Association of LIN28B Gene Polymorphisms (rs221634, rs221635, rs314276, rs9404590, and rs12194974) with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Susceptibility and Clinical/Pathological Features.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Lymphoma is a common hematopoietic cancer.  It has been proposed that LIN28B gene and its variations may have function in cancer progression and metastasis. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation has been to examine the correlation among LIN28B gene polymorphisms (such as rs221634 A>T, rs221635 T> C, rs314276 C>A, rs9404590 T>G, and rs12194974 G>A) as well as the risk of NHL in an Iranian sample. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the current case-control research, 175 individuals with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma along with 175 normal controls participated; polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) methodology has been utilized to the genotype samples. RESULTS: Our data demonstrated that rs12194974 and the rs221635 variants have been correlated with higher NHL risk, while rs221634 and rs314276 variants were correlated with lower risk of NHL (P≤0.05). In addition, we detected an association between rs221634 and treatment with R-CHOP. No substantial correlation has discovered among rs9404590 polymorphism and NHL in any inheritance models (P≥0.05). CONCLUSION: This was the first investigation evaluating the correlation among LIN28B gene polymorphisms as well as the occurrence of NLH. Further studies in different ethnic populations and large-scale sample size are needed to support results.

The Effect of Caspase 8, 9 Gene Polymorphisms on Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Susceptibility and Clinical/Pathological Features.

BACKGROUND: Caspases (CASPs) are the main executors of the apoptotic process. Studies to date have shown the role of caspase-8 (CASP8) and caspase-9 (CASP9) in carcinogenesis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the associations between CASP9-rs4233532, CASP9-rs4646018, and CASP8- rs1045485 gene polymorphisms and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) susceptibility in an Iranian population-based study. Moreover, it was examined whether such the genotype of these polymorphisms is related with clinicopathological characteristics of NHL. METHODS: 175 patients with NHL and 175 age- and sex-matched controls were enrolled in this study. We determined the genotypes of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from CASP genes with Tetra ARMS-PCR (Amplification refractory mutation system) method. RESULTS: Statistically significant association were observed between CASP9-rs4646018 and increased risk of NHL under codominant CC, codominant TC, and dominant TC+CC genetic models. Our results showed that the A allele of CASP8-rs1045485 was a protective factor for NHL and GArs1045485 genotype significantly reduced risk of NHL. In contrast, CASP9- rs4233532 was not linked to NHL susceptibility. No relationship was detected between CASP8-rs1045485 and CASP9-rs4233532 and NHL clinicopathological characteristics, however genetic variation in CASP9-rs4646018 was associated with histology, treatment and radio therapy of NHL. CONCLUSIONS: Our study presented that the CASP8- rs1045485 and CASP9-rs4646018 polymorphisms could affect the risk of NHL in Iranian populations which was the first report to show the significant relationship between rs1045485, rs4646018 polymorphisms and NHL susceptibility. Replication large-scale case-control studies in different ethnicities are warranted to verify these findings.

Association between PAX8AS1 (rs4848320 C > T, rs1110839 G > T, and rs6726151 T > G) and MEG3 (rs7158663) gene polymorphisms and non-Hodgkin lymphoma risk.

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) PAX8 antisense RNA 1 (PAX8AS1) and Maternal-expressed gene 3 (MEG3) contribute to the pathogenesis of various malignancies including non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). In this study, we aimed to examine the possible association of polymorphisms of PAX8 and MEG3 and the risk NHL. A total of 175 patients and 175 healthy subjects were genotyped by PCR-RFLP and Tetra-Arms PCR assays. Results demonstrated rs4848320 C > T and rs6726151 T > G of PAX8AS1 and rs7158663 of MEG3 play a potential role in the susceptibility of NHL and PAX8AS1 rs1110839 T > G variant was associated with decreased risk of NHL. Haplotype analysis of rs1110839, rs4848320, and rs6726151 demonstrated GCG haplotype is associated with increased risk of lymphoma and TTG, TTT, and GTT haplotypes are related to decreased lymphoma susceptibility.

Post-Marketing Surveillance of a generic Oxaliplatin (AlvoxalⓇ) in Iranian Patients with Cancer.

BACKGROUND: CRC is the second and third most common cancer in women and men, respectively. The national comprehensive cancer network guidelines recommend oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy as a preferred regimen for patients with advanced or metastatic colon cancer. Oxaliplatin is also used in the off-label treatment of gastric cancer. FDA uses post-marketing study commitments to gather additional information about a product's safety, efficacy, or optimal use. It is necessary to perform safety monitoring after marketing authorization is received; such monitoring can be done by means of characterizing the safety of drugs in patients being treated in real-world clinical practice settings. OBJECTIVES: This Phase IV study aimed to evaluate the safety profile of a brand-name formulation of the generic drug oxaliplatin (AlvoxalⓇ, NanoAlvand, Tehran, Iran) in Iranian patients diagnosed with either colorectal or other, different types of cancer. METHODS: Patients with colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, or other malignancies receiving oxaliplatin as a part of their treatment were included in this open-label, multicenter, observational Phase IV study. This study aimed to assess the safety profile of oxaliplatin in patients diagnosed with different cancers. FINDINGS: A total of 483 patients from 16 cities in Iran were enrolled. The most common malignancy was colorectal cancer (55.49%), followed by gastric cancer (28.16%). Based on the results, 405 patients experienced at least 1 adverse event. Most of these adverse events were grade 1 or 2, and the most commonly reported adverse event was anemia (60.66%). During the study, 26 serious adverse events occurred in 15 (3.11%) patients, which were perhaps related to oxaliplatin. There were no remarkable differences in the incidences of adverse events in the system organ classes of blood and lymphatic system disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, or nervous system disorders among patients with different malignancies (ie, colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, and other malignancies) or between genders. The results of this open-label, multicenter, observational, postmarketing surveillance study demonstrated no unexpected safety findings from the use of this oxaliplatin product (AlvoxalⓇ) in Iranian patients diagnosed with different types of cancer. CONCLUSIONS: This Phase IV study provides data on the safety profile of a number of chemotherapy regimens containing an oxaliplatin product given to Iranian patients diagnosed with different types of cancer.

Validity and reliability of the Persian version of the oropharyngeal Mucositis quality of life scale.

BACKGROUND: Oral mucositis is one of the serious complications of chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy that significantly affects the quality of patients' life. The Oropharyngeal Mucositis-Specific Quality-of-Life questionnaire (OMQoL) is an acceptable instrument for measuring the quality of life in these patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Persian version of OMQoL questionnaire. METHODS: This study was a cross-sectional and multi-centric research. After translation from English to Persian, back translation, and cultural adaptation, the Persian version of the questionnaire was prepared. One hundred forty-four patients suffering from oral mucositis referred to three different university affiliated hospitals related to Zahedan, Kerman and Tehran Universities of Medical Sciences, were participated in this study. Then the questionnaire was completed by trained interviewers. The reliability was assessed by Cronbach's alpha coefficient, and validity was measured through factor analysis, and construct validity (including discriminant validity, and convergent validity) methods. RESULTS: Cronbach's alpha in all dimensions was higher than 0.9 that indicated a perfect internal consistency. The results of factor analysis indicated that the dimensions specified in the Persian version were the same as the original version (Factor loading of all items > 0.4). The correlation coefficient for all items was more than 0.75, and the convergence validity was 100% in all dimensions. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that the reliability, and validity of Persian version of OMQoL were acceptable, which can be used to measure the quality of life in patients with oral mucositis.

The Effect of Renalase rs2576178 and rs10887800 Polymorphisms on Ischemic Stroke Susceptibility in Young Patients (<50 Years): A Case-Control Study and In Silico Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Ischemic stroke (IS) is the most common form of cerebrovascular accident which its precise etiology remains mysterious. Renalase is a catecholamine-degrading enzyme playing a major role in blood pressure control. Recent studies show the effect of renalase activity on various diseases like IS. In the current study, we examined the possible effects of renalase gene (RNLS) rs2576178 and rs10887800 variants at the 5'-flanking and intron 6 regions on IS, respectively. METHODS: One hundred and fifty-four IS patients younger than 50 years and 165 age- and sex-matched controls were recruited in the study. For genotyping of rs2576178 and rs10887800 variants, the PCR-RFLP method was used. RESULTS: The RNLS rs10887800 AG genotype was more repeated in IS patients, but the difference was marginally nonsignificant (P = 0.054). This variant was associated with IS in the overdominant model, and the AG genotype is associated with a1.6-fold increased risk of IS compared to AA+ GG genotypes (OR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1-2.5, P = 0.033). No relationship was observed between RNLS rs2576178 polymorphism and IS in all genetic models. The findings of the haplotype and combination effects of rs10887800 and rs2576178 variants on IS showed no significant association. The in silico analysis showed no effect of rs2576178 and rs10887800 polymorphisms in the RNA structure, but the alteration of RNA sequence in rs2576178 results in the lack of a MBNL1 protein binding site. CONCLUSIONS: RNLS rs10887800 but not rs2576178 polymorphism was associated with IS susceptibility in the overdominant model (AG vs AA+ GG genotypes).

Association between HOTAIR Polymorphisms and Lymphoma.

INTRODUCTION: The long non-coding RNA, HOTAIR, involved in cancer initiation and development. OBJECTIVE: The aim of present study was to investigate the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the HOTAIR gene with lymphoma. METHODS: We conducted a case-control study of 156 individuals with non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL), 53 individuals with Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL), and 245 unrelated healthy individuals to identify the genotype frequencies of each polymorphism. Genotyping of the SNPs (rs920778 T>C, rs1899663 G>T, rs4759314 A>G and rs12826786 C>T) was carried out using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The finding showed that rs1899663 variant of HOTAIR gene significantly decreased the risk of NHL in codominant, dominant, over-dominant and allelic inheritance models. We did not find any association between HOTAIR rs12826786, rs920788 and rs4759314 variants and NHL. The results indicated that neither the overall chi-square comparison of the cases and controls, nor the logistic regression analysis showed any association between HOTAIR polymorphisms and HL. Conclusively, our findings showed that rs1899663 of HOTAIR significantly decreased the risk of non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.

Ethnopharmacological Knowledge for Management of Oral Mucositis in Zahedan, Southeast Iran

Objectives: Oral mucositis is among the complications of cancer therapy that affects quality of life and imposes remarkable financial costs for patients with cancer. This study aimed to explore, preserve, and scientifically investigate the ethnomedicinal knowledge of traditional healers for treatment of oral mucositis in Zahedan, Iran. Materials and Methods: Field surveys were performed from September 2018 to October 2018 in Zahedan. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire in Persian. All species recorded for the treatment of oral mucositis were sampled. Samples were identified by a botanist and a voucher specimen of them was deposited in the Herbarium Center of the Faculty of Pharmacy in Kerman, Iran. Information, such as scientific name, family, local name, parts used, and preparation method, were also provided. Literature review on available data on effect of the addressed plant species on mucositis and other relative pharmacological actions, such as wound healing and anti-inflammatory properties, was performed. Results: A total of 29 informants (attars) were interviewed and 18 medicaments were recommended, of which three samples were of synthesis or mineral origin and 15 samples were of herbal origin. Drugs were administered both topically and orally. According to recent studies, two herbs were evaluated for their direct effect on mucositis. Some pharmacological properties related to mucositis treatment by the other 11 samples have been confirmed. Conclusion: This study provides information on the characteristics of medicinal plants from Zahedan, Iran based on their ethnopharmacological knowledge and pharmacological properties for mucositis treatment.

An Evidence-Based Research on Botanical Sources for Oral Mucositis Treatment in Traditional Persian Medicine.

BACKGROUND: Cancer is one of the most prevalent diseases associated with heavy complications in treatment. Mucotoxic cancer therapies such as head and neck radiotherapy and some of the chemotherapy agents may lead to oral mucositis. In addition to its economic consequences, mucositis also affects patients' quality of life. In Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM) manuscripts, several medicaments have been suggested for the treatment of mucositis. OBJECTIVE: Considering the public welcome for herbal medicine, the current evidence-based review study is conducted to investigate the herbal remedies which have been proposed for oral mucositis in TPM. METHODS: At first, a comprehensive survey was done on Qanon fi al-Teb, which is the most important textbook of TPM; then the scientific name of the herbs was authenticated according to the botanical textbooks. At last, data banks including Scopus, Pubmed, Web of science and Science direct were investigated for possible relevant properties of each medicinal plant in the literature. RESULTS: In total, 30 herbs are introduced in this study. According to the registered documents, 18 herbs are reported to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-nociceptive and wound healing properties of which the therapeutic effect of only a few herbs including Glycyrrhiza glabra, Malva sylvestris, Morus nigra, Punica granatum, and Solanum nigrum were directly evaluated against oral mucositis on the literature. CONCLUSION: Despite the lack of human studies on mucositis for the other discussed herbs, their related pharmacological properties can be considered for new natural drug discovery supported by medieval and traditional experiments.

Relationship between rs6715345 Polymorphisms of MIR-375 Gene and rs4939827 of SMAD-7 Gene in Women with Breast Cancer and Healthy Women: A Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: Today, the role of microRNAs in the pathogenesis of breast cancer has been established. Genetic mutations play a significant role in determining the risk factors of cancer. The polymorphism of these two genes can alter their expression. This study has been performed to investigate the relationship between polymorphisms of rs6715345 of miR-375 gene and rs4939827 of the SMAD7 gene and development of breast cancer in a population in southeastern Iran. METHODS: This case-control study was performed on the blood sample of 205 patients with breast cancer and 225 healthy individuals for investigating the rs34917480 and rs4939827 polymorphisms using the PCR-RFLP method. The data were analyzed by t-test, χ2, and logistic regression. The SPSS v18.0 used for data analysis. RESULTS: The findings of this study indicated that the risk of developing breast cancer does not have a significant relationship with rs6715345 polymorphism of miR-375 gene (p=0.1). However, the rs4939827 polymorphism of the SMAD7 gene was significantly linked to the risk of developing breast cancer in the southeastern population in Iran (p=0.01). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the rs4939827 polymorphism of the SMAD7 gene can lead to an increased risk of incidence of breast cancer in the southeastern population in Iran.
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Effects of a Plantago ovata-based herbal compound in prevention and treatment of oral mucositis in patients with breast cancer receiving chemotherapy: A double-blind, randomized, controlled crossover trial.

BACKGROUND: Oral mucositis (OM) is one of the most common complications of mucotoxic cancer therapy. Mucositis induces clinically significant pain, increases the risk of infections and affects the patients' quality of life. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effects of an herbal preparation from Plantago ovata hydrocolloid in the prevention and treatment of OM, in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy with a regimen including adriamycin. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, AND INTERVENTIONS: This research was a double-blind, randomized, controlled crossover trial. The herbal compound consisted of a mixture of 500 mg of P. ovate husk in 30 mL water plus three drops of vinegar per dose, which was used as a mouthwash. Phytochemical and physicochemical tests of the compound were also performed. Twenty-eight patients who developed mucositis during the chemotherapy screening cycle were randomized to the herbal compound (n = 14) and placebo (n = 14) groups. They received herbal compound or placebo three times per day during their next chemotherapy cycle (cycle 1 of treatment). Patients were crossed over during cycle 2 of treatment and received the alternative therapy. An oral care protocol was prescribed to all patients in cycles 1 and 2 of the treatment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The patients were visited at baseline, the end of the first and second weeks of the screening cycle, and the end of the first and second weeks of each of two treatment cycles. The degree of mucositis was used as the main treatment outcome. Other indexes, such as the severity of pain, xerostomia grade and the quality of life were also measured. RESULTS: Compared with the placebo, the herbal compound significantly reduced the degree of mucositis, the severity of pain and the xerostomia grade; it also improved the patients' quality of life (P < 0.05). Comparison between the screening cycle and placebo treatment group showed that the oral care protocol had a significant effect in the reduction of OM (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The oral care protocol and the herbal compound based on P. ovata are effective ways for preventing and treating OM in patients undergoing mucotoxic cancer therapy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iranian registry of clinical trials IRCT20180923041093N1.

The Relationship between Pre-miR-3131 3-bp Insertion/Deletion Polymorphism and Susceptibility and Clinicopathological Characteristics of Patients with Breast Cancer.

AIMS: This study aimed at examining the effect of 3-bp pre-miR-3131 insertion/deletion (ins/del) polymorphism on Breast Cancer (BC) risk. OBJECTIVES: Totally 403 women including 199 BC patients and 204 women who have no cancer were included in this case-control study. Genotyping of miR-3131 3-bp ins/del polymorphism was performed by mismatch PCR-RFLP method. METHODS: The findings expressed that the pre-miR-3131 3-bp ins/del variant was not related to the risk of BC in all genetic tested models. While, the ins/del genotype was related to late onset BC (OR=2.53, 95%CI=1.27-4.84, p=0.008). RESULTS: Pooled results from the meta-analysis indicated to that the pre-miR-3131 ins/del is related to with an increased risk of cancer in heterozygous (OR=1.26, 95%CI=1.06-1.51, p=0.01), dominant (OR=1.33, 95%CI=1.14-1.54, p=0.0002), and allele (OR=1.24, 95%CI=1.06-1.45, p=0.006) genetics models. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that, our findings did not support a relationship between pre-miR-3131 ins/del polymorphism and the risk of BC. While, this variant was significantly related to late onset BC. Combined results of this study with previous studies indicated that this polymorphism increased the risk of cancer. More studies in a study with larger population with variety of ethnicities are required to verify our findings.

Prevalence of anxiety among breast cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anxiety among breast cancer patients. In April 2019, three electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus) were searched from January, 2000 to March, 2019. Key words included were as follows: breast neoplasm, prevalence, and anxiety. A total of 36 studies that included 16,298 breast cancer patients between 2000 and 2018 were enrolled in the study. The prevalence of anxiety among breast cancer patients was 41.9% [(CI: 95%): 30.7, 53.2]. The prevalence of anxiety among patients in Mediterranean countries was higher. The study showed a high level of anxiety among breast cancer patients, indicating the importance of psychological factors as well as physical in breast cancer patients.

Investigating Relationship between Pre- and Post- Chemotherapy Cognitive Performance with Levels of Depression and Anxiety in Breast Cancer Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: Evidence suggests that cancer and chemotherapy-related cognitive impairments are an important clinical issue that can have a negative impact on the quality of life (QOL) of many cancer patients during and after treatment. The aim of the current study was to investigate the relationship between cognitive performance before and after chemotherapy with levels of depression and anxiety in patients with breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was performed on 100 women with breast cancer in south of Iran. Patients included in the study were evaluated for cognitive performance before chemotherapy and 1, 3, and 6 months after chemotherapy. Patients' cognitive performance was assessed by Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Patients were also assessed for their level of anxiety and depression using Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Descriptive tests (percentage, frequency and mean) and ANOVA test used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Results of ANOVA test showed a significant difference between the cognitive performance of patients with breast cancer at 1, 3, and 6 months after chemotherapy compared to pre- chemotherapy phase. The above test also revealed a significant relationship between cognitive performance of patients and anxiety and depression. CONCLUSION: The results showed that, due to the decrease in cognitive performance and increased anxiety and depression after initiation of chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer, it is necessary to closely monitor the mental and psychological status of these patients by their family and the treatment staffs so that the patient be able to cope with the disease more optimally and to recover.

Effect of aromatherapy on cancer complications: A systematic review.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of aromatherapy on cancer complications. METHODS: In this systematic review, international (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, EMBASE and CENTRAL) and national databases (SID and Magiran) were searched from inception of the databases to April 31, 2019. JBI and Jadad scales were used to assess the quality of the studies included. RESULTS: of 43 Studies conducted on 3239 cancer patients in 13 countries from 1995 to 2019, entered the final stage. The results showed that the aromatherapy improves the various physical and psychological complications, although few studies have shown that aromatherapy had no effect on skin reactions. CONCLUSION: Considering the various complications and costs in cancer patients, it seems that the aromatherapy can be used as a proper supplemental treatment to improve complications, although further studies are needed to determine the protocol and the standard dosage.

Determining Model for Maximum Blood Request(MSBOS) for Surgery: An Elective Surgery in Imam Ali Hospital, Zahedan, Iran.

Background: Nowadays, excessive blood intake is one of the most common problems in educational hospitals, causing issues such as the lack of proper distribution of blood products among centres, increases in costs and blood bank workloads. So, programs such as a Maximum Surgical Blood Ordering Schedule (MSBOS) were introduced to design a blood ordering schedule, which is a guide to normal transfusion needs for common surgical procedures. Materials and Methods: This study was a descriptive cross-sectional study. The sampling method was designed and distributed among all sectors of the hospital. Each sector according to the demand for blood and cross-matched transfused units entered the rate of wasted and unused blood bags on the related forms. This study was performed on 1568 patients, of whom 562 (35/84%) were given blood transfusions. Results: The aim of this study was to determine the pattern for the maximum surgical blood order schedule (MSBOS) for elective surgical procedures/in elective surgery cases in Imam Ali Hospital, Zahedan. This study was performed on 1568 patients, of whom 562 (35/84%) were given blood transfusions. The mean C/T ratio was 1.61 ± 0.99, the mean TI was 0.61 ± 0.38, and the mean T index was 36.4 ± 30.16%. Conclusion: In general, only 55% of the blood units were used. Hernia surgery, thyroidectomy, and patients with renal problems had the greatest number of wasted units. Therefore, according to the results, indications of blood donation should be made correctly by health care personnel in all patients requiring a blood transfusion, and if there is an increased number of indications, packed cells are requested.

Global prevalence of depression among breast cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Depression in patients with breast cancer imposes huge costs to patients, families, and healthcare systems. The present study aimed at evaluating the global prevalence depression among patients with breast cancer. METHODS: In this meta-analysis, three electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus) were searched from 1 January, 2000 until 30 March, 2019. The Hoy tool was used to evaluate the quality of the articles included in the meta-analysis. The search, screening, quality evaluation, and data extraction were carried out by two of the researchers. RESULTS: Of 47,424 studies, 72 studies performed in 30 countries entered the final stage of analysis. The global prevalence of depression was 32.2%. Specifically, the prevalence of depression was highest in the Eastern Mediterranean region and twice as high in middle-income countries as compared to developed countries. CONCLUSIONS: Regarding the high prevalence of depression in patients with breast cancer, it is vital to carry out screening within standard time periods and offer the necessary emotional support.

Common Variations in Prothrombotic Genes and Susceptibility to Ischemic Stroke in Young Patients: A Case-Control Study in Southeast Iran.

Background and Objective: Evidence indicates that genetic factors may be involved in the risk of ischemic stroke (IS). The aim of this study was to assess the effect of genetic polymorphisms located in exons or untranslated regions of MTHFR as well as FV genes on ischemic stroke. Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, 106 patients with IS and 157 healthy volunteers (age <50 years) were genotyped for MTHFR C677T, A1298C, C2572A and C4869G, FVL, and prothrombin G20210A polymorphisms. Results: The MTHFR 677CT genotype was more frequent in patients and increased risk of IS with Odds Ratio = 1.9. The MTHFR A1298C and C2572A polymorphisms were not associated with IS in dominant and recessive models. Our findings showed a significant decrease in the MTHFR 4869CG genotype in IS patients, and this variant was associated with a decreased risk of IS in the dominant model. The CAAT haplotype was associated with increased risk, and the GAAC haplotype was associated with decreased risk of IS compared to other haplotypes. There was no relation between FVL G1691A polymorphism and IS risk. Conclusions: The present study showed that the MTHFR 677CT genotype was more frequent and the MTHFR 4869CG genotype was less frequent in young IS patients.

Health-related quality of life of breast cancer patients in the Eastern Mediterranean region: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women around the world, and this applies to the Middle East as well. The goal of all medical care and treatment is to improve the quality of life (QoL) of patients. Accordingly, the present study aimed at evaluating the QoL of patients with breast cancer in the Middle East region. METHODS: In this meta-analysis, three electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus) were searched from inception until August 2018. The hoy et tool was used to evaluate the quality of the articles included in the meta-analysis. The search, screening, quality evaluation, and data extraction were carried out by two of the researchers. RESULTS: Thirty-six studies conducted on 8347 Middle Eastern women with breast cancer entered the final stage. QoL was assessed by the European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire in 20 studies, with 6034 patients. The mean of the reported QoL was between 31.1 and 75.6. Based on the results of the random effect method, the overall mean of the QoL was 60.5 (95% confidence interval 56.0, 65.0; I2 = 99.0%). In six studies performed on 1053 individuals, QoL was classified as good, moderate, or poor. Less than one-third of patients (21%) had a good QoL. CONCLUSIONS: Since less than one-third of patients had a good QoL, it seems necessary to design and implement an integrated and multidimensional educational program to improve QoL of patients with breast cancer.

Detection of a 4-bp Insertion/deletion Polymorphism within the Promoter of EGLN2 Using Mismatch PCR-RFLP and Its Association with Susceptibility to Breast Cancer

It has been shown that a 4-bp insertion/deletion (ins/del) polymorphism of EGLN2 influences the risk of several cancers. However, to date, no study has inspected the impact of the 4-bp ins/del polymorphism on breast cancer (BC) risk. A case-control study, including 134 breast cancer patients and 154 healthy women, was here conducted to examine the possible association between EGLN2 4-bp ins/del polymorphism and BC risk in a southeast Iranian population. A mismatched polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was designed for genotyping of the variant. Our findings did not support any association between the 4-bp ins/del polymorphism and the risk of BC in the codominant, dominant, recessive and allele inheritance models tested. When links between the EGLN2 4-bp ins/del polymorphism and clinicopathological characteristics of the patients were evaluate the variant was only associated with HER2 status. More studies with larger sample sizes and diverse ethnicities are warranted to verify our finding.