Association of A-604G ghrelin gene polymorphism and serum ghrelin levels with the risk of obesity in a mexican population.

Obesity is a metabolic disorder that has a multifactorial etiology and affects millions of people worldwide. Ghrelin, a hormone coded by the GHRL gene, plays a role in human body composition and appetite. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the GHRL gene have been associated with obesity and metabolic disorders. To evaluate the association of A-604G SNP of GHRL promoter region with serum ghrelin levels and the risk of obesity in a Mexican population. Two hundred and fifty individuals were enrolled and classified as obese or control subjects (CS) according to BMI. DNA samples, anthropometric measurements and biochemical parameters were obtained from all subjects. The A-604G SNP was genotyped using PCR-RFLPs technique. Ghrelin levels were measured using a commercial enzyme immunoassay. The G/G genotype was more frequent among obese individuals (p < 0.0001) when compared to CS. The G/A genotype and A allele were associated with protection against obesity (OR 0.29, p < 0.0001; OR 0.39, p < 0.0001 respectively), the A allele remained significant after adjusting for age and gender (OR: 0.25, p < 0.0001). Serum ghrelin levels were higher in obese patients (p = 0.004) than in CS, however, significance was lost after adjustment for age (p = 0.088). The G/G genotype was associated with higher levels of serum ghrelin (p = 0.02) independently of the effect of age. The G/G genotype of the A-604G SNP in the GHRL gene is associated with altered serum ghrelin levels and obesity. The A allele was also associated with protection against obesity in this study.

Vitamin-D receptor gene polymorphisms (TaqI and ApaI) and circulating osteocalcin in type 2 diabetic patients and healthy subjects.

INTRODUCTION: Vitamin D receptor (VDR) is encoded by the VDR gene. Several studies have supported that this gene is associated with diabetes. Heterodimer VDR/RXR functions as an enhancer of the BGLAP gene and increases the basal transcription rate of osteocalcin (OC) during osteoblast differentiation. OC is a regulator of glucose metabolism in mice. Moreover, OC level is decreased in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Although inversely correlated with serum glucose insulin and glycated haemoglobin, it is unclear whether OC reduction is caused by diabetes or plays a role in the pathogenesis and/or progression of the disease. In this study we analysed the association between TaqI and ApaI VDR gene polymorphisms and OC serum concentration in T2D subjects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients underwent clinical and nutritional assessment. Genomic DNA was extracted from leucocytes using a standard salting-out procedure. The polymorphisms were genotyped by PCR-RFLP method. ELISA was used to measure OC and insulin concentrations. RESULTS: Association between TT genotype of TaqI polymorphism and low levels of OC was observed only in the population with overweight and obesity. No association between TaqI and ApaI polymorphisms and T2D was observed (p > 0.05). Furthermore, in T2D subjects, no correlation between ApaI and TaqI genotypes and age, sex, Body Mass Index (BMI), glucose, or OC was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The TT genotype of TaqI VDR gene polymorphism was correlated with low levels of OC in overweight and obese subjects. However, TaqI and ApaI VDR gene polymorphisms were not associated with T2D.

Taxus globosa S. cell lines: initiation, selection and characterization in terms of growth, and of baccatin III and paclitaxel production.

Of the initial six cell lines originating from explants of Taxus globosa, or Mexican yew (stem internode, leaves and meristematic tissue), three were selected for their microbial and oxidation resistance, two from leaves and the other from stem internode. A study of their behavior, both in terms of cell growth, and of baccatin III and paclitaxel production, was developed in suspension cultures with an initially standardized biomass (fresh weight 0.23 g/L) using modified Gamborg's B5 medium, and an elicitor (methyl jasmonate), on either the first or seventh day of culture, at several levels (0, 0.1, 1, 10, 100 microM). In most of the conditions used, the three cell lines showed growth associated baccatin III production. The cell line from stem internode was the highest producer of baccatin III using 1 microM elicitor, sampling at 10 days (p < or = 0.01, 6.45 mg/L). This same line also had the highest biomass production (6.85 g/L, p < or = 0.01) at 10 days of culture but at the higher elicitor concentration of 10 microM. All three cell lines did not produce paclitaxel under experimental conditions used.

Taxus globosa S. cell lines: initiation, selection and characterization in terms of growth, and of baccatin III and paclitaxel production

Of the initial six cell lines originating from explants of Taxus globosa, or Mexican yew (stem internode, leaves and meristematic tissue), three were selected for their microbial and oxidation resistance, two from leaves and the other from stem internode. A study of their behavior, both in terms of cell growth, and of baccatin III and paclitaxel production, was developed in suspension cultures with an initially standardized biomass (fresh weight 0.23 g/L) using modified Gamborg's B5 medium, and an elicitor (methyl jasmonate), on either the first or seventh day of culture, at several levels (0, 0.1, 1, 10, 100 microM). In most of the conditions used, the three cell lines showed growth associated baccatin III production. The cell line from stem internode was the highest producer of baccatin III using 1 microM elicit or, sampling at 10 days.

Taxus globosa S. cell lines: initiation, selection and characterization in terms of growth, and of baccatin III and paclitaxel production

Of the initial six cell lines originating from explants of Taxus globosa, or Mexican yew (stem internode, leaves and meristematic tissue), three were selected for their microbial and oxidation resistance, two from leaves and the other from stem internode. A study of their behavior, both in terms of cell growth, and of baccatin III and paclitaxel production, was developed in suspension cultures with an initially standardized biomass (fresh weight 0.23 g/L) using modified Gamborgs B5 medium, and an elicitor (methyl jasmonate), on either the first or seventh day of culture, at several levels (0, 0.1, 1, 10, 100 microM). In most of the conditions used, the three cell lines showed growth associated baccatin III production. The cell line from stem internode was the highest producer of baccatin III using 1 microM elicit or, sampling at 10 days.(AU)