ALOX12 gene polymorphisms and serum selenium status in elderly osteoporotic patients.

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is a systemic bone disease which leads to a reduction in bone mass. Many studies have shown that up to 80% of bone mineral density (BMD) variations are attributed to genetic factors. Arachidonate 12-lipoxygenase enzyme, encoded by the ALOX12 gene, produces lipid peroxides as reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to oxidative stress and the development of osteoporosis. Selenium (Se) is incorporated into selenoproteins, which may reduce the risk of osteoporosis. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate the association of 2 ALOX12 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and serum Se level with lumbar spine and femoral neck BMD among elderly individuals living in Amirkola, Iran. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study consisted of 180 individuals aged ≥60 years (90 healthy and 90 osteoporotic patients). We examined the effect of 2 ALOX12 SNPs (rs2292350 and rs9897850), using the polymerase chain reaction - restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) on both BMD regions measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Serum Se level was measured using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer PGG990 AAS (PG Instruments Ltd., Luterworth, USA). RESULTS: The rs2292350 SNP showed a significant association with femoral neck BMD (p = 0.04). Moreover, in terms of serum Se level, a significant difference was found between the patient group (57.58 ±25.54 µg/L) and the control group (81.09 ±25.58 µg/L) (p < 0.001). In addition, individuals with higher serum Se levels also had higher BMD of the lumbar spine (r2 = 0.392; p < 0.001) and the femoral neck (r2 = 0.478; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggested that genetic variation in ALOX12 might influence BMD variations in our recruited participants. As for the patients with lower serum Se levels, it was observed that serum Se deficiency was accompanied by some ALOX12 variation, contributing to the development of osteoporosis.

Stoss therapy using fortified biscuit for vitamin D-deficient children: a novel treatment.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the efficacy of stoss therapy using fortified biscuit for vitamin D-deficient children. METHODS: A total of 108 children aged 30-72 months with vitamin D deficiency were studied in a randomized single-blind clinical trial. The deficient children were assigned to three groups, namely, vitamin D-fortified biscuit (BG), capsule vitamin D (CG), and ampoule vitamin D (AG). Capsules and biscuits containing 50,000 IU of cholecalciferol were consumed twice per week for 3 consecutive weeks. Ampoules with 300,000 IU of cholecalciferol were injected intramuscularly in a single dose. Three weeks after treatment, serum 25(OH)D concentrations were measured, and the three groups were compared. RESULTS: Each method of treatment could increase the mean serum 25(OH)D concentration to optimal level. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations ≥100 ng/mL were observed in six children, including four from AG and two from CG (P = 0.09). The comparison of the mean serum 25(OH)D concentrations after treatment showed between ampoule and capsule (P = 0.3) and capsule and biscuit (P = 0.62) were insignificant; however, the ampoule and biscuit groups differed significantly (P = 0.012). CONCLUSION: Stoss therapy using fortified biscuit may be an effective way to improve compliance in children who cannot take capsules without adverse effects and may also be recommended for prevention purposes.

Prediction of vesicoureteral reflux in children with first urinary tract infection by dimercaptosuccinic Acid and ultrasonography.

OBJECTIVE: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common causes of febrile pediatric diseases. Also, vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is a significant risk factor for UTI. Voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) is the method of choice for evaluation of VUR. This study was done to predict VUR by DMSA scan (technetium 99 m-labeled dimercaptosuccinic acid) and ultrasonography (US). METHODS: In a prospective study, all children with first time acute pyelonephritis were selected and evaluated by DMSA scan and US. Then VCUG was done with negative urine culture. All children with final diagnosis of obstructive congenital anomaly were excluded. The sensitivity, specifity, positive predictive values, negative predictive values, Confidence Interval of DMSA scan and US were calculated for prediction or exclusion of VUR. FINDINGS: Among 100 children with UTI diagnosis, VUR was detected in 39 children and 63 (31.5%) kidneys. DMSA scan was abnormal in 103 (51.5%) units, 45 units had VUR (PPV=44%), 79 units with normal DMSA scan had no VUR (NPV=81%). Of kidney units that were abnormal by DMSA or US, 51 units had VUR. PPV and NPV were 44% and 56%, respectively. CONCLUSION: DMSA scan alone or with US cannot predict VUR (especially low grade VUR). But according to NPV, it seems that absence of VUR can be predicted. So, more studies are needed to determine the usefulness of DMSA scan and US instead of VCUG for detection of VUR.