A study of the relationship between the Galectin-9 gene (LGALS9) in three types of cancer patients in Basrah, Iraq

Background. One essential member of the galectin family, galactose lectin-9 (Gal-9) serves several functions as a multi-subtype lectin. According to the latest research, tumor interaction with Gal-9 is a separate component that affects how quickly tumors grow. This is the first investigation of the expression of the Galectin-9 gene with BC, CRC, and PC in Iraq, particularly in the Basrah Governorate. Methods. A total (101) blood samples from patients with prostate, colorectal, and bladder cancer were obtained for this study. However, as a control group, 101 blood samples from people who were cancer-free were gathered. The first step are included extracting RNA form the blood samples, the extracted RNA converting into cDNA, then Gal-9 mRNA was measured by qPCR technique. Results. Gal-9 showed high expression level in bladder cancer as compared with the control group, wherever, expression levels were 14.63 and 4.97 respectively. In patients, there was a 4.97-fold increase in gene expression compared to a healthy control group. In colorectal cancer (CRC), the Gal-9 gene was overexpressed, with expression levels measured at ±2.84 for controls and ±9.95 for patients. This indicates that the patients’ gene expression differed by 3.5 fold from the healthy control group. Prostate cancer (PC) patients had an expression level of ±9.08 for the Gal-9 gene, whereas controls had an estimated expression level of ±3.02. When compared to a healthy comparison group, the patients’ gene expression was three times different. Conclusion. In the present study, Gal-9 gene was expressed at a significantly higher level in the BC, CRC, and PC patients compared in the controls group.