British Journal of Biomedical Science最新文献

{"title":"Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma in Southeast Asia: Current Landscape and Future Priorities.","authors":"Suat Ming Chan, Ian C Paterson, Lee Fah Yap","doi":"10.3389/bjbs.2025.15902","DOIUrl":"10.3389/bjbs.2025.15902","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) remains a major public health concern with a geographically skewed distribution. The disease is endemic in East Asia (particularly China), Southeast Asia (SEA) and South-Central Asia. Although China contributes the largest share of global NPC cases, several SEA countries consistently report high incidence rates. Despite this substantial burden, NPC remains a neglected disease across much of the region. This review synthesizes and appraises the available evidence on the epidemiology, incidence trends and disease burden of NPC in SEA. High-incidence hotspots persist in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Thailand, with particularly striking rates among indigenous populations of East Malaysia. Late-stage presentation is common and survival outcomes in many SEA countries lag behind those observed in better-resourced endemic regions. Socioeconomic disparities in many SEA communities also amplify exposure to key NPC risk factors. This review outlines key region-specific challenges and identifies priority areas for coordinated health system strengthening. We emphasize the urgent need for regionally tailored strategies to mitigate the growing burden of NPC throughout SEA.</p>","PeriodicalId":9236,"journal":{"name":"British Journal of Biomedical Science","volume":"82 ","pages":"15902"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2025-12-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12742401/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145848649","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Influence of Reference Gene Selection on miRNA Quantification by RT-qPCR in Human Placental Samples.","authors":"Ankica Sekovanić, Tatjana Orct, Adrijana Dorotić, Daria Pašalić, Zorana Kljaković-Gašpić, Sandra Stasenko, Tatjana Mioč, Martina Piasek, Jasna Jurasović","doi":"10.3389/bjbs.2025.15354","DOIUrl":"10.3389/bjbs.2025.15354","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The gold standard for assessing expression of miRNAs, small molecules involved in numerous biological processes, is reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The reliability of RT-qPCR analysis results largely depends on accurate data normalization and the selection of an appropriate reference gene. This study evaluated the stability of five candidate reference genes-miR-525, miR-520c, SNORD48, miR-135b, and miR-143-in human placental samples. GeNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and the delta Ct-method were used to evaluate gene expression stability. The effect of reference gene selection for normalization of target miRNAs (miR-1537, miR-190b, miR-16, miR-21, and miR-146a) expression in term placental samples from smokers and non-smokers was also investigated. All statistical tools identified miR-525, miR-520c, and SNORD48 as the three most stable reference genes, except for GeNorm, which recommends the combination of the first two genes. Normalization using SNORD48 and miR-525 produced comparable results for miR-21 expression in the placental samples, both in smokers and non-smokers, whereas normalization with miR-143 yielded markedly different outcomes compared to SNORD48 and miR-525. These findings highlight the considerable impact of reference gene selection on RT-qPCR results, emphasizing the importance of careful validation to avoid misinterpretation of gene expression data.</p>","PeriodicalId":9236,"journal":{"name":"British Journal of Biomedical Science","volume":"82 ","pages":"15354"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2025-12-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12711586/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145803177","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Corrigendum: Reproducibility of Immunohistochemical Testing of Estrogen Receptors, Progesterone Receptors, Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-2 (HER2) and Ki-67 in Vietnam.","authors":"Thai Anh Tu, Nguyen Van Tin, Anthony Rhodes, Dinh Bui Quynh Anh, Le Thi Hong Dao, Nguyen Thi Truc Linh, Dinh Thi Khanh Nhu, Nguyen Thi Hong Nhung, Lam Thanh Cam, Ngo Thi Minh Hanh, Pham Nguyen Cuong, Nguyen Thanh Toan, Nguyen Khac Tuyen, Do Dinh Khanh, Tran Thi Truc Ngan, Lam Kieu Mong Thy, Nguyen Van Thanh, Nguyen Quang Tuan, Vo Ngoc Nguyen, Le Thi Thuy Nhu, Nguyen Dam Chau Bao","doi":"10.3389/bjbs.2025.15864","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/bjbs.2025.15864","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/bjbs.2025.15455.].</p>","PeriodicalId":9236,"journal":{"name":"British Journal of Biomedical Science","volume":"82 ","pages":"15864"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2025-12-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12706581/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145773481","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Formulation and <i>In Vitro</i> Characterisation of Withaferin A-Loaded Liposomal Gels for the Topical Management of Chronic Inflammatory Skin Conditions.","authors":"Mandeep Kaur Marwah, Hala Shokr, Karan Singh Rana, Yukta Sameer Hindalekar, Rosie Kainth, Parmida Babaei, Shakil Ahmad","doi":"10.3389/bjbs.2025.14847","DOIUrl":"10.3389/bjbs.2025.14847","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Chronic inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and acne are driven by sustained inflammation, oxidative stress, and impaired tissue repair. Current treatments often lead to adverse effects with prolonged use highlighting the need for safer, targeted alternatives. Withaferin-A, a bioactive compound derived from <i>Withania somnifera</i>, has demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in various disease models. This study explored the potential of Withaferin-A liposome-loaded gels for topical delivery, testing their efficacy in an inflamed skin model. Withaferin-A liposomes were prepared using the ethanol injection method and incorporated into hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) gels. <i>In vitro</i> release studies using a permeable insert system were used to compare release profiles of Withaferin-A from liposomal gels. Cytotoxicity was assessed via XTT assay on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and human dermal fibroblasts (HDFa). Inflammation was induced with tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and anti-inflammatory effects measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for interleukin-6 (IL-6) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were quantified using the DCFDA assay. Cytotoxicity studies using the XTT assay on HUVEC and HDFa cells revealed good biocompatibility at lower Withaferin-A concentrations (0-1 µM), though reduced viability was observed at 5 µM. <i>In vitro</i> release studies revealed sustained release of Withaferin-A from liposomal gels, with significantly slower release over 6 h compared to solution at 99.53% ± 3.47% and 48.87% ± 4.51% respectively. Anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated following TNF-α-induced inflammation, with Withaferin-A loaded gels significantly reducing IL-6 secretion in a dose-dependent manner in both HUVECs (38.90 ± 5.34 to 19.15 ± 3.56 pg/mL) and HDFa cells (40.05 ± 2.23 to 10.42 ± 2.02 pg/mL). Withaferin-A treatment also reduced ROS levels and lowered MMP-9 secretion in HDFa cells from 408.80 ± 13.05 pg/mL to 195.00 ± 7.55 pg/mL, indicating potential for tissue remodelling. In summary, WA-loaded liposomal gels demonstrated effective anti-inflammatory activity and sustained drug release while maintaining biocompatibility at therapeutic concentrations. These findings support their potential as a novel strategy for managing inflammatory skin diseases by improving drug bioavailability and promoting tissue repair.</p>","PeriodicalId":9236,"journal":{"name":"British Journal of Biomedical Science","volume":"82 ","pages":"14847"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12702788/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145766926","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mitochondrial DNA Mutations and Epigenetic Regulation in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Development.","authors":"Mei Xin Koh, Timothy Simpson, Shamsul Mohd Zain, Qasim Ayub, Hong Leong Cheah, Yan Pan, Shi Hui Cheng, Yuh-Fen Pung","doi":"10.3389/bjbs.2025.15375","DOIUrl":"10.3389/bjbs.2025.15375","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The global prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has increased significantly over the past decade and is projected to rise further. While genetic and lifestyle factors are well-established contributors to T2DM pathogenesis, mitochondria have also gained attention as the key players. Many studies suggested that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations and epigenetic modifications were implicated in the development and progression of T2DM. This review aimed to provide a comprehensive analysis of mtDNA mutations and epigenetic modifications associated with T2DM. Based on data from 30 published studies, a total of 117 mtDNA mutations were identified to be associated with T2DM, with D-loop region being the mutation hotspot. However, it was reported that the majority of D-loop mutations were also more frequently observed in healthy populations compared to mutations in other mtDNA regions, suggesting their potential non-pathogenic characteristic. Thus, mtDNA mutations found to be associated with T2DM but with lower occurrence in healthy populations may play a more significant role in influencing T2DM susceptibility. Regarding epigenetic modifications, mtDNA methylation was commonly reported in the D-loop and <i>ND6</i> regions across seven studies. These findings suggested that these regions may play critical roles in the regulation of mitochondrial gene expression under diabetic conditions. Lastly, this review also discussed the technical challenges and limitations of detecting mtDNA mutations and methylation changes. In addition, relevant ethical considerations surrounding mitochondrial genetic research were also addressed. In conclusion, mtDNA mutations and methylation changes could potentially serve as biomarkers for the development and progression of T2DM. These molecular modifications may offer valuable insights for early diagnosis and preventive strategies. However, further research and validation are essential to establish their clinical significance and diagnostic utility.</p>","PeriodicalId":9236,"journal":{"name":"British Journal of Biomedical Science","volume":"82 ","pages":"15375"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2025-11-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12695723/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145755319","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Identification of an Exosomal miRNA Signature in Newly Diagnosed Essential Hypertensive Adults.","authors":"Paulina Pei Suu Tan, William M Chilian, Yook Chin Chia, Shamsul Mohd Zain, Hooi Min Lim, Navin Kumar Devaraj, Siew Mooi Ching, Teck Yew Low, Nur Afrina Muhamad Hendri, Tg Rogayah Tg Abd Rashid, Yong Ling Sou, Yuh-Fen Pung","doi":"10.3389/bjbs.2025.14780","DOIUrl":"10.3389/bjbs.2025.14780","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and premature death worldwide. Less than half of adults with hypertension are not properly diagnosed and treated indicating a need for better diagnostic and treatment strategies. Exosomal miRNAs have been implicated in hypertension development and show potential as non-invasive disease biomarkers. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate potential exosomal miRNA biomarkers of hypertension to enhance early detection.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Plasma exosomes from newly identified, stage I essential hypertensive adults and their controls were isolated and characterised. The miRNA profiles were compared using small RNA sequencing, then validated with quantitative PCR (qPCR). Enriched pathways and gene ontologies of predicted miRNA targets were compared against systemically dysregulated pathways to validate its biological function.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Hypertensives showed preferential release of exosomes larger than 150 and significantly reduced expression of exosomal CD9. After qPCR validation, a unique hypertensive exosomal miRNA profile consisting of three downregulated and one upregulated miRNA was identified. The combination of this miRNA signature (hsa-miR-184, hsa-miR-432-5p, hsa-miR-1-3p, and hsa-miR-1246) with BMI demonstrated the highest diagnostic value. Predicted target pathways of the miRNA signature and systemically dysregulated proteomics pathways highlighted the convergence of aberrant metabolic pathways in the development of hypertension.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study identified a unique hypertensive exosomal miRNA profile when used combination with BMI. The miRNA signature provided insights into the mechanisms involved in the early stages of hypertension and offers leads for further validation in biomarker discovery to alleviate the burden of cardiovascular diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":9236,"journal":{"name":"British Journal of Biomedical Science","volume":"82 ","pages":"14780"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2025-11-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12678194/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145699461","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"7-Methylguanine With a Cyclopentane Backbone: A Bright Combination for a FIT-PNA RNA Sensor.","authors":"Salam Maree, Pinaki Chanda, Sheethal Thomas Mannully, Hongchao Zheng, Daniel H Appella, Eylon Yavin","doi":"10.3389/bjbs.2025.15526","DOIUrl":"10.3389/bjbs.2025.15526","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>FIT-PNAs (forced intercalation-Peptide Nucleic Acids) are promising RNA sensors due to the enhanced fluorescence gained by such molecules upon RNA hybridization. In this report we describe a chemical approach that leads to unprecedented brightness for a FIT-PNA where the neighbouring Guanine base (G) to the fluorophore (a.k.a. surrogate base) is chemically modified with a cyclopentane (cp) backbone and is N-methylated, leading to a positively charged (G⁺) base. A series of G modified bases (G⁺, cpG, and cpG⁺) were introduced as the neighbouring base to BisQ (surrogate base) in 15-mer FIT-PNAs designed to sense the oncogenic long-noncoding RNA, colon cancer associated transcript 1 (lncRNA CCTA-1). Using synthetic RNA, the combination denoted as cpG⁺ led to a two-fold increase in brightness (BR = 16.9) compared to the unmodified G base (BR = 8.4). Introducing a G mismatch in RNA sequence that is opposite to the G base (G, G⁺, cpG, or cpG⁺) in the FIT-PNA, led to an increase in fluorescence that was not observed for synthetic DNA. Molecular simulations confirmed these observations and further correlated fluorescence data for FIT-PNAs with synthetic DNA and RNA with/out mismatches. Importantly, in ovarian cancer cells overexpressing CCAT1, only the cpG⁺ modified FIT-PNA produced a bright fluorescent signal, confirmed by FACS and confocal microscopy. Our results demonstrate that strategic chemical modifications of the neighboring G base in FIT-PNA significantly enhance their brightness and specificity for RNA detection in biological systems.</p>","PeriodicalId":9236,"journal":{"name":"British Journal of Biomedical Science","volume":"82 ","pages":"15526"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2025-11-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12678193/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145699484","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Placenta as an Immunological Environment.","authors":"Fiona M Menzies","doi":"10.3389/bjbs.2025.14910","DOIUrl":"10.3389/bjbs.2025.14910","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In the UK, there are approximately 650,000 babies born each year. The pregnancy journey is not only unique to each woman, but for each individual pregnancy that may be experienced. Pregnancy complications, miscarriage, and stillbirths are still a huge problem with maternity services, highlighting the need for more research to understand the underlying causes, earlier detection or even prevention of conditions such as pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, restricted fetal growth and the impact of infection during pregnancy. One area of interest which transcends these conditions is the functioning of the placenta. The placenta is the lifeline for the fetus to the mother. It is a unique organ, crucial for survival, but also known to have impacts on the lifelong health of the fetus. Aberrant development, as well as <i>in utero</i> exposure to infections and environmental chemicals are known to have multiple impacts on the functioning of the placenta, and the fetus it supports. The placental environment is a fascinating organ to study with much still to be learned about its development, role in pregnancy complications, as well as its impact on long term offspring health. The placental environment is abundant with immune cells and mediators. There is a need within medical and biomedical practice for a good understanding of the complex relationship between immune cells, the decidua and placenta, and doing so will aid in development of better diagnostic tests and treatments for placenta-driven pregnancy complications and infections. This review will summarise the placenta as an immunological environment through description of key decidual immune cells, the expression of innate recognition receptors and it will provide an update on the placental immune response to infections of importance during pregnancy.</p>","PeriodicalId":9236,"journal":{"name":"British Journal of Biomedical Science","volume":"82 ","pages":"14910"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2025-11-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12669068/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145667114","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mesoporous Silica Microparticle Tablets for Optimised Formulation and Overcoming Compressibility Challenges.","authors":"Mohamad Anas Al Tahan, Craig Russell, Ali Al-Khattawi","doi":"10.3389/bjbs.2025.14985","DOIUrl":"10.3389/bjbs.2025.14985","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Tablets are the most commonly used dosage form due to their low manufacturing cost and ease of administration. Incorporating mesoporous silica microparticles offers enhanced control over drug release and bioavailability; however, formulation remains challenging due to poor compressibility and disintegration characteristics. This study explores dynamic formulation strategies to enable successful incorporation of SYLOID XDP 3150 (SYLOID) into oral tablet formulations. Tablets were prepared via direct compression using varying ratios of Avicel PH 102 (MCC: microcrystalline cellulose) and lactose monohydrate (25:75, 50:50, and 75:25) with SYLOID incorporated at 0%, 20%, and 40% (w/w). A 500 mg tablet mass was maintained throughout, and SYLOID alone was also compressed to assess baseline behaviour. Key tablet properties including porosity, tensile strength, friability, and disintegration time were evaluated. Direct compression of SYLOID alone failed due to poor compactability and particle fragmentation at 221.72 MPa. Increased Avicel content led to reduced porosity and enhanced tensile strength, while higher SYLOID levels increased porosity but compromised mechanical strength and friability. Disintegration was faster in lactose-rich formulations but delayed with increased SYLOID due to its hydrophobicity. Incorporating a superdisintegrant and binder enabled the final formulations to meet USP requirements for disintegration and friability. Overall, SYLOID was shown to significantly affect tablet architecture and performance, necessitating excipient support to overcome its inherent limitations. These findings support further evaluation of drug-loaded SYLOID tablets to assess their impact on drug release profiles and oral bioavailability.</p>","PeriodicalId":9236,"journal":{"name":"British Journal of Biomedical Science","volume":"82 ","pages":"14985"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2025-11-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12665613/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145660426","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Reproducibility of Immunohistochemical Testing of Estrogen Receptors, Progesterone Receptors, Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-2 (HER2) and Ki-67 in Vietnam.","authors":"Thai Anh Tu, Nguyen Van Tin, Anthony Rhodes, Dinh Bui Quynh Anh, Le Thi Hong Dao, Nguyen Thi Truc Linh, Dinh Thi Khanh Nhu, Nguyen Thi Hong Nhung, Lam Thanh Cam, Ngo Thi Minh Hanh, Pham Nguyen Cuong, Nguyen Thanh Toan, Nguyen Khac Tuyen, Do Dinh Khanh, Tran Thi Truc Ngan, Lam Kieu Mong Thy, Nguyen Van Thanh, Nguyen Quang Tuan, Vo Ngoc Nguyen, Le Thi Thuy Nhu, Nguyen Dam Chau Bao","doi":"10.3389/bjbs.2025.15455","DOIUrl":"10.3389/bjbs.2025.15455","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Context: </strong>Immunohistochemical (IHC) testing of estrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PR), HER2 and Ki-67 on breast cancer samples is carried out in the majority of clinical departments to predict response to therapies and to determine prognosis. Issues surrounding the reproducibility of testing are well documented and guidelines recommend laboratories participate in external quality assessment (EQA) in order to ensure reliability of results.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To assess the reproducibility of IHC testing for these markers in hospitals from the south, north, and centre of Vietnam, estimated to be approximately half of all clinical hospitals in the country performing these tests.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>As cases are referred for testing between hospitals, an EQA ring study was designed that included the testing of samples from all participating laboratories. Participants were provided with unstained slides of invasive breast carcinomas with different expression levels for ER, PR, HER2 and Ki-67.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>There was a significant level of reproducibility for all four biomarkers, with ER testing giving the least variation in results (kappa 0.822, coefficient of variation [CV] 4.8%) and Ki-67 the greatest variation (kappa 0.647 CV 17%). However, 328/392 (84%) and 317/392 (81%) of the Ki-67 evaluations were in agreement when employing the clinically relevant cut points of ≥30% and ≥20%, respectively. The reproducibility of testing for HER2-low expression was relatively poor (kappa 0.323, 95% CI 0.223-0.424), compared to overall agreement for HER2 testing (kappa 0.794, 95% CI 0.753-0.836).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This is the first EQA ring study held within Vietnam for ER, PR, HER2 and Ki-67 and sets the base line as to the current level of reproducibility in the country. Continued participation in the program will help ensure the reliability of testing for clinical use.</p>","PeriodicalId":9236,"journal":{"name":"British Journal of Biomedical Science","volume":"82 ","pages":"15455"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2025-11-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12636235/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145585991","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}