Effect of IL-1ß, IL-8, and IL-10 polymorphisms on the development of myocardial infarction.

Myocardial infarction (MI) is currently a leading cause of death worldwide, and is caused by various environmental and genetic factors. We therefore conducted a case-control study to investigate the association between polymorphisms in interleukins IL-1ß, IL-8, and IL-10 and MI risk. This study recruited 260 MI patients and 285 control subjects. Genotyping of IL-1ß +3954C/T, IL-8 -251T/A, IL-10 -1082A/G, and IL-10 -819C/T were assessed using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. By comparing the risk factors of MI between the case and control groups, we discovered that MI patients were more likely to have smoking and drinking habits, have a history of hypertension and diabetes, have higher triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and a lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level (P < 0.05). Unconditional regression analyses showed that subjects carrying the GG genotype of the IL-10 -1082A/G polymorphism were associated with increased risk of MI, and the OR (95%CI) was 2.04 (1.15-3.65). Our study found that the IL-10 -1082A/G polymorphism plays an important role in influencing the development of MI.

Relation between prognosis and changes of MBP and S100B in premature infants with periventricular leukomalacia.

This study aims to explore the relation between changes in myelin basic protein (MBP) and S100 protein (S100B) serum levels and prognosis in premature infants with periventricular leukomalacia (PVL). In our hospital, 78 premature infants with PVL and 43 normal premature infants were studied from July 1, 2007 to December 31, 2008. MBP and S100B serum levels were detected at 1, 3, 7, and 14 days after birth by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. All infants were followed four times (once every 3 months) after discharge from hospital. Their intelligence quotient and physical development index were tested by using Gesell developmental scales. The MBP serum levels were significantly higher in premature infants with PVL at any time point than in normal premature infants. S100B serum levels gradually increased at 1, 3, and 7 days; peaked on the 7th day; and then gradually decreased to the normal level on the 14th day. The intelligence quatient and physical development index of infants with increased S100B and MBP levels on the 7th day were lower than those of infants who had normal S100B and MBP levels and those of normal premature infants. A negative relation exists between S100B and MBP serum levels and prognosis in PVL infants. An increase of MBP and S100B levels lasting >7 days could cause poor prognosis.

Association between the 8q24 rs6983267 T/G polymorphism and prostate cancer risk: a meta-analysis.

Recent studies have indicated that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the 8q24 region may be a risk factor for prostate cancer (PCa). Here, we performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the association between the 8q24 rs6983267 T/G polymorphism and PCa risk. A systematic literature search was carried out in multiple electronic databases independently by two investigators. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals for 8q24 rs6983267 T/G and PCa were calculated using a fixed-effect model (the Mantel-Haenszel method). In total, 24 case-control studies from 19 articles were included in our meta-analysis. Our analysis indicated that there is a significant PCa risk associated with the rs6983267 polymorphism in a dominant model (GG vs GT+TT, pooled OR = 1.298, P < 0.001); recessive model (GG+GT vs TT, pooled OR = 1.302, P < 0.001); and homozygote comparison (GG vs TT, pooled OR = 1.494, P < 0.001). Similarly, in a subgroup analysis of European and Asian descent, our results revealed that there are associations between rs6983267 T/G polymorphism and PCa susceptibility with the dominant model (GG vs GT+TT), recessive model (GG+GT vs TT), and homozygote comparison (GG vs TT). To investigate the association between rs6983267 and risk of PCa under different clinical conditions, further analyses were conducted regarding different clinical characteristics including the Gleason score, tumor stage, and PSA level to provide a more comprehensive view of PCa risk and this SNP. Publication bias was assed using the Begg test and the Egger test, and none was detected.

Expression profiling based on coexpressed modules in obese prepubertal children.

The aim of this study was to identify related genes and the underlying molecular mechanisms in obese patients who show a series of clinical and metabolic abnormalities known as metabolic syndrome. We identified expression profiles through a coexpression network. In addition, a similarity matrix and expression modules were constructed based on domain and pathway enrichment analysis. The genes in module 1 were mainly involved in the metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450, aldosterone-regulated sodium reabsorption, and focal adhesion owing to the presence of aldo/ketoreductase, basic helix-loop-helix, von Willebrand factor, Frizzled-related domain, and other domains. The genes in module 3 may be involved in cell cycle (hsa04110) and DNA replication (hsa03030) pathways through mini-chromosome maintenance, serine/threonine protein kinase, the protein kinase domain, and other domains. We analyzed the published molecular mechanisms of obesity and found many genes and pathways that have not been given enough attention and require further confirmation.

Molecular cytogenetic characterization of a new leaf rolling triticale.

Leaf rolling occurs in some cereal genotypes in response to drought. We identified and made a phenotypic, cytological and physiological analysis of a leaf-rolling genotype (CMH83) of hexaploid triticale (X Triticosecale Wittmack) that exhibited reduced plant height, rolled and narrow leaves. Gliadin electrophoresis of seed protein showed that CMH83 was genetically stable. Sequential Giemsa-C-banding and genomic in situ hybridization showed that CMH83 contains 12 rye chromosomes; two pairs of these chromosomes have reduced telomeric heterochromatin bands. Tests of relative water content and water loss rate of leaves of CMH83 compared with those of wheat cultivars indicated that rapid water loss after drought stress in CMH83 is associated with the leaf rolling phenotypes. Leaf rolling in CMH83 was a dominant trait in our inheritance studies. Triticale line CMH83 could be used to study drought resistance mechanisms in triticale.