Monday, June 2, 2014

Careful what you read or should you have a second look into cytokines? YKL-40

There are certain genes that cause concern and are deemed prognosis. That is their presence clearly induces a bad prognosis because they cause either cancer irreversibility (ie. excessive presence of Cyclin B1), cancer resistance (MDR gene) or resistance to therapy (YKL-40 induce resistance to gamma irradiation).However
Certain Cytokines have duplicite or ambiguous roles that is, depending on the scenario or the writer, have a defined role to suit the circumstances in which they are studied.
The YKL-40, like the Metalloproteases and certain prominent cytokines and , have been used to conveniently by many authors to be reported as biomarkers, or prognostic factors.  A recent article suggest they are prognosis in Bladder Cancer.   But it seems that they can be elevated  not only in certain cancers but in inflammatory diseases.  In fact a certain cellular state of Hydroxylation may increase this Biomarker, but also stimulation of a common pathway with no prognosis impact (AKT).  In this case, reversing the gene may not have a meaningful therapeutic role.  
Given its role in Vascular remodeling, this gene  (YKL-40) seems important in the Vasculitis and coronary events!? (bladder inflammation)  or is-it?

Is is a modulator of chemical reactions?  let's pause and reflect!

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