Association of IL-8 -251T>A and IL-18 -607C>A polymorphisms with susceptibility to breast cancer - a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have evaluated the association of IL-8 -251T>A and IL-18 -607C>A polymorphisms with a risk of breast cancer in different populations, but the results remain inconsistent and inconclusive. Thus, we performed this meta-analysis to explore the associations. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, SciELO, SID, and CNKI for all eligible studies published up to October 1, 2020. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to evaluate the intensity of associations. RESULTS: A total of 12 case-control studies including seven studies with 2,370 cases and 2,314 controls on IL-8 -251T>A, and five studies with 900 cases and 882 con-trols on IL-18 -607C>A polymorphism were selected. Pooled data showed that IL-8 -251T>A (AT vs. TT: OR= 1.187; 95% CI 1.038-1.356; P = 0.012) and IL-18 -607C>A polymorphisms (A vs. T: OR = 1.205; 95% CI 1.055-1.377; P = 0.006; AA vs. TT: OR = 1.379; 95% CI 1.056-1.802; P = 018; and AA vs. AT+TT: OR = 1.329; 95% CI 1.053-1.678; P = 0.017) were associated with increased risk of breast cancer in overall. Moreover, when the studies were stratified by ethnicity, the IL-8 -251T>A was significantly associated with breast cancer risk in Africans. Publication bias tests provide no evidence of presence of publication bias in a meta-analysis. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis results revealed that the IL-8 -251T>A and IL-18 -607C>A polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to breast cancer. However, further multicenter studies with larger sample sizes in different ethnicities are required to make a better assessment of these associations.

Association of IL-10-1082G>A, -819C>T and -592C>A Polymorphisms with susceptibility to asthma in children: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

SUMMARY: Studies evaluating the association of Interleukin 10 (IL-10) polymorphisms with risk of pediatric asthma found inconsistent data. Here, we performed a meta-analysis to get a precise estimation of the associations. Relevant studies identified in the PubMed, Scopus, CNKI databases were used to perform a meta-analysis. A total of 23 case-control studies including nine studies with 1298 cases and 1079 controls on IL-10-1082G>A, four studies with 622 cases and 603 controls on -819C>T and ten studies with 1480 case and 1462 controls on -592C>A were selected. Overall, there was no significant association between IL-10 polymorphisms with pediatric asthma risk in global population. When stratified by ethnicity, there was a significant association of IL-10-1082G>A with pediatric asthma in Asians and Chinese. This meta-analysis result revealed that IL-10-1082G>A, -819C>T and -592C>A polymorphisms were not associated with pediatric asthma risk in the global population.

Association of polymorphisms in nucleotide excision repair pathway genes with susceptibility to cutaneous melanoma.

BACKGROUND: The effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathway on susceptibility to cutaneous melanoma (CM) are of great interest. To date, several epidemiological studies have evaluated whether the XPC, XPD, XPG and XPF polymorphisms are associated with CM. However, those studies results are controversial or inconclusive. Therefore, we conducted a study to evaluate the association of seven frequently investigated NER pathway polymorphisms with CM risk. METHODS: A total of 150 patients dia-gnosed with CM and 150 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Seven SNPs in the NER pathway including XPC (Lys939Gln and Ala499Val), XPD (Lys157Gln, Asp272Asn, and Arg751Arg), XPG (Asp1104His) and XPF (Arg415Gln) were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism assay. RESULTS: There was no a significant association between XPC Lys939Gln, Ala499Val; XPD Asp272Asn, Arg751Arg, Arg751Arg; XPF Arg415Gln; and XPG Asp1104His polymorphisms and an increased risk of CM. CONCLUSIONS: This study results revealed that the XPC, XPD, XPG and XPF polymorphisms were not risk factor for susceptibility to CM. However, more well-designed with larger sample size studies in different populations are necessary to further evaluate and validate our results. Future studies which take into account gene-gene and gene-environment interactions are warranted for more precise evidence and further elucidation of the underlying mechanism of CM.

Association of interleukine-18 polymorphisms with susceptibility to prostate cancer in Iranian population.

Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a multifunctional cytokine that augments interferon-γ production, promotion of the Th1 immune response and acts as an important immunomediator in the development of some cancers. The current study aimed to analyze the association of the five most common polymorphisms in the IL-18 gene with prostate cancer in the Iranian population. We examined a possible association of IL-18 -137G>C, -607C>A, -656G>T, +105A>C and +127C>T polymorphisms with prostate cancer occurrence by PCR-RFLP assay. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to assess the strength of the association between IL-18 polymorphisms and prostate cancer. Statistical analysis revealed that individuals carrying the mutant homozygote genotype of IL-18 -607C>A (OR=2.251, 95% CI=1.062-4.768, p=0.034) and -137G>C (OR=2.364, 95% CI=1.121-4.984, p=0.024) polymorphisms had an increased risk of prostate cancer. However, for IL-18 -656G>T, +105A>C and +127C>T polymorphisms, there were no differential distributions of their genotypes between patients with prostate cancer and healthy subjects. Our results indicated that the IL-18 -137G>C and -607C>A polymorphisms were significantly associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer in the Iranian population. Thus, these polymorphisms might be used as a molecular biomarker in the early diagnosis of prostate cancer.

Association Between RFC1 G80A Polymorphism and Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: a Review and Meta-Analysis of 10 Studies.

BACKGROUND: Evidence indicates RFC1 G80A polymorphism as a risk factor for a number of cancers. Increasing studies have been conducted on the association of RFC1 G80A polymorphism with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) risk. However, the results were controversial. The aim of the present study was to derive a more precise estimation of the relationship. MATERIALS AND METHOD: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane database, and Google Scholar were searched to get the genetic association studies between RFC1 G80A polymorphism and ALL. All eligible studies for the period up to February 2016 were identified. Subgroup analyses regarding ethnicity were also implemented. All statistical analyses were done with CMA 2.0. RESULTS: A total of ten studies comprising of 2,168 ALL cases and 2,693 healthy controls were included in this meta-analysis. Overall, no significant association was detected for allelic model (OR = 1.029, 95 % CI 0.754- 1.405, P=0.000), Dominant model (OR = 1.619, 95 % CI 0.847-3.094, P=0.145), recessive model (OR = 1.169, 95 % CI 10.764-1.790, P=0.429), and homozygote model (OR = 1.288, 95 % CI 0.928-1.788, P=0.130). However, there was an obvious association under the heterozygote model (OR = 1.368, 95 % CI 1.056- 1.772, P=0.018). Also, in the stratified analysis by ethnicity, no significant association of this polymorphism with risk of OC was found in the Asian and Caucasian populations. However, there was not significant heterogeneity between heterozygote genetic model (P = 0.15, I(2) = 33%) in Caucasian. Therefore, we utilized the fixed-effect model to merge OR value. CONCLUSION: Based on the available evidence, no association between RFC1 G80A Polymorphism and ALL risk was observed, even in the subanalysis by ethnicity. The direction of further research should focus not only on the simple relationship of RFC1 G80A Polymorphism and ALL risk, but also on gene-gene and gene-environment interaction.

The Iran Thalassemia Prevention Program: Success or Failure?

BACKGROUND: Iran is one of the countries located on the "thalassemia belt" and a thalassemia prevention program was approved in our country in 1995. Many different researchers have studied the success of this program with no unanimous findings. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was performed using PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases in Farsi and English languages for relevant articles published up to March 2015. RESULTS: A total of 46 articles regarding thalassemia prevention were identified. After screening the titles and abstracts, 27 articles were excluded because they were the same articles, review articles, and case reports. Finally, 16 articles about the success of the Iranian thalassemia prevention program were selected for the evaluation. CONCLUSION: The findings show that the program has been significantly successful in the reduction of the new thalassemia births, though not in a few provinces like Sistan and Baluchestan. The role of the network of genetic labs has been also indispensable in the reduction of the new births. However, there is ambiguity over the impact of the program on the attitude and awareness of people across the country about the prevention of inherited diseases. However, with the success of the Iran thalassemia prevention program, it needs to be modified to be more compatible with the relevant social textures of different provinces.

The accuracy of Breastlight in detection of breast lesions.

AIM: Breastlight is a new product to improve breast health awareness of women. However, its accuracy in detection of breast lesions (BLs) is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the Breastlight accuracy in detection of BLs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From July 2011 to September 2013, a total of 500 women referred to mammography unit in Yazd, Iran for screening were recruited to the study. The sensitivity and specificity of Breast light was measured with clinical breast examination (CBE), mammography and sonography. Sonographic and mammography examinations were performed according to breast density among women in two groups of younger (n = 105) and older (n = 395) than 30 years. RESULTS: The results have shown a statistically significant positive correlation between Breastlight, CBE, sonography, and mammography in detection of BLs. Breastlight significantly detected 60.3%, 35.8%, and 59% of lesions which were detected by mammography, CBE, and sonography, respectively. Its sensitivity varied significantly with breast density. Comparing the sensitivity of Breastlight among women younger and older than 30 years indicated that the Breastlight had a higher sensitivity for women older than 30 years. The greatest and lowest portion of positive predictive value occurred with CBE (94.7%) and mammography (91.1%). As well, its greatest and lowest portion of negative predictive value occurred with CBE (65.6%) and sonography (29.7%). CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that the efficacy of Breastlight in detection of breast changes as domestic apparatus was appropriate. However, it is recommended further studies to evaluate the Breastlight efficacy and accuracy in detection of the BLs.

Nanotechnology and Pediatric Cancer: Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment.

Despite development of new approaches for the treatment of cancer disease, it is the second cause of mortality in world. Annually, 30000 persons die in Iran due to cancer diseases. Eighty percent of cancer patients are children which about 50% children lead to death. Given the high rate of cancer-related death, the new approaches for prevention, control, early diagnosis, and treatment of this disease seem necessary. Investigation of new strategies is the major challenge for scientists at recent century. Nanotechnology as a new scientific field with novel and small compounds utilized different fields over the past ten years especially in medicine. This science has come to the forefront in the areas of medical diagnostics, imaging, and therapeutic scheduls. Therefore, it has the potential applications for cancer detection and therapy. This review will discuss the therapeutic applications of different nano-materials in diagnosis, imaging, and delivery of therapeutic agents for the treatment of cancer with a major focus on their applications for the treatment of cancer and cancer- related diseases in children. The advancements in established nanoparticle technologies such as liposomes, polymer micelles, and functionalization regarding tumor targeting and controlled release strategies as well as drug delivery were discussed. It will also review the blood toxicity of used nanostructures.

Fentanyl transdermal patch (Durogesic® D-TRANS) for post abdominal laparotomy analgesia: a double blind randomized study.

AIM: The fentanyl transdermal patch (Duro-gesic® D-TRANS) is a strong pain medication for moderate to severe chronic pain that can provide long-lasting relief for persistent pain. This study was conducted to determine the analgesia and adverse effects of the fentanyl transdermal patch (Durogesic® D-TRANS) postelective laparotomy. METHODS: One-hundred twenty patients undergoing elective laparotomy were randomized into two groups of fentanyl and placebo. In the first group, patients received two fentanyl patches with 25 and 50 µg in 10 hours preoperatively. Patient's postoperative assessments included pain score, adverse effects, mean amount and interval of supplementary morphine, respiratory rate and oxygen saturation, which were recorded during 36 hours. RESULTS: The mean pain intensity scores over 36 hours in fentanyl transdermal patch durogesic (FTD) group were significantly less than placebo group (FTD, 35.28; placebo, 46.61 and P=0.01). However, the pain score at the 3rd timepoint in the placebo group was slightly less than the FTD group (39.4±2.23 vs. 39.47±4.97, respectively). The mean interval and amount of supplementary morphine were significantly better in the FTD group than the placebo group (FTD 367.7±349.7 min vs. placebo 59±13.88 min; P=0.04 and FTD 2.10±3.46 mg vs. 29.15±3.71 mg; P<0.001, respectively). The incidence of adverse effects including vomiting (FTD 16 vs. placebo 9; P=0.45), nausea (FTD 22 vs. placebo 18; P=0.33), itching (FTD 16 vs. placebo 18; P=1.00) and respiratory depression (FTD 1 vs. placebo 0; P=1.00) were not significant between the groups, except the dizziness that had a higher incidence in the FTD group (FTD 23 vs. placebo 1; P=0.02). CONCLUSION: It seems that the fentanyl transdermal patch system is a safe and effective procedure to use in post laparotomy analgesia and its related adverse effects are not serious.

Comparison of postoperative short-term complications after laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) versus Lichtenstein tension free inguinal hernia repair: a randomized trial study.

AIM: The aim of this randomized trial was to compare short-term postoperative complications of laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) and Lichtenstein tension free hernia repair. METHODS: A total of 120 patients who went inguinal hernia repair at Shahid Sadoughi university training hospital from April 2011 to August 2013 were randomized into two TAPP (N.=60) and Lichtenstein (N.=60) repair group. Follow-up occurred within 6 weeks. The postoperative assessments included pain score (VAS), hematoma/seroma, urinary retention, wound infection incidence, and duration of hospital stay. RESULTS: Pain was the most common symptoms in both groups. The TAPP group patients significantly had experienced less postoperative pain than the Lichtenstein group in all moments (P<0.05). TAPP group had lower incidence of hematoma (TAPP, 6.6% vs. Lichtenstein 13.3%; P=0.67), seroma (TAPP 10% vs. Lichtenstein 13.3%; P=1.00), and infection (TAPP 0 vs. Lichtenstein 1.6%; P=0.67). However, no differences between the 2 groups were found in terms of postoperative complications. In TAPP group mean of hospital stay significantly was less than Lichtenstein group (TAPP, 8.13±2.19 vs. Lichtenstein, 13.15±1.5 days; P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The laparoscopic TAPP repair is safer and less complicated approach to inguinal hernia repair. The two main short-term advantages of the laparoscopic TAPP repair with the tension free Lichtenstein repair were less postoperative pain and earlier return to the normal life activities. No difference was seen in overall complications.

Depression Levels among Mothers of Children with Leukemia.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to evaluate the depression levels in mothers of children with leukemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This single centred, cross-sectional study was conducted among mothers of children with leukemia at the Hematology and Oncology research center, Baghaie-Pour clinic in Yazd City during February through December, 2013. The study sample included 58 mothers with 1-12 year old children with the diagnosis or treated at the Shahid Sadoughi hospital. Socio-demographic characteristics were gathered using a socio-demographic form and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was applied to all mothers to assess symptoms of depression. All variables that could potentially impact dependent outcome measures of the BDI were analyzed. These factors were mothers' age, mothers' education, and socioeconomic status of the family, gender of child. RESULTS: The analysis revealed that mothers of children leukemia had a severe level of depression (p=0.01). 41 participants (70.6%) indicated their current depressive symptoms as being in the severe range, 12 participants (20.6%) in the moderate range, and 5 participants (8.6%) in the mild range or no depression. There was an inverse correlation between the educational level of the mothers and the heads of household, their occupational status, their marital status, their socio-economic condition and depression (p≤0.05). The depression scores of the mothers of patients were higher than those of the controls. CONCLUSION: Depression ideation is common among mothers of children with leukemia. There are strong associations with socio-economic condition and high depression levels.

A Case Report: Acute Myeloid Leukemia (FAB M7).

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML-M7) is a type of pediatric AML accounting for 3-10% of primary childhood AML and children may present with a broad variety of symptoms including low-grade fever, diarrhea, easy bruising, failure to gain weight and life-threatening conditions. We report a rare case of AML .A 26-month-old boy who presented with weakness and fatigue. He was diagnosed as a case of AMLM-7 on the basis of peripheral blood finding, bone marrow examination report and immune phenotyping.