MEFV gene pathogenic variants: a risk factor for dysmenorrhea in the Turkish population.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The Mediterranean fever (MEFV) gene codes for protein pyrin, which is among the modulators of inflammasome activity in innate immune cells. It was suggested that there is a relation between MEFV variations and inflammatory diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate MEFV gene variations in the patients with primary dysmenorrhea. METHODS: The prevalence of common MEFV gene variations (M694V, M680I, V726A, E148Q and R202Q) was investigated in 145 young women with primary dysmenorrhea and 135 unrelated healthy controls. MEFV gene variations were genotyped using PCR-based RFLP assay. RESULTS: Number of childbirth and marriage were significantly lower in the study group than the controls, respectvely (p < 0.001, p = 0.001). Family history was statistically higher in the patient group (p < 0.001). In total, MEFV genotype and allele frequencies were significantly higher in patients than controls, respectively (p = 0.008 and p = 0.005, respectively). It was found that MEFV gene E148Q allele was more common in patient group (p = 0.039). MEFV R202Q A allele was higher in the patients than the controls (p = 0.045). A significant association was observed when the patients were compared with the controls according to R202Q variant AA versus GG+GA genotypes (p=0.020). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that MEFV variations may be a risk factor for patients with dysmenorrhea in a Turkish cohort.HighlightsThere are very few studies in the literature regarding the relationship between pathological variants of MEFV and dysmenorrhea disease.The common MEFV mutations/variants were evaluated in primary dysmenorrhea patients.Family history was statistically higher in the patient group (p <.001).MEFV gene variations were found 52 (35.9%) in patients and 29 (21.5%2) in controls.MEFV gene allele frequency was significantly higher in-patient group than control (p =.005).

Dual effect of methylene-tetrahydrofolate reductase and angiotensinconverting enzyme gene polymorphisms on the risk of acute ischemic stroke.

Ischemic stroke, a prevalent neurological disease, is the major reason of serious disability and death worldwide. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene polymorphisms increase homocysteine levels which also raise the risk of vascular diseases. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene polymorphisms can cause vascular reorganization and disrupt arterial wall stability. The aim of this study was to explore how the MTHFR and ACE gene polymorphisms are related to acute ischemic stroke. A total of 200 individuals (102 acute ischemic stroke patients and 98 healthy controls) were included in this case-control research. MTHFR gene C677T (rs1801133) and A1298C (rs1801131) polymorphisms were studied through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) assays, ACE gene I/D polymorphism (rs1799752) was studied by PCR. The MTHFR C667T and ACE I/D polymorphisms did not show any statistically meaningful differences between healthy controls and acute ischemic stroke patients (P>0.05). However, compared to healthy controls, acute ischemic stroke patients had almost nine-fold higher prevalence of the CC genotype based on the MTHFR A1298C polymorphism (P=0.024, OR=8.8, 95%Cl=1.27-208.2). Additionally, individuals with acute ischemic stroke had greater frequencies of the combined genotypes of MTHFR and ACE gene polymorphisms in the forms of CC/CC (C667T/A1298C), CC/ DD (A1298C/ACE I/D) and CC/CC/DD (C677T/A1298C/ACE I/D) (P = 0.027, P = 0.015 and P = 0.037, respectively). A statistically significant correlation was assessed between MTHFR gene A1298C polymorphism and acute ischemic stroke. Additionally, it was discovered that the genotype combinations of CC/CC (C667T/A1298C), CC/DD (A1298C/ACE I/D) and CC/CC/DD (C677T/A1298C/ ACE I/D) have risk-increasing effects on acute ischemic stroke. To employ these genetic variations as alternative treatments for ischemic stroke, these findings should be validated by more research.

Impact of methylene-tetrahydrofolate reductase gene C677T and A1298C polymorphisms as a risk factor for hepatitis B virus infection.

Chronic hepatitis B infection caused by Hepatitis B virus (HBV), influences over two billion people worldwide despite having an effective vaccine. With a total prevalence of 4.57%, there are 3.3 million estimated HBV carriers in Türkiye. Methylene-tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) arrange folate metabolism through nucleic acid synthesis and DNA methylation. C677T (rs1801133, p.Ala222Val) and A1298C (rs1801131, p.Glu429Ala) polymorphisms of MTHFR gene have effect of reducing the activity of enzyme. We purposed to investigate the correlation between C677T and A1298C polymorphisms of MTHFR gene with HBV infection in a Turkish population. One hundred eighteen HBV-infected participants and ninety healthy controls were incorporated in this research. The polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay was applied to discover the genotypes of MTHFR polymorphisms. We demonstrated that T allele and CT + TT genotype frequencies of C677T polymorphism were significantly increased in HBV-infected participants than healthy controls [p = 0.015, OR (95% Cl) = 1.7 (1.11-2.79) and p = 0.020, OR (95% Cl) = 1.9 (1.10-3.42), respectively). No significant associations were noted concerning the A1298C polymorphism (p > 0.05). CC-AA composite genotype was observed to be significantly elevated in healthy controls than HBV-infected participants (32.2% vs. 13.6%, p = 0.001). In addition, the frequency of T-C haplotype was found to be considerably higher in the patient group than control group (15.8% vs 11.8%, p = 0.018). In conclusion, we found that T allele of C677T polymorphism poses a risk factor for HBV infection. We also discovered a protective impact of the CC-AA composite genotype against HBV infection and a risk effect of the T-A haplotype for HBV-infection.

The effects of circulating MIR22-3p and MIR16-1-3p levels in different stages of subacute thyroiditis.

Subacute thyroiditis (SAT) is an inflammatory thyroid disease with a frequency is 5% among all thyroid diseases. miRNAs are endogenous, non-coding RNAs ranging in length from 19 to 25 nucleotides. They play an important role in the posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether the expression levels of two circulating miRNAs, MIR22 and MIR16-1, can be used as a parameter in the diagnosis and follow-up of SAT disease. Fifty patients diagnosed with SAT and 41 healthy controls were included in this study. Expression levels of miRNAs were determined by real time-PCR method. Expression data of miRNAs were calculated by fold change (2-ΔΔCt) method. The statistical significance of miRNA expression was evaluated by t-test. The expression levels of MIR22-3p and MIR16-1-3p were not found to be statistically different between SAT patients and controls and also between the patients in different stages (hyperthyroid, euthyroid, and hypothyroid) of the disease. According to correlation analyses, we observed a positive strong correlation between erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and the expression levels of MIR22-3p and MIR16-1-3p (r = 0.960, p = 0.000 and r = 0.865, p = 0.006, respectively), and a positive strong correlation between fT4 and the expression levels of MIR22-3p in SAT patients in euthyroid stage (r = 0.712, p = 0.047). In this study, we showed that the expression levels of MIR22-3p and MIR16-1-3p have correlation with clinical characteristics of SAT disease. Our results suggest that MIR22 and MIR16-1 may be effective in the pathogenesis of SAT.

Methylene-tetrahydrofolate reductase gene C677T and A1298C polymorphisms as a risk factor for Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever.

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a deadly viral disease. Methylene-tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) has an important role in folate metabolism, and also in the formation of new cells, DNA synthesis, repair and methylation. We aimed to examine the relationship between MTHFR gene C677T (Ala222Val, rs1801133) and A1298C (Glu429Ala, rs1801131) polymorphisms with CCHF in a Turkish population. Totally 273 participants were included in the current study. One hundred forty-one participants were CCHF patients and one hundred thirty-two participants were healthy controls. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and further restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) assays were applied to determine the genotypes of MTHFR polymorphisms. We did not find any differences between the CCHF patients and healthy controls in terms of allele and genotype distributions of both the C677T and A1298C polymorphisms. In composite genotype analysis between different groups, the frequency of CT-AA composite genotype, which is formed by C677T-A1298C polymorphisms, was found to be significantly higher in Mild CCHF patients compared to both Severe CCHF patients and controls (p = 0.036 and p = 0.008, respectively). In conclusion, in this study, we found a relationship between CCHF and MTHFR gene polymorphisms. CT-AA composite genotype of MTHFR gene C677T and A1298C polymorphisms showed a predisposition to Mild CCHF.

Estrogen Receptor 1 Gene rs22346939 and rs9340799 Variants are Associated with Major Depressive Disorder and its Clinical Features.

OBJECTIVE: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a major health problem worldwide. Estrogen interacts with the central nervous system and has been shown to affect anxiety and depressive behavior. Estrogen mediates its effects by connecting its receptors, estrogen receptors 1 and 2. The purpose of this case-control study was to clarify the association between MDD risk and estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) gene variants. METHODS: This study included 245 individuals (125 MDD patients and 120 healthy controls). Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) technics were used for genotypingESR1XbaII (rs9340799) and PvuII (rs22346939) variants. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of genotype frequencies of the ESR1PvuII (-397 T > C) variant (p = 0.049) but not for the XbaII (-351 A > G) variant (p > 0.05). However, a correlation was observed between MDD and ESR1XbaII variant after male participants were excluded (p = 0.028). Also, the high pain score of MDD patients was associated with the ESR1PvuII variant, especially in female patients (p = 0.021). According to the results of combined genotype analysis, AA-TC combined genotype was correlated with a decreased risk in patients with MDD compared to controls (p = 0.016), while the combined genotype of GGCC was associated with increased risk in the patients with MDD compared to controls (p = 0.042). CONCLUSION: The two ESR1 variants were associated with MDD risk and its features in both individual and combined forms.

Influence of ESR1 Variants on Clinical Characteristics and Fibromyalgia Syndrome in Turkish Women.

BACKGROUND: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain. It is more common in women than in men, and sex hormones may play a role in this predominance. Therefore, this research investigated the clinical findings among Turkish females and whether Estrogen-α (ESR1) gene variants are associated with FMS. METHODS: A total of 219 individuals were enrolled in this study. ESR1 variants (PvuII/XbaI) were genotyped using PCR-RFLP methods. The results of the analyses were evaluated for statistical significance. RESULTS: There was a significant association between the ESR1 PvuII and FMS risk among Turkish women. The ESR1 PvuII CC genotype and C allele were higher in the patients than those in the controls (p=0.021, p=0.007, respectively). A more statistically significant association was observed between the patients and the controls in terms of TT genotype vs. TC+CC genotypes (p=0.022). Also, there was a statistically significant association between the patients and the controls in terms of TT+TC genotype vs. CC genotypes (p =0.028). There was no significant association between patients and the control group concerning the genotype distribution and allele frequencies of ESR1 XbaI (p>0.05). Headache was seen more frequently in the XbaI GA genotype (p=0.025), while XbaI AA genotype was associated with dysmenorrhea in patients with FMS (p=0.041). CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that ESR1 PvuII/XbaI variants are possibly effective in the development of FMS and some clinical features.

Impact of Endothelial NOS VNTR Variant on Susceptibility to Diabetic Neuropathy and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the VNTR intron 4b/4a variant in the eNOS gene is associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and DPN. METHODS: A total of 598 subjects were enrolled in the study. eNOS VNTR 4b/4a variant was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. RESULTS: eNOS VNTR intron 4b/4b genotype and b allele increased in patients with both DPN and T2DM compared healthy controls (p=0.0005, OR:1.94, p= 0.000002, OR:4.10, respectively). 4a/4b genotype was more prevalent in controls than in DPN and T2DM patients (p=0.00008, OR:0.46; p=0.000004, OR:0.24, respectively). eNOS VNTR b allele was more common in DPN patients and T2DM patients compared with controls (p=0.007, p=0.00002, respectively). CONCLUSION: The eNOS VNTR "4b/4b" homozygous genotype and hence "4b"allele as a genetic risk factor for T2DM and DPN, which may serve as a useful marker of increased susceptibility to the risk of these disorders.

Effect of AUTS2 gene rs6943555 variant in male patients with schizophrenia in a Turkish population.

Schizophreniais a severe brain disease seen all over the world. There are studies showing that activator of transcription and developmental regulator AUTS2 (AUTS2) gene is involved in the predisposition to schizophrenia. In this study, we aimed to analyze the correlation between rs6943555 variant of AUTS2 gene and schizophrenia in a Turkish population. This study include 100 schizophrenia patients and 152 unrelated healthy controls. The AUTS2 genotypes were determined by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) tests. Chi-square and Anova tests were used for statistical analyses. According to results, although the A allele frequency was higher in schizophrenia patients, we didn't detect statistically significant correlation between schizophrenia and the AUTS2 gene rs6943555 variant (p = 0.057). However after adjusting for gender, significant effects of genotype and allele were detected among males (p = 0.039 and p = 0.049, respectively). Also we observed a statistically significant correlation between HDL cholesterol values of patients and genotypes of rs6943555 variant (p = 0.016). As a result, rs6943555 variant of AUTS2 gene might affect the predisposition to schizophrenia especially in male patients.

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.

Effects of Paraoxonase-1 variants on course of severity and mortality of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever.

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is an acute viral hemorrhagic fever caused by Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV). Paraoxonase-1 (PON1) is a high density lipoprotein (HDL)-binding protein which defense the body against oxidative stress. To investigate the role of the PON1 gene in CCHF, we screened the genotypes of two single nucleotide polymorphisms (Q192R [rs662] and L55M [rs854560]) in CCHF patients stratified according to course of severity and mortality by using PCR-based RFLP assay. Overall, 132 patients diagnosed as CCHF were enrolled in this study. The frequencies of the three genotypes and two alleles of Q192R and L55M polymorphisms didn't show any statistically significant differences in terms of mortality and disease severity (p > 0.05). Any statistically significant differences were not found between severe and mild and fatal and non-fatal CCHF patients according to seven composite genotypes (p > 0.05). When we analyzed the clinical characteristics of CCHF patients stratified according to PON1gene polymorphisms, any statistically significant differences were not also observed (p > 0.05). Our study showed no possible association between genotypes of PON1 gene Q192R and L55M polymorphisms and CCHF.

Significance of IL-1Ra and IL-6 gene variants in Turkish patients with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever

Objective: To investigate the association between IL-1Ra variable number of tandem repeat (rs2234663), IL-6 -597GA (rs1800797), IL-6 -572GC (rs1800796) and the risk of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) in the Turkish patients. Methods: This study included 50 patients infected with CCHF and 50 healthy controls. These variants were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction and/or restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Results:The distribution of the IL-6 -572GC genotypes and alleles varied significantly between the patients and the controls. The subjects carrying IL-6 -572GC GG genotype and G allele had increased risk of developing CCHF compared to the control group (P=0.006, P=0.014, respectively). IL-6 -572GC GC genotype was higher in the controls than the patients (P=0.006). For the triple genotype combinations, the 1/2-GC-GG genotype combination was detected more frequently in the control group than CCHF patients (P=0.016). IL-6 (-572/-597) GG-GG genotype was significantly higher in the patient group (P=0.015), while the GC-GG genotype was significantly lower in the patient group (P=0.005). Additionally, the G-G haplotype was significantly higher in the patient group (P=0.042), whereas C-G was found to be significantly lower in the patients than the control group (P=0.037). Conclusions: The results of this study suggest the IL-6 -572GC variant might be genetic markers of sensitivity to CCHF in the Turkish population and may facilitate greater protection against the disease.

Investigation of the role of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist VNTR variant on the Behçet's disease.

OBJECTIVE: Behçet's disease (BD), a chronic multisystem inflammatory disorder, is mainly characterized by relapsing periods of a wide range of clinical symptoms. Several cytokine genes may play important roles in the pathogenesis of BD. Therefore, interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) gene 86bp variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) variant was investigated in patients with BD in a Turkish population. METHODS: One hundred nine patients (60 females, 49 males; the mean age±standard deviation [SD] was 36.56±9.571 years) with BD and one hundred healthy individuals (54 females, 46 males; the mean age±SD was 36.64±2.294 years) were examined in the study. For genotyping, polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis was employed. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 22.0 (IBM Corp.; Armonk, NY, USA) (p<0.05). RESULTS: The genotype distribution and allele frequencies of the IL-1Ra VNTR variant did not differ significantly between the patients and the controls (p>0.05). The frequency of the a1/a1, a1/a2 genotypes and a1, a2 alleles were the most common both in patients and healthy controls (p=0.37, p=0.26, and p=0.53, respectively). Also, no statistically significant difference was found between the IL-1Ra VNTR variant genotypes and clinical characteristics (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of this study do not support an association between the IL-1Ra VNTR variant and the risk of BD in a Turkish population. However, further studies of this variant with larger sample sizes and different ethnicities are required for confirmation.

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.

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.

Clinical significance of NCOA5 gene rs2903908 polymorphism in Behçet's disease.

Behçet's disease (BD) is an autoimmune multisystemic disease. The precise etiology of BD is not fully understood; however, it is thought that interactions between genetic and environmental factors play an essential role in its pathogenesis. The nuclear receptor coactivator-5 (NCOA5) gene encodes a coregulator for nuclear receptor subfamily 1 group D member 2 (NR1D2) and estrogen receptor 1 and 2 (ESR1 and ESR2). Also, the NCOA5 gene insufficiency leads to an elevated expression of IL-6, and increased levels of IL-6 were found to be related to the pathogenesis of BD. In this study, we aimed to clarify the impact of the NCOA5 rs2903908 polymorphism on susceptibility and clinical findings of BD. This study included 671 participants (300 BD patients and 371 healthy controls). The analyses of NCOA5 rs2903908 polymorphism was performed by using the TaqMan allelic discrimination assay. The frequency of TT genotype of the NCOA5 rs2903908 polymorphism was found significantly higher in BD patients compared to those in healthy controls (p=0.016, OR=1.46, 95 % CI=1.08-1.99). Also, the frequencies of CT genotype was observed significantly higher in BD patients with genital ulceration and uveitis than without genital ulceration and uveitis (p=0.002 and p=0.005, respectively). The most significant association was found between C allele frequencies of BD patients with and without uveitis (p=0.0001). Our study represents for the first time that the NCOA5 rs2903908 polymorphism seemed to be linked to BD susceptibility and clinical findings.

Association of the MTHFR Gene C677T Polymorphism with Breast Cancer in a Turkish Population.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. 1 in every 8 women in the United States have a lifetime risk of getting breast cancer. MTHFR is a key enzyme that regulates the folate metabolism which has an important role in DNA synthesis, repair, and methylation. The aim of the current study was to analyze the association between the MTHFR gene C677T (Ala222Val, rs1801133) polymorphism and breast cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 199 breast cancer patients and 195 healthy controls were included in this study. The MTHFR gene C677T polymorphism was analyzed using polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) methods. A meta-analysis including 707 breast cancer patients and 880 controls from Turkish populations was also carried out. Statistical analyses were performed using the χ2 test. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences in allele and genotype frequencies were observed between patients and controls (p > 0.05). Although not statistically significant, TT homozygous variants were encountered more frequently in patients than in controls. A statistically significant association was observed between the MTHFR gene C677T polymorphism and the tumor histology of breast cancer patients (p = 0.038). The results of the meta-analysis suggested that there was a high association between breast cancer and the MTHFR gene C677T polymorphism in Turkish populations (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: In our study, we did not find any association between the MTHFR gene C677T polymorphism and breast cancer. However, a meta-analysis of the 6 association studies carried out in Turkish populations with 707 patients and 880 controls showed a significant association between breast cancer and the MTHFR gene C677T polymorphism.

Analysis of Manganese Superoxide Dismutase and Glutathione Peroxidase 1 Gene Polymorphisms in Vitiligo.

Vitiligo is a hereditary/acquired progressive pigmentation disorder characterized by discoloration of skin as a result of melanocyte dysfunction. Recent studies have proposed that oxidant/antioxidant status plays an important role in vitiligo pathogenesis because of the toxic effects on melanocytes. In this study, we aimed to investigate possible associations of MnSOD Ala-9Val and GPx1 Pro198Leu polymorphisms with vitiligo with in Turkish population. The study group consists of 57 patients with vitiligo and 69 healthy controls. Genotyping is performed to identify MnSOD Ala-9Val and GPx1 Pro198Leu polymorphisms. The method used for genotyping was based on the PCR amplification and detection of polymorphisms by hybridization probes labeled with fluorescent dyes. Both the genotype and allele frequencies of MnSOD Ala-9Val (p = 0.817 and p = 0.553, respectively) and GPx1 Pro198Leu polymorphisms (p = 0.422 and p = 0.673, respectively) were not significantly different between vitiligo patients and the control group. Although no significant difference was found, this is the first report investigating the possible associations between the MnSOD Ala-9Val and GPx1 Pro198Leu polymorphisms in Turkish population. Further studies with large populations will be able to clarify the association better.

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.