Detection of mutations in exons 5-8 of the P53 gene in gastric cancer samples using PCR-SSCP in Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari province, 2006-2007

Gastric cancer is the second cause of cancer death world wide. Genetic factors including oncogens and tumor suppressor genes are always contributed in progression of this cancer. The P53 tumor suppressor gene has a broad role in the cell such as programmed cell death and stop cell replicating damaged DNA. Mutations in the P53 gene, which are frequently seen in human gastric cancer, impair its tumor suppression function. The aim of this study was to determine the P53 gene mutations in gastric cancer specimens in Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari Province. In this descriptive-lab based study, we investigated the P53 gene mutations in exons 5-8 in 38 paraffin embedded gastric cancer specimens. DNA was extracted following the standard phenol chloroform protocol. The P53 gene mutations were determined using PCR-SSCP procedure. Band shifts were detected in all positive controls examined. However, no shifted band was detected in samples from gastric cancer patients tested. The results of this study demonstrated that association between P53 gene mutations and gastric cancer is very low in Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari province. However, we have examined a limited number of 38 gastric samples and more samples are needed to be investigated to unravel the contribution of P53 gene mutations leading to gastric cancer in this province

Determination of Phenanthrene in Urban runoff of Tehran, capital of Iran

In many big cities, surface runoff is collected by separate collection system and is then directed to receiving water bodies. Since it washes out the materials from the surface of different lands, is known as the source of pollution. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons [PAHs] are one class of carcinogenic contaminants that are commonly found in storm water runoff. In this study, phenanthrene was measured in the surface runoff of south of Tehran, capital of Iran. After identifying three main drainage channels, three sampling stations were chosen, based of the fact that all urban surface runoffs completely passed through these points and taken samples were more expected as representative of all kinds of pollutants. Surface runoff flows in three main channels from north to south of Tehran. At each month two samples were taken from each station, afterwards concerning the USEPA method, 60 samples were extracted and analyzed with High Performance Liquid Chromatography device. Results show that the average concentration of PAH in the most polluted drainage was about 9.4 mil. The minimum and the maximum concentrations of PAH in all of the taken samples were zero and, 15.1 pg/1, respectively. In the rainy season, the concentration of phenanthrene was the highest, because the rain washed out the pollutant from the surface of the street. In addition, the concentration of phenanthrene in the middle drainage channel was more than two others, because this station received the runoff from city center whose traffic load was high

Study of heavy metals in urban runoff

A cross-sectional survey was conducted through Tehran city and a field study was conducted to prepare main and accessory drainage channels map. Three main drainage channels were identified for this research and some sampling stations were chosen. Three stations selected in south of Tehran. The reason for selecting these stations is that all urban surface runoff completely pass through these points and samples taken from these points are representative of all kinds of pollutants that transit from city surface. Another Three stations were selected in center and further three stations were selected at north of Tehran. Surface runoff flow in three main channels, from north to south of Tehran, converge at south of Rey city and finally end up to Ghom Salt lake. The stations were chosen at three trajectories, Sorkhe Hesar, Emad Avard, Kan. At each month two samples were prepared from nine different stations. After collection of samples with respect to standard methods, they were dissolved in nitric acid and then analyzed by atomic absorption device. The results show that the concentrations of pollutants increased from north to south. For instance, Zinc had most concentration with monthly average of 0.98 mg/l and Nickel had the lowest amount with 0.02 mg/l in southern stations. Average concentration of Zn, Pb, Cd, Cu and Ni were: 0.638, 0.097, 0.04 and 0.035 mg/l respectively. Total average concentrations of heavy metals at three main channels were of 0.177, 0.176 and 0.145 mg/l. Emad Avard was the most polluted channel