Association of C/T polymorphism in 3´UTR of E-cadherin gene with ovarian cancer risk

Background and Objective: Ovarian cancer is the second most common gynecological malignancy. One of the most important genes in Wnt signaling pathway is E-cadherin (CDH1), which is involved in epithelial cell-cell interaction and plays an important role in the establishment and maintenance of intercellular adhesion, cell polarity and tissue architecture. E-cadherin codes a group of connector proteins which caused to intercellular adhesion. It has an important role in adhesion of blastomere and ability to bind fetal tissues. Nucleotide change in the coding region of this gene may lead to develop ovarian cancer. This study was conducted to evaluate the association of +54C/T (Rs1801026) 3΄UTR of E-cadherin gene polymorphism with ovarian cancer risk. Methods: This case-control study was done on 100 tissue samples of patients with ovarian cancer as cases and 100 age-matched healthy women as control in Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran, Iran. The E-cadherin gene polymorphism was determined by using the PCR-RFLP method. Results: There was no association between CT (95% CI: 0.81-4.31; OR=1.87; P<0.14) and TT (95% CI: 0.73-2.38; OR=1.44; P<0.29) genotypes and ovarian cancer. No association was found between genotypes with grade and stage of cancer. Conclusion: There is no correlation between +54C/T (Rs1801026) 3΄UTR of E-cadherin gene polymorphism with ovarian cancer

Synthesis and Evaluation of the Antibacterial Effect of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles in Comparison with Ampicillin, Colistin, and Ertapenem on Staphylococcus aureus

Objectives: Today, the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains and the acquisition of antibiotic resistance have caused many problems in the treatment of Staphylococcus aureus infection and is one of the most important health issues. At present, nanotechnology has a significant impact on the various fields including pharmacology, health, medicine, and food. This study aimed to synthesize the titanium dioxide nanoparticles (Tio(2)NPs) and its antibacterial effect on S. aureus compared with conventional antibiotics. Materials and Methods: In this study, Tio(2)NPs were tested on S. aureus compared with a number of antibiotics. First, Tio(2)NPs were synthesized. The shape and size of the particles as well as the synthesis quality were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), dynamic light scattering, zeta potential and X-ray diffraction, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The antimicrobial effect of Tio(2)NPs on S. aureus strain (ATCC 12600) was then studied by disc diffusion method. Antibiotics of ampicillin, colistin, and ertapenem were used as control group. Results: Based on the results and given that the polydispersity index of the samples was below 0.5 (0.466), the other sample was estimated at 347.9 nm. The zeta potential of Tio(2) sample was estimated at -9.48 indicating the stability of the nanoparticle and its suspension in a suitable amount per unit of time in the solution. The results of the AFM showed that the lower mean value obtained for the Tio(2)NPs was 0.5 nm, and the growth of the nanoparticles was noticeable in some regions and uniform and low in some others. The result of SEM showed that the size of the nanoparticle was 28.45-34.14 nm. The best inhibition zone diameter was obtained for ampicillin (30.66 mm), followed by ertapenem (15 mm) and Tio(2)(10 mm). Colistin without inhibition zone was identified as ineffective group. Conclusion: Due to the development of drug resistance to antibiotics, the production and synthesis of antimicrobial agents is one of the requirements of the current time. Due to the excellent synthesis of Tio(2) and the presence of very fine nanoparticles, it can be used as a strong antimicrobial compound, especially on S. aureus infection