Heavy metals and genetic variations in folate metabolism pathway: A gene-environment interaction.

Heavy metals are capable of inducing toxicity even at lower levels and the contamination adversely impact humans, animals, and plants thus, resulting in variety of health issues. Thus, the present study investigated the presence of metals in the serum of mothers (n = 77) having Down syndrome children and healthy control mothers (n = 86) and the possible association of heavy metals with genotype. We found that increased levels of cobalt were significantly associated with MTHFR 677 C>T, RFC 80 A>G, and CBS844ins68 polymorphisms in cases. Increased levels of potassium showed a significant association with MTHFR 1298 A>C and RFC 80 A>G Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP). Arsenic had association with MTHFR 677 C>T, RFC 80 A>G, and CBS844ins68 and lead showed an association with MTHFR 1298 A>C SNP. An association between heavy metals and SNPs in the genes leads to the reproductive outcomes in a significant manner.

An endophytic Schizophyllum commune possessing antioxidant activity exhibits genoprotective and organprotective effects in fresh water fish Channa punctatus exposed to bisphenol A.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress is responsible for the onset of several chronic and degenerative diseases. Exogenous supply of antioxidants is reported to neutralize the effects of oxidative stress. Several synthetic antioxidants suffer from various side effects which necessitates the exploration of antioxidant compounds from natural sources. Endophytic fungi residing in the plants are gaining the attention of researchers as a source of novel antioxidants. Majority of the research conducted so far on endophytic fungi has been restricted to the members of phylum ascomycota. Basidiomycota, inspite of their immense bioactive potential remain relatively unexploited. This study aimed to assess the ameliorative effects of an endophytic Schizophyllum commune (basidiomycetous fungus) against oxidative stress associated altered antioxidant levels, genotoxicity and cellular damage to different organs in bisphenol A exposed fresh water fish Channa punctatus. RESULTS: Good antioxidant and genoprotective potential was exhibited by S. commune extract in in vitro studies conducted using different antioxidant, DNA damage protection, and cytokinesis blocked micronuclei assays. In vivo studies were performed in fresh water fish Channa punctatus exposed to bisphenol A. A significant decrease in the considered parameters for DNA damage (% micronuclei and comet assay) were recorded in fish treated with S. commune extract on comparison with untreated bisphenol A exposed group. The S. commune extract treated fish also exhibited an increase in the level of antioxidant enzymes viz. catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione reductase as well as histoprotective effect on various organs. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of 3-n-propyl-2,4-pentanedione, n-heptadecanol-1, trans-geranylgeraniol, 3-ethyl-2-pentadecanone, 1-heneicosanol and squalene as some of the compounds in S. commune extract. CONCLUSION: The study highlights the significance of an endophytic basidiomycetous fungus S. commune as a source of antioxidant compounds with possible therapeutic potential.

Association analysis of LHCGR variants and polycystic ovary syndrome in Punjab: a case-control approach.

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine-metabolic disorder that affects women at their child bearing age. The exact etiology is uncertain, however the involvement of multiple genes and environmental interactions has been proposed for the advancement of PCOS. The aim of present study was to evaluate the association of LHCGR variants (rs2293275 and rs12470652) with PCOS in Punjab. METHODS: The present case-control study comprised a total of 743 women (421 PCOS cases and 322 healthy controls). Genotyping was performed using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism technique (PCR-RFLP). Biochemical analysis was carried out to measure the levels of cholesterol, High-density lipoprotein (HDL), Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), triglycerides, testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). All the statistical analysis was done using SPSS (version21, IBM SPSS, NY, USA). RESULTS: The mutant genotype (AA) and mutant allele (A) of rs2293275 conferred 1.7 and 1.3 fold risk, respectively and mutant allele (C) of rs12470652 conferred 2.3 fold risks towards PCOS progression. Levels of cholesterol and triglycerides were elevated and HDL levels were lower in PCOS cases as compared to controls. Total testosterone and luteinizing hormone levels were also found to be higher in PCOS cases. CONCLUSION: Our study postulated that LHCGR variants are playing a cardinal role in the progression of PCOS and can be used to assess the risk of PCOS in women of reproductive age.

Assessment of chromosomal aberrations among agricultural workers exposed to pesticides in Punjab, India.

Chromosomal aberrations (CAs) are an important tool for assessment of exposure to pesticides. Genotoxic potential of pesticides is a principal risk factor for long-term health effects. The present study was aimed toward the assessment of CAs among agricultural workers exposed to pesticides and comparison with nonagricultural workers not exposed to pesticides. A total of 296 subjects were enrolled in the study: exposed (n = 148) and nonexposed subjects (n = 148) from Punjab. A significantly high frequency of aberrations was seen in peripheral blood lymphocytes of exposed subjects as compared with nonexposed ones. Most CAs were present as loss (aneuploidy) and were observed significantly in subjects having a history of alcohol consumption. It can be, thus, concluded that agricultural workers exposed to a mixture of pesticides, in addition to being alcoholic, are at a greater risk of genotoxic damage. It is highly recommended that the agricultural workers are educated regarding the potential hazards of occupational exposure to pesticides.

Genetic association study from North India to analyze association of CYP19A1 and CYP17A1 with polycystic ovary syndrome.

PURPOSE: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex multifactorial endocrine disorder affecting approximately 5-10% of women of reproductive age. Affected women have menstrual disturbances due to anovulation, infertility, and hyperandrogenism. Ovarian androgen overproduction is the key physiopathologic feature of PCOS. A number of genes encoding major enzymes of the androgen metabolic pathways, such as HSD17B6, CYP19A1, CYP11A1, CYP17A1, and INSR, have been examined. Very few studies have been done in North India. There is an increasing prevalence of PCOS in women in Punjab and it is the leading cause of female infertility. In view of the strong evidence implicating the importance of CYP19A1 and CYP17A1 in androgen metabolic pathways, we investigated the association of rs700519, rs2414096, and rs743572 (- 34T>C) polymorphisms on susceptibility of developing PCOS, in North India. METHODS: A total of 500 subjects (women of reproductive age) including 250 PCOS cases and 250 healthy age-matched controls were included in the present study. DNA was extracted from venous blood for all samples, and association analysis for rs2414096, rs700519, and rs743572 was done by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique. Lipid profile was done using a biochemical analyzer and body mass index (BMI) was measured for all cases. Statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: Significant association of - 34T>C polymorphism of CYP17A1 was found with PCOS (p = 0.0005). BMI was statistically different between PCOS cases and controls (p = 0.000). Triglycerides were high in PCOS women. Variations of CYP19A1 were not statistically significant with PCOS. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that - 34T>C polymorphism in CYP17A1 is associated with PCOS in North India. No polymorphism of CYP19A1 was found to be associated.

Prevalence of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase 677 C-T polymorphism among mothers of Down syndrome children.

INTRODUCTION: The relationship between chromosomal non-disjunction leading to aneuploidy and folate metabolism has drawn attention in the recent years. In this study, we examined the polymorphism in the gene encoding the folate metabolizing enzyme methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), namely, 677 C-T in women having Down syndrome (DS) children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The prevalence of these variant genotypes (MTHFR 677 C-T polymorphism) in women having DS children (case mothers) (n = 110) was compared with controls (n = 111) from Punjab. Genotyping was done using the polymerase chain reaction method followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism. RESULTS: In the present study, 1.8% of case mothers had TT genotype while none of the control mothers showed this genotype. T allele frequency among cases was 0.13 and 0.11 in controls. The Chi-square value showed a non-significant difference between cases and controls. CONCLUSION: No association has been observed between 677 C-T polymorphism and risk of non-disjunction in case mothers. Detection of polymorphisms in more genes of folate pathway is required to find out the exact cause of non-disjunction.

Polymorphisms in FSHR modulating susceptibility to polycystic ovary syndrome: an updated meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Two polymorphisms, rs6165 and rs6166 located in the intracellular domain of FSHR has been reported to affect folliculogenesis, steroidogenesis and oocyte maturation. Several studies have highlighted the role of FSHR polymorphisms in PCOS but the findings are conflicting. A meta-analysis was carried out to decipher the emerging perspectives. METHODOLOGY: A comprehensive literature search was made using PubMed, PCOSkb, and Google Scholar. New Ottawa Scale has been utilized to evaluate the quality of each article. To evaluate the strength of association under different genetic models of rs6165 and rs6166 polymorphisms, odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated. RESULTS: A total of 20 articles were selected for the present study. In pooled analysis and after the stratification by ethnicity, polymorphism rs6165 remains unrelated to the onset of PCOS. Besides, rs6166 exhibits significant protection in the Indian population under recessive, additive, and allele models (OR = 0.7, CI: 0.54-0.9, p = 0.006, OR = 0.65, CI: 0.48-0.89, p = 0.006, OR = 0.82, CI: 0.7-0.95, p = 0.01, respectively) and low to moderate risk in the Caucasian population under allele model (OR = 1.17, CI: 1.04-1.32, p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis suggests that GG genotype of rs6166 provides protection against PCOS, in a population-specific manner.

Significance of LHCGR polymorphisms in polycystic ovary syndrome: an association study.

This study was conducted to analyze the association of Luteinizing Hormone/Choriogonadotropin Receptor (LHCGR) gene rs4953616 and rs7371084 polymorphisms with the risk of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in Punjab, India. A total of 823 women (443 PCOS cases and 380 healthy controls) were enrolled in the present study. The polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism technique (PCR-RFLP) was used for genotyping. Anthropometric parameters, lipid and hormonal profiles, were compared between the two groups. Demographic features were compared using Mann Whitney U test while the Chi-square test and odds ratios (ORs) were used to assess the genetic association and risk towards PCOS, respectively. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was employed to analyze the correlation of genotypes with baseline parameters in PCOS cases. A statistically significant difference was revealed in the genotypic and allelic frequencies of rs4953616 polymorphism between PCOS cases and controls (p = 0.01 and p = 0.004, respectively). The mutant genotype (TT), mutant allele (T), and recessive model of rs4953616 polymorphism conferred 1.77, 1.3, and 1.5 times risk towards PCOS, respectively. No significant distribution for genotypes and alleles was found for rs7371084 in both groups (p = 0.25 and p = 0.26, respectively). In addition to dyslipidemia, PCOS women also had significantly higher body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), testosterone (T), and luteinizing hormone (LH). Upon haplotype analysis, the TT haplotype was found to be significantly associated with the increased risk of PCOS. Our results demonstrated a significant role of LHCGR rs4953616 polymorphism in the development of PCOS.

Analyzing the Impact of FSHR Variants on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome-a Case-Control Study in Punjab.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine-metabolic syndrome that involves hyperandrogenism, menstrual irregularities, and/or small cysts in one or both ovaries which might lead to infertility in women. The genetics of PCOS is heterogenous with the involvement of several genes reported in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Follicular growth and steroidogenesis regulation are both critically dependent on follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). The variants of FSHR cause abnormal folliculogenesis, steroidogenesis, and oocyte maturation at various stages of growth and may render women more susceptible to PCOS development. The present case-control study evaluated the association of FSHR rs6165 and rs6166 variants with PCOS. A total of 743 females were recruited. PCR-RFLP method was used for the genotypic analysis of FSHR polymorphisms. Obesity was examined according to the categorization of body mass index (BMI) and waist-hip ratio (WHR). Biochemical analysis, including a lipid profile, LH, FSH, and testosterone levels, was done in both PCOS women and controls. BMI and WHR revealed a statistically significant difference between PCOS cases and controls. Overall, levels of HDL were significantly lower, whereas cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and VLDL levels were higher in PCOS women (p < 0.05). The genotypic and allelic frequencies of rs6165 and rs6166 did not demonstrate significant differences when PCOS women were compared with the control group. However, clinical features of PCOS including gonadotropic hormone (FSH), hyperandrogenism, and dyslipidemia were significantly correlated with variants of FSHR. The present study concludes that rs6165 and rs6166 were significantly related to clinical features of PCOS, regardless of providing direct disease risk.

Association of CYP11A1 Polymorphisms with Recurrent Pregnancy Loss in the Female Population of Punjab.

Background: Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is defined as the failure of two or more clinically recognised pregnancies before 20 weeks of gestation. The prevalence of clinically evident RPL is 1%-2% worldwide. The aetiologies of RPL include uterine anatomic anomalies, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, untreated hypothyroidism, parental chromosomal abnormalities, antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, thrombophilia, genetic abnormalities and infections. Aims: This study was aimed at investigating the possible association between CYP11A1 (rs11632698) and (rs4077582) polymorphisms with RPL in the female population of Punjab. Settings and Design: The case- control study was conducted on 170 subjects, of which 80 RPL cases and 90 controls were analysed. Materials and Methods: Genotypic analysis was performed using the polymerase chain reaction - restriction fragment length polymorphism. Statistical Analysis Used: Pearson's Chi-square test was used. Results: The genotypic frequency of CYP11A1 (rs11632698) A > G polymorphism was statistically significantly different amongst cases and controls (P = 0.00001). It was observed that the presence of the G allele might increase the risk of RPL. A Chisquare analysis of CYP11A1 (rs4077582) (P = 0.01) indicated a significant difference amongst the genotypes of cases and controls of RPL. Conclusion: CYP11A1 variants (rs11632698 and rs4077582) may be useful markers in determining the genetic susceptibility to the pathogenesis of RPL. Keywords: CYP11A1, recurrent miscarriage, recurrent pregnancy loss, rs11632698, rs4077582, spontaneous abortion.

Impact of Interleukin-10 Promoter Region Polymorphisms on Recurrent Miscarriage: A Case-Control Approach.

Background: Recurrent miscarriage (RM), defined as two or more consecutive miscarriages prior to the 20th week of gestation is characterised by multifactorial aetiology. The prevalence of RM varies from 0.8% to 13.5% amongst women of reproductive age. The aetiological basis of RM has been traced to chromosomal, anatomic, hormonal and immunologic factors while half of the cases remain idiopathic. Aims: This study aimed to investigate the association of interleukin-10 (IL-10) polymorphisms with RM amongst the Indian population. Settings and Design: The present study included a total of 414 individuals including RM women (n = 199) with two or more pregnancy losses and healthy women (n = 215) without any previous history of pregnancy loss were taken as the control group. Materials and Methods: Demographic features and reproductive history of women with RM and healthy women were taken. Genotype analysis of IL-10 polymorphisms rs1800872 and rs1800896 was performed using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) restriction fragment length polymorphism and amplification mutation refractory system PCR, respectively. Statistical Analysis Used: Student's t-test was used to compare the demographic features and reproductive history amongst both groups. Pearson's Chi-square was used to calculate the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, allelic and genotypic frequencies. All the statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS (version 21, IBM SPSS, NY, USA). Results: Our results suggested that the genotypic and allelic frequency of rs1800872 polymorphism did not differ significantly between RM cases and control women (P = 0.07 and P = 0.23, respectively). The GG genotype (P = 0.007) and G allele (P = 0.003) of rs1800896 were significantly associated with an increased risk of RM. A statistically significant difference was also found for the distribution of genetic models (dominant and co-dominant model) between both groups for rs1800896. However, haplotype analysis revealed that none of the haplotypes provides a risk for the progression of RM. Conclusion: The study is the first of its kind from our region and provides baseline data on the genetics of RM.

Role of tumor necrosis factor-alpha -238 G>A promoter region polymorphism on recurrent miscarriage: An association study and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent miscarriage (RM) is defined as the loss of two or more consecutive pregnancies. A functional SNP, -238G>A in the promoter region of TNF-α, affects the gene transcription activity with implications on human pregnancy. Previous limited studies, linking the TNF-α -238 G>A to the risk of recurrent miscarriage have been inconclusive. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The PCR-RLFP technique was used to evaluate this polymorphism in 199 RM cases and 215 control women from Amritsar, Punjab. For a meta-analysis, a total of 13 eligible studies (including the present study) comprising 2947 cases and 2933 controls were included. To evaluate the association among different genetic models, odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval (CI) and chi-square were used. RESULTS: Genotype and allelic frequency did not differ significantly between both groups (p = .07 and p = .24, respectively). In the present meta-analysis, a significant association was found with the recessive model (OR-1.78 CI:1.24-2.55, p = .002). CONCLUSION: Although, TNF-α -238 G>A polymorphism did not provide any risk in the case-control study but provided risk towards the development of RM with the recessive genetic model in the pooled analysis.

Karyotypic findings in chronic myeloid leukemia cases undergoing treatment.

BACKGROUND: Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a clonal myeloproliferative expansion of primitive hematopoietic progenitor cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present study, CML samples were collected from various hospitals in Amritsar, Jalandhar and Ludhiana. RESULTS: Chromosomal alterations seen in peripheral blood lymphocytes of these treated and untreated cases of CML were satellite associations, double minutes, random loss, gain of C group chromosomes and presence of marker chromosome. No aberrations were observed in control samples. Karyotypic abnormalities have also been noted in the Ph-negative cells of some patients in disease remission. CONCLUSION: This is a novel phenomenon whose prognostic implications require thorough and systematic evaluation.

Role of folate metabolizing genes and homocysteine in mothers of Down syndrome children.

Objectives: Folates are essential nutrients required for the synthesis of DNA/RNA in cell division and segregation. Folates are reduced and methylated in the liver with the help of enzymes such as methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), MTR MTRR, reduced folate carrier 1, and cystathionine-ß-synthase. Variants in the genes encoding these enzymes may lead to hypomethylation, resulting in nondisjunction which in turn increases the risk for Down syndrome (DS). The present study was conducted to genotype these genes and to see their association with homocysteine levels. Materials and Methods: A total of 213 mothers having DS children and 220 mothers having normal children were enrolled in the study. Genomic DNA was isolated from lymphocytes followed by polymerase chain reaction/Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism for genotyping. Homocysteine levels were checked by chemoassay utilizing coumarin-based fluorescent probe. Results: Genotypic frequency of MTHFR 1298 A > C polymorphism was significantly different among cases and controls (χ 2 = 5.83, P = 0.01), presence of C instead of A allele provided protection against DS in mothers (odds ratios = 0.57, 95% confidence interval = 0.35-0.91, P = 0.01). Higher levels of homocysteine were independently associated with the risk of having DS child (P = 0.0001). Conclusion: Homocysteine acted as an independent risk factor in the present study and was not associated with folate metabolizing gene variants.

Association Analysis of CYP11A1 Variants with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: a Case-Control Study from North India.

The most common multifactorial endocrine disorder in females of reproductive age is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), affecting about 5-10% of females worldwide and 9.3% of females in India. Androgen excess in PCOS is caused as a result of defects in steroidogenesis genes. CYP11A1 is an imperative marker in the steroid synthesis pathway, and the altered expression of CYP11A1 has been reported to disrupt the synthesis of steroids and hence conferring risk for the development of PCOS. The present study aimed to analyze genetic variants (rs11632698, rs4077582, rs4887139) of CYP11A1 with PCOS from North India. The study included 270 PCOS females diagnosed according to Rotterdam 2003 criteria and 270 age-matched healthy non-PCOS females. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was used for the genotypic analysis of the selected genetic variants. Association analysis of biochemical parameters (cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein) and anthropometric measurements with PCOS cases was done. The genetic variants of CYP11A1 (rs11632698, rs4077582, and rs4887139) demonstrated significant association with PCOS cases (p=1.0E-12, p=3.0E-3, p=1.0E-2, respectively). Binary logistic regression revealed that the dominant model of rs11632698 conferred 2.0 risk, and dominant as well as the co-dominant model of rs4887139 conferred risk of 2.2 and 2.4 fold, respectively, towards the progression of PCOS. The overall mean triglyceride levels were elevated, and mean HDL levels were lower in PCOS cases as compared to threshold values. The significant association of studied genetic variants suggested the important role of CYP11A1 in susceptibility to PCOS. The study was the first of its kind from our region and provided baseline data of genetics of PCOS.

Modulatory role of GSTT1 and GSTM1 in Punjabi agricultural workers exposed to pesticides.

Glutathione S-transferases are important detoxification enzymes involved in the metabolism of endogenous as well as exogenous compounds. Individuals differ in metabolic capacity due to inherited genetic variations. Due to the polymorphism exhibited by GSTT1 and GSTM1 that results in the complete loss of function, the present study was aimed towards the determination of the frequency distribution of GSTT1 and GSTM1 in agricultural workers in Punjab, India. The study aimed to investigate their contribution in susceptibility to increased disease risk. A total of 513 subjects were included in this study, out of which 250 were agriculture workers and 263 were non-exposed occupationally. GSTT1 and GSTM1 null-genotype distribution was analyzed through multiplex-PCR method. Complete gene deletion in either of the genes was strongly associated with an increased risk (OR = 1.8; 95% CI = 1.3-2.6; p < 0.0008) of DNA/cytogenetic damage, cancer, infertility, and many other serious health effects. Therefore, homozygous deletion in GSTT1 or GSTM1 could play a modulatory role in health of workers with long-term exposure to pesticides.

Dentin dysplasia type 1 - clinical management dilemmas: A case report of first-generation sufferers.

Dentine Dysplasia is a rare genetic condition. The treatment options and dilemmas associated with the condition remain undiscovered so far. This article highlights the variations in traits and challenges faced in the treatment of the cases.

Genetic association of ADIPOQ gene variants (-3971A>G and +276G>T) with obesity and metabolic syndrome in North Indian Punjabi population.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: At present obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in India are the most challenging health problems. It is also well accepted that obesity is a significant risk factor for the development of metabolic syndrome and other degenerative diseases. Many studies have reported that single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the adiponectin (ADIPOQ) gene have been associated with obesity and its related disorders. Here, we aimed to investigate the association of two intronic variants in ADIPOQ gene, -3971A>G (rs822396) and +276G>T (rs1501299) with obesity and metabolic syndrome. METHODS: Biochemical and anthropometric measurements were obtained from a total of 550 unrelated subjects (obese = 250 and non-obese = 300) of North Indian Punjabi population. Genotyping for the intron variants were performed by polymerase chain reaction based restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) methods. After genotyping, as a quality control measure 10% of the samples for each polymorphism were confirmed by Sanger Sequencing method. The distributions of genotypic and allelic frequencies among obese and non-obese groups were compared by chi-square test and the corresponding risk was calculated using binary logistic regression. The effects of multiple testing were controlled by applying Bonferroni corrections. RESULTS: All the anthropometric and biochemical parameters except triglycerides (TG) and very low-density lipoproteins cholesterol (VLDL-C) have shown significant association with both GG and TT genotypes of -3971A>G (rs822396) and +276G>T (rs1501299) polymorphisms respectively. The frequencies of GG (-3971A>G) and TT (+276G>T) genotypes were higher among obese cases (p = 0.008 and p = 0.035 respectively). However, no significant association was found between allelic frequencies of ADIPOQ rs822396 and obesity, whereas the association of ADIPOQ rs1501299 attenuated and became marginally significant after Bonferroni correction (p>0.025). Both the variant genotypes of ADIPOQ gene polymorphisms (-3971GG and +276TT) significantly increased the risk of development of obesity (OR: 1.52, p = 0.03; OR: 1.58, p = 0.04 respectively) and MetS (OR: 1.42, p = 0.03; OR: 1.57, p = 0.01 respectively) in the present population, after adjusting the various covariates. The G-T haplotype model (possessing -3971G and +276T alleles) was shown toprovide ~ 3 fold risk towards the obesity susceptibility (OR: 2.69, p = 0.009) and MetS risk (OR: 2.73, p = 0.009) and the association persisted after adjusting for different confounding variables. CONCLUSION: The present study has confirmed that ADIPOQ -3971A>G (rs822396) and +276G>T (rs1501299) polymorphism may be clinically helpful to estimate obesity and MetS risk in North Indian Punjabi population.

Prevalence of Cytogenetic Anomalies in Couples with Recurrent Miscarriages: A Case-control Study.

BACKGROUND: About 15%-20% of couples get affected by recurrent miscarriages (RM) and chromosomal abnormality in one partner affects 3%-6% of RM couples. AIMS: The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of cytogenetic anomalies in couples with RM. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A case-control study was undertaken, in which 243 couples who had experienced 2 or >2 miscarriages were investigated for chromosomal abnormalities and compared with 208 healthy, age-matched control couples who had at least one healthy live born and no history of miscarriages. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Peripheral blood (PB) lymphocytes were cultured using PB-Max Karyotyping medium (GIBCO) for chromosomal analysis and 20 metaphases were analyzed for each individual. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Student's t-test was used for statistical evaluation and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant for all instances. RESULTS: The current study revealed 3.1% RM cases showing structural chromosomal aberrations, of which balanced translocations and Robertsonian translocations constituted 66.7% and 26.7% cases, respectively, while inversions constituted 6.7% abnormal RM cases. Polymorphic variations were observed in 1.9% RM patients and 1.2% controls as well. However, the number of abortions were significantly more (P = 0.027) in male carriers of balanced translocations as compared to female carriers in the RM group. There was no significant difference for age (P = 0.539) between RM women and control women. CONCLUSIONS: Although similar studies exist in literature, our study is the first of its kind from our region that has compared the chromosomal anomalies between the RM group and the control group. We observed 3.1% of balanced translocations and an increased number (though nonsignificant) of polymorphic variations and satellite associations in the RM group as compared to the control group.

Maternal MTHFR polymorphism (677 C-T) and risk of Down's syndrome child: meta-analysis.

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is the most important gene that participates in folate metabolism. Presence of valine instead of alanine at position 677 and elevated levels of homocystein causes DNA hypomethylation which in turn favours nondisjunction. In this study, we conducted a meta-analysis to establish link between maternal single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and birth of Down's syndrome (DS) child. A total of 37 case-control studies were selected for analysis including our own, in which we investigated 110 cases and 111 control mothers. Overall, the result of meta-analysis showed significant risk of DS affected by the presence of maternal SNP (MTHFR 677 C-T OR = 0.816, 95% CI = 0.741-0.900, P <0.0001). Heterogeneity of high magnitude was observed among the studies. The chi-square value suggested a highly significant association between homozygous mutant TT genotype and birth of DS child (χ² = 23.63, P = 0.000). Genetic models suggested that 'T' allele possesses high risk for DS whether present in dominant (OR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.13-1.34); codominant (OR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.10-1.25) or recessive (OR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.05-1.38) form. The analysis from all 37 studies combined together suggested that MTHFR 677 C-T is a major risk factor for DS birth.