Dietary pattern longitudinality during 8 years in children: results from the European Longitudinal Study of Pregnancy and Childhood (ELSPAC-CZ).

OBJECTIVE: Dietary pattern analysis constitutes a suitable method for identifying complex food preferences as well as a useful tool for comparing dietary behaviour across individual populations. In addition to a lack of information on Central European dietary patterns, dietary data featuring a longitudinal aspect are likewise largely unavailable for the region. Our study thus strives to address this gap by analysing children's dietary patterns, their stability and possible changes at 7, 11 and 15 years in the Czech part of the European Longitudinal Study of Pregnancy and Childhood (ELSPAC-CZ). DESIGN: We analysed dietary data based on the self-reported semi-quantitative FFQ obtained in 1998, 2002 and 2006. Dietary patterns were derived using factor analysis for each period, followed by the determination of dietary pattern stability across the individual periods. SETTING: The analysis of dietary patterns was based on longitudinal children's dietary data from the geographical region that was undergoing massive socio-economic changes at the time of birth of the study subjects. PARTICIPANTS: All participants were children. At 7 years the analysis included 3220 children, at 11 years the analysis included 2509 children and at 15 years the analysis included 1589 children. RESULTS: Two stable children's dietary patterns labelled as 'prudent' and 'junk food' were identified across all three time points (7, 11 and 15 years). CONCLUSIONS: This study identifies stable longitudinal trends in the dietary behaviour of children enrolled in the ELSPAC-CZ study.

Sibling relatedness rather than father absence predicts earlier age at menarche in ELSPAC cohort.

Many studies during the past 50 years have found an association between father absence and earlier menarche. In connection with these findings, several evolutionary theories assume that father absence is a causal factor accelerating reproductive development. However, a recent study analysing data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) found that father absence does not predict age at menarche when adjusted for sibling relatedness. In this study, we have replicated these results in the Czech section of the European Longitudinal Study of Pregnancy and Childhood (ELSPAC), which used the same questionnaires as ALSPAC to study a geographically distinct population. Our results support the conclusion that sibling relatedness rather than father absence predicts age at menarche. Furthermore, our results show that age at menarche in 1990s UK and Czech cohorts is very similar despite socioeconomic differences between the two countries.

Correction to: HSPB7 gene polymorphism associated with anthropometric parameters of obesity and fat intake in a Central European population.

We would like to submit the following correction to our recently published paper due to an error in the Table 2. The corrected table is given below.

Association of Glutathione S-Transferase Polymorphisms with Dietary Composition but Not Anthropometry in Obese as Well as Nonobese Individuals.

OBJECTIVES: Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are detoxifying enzymes for a number of substrates, including some food compounds. Selected GST polymorphisms have been proven to significantly affect enzymatic activity; however, it is unclear whether this altered metabolism influences dietary composition. The objective of this study was to locate the correlation between GST polymorphisms and selected nutritional parameters, namely, fiber and vitamin C intake. METHODS: This study was conducted on a cohort of 472 individuals (mean age 45.26 years; mean body mass index [BMI] 32.36) from the South Moravian region of the Czech Republic. Basic anthropometrical parameters were measured and no association was found for the selected polymorphisms. Polymorphisms in GSTA1, GSTM1, and GSTT1 were genotyped using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methodology. Food intake was monitored using a self-administered 7-day questionnaire that was subsequently analyzed with a special focus on vitamin C intake, fiber intake, and total energy intake. RESULTS: For GSTA1 and GSTM1 polymorphisms, an association was observed with fiber intake. Though no association was found with vitamin C intake, mean vitamin C intake was found to be higher than recommended daily values. No association was found with either daily energy intake or anthropometric parameters. CONCLUSION: Based on our results, GST polymorphisms seem to affect dietary composition; however, they have no effect on total energy intake or any association with obesity.

Differences in food intake and genetic variability in taste receptors between Czech pregnant women with and without gestational diabetes mellitus.

PURPOSE: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) represents the most frequent metabolic disorder in pregnancy. Since dietary intake plays an important role in obesity and type 2 diabetes development, it is likely to be for the susceptibility to GDM too. Food preferences, driving partly the diet composition, are changing during pregnancy. Taste and genetic variability in taste receptors is an important factor in determining food preferences. Aims of our study were (1) to characterize dietary habits of pregnant women and to find possible differences in food preferences between healthy pregnant women and those with GDM and (2) to ascertain possible association of several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in taste receptor (TR) genes with GDM. METHODS: A total of 363 pregnant women (293 with GDM and 70 with physiologic pregnancy) were included in the study. Dietary pattern spanning the period of approx. 6 months preceding the time of GDM screening was assessed using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. A total of five SNPs in TR genes were selected for genotyping based on their functionality or previous associations. RESULTS: Women with GDM exhibited significantly more frequent meat consumption (esp. poultry, pork and smoked meat), dairy products and sweet beverages consumption. The legumes consumption was found to be inversely correlated with fasting glycaemia (P = 0.007, Spearman). CC genotype in TAS2R9 gene (SNP rs3741845) was significantly associated with GDM (P = 0.0087, Chi-square test). CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed differences in dietary intake of selected food items between healthy pregnant women and those with GDM and genetic association of bitter taste receptor allele with GDM.

HSPB7 gene polymorphism associated with anthropometric parameters of obesity and fat intake in a Central European population.

OBJECTIVE: Heat shock proteins act as chaperones at the molecular level and therefore they have been investigated in numerous diseases associated with oxidative stress, including obesity. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible associations of genetic variability in the 3´-untranslated region of the HSPB7 gene (rs1048261) with anthropometric and dietary parameters in a cohort of lean and obese Central European subjects. METHODS: A total of 708 Central European Caucasian individuals were enrolled in this study, 415 obese subjects and 293 non-obese subjects. The rs1048261 genotypes were established using a conventional PCR-based methodology. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed in the total daily fat intake between subjects with AT and TT genotypes (82.6 ± 29.2 g vs. 74.1 ± 31.3 g, p = 0.023) and also borderline significance in daily proportion of fat in the diet between AA and TT genotypes (36.0 ± 4.4% vs. 33.3 ± 5.9%, p = 0.061). Based on the linear regression model we found association between rs1048261 genotype and body fat percentage. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study which reports an association of defined genetic variability in the HSPB7 gene, rs1048261, with obesity and its associated anthropometric characteristics and dietary composition.

Vulvar cancer recurrence - an analysis of prognostic factors in tumour-free pathological margins patients group.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate risk factors associated with the local recurrence of invasive squamous cell vulvar cancer in patient group with tumor-free pathological margins. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of 47 patients who underwent surgical treatment at University Hospital Brno, the Czech Republic between 2007 and 2014. 24 patients were classified as IB stage and three as II stage. A further 20 patients representing stage III showed the metastatic involvement of regional lymph nodes. Seven prognostic factors were analyzed in relation to local tumour recurrence: tumour size, margin distance, depth of invasion, lymphovascular space involvement (LVSI), midline involvement, metastatic lymph nodes and FIGO stage. RESULTS: All prognostic factors were found to be statistically significant with respect to the risk of local recurrence. The highest risk of local recurrence was observed for the depth of invasion > 5 mm (HR, 12.42 [95% CI; 3.44-44.84]) and for the presence of LVSI (HR, 10.83 [95% CI; 3.87-30.28]). The study also established a clear difference in the risk of local recurrence between patient groups with resection margin < 8 vs. ≥ 8 mm (HR, 4.91 [95% CI; 1.73-13.93; p = 0.003]. CONCLUSIONS: Tumour-free pathological margin of ≥ 8 mm is a major prognostic factor of local recurrence which can be influenced by the surgeon. A perfect knowledge of the extent of the disease prior to surgery supports adequately radical surgical trends. The emphasis is given on adequate radicality as well as on the reduction of overtreatment without worse-ning prognosis by simultaneously preserving the quality of life.

Allelic variants in vitamin D receptor gene are associated with adiposity measures in the central-European population.

BACKGROUND: There is an increasing body of evidence suggesting that vitamin D is involved in ethiopathogenesis of obesity and therefore the aim of the study was to investigate whether 5 selected SNPs in VDR (vitamin D receptor) gene are associated also with anthropometry in the obese and non-obese Central-European population. METHODS: A total of 882 Central European Caucasian individuals of Czech origin were recruited (n = 882, 232 M/650 F) and weight, height, BMI, lean body mass, fat mass, body fat, waist and hip circumference, waist-hip ratio (WHR) and skinfold thickness were measured. Univariate and multivariate models were constructed in order to investigate the relationship between anthropometry and VDR polymorphisms. RESULTS: In the univariate modeling, the CC genotype of FokI SNP was associated with reduced waist circumference (ß = -3.48; 95%CI:-7.11;0.15; p = 0.060), sum of skin fold thickness (ß = -6.53, 95% CI: -12.96;-0.11; p = 0.046) as well as total % of body fat (ß = -3.14, 95% CI: -5.18;-1.09; p = 0.003) compared to TT genotype. The AC genotype of ApaI SNP was associated with reduced waist circumference compared to AA genotype (ß = -4.37, 95% CI: -7.54;-1.20; p = 0.007). GG genotype of EcoRV SNP was associated with reduced sum of skin fold thickness compared to AA genotype (ß = -7.77, 95% CI: -14.34;-1.21; p = 0.020). In the multivariate modelling, multiple significant associations of VDR with investigated traits were observed, too. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that genetic variability in the VDR region may be an important factor influencing anthropometric characteristics associated with obesity.

Modified posterior pelvic exenteration for advanced ovarian malignancies: a single-institution study of 35 cases.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to investigate the possible benefits of a complete cytoreduction in patients with advanced ovarian cancer and concomitant rectal invasion. Furthermore, we evaluated the morbidity associated with radical surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis examined 35 women who underwent radical surgery in the form of modified posterior pelvic exenteration. Descriptive statistics, Kaplan-Meier survival curves and log-rank test were used for statistical estimations. Surgical complications were analyzed using the Clavien-Dindo classification. RESULTS: The analysis of survival in relation to residual disease assessed according to Sugarbaker confirmed an optimistic prognosis in patients with optimal debulking with a mean disease-free survival period of 33.6 months in R0 patients, 19.6 months in R1 patients, and 14.3 months in R2 patients. A statistically significant difference in disease-free survival (p = 0.023) was observed between the R0 (without residual disease) and R1+2 (with residual disease) groups. Surgical complications occurred in 83% of patients, with early postoperative complications being most frequent (65.7%). While grade III-IV complications occurred in 37.7% of all patients, no cases of surgery-associated mortality occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Modified posterior pelvic exenteration is a highly effective method for achieving optimal debulking in cases of advanced ovarian cancer with the direct invasion of the rectum. Modified posterior pelvic exenteration does not delay the beginning of complementary chemotherapy. However, it is necessary to take into account surgery-related morbidity. As modified posterior pelvic exenteration represents an extremely invasive technique, the surgical plan and perioperative care should be personalized to address the individual medical and surgical conditions of each patient.

Higher Energy Intake Variability as Predisposition to Obesity: Novel Approach Using Interquartile Range.

OBJECTIVE: It is known that total energy intake and its distribution during the day influences human anthropometric characteristics. However, possible association between variability in total energy intake and obesity has thus far remained unexamined. This study was designed to establish the influence of energy intake variability of each daily meal on the anthropometric characteristics of obesity. METHODS: A total of 521 individuals of Czech Caucasian origin aged 16­73 years (390 women and 131 men) were included in the study, 7-day food records were completed by all study subjects and selected anthropometric characteristics were measured. The interquartile range (IQR) of energy intake was assessed individually for each meal of the day (as a marker of energy intake variability) and subsequently correlated with body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (%BF), waist-hip ratio (WHR), and waist circumference (cW). RESULTS: Four distinct models were created using multiple logistic regression analysis and backward stepwise logistic regression. The most precise results, based on the area under the curve (AUC), were observed in case of the %BF model (AUC=0.895) and cW model (AUC=0.839). According to the %BF model, age (p<0.001) and IQR-lunch (p<0.05) seem to play an important prediction role for obesity. Likewise, according to the cW model, age (p<0.001), IQR-breakfast (p<0.05) and IQR-dinner (p <0.05) predispose patients to the development of obesity. The results of our study show that higher variability in the energy intake of key daily meals may increase the likelihood of obesity development. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the obtained results, it is necessary to emphasize the regularity in meals intake for maintaining proper body composition.

Pre-treatment VD levels and VDR receptors as potential predictors of occurrence and overall survival in paediatric patients with solid tumours-a single institution pilot study.

Recently, vitamin D has been recognized as an important player in the immune system, and multiple studies suggested its involvement in cancer, too. The aims of this study were to investigate selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the VDR gene, BsmI (rs1544410; A > G), FokI (rs 2228570; C > T), TaqI (rs731236; T > C), ApaI (rs 7975232; C > T) and Cdx-2 (rs11568820; A > G), and to evaluate their possible predictive role for outcomes in patients with paediatric solid tumours. A total of 111 children with paediatric solid tumours were enrolled at the Department of Paediatric Oncology, University Hospital Brno (Brno, Czech Republic) along with a control population of 787 adults; all study subjects were available for genotyping of selected SNPs, and the prediagnostic levels of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25(OH)D3) and 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25(OH)2D3) were measured in the cases, too. In FokI, the heterozygote CT genotype was weakly associated with a decreased risk of paediatric solid cancer occurrence 0.82 (0.53-1.28), while the CC genotype was associated with a decreased risk of 0.58 (0.30-1.09), p = 0.09. The 1,25(OH)2D3 prediagnostic levels were indicative of the overall survival in the cases (ß = -0.012, HR 0.988, 95 % CI (0.978-0.998), while higher prediagnostic levels of 1,25(OH)2D3 were associated with a statistically significant increase in overall mortality. We observed multiple effects of the alleles of the investigated polymorphisms and of 1,25(OH)2D3 on overall survival, regardless of the underlying disease.

The common polymorphism Val109Asp in the omentin gene is associated with daily energy intake in the Central-European population.

BACKGROUND: Omentin is an adipokine expressed predominantly in visceral adipose tissue, with adipose tissue stromal cells being the main source. Very little is known about the relationship between the genetic variability of the omentin gene and pathophysiology of obesity, although omentin is believed to play an important role in visceral obesity development. The aim of the study was to investigate two common polymorphisms in the omentin gene (rs2274908 and rs2274907) and dietary composition and anthropometric parameters of obesity in the Central European population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 495 subjects were included into the study, they were further dividend into the non-obese, obese, and morbidly obese cohorts. Dietary habits were established using the 7-day food records and selected anthropometric parameters were measured. RESULTS: There were significant differences in genotype distributions of rs2274907 between the obese and morbidly obese cohorts (P = 0.01). In the multivariate modelling, the rs2274907 polymorphism expressed independent prediction role for the daily energy intake, independently on the age and gender (P = 0.03); the TT genotype associated with the lowest (7877 ± 2780 J/day) and the AA genotype with the highest (8764 ± 2467 J/day) average energy intake. The rs2274907 also significantly associated with the daily consumption of fat and proteins. CONCLUSION: This is, so far, the first study to investigate the polymorphisms in the omentin gene in a large population cohort of obese and non-obese individuals. Based on our results, the rs2274907 polymorphism is associated with the daily energy intake as well as daily intake of fat and protein.

Prognostic value of human epididymis protein 4 in endometrial cancer and its utility for surgical staging.

AIM: An optimal surgical staging in the group of patients with the high-risk type of endometrial cancer is often limited by age and serious internal comorbidities. Therefore, in this study we focused on human epididymis protein 4 and its contribution to the preoperative differentiation of prognostically distinct groups of patients and to individualized surgical treatment as compared with cancer antigen (CA) 125 and imaging methods. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 115 patients with endometrioid adenocarcinoma diagnosed through endometrial biopsy. Before the final operation, blood sampling was performed for the determination of human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) and CA125 levels. Serum levels of both biomarkers were analyzed in relation to individual prognostic factors (stage of disease, depth of myometrial invasion, tumor grade, risk type of disease). RESULTS: In the case of HE4, we demonstrated a statistically significant difference (P < 0.001) between patients with low and high risk of the disease. In our model, achieving the maximum sum of sensitivity and specificity, HE4 shows a sensitivity of 72.4% and a specificity of 75.4% for the cut-off 76.5 pmol/L and is a better predictor in distinguishing the high-risk patients than CA125 (area under the curve 0.77 for HE vs 0.71 for CA125). CONCLUSION: HE4 is a marker that could complement the findings of imaging techniques and that may be useful in decision-making on how to individualize surgical staging. The possibility of its introduction as an independent marker in routine practice remains, at the moment however, limited. The optimal cut-off for HE4 has not been established yet and further studies are needed.

Physiological evidence of stress reduction during a summer Antarctic expedition with a significant influence of previous experience and vigor.

Antarctica provides a unique environment for studying human adaptability, characterized by controlled conditions, limited sensory stimulation, and significant challenges in logistics and communication. This longitudinal study investigates the relationship between stress indicators, with a specific focus on mean sleep heart rate, during a COVID-19 quarantine and subsequent 83 days long summer Antarctic expedition at the J. G. Mendel Czech Antarctic Station. Our novel approach includes daily recordings of sleep heart rate and weekly assessments of emotions, stress, and sleep quality. Associations between variables were analyzed using the generalized least squares method, providing unique insights into nuances of adaptation. The results support previous findings by providing empirical evidence on the stress reducing effect of Antarctic summer expedition and highlight the importance of previous experience and positive emotions, with the novel contribution of utilizing physiological data in addition to psychological measures. High-frequency sampling and combination of psychological and physiological data addresses a crucial gap in the research of stress. This study contributes valuable knowledge to the field of psychophysiology and has implications for expedition planners, research organizations, teams in action settings, pandemic prevention protocols, global crises, and long-duration spaceflight missions. Comprehensive insights promote the well-being and success of individuals in extreme conditions.

Socioeconomic status and adiposity in childhood cancer survivors: A cross-sectional retrospective study.

This is a retrospective cross-sectional study examining the association between unemployment, cancer type, treatment and total body fat percentage of childhood cancer survivors recruited at St. Anne's University Hospital in Brno, Czech Republic. A total of 55 survivors aged 18-49 who were in remission of cancer and fulfilled the criteria for body composition measurements by the BIA and completed questionnaires investigating their socioeconomic status, employment status, and history. There was a significant relationship between the employment status and central nervous system-directed treatment (c2(1) = 7.53, p = 0.006, Cramér's V = 0.38) and between the type of cancer and employment status (c2(3) = 7.83, p = 0.049, Cramér's V = 0.38), the highest unemployment rate was recorded for brain and spine survivors (72.7%) compared to survivors with other diagnosis (35.7%) (uLR(1) = 4.91, p = 0.027; OR = 4.80, 95% CI:1.10-20.86, p = 0.036); these survivors did not have a significantly different body fat percentage compared to survivors with other diagnoses (t(53) = 1.29, p = 0.202, Cohen's d = 0.41) Interestingly, the survivors reporting having a partner also had a significantly higher percentage of body fat (t(53) = 2.90, p = 0.005, Cohen's d = 0.81). A linear regression model was used to model the percentage of body fat in relation to a set of selected variables and the we observed a significant effect of sex (female vs male: b = 6.37, 95% CI: 1.82-10.93, p = 0.007), partnership status (yes vs no: b = 5.65, 95% CI: 0.67-10.62, p = 0.027) and category of diagnosis (Brain and spinal column tumors vs Other solid tumors: b = 12.40, 95% CI: 0.59-24.21, p = 0.040; Brain and spinal column tumors vs Lymphoma: b = 14.02, 95% CI: 2.06-25.97, p = 0.023). Employment status and risk of adiposity in childhood cancer survivors depends on the type of treatment and diagnosis group, which may significantly impact their lifestyle and overall quality of life after treatment. Trial registration: This study was registered on July 29, 2022, at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05481229).

Oxidative stress, microparticles, and E-selectin do not depend on HIV suppression.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress and inflammation are considered predictors of diseases associated with aging. Markers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and endothelial activation were investigated in people with HIV on antiretroviral treatment to determine whether they had an immunosenescent phenotype that might predispose to the development of premature age-related diseases. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study was conducted on 213 subjects with HIV. The control groups consisted of healthy HIV-negative adults. The level of oxidative stress was measured by assessing the production of malondialdehyde levels, which were detected by thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) assay. The level of microparticles indicated the presence of inflammation and endothelial activation was measured by E-selectin levels. Significant differences were determined by appropriate statistical tests, depending on the distribution of variables. Relationships between continuous variables were quantified using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. RESULTS: TBARS, and microparticle and E-selectin levels were significantly higher in untreated and treated subjects with HIV compared with HIV-negative controls (P<0.001). The levels of the investigated markers were not significantly different between untreated and treated patients and no significant correlation of these markers was found with CD4+ count, CD4+/CD8+ ratio, and the number of HIV-1 RNA copies. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated markers of oxidative stress, inflammatory and endothelial activation were independent of the virologic and immunologic status of people with HIV. These results support the hypothesis that residual viremia in cellular reservoirs of various tissues is a key factor related to the premature aging of the immune system and predisposition to the premature development of diseases associated with aging.

Biological factors and self-perception of stress in relation to freeze-like response in humans.

Many animals react to threatening stimuli such as a predator attacks by freezing. However, little experimental research investigated freeze response in humans. Here, we have employed practices commonly used in self-defense training to create two unique scenarios simulating armed physical threat. Sixty healthy men volunteers divided into three groups of twenty (untrained, trained but unexperienced, trained and experienced) underwent these scenarios accompanied by measurement of biochemical, physiological, and psychological markers of stress. Our results show that untrained individuals exhibit stronger freezing reactions, while highly skilled participants display the lowest propensity for freezing, especially in high-intensity scenarios. Moreover, the study shows variations in anxiety levels and selected biomarkers, with cortisol and osteocalcin showing different patterns in low and high-intensity scenarios, and suggests a complex interplay between these factors, electrodermal activity, and stress perception.

Variability in CNR1 locus influences protein intake and smoking status in the Central-European population.

OBJECTIVES: The endocannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) is encoded by the CNR1 gene and has been recently recognized to play an important role in the regulation of satiety and feeding behaviour with a huge potential of modulating metabolic response and feeding control. The aim of the study was to investigate the potential of three selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the CNR1 locus on native dietary composition in the Central-European Caucasian population. METHODS: A total of 258 unrelated individuals originating from the Central-European Caucasian population were enrolled into the study and rs1049353, rs12720071, and rs806368 polymorphisms in CNR1 locus were examined in these individuals using PCR-based methodology. Body composition was assessed using a bioimpedance method, various anthropometric parameters were investigated (waist and hip circumference, skin folds), and native dietary composition was analysed using 7-day food records as well as a food frequency questionnaire. RESULTS: Allelic variations and common haplotypes in the CNR1 gene were associated with the daily intake of proteins, fluids, and fibre, regardless of the physical activity of the individuals. The common haplotype in the CNR1 gene was associated with self-reported smoking (number of cigarettes per day, smoking years). DISCUSSION: Our results indicate that specific genetic variations in the CNR1 gene may act as susceptibility markers for specific dietary composition in the Central-European population.

Some New Aspects of Genetic Variability in Patients with Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma.

AIM: Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a group of T-cell malignancies that develop in the skin. Though studied intensively, the etiology and pathogenesis of CTCL remain elusive. This study evaluated the survival of CTCL patients in the 1st Department of Dermatovenereology of St. Anne's University Hospital Brno. It included analysis of 19 polymorphic gene variants based on their expected involvement in CTCL severity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 75 patients with CTCL, evaluated and treated at the 1st Department of Dermatovenereology of St. Anne´s University Hospital Brno, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, were recruited for the study over the last 28 years (44 men and 31 women, average age 58 years, range 20-82 years). All patients were genotyped for 19 chosen gene polymorphisms by the conventional PCR method with restriction analysis. A multivariate Cox regression model was calculated to reveal genetic polymorphisms and other risk factors for survival. RESULTS: The model identified MDR Ex21 2677 (rs2032582) as a significant genetic factor influencing the survival of the patients, with the T-allele playing a protective role. A multivariate stepwise Cox regression model confirmed the following as significant independent risk factors for overall survival: increased age at admission, clinical staging of the tumor, and male sex. CONCLUSION: We showed that the TT genotype at position 2677 of the MDR1 gene exhibited statistically significant longer survival in CTCL patients. As such, the TT genotype of MDR1 confers a significant advantage for the CTCL patients who respond to treatment.

Polymorphism rs7079 in miR-31/-584 Binding Site in Angiotensinogen Gene Associates with Earlier Onset of Coronary Artery Disease in Central European Population.

Angiotensinogen (AGT) represents a key component of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). Polymorphisms in the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of the AGT gene may alter miRNA binding and cause disbalance in the RAAS. Within this study, we evaluated the possible association of AGT +11525C/A (rs7079) with the clinical characteristics of patients with coronary artery diseases (CAD). Selective coronarography was performed in 652 consecutive CAD patients. Clinical characteristics of the patients, together with peripheral blood samples for DNA isolation, were collected. The genotyping of rs7079 polymorphism was performed with TaqMan® SNP Genotyping Assays. We observed that patients with the CC genotype were referred for coronarography at a younger age compared to those with the AA+CA genotypes (CC vs. AA+CA: 59.1 ± 9.64 vs. 60.91 ± 9.5 (years), p = 0.045). Moreover, according to the logistic regression model, patients with the CC genotype presented more often with restenosis than those with the CA genotype (p = 0.0081). In conclusion, CC homozygotes for rs7079 present with CAD symptoms at a younger age compared with those with the AA+CA genotype, and they are more prone to present with restenosis compared with heterozygotes.