Association of ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 [ABCA1]-565 C/T gene polymorphism with hypoalphalipoproteinemia and serum lipids, IL-6 and CRP levels

Background: ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 [ABCA1] is a membrane integral protein which plays a vital role in High Density Lipoprotein [HDL] metabolism and exerts a protective effect against Hypoalphalipoproteinemia [HA] by mediation of rate-limiting step in HDL biogenesis. In addition, this protein possesses anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the production of some inflammatory cytokines in macrophages. This study investigated the association of ABCA1-565 C/T gene polymorphism with HA and serum lipids, IL-6 and CRP levels

Methods: A population which consisted of 101 HA and 95 normal subjects were genotyped for ABCA1-565C/T polymorphism by Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism [PCR-RFLP]. The serum concentrations of lipids, IL-6 and high sensitive-CRP [hs-CRP] were measured by the relevant methods

Results: The frequency of T allele was significantly higher in the HA group than the controls [31.7 vs. 19.5%, p=0.002]. Thus, carriers of the T allele [CT and TT genotypes] had a higher risk for HA [p=0.016, OR=2.04, 95% CI=1.14-3.63]. T allele carriers demonstrated decreased HDL-C and increased triglyceride, IL-6 and CRP levels than those with the CC genotype

Conclusion: This study suggests that the-565 C/T polymorphism of ABCA1 gene is associated with an increased risk of HA, decreased HDL-C and increased TG, IL-6 and CRP

Vitamin D Receptor Poly(A) Microsatellite Polymorphism and 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Serum Levels: Association with Susceptibility to Breast Cancer / 한국유방암학회지

PURPOSE: According to previous studies, vitamin D exhibits protective effects against breast cancer via the vitamin D receptor (VDR). There is growing evidence that breast cancer incidence is associated with various polymorphisms of the VDR gene. This study investigates the association of VDR poly(A) microsatellite variants with 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) serum levels and breast cancer risk. METHODS: Polymorphism analysis was performed on a total of 261 blood samples, which were collected from 134 women with breast cancer and 127 controls. Single strand conformation polymorphism was assessed by polymerase chain reaction in combination with sequencing to detect poly(A) lengths for each sample. The vitamin D levels of samples were determined by electrochemiluminescence. RESULTS: The poly(A) variant L allele frequency was significantly higher in cancer patients than in controls (odds ratio [OR], 1.73; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16-2.57; p=0.006). Thus, carriers of the L allele (LS and LL genotypes) have a higher risk for breast cancer (OR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.13-3.05; p=0.013). A larger increase in the risk for breast cancer was found in individuals with the L carrier genotype and lowered 25(OH)D levels. CONCLUSION: The results primarily suggest that VDR gene polymorphism in the poly(A) microsatellite is associated with 25(OH)D levels and that it can affect the breast cancer risk in the female population from northern Iran.

Effects of teucrium polium aerial parts extract on oral glucose tolerance tests and pancreas histopathology in streptozocin-induced diabetic rats

Teucrium polium can reduce serum glucose. There are few reports in the literature related to this subject and the resolution of this mechanism requires further experiments. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of Teucrium polium aerial parts extracts on oral glucose tolerance tests and pancreas histology in streptozocin-induced diabetic rats. In order to prepare the aqueous concentrate, aerial parts extract was dissolved in distilled water and was boiled for 30 minutes. For the preparation of ethanolic solution, powder was dissolved in ethanol and mixed by a shaker. Diabetic rats were induced with single IP injection of streptozotocin [STZ] at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight dissolved in normal saline just before use to the 16 hr fast rats. Both groups, diabetic and normal were sacrificed by ether anesthesia. The tissue samples were formalin fixed and paraffin embedded for microscopic examination in accordance with routine laboratory procedures. Blood was collected from the tail vein of the rats. Serum glucose levels were then measured by commercial kits by using a glucose oxidized method. There were no biochemical abnormalities or histological changes in the pancreas of control rats. Post treatment of Teucrium polium aerial parts extract reduced the severity of streptozotocin diabetic pancreases. Our histopathological investigation along with the biochemical evaluations showed a significant effect on histological changes in the pancreas of induced diabetic rats upon Teucrium polium aerial parts extract treatment [P<0.05].

[Measurement of serum and 24-h urinary glucose amino glycans as an diagnostic marker in early hypertention]

Glucose Amino Glycans [GAG] are unbranched polysacharides, major components of the basement membrane and play a key role in their molecular organization and function, also have an important role in the pathogenesis of some diseases such as hypertension. Hypertention is probably the most important health problem in several countries. But there is not yet a reliable indicator for early diagnosis of hypertension. The goal of this study was the measurement of serum and 24-h urinary GAG as an exact and early diagnostic marker. In this case - control study, 24-h urine and serum samples collected from the 53 patients and 38 persons as matched control normotensive group. Then amount of GAG was measured with spectrophotometery method. Our findings showed that there is a direct relation between 24-h urinary GAG excretion and systolic blood pressure and it increases with increase of systolic blood pressure. Also amount of serum GAG increases in hypertensive patients in comparison with control group This study showed that the concentration of GAG in sera and 24-h of urine samples increase in systolic hypertention