Biportal Endoscopic Spinal Cord Stimulation Paddle Lead Implantation: Technical Note and Preliminary Clinical Results.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to elucidate a novel, minimally invasive surgical technique using a biportal endoscope for the implantation of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) paddle leads and to report the preliminary results of its clinical application. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The perioperative data of patients who underwent the biportal endoscopic SCS paddle lead implantation in our department were collected; the surgical procedure was delineated, and the clinical outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: From February 2022 to December 2023, six patients underwent biportal endoscopic SCS paddle lead implantation. The median follow-up time was nine months (range one to three months). The median intraoperative blood loss was 30 mL (range 25-50 mL), and the median operative time was 87.5 minutes (range 75-110 minutes). One patient experienced severe neck pain during the operation, whereas the other five patients experienced no surgical complications. One patient was found to have a slight lead migration three months after surgery, which did not affect the therapeutic effect. The median visual analogue scale (VAS) of the surgical area was 0.5 (range 0-2), 2.5 (range 1-4), and 0.5 (range 0-1) during the operation and one day and one week after the operation, respectively. The median VAS of the six patients' primary disease was 8 (range 7-9) before surgery and 2.5 (range 1-4) at the last postoperative follow-up (pain reduction ≥50%). CONCLUSION: Paddle lead systems for SCS can be implanted successfully using a biportal endoscopic technique.

Clinical Observation and Cause Analysis of Perioperative Superior Cluneal Neuralgia in Vertebral Augmentation.

BACKGROUND: In our clinical practice, we observed that some osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture patients undergoing vertebral augmentation exhibited pain in the iliac crest region. This pain aligned with the diagnostic criteria for superior cluneal neuralgia (SCN) and affected treatment satisfaction. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to clinically observe patients undergoing vertebral augmentation in a hospital setting and analyze the etiology and risk factors associated with SCN. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Inpatient population of a single center. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed clinical data from 630 patients who underwent vertebral augmentation in our hospital from March 2022 to March 2023. Fifty-two patients enrolled in the study experienced pain that met the diagnostic criteria for superior cluneal neuralgia during the perioperative period of the vertebral augmentation procedures. Those patients were divided into 2 subgroups according to the conditions involved in the occurrence of SCN: Group A (26 patients) had either no preoperative SCN but developed it postoperatively, or had preoperative SCN that worsened or did not alleviate postoperatively. Group B (26 patients) had preoperative SCN that was relieved postoperatively. Additionally, 52 consecutive patients in March 2022 to March 2023. who did not experience SCN during the perioperative period were selected as the control group (Group C). Variables such as surgical segment, age, height, weight, body mass index, duration of hospitalization, chronic low back pain (CLBP), duration of pain, anesthesia, surgical approach, fracture pattern, preoperative visual analog scale (pre-op VAS) score, intraoperative VAS score, one-day VAS score, one-month VAS score, lumbar sacral angle, and sacral tilt angle were statistically described and analyzed. RESULTS: In our hospital, the incidence of SCN during the perioperative period of vertebral augmentation procedures is 8.25% (52/630). Among all the segments of patients who developed SCN during the perioperative period, the L1 segment had the highest proportion, which was 29.03% and 35.14% in Groups A and B, respectively. Group B and Group C showed significant differences in duration of hospitalization (P = 0.012), pre-op VAS scores (P = 0.026), and CLBP (P < 0.001). Group A had significantly higher VAS scores preoperatively (P = 0.026) and intraoperatively (P = 0.004) and in CLBP (P = 0.001) than did Group C. LIMITATIONS: This is a retrospective study. Single-center noncontrolled studies may introduce selection bias. The small sample size in each group might have also led to bias. CONCLUSION: Perioperative SCN associated with vertebral augmentation is significantly correlated with preoperative VAS scores and CLBP. In addition, intraoperative VAS scores might be a factor contributing to the nonalleviation or exacerbation of postoperative SCN.

Unilateral Biplanar Screw-Rod Fixation Technique for the Treatment of Odontoid Fractures in Patients with Atlantoaxial Bone or Vascular Abnormalities.

OBJETIVE: This study aims to introduce the unilateral biplanar screw-rod fixation (UBSF) technique (a hybrid fixation technique: 2 sets of atlantoaxial screws were placed on the same side), which serves as a salvage method for traditional posterior atlantoaxial fixation. To summarize the indications of this technique and to assess its safety, feasibility, and clinical effectiveness in the treatment of odontoid fractures. METHODS: Patients with odontoid fractures were enrolled according to special criteria. Surgical duration and intraoperative blood loss were documented. Patients were followed up for a minimum of 12 months. X-ray and computerized tomography scans were conducted and reviewed at 1 day, and patients were asked to return for computerized tomography reviews at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after surgery until fracture union. Recorded and compared the Neck Visual Analog Scale and Neck Disability Index presurgery and at 1 week and 12 months postsurgery. RESULTS: Between January 2016 and December 2022, our study enrolled 7 patients who were diagnosed with odontoid fractures accompanied by atlantoaxial bone or vascular abnormalities. All 7 patients underwent successful UBSF surgery, and no neurovascular injuries were recorded during surgery. Fracture union was observed in all patients, and the Neck Visual Analog Scale and Neck Disability Index scores improved significantly at 1 week and 12 months postoperative (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The UBSF technique has been demonstrated to be safe, feasible, and effective in treating odontoid fractures. In cases where the atlantoaxial bone or vascular structure exhibits abnormalities, it can function as a supplementary or alternative approach to the conventional posterior C1-2 fixation.

Effects of Culinary Procedures on Concentrations and Bioaccessibility of Cu, Zn, and As in Different Food Ingredients.

Although cooked diets are the primary sources for humans to absorb trace elements, there is limited data available on the concentrations and bioaccessibility of trace elements in cooked food ingredients. This work aims to evaluate the effects of culinary procedures on the concentrations and bioaccessibility of trace elements in common food ingredients. Twelve food species from the local market were treated with four culinary procedures (boiling, steaming, baking, and frying), then the bioaccessibility of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and arsenic (As) were evaluated using the in vitro digestion method. The subcellular distribution of these elements was also determined using the sequential fractionation method. The results show that culinary procedures decreased the retention rate of As during cooking (100% for raw and 65-89% for cooked ingredients) and the bioaccessibility of Cu and Zn during digestion (nearly 75% for raw and 49-65% for cooked ingredients), resulting in a reduction of the total bioaccessible fraction (TBF) of Cu, Zn, and As in food ingredients. The TBF of Cu, Zn, and As in all tested food ingredients followed the order: raw (76-80%) > steaming and baking (50-62%) > boiling and frying (41-50%). The effects of culinary procedures were associated with the subcellular distribution of trace elements. As was dominantly distributed in heat-stable proteins (51-71%), which were more likely to be lost during cooking. In comparison, Cu and Zn were mainly bound to the insoluble fraction and heat-denatured proteins (60-89% and 61-94% for Cu and Zn, respectively), which become less digestible in cooked ingredients. In conclusion, these results suggest that culinary procedures reduce the absorption of Cu, Zn, and As in various food ingredients, which should be considered in the coming studies related to nutrition and risk assessment of trace elements.

Identification of traditional Chinese drugs containing active ingredients for treating myocardial infarction and analysis of their therapeutic mechanisms by network pharmacology and molecular docking / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To identify traditional Chinese drugs that contain active ingredients for treatment of myocardial infarction (MI) and explore their therapeutic mechanisms using network pharmacology and molecular docking technology.@*METHODS@#The TCMSP database was used for screening the traditional Chinese drugs containing active ingredients for treating MI, and the related targets of MI and the candidate drugs were obtained from Genecards, OMIM, PharmGkb and PharmMapper databases. The common target network of the drug targets and disease targets was established using Venny2.1.0 software. GO and KEGG signal pathway enrichment analysis of the common targets was performed, and the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed for the targets. The targets in the PPI network were analyzed to identify the key targets, for which GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses were performed. Molecular docking was performed for the candidate ingredients and the key targets, and a total score ≥6 was used as the criteria for screening the therapeutic ingredients and their docking binding with key targets was verified. A human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) model of oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) was used to validate the candidate ingredients and the key therapeutic targets for MI by Western blotting.@*RESULTS@#Our analysis identified Salvia miltiorrhiza and Dalbergiae odoriferae as the candidate drugs rich in active ingredients for treatment of MI. These ingredients involved 16 key therapeutic targets for MI, which participated in such biological processes as inflammatory response, angiogenesis, energy metabolism and oxidative stress and the pathways including HIF-1, VEGF, and TNF pathways. Sclareol and PTGS2 in Salvia miltiorrhiza and formononetin and KDR in Dalbergiae odoriferae all had high docking total scores. Western blotting showed that at medium and high doses, sclareol significantly inhibited PTGS2 expression and formononetin promoted KDR expressions in the cell models in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Both Salvia miltiorrhiza and Dalbergiae odoriferae have good therapeutic effects on MI. Sclareol in Salvia miltiorrhiza and formononetin in Dalbergiae odoriferae regulate the expressions of KDR and PTGS2, respectively, to modulate the inflammatory response, angiogenesis, oxidative stress and energy metabolism and thus produce myocardial protective effects.

Asiatic acid attenuates high-fat diet-induced impaired spermatogenesis.

Testicular cell apoptosis is associated with impaired spermatogenesis. It has been reported that Asiatic acid (AA) may suppress apoptosis. However, little is known about the effect of AA on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced impairment of spermatogenesis. The aim of the present study was to determine whether AA protects against HFD-induced impairment of spermatogenesis. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: Control group, HFD group and AA (50 mg/kg) + HFD group. Rats fed an HFD were orally administered with AA (50 mg/kg) daily for 12 weeks, and blood samples, testis and epididymis were harvested for further analysis. Sex hormones were detected and hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed to examine the morphological changes of the testis. Semen samples were collected to evaluate sperm quality and apoptosis was determined. The results indicate that AA treatment significantly increased testis weight, testis/body weight, spermatogonia, Leydig cells and Sertoli cells in the testis of obese mice (P<0.05). AA treatment also attenuated HFD-induced histological change. AA treatment prevented HFD-induced decrease of sex hormones and the quality of semen samples (P<0.05). Furthermore, HFD-induced apoptosis was significantly attenuated by AA treatment (P<0.05). In conclusion, the results suggest that AA is able to ameliorate HFD-induced impaired spermatogenesis via inhibiting apoptosis in Sprague-Dawley rats. AA may have therapeutic value in the treatment of obesity-related impairment of spermatogenesis.

Establishment of orthotopic implantation model of human U87-MG brain glioma cell line in nude mice / 中国药理学通报

Aim To establish human U87-MG glioma model in nude mice brain and to observe the characteristics of the tumor growth. Methods Human U87-MG glioma cells were cultured in vitro. 5 μL of cell suspension containing 3.0 ×1010·L-1, 4.0×1010·L-1and 5.0×1010·L-1respectively was inocula-ted into the right caudate nucleus of 18 male nude mice brain un-der the guidance of stereotaxic apparatus, separately, whereas another 6 nude mice as the control group, were inoculated into the same volume of Hanks solution. The moving and survival state of rats with gliomas were observed. The examinations of the tumors formation, volumes, metastasis and histopathology were performed and the obtained brain samples were stained with HE and immunohistochemistry. Results All the tested rats of dif-ferent inoculation doses developed brain tumors without extracra-nial metastasis. The mean survival time of three groups was (46.50 ± 3.27) d,(38.50 ± 3.28) d and (30.67 ± 3.51) d,respectively. The tumors showed the similar morphological fea-tures and immunophenotype to human glioma. There was positive expression of GFAP and S-100 in the tumors. Conclusions The orthotopic implantation model of human U87-MG glioma, by in-oculating quantitative U87-MG cells stereotaxically into the brains of the nude mice, is successfully established with 100 yield of intracranial tumor and no extracranial growth extension. It resembles the histopathological and morphological features of human glioma,which can be used as a reliable animal model for the study of the tumorigenesis, pathogenesis, biological charac-teristics and therapy of glioma.

Mutations in the S gene and in the overlapping reverse transcriptase region in chronic hepatitis B Chinese patients with coexistence of HBsAg and anti-HBs

Abstract Background The mechanism underlying the coexistence of hepatitis B surface antigen and antibodies to HBsAg in chronic hepatitis B patients remains unknown. Aims This research aimed to determine the clinical and virological features of the rare pattern. Methods A total of 32 chronic hepatitis B patients infected by HBV genotype C were included: 15 carrying both HBsAg and anti-HBs (group I) and 17 solely positive for HBsAg (group II). S gene and reverse transcriptase region sequences were amplified, sequenced and compared with the reference sequences. Results The amino acid variability within major hydrophilic region, especially the “a” determinant region, and within reverse transcriptase for regions overlapping the major hydrophilic region in group I is significantly higher than those in group II. Mutation sI126S/T within the “a” determinant was the most frequent change, and only patients from group I had the sQ129R, sG130N, sF134I, sG145R amino acid changes, which are known to alter immunogenicity. Conclusions In chronic patients, the concurrent HBsAg/anti-HBs serological profile is associated with an increased aa variability in several key areas of HBV genome. Additional research on these genetic mutants are needed to clarify their biological significance for viral persistence.

Mutations in the S gene and in the overlapping reverse transcriptase region in chronic hepatitis B Chinese patients with coexistence of HBsAg and anti-HBs.

BACKGROUND: The mechanism underlying the coexistence of hepatitis B surface antigen and antibodies to HBsAg in chronic hepatitis B patients remains unknown. AIMS: This research aimed to determine the clinical and virological features of the rare pattern. METHODS: A total of 32 chronic hepatitis B patients infected by HBV genotype C were included: 15 carrying both HBsAg and anti-HBs (group I) and 17 solely positive for HBsAg (group II). S gene and reverse transcriptase region sequences were amplified, sequenced and compared with the reference sequences. RESULTS: The amino acid variability within major hydrophilic region, especially the "a" determinant region, and within reverse transcriptase for regions overlapping the major hydrophilic region in group I is significantly higher than those in group II. Mutation sI126S/T within the "a" determinant was the most frequent change, and only patients from group I had the sQ129R, sG130N, sF134I, sG145R amino acid changes, which are known to alter immunogenicity. CONCLUSIONS: In chronic patients, the concurrent HBsAg/anti-HBs serological profile is associated with an increased aa variability in several key areas of HBV genome. Additional research on these genetic mutants are needed to clarify their biological significance for viral persistence.

Comparison of Free-Breathing With Navigator-Triggered Technique in Diffusion Weighted Imaging for Evaluation of Small Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Effect on Image Quality and Intravoxel Incoherent Motion Parameters.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect on image quality and intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) parameters of small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) from choice of either free-breathing (FB) or navigator-triggered (NT) diffusion-weighted (DW) imaging. METHODS: Thirty patients with 37 small HCCs underwent IVIM DW imaging using 12 b values (0-800 s/mm) with 2 sequences: NT, FB. A biexponential analysis with the Bayesian method yielded true diffusion coefficient (D), pseudodiffusion coefficient (D*), and perfusion fraction (f) in small HCCs and liver parenchyma. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) was also calculated. The acquisition time and image quality scores were assessed for 2 sequences. Independent sample t test was used to compare image quality, signal intensity ratio, IVIM parameters, and ADC values between the 2 sequences; reproducibility of IVIM parameters, and ADC values between 2 sequences was assessed with the Bland-Altman method (BA-LA). RESULTS: Image quality with NT sequence was superior to that with FB acquisition (P = 0.02). The mean acquisition time for FB scheme was shorter than that of NT sequence (6 minutes 14 seconds vs 10 minutes 21 seconds ± 10 seconds P < 0.01). The signal intensity ratio of small HCCs did not vary significantly between the 2 sequences. The ADC and IVIM parameters from the 2 sequences show no significant difference. Reproducibility of D*and f parameters in small HCC was poor (BA-LA: 95% confidence interval, -180.8% to 189.2% for D* and -133.8% to 174.9% for f). A moderate reproducibility of D and ADC parameters was observed (BA-LA: 95% confidence interval, -83.5% to 76.8% for D and -74.4% to 88.2% for ADC) between the 2 sequences. CONCLUSIONS: The NT DW imaging technique offers no advantage in IVIM parameters measurements of small HCC except better image quality, whereas FB technique offers greater confidence in fitted diffusion parameters for matched acquisition periods.

Two new illudin type sesquiterpenoids from cultures of Phellinus tuberculosus and Laetiporus sulphureus.

Chemical investigation on the cultures of Phellinus tuberculosus and Laetiporus sulphureus lead to the isolation of two new illudin-type sesquiterpenoids (phellinuin J and sulphureuine A). Their structures were elucidated by 1D, 2D NMR and MS spectroscopic data. These compounds were purposely evaluated for their cytotoxicity against HL-60, SMMC-7721, A549, MCF-7, and SW480 cell lines.

Seven new drimane-type sesquiterpenoids from cultures of fungus Laetiporus sulphureus.

Seven new drimane-type sesquiterpenoids, sulphureuines B-H (1-7), together with four known compounds (8-11), were obtained from cultures of mushroom Laetiporus sulphureus. All of these compounds were tested for their cytotoxicities against five human cancer cell lines (HL-60, SMMC-721, A-549, MCF-7, SW-480), compound 10 showed potent cytotoxic activity against HL-60, SMMC-721, A-549, SW-480, with IC50 values of 37.5, 14.8, 15.6, and 36.1µM, respectively.

[Chemical Constituents of Cynanchum auriculatum].

OBJECTIVE: To study the chemical constituents of Cynanchum auriculatum. METHODS: Nine compounds were isolated by silica gel, RP-18 column chromatography and Sephadex LH20. RESULTS: Nine compounds were isolated from the ethanol extract of Cynanchum auriculatum. Their structures were determined as sarcosin-3-O-ß-cymaropyranoside (1), cynotophylloside B (2), clemaphenol A (3), deacetylmetaplexigenin (4), methyl-2,6-dideoxy-3-O-methyl-ß-D-arabino-hexopyranosyl- (1 --> 4) -6-deoxy-3-O-methyl-α-L-ribo-hexopyranoside (5), trans-p-hydroxy cinnamic methyl ester (6), cyclo(D-Pro-D-Leu) (7), 3α-hydroxy-5α ,6α-epoxy-7-megastigmen9-one (8) and ferulic acid methyl ester (9) on the basis of spectral analysis. CONCLUSION: Compounds 3, 5 and 6 - 9 are isolated from Cynanchum auriculatum for the first time.

[Variations of pulmonary venous drainage and venous ostium index detection in atrial fibrillation patients prior to radiofrequency catheter ablation by MDCT pulmonary venography].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate variations of pulmonary venous drainage and venous ostium index (VOI) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) prior to radio-frequency catheter ablation (RFCA) by MDCT pulmonary venography. METHODS: 16-detector row CT pulmonary venography was performed in 64 AF patients referred to RFCA from June, 2005 to May, 2006. Variations in pulmonary venous drainage were observed in volume render imagines. Anterior-posterior and superior-inferior diameters of pulmonary venous ostium were measured on maximum intensity projection images. VOI derived from left superior, left inferior, right superior, right inferior pulmonary veins and variations in pulmonary venous drainage were calculated. RESULTS: Classic pulmonary veins anatomy was found in 11 patients (17.18%), early branching veins in 45 patients (70.31%), left common ostium in 5 patients (7.81%), right common ostia in 1 patient, right accessory (middle) pulmonary vein in 5 patients (7.81%) and left accessory (middle) pulmonary vein in 1 patient (1.56%). VOI of homolateral pulmonary veins and bilateral superior pulmonary veins were similar (P > 0.05) while there was a significant difference on VOIs derived from left superior and right inferior; two inferior, left inferior versus right superior veins (P < 0.05). Right inferior pulmonary venous ostium was most rounded and had the highest index (0.88) and left inferior pulmonary venous ostium was most oval and had the lowest index (0.72). CONCLUSION: Multidetector row CT pulmonary venography (MDCT-PV) could provide valuable informations on pulmonary venous anatomy in AF patients referred to RFCA and should be used as a routine examination prior to the operation.

[Value of multidetector computed tomography in differentiating ovarian tumors from non-ovarian masses].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the ability of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in differentiating ovarian tumors from non-ovarian masses. METHODS: Forty-two cases with pelvic masses were examined with 16-row MDCT. All source image of each case was put into workstation for multi-planar reconstruction (MPR) and curved planar reconstruction(CPR). Axial image combined with 2D image was used for determining the relationship of the mass to ovarian vascular pedicle and identifying the normal ovary, which was compared with postoperative pathologic result and the finding during operation. All the data was compared using Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: There were 28 ovarian tumors and 14 non-ovarian tumors in this series. If the ovarian vascular pedicle sign was used for determining whether the tumor was from the ovary or not, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy was 89.3%, 85.7%, 92.6%, 80.0% and 88.1%, respectively, with a significant difference in differentiating the tumor from the ovary or non-ovarian organs (P <0.05). If the identification of full normal ovary was used to determine non-ovarian origin of the tumor, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy was 50.0%, 100.0%, 100.0%, 80.0% and 83.3%, respectively, also with a significant difference in differentiating the tumors from the ovary or non-ovarian organs (P <0.05). CONCLUSION: MDCT can clearly show the relationship of the tumor to the normal ovary and its vascular pedicle, which is very helpful in differentiating the ovarian tumors from a non-ovarian masses.

[Influence of raising oxygen content on function of platelet concentrate during preservation].

To explore the influence of raising oxygen (dissolved oxygen) content on function of platelet concentrate, the platelet concentrate was prepared by a CS-3000 plus blood cell separator. Experiments were divided into 2 groups: test group and control group. After raising oxygen content in platelet plasma under sterile operation, the platelet samples of two groups were preserved in oscillator with horizontal oscillation at 22 +/- 2 degrees C. The platelet count, platelet aggregation rate, lactic acid content and CD62p expression level of platelet were detected on 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 days of platelet preservation. The results showed that the platelet count and platelet aggregation rate decreased with prolongation of preserved time, while the lactic acid content and CD62p expression level of platelet increased gradually. Compared with control group, there were significant differences in aggregation rate of platelet preserved for 2-3 days, and in CD62p expression level of platelet preserved for 1-3 days, while significant difference was found in lactic acid content of platelet preserved for 1-3 days. It is concluded that raising content of oxygen in platelet plasma can provide more oxygen to compensate oxygen supply deficiency for platelet metabolism and improve the efficiency of platelet oxygenic metabolism and the quality of platelet during preservation.

Vitamin D receptor gene Tru9I polymorphism and risk for incidental sporadic colorectal adenomas.

AIM: Recent laboratory and epidemiological studies suggest that vitamin D is a potential agent for colorectal cancer prevention. Its function is partially mediated by the vitamin D receptor (VDR). The aim of this study was to investigate whether a novel G (allele "U") >A (allele "u") polymorphism (Tru9I) in the VDR intron 8 region is associated with risk for colorectal adenoma in a colonoscopy-based case-control study. METHODS: Genotyping for a total of 391 subjects was carried out through PCR and restriction fragment length polymorphism. RESULTS: The frequencies of "U" and "u" alleles were 89.3% and 10.7%, respectively. The "Uu" and "uu" genotypes were associated with decreased risk for adenoma (OR, 0.71; 95%CI, 0.40-1.25). The inverse association was more pronounced for multiple adenomas and adenomas that were larger had moderate or greater dysplasia, or were sessile: the odds ratios (ORs) were, 0.51 (95%CI, 0.21-1.24), 0.37 (95%CI, 0.11-1.28), 0.68 (95%CI, 0.33-1.41), and 0.36 (95%CI, 0.13-0.97) respectively. In joint/combined analyses, inverse associations were more obvious among those who had at least one "u" allele and also were younger (OR, 0.60; 95%CI, 0.26-1.37), women (OR, 0.38; 95%CI, 0.17-0.88), did not smoke (OR, 0.39; 95%CI, 0.13-1.23), or took NSAID (OR, 0.38; 95%CI, 0.12-1.25), but no evidence existed for interactions with calcium or vitamin D intake. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that the VDR Tru9I polymorphism may be associated with lower risk for colorectal adenoma, particularly in interaction with various risk factors, but not with calcium or vitamin D.

Novel genetic variations of the p53R2 gene in patients with colorectal adenoma and controls.

AIM: p53-inducible ribonucleotide reductase small subunit 2 (p53R2) encodes a 351-amino-acid peptide, which catalyzes conversion of ribonucleoside diphosphates to the corresponding deoxyribonucleotides required for DNA replication and repair. A recent study reported that a point mutation (G/T) in the p53 binding sequence in a colon cancer cell line completely impaired p53R2 protein activity. METHODS: We screened the p53R2 gene coding regions and a regulatory region which contains a p53 binding sequence in 100 patients with colorectal adenoma and 100 control subjects using PCR, cold SSCP, and direct DNA sequencing. RESULTS: Although we did not identify genetic variation in all nine exons, four regulatory-region variants were found, of which three were single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (nt 1 789 C/G, nt 1 928 A/G, 1 933 T/C), and one was 20 bp insertion which replaced a ATTTT between nt 1831 and 1835. Additionally, we determined the frequency of these p53R2 variants in a recently concluded case-control study of incident sporadic colorectal adenomas (163 cases and 210 controls). CONCLUSION: Although more detailed functional characterizations of these polymorphisms remain to be undertaken, these polymorphic sites may be useful for identifying alleles associated with mis-splicing, additional transcript factors and, more generally, in cancer-susceptibility association studies.