Arylamine N-acetyltransferase 2 gene polymorphism in an Algerian population.

BACKGROUND: The arylamine N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) is a key enzyme in the biotransformation of xenobiotics. NAT2 gene polymorphisms have been associated with the risk of isoniazid hepatotoxicity and these polymorphisms change among different populations. AIM: The objective of this study is to investigate NAT2 polymorphisms in order to predict the prevalence of NAT2 phenotype in an Algerian population. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Genotyping of NAT2 was done using a PCR-RFLP method. Haplotype was analysed using the software package PHASE, version 2.0. RESULTS: The major haplotypes were NAT2*5B (23.72%), NAT2*6 A (18.61%), NAT2*4 (14.60%) and NAT2*5 F (10%). The average of the expected slow acetylator phenotype was 53%. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the high frequency of slow acetylator phenotype requires investigation into its possible association with ATDH.

Hyperhomocysteinemia is a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease in an Algerian population.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: There is growing evidence that increased blood concentration of total homocysteine (tHcy) may be a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD). The present study was conducted to evaluate the association of serum tHcy and other biochemical risk factors with AD. METHODS: This is a case-control study including 41 individuals diagnosed with AD and 46 nondemented controls. Serum levels of all studied biochemical parameters were performed. RESULTS: Univariate logistic regression showed a significant increase of tHcy (p = 0.008), urea (p = 0.036) and a significant decrease of vitamin B12 (p = 0.012) in AD group vs. controls. Using multivariate logistic regression, tHcy (p = 0.007, OR = 1.376) appeared as an independent risk factor predictor of AD. There was a significant positive correlation between tHcy and creatinine (p <0.0001). A negative correlation was found between tHcy and vitamin B12 (p <0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support that hyperhomocysteinemia is a risk factor for AD in an Algerian population and is also associated with vitamin B12 deficiency.