcinogens.Although in the past only red meat has been considered potentially harmful to the body, white meat cooked at high temperatures poses the same risk. Results show a 54% increased risk of RCC associated with PhIP intake and nearly two fold increase associated with MelQx intake.

Individuals with variations in the gene ITPR2 were more vulnerable to the effects of consuming PhIP. This gene has been previously associated with kidney cancer and obesity risk. Research to better understand the mechanism at play is underway. Researches do not recommend completely removing meat from your diet, but do suggest using different cooking methods to limit your risk.

Article used: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/11/151109083413.htm
Related article: http://time.com/4104600/grilled-meat-barbecue-mutagens-cancer/