Low sex ratio in children of professional basketball players in Spain.

The aim of this study was to ascertain the variations in the reproductive sex ratio (number of men to number of women) among male professional basketball players in Spain. This retrospective, cross-sectional study is based on a survey conducted in the Spanish professional basketball leagues during the season 2009-2010. A total of 172 professional basketball players completed an anonymous survey. Forty-seven of the respondents had offspring, with a total of 61 children: 70% girls and 30% boys, with a sex ratio value of 0.42. Thirty-three basketball players were Caucasian (CAU), with 44 children, nine boys and 35 girls (sex ratio = 0.26). Fourteen were black, of African heritage (AFR), with 17 children, nine boys and eight girls, (sex ratio = 1.12). Differences (P < 0.01) were found in offspring sex ratio values for all basketball players (sex ratio = 0.42) and for CAU group (sex ratio = 0.26) when compared with the general Spanish population (sex ratio = 1.06). Moreover, a significant seasonal variation was observed in CAU offspring sex ratio during the first quarter compared with the rest of the year (0.66 versus 0.12) (P < 0.03). In conclusion, a significant increase in the sex ratio value in favour of female offspring was observed in the group of CAU professional basketball players.

Association between polymorphisms of folate-metabolizing enzymes and risk of prostate cancer.

Polymorphisms of the genes 5'-10'-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR, 677CT and 1298AC), methionine synthase (MTR, 2756AC) and methionine synthase reductase (MTRR, 66AC) provoke variations in enzyme activity, which can lead to alterations in the metabolism of folates and in the synthesis of S-adenosyl-methionine (SAM), the most active methyl donor in the body. This could play an important role in carcinogenesis through the degree of DNA methylation and of nucleotide synthesis. In the present study, four polymorphisms were studied, two of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene, and the other two of methionine synthase and methionine synthase reductase. Our aim was to study the association between prostate carcinoma susceptibility and these polymorphisms. A hospital-based case-control study was conducted in 182 patients (mean age: 70.7+/-7.29 years) with histologically confirmed prostate carcinoma and in 205 control subjects (mean age: 70.3+/-7.82 years) diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral leukocytes. Comparison of the MTHFR CT and TT genotypes in patients and the controls revealed significant differences (0.57 vs 0.38) (OR: 2.19, 95% CI: 1.46-3.30) and (0.06 vs 0.15) (OR: 0.36, 95% CI: 0.17-0.73), respectively. No statistically significant differences were found between patients and controls with respect to the MTHFR 1298AC, the MTR 2756AC and the MTRR 66AC polymorphisms. However, among the patients, the MTR 2756 allele C was related to a high Gleason score. We conclude that the polymorphism MTHFR C677T is clearly related to prostatic carcinogenesis, on the contrary to the other polymorphisms studied, although the MTR 2756 allele C acts as a factor of tumor aggressiveness, this being found in tumors with high carcinogenic potential.

Implications on human fertility of the 677C-->T and 1298A-->C polymorphisms of the MTHFR gene: consequences of a possible genetic selection.

Mutant alleles with the 677C-->T and 1298A-->C polymorphisms of the MTHFR gene, and consequent lower methylentetrahydrofolate reductase enzyme activity, have been related to higher plasma homocysteine levels, which are associated with cardiovascular diseases. We assessed the genotype frequencies, degrees of fertility and homocysteine levels, and discuss a possible genetic selection for the gene polymorphisms studied. A total of 1777 subjects (897 women and 880 men), divided into four age groups, were genotyped by PCR and restriction fragment length polymorphism. The total homocysteine concentration in plasma was determined by fluorescence polarization immunoassay. Based on random pairs and linkage disequilibrium of the two polymorphisms, we estimated the rate of fetal non-viability according to the combinations of these two polymorphisms to be 4.63% for the group >24 years old and 6.31% for the group <24 years old. We detected an increased frequency of mutant alleles in the youngest age group, coincident with a generally increased folate intake by pregnant women in Spain. The genetic selection detected leads to an increase in mutated individuals, the number of whom could increase four-fold over the next 75 years. Although generally reduced in the younger age groups, the homocysteine plasma levels were shown to increase in individuals according to the number of mutations, especially those of the 677T allele.

Both alleles of the M235T polymorphism of the angiotensinogen gene can be a risk factor for myocardial infarction.

We have studied the role of three polymorphic genes of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) as independent risk factors for myocardial infarction (MI) and their correlation with three of the major coronary risk factors: serum cholesterol (CH), hypertension (HT) and smoking (SM). A population of 392 men was genotyped for the M235T polymorphism of the angiotensinogen (AGT) gene, the insertion/deletion of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and the all66c of the angiotensin-II type 1 receptor (AT1R), by means of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction enzyme analysis. It was observed that the T allele frequency increased significantly in the MI with HT, CH, and SM subgroup (0.58 vs 0.31) (p<0.01). In contrast, the M allele frequency was higher in the MI without HT, CH, and SM (0.69 vs 0.42) (p<0.01). A strong association between the MM genotype and MI (p<0.001, odds ratio=4.29, confidence interval=1.95-9.42) was found when age-matched MM control subjects were compared to MI individuals with none of the other known major coronary risk factors. Futhermore, subjects with the MM genotype showed a significantly higher plasma renin activity (PRA) profile than those with the TT genotype (p<0.001). It can be concluded that the M allele is an independent risk factor for MI and the T allele modified the risk when other major risk factors are present.

[Effects of levofolinic acid on plasma homocysteine concentrations in healthy and young women in preconceptional care]. / Efecto del ácido levofolínico sobre las concentraciones de homocisteína plasmática en la mujer joven y sana en la consulta preconcepcional.

BACKGROUND: Increases in total plasmatic homocysteine (tHcy) represents a risk factor for neural tube defects. We studied the effects of levofolinic acid (l,5-formyl-tetrahydrofolic) on the plasmatic tHcylevels in women of child-bearing age. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Healthy women aged 18-35 years (n = 30) received levofolinic acid, 5 mg/day,orally for 30 days. Both tHcy and intraerythrocytic folate levels were measured before treatment (day 0), on days 2, 5, 10 and 30 within the treatment period and on days 30 (day 60) and 60 (day 90) after the treatment was finished. Plasmatic tHcy was measured by fluorescence polarisation immunoassay and intraerythrocyticfolates by chemiluminescent immunoassay. RESULTS: Plasmatic tHcy decreased from the second day of treatment onwards (day 0 vs. 2: mean of difference: -1.24 micromol/l; CI 95% = -0.84 to -1.63; p < 0.001). The maximum decline (32.3%) was observed after 30 days (mean of difference = -2.72 micromol/l; CI 95% = -2.20 to -3.24; p < 0.001).After finishing the treatment, the hypohomocysteinic effect persisted up to days 60 (mean of difference = -2.67 micromol/l; CI 95% = -2.07 to -3.26; p < 0.001)and 90 (mean of difference = -1.49 micromol/l; CI 95% = -0.94 to -2.03; p < 0.001). The response was greater when the plasmatic tHcy concentration was >= 9 micromol/l. CONCLUSIONS: Levofolinic acid leads to a earlier, intense and persistent drop of the plasmatictHcy levels.

The genotype interactions of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase and renin-angiotensin system genes are associated with myocardial infarction.

We analyzed the evolution with age of the frequencies of the I/D polymorphism of the angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE), a1166c of the angiotensin II AT1 receptor (AT1R), M235T of the angiotensinogen (AGT) and A225V of their methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene in a healthy (H) population and the subsequent comparison to age- and sex-matched groups of myocardial infarction (MI) subjects. A total of 472 H subjects were divided into three groups < 30, 30-55 and > 55 years old and 277 individuals with MI into two groups 30-55 and > 55 years old. The evolution with age showed that the AGT M allele (P < 0.001) and the MTHFR V allele (P < 0.05) frequency decreased with age in H men. The comparison between healthy and MI groups showed that the MM genotype frequency increased in MI men > 55 years (OR =4.16; 95% CI; 1.72-10.1) The cc genotype showed a similar behaviour (OR = 3.96; 95% CI; 1.21-12.9). In men, all the combinations with MM genotype presented a high risk, with OR values between 1.10 and 7.22. In women, the cc genotype increased in the MI > 55 group (OR = 6.66; 95% CI; 2.02-21.9). All the combinations with the cc genotype showed OR values between 1.71 and 13.3. The MM genotype in men and cc genotype in men and women, are independent risk factors for MI. We propose that the study of the allele frequency evolution in an H population at different ages is essential to determine risk factors for MI in case-control studies, since data from isolated age-matched groups can be misinterpreted.

Quantification by additive RT-PCR of HIV-1 RNA plasma levels in different stages of HIV-1 infection.

In this study, virion-associated RNA was measured in plasma from twenty six patients in various stages of HIV-1 disease by the additive RT-PCR method. Plasma viral RNA levels were inversely correlated (r = -0.72894) with total CD4+ cell counts and directly (r = 0.86964) with serum titre beta 2-microglobulin in chronically infected patients. This additive RT-PCR is based on a mathematical logistic adjustment of the standard curve and the use of an internal standard identical to the target molecule, which represents a control system for the efficiency of RT-PCR and allows a continuous assessment of the accuracy based on the recovery.

Angiotensin I-converting enzyme genotypes and angiotensin II receptors. Response to therapy.

In the present study, we studied angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) and type 2 (AT2) receptor messengers by quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. We examined peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 30 healthy subjects and 50 subjects with primary hypertension, in whom angiotensin I-converting enzyme genotype was determined, before and after 15 days of treatment with different antihypertensive drugs. The medication included a calcium channel antagonist, an angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitor, and a beta 1-blocker. We also studied the relationship between AT1 receptor gene expression and biochemical parameters of the renin-angiotensin system. AT1 receptor messenger levels were positively correlated with plasma renin activity in both normotensive and untreated hypertensive subjects. Increases of this messenger and plasma angiotensin II levels were correlated with the D allele in the same individuals. AT1 receptor messenger levels decreased significantly with angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitor treatment in subjects with the DD genotype, and a significant decrease was observed in subjects with the II and ID genotypes treated with a calcium antagonist. No changes were observed in mRNA with the beta 1-blocker. We conclude that the AT2 receptor is not expressed in peripheral leukocytes and that AT1 receptor messenger levels vary in relation to angiotensin I-converting enzyme genotype and pharmacological treatment. These results suggest that angiotensin I-converting enzyme genotype may be an important factor when deciding on antihypertensive therapy in individuals with primary hypertension.

Direct quantification of HIV-1 RNA in human plasma by free solution capillary electrophoresis (FSCE).

SUMMARY: The levels of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) RNA have been directly quantitated, after an isolation step, in plasma from patients with primary HIV-1 infection by free solution capillary electrophoresis (FSCE) with ultraviolet detection. HIV-1 RNA was detected and quantified at physiological levels by measuring the absorbance by FSCE. All the patients with primary infection showed concentrations in a range of 1.08-1.71 x 10(8) virions/ml of plasma. No signals were observed in seronegative donors. This procedure represents a practical alternative to other methods to quantify HIV-1 RNA and may be useful in assessing the efficiency of antiretroviral agents, especially during the early stage when other conventional viral markers are often negative.

Increased expression of scavenger receptor type I gene in human peripheral blood from hyperlipidemic patients determined by quantitative additive RT-PCR.

The scavenger receptors type I and II are mediators for the binding and uptake of chemically modified lipoproteins and are restricted to cells of monocyte origin. These receptors are highly expressed during the process of monocyte to macrophage differentiation. Quantitative mRNA levels of scavenger receptors from peripheral blood mononuclear cells have been analyzed in 29 hyperlipidemic patients and 15 healthy controls. Macrophage scavenger receptor isoforms transcripts were studied in circulating peripheral blood mononuclear cells with a modified RT-PCR method based on the use of a non-modified internal standard and a mathematical logistic adjustment of the standard curve. This method makes it feasible to study the variation in the expression of the scavenger receptors gene in peripheral blood during different physiopathological conditions. We studied the expression of the scavenger receptors gene in different blood cell lines and was present in only those of monocytic origin. The results have shown evidence that levels of scavenger receptor type I transcripts were proportional to apoB/cholesterol levels whereas type II receptors did not show any transcriptional variability. These findings suggest that the cholesterol level exerts a selective up-regulation of the scavenger receptor type I which is detectable by the induced increment of circulating monocytes in the blood of hyperlipidemic patients.

[P53 protein gene. Review of the literature and assessment of the prognostic impact of its mutations in bladder tumors]. / Gen de la proteína P53. Revisión de la literatura y valoración de las implicaciones pronósticas de sus mutaciones en el tumor vesical.

The p53 protein, of the core protein group, was initially considered an oncogene but it was later noted to be included in the group of tumour-suppressive genes, the function of which seems to be focused in the control of cell growth, regulation of DNA transcription, and inhibition of certain oncogenes. A mutant protein variety has been observed with longer than normal mean life and altered function, so that it is not effective for the inhibitory control of cell growth. Mutations of that protein's gene, located in the short arm of chromosome 17, have been discovered in a large variety of tumours in humans, and in the urogenital region they have been consistently seen in both vesical and prostate tumours. The objective of the study was to confirm the need of this gene mutation, so that the vesical transitional cell tumour develops an infiltrant nature. The presence of mutations in this gene's exons 5 and 8 in infiltrant transitional cell tumours (28.5% cases) was demonstrated using as controls either surface transitional cell tumours, non-transitional tumours and healthy vesical tissue obtained together with the tumour specimen in each surgical procedure. The methods used were PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and the identification of the mutated specimen through TGGE (temperature gradient electrophoresis). The absence of mutations in the control strips together with the observation of mutations in the specimens from infiltrant tumours confirms the above hypothesis.

[Myocardiopathies (II). Genetic changes in the etiopathogenesis of hypertrophic myocardiopathy. The therapeutic prospects]. / Miocardiopatías (II). Alteraciones genéticas en la etiopatogenia de la miocardiopatía hipertrófica. Perspectivas terapéuticas.

The genetical characterization of any disease implies its immediate theoretic and practical reorganization since all the basic clinical aspects such as ethology, diagnosis, prognosis, prevention and finally treatment are affected. This can be the fact for hypertrophic myocardiopathy in the near future. Recently, mutations in some new genes causing this alteration, apart from those found in the beta-myosin heavy chain gene, have been identified. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy could be classified etiopathogenetically as primary, if it is due to a genetic alteration in any of the components of the sarcomere, and secondary when the initial factor is external, although it will be eventually reflected in a malfunction of the sarcomere. Therefore hypertrophic cardiomyopathy could be defined as a myocardial disorder with and autosomic hereditary pattern which is characterized by a ventricular hypertrophy due to alterations in the cardiac sarcomere. Detected mutations so far, which have been admitted to be the primary alteration in this disease, are localized in the beta-myosin heavy chain gene (14q1), in the alpha-tropomyosin gene (15q2), in the cardiac troponin T gene (1q3), as well as in the chromosome 11 p13-q13 loci. Different authors have pointed out a possible epigenetic mechanism produced by endogenous or environmental secondary factors as responsible for hypertrophic myocardiopathy.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Unusual expression pattern of the MHC class I Q5k gene in the AKR mouse: possible role in embryo development.

Analysis of the tissue-specific expression of the Q5k gene in the AKR mouse reveals an unusual expression pattern. The Q5k mRNA is present in embryos from day 12, but expression is switched off in most tissues except thymus and testis shortly after birth. Late in pregnancy the gene is again transcribed in females. Analysis at the epitope level, with a Qa-2 specific monoclonal antibody revealed that in most cases the Q5k product is confined to the cytoplasm. These results suggest that Q5k has a most unusual tissue distribution and timing of expression among all the H-2 class I and Q genes so far described.