Evaluation of miR-429 as a novel serum biomarker for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and analysis its tumor suppressor function and target genes.

OBJECTIVE: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal types of cancer. Various microRNAs have been identified to play an important role in PDAC. The study aimed to explore the role of miR-429 in PDAC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The expression and prognostic value of miR-429 were first analyzed using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. Next, miR-429 expression was evaluated in the tissues and serum of 90 patients with PDAC. CCK8, SRB, wound healing and transwell assays were used to determine the effect of miR-429 on the proliferation, invasion, and migration of PDAC cells, respectively. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), correlation analysis, TargetScan, and miRDB databases were used to screen and identify the target genes of miR-429. RESULTS: The results revealed that the expression of miR-429 was downregulated in PDAC tissues and the serum compared with those in normal tissues and the serum of healthy volunteers, respectively. The decreased expression of miR-429 was significantly associated with shorter overall survival. The overexpression of miR-429 significantly inhibited the proliferation, invasion, and migration of PDAC cells. Potential target genes of miR-429 were identified using WGCNA and bioinformatics analysis, and the results showed that cadherin 11 (CDH11), inositol polyphosphate-4-phosphatase type I (INPP4A), laminin gamma 1 (LAMC1), low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1), and quaking (QKI) were potential target genes of miR-429 in PDAC. Lower expression of CDH11 and QKI was associated with a more favorable prognosis in patients with PDAC. The overexpression of miR-429 could inhibit the expression of CDH11 and QKI. A nomogram model, involving miR-429, CDH11, and QKI, was subsequently constructed to determine their ability to accurately predict overall and disease-free survival in patients with PDAC. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, miR-429 is involved in the development and progress of PDAC. MiR-429 could be recommended as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic indicator in PDAC diagnosis.

The Safety of Intra-arterial Tirofiban during Endovascular Therapy after Intravenous Thrombolysis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The safety and efficacy of tirofiban during endovascular therapy in patients undergoing intravenous thrombolysis with recombinant IV tPA remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of intra-arterial tirofiban use during endovascular therapy in patients treated with IV tPA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using a multicenter registry, we enrolled patients with acute ischemic stroke who underwent endovascular therapy. Safety outcomes included postprocedural parenchymal hematoma type 2 and/or thick subarachnoid hemorrhage, intraventricular hemorrhage, and 3-month mortality. Efficacy outcomes included the successful reperfusion rate, postprocedural reocclusion, and good outcomes at 3 months (mRS scores of 0-2). The tirofiban effect on the outcomes was evaluated using a multivariable analysis while adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS: Among enrolled patients, we identified 314 patients with stroke (279 and 35 patients in the no tirofiban and tirofiban groups, respectively) due to an intracranial artery occlusion who underwent endovascular therapy with intravenous thrombolysis. A multivariable analysis revealed no association of intra-arterial tirofiban with postprocedural parenchymal hematoma type and/or thick subarachnoid hemorrhage (adjusted OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.20-4.10; P = .918), intraventricular hemorrhage (adjusted OR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.02-2.85; P = .467), and 3-month mortality (adjusted OR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.04-1.87; P = .299). Intra-arterial tirofiban was not associated with good outcome (adjusted OR, 2.22; 95% CI, 0.89 -6.12; P = .099). CONCLUSIONS: Using intra-arterial tirofiban during endovascular therapy after IV tPA could be safe.

Lipid emulsion alleviates the vasodilation and mean blood pressure decrease induced by a toxic dose of verapamil in isolated rat aortae and an in vivo rat model.

This study aimed to examine the effects of lipid emulsion on the vasodilation and cardiovascular depression induced by toxic doses of calcium channel blockers. The effects of lipid emulsion on the vasodilation induced by bepridil, verapamil, nifedipine, and diltiazem were investigated in isolated endothelium-denuded rat aortae. The effect of lipid emulsion on the comparable hemodynamic depression induced by the continuous infusion of a toxic dose of either verapamil or diltiazem was examined in an in vivo rat model. The results showed the following decreasing order for the magnitude of lipid emulsion-mediated inhibition of vasodilation: bepridil, verapamil, nifedipine, and diltiazem. Lipid emulsion (0.5-2%) reversed the vasodilation induced by a toxic dose of verapamil, whereas only a higher concentration (2%) reversed the vasodilation induced by a toxic dose of diltiazem. Pretreatment with lipid emulsion alleviated the systolic and mean blood pressure decreases induced by a toxic dose of verapamil, whereas it had no effect on the decrease induced by diltiazem. Taken together, these results suggest that lipid emulsion alleviates the severe vasodilation and systolic blood pressure decrease induced by a toxic dose of verapamil, and this alleviation appears to be associated with the relatively high lipid solubility of verapamil.

Effect of Intracranial Atherosclerotic Disease on Endovascular Treatment for Patients with Acute Vertebrobasilar Occlusion.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Although intracranial atherosclerotic disease is often encountered during endovascular treatment for acute vertebrobasilar occlusions, its clinical implication is not well-known. We aimed to evaluate whether intracranial atherosclerotic disease influences the clinical outcomes following endovascular treatment of acute vertebrobasilar occlusive stroke. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-one patients with acute vertebrobasilar occlusive stroke were included. The onset-to-groin puncture time was ≤12 hours, and aspiration- or stent-based thrombectomy was used as the primary treatment method. Following primary endovascular treatment, intracranial atherosclerotic disease (IAD group) was angiographically diagnosed when a fixed focal stenosis was observed at the occlusion site, whereas embolism (embolic group) was diagnosed if no stenosis was observed. Clinical and treatment variables were compared in both groups, and IAD was evaluated as a prognostic factor for clinical outcomes. RESULTS: The baseline NIHSS score tended to be lower (14 versus 22, P = .097) in the IAD group (n = 19) than in the embolic group (n = 32). The procedural time was longer in the IAD group (96 versus 61 minutes, P = .002), despite similar rates of TICI 2b-3 (89.5% versus 87.5%, P = 1.000). The NIHSS score at 7 days was higher (21 versus 8, P = .060) and poor outcomes (mRS 4-6 at 3 months) were more frequent in the IAD group (73.7% versus 43.8%, P = .038). IAD (odds ratio, 5.469; 95% CI, 1.09-27.58; P = .040) was independently associated with poor outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: An arterial occlusion related to IAD was associated with a longer procedural time and poorer clinical outcome. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the appropriate endovascular strategy.

Forced arterial suction thrombectomy with the penumbra reperfusion catheter in acute basilar artery occlusion: a retrospective comparison study in 2 Korean university hospitals.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: A performance of forced arterial suction thrombectomy was not reported for the treatment of acute basilar artery occlusion. This study compared revascularization performance between intra-arterial fibrinolytic treatment and forced arterial suction thrombectomy with a Penumbra reperfusion catheter in patients with acute basilar artery occlusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-seven patients with acute basilar artery occlusion were treated with intra-arterial fibrinolysis (n = 25) or forced arterial suction thrombectomy (n = 32). Baseline characteristics, successful revascularization rate, and clinical outcomes were compared between the groups. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics, the frequency of patients receiving intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator, and mean time interval between symptom onset and femoral puncture did not differ between groups. The forced arterial suction thrombectomy group had a shorter procedure duration (75.5 minutes versus 113.3 minutes, P = .016) and higher successful revascularization rate (88% versus 60%, P = .017) than the fibrinolysis group. Fair outcome, indicated by a modified Rankin Scale 0-3, at 3 months was achieved in 34% of patients undergoing forced arterial suction thrombectomy and 8% of patients undergoing fibrinolysis (P = .019), and the mortality rate was significantly higher in the fibrinolysis group (25% versus 68%, P = .001). Multiple logistic regression analysis identified the forced arterial suction thrombectomy method as an independent predictor of fair outcome with adjustment for age, sex, initial NIHSS score, and the use of intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (odds ratio, 7.768; 95% CI, 1.246-48.416; P = .028). CONCLUSIONS: In acute basilar artery occlusion, forced arterial suction thrombectomy demonstrated a higher revascularization rate and improved clinical outcome compared with traditional intra-arterial fibrinolysis. Further clinical trials with the newer Penumbra catheter are warranted.

Preferential location for arterial dissection presenting as golf-related stroke.

SUMMARY: Golf-related stroke has not been systematically reviewed. The purpose of our study was to describe in detail this particular stroke syndrome. Seven patients were analyzed at a university hospital and 7 patients were reviewed from MEDLINE literature. General demographics, symptom onset, neurologic signs, radiologic findings, and outcome were investigated. A total of 14 patients including 7 patients from the MEDLINE search were analyzed; all were men, with a mean age of 46.9 ± 12.8 years. Symptom onset was classified as during the golf swing (n = 9), unknown (n = 3), and after playing golf (n = 2). Most patients (n = 12) showed involvement of the vertebral artery and 2 patients showed involvement of the internal carotid artery (P = .008). Nine dissections were found on the right side, 3 on the left side, and 2 were bilateral (P = .046). Twelve patients had extracranial involvement and 2 patients had intracranial involvement (P = .008). Seven patients returned to normal, 5 returned to independence, 1 had unknown status, and 1 died. The anatomic preference of golf-related craniocervical arterial dissection is associated with the extracranial and vertebrobasilar system with a right-sided tendency as the result of stereotypical rotational movement during a golf swing.

Comparison of the Incidence of parenchymal hematoma and poor outcome in patients with carotid terminus occlusion treated with intra-arterial urokinase alone or with combined IV rtPA and intra-arterial urokinase.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Patients with acute CTO generally have a poor prognosis, despite IV or IA thrombolytic treatment. The goal of this study was to analyze the results of patients with CTO who had IA urokinase treatment with or without initial IV rtPA based on a bridging protocol. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke due to CTO who had combined IV and IA or a single IA thrombolytic treatment were enrolled. The baseline characteristics and prognosis were described. The patients who did and did not develop a PH shortly after treatment were compared. RESULTS: The mean age was 66.4 years, and the median initial NIHSS score was 17. The median dose of IA urokinase was 320,000 U, and recanalization (TICI grade II-III) was achieved in 12 patients (75%). However, 5 patients died and 10 patients had poor prognosis with mRS 5-6 at discharge. Six patients (37.5%) with a PH had a higher NIHSS score 1 day after treatment (26.7 versus 13.6, P = .002), and they had more frequent mortality (66.7% versus 10.0%, P = .018) and worse prognosis (mRS 5-6; 100% versus 40%, P = .016) at discharge than patients without PH. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with CTO who received IA urokinase treatment based on a bridging protocol had a poor prognosis. The development of PH might affect this outcome.

Size-controlled growth of colloidal gold nanoplates and their high-purity acquisition.

A facile while flexible approach to size-controllable high-purity colloidal gold nanoplates has been presented. By adjusting the quantity of seeds and I(-) through a seed-mediated, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTABr)-assisted synthetic system, the edge length of the gold nanoplates can be adjusted from 140 to 30 nm without changing their thickness or crystal structure. By simply increasing the ion concentration of the reaction solution, the as-prepared gold nanoplates can be deposited due to the different electrostatic aggregation effects between nanoplates and spherical nanoparticles. Effective storage methods to keep the structural and optical stability of these gold nanoplates are also proposed.

Association of TWIST1 gene polymorphisms with bone mineral density in postmenopausal women.

UNLABELLED: A novel polymorphism (+1871A>G) in the 3' flanking region and haplotypes were significantly associated with reduced osteoporosis risk and enhanced bone mineral density (BMD). These results suggest that TWIST1 may be a useful genetic marker for osteoporosis. Our results provide preliminary evidence supporting an association of TWIST1 with osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. INTRODUCTION: TWIST1, a basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor, has been implicated in cell lineage determination and differentiation. METHODS: To address the genetic variations in the TWIST1 gene associated with osteoporosis, we investigated the potential involvement of three TWIST1 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in osteoporosis in 729 postmenopausal women. BMD was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS: A novel polymorphism in the 3' flanking region (+1871A>G) was significantly associated with osteoporosis risk (p = 0.007-0.008) and also in multiple comparison (p = 0.02). Consistent with these results, haplotype analysis showed that Block1_ht2 had protective effects in the dominant and additive model (p = 0.006-0.007). Specifically, the +1871A>G polymorphism was overdominantly associated with higher BMD values of the femoral neck (p = 0.039). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that TWIST1 may be a useful genetic marker for osteoporosis and may have a role on bone metabolism in humans. Our results provide preliminary evidence supporting an association of TWIST1 with osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

Impact of posterior communicating artery on basilar artery steno-occlusive disease.

BACKGROUND: Acute brainstem infarction with basilar artery (BA) occlusive disease is the most fatal type of all ischaemic strokes. This report investigates the prognostic impact of the posterior communicating artery (PcoA) and whether its anatomy is a safeguard or not. METHODS: Consecutive patients who had acute brainstem infarction with at least 50% stenosis of BA upon CT angiography (CTA) were studied. The configuration of PcoA was divided into two groups upon CTA: "textbook" group (invisible PcoA with good P1 and P2 segment) and "fetal-variant of PcoA" group (only visible PcoA with absent P1 segment). Baseline demographics, radiological findings and stroke mechanisms were analysed. A multiple regression analysis was performed to predict clinical outcome at 30 days (modified Rankin disability Scale (mRS

Vertebral artery dominance contributes to basilar artery curvature and peri-vertebrobasilar junctional infarcts.

OBJECTIVES: The diameters of the vertebral arteries (VAs) are very often unequal. Therefore, this study investigated if unequal VA flow contributes to the development of basilar artery (BA) curvature and if it is a link to the laterality of pontine or cerebellar infarcts occurring around the vertebrobasilar junction. METHODS: Radiological factors were analysed (infarct laterality, VA dominance, BA curvature and their directional relationships) in 91 patients with acute unilateral pontine or posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) territory infarcts. The "dominant" VA side was defined as either that the VA was larger in diameter or the VA was connected with the BA in more of a straight line, if both VAs looked similar in diameter on CT angiography. Multiple regression analysis was performed to predict moderate to severe BA curvature. RESULTS: The dominant VA was more frequent on the left side (p<0.01). Most patients had an opposite directional relationship between the dominant VA and BA curvature (p<0.01). Pontine infarcts were opposite to the side of BA curvature (p<0.01) and PICA infarcts were on the same side as the non-dominant VA side (p<0.01). The difference in VA diameters was the single independent predictor for moderate to severe BA curvature (OR per 1 mm, 2.70; 95% CI 1.22 to 5.98). CONCLUSIONS: Unequal VA flow is an important haemodynamic contributor of BA curvature and development of peri-vertebrobasilar junctional infarcts.

Association of a polymorphism in the intron 7 of the SREBF1 gene with osteonecrosis of the femoral head in Koreans.

Reduction or disruption of the blood supply to the bone is involved in the pathogenesis of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). An altered lipid metabolism is one of the major risk factors for ONFH. Sterol regulatory element binding protein, SREBF1 activates genes regulating lipid biosynthesis. The aim of this study was to examine the association between the polymorphisms of the SREBF1 gene and ONFH susceptibility in the Korean population. The SREBF1 gene in 24 unrelated Korean individuals was sequenced and two polymorphisms were detected. Two variants, IVS6 - 48 C > T and IVS7 + 117 A > G, were genotyped in 423 ONFH patients and 348 controls. The genotype frequency of IVS7 + 117 A > G in ONFH patients was significantly different from that of the control group with P value < 0.0001 (Adjusted OR; 6.88, 95% CI; 3.74-12.67). Moreover, the IVS7 + 117 A > G genotype showed an association with men, and further analysis stratified by etiological factors indicated that the genotype data was significantly associated with a high risk for patients with alcohol-induced ONFH (P < 0.0001). We found that the IVS7 + 117 A > G polymorphism of the SREBF1 gene is associated with an increased risk of ONFH in the Korean population.

Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (Type II) with active tuberculosis in an adult.

Cystic adenomatoid malformation (CAM) is a congenital disorder similar to bronchopulmonary sequestration. Most cases of CAM are diagnosed during the neonatal period and infancy. The histological classification of the vast majority of reported cases of CAM is Stocker's Type I. We present an adult patient with Stocker's Type II CAM with active tuberculosis.

Stable microwave coaxial cavity plasma system at atmospheric pressure.

We present a systematic study of the development of a novel atmospheric microwave plasma system for material processing in the pressure range up to 760 torr and the microwave input power up to 6 kW. Atmospheric microwave plasma was reliably produced and sustained by using a cylindrical resonator with the TM(011) cavity mode. The applicator and the microwave cavity, which is a cylindrical resonator, are carefully designed and optimized with the time dependent finite element Maxwell equation solver. The azimuthal apertures are placed at the maximum magnetic field positions between the cavity and the applicator to maximize the coupling efficiency into the microwave plasma at a resonant frequency of 2.45 GHz. The system consists of a magnetron power supply, a circulator, a directional coupler, a three-stub tuner, a dummy load, a coaxial cavity, and a central cavity. Design and construction of the resonant structures and diagnostics of atmospheric plasma using optical experiments are discussed in various ranges of pressure and microwave input power for different types of gases.

Genetic association study of polymorphisms in the catalase gene with the risk of osteonecrosis of the femoral head in the Korean population.

OBJECTIVE: Osteonecrosis (ON) of the femoral head frequently leads to progressive collapse of the femoral head followed by degenerative arthritis of the hip joint. Oxidative stress, which has been implicated in many pathological conditions, including vascular injury, recently has been suggested to play a part in the development of ON. Catalase (CAT) is a major antioxidant enzyme and a number of polymorphisms in the CAT have been described as being associated with several diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, Alzheimer's disease, and vitiligo. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of CAT gene polymorphisms with ON of the femoral head (ONFH) in a case-control study. METHODS: Eight polymorphic sites of CAT were selected from public databases, and genotyped in 443 ONFH patients and 273 control subjects using the Affymetrix Targeted Genotyping (TG) 3K chip array. The association analysis of genotyped single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and haplotypes was performed with ONFH. RESULTS: The -89A>T, -20T>C, +3033C>T, +14539A>T, +22348C>T, and +24413T>C polymorphisms of the CAT gene were significantly associated with the risk of ONFH in all alternative analysis models (P range; 0.0001-0.035, odds ratio [OR]: 0.52-3.47). Particularly, the minor allele of -89A>T, -20T>C and +3033C>T had a protective effect on ONFH with significance (P range: 0.0014-0.035, OR: 0.52-0.73). Further analysis based on pathological etiology showed that the genotypes of -89A>T, -20T>C, +3033C>T, +14539A>T, and +22348C>T, and +24413T>C were also associated with the risk of ONFH in each subgroup with significant P values. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that the polymorphisms of CAT are associated with the ONFH, and suggest that oxidative stress may play an important role in the pathogenesis of ONFH.

Promoter polymorphisms of the vascular endothelial growth factor gene is associated with an osteonecrosis of the femoral head in the Korean population.

OBJECTIVE: Disruption of the vascular supply to the bone and subsequent hypoxia has been implicated in the pathogenesis of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a major inducer of angiogenesis, has been correlated with several pathological conditions, from inflammation to ischemic processes. A number of polymorphisms in the VEGF gene have been described as being associated with several diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy, prostate cancer and breast cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of VEGF gene polymorphisms with ONFH in a case--control study. METHODS: Three polymorphisms (-2578C>A, -634G>C and +936C>T) in VEGF were genotyped in 317 ONFH patients and 497 control subjects, using the TaqMan 5' allelic discrimination assay. We performed the association analysis of genotyped single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and haplotypes with ONFH. RESULTS: The -634G>C genotype was significantly associated with an increased risk for ONFH in dominant model with odds ratio (OR) of 1.47, 95% confidence intervals (CIs) 1.08-2.01 with P value 0.015. Further analysis stratified by sex showed that the -634G>C genotype was also significantly associated with a high risk for male patients considering the dominant model with OR of 1.60, 95% CI 1.13-2.26 with P value 0.008. Haplotype association analysis did not provide a further delineation of the risk allele. CONCLUSION: Our study is, to our knowledge, the first report that shows the -634G>C polymorphism in the VEGF promoter was associated with an increased susceptibility of ONFH in the Korean population.

Three-dimensional analysis of the occlusal plane related to the hamular-incisive-papilla occlusal plane in young adults.

The planes which serve as references for cranium and face in dental clinical application included the occlusal plane, Frankfort plane, Camper's plane and hamular-incisive-papilla (HIP) plane. The HIP occlusal plane is a horizontal plane passing through the bilateral hamular notches and the incisive papilla (Dent Surv. 1975;51:60). The aim of this study was to estimate the relationship between the various occlusal planes and the HIP plane in Taiwanese young adults with approximately optimal occlusion. Study casts of 100 young adults (50 men and 50 women) were selected in this study. All market points on the maxillary casts were measured by a three-dimensional precise measuring device. The angular relationship between the four various occlusal planes and the HIP plane were investigated. The vertical distances between the cusp tips and incisal edges of maxillary teeth to the HIP plane were measured. Data were performed by the Statistic analysis software programme (JMP 4.02). The Student's t-test and Pearson's correlation test were used to test the statistical significance (P < 0.05). The results showed that the occlusal plane defined as the incisal edge of maxillary central incisor to mesiobuccal cusp tips of maxillary second molars had the smallest included angle with the HIP plane (2.61 +/- 0.81 degrees). The incisal edge of maxillary right central incisal to mesiopalatal cusp tips of maxillary first molars had the largest included angle with the HIP plane (7.72 +/- 1.60 degrees). The curve is drawn through the buccal cusp tips of maxillary teeth had better parallelism with the HIP plane.

Identification of novel RANK polymorphisms and their putative association with low BMD among postmenopausal women.

INTRODUCTION: Bone mineral density (BMD) is the major factor for determining bone strength, which is closely correlated to osteoporotic fracture risk and is largely determined by multiple genetic factors. The RANK (TNFRSF11A), receptor for RANKL, is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) superfamily and plays a central role in osteoclast development. METHODS: In order to investigate the effects of RANK polymorphism on BMD and osteoporosis, we directly sequenced the RANK gene in 24 Korean individuals and identified 25 sequence variants. Eleven of these polymorphisms were selected and genotyped in a larger-scale study of postmenopausal women (n = 560). Areal BMD (g/cm(2)) of the anterior-posterior lumbar spine and the nondominant proximal femur were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS: We found that two intronic polymorphisms in the RANK gene [RANK + 34863G > A (rs12458117) and RANK + 35928insdelC (new polymorphism found in this study) in intron 6] were significantly associated with the BMD of the lumbar spine, i.e., rare alleles were significantly associated with low BMD of the lumbar spine among Korean postmenopausal women (p = 0.04 and 0.02, respectively). These polymorphisms were also associated with low BMD of proximal femur sites, including Ward's triangle, trochanter, and total femur. Our results suggest that +34863G > A and +35928insdelC polymorphisms in RANK are possible genetic factors for low BMD in postmenopausal women.

Association of PLXNA2 polymorphisms with vertebral fracture risk and bone mineral density in postmenopausal Korean population.

INTRODUCTION: Plexin A2 (PLXNA2) is a receptor that recognizes secreted or membrane-bound semaphorin 3A, which is implicated in neural regulation of bone metabolism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present study, we identified 48 genetic polymorphisms in PLXNA2 by resequencing, and 10 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were selected for further investigation into their potential involvement in osteoporosis in a postmenopausal population (n=560). RESULTS: Two SNPs, +14G>A (Gln5Arg) and +183429C>T (Tyr1621Tyr), and Block1-ht2 were associated with risk of vertebral fracture (p=0.01-0.05), and three SNPs, +799G>A (Ala267Thr), +135391G>A, and +190531G>C, were associated with bone mineral density at various femur sites (p=0.003-0.03). Particularly, the minor allele of +14G>A was associated with a protective effect on vertebral fracture and higher lumbar bone mineral density, suggesting that +14G>A may be a useful marker for osteoporosis and its related fracture. CONCLUSION: These results provide, for the first time, evidence supporting the association of PLXNA2 with osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.