Interaction between a diabetes-related methylation site (TXNIP cg19693031) and variant (GLUT1 rs841853) on fasting blood glucose levels among non-diabetics.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is caused by a combination of environmental, genetic, and epigenetic factors including, fasting blood glucose (FBG), genetic variant rs841853, and cg19693031 methylation. We evaluated the interaction between rs841853 and cg19693031 on the FBG levels of non-diabetic Taiwanese adults. METHODS: We used Taiwan Biobank (TWB) data collected between 2008 and 2016. The TWB data source contains information on basic demographics, personal lifestyles, medical history, methylation, and genotype. The study participants included 1300 people with DNA methylation data. The association of cg19693031 methylation (stratified into quartiles) with rs841853 and FBG was determined using multiple linear regression analysis. The beta-coefficients (ß) and p-values were estimated. RESULTS: The mean ± standard deviation (SD) of FBG in rs841853-CC individuals (92.07 ± 7.78) did not differ significantly from that in the CA + AA individuals (91.62 ± 7.14). However, the cg19693031 methylation levels were significantly different in the two groups (0.7716 ± 0.05 in CC individuals and 0.7631 ± 0.05 in CA + AA individuals (p = 0.002). The cg19693031 methylation levels according to quartiles were ß < 0.738592 (< Q1), 0.738592 ≤ 0.769992 (Q1-Q2), 0.769992 ≤ 0.800918 (Q2-Q3), and ß ≥ 0.800918 (≥ Q3). FBG increased with decreasing cg19693031 methylation levels in a dose-response manner (ptrend = 0.005). The ß-coefficient was - 0.0236 (p = 0.965) for Q2-Q3, 1.0317 (p = 0.058) for Q1-Q2, and 1.3336 (p = 0.019 for < Q1 compared to the reference quartile (≥ Q3). The genetic variant rs841853 was not significantly associated with FBG. However, its interaction with cg19693031 methylation was significant (p-value = 0.036). Based on stratification by rs841853 genotypes, only the CC group retained the inverse and dose-response association between FBG and cg19693031 methylation. The ß (p-value) was 0.8082 (0.255) for Q2-Q3, 1.6930 (0.022) for Q1-Q2, and 2.2190 (0.004) for < Q1 compared to the reference quartile (≥ Q3). The ptrend was 0.002. CONCLUSION: Summarily, methylation at cg19693031 was inversely associated with fasting blood glucose in a dose-dependent manner. The inverse association was more prominent in rs841853-CC individuals, suggesting that rs841853 could modulate the association between cg19693031 methylation and FBG. Our results suggest that genetic variants may be involved in epigenetic mechanisms associated with FBG, a hallmark of diabetes. Therefore, integrating genetic and epigenetic data may provide more insight into the early-onset of diabetes.

Risk of uterine leiomyoma based on BET1L rs2280543 single nucleotide polymorphism and vegetarian diet.

BACKGROUND: Bet1 Golgi vesicular membrane trafficking protein-like (BET1L) rs2280543 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and diet have been independently associated with uterine leiomyoma (UL). However, whether the SNP and diet could jointly influence the risk of UL is yet to be assessed. Therefore, we investigated the independent and interactive effects of vegetarian diet and BET1L rs2280543 on uterine fibroids in Taiwanese women. METHODS: We linked participants' electronic data in the Taiwan Biobank (TWB) database to their medical records in the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). The TWB had genotypic, lifestyle, and biochemical data between 2008 and 2015 and the NHIRD had data on disease diagnoses between 1998 and 2015. In this study, we included 1997 premenopausal women with complete data. RESULTS: Compared  to participants with the BET1L rs2280543 CC genotype (wildtype), those with CT/CC genotype had an odds ratio (OR) of 0.69 and a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.51-0.93. Vegetarian diet and UL were not significantly associated: OR = 1.09 and 95% CI = 0.77-1.55. However, the test for interaction between rs2280543 and vegetarian diet was significant (p = 0.046). Compared to individuals with the CC genotype, the risk of UL was lower among vegetarians with the CT/TT genotype: OR (95% CI) = 0.15 (0.05-0.47). CONCLUSION: The BET1L rs2280543 CT/TT genotype was associated with a lower risk of UL especially among vegetarians.

Association of ADH1B polymorphism and alcohol consumption with increased risk of intracerebral hemorrhagic stroke.

BACKGROUND: Alcohol consumption is one of the modifiable risk factors for intracerebral hemorrhage, which accounts for approximately 10-20% of all strokes worldwide. We evaluated the association of stroke with genetic polymorphisms in the alcohol metabolizing genes, alcohol dehydrogenase 1B (ADH1B, rs1229984) and aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2, rs671) genes based on alcohol consumption. METHODS: Data were available for 19,500 Taiwan Biobank (TWB) participants. We used logistic regression models to test for associations between genetic variants and stroke. Overall, there were 890 individuals with ischemic stroke, 70 with hemorrhagic stroke, and 16,837 control individuals. Participants with ischemic but not hemorrhagic stroke were older than their control individuals (mean ± SE, 58.47 ± 8.17 vs. 48.33 ± 10.90 years, p < 0.0001). ALDH2 rs671 was not associated with either hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke among alcohol drinkers. However, the risk of developing hemorrhagic stroke was significantly higher among ADH1B rs1229984 TC + CC individuals who drank alcohol (odds ratio (OR), 4.85; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.92-12.21). We found that the test for interaction was significant for alcohol exposure and rs1229984 genotypes (p for interaction = 0.016). Stratification by alcohol exposure and ADH1B rs1229984 genotypes showed that the risk of developing hemorrhagic stroke remained significantly higher among alcohol drinkers with TC + CC genotype relative to those with the TT genotype (OR, 4.43, 95% CI 1.19-16.52). CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that the ADH1B rs1229984 TC + CC genotype and alcohol exposure of at least 150 ml/week may increase the risk of developing hemorrhagic stroke among Taiwanese adults.

Risk of HBV infection among male and female first-time blood donors born before and after the July 1986 HBV vaccination program in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND: In July 1984, Taiwan officially began a nationwide hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination program where only infants born to HBsAg-positive mothers were vaccinated free of charge until June 1986. However, from July 1986, all infants were vaccinated against HBV. The impact of the July 1986 HBV vaccination program on first-time blood donors has not been exhaustively studied. We, therefore, determined the risk of HBV among male and female first-time blood donors born before and after the July 1986 HBV vaccination program in Taiwan. METHODS: Initially, we recruited 857,310 first-time blood donors whose data were collected between 2013 and 2018 from 5 blood donation centers in Taiwan. However, we excluded donors with incomplete and outlying data (n = 12,213) and those born between July 1984 and June 1986 (n = 21,054). The final study participants comprised 9118 HBV positive and 814,925 HBV negative individuals. We divided the participants into two birth cohorts (born before and after July 1986) and assumed that those born before July 1986 were not vaccinated at birth while those born after July 1986 were vaccinated. RESULTS: The prevalence of HBV among those born before and after July 1986 was 4.53 and 0.25%, respectively. Individuals born after July 1986 had a lower risk of HBV than those born before July 1986. The adjusted odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence interval (CI) was 0.16, 0.13-0.19. Men had a higher risk of HBV than women (OR = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.34-1.47). The interaction between sex and birth date was significant (p-value = 0.0067). Stratification of participants by birth date revealed a higher risk of HBV in men compared to women in both birth cohorts. The OR, 95% CI was 1.47, 1.40-1.55 for those born before July 1986 but declined to 1.15, 1.02-1.29 for those born after July 1986. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of HBV was lower among those born after than those born before the July 1986 vaccination program. In both cohorts, the risk was high in men relative to women. The seemingly protective effect among those born after July 1986 was higher in women than men.

PM2.5 exposure and DLEC1 promoter methylation in Taiwan Biobank participants.

BACKGROUND: Particulate matter (PM) < 2.5 µm (PM2.5) or fine PM is a serious public health concern. It affects DNA methylation and heightens carcinogenesis. Deleted in lung and esophageal cancer 1 (DLEC1) is a tumor suppressor gene. However, aberrant methylation of the gene is associated with several cancers. We evaluated the association between PM2.5 and DLEC1 promoter methylation in Taiwanese adults based on regular outdoor exercise. METHODS: We obtained DNA methylation and exercise data of 496 participants (aged between 30 and 70 years) from the Taiwan Biobank (TWB) database. We also extracted PM2.5 data from the Air Quality Monitoring Database (AQMD) and estimated participants' exposure using residential addresses. RESULTS: DLEC1 methylation and PM2.5 were positively associated: beta coefficient (ß) = 0.114 × 10-3; p value = 0.046. The test for interaction between exercise and PM2.5 on DLEC1 methylation was significant (p value = 0.036). After stratification by exercise habits, PM2.5 and DLEC1 methylation remained significantly associated only among those who exercised regularly (ß = 0.237 × 10-3; p value = 0.007). PM2.5 quartile-stratified analyses revealed an inverse association between regular exercise and DLEC1 methylation at PM2.5 < 27.37 µg/m3 (ß = - 5.280 × 10-3; p value = 0.009). After combining exercise habits and PM2.5 quartiles, one stratum (i.e., regular exercise and PM2.5 < 27.37 µg/m3) was inversely associated with DLEC1 methylation (ß = -5.160 × 10-3, p value = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: We found significant positive associations between PM2.5 and DLEC1 promoter methylation. Regular exercise at PM2.5 < 27.37 µg/m3 seemingly regulated DLEC1 promoter methylation.

Associations between ambient air pollution and cancer incidence in Taiwan: an ecological study of geographical variations.

BACKGROUND: Air pollution is a global public health concern. The World Health Organization has recently set up a goal of saving 7 million people globally by 2030 from air pollution related death. We conducted an ecological study of geographical variation to explore the association between air pollution (specifically, particulate matter <2.5 µm in aerodynamic diameter [PM2.5], particulate matter <10 µm in aerodynamic diameter, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, nitric oxide, and ozone) and cancer incidence in Taiwan, from 2012 to 2016. METHODS: In this study, the yearly average concentrations of each air pollutant at 75 air quality monitoring stations were calculated, and using the kriging method, the concentrations were extrapolated to each and every geographical central point of 349 local administrative areas of Taiwan. Spearman rank correlation coefficients between the age-adjusted cancer incidence rates and various air pollutants were calculated by stratifying genders and urbanization degrees of the local administrative areas. A total of 70 correlation coefficients were calculated. RESULTS: In total, 17 correlation coefficients were significantly positive at an alpha level of 0.05. Among these, four correlation coefficients between the age-adjusted cancer incidence rates and PM2.5 levels remained significant after Bonferroni correction. For men in developing towns, general towns, and aged towns and for women in aged towns, the age-adjusted cancer incidence rates increased 13.1 (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.8-17.6), 11 (95% CI, 5.6-16.4), 16.7 (95% CI, 6.9-26.4), and 11.9 (95% CI, 5.6-18.2) per 100,000 populations, respectively, for every 1 µg/m3 increment in PM2.5 concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: A significantly positive correlation was observed between the PM2.5 level and cancer incidence rate after multiple testing correction.

Incidence, severity, longitudinal trends and predictors of acute and chronic oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy in Taiwanese patients with colorectal cancer.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the longitudinal incidence, severity, pattern of changes or predictors of oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy (OXAIPN) in Taiwanese patients with colorectal cancer. A longitudinal repeated measures study design was employed, and 77 participants were recruited from the colorectal and oncology departments of two teaching medical centres in Taiwan. Physical examinations were performed, and self-reports regarding adverse impacts of OXAIPN and quality of life were obtained at five time points throughout 12 cycles of chemotherapy (C/T). The incidence of OXAIPN increased with C/T cycles (31.1%-81.9%), and the upper limb numbness and cold sensitivity were most significant acute OXAIPN symptoms (29.9%-73.6%). Findings also documented significant increases in overall severity, symptom distress, interference and physical results associated with OXAIPN over the course of C/T. Predictors of OXAIPN severity varied by treatment cycle, including younger patient, higher cumulative dose of oxaliplatin, greater body surface area, receipt of chemotherapy in winter and the occurrence of OXAIPN during prior C/T cycles. The results from this study might help healthcare providers to recognise the symptom characteristics, degree of influences, trends and high-risk group of OXAIPN, facilitating early evaluation and potential interventions to mitigate or prevent negative effects of OXAIPN on patients.

Exercise might prevent cirrhosis in overweight and obese adults.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Exercise in overweight patients with liver disease has improved liver enzymes, insulin levels and quality of life. Scientific evidence is incomplete regarding the role of exercise in the prevention of cirrhosis. We investigated the effect of exercise on the occurrence of cirrhosis in obese and overweight adults. METHODS: Exercise was assessed using the 2012 Adult Preventive Medical Service dataset while cirrhosis was identified using the National Health Insurance Research Database. All participants were aged 40 years and older. Unconditional logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratios for cirrhosis. RESULTS: Overall, 1586 overweight and 1525 obese adults were identified with cirrhosis. Weekly exercise >150 min was significantly protective for cirrhosis in obese men and women. However, exercise <150 min/wk was significantly protective only in men compared to women. For weekly exercise >150 mins, the odds ratio for cirrhosis in obese men and women was 0.701 (95% CI: 0.584-0.841) and 0.736 (95% CI: 0.562-0.964) respectively. The adjusted odds ratios in overweight men and women were 0.734 (95% CI: 0.622-0.866) and 0.503 (CI: 0.37-0.684). For weekly exercise <150 min/wk, overweight and obese men had odds ratios of 0.879 (CI: 0.0.788-0.98) and 0.874 (CI: 0.782-0.977) compared to 0.918 (95% CI: 0.778-1.083) and 0.916 (95% CI: 0.780-1.075) in overweight and obese women respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Moderate exercise might significantly prevent obese and overweight adults from developing cirrhosis. The benefits appear to be greater for persons who exceed the minimum recommendations of 150 min/wk.

Does coffee drinking have beneficial effects on bone health of Taiwanese adults? A longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: Results from studies investigating the association between coffee consumption and osteoporosis or bone mineral density (BMD) have been inconsistent. This longitudinal study was performed to assess the effect of coffee drinking on bone health of Taiwanese adults. METHODS: Data were retrieved from the Li-Shin (Landseed) Hospital in Taoyuan City. In 2006, 6152 participants completed a questionnaire on coffee drinking and other lifestyle factors. In 2014, 5077 of them were followed up. Nonetheless, a total of 2395 participants with incomplete data were excluded. The final analyses included 2682 participants comprising 1195 men and 1487 women (706 premenopausal and 781 postmenopausal). T-scores were derived from the osteo-sono assessment index (OSI) which is a surrogate of BMD. Coffee drinking was categorized as "no, medium, and high" based on the number of cups that were consumed per week in both 2006 and 2014. RESULTS: In general, medium and high coffee drinking were associated with higher T-scores. However, significant results were observed only among high drinkers (ß = 0.158; P = 0.0038). Nonetheless, the test for linear trend was significant (P = 0.0046). After stratification by sex, medium and high coffee drinking were associated with higher T-scores. However, significant results were prominent only among high male drinkers (ß = 0.237; P = 0.0067) and the test for trend was significant (P = 0.0161). Based on menopausal status, coffee drinking was associated with higher T-scores. Nevertheless, significant results were found only among premenopausal women (ß = 0.233; P = 0.0355 and ß = 0.234; P = 0.0152 for medium and high coffee drinking, respectively. The test for linear trend was significant (P = 0.0108). CONCLUSION: Coffee drinking was significantly associated with higher T-scores hence, a lower risk of osteoporosis in men and premenopausal women.

Association between vascular rings and learning performance: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic tracheal obstruction has been associated with learning deficits; hence, early surgical intervention has been suggested. AIM: To evaluate the relationship between learning performance and vascular ring caused by an isolated aberrant right subclavian artery. METHODS: Participants included 1,685 undergraduate students (ie, students of medical informatics and medical/public health students) in Central Taiwan. The diagnostic period was from 2005 to 2010. Vascular ring was diagnosed by two-dimensional echocardiographic screening and was validated by esophagogram. The reference group (medical students) was associated with higher learning performance, whereas the comparison group (students of medical informatics and public health) was associated with lower learning performance. Multiple logistic regression was used for analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of vascular ring among the reference and comparison groups was 0.48 and 2.03%, respectively. The odds ratio for the vascular ring was 4.90 (95% confidence interval: 1.30-18.40) after adjusting for potential confounders. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that vascular ring can impact learning efficiency and advocates for larger dedicated studies. © 2017 The Authors Journal of Clinical Ultrasound Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 45:556-560, 2017.

[Nursing care of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy].

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common adverse event occurring in patients who receive neurotoxic chemotherapeutic agents such as taxanes, platinum, and vinca alkaloids. The manifestations of CIPN include intolerable symmetric numbness, burning and tingling in distal limbs, disruption of daily functions, reduced quality of life, and the reduction in dosage or discontinued use of these agents. There is a paucity of articles on nursing care related to CIPN in the literature. This article reviews the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic criteria, medical management and nursing care of CIPN. Review findings are intended to help nurses identify high-risk groups in order to implement preventive measures that strengthen the muscles, train the balance, and initiate falling precautions of persons in this population. Timely preventive measures may effectively alleviate CIPN symptoms and assure the safety and overall quality of life of patients.

Association between ESR1 rs2234693 single nucleotide polymorphism and uterine fibroids in Taiwanese premenopausal and postmenopausal women.

BACKGROUND: Uterine fibroids (UFs) are uterine smooth muscle neoplasms that affect women, especially during the reproductive stage. Both genetic and lifestyle factors affect the onset of the disease. We examined the association between the estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) rs2234693 variant (whose genotypes are TT, TC, and CC) and UFs in Taiwanese premenopausal and postmenopausal women. METHODS: We linked individual-level data of 3588 participants from the Taiwan Biobank to the National Health Insurance Research Database at the Health and Welfare Data Science Center. The association of the ESR1 rs2234693 variant and other variables with UFs was determined by multiple logistic regression, and the results were presented as odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: The 3588 participants comprised 622 cases and 2966 controls. In all the participants, the ESR1 rs2234693 TC and CC genotypes compared to the reference genotype (TT) were associated with a lower risk of UFs. However, the results were significant only for the CC genotype (OR; 95% CI = 0.70; 0.52-0.93). Noteworthy, the association of TC and CC with UFs was dose-dependent (p-trend = 0.012). Based on menopausal status, both TC and CC were significantly and dose-dependently associated with a lower risk of UFs in premenopausal women (OR; 95% CI = 0.76; 0.59-0.98 for TC and 0.64; 0.43-0.95 for CC: p-trend = 0.010). CONCLUSION: The TC and CC genotypes of the ESR1 rs2234693 variant may reduce susceptibility to UFs, especially in premenopausal women.

Type 2 Diabetes, PNPLA3 rs738409 Polymorphism, and the Risk of Liver Cirrhosis: Analysis of Taiwan Biobank.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and liver cirrhosis remain significant public health threats in Taiwan. These conditions are reported to be associated with the rs738409 polymorphism of the patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein three gene (PNPLA3) in European populations. We assessed the effect of T2D and PNPLA3 rs738409 polymorphism on liver cirrhosis among Taiwan Biobank (TWB) participants. In total, 17,985 participants in TWB had their health records linked to the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). Participants included those who visited the assessment centers between 2008 and 2015, with an age range between 30 and 70 years of age. We performed logistic regression analysis to investigate the odds ratios (OR) for liver cirrhosis among participants based on the T2D status and rs738409 genotypes. Genotyping was performed using the Axiom Genome-Wide TWB Array Plate. In our analysis, 150 of the 17,619 eligible participants were identified as cirrhosis cases. Based on the univariate analysis, liver cirrhosis was positively associated with T2D (OR, 1.83; 95% CI 1.23-2.70) whereas, the variant rs738409 was not (regardless of the genetic model). The variant and T2D, however, showed significant interactions in the additive, genotype, and dominant models (p values of 0.0302, 0.0395, and 0.0455, respectively). We observed a statistically significant association between T2D and liver cirrhosis and variant rs738409 with an OR of 1.71 (95% CI, 1.03-2.84) for individuals carrying a G allele compared to those with a C allele and 2.92 (95% CI 1.07-7.99) for GG compared to CC individuals. According to our study, Taiwanese adults with T2D and the rs738409 GG genotype are more likely to develop liver cirrhosis.

Independent and Interactive Effects of Sex and CYP2C9 Variant rs4918758 on Ischemic Stroke Risk in Taiwan Biobank.

Purpose: Stroke is a complex health condition caused by multiple risk factors. We investigated whether the Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) rs4918758 polymorphism and sex were independently and interactively associated with ischemic stroke risk among Taiwan Biobank (TWB) participants. Material and Methods: We analyzed TWB data pertaining to 9197 female and 8625 male individuals. Data collected between 2008 and 2015 were linked to medical records in the National Health Insurance Database (NHIRD). Based on multiple logistic regression analyses, we estimated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for ischemic stroke. Results: We found that 441 women and 468 men had ischemic stroke. There were no differences in the risk of ischemic stroke between individuals with the TC/CC genotype and those with the TT genotype [OR (95% CI) = 1.04 (0.90-1.21)]. When compared to women, men had an OR of 1.03 (95% CI = 0.87-1.22) for ischemic stroke. Based on further analysis, sex was found to interact with polymorphism rs4918758 (p for interaction = 0.0019). After categorizing by sex, men with TC/CC genotype showed significant ORs but not women [OR (95% CI) = 1.32 (1.07-16.33) vs 0.83 (0.68-1.00)]. Further stratification by genotype showed that in comparison with their female counterparts, men with the TT and TC/CC genotypes had ORs of 0.59 (95% CI = 0.44-0.80) and 1.36 (95% CI = 1.10-1.68), respectively. Conclusion: According to our study, the TT genotype of rs4918758 was associated with a reduced risk of ischemic stroke in Taiwanese men when compared to women, whereas the TC/CC genotype was associated with a greater risk.

ALDH7A1 rs12514417 polymorphism may increase ischemic stroke risk in alcohol-exposed individuals.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological studies have identified common risk factors for cerebral stroke worldwide. Some of these factors include hypertension, diabetes, smoking, excessive drinking, and dyslipidemia. It is important to note, however, that genetic factors can also contribute to the occurrence of stroke. Here, we evaluated the association of ischemic stroke with rs12514417 polymorphism of the alcohol metabolizing gene, aldehyde dehydrogenase 7A1 (ALDH7A1) and alcohol consumption. METHODS: Taiwan Biobank (TWB) data collected between 2008 and 2015 were available for 17,985 subjects. The odd ratios for stroke were obtained using logistic regression models. RESULTS: Among eligible subjects (n = 17,829), 897 had ischemic stroke and 70 had hemorrhagic stroke. Subjects with ischemic stroke were older (mean ± SE, 58.45 ± 8.19 years vs. 48.33 ± 10.89 years, p < 0.0001) and had a higher body mass index (BMI) than the stroke-free individuals. The risk of ischemic stroke was significantly higher among subjects with the ALDH7A1 rs12514417 TG + GG genotype who also consumed alcohol at least 150 ml/week (odds ratio (OR), 1.79; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.18-2.72). We found that rs12514417 genotype and alcohol consumption (at least 150 ml/week) showed a significant interaction (p for interaction = 0.0266). Stratification based on alcohol exposure and ALDH7A1 rs12514417 genotypes indicated that ischemic stroke risk was significantly higher among alcohol drinkers with the TG + GG genotype than in those with the TT genotype (OR, 1.64, 95% CI: 1.15-2.33). CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that the combination of ALDH7A1 rs12514417 TG + GG genotype and alcohol exposure of at least 150 ml/week may increase the risk of ischemic stroke in Taiwanese adults.

Association Between MTHFR rs17367504 Polymorphism and Major Depressive Disorder in Taiwan: Evidence for Effect Modification by Exercise Habits.

Background/Aim: Recent studies reported that folate supplementation has beneficial effects on major depression. The Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) enzyme is crucial in folate metabolism. This population-based study examined the association between MTHFR rs17367504 polymorphism and major depressive disorder based on exercise habits. Methods: Taiwan Biobank (TWB) provided demographic and genotype data between 2008 and 2015. The biobank participants were Taiwanese aged 30 to 70. Data on major depressive disorder (MDD) were obtained from the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). Results: A total of 636 individuals were identified with MDD, whereas 17,298 individuals were considered controls. The associations of MTHFR rs17367504 and exercise with MDD risk were estimated using logistic regression models. The distribution of MTHFR rs17367504 genotype frequencies differed significantly between the MDD and control groups. We found that, compared with the AA genotype, the GG genotype was associated with a significantly increased risk of MDD [adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 1.76; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.05-2.94; p = 0.033]. We found an interaction (p = 0.04) between rs17367504 and exercise, a well-known protective factor for MDD. A substantial increase in the risk of MDD was found among those with GG genotypes who did not exercise (aOR, 2.93; 95% CI, 1.66-5.17; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our findings indicate that MDD is related to MTHFR rs17367504 and exercise, though the mechanisms remain to be determined.

Interactive Association Between Intronic Polymorphism (rs10506151) of the LRRK2 Gene and Type 2 Diabetes on Neurodegenerative Diseases.

PURPOSE: We investigated the interactive effect of rs10506151 polymorphism of the Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) gene and type 2 diabetes (T2D) on neurodegenerative disease (ND) risk. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data of 17, 927 participants in the Taiwan Biobank (TWB) assessed between 2008 and 2015 were linked to healthcare records in the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). The odd ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for NDs were determined using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: There were 145 cases with NDs, and 28.28% (n = 41) of these individuals had T2D. Associations of neurodegenerative disorders with LRRK2 rs10506151 variant and T2D were not significant. The corresponding ORs (95% CI) for NDs were 1.06 (0.75-1.49) in CA/AA compared to CC individuals and 0.93 (0.63-1.39) in those with T2D compared to non-diabetic participants. However, we found evidence of a significant interaction between rs10506151 and T2D (p = 0.0073). After stratification by genotypes of rs10506151, the OR for NDs was 0.37 (CI, 0.17-0.82) in CA/AA individuals with T2D and 1.41 (0.88-2.27) in their CC counterparts. When CA/AA individuals with T2D represented the reference group, the OR (95% CI) was 1.74 (0.81-3.73) in CC individuals with no T2D, 2.47 (CI, 1.14-5.38) in CA/AA individuals with no T2D, and 2.34 (CI, 1.07-5.11) in CC individuals with T2D. CONCLUSION: Our data indicated that the risk of NDs was significantly lower among diabetic individuals with combined CA/AA of the LRRK2 rs10506151 variant in Taiwan.

Interactive Association Between CYP2C9 rs2860905 Polymorphism and Atrial Fibrillation on Ischemic Stroke in Taiwan Biobank Participants.

PURPOSE: Ischemic stroke accounts for approximately 85% of all strokes. Risk factors include atrial fibrillation, metabolic disorders, and genetic and lifestyle factors. There is limited evidence to support the association between atrial fibrillation and the risk of ischemic stroke based on genetic variants. We assessed the relationship between ischemic stroke and atrial fibrillation among participants in Taiwan Biobank (TWB) based on the rs2860905 variant of the cytochrome P450 Family 2 Subfamily C Member 9 (CYP2C9) gene. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using logistic regression analysis, we estimated the odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for ischemic stroke among 17,726 biobank adults recruited from 2008 through 2015. RESULTS: Of the eligible participants (n = 17,726), 906 were identified with ischemic stroke. Atrial fibrillation was positively associated with ischemic stroke (OR=3.70; 95% CI, 2.21-6.20), whereas the rs2860905 variant was not. The OR for ischemic stroke among those with GA/AA genotype was 1.00 (95% CI, 0.82-1.22) compared to those with the GG genotype. Based on the genotype-stratified analysis, the OR for ischemic stroke was 4.68 (95% CI, 2.70-8.09) among individuals with GG genotype who had atrial fibrillation compared to those who did not. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that the GG genotype of the CYP2C9 rs2860905 variant appears to enhance the risk of ischemic stroke among adults in Taiwan. It could be essential to factor this genotype-specific contributor to ischemic stroke into clinical and experimental investigations of the disease in Taiwan.

Peripheral Vascular Disease Susceptibility Based on Diabetes Mellitus and rs17367504 Polymorphism of the MTHFR Gene.

PURPOSE: Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is a life-threatening condition affecting the lower extremities. Common risk factors include type 2 diabetes (T2D), hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, and older age. There is a little-documented research on the genetic basis of the disease in Taiwan. We examined the impact of T2D and the blood pressure-associated rs17367504 variant of the Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene on PVD risk. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this population-based association study, we linked data from 8992 participants in Taiwan Biobank (TWB) to their medical records in the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). Participants were 30 to 70 years old at recruitment and included those assessed between 2008 and 2015. We tested for association of PVD with rs17367504 and T2D using multiple logistic regression models. The rs17367504 variant was assessed using the Axiom-Taiwan Biobank Array Plate (TWB chip: Affymetrix, Inc., Santa Clara, CA, USA). RESULTS: Among cases with T2D (n = 1294), 158 (12.21%) were identified with PVD. T2D was associated with PVD (odds ratio [OR], 1.52; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21-1.91; p<0.001) whereas rs17367504 variant was not (OR, 0.96; CI, 0.76-1.21; p = 0.728 in AG/GG compared to AA homozygotes). However, T2D and rs17367504 had an interactive effect on PVD (p for interaction = 0.0076). Results from our stratified analyses displayed OR of 1.75 (CI, 1.35-2.26; p<0.001) in AA individuals with DM and 0.94 (CI, 0.56-1.58; p = 0.811) in AG+GG individuals with T2D. Using the AA genotype and no T2D as the reference group, the respective OR of PVD was 1.77 (CI, 1.38-2.28; p<0.001) in AA individuals with T2D; 1.18 (CI, 0.91-1.55; p = 0.215) in AG+GG individuals with no T2D, and 1.03 (CI, 0.66-1.60; p = 0.892) in AG+GG individuals with T2D . CONCLUSION: We found that type 2 diabetes was associated with increased risk of peripheral vascular disease, particularly in AA genotype carriers of the rs17367504 variant in Taiwan.

Enzymatic determination of diglyceride using an iridium nano-particle based single use, disposable biosensor.

A single use, disposable iridium-nano particle contained biosensor had been developed for the determination of diglyceride (DG). In this study hydrogen peroxide, formed through the enzymatic breakdown of DG via lipase, glycerol kinase and glycerol 3-phosphate oxidase, was electrochemically oxidized at an applied potential of +0.5 V versus the Ag/AgCl reference electrode. The oxidation current was then used to quantify the diglyceride concentration. Optimum enzyme concentrations and the surfactant loading used were established for successful sensor response. Good linear performance was observed over a DG concentration range of 0 to 25 µM in phosphate buffer and bovine serum media.