Bisphenol A as a risk factor for allergic rhinitis in children.

AIM: Bisphenol-A (BPA) is an endocrine disrupting compound and may exacerbate or induce allergic diseases. To the best of our knowledge, there is little evidence regarding the effects of BPA exposure on allergic rhinitis (AR) in children. In the present study, we sought to examine whether exposure to BPA in children is associated with AR. METHODS: This study was designed as a case controlled clinical study. 140 children diagnosed as allergic rhinitis and 140 healthy children as control group were recruited. BPA, interleukin-4, interleukin-13, total IgE and interferon-gamma levels were determined. Skin prick tests were performed in patient group. Total nasal symptom score and ARIA classification were used to predict disease severity. RESULTS: Serum IL-4, IgE and BPA levels of children with allergic rhinitis were found to be significantly higher than the control group. BPA and IL-4 levels were significantly higher in moderate to severe-persistent group. There was a positive correlation between total nasal symptom scores and Bisphenol A levels in children with allergic rhinitis. CONCLUSIONS: The present study is the first to observe statistically significant relationship between BPA concentrations and allergic rhinitis in children. Also increased levels of BPA are associated with disease severity.

Investigation of expression of HOX 2C and HOX 4B homeobox genes in human colorectal cancer by using an RT-PCR method.

Investigation of expression of both HOX 2C and HOX 4B homeobox genes in the same patient with colorectal cancer was proposed by using an RT-PCR method. In order to conduct this investigation, PCR products of 445 bp of HOX 2C and 301 bp of HOX 4B were amplified in both tumor and normal samples of ten patients. Expressions of HOX 2C gene were observed in both tumor and normal samples of four patients and in only a tumor sample of one patient, while the expression was not observed in both tumor and normal samples of five patients. Expressions of HOX 4B gene were not observed in both tumor and normal samples of ten patients. In the present study, it was found that individuality seems to be important. The results of these two genes, observed in patients with colorectal cancer, should be taken into consideration for further researches.

Synthesis and investigation of inhibition effects of new carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.

Three new derivatives of 2-substituted 1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide have been synthesized. These compounds are 2-(3-chloropropionylamino)-1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide (1); 2-(2,2-dichloroacetylamino)-1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide (2); and 2-(3-phenylpropionylamino)-1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide (3). Inhibition effects of these compounds on carbonic anhydrase I and II have been investigated. By comparing I50 and Ki values of the compounds, it has been found that compound 1 is a more potent inhibitor than acetazolamide (b) on carbonic anhydrase II.

Cloning and sequencing of the gene encoding spinach ferredoxin-dependent glutamate synthase.

The nucleotide sequences of two cDNA clones, totalling 4948 bp in length, encoding 98% of the 1483 amino acids of the mature form of the ferredoxin-dependent glutamate synthase of spinach chloroplasts have been determined. The amino-terminal sequence of the enzyme has been determined by direct sequencing of the protein. The deduced amino-acid sequence of the spinach enzyme is 83% identical to that of the ferredoxin-dependent maize enzyme and shows significant sequence homology to two prokaryotic NAD(P)H-dependent glutamate synthases. Analysis of spinach genomic DNA indicates the presence of a single-copy gene for the spinach enzyme. Northern analysis reveals the presence of a single 5.5 kb transcript, which is present in higher levels in young spinach leaves than in older leaves.