Clock 3111 T/C and Period3 VNTR gene polymorphisms and proteins, and melatonin levels in women with infertility.

PURPOSE: One of the causes of infertility is circadian rhythm disorders. This study aimed to investigate Clock 3111 T/C and Period3 VNTR (variable number tandem repeat) gene polymorphisms and these gene proteins, some biochemical parameters, and circadian rhythm hormones in infertile women. METHODS: Thirty-five infertile women and thirty-one healthy fertile women were included. Blood samples were taken in the mid-luteal phase. DNAs obtained from peripheral blood were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism methods. Follicle-stimulating hormone, LH (luteinizing hormone), estradiol, prolactin, free triiodothyronine, fT4 (free thyroxine), thyroid-stimulating hormone, testosterone, cortisol, progesterone, prolactin, ferritin, vitamin B12, and folate levels in serum samples were determined by the electrochemiluminescence immunoassay method. Melatonin, Clock, and Period3 protein levels were determined with ELISA kits. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the frequency of Period3 DD (Per34/4) genotype between the groups. The Clock protein level of the infertile group was higher than the fertile group. Clock protein levels of the fertile group were positively correlated with estradiol levels and negatively correlated with LH, prolactin, and fT4 levels. PER3 protein levels of the infertile group were negatively correlated with LH levels. Melatonin levels of the fertile group were positively correlated with progesterone levels and negatively correlated with cortisol levels. Melatonin levels of the infertile group were positively correlated with LH levels and negatively correlated with cortisol levels. CONCLUSION: Per34/4 genotype may be an independent risk factor in infertile women. Different correlation results found in fertile and infertile women can form the basis for future studies.

Effect of a functional variant of tumor necrosis factor-ß gene in temporomandibular disorders: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are a group of conditions that cause chronic orofacial pain. The tumor necrosis factor ß (TNF-ß) is a proinflammatory cytokine that is involved in the various aspects of the inflammatory process including organization and maintenance, and in the arrangement of cells at the inflammation site. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation between TNF-ß +252A/G (rs909253) variant and susceptibility to TMD in a Turkish cohort. METHODS: The study included 104 patients (26 males, 78 females) with TMD and 126 healthy controls (44 males, 82 females). The TNF-ß +252A/G variant analysis was based on Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). RESULTS: There was no deviation from HWA for TNF-ß +252A/G variant in patient and control groups. There was significant difference in genotype and allele frequencies between patient group and control group in terms of TNF-ß +252A/G variant, respectively (P = 0.010, 0.015). A significant increase in the TNF-ß +252 AG genotype and G allele frequencies were observed in TMD patients compared to healthy controls. The individuals with GG genotype and G allele had an increased risk of developing TMD. A statistically significant association was observed when the patients were compared with the controls according to AA genotype vs AG+GG genotypes (P = 0.002, OR: 2.23, 95% CI:1.31-3.82). TNF-ß +252A/G genotype distribution was associated with chewing problems (P = 0.046). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, our results provided evidence that TNF-ß +252A/G variant may contribute to TMD development in a Turkish cohort. Further studies are needed to confirm this observation.

The investigation of association between IL-1Ra and ACE I/D polymorphisms in carpal tunnel syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common neurologic impairment caused by injury on the median nerve in the wrist, characterized by pain and loss of sensory. CTS usually occurs through three factors, such as a mechanical pressure on median nerve, immunologic changes, and oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) I/D polymorphisms on the susceptibility of patients to the CTS. METHODS: One hundred fifty-eight patients with CTS and 151 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Each patient was analyzed according to diseases symptoms, such as gender, a positive Tinel's sign, a positive Phalen maneuver, disease sides, EMG findings, and clinical stage. We applied the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to determine the polymorphisms of IL-1Ra and ACE I/D. RESULTS: The statistically significant relation was not found between IL-1Ra, ACE I/D polymorphisms and CTS (respectively, P>.05; P>.05, OR: 1.51, CI: 0.82-1.61). Additionally, in the result of the statistical analysis compared with gene polymorphisms and clinical characteristics, we did not find any correlation (P>.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings showed that there are no associations of IL-1Ra and ACE I/D polymorphisms with susceptibility of a person for the development of CTS. So, it means that these polymorphisms do not create a risk for the development of CTS. Further studies with larger populations will be required to confirm these findings in different study populations.

MTHFR gene C677T and A1298C variants are associated with FMF risk in a Turkish cohort.

BACKGROUND: Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is a crucial enzyme in homocysteine (Hcy) metabolism. We aimed to evaluate a possible relationship between MTHFR gene C677T (rs 1801133), A1298C (rs 1801131) variants and susceptibility to FMF in a Turkish cohort. MATERIAL-METHODS: This case-control study included 198 Turkish FMF patients and 100 healthy subjects as controls. MTHFR C677T and A1298C were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) methods. RESULTS: The genotype distribution and allele frequency of the MTHFR C677T were statistically different between the patients and the control group (P=.006, P=.001, respectively). The frequency of the TT genotype and T allele of MTHFR C677T was significantly higher in the patients than in the controls. The genotype distribution of MTHFR A1298C variant did not show any statistically significant difference between the patients and the controls (P>.05). The patients had statistically different frequencies in allele C of MTHFR A1298C variant compared with the control (P=.032). We also examined the risk associated with inheriting the combined genotypes for the two MTHFR variants. According to these results, individuals who were CC homozygous at C677T locus and AA homozygous at A1298C locus have a lower risk of developing FMF (P=.002). Individuals who were TT homozygous at C677T locus and AC heterozygous at A1298C locus have higher risk of developing FMF (P=.033). CONCLUSION: Our findings clearly showed there was an association the MTHFR C677T/A1298C variants and susceptibility to FMF in the Turkish sample.

The IL-1Ra gene variable number tandem repeat variant is associated with susceptibility to temporomandibular disorders in Turkish population.

BACKGROUND: Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) are a group of disorders involving temporomandibular joint and related structures. Interleukine-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) is an important anti-inflammatory molecule that competes with other interleukin-1 molecules. This study was designed to investigate the possible association of the IL-1Ra VNTR variant with the risk of TMD in the Turkish population. METHODS: Peripheral blood samples were collected from 100 patients with TMD (23 males, 77 females) and 110 healthy individuals (35 males, 75 females). Genotyping of IL-1Ra 86 bp VNTR variant was evaluated by gel electrophoresis after polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: Our results show that there is a statistically significant difference between TMD patients and control group with respect to IL-1Ra genotype distribution and allele frequencies. 1.2, 1.4, and 4.4 genotypes were more common in patients, while 2.2 and 3.3 genotypes were rarer (P<.000). Frequency of alleles 1 and 4 was higher in patient groups (P<.000), whereas alleles 2 and 3 had a lower frequency in patients with TMD (P<.000). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first correlation study that evaluates the association between IL-1Ra gene VNTR variant and TMD. The VNTR variant related to IL-1Ra gene showed a strong pattern of association with TMD that may have a potential impact on disease counseling and management. Larger studies with various ethnicities are needed to establish the impact of IL-1Ra VNTR variant on risk of developing TMD.

The evaluation of two genetic polymorphisms of paraoxonase 1 in patients with pulmonary embolism.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Pulmonary embolism (PE) is caused by some genetic factors for more than half patients. Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) has significant anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. According to our knowledge, there is no study researching the relation between PON 1 gene polymorphisms and PE in the literature. Therefore, it is aimed to research possible impacts of PON 1 Q192R and L55M polymorphisms on PE, considering anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects of PON 1 in Turkish population. METHODS: One hundred and five PE patients and one hundred and seventeen controls were enrolled in this study. Genomic DNA was isolated and genotyped using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analyses for the PON1 gene Q192R and L55M polymorphisms. RESULTS: Any associations were not found between clinical and demographical characteristics of PE patients and the PON1 gene Q192R polymorphism; however, there were associations between surgery, chronic renal failure, and cerebrovascular disease on the history of patients and L55M polymorphism (P = .013, P = .037, and P = .031, respectively). Genotype and allele frequencies did not show any significant differences between patients and controls according to PON1 gene Q192R and L55M polymorphisms (P > .05). CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that there is no correlation between PE and PON 1 gene Q192R and L55M polymorphisms in the Turkish population from the Central Black Sea region. Besides, whole genotypes and alleles of Q192R and L55M are not risk factors for patients with PE in this population.

Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor -173GC Variant Might Increase the Risk of Behçet's Disease.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to investigate any possible association between the macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) -173GC variant and Behçet's disease (BD) in a group of Turkish patients. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 111 patients with BD and 100 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral lymphocytes. The MIF -173GC variant was genotyped using polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism. The allele and genotype frequencies of patients and controls were compared using the χ2 test. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference in the distribution of the genotype was observed between BD patients and healthy controls. The homo-genotype CC was more prevalent in the patient group compared to the control group (p = 0.008, OR: 0.24, 95% Cl: 0.05-0.78). A significant association was observed when the patients were compared with the controls according to GG + GC versus CC ge-notypes (p = 0.003, OR: 1.21, 95% CI: 0.06-0.063). Allele frequencies of the MIF -173GC variant did not show any statistically significant difference between patients and controls. CONCLUSION: In this study, we conclude that the CC ge-notype of the MIF -173GC variant may be a risk factor in the pathogenesis of BD in the Turkish population. However, further studies with larger samples are needed to address the exact role of this variant in BD.

The Evaluation of IL6 and ESR1 Gene Polymorphisms in Primary Dysmenorrhea.

Primary dysmenorrhea is the most common gynecological complaint with painful menstrual cramps in pelvis without any pathology. It affects about half of menstruating women, and it causes significant disruption in quality of life. We investigated the association between IL6 gene promoter and ESR1 gene XbaI and PvuII polymorphisms and primary dysmenorrhea. In this case-control study, 152 unrelated young women with primary dysmenorrhea and 150 unrelated healthy age-matched controls participated. Genomic DNA was isolated and IL6 and ESR1 gene polymorphisms were genotyped using PCR-based RFLP assay. The distribution of genotype and allele frequencies of IL6 gene promoter and ESR1 gene XbaI polymorphisms were not statistically different between patients and controls (p > 0.05). However, the genotype and allele frequencies of ESR1 gene PvuII polymorphism showed statistically significant differences between primary dysmenorrhea patients and controls (p = 0.009 and p = 0.021, respectively). Statistically significant associations were also observed between age and married status of primary dysmenorrhea patients and ESR1 gene PvuII polymorphism (p = 0.044 and p = 0.023, respectively). In combined genotype analyses, AG at ESR1 XbaI and TC at ESR1 PvuII loci encoded a p-value of 0.027. Thus, individuals who are heterozygote at both loci have a lower risk of developing primary dysmenorrhea. Our study suggests no strong association between IL6 gene promoter and ESR1 gene XbaI polymorphisms and primary dysmenorrhea in Turkish women. However, ESR1 gene PvuII polymorphism showed statistically significant differences between primary dysmenorrhea patients and controls. The potential association between ESR1 gene PvuII polymorphism and age and married status of dysmenorrhea patients deserves further consideration.

Association of Genetic Polymorphisms in TNF and MIF Gene with the Risk of Primary Dysmenorrhea.

Primary dysmenorrhea, which affects 90 % of adolescent girls and more than 50 % of menstruating women worldwide, is characterized by recurrent pain during menses in the absence of a detectable organic disease. The aim of this study is to assess the association between MIF -173 and TNF -308 genetic polymorphisms and the clinical features of primary dysmenorrhea. The study population comprised 154 unrelated female patients with clinical diagnosis of dysmenorrhea, and a total of 144 control subjects were recruited consecutively. The MIF -173G > C promoter polymorphism (rs755622) and TNF gene -308G > A (rs1800629) polymorphism were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction-based restriction fragment length polymorphism assay. Two fragments (268 and 97 bp) were seen when the G allele was present at position -173, and three fragments (206, 97, and 62 bp) were observed when the C allele was present. Two fragments (87 and 20 bp) were seen when G allele was present at position -308. There were statistically significant associations between age at menarche and history of back pain among dysmenorrhea patients and MIF gene -173G > C polymorphism (p = 0.003 and p = 0.042, respectively). The genotype and allele frequencies of -308G > A polymorphism showed statistically significant differences between dysmenorrhea patients and controls (p = 0.023 and p = 0.009, respectively). A high association was also observed when the patients were compared with the controls according to the GG genotype versus GA+AA genotypes (p = 0.009). The present study showed that the TNF-α -308 GG genotype may be a useful tool to predict the susceptibility of dysmenorrhea.

The importance of MTHFR C677T/A1298C combined polymorphisms in pulmonary embolism in Turkish population.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Pulmonary embolism (PE) is an important cardiovascular emergency with high mortality. There are still problems related to the diagnosis of PE and genetic research may play a key role on diagnosis as well as determining risk stratification. In the present study, the aim was to evaluate MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms that play a role on folate metabolism in PE patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 118 PE patients and 126 controls were enrolled in the current study. Genomic DNA was isolated and genotyped using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses for the MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms. RESULTS: There was no association between clinical and demographic characteristics of PE patients and both MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms. Allele frequencies showed a significant difference between patients and controls. T allele frequency was significantly higher in the patients' group than the control group. There was an association between PE and combined MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms. CONCLUSION: We found an association between MTHFR C677T/A1298C combined mutations and PE in the Turkish population. Future genetic studies investigating combined mutations could be very helpful to identify risk population in PE.

Associations of rs4810485 and rs1883832 polymorphisms of CD40 gene with susceptibility and clinical findings of Behçet's disease.

There are evidences that besides geographic tendency, interactions between genetic and environmental factors play an essential role in the pathogenesis of Behçet's disease (BD). In this study, we have evaluated the associations between rs4810485 and rs1883832 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)s of CD40 gene with the susceptibility and clinical findings of BD. Two hundred and eighty-five patients with BD and 225 age-matched healthy controls were enrolled in this study. The clinical findings of patients were noted. The distributions of genotypes, alleles, combined genotypes and haplotypes of these two SNPs in BD patients were compared with those in healthy controls. In further evaluation, we evaluated the patients with and without any of clinical findings with regarding to distribution of genotypes and alleles of these two SNPs. There was no significant difference concerning frequencies of genotypes, alleles, combined genotypes and haplotypes of rs4810485 and rs1883832 between patients and controls (p > 0.05 for all). Frequency of GT genotype of CD40 rs4810485 polymorphism was found to be significantly higher in patients with skin lesions (p < 0.05, OR 1.65, 95 % CI 1.02-2.64). Also, we have found significantly higher frequencies of CC genotype and C allele of CD40 rs1883832 polymorphism in patients with genital ulcers (p < 0.05 for both, OR 2.30, 95 % CI 1.07-4.94 and OR 1.78, 95 % CI 1.06-2.97, respectively). However, these significances were disappeared after Bonferroni correction. We suggest that differences in the expression levels of CD40 because of different genotypes of these two SNPs may take part in the development of skin lesions or genital ulcers in patients with BD.

The role of IL-4 gene 70 bp VNTR and ACE gene I/D variants in Familial Mediterranean fever.

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is characterized by recurrent attacks of fever and inflammation in the peritoneum, synovium, or pleura, accompanied by pain. It is an autosomal recessive disease caused by mutations in the MEFV (MEditerranean FeVer) gene. Patients with similar genotypes exhibit phenotypic diversity. As a result, the variations in different genes could be responsible for the clinical findings of this disease. In previous studies genes encoding Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) and IL-4 (Interleukin-4) were found to be associated with rheumatologic and autoimmune diseases. In the present study we hypothesized whether ACE I/D or IL-4 70 bp variable tandem repeats (VNTR) genes are associated with FMF and its clinical findings in Turkish patients. Genomic DNA obtained from 670 persons (339 patients with FMF and 331 healthy controls) was used in the study. Genotypes for an ACE gene I/D polymorphism and IL-4 gene 70 bp VNTR were determined by polymerase chain reaction with specific primers. To our knowledge, this is the first study examining ACE gene I/D polymorphism and IL-4 gene 70 bp VNTR polymorphism in FMF patients. As a result, there was a statistically significant difference between the groups with respect to genotype distribution (p<0.001). According to our results, ACE gene DD genotype was associated with an increased risk in FMF [p<0.001; OR (95%): 7.715 (4.503-13.22)]. When we examined ACE genotype frequencies according to the clinical characteristics, we found a statistically significant association between DD+ID genotype and fever (p=0.04). In addition IL-4 gene P1P1 genotype was associated with FMF (p<0.001). We propose that D allele or DD genotype of ACE gene and P1 allele or P1P1 genotype of IL-4 gene may be important molecular markers for susceptibility of FMF.

Capsaicin inhibits cell proliferation by cytochrome c release in gastric cancer cells.

Capsaicin (trans-8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide) is the principal pungent component in hot peppers. The role of capsaicin in carcinogenesis is quite controversial. Although some investigators suspect that capsaicin is a carcinogen, co-carcinogen, or tumor promoter, others have reported that it has chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic effects. The present study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity and chemosensitizing activities of capsaicin alone and on 5-flourouracil (5-FU)-treated gastric cancer cells. In this study, the gastric cancer cell line HGC-27 was used and capsaicin used as a chemosensitizer and 5-flourouracil (5-FU) was used as chemotherapeutic. Cytotoxicity and chemosensitizing activities were analyzed with MTT assay; supernatant levels of LDH and glucose were detected as biochemical markers of cell viability; cytochrome c and AIF were evaluated with western blot; and additionally, wound-healing assays were employed. Results suggested that capsaicin had significant anticancer abilities; such capsaicin were capable of causing multifold decreases in the half maximal inhibitory concentration IC50 value of 5-FU. The continuing controversy surrounding consumption or topical application of capsaicin clearly suggests that more well-controlled epidemiologic studies are needed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of capsaicin use. In summary, the present study demonstrated that capsaicin has the potential to be used for treating gastric carcinoma with 5-FU in vitro.

Clinical symptoms in fibromyalgia are associated to catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene Val158Met polymorphism.

1. Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a common chronic widespread pain syndrome mainly affecting women. The aim of this study was to explore the frequency and clinical significance of catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene Val158Met polymorphism in a large cohort of Turkish patients with FMS. 2. The study included 379 FMS patients and 290 controls. Genomic DNA was isolated and genotyped using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analyses. 3. The genotype frequencies of Val158Met polymorphism showed a small difference between FMS patients and healthy controls (p = 0.047), however, the Met/Met genotype was significantly higher in FMS patients than healthy controls (p = 0.016). No difference was observed for allele frequencies between two groups. Stratification analysis according to clinical features for this disease reveals that weight, FMS Impact Questionnaire score, algometry and Raynaud's syndrome, were detected to have statistically significant associations with Val158Met polymorphism (p = 0.037, p = 0.042, p = 0.039 and p = 0.033, respectively). Pain sensitivity, measured by algometry, was statistically higher in patients with Met/Met genotype than the patients with Val/Val and Val/Met genotypes (p = 0.017). 4. The results of this study suggested that COMT gene Val158Met polymorphism is positively associated with FMS and play a relevant role in the clinical symptoms of the disease.

Association analysis of three ABCB1 (MDR1) gene variants (C1236T, G2677A/T and C3435T) and their genotype/haplotype combinations with the familial Mediterranean fever.

1. Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is considered an autosomal recessive disorder, associated with a single gene named Mediterranean fever (MEFV). The aim of this study was to perform genotyping and haplotyping analysis of the multidrug resistance (ATP-binding cassette, subfamily B, member 1 - ABCB1) gene in FMF patients. 2. Three ABCB1 gene polymorphisms (C1236T, G2677T/A and C3435T) were analyzed in 309 FMF patients and 250 healthy control subjects. All subjects were genotyped by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis, and statistical analysis was performed using the Arlequin 3.1.1 and SPSS 16.0 software packages. 3. The CT genotype frequency of the C3435T polymorphism (p = 0.003), the CT-GT-CT (C1236T-G2677T/A-C3435T) triple genotype (p = 0.001) and the C-G (C1236T-G2677T/A) haplotype (p = 0.030) were more common in the FMF patients. The CT-GG-CC triple genotype and T-G-C, C-T-T and T-G-T haplotypes (C1236T-G2677T/A-C3435T) were higher in the control subjects (p = 0.011, 0.001, 0.009 and 0.000, respectively). The CT-GG binary genotype and C-T and T-G haplotypes for C1236T-G2677T/A polymorphisms may have a high degree of protective effect against FMF (p = 0.0005, 0.002 and 0.000, respectively). 4. Our study showed that genotypes and haplotypes of ABCB1 gene polymorphisms may affect patients' FMF susceptibility.

Association of MTHFR gene C677T mutation with recurrent aphthous stomatitis and number of oral ulcers.

OBJECTIVES: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a common ulcerative disease of the oral mucosa. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene variants are associated with thrombophilia and vasculopathy that may result in oral ulceration. Oral ulcers are also the most common feature of Behcet's disease (BD). Association of MTHFR gene C677T mutation with BD has been reported in different populations. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible association between MTHFR gene C677T mutation and RAS and evaluate if there was an association with clinical features in a relatively large cohort of Turkish patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 188 patients affected by RAS and 200 healthy controls. Genomic DNA was isolated and genotyped using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) assay for the MTHFR gene C677T mutation. RESULTS: The genotype and allele frequencies of C677T mutation showed statistically significant differences between RAS patients and controls (p = 0.002 and p = 0.0004, respectively). After stratifying RAS patients according to clinical characteristics of oral ulcers, a significant association was observed between C677T mutation and number of oral ulcers of RAS patients (p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: As a result, a high association between MTHFR gene C677T mutation and RAS was observed in the present study. Also number of oral ulcers was found to be associated with MTHFR C677T mutation in RAS patients. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: If our observation can be substantiated with further studies, evaluation for MTHFR mutations and perhaps folate supplementation may become necessary in selected patients.

Evaluation of the 18-bp deletion/insertion variant of the VEGF gene in athletes.

The skeletal muscle capillary supply mainly determines the highest exercise capacity. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is the major growth factor during the angiogenesis process. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether the VEGF insertion/deletion (I/D) variant differs between athletes and sedentary controls in the Turkish population. Three hundred sixteen subjects, including 146 athletes from different branches and 170 sedentary people, voluntarily participated in this study. Genomic DNA was isolated and genotyped using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis for the VEGF I/D variant. The results were evaluated statistically. In this study, the athletes and the controls showed a statistically significant difference in the genotype and allele distribution of the VEGF I/D variant. The athletes had a more prevalent D allele and D/D genotype than the controls (p = 0.008 and p = 0.034, respectively). There was a statistically significant association between the patients and the controls in terms of D/D vs. I/I + I/D genotypes (p = 0.018). There was no significant difference in VEGF I/D genotype distribution according to sports branches. Athletic performance is a complex trait influenced by genetic and environmental factors. As far as we know, this is the first study to evaluate the VEGF I/D variant in athletes in Turkey. According to our results in this study, we concluded that the VEGF I/D variant, D/D genotype, and D allele are associated with sport performance in the Turkish population. However, there is a need for studies with large samples in which environmental and emotional factors will also be taken into account.

Effect of vitamin D receptor gene BsmI polymorphism on hospitalization of SARS-CoV-2 positive patients.

Low vitamin D levels and adverse effects have been reported in SARS-COV-2 positive patients. This study examined the effect of the vitamin D receptor gene BsmI polymorphism on SARS-COV-2 positive patients. A total of 80 SARS-COV-2 positive inpatients were included in the study, and 110 healthy individuals were included as a control group. The 25-(OH) vitamin D3, lymphocyte, and activated partial thromboplastin time levels of SARS-COV-2 positive patients were lower than those of the control group. The prothrombin time (PT), international normalized ratio (INR), D-dimer, C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin, and ferritin levels of SARS-COV-2 positive patients were higher than those of the control group. A negative correlation was found between 25-(OH) vitamin D3 levels and white blood cell count, PT, INR, D-dimer, CRP, procalcitonin, and ferritin levels in SARS-COV-2 positive patients. The 25-(OH) vitamin D3 level in individuals with the BB genotype was higher than the 25-(OH) vitamin D3 level in individuals with the Bb and bb genotype. A statistically significant difference was found between the groups in terms of the genotype and allele distributions of BsmI polymorphism. When the genotypes were analyzed in terms of bb versus Bb + BB, a statistically significant difference was found between the groups. However, this finding was not found between the intensive care inpatient subgroup and the other inpatient subgroup. In conclusion, BsmI b allele and bb genotype were associated with hospitalization for SARS-COV-2 infection. This may be because individuals with b allele have low levels of vitamin D.

Evaluation of a circadian rhythm gene (PER3) VNTR variant in Turkish athletes.

OBJECTIVE: Circadian rhythmicity has been shown to contribute to the regulation of key physiological and cognitive processes related to performance. The period homolog 3 (PER3) is expressed in a circadian pattern in the suprachiasmatic nucleus. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to evaluate the role of the variable tandem repeat (VNTR) variant of the PER3 gene in athletic performance in the Turkish population. METHODS: This study included 223 subjects, which consisted of 123 athletes and 100 sedentary controls. Blood samples were drawn from all subjects. DNA was extracted from whole-blood samples. The PER3 VNTR variant was genotyped using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction method (PCR). The results of the analyses were evaluated for statistical significance. RESULTS: The mean ages of athletes and controls were 22 ± 2.814 and 23 ± 3.561, respectively. Endurance athletes in the group were 21.1%, and sprint athletes were 78.9%. There was no statistical significance in terms of PER3 VNTR genotype distribution or allele frequency. In the recessive model, a statistically significant association was observed when the athletes were compared with the controls according to 4/4 + 4/5 versus 5/5 genotype (p = 0.020). CONCLUSION: In this case-control study, for the first time in our country, we obtained findings suggesting that the PER3 VNTR variant may affect sports performance in the Turkish population. Results need to be replicated in different ethnic and larger samples.

miR-146a rs2910164 (G/C) variant may predict morbid obesity risk in adults.

Obesity is a common public health problem associated with serious, life-threatening complications. MicroRNAs (miRs) have modulating roles in the immune and inflammatory systems. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the relationship between miR-146a and morbid obesity (MO) in a Turkish population. In this study, a total of 258 subjects (110 patients with MO and 148 controls) were genotyped by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method to analyze miR-146a rs2910164. Then, we examined the patients as males and females separately. The results of the analyses were evaluated for statistical significance. There was a significant difference in genotype and allele frequencies of miR-146a rs2910164 between patients with MO and control individuals. miR-146a rs2910164 CC genotype and C allele were shown to increase in the MO patients' group compared to the control group (p = 0.000, p = 0.000, respectively). Also, the C allele was higher in both female and male patients compared to controls (p = 0.000, p = 0.000, respectively). High differences were also observed when the patients and the controls were compared according to CC versus GG + GC and GG versus GC + CC (p = 0.000, p = 0.000, respectively). A significant difference was found between the female/male patients and the female/male controls in terms of GG + GC versus CC (p = 0.000, p = 0.000, respectively). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the relationship between this variant and MO in Turkey. Our results showed that miR-146a rs2910164 is a valuable biomarker that can be used to distinguish between patients with MO and the healthy population. The findings can be extended by increasing the sample sizes with diverse ethnicities.