An let-7 KRAS rs712 polymorphism increases hepatocellular carcinoma risk.

KRAS, also known as V-Ki-ras2 Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog, acts as an intracellular signal transducer. The oncogenic KRAS mutation is an essential step in the development of many types of human cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma. Here we aimed to investigate the relationship between KRAS rs712 polymorphisms and hepatocellular carcinoma susceptibility. Five-hundred-and-fourteen participants were enrolled in a case-control study (262 cases and 252 normal subjects). The variants were distinguished using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Significantly increased HCC risk was observed to be associated with the T allele of the rs712 locus (P = 0.049, OR = 1.35, 95%CI = 1.01-1.78). Further, HCC risk with the GT genotype (P = 0.015, OR = 1.64, 95%CI = 1.08-2.50) and the TT genotype (P = 0.015, OR = 2.56, 95%CI = 1.05-6.25) in a codominant model was significantly higher than that with the GG genotype. In a dominant model, significantly increased HCC susceptibility was also associated with T allele carriers (P = 0.006, OR = 1.75, 95%CI = 1.16-2.63). Moreover, we found that the frequency of the KRAS rs712 TT genotype was significantly higher in HBV-positive HCC patients than in HBV-negative HCC patients.

Differential expression of luteinizing hormone receptor, androgen receptor and heat-shock protein 70 in the testis of long-distance transported mice.

Spermatogenesis, is a complex process of precisely regulated intracellular events, where it is affected by many factors. Long-distance transport of animals is one of the stressors that may influence spermatogenesis and sperm quality. The present study chose luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR), androgen receptor (AR), and heat-shock protein 70 (HSP70) as our target genes to investigate their mRNA and protein expression in the testes of long-distance transported (about 1000 km) mice. Histological analysis showed that there was a reduction in the thickness of the seminiferous epithelium in the transported mice, and a significant decrease in body weight and sperm count in the epididymis was also observed. mRNA expression was determined by QPCR in the testis of transported and control mice. The levels for AR decreased significantly in transported mice. LHR and HSP70 expression in the testes of the transported mice was slightly higher than that of control mice but did not reach a significant level. A similar tendency of protein expression was also observed by Western blot analysis. The levels of LHR and HSP70 increased slightly after transportation. However, none of the changes were statistically significant compared with the control mice. In conclusion, long-distance transport has an adverse effect on reproductive organs and spermatozoa in adult mice.

Polymorphisms in the bone morphogenetic protein 15 gene and their effect on sperm quality traits in Chinese Holstein bulls.

Bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP-15) expression has been detected in the testis, but its roles in this organ has not been well elucidated. We evaluated polymorphisms of the BMP-15 gene by PCR-SSCP and PCR-RFLP in 212 Chinese Holstein bulls, and investigated possible associations with sperm quality traits, including semen volume per ejaculate, sperm density, fresh sperm motility, thawed sperm motility, acrosome integrity rate, and abnormal sperm rate. A single nucleotide polymorphism (C5697T) in intron 1 of the BMP-15 gene was identified in these bulls. Age was found to have significant effects on both fresh sperm motility and abnormal sperm rate. A significant effect of genotype on fresh sperm motility was also observed. Least square analysis showed that CT genotype bulls had significantly lower fresh sperm motility than CC or TT genotype bulls. In conclusion, BMP-15 should be considered as a potential genetic marker for sperm quality, based on its association with fresh sperm motility.