Biomedical subjects

Wasun Chantratita

Publications and source records attributed to Wasun Chantratita.

2 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2026

Gut microbiome in advanced non-small cell lung cancer: effect of chemotherapy and impact on efficacy.

BACKGROUND: While evidence linking the gut microbiome (GM) to cancer immunotherapy is growing, data regarding its role in chemotherapy remains limited. This study aims to investigate the effect of chemotherapy on GM composition and its potential as a predictive biomarker for treatment outcomes in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: Advanced NSCLC patients treated with chemotherapy at Ramathibodi Hospital were prospectively enrolled. Clinical data and stool samples were collected at three time points: baseline, post-evaluation, and at progression of disease (PD). Fecal bacterial DNA was extracted, followed by PacBio Sequel II sequencing and comprehensive bioinformatic analysis. Clinical data were summarized using descriptive statistics. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method, and predictive factors were identified using Cox-regression analysis. RESULTS: This study analyzed 54 stool samples from 27 NSCLC patients treated with platinum-doublet chemotherapy. The median PFS and OS were 5.3 months [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.4-8.4] and 13.8 months (95% CI: 5.2-not reached), respectively. Post-chemotherapy changes (n=20 paired samples) showed a significant decrease in microbial richness, as evidenced by reduced abundance-based coverage estimator (ACE) (P=0.02) and Chao1 (P=0.03) alpha diversity indices. Taxonomically, the relative abundance of Enterobacter was significantly decreased post-chemotherapy (P=0.03). Regarding treatment response (n=26 evaluable patients; 13 PD, 13 clinical benefit), baseline alpha diversity was not predictive of outcome. However, the relative abundance of Akkermansia was notably higher in the clinical benefit group, approaching statistical significance (P=0.07). CONCLUSIONS: Chemotherapy significantly reduced GM by decreasing species richness (as measured by the ACE and Chao1 index), while species diversity (as measured by the Shannon and Simpson index) remained unchanged. Therefore, confirming the definitive role of the GM as a predictive biomarker in chemotherapy-treated NSCLC patients necessitates further investigation in a larger, more robustly powered cohort.

Gut microbiome (GM)↗

PubMed2025

Nationwide carrier screening for congenital adrenal hyperplasia: integrated approach of CYP21A2 pathogenic variant genotyping and comprehensive large gene deletion analysis.

BACKGROUND: Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD CAH) is an autosomal recessive disorder resulting from pathogenic variants in the CYP21A2 gene. The disorder exhibits variable clinical severity, with the classical form manifesting as salt-wasting crisis in neonates, while inducing ambiguous genitalia in females and precocious puberty in males through simple virilization. Identifying at-risk couples during the preconception stage holds significance for optimizing reproductive choices. METHODS: This study included 204 unrelated preconception individuals undergoing carrier screening. A robust molecular approach was devised for rapid detection of nine prevalent CYP21A2 pathogenic variants, utilizing Amplification-Refractory Mutation System (ARMS) PCR and mass spectrometry (MS) genotyping. Complementary quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and PCR-based Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-based RFLP) assays were employed for comprehensive gene deletion analysis. The concordance of pathogenic variant detection between ARMS-PCR and MS, as well as the consistency observed in molecular insights from qPCR and PCR-based RFLP, fortified the accuracy of our methodologies. RESULTS: Our combined method could detect common pathogenic variants and large gene deletions with high concordance between ARMS-PCR, MS genotyping, qPCR, and PCR-based RFLP assays. Remarkably, two carriers exhibited significant large-scale deletions, while another manifested a carrier state due to minor-scale gene conversion. The estimated carrier frequency in our cohort using these methods was approximately 1 in 65 individuals. CONCLUSIONS: The methods used for 21-OHD CAH carrier screening offer a reliable, swift, and cost-effective approach for detecting common pathogenic variants and large deletions. Despite some limitations, such as the inability to detect all rare mutations, the techniques provide a practical solution for carrier screening, with an estimated carrier frequency of 1 in 65 in our study population. These findings support the potential adoption of these methods in national carrier screening programs, offering a practical balance between efficiency and affordability.

Humans↗