ABSTRACT
Objective: The role of epigenetic in regulating of the gene expression profile the embryo has been documented. MicroRNAs [miRNAs] are one of these epigenetic mechanisms. Twins are valuable models in determining the relative contributions of genetics and the environment. In this study, we compared differences in the expression levels of 44 miRNAs in hematopoietic stem cells [HSCs] of identical twins to that of fraternal twins as a controls
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, CD133+ HSCs were isolated from cord blood of identical and fraternal twins via magnetic-activated cell sorting [MACS]. Variation in of gene expression levels of 44 miRNAs were evaluated using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction [qRT-PCR]
Results: Significant differences in expression were observed in both fraternal and identical twins to varying degrees, but variations alteration in expression of the miRNAs were higher in fraternal twins
Conclusion: Identical twins had a positive correlation in miRNA expression, while the correlation was not statistically significant in fraternal twins. Altogether, more differences in miRNA expression level in fraternal twins can be attributed to the both genetics and the intrauterine environment. The contribution of the intrauterine environment and genetics to miRNAs expression in HSCs was estimated 8 and 92%, respectively. By comparing of miRNA expression in identical and fraternal twins and identification of their target genes and biological pathways, it could be possible to estimate the effects of genetics and the environment on a number of biological pathways
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Several reports have suggested low bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). We determined bone mineral status in patients with AIS to evaluate the effect of brace treatment on BMD. METHODS: BMD was measured in 46 patients (mean age, 17.8 +/- 4.9 years) with AIS (17 with brace and 29 without brace) by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan and compared the results to an age-matched (mean age, 16.6 +/- 3.9 years) control group (n = 54). RESULTS: The AIS group had significantly lower bone mass at the lumbar spine (Z-score, -1.500 vs. -0.832) and hip (Z-score, -1.221 vs. -0.754) except at the femoral neck. No difference in BMD was found between patients with AIS who used a brace and those who did not. CONCLUSIONS: The results confirmed that BMD was low in AIS patients and it was not affected by brace treatment.
Subject(s)
Adolescent , Adult , Child , Female , Humans , Male , Young Adult , Absorptiometry, Photon , Bone Density , Braces , Femur , Lumbar Vertebrae , Scoliosis/diagnostic imagingABSTRACT
The optimal target for revascularization in patients with history of coronary artery bypass graft surgery [CABG] is unclear. This study was designed to compare the outcome of percutaneous coronary intervention [PCI] on saphenous vein grafts [SVG] and that on native vessels in patients with previous CABG in terms of major adverse cardiac events [MACE]. The study drew upon data on consecutive patients hospitalized for PCI and MACE rate during a nine-month follow- up period. The patients were divided according to the target vessel for PCI into two groups: SVG and native vessel. Between 2003 and 2007, 226 patients underwent PCI 6.57 +/- 4.55 years after CABG. Their mean age was 59.52 +/- 9.38 years, and 176 [77.9%] were male. PCI was performed on the SVG in 63 [27.9%] patients and on the native coronary artery in the rest. During a nine-month follow-up period, 9 [4%] patients suffered MACE; the prevalence of MACE was not significantly different between the SVG group [4.8%] and the native vessel group [4.9%], [p value = 0.999]. PCI on grafted and native vessels did not affect MACE in patients undergoing PCI after CABG