The Relationship Between rs3212986C>A Polymorphism and Tumor Stage in Lung Cancer Patients.

Background The nucleotide excision repair (NER) system is one of the most important deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) repair mechanisms and is critical for chemotherapy resistance. We conducted the present study to investigate the association between two polymorphisms of excision of repair cross-complementing group 1 (ERCC1), the key component of the NER pathway, and the clinicopathological features of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods A total of 38 patients with confirmed NSCLC were included in our study. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood. ERCC1 rs3212986 (8092) and rs11615 (118) were genotyped using molecular assays including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with restriction fragment length polymorphism (by MboII and HpyCH4 enzymes) and sequencing. Results The PCR results indicated the correct performance of the genomics extraction and molecular protocols. The distribution of C/C, C/A and A/A genotypes at position 8092 was 42.10%, 47.36%, and 10.52% respectively (P=0.03). Multivariate regression analysis showed that there was a significant correlation between C8092A (rs3212986) polymorphism and metastasis, grade of the tumor, and response to treatment. Individuals carrying the rs3212986 CA genotype and A allele had a significantly worse response to the treatment. Also, the correlation between alteration at this genomics location and patients with NSCLC who used to smoke cigarettes was positive. However, no significant association was detected between rs11615 C118>T polymorphism and demographic characteristics of patients with NSCLC. Conclusion We concluded that in lung cancer patients there is a relationship between tumor stage and rs3212986C>A polymorphism.

Association of rs1042522 SNP with Clinicopathologic Factors of Breast Cancer Patients in the Markazi Province of Iran.

BACKGROUND: The nucleotide changes in different genetic loci increased the incidence risk of breast cancer. AIM: The aim of present study was to investigate genotype distribution at codon 72 of the TP53 gene (rs1042522) in breast cancer patients to achieve a potential diagnostic marker related to some demographic feathers. METHODS: In our case-control study, blood samples were collected from a total of 34 patients harboured breast cancer. DNA was extracted, and nested-PCR was performed. Products were digested with AccII and subsequently were sequenced. Results were compared with samples characteristics. RESULTS: The PCR results indicated the correct implementation of extraction and amplification protocol. The genotypic distribution at codon 72 of TP53 in control group was 20%, 62.4% and 16.6% for Arg (wildtype), Arg/Pro (heterozygous) and Pro (homozygous variant) respectively. Also, this distribution in the patient group was 23.52% homozygous, 50% heterozygous, and 26.47% another homozygous variant (Adjusted odds ratio: 1.12 and 95%CI = 0.57 to 2.2, P = 0.03). The absence of Arg at codon 72 of TP53 is relevant with age higher than 40 years and metastasis to other organs. CONCLUSION: Polymorphism at codon 72 of TP53 was associated with high-grades of breast cancer risk and different responses to chemotherapy treatment. It is recommended genotype distribution of codon 72 of TP53 before chemotherapy.

Intradural Intramedullary Teratoma Presenting in the Lumbar Spine: Report of a Rare Case.

BACKGROUND: Intradural teratomas are an exceedingly unusual phenomenon. They are tumors with the cellular constituent source of all the 3 germ cell layers. CASE DESCRIPTION: We here report a case of an 18-year-old man with special pathologic features. There was no history of spinal dysraphism, congenital spinal abnormalities, previous spinal surgery, or lumbar puncture. Lumbosacral spine magnetic resonance imaging revealed a well-delineated, intramedullary mass at the L2-3 level. Histopathology examination of the resected tumor revealed cystic spaces lined with simple columnar epithelium as well as mucus secreting epithelium, adipose tissue, salivary gland-like serous cells, and bundles of smooth muscle cells. We have seen unusual histopathologic features in the case, for example, there were no cartilage components that are mostly found in mature teratomas, abundant Pacinian corpuscle nerve endings, and nerve trunks. There were no immature elements or malignant cells. CONCLUSIONS: Teratomas should be taken into consideration in the differential diagnosis of intramedullary lesions, even after the imaging reveals tissue homogeneity.

Efficacy of Synbiotics for Treatment of Bacillary Dysentery in Children: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study.

Bacillary dysentery is a major cause of children's admission to hospitals. To assess the probiotic and prebiotic (synbiotics) effects in children with dysentery in a randomized clinical trial, 200 children with dysentery were studied in 2 groups: the synbiotic group received 1 tablet/day of synbiotic for 3-5 days and the placebo group received placebo tablets (identical tablet form like probiotics). The standard treatment was administered for all patients. Duration of hospitalization, dysentery, fever, and the weight loss were assessed in each group. It was concluded that there was no significant difference in both groups in the baseline characteristics. The mean duration of dysentery reduced (P < 0.05). The mean duration of fever has been significantly reduced in the synbiotic group (1.64 ± 0.87 days) in comparison to the placebo group (2.13 ± 0.94 days) (P < 0.001). Average amount of weight loss was significantly lower in the synbiotic group in comparison to that in the placebo group (129.5 ± 23.388 grams and 278 ± 28.385 grams, resp.; P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the mean duration of hospitalization in both groups (P > 0.05). The use of synbiotics as an adjuvant therapy to the standard treatment of dysentery significantly reduces the duration of dysentery, fever, and rate of weight losses. The trial is registered with IRCT201109267647N1.