Mutations of the human interferon alpha-2b gene in brain tumor patients exposed to different environmental conditions

Abstract

This study was aimed at finding out mutations of an anticancerous, antiviral and immunomodulatory gene (human interferon alpha-2b) in low- and high-grade brain tumor patients and correlate from hematological profiles. A molecular analysis was performed in which DNAs were extracted from brain biopsy samples of brain tumor patients. The gene was amplified through the PCR technique, and genetic data from sequencing were analyzed by bioinformatics to determine how mutations will lead to changes in human interferon alpha 2b protein in patients. A total of 38% gene mutations were identified among brain tumor patients. The highest percentage of (36%) frameshift mutations was identified. Hematological analysis shows modulations in the 'lymphocytes' parameter in a majority (64%) of the brain tumor patients. Environmental factors have been reported as risks of brain cancer. Patients were found to be under environmental stress from contaminated drinking water and from local gamma radiations. Brain tumor patients were found to have various mutations in an immunomodulating human interferon alpha-2b gene. These patients had immunosuppression that was further affirmed from their hematological profiles. This analysis may be helpful to develop certain biomarkers that may be used to develop novel immunotherapeutical drugs, which enhance a better immune response.

Impacts of Terrestrial Ionizing Radiation on the Hematopoietic System

“…All individuals were found having balanced food intake with non-alcoholic and non-smoking habits. Radiation doses for gamma activity from selected Siwalik areas were measured from gamma and X-ray scintillometer (SAPHYMO-SPP2 NF) [32]. The measurements were in the range of 200-450 counts per second (cps), which corresponds to: 0.4383-1.3149 mSv/y [32,38,73].…”

“…The Siwalik belt is 1,500 km long and passes through Southern Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Potwar, Southern Khyber Pakhtoonkhaw and Baluchistan [27][28][29][30][31][32]. The fluvial package present in the Siwalik region was found deposited by the braided rivers containing volcanic ash intervals as a source of uranium mineral anomalies [31,32].…”

“…The fluvial package present in the Siwalik region was found deposited by the braided rivers containing volcanic ash intervals as a source of uranium mineral anomalies [31,32]. Some of the major uranium mineral deposits are found in the Sulaiman Range, Baghal Chur, Nangar Nai, Taunsa, Mochi Mar, and Shavah-Shanawah [27,[32][33][34].…”

“…Some of the major uranium mineral deposits are found in the Sulaiman Range, Baghal Chur, Nangar Nai, Taunsa, Mochi Mar, and Shavah-Shanawah [27,[32][33][34]. In the Siwalik environment uranium and its daughters are present with elevated radon levels [32,35]. The uranium anomalies are also associated with the S-type granites, which are the basic type of granite, including muscovite and biotite enriched in aluminum, and granite gneisses of Lesser Himalayan and Higher Himalaya regions [32,35].…”

“…The terrestrial gamma radiation dose was found twofold higher than the background area [36,37]. There are also small but numerous uranium deposits and crystalline rocks present in Kabul Khel, near Bannu Basin and Kallar Kahar near the Salt Range [32,38].…”