Correlations of C-Reactive Protein and Folate with Smoking, Sport, Hematological Inflammation Biomarkers and Anthropometrics in Syrian University Female Students Cross-Sectional Study.

In Syria, high-Sensitive C-Reactive (hsCRP), folate, and, other health risk data in young women are limited. This cross-sectional study evaluates hsCRP and folate levels along with anthropometric characteristics, lifestyle factors and some biomarkers linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in healthy female students (n = 207, 18-25 years old). Among participants, hsCRP level was at average or high risk of CVD in 20.7% and 2.5% respectively and it was significantly higher in participants who had high body mass index (BMI) (Nonparametric statistical tests, p value < 0.05). Unexpectedly, it did not vary significantly between smokers and nonsmokers. And, it correlated positively with anthropometric and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) measurements. While folate level was low in 3.4% of participants, no association between hsCRP and folate levels was found. Finally, low hemoglobin level and habit of waterpipe smoking are spreading; and, sport practicing is shrinking. After reviewing similar works, this study suggests that the possible correlation between hsCRP and folate could be displayed in patients older than 30 years. Also, the marked decrease in hemoglobin level needs more attention. Finally, young females in Syria are advised to consider a lifestyle free of smoking and packed with physical activity.

High-Sensitive C-Reactive Protein Levels in a Group of Syrian University Male Students and Its Associations with Smoking, Physical Activity, Anthropometric Measurements, and Some Hematologic Inflammation Biomarkers.

In Syria, health risk data on young males are limited. Hence, the aim of the present study was to evaluate cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors along with C-reactive protein levels measured by high-sensitive method (hsCRP) in a group of healthy males of university students (n = 101, 18-25 years old). Participants' anthropometric characteristics; alcohol drinking, smoking, and physical activity habits; parents medical history; and some inflammatory biomarkers were inspected for their associations with hsCRP. Results. Regarding hsCRP level, 19 participants were at average (1-3 mg/L) and 13 were at high (>3 mg/L) risk of CVD. Nonparametric statistical tests (p value < 0.05) revealed that hsCRP level was higher in participants who had high body mass index (BMI), had high BMI with high waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), or did not practice sport frequently. Unexpectedly, it did not vary between smokers and nonsmokers. In general, it correlated positively with anthropometric and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) measurements. Nevertheless, it negatively correlated with sports practicing in overall and nonsmoker groups and in participants whose parents were without medical history. Finally, when participants with high BMI were smokers, did not practice sport frequently, or had a parent with medical history, their hsCRP levels were higher than others who had the same circumstances but with low BMI.

Two novel CHS1 (LYST) mutations: clinical correlations in an infant with Chediak-Higashi syndrome.

Chediak-Higashi syndrome (CHS) is a rare autosomal recessive disease characterized by variable degrees of oculocutaneous albinism, recurrent infections, and a mild bleeding tendency, with late neurologic dysfunction. Most patients also undergo an accelerated phase of lymphohistiocytosis and die at an early age unless they receive an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (SCT). Mutations in the CHS1 (LYST) gene result in CHS. Here, we describe an adopted infant who is compound heterozygous for two novel CHS1 gene mutations, both of which are predicted to result in truncated proteins. The two mutations are a nonsense mutation (c.1540 C>T, CGA>TGA, R514X) in exon 5 and a one base pair deletion (del c.9893T, F3298fsX3304) in exon 43, coding for part of the CHS1 protein's BEACH domain. These two newly described mutations are expected to give rise to a severe phenotype and, indeed, the patient had absolutely no cytotoxicity by natural killer cells or cytotoxic lymphocytes prior to his allogeneic SCT.

Homocysteine, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T polymorphism and the B-vitamins: a facet of nature-nurture interplay.

BACKGROUND: Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase 677 (MTHFR 677) polymorphism may provoke hyperhomocysteinemia when folate status is low. The influence of MTHFR 677 mutation on homocysteine (HCY) levels in relation to vitamin B12 and folate status was investigated in the current study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: 113 vegetarians, 123 omnivorous Germans, and 117 omnivorous Syrians were recruited. MTHFR 677 genotype, HCY, methylmalonic acid (MMA), total serum vitamin B12, serum folate, and vitamin B6 were determined using conventional methods. RESULTS: Omnivorous Germans displayed the lowest HCY levels compared with vegetarians and Syrians (median 8.0, 10.4, and 11.3 micromol/l, respectively). The highest serum folate and the highest MMA levels were found in vegetarians (median folate = 30.0; MMA = 355 nmol/l). Among vegetarians and Syrians, TT subjects had higher HCY levels than other genotypes which were, however, no longer significant in the highest folate tertiles. When the data were pooled, the odds ratio (OR, 95% CI) for HCY > 12 micromol/l was 3.81 (1.55-9.34) in TT compared with CC subjects. The OR increased to 28.85 (4.63-179.62) in TT subjects who had folate in the lowest tertile, and to 21.84 (4.81-99.1) in TT subjects who had MMA in the highest MMA tertile. CONCLUSION: MTHFR 677 TT individuals are more liable to hyperhomocysteinemia under vitamin B12 deficiency than the other two genotypes. In such a case, relative folate shortage may progressively increase HCY levels. TT individuals may have increased folate and vitamin B12 requirements compared to the other CC and CT genotypes.