Association of single nucleotide polymorphism of transforming growth factor ß1 (T29C) in breast cancer patients: a case control study in Rawalpindi.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the association of single nucleotide polymorphism in three CC, TT and TC genotypes of transforming growth factor ß1 T29C in breast cancer patients. METHODS: The case-control study was conducted from April 2017 to April 2018 at the Islamic International Medical College, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, in collaboration with Nuclear Oncology Medicine and Radiotherapy Institute and Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi. Using convenience sampling, breast cancer cases and healthy controls were enrolled. All investigations were done using standardized laboratory protocols. The outcomes were determined in terms of association of single nucleotide polymorphism of transforming growth factor ß1with breast cancer. Data was analysed using SPSS 21. RESULTS: Of the 150 subjects, 80(53.3%) were cases and 70(47.7%) were healthy controls. Among the cases, the most frequent genotype was CC 38(47.5%) followed by TC 26(32.5%) and TT 16(20%). Among the controls, the corrsesponding values were 50(71.42%), 13(18.5%) and 7(10%). Transforming growth factor ß1 TC genotype was strongly associated with the increased risk of developing breast cancer (odds ratio: 3.79). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of breast cancer was markedly lower among women with CC genotype compared to those with CT or TT genotypes.

Comparison of asymmetric dimethylarginine levels between pre- and post-menopausal women - a cross-sectional study from Rawalpindi.

OBJECTIVE: To compare serum levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine between premenopausal and postmenopausal women, and to evaluate its relationship with time since onset of menopause. METHODS: The cross-sectional comparative study was conducted at Islamic International Medical College, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from April 2017 to March 2018, and comprised individuals recruited from the Gynaecology and Obstetrics outpatient department of the Pakistan Railway Hospital in the city. The subjects were divided into two groups; pre-menopausal women in Group I and postmenopausal in Group II. Group II was subdivided into three categories according to time since onset of menopause. Serum asymmetric dimethylarginine levels were estimated in each subject. Data was analysed using SPSS 21. RESULTS: Of the 80 subjects, there were 40(50%) in Group I with a mean age of 36.25}6.8 years, 40(50%) in Group II with a mean age of49.83}4.35 years. There was a significant increase in mean asymmetric dimethylarginine levels in Group II compared to Group I (p<0.05). There was also a significant increase in asymmetric dimethylarginine levels with increase in duration since the onset of menopause (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine increased significantly after menopause.

Serum Albumin and C3 Complement Levels in Endometriosis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of albumin and C3 complement as serum marker for the early diagnosis of endometriosis in women of reproductive age. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional comparative study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Biochemistry Department, Islamic International Medical College, Rawalpindi, in collaboration with the Gynecology and Obstetrics Department, Pakistan Railways Hospital, Rawalpindi, from March 2017 to February 2018. METHODOLOGY: Forty-four patients with endometriosis and 44 controls of reproductive age group were enrolled for the study. Those having other comorbid systemic or endocrine diseases were excluded from the study. Levels of albumin and C3 complement were measured by using Micro Lab 300 and ELISA, respectively; and the results were compared by using SPSS version 21. groups, respectively (p=0.201). The mean serum C3 levels were 1120.9±265 µg/ml and 2241.0±293 µg/ml in the control and endometriosis patient groups, respectively (p <0.001). RESULTS: The mean serum albumin levels were 4.62±0.88 g/dl and 4.42±0.52 g/dl in the control and endometriosis Conclusion: Serum C3 complement were significantly increased in endometriosis patients but not in controls; whereas, serum albumin levels were not significantly different in endometriosis cases as compared to the controls.