CYP17, GSTP1, PON1 and GLO1 gene polymorphisms as risk factors for breast cancer: an Italian case-control study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Estrogens, environmental chemicals with carcinogenic potential, as well as oxidative and carbonyl stresses play a very important role in breast cancer (BC) genesis and progression. Therefore, polymorphisms of genes encoding enzymes involved in estrogen biosynthesis pathway and in the metabolic activation of pro-carcinogens to genotoxic intermediates, such as cytochrome P450C17α (CYP17), endogenous free-radical scavenging systems, such as glutathione S-transferase (GSTP1) and paraoxonase 1 (PON1), and anti-glycation defenses, such as glyoxalase I (GLO1), could influence individual susceptibility to BC. In the present case-control study, we investigated the possible association of CYP17 A1A2, GSTP1 ILE105VAL, PON1 Q192R or L55M, and GLO1 A111E polymorphisms with the risk of BC.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The above-said five polymorphisms were characterized in 547 patients with BC and in 544 healthy controls by PCR/RFLP methods, using DNA from whole blood. To estimate the relative risks, Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using unconditional logistic regression after adjusting for the known risk factors for BC.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>CYP17 polymorphism had no major effect in BC proneness in the overall population. However, it modified the risk of BC for certain subgroups of patients. In particular, among premenopausal women with the A1A1 genotype, a protective effect of later age at menarche and parity was observed. As to GSTP1 and PON1 192 polymorphisms, the mutant Val and R alleles, respectively, were associated with a decreased risk of developing BC, while polymorphisms in PON1 55 and GLO1 were associated with an increased risk of this neoplasia. However, these findings, while nominally significant, did not withstand correction for multiple testing.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Genetic polymorphisms in biotransformation enzymes CYP17, GSTP1, PON1 and GLO1 could be associated with the risk for BC. Although significances did not withstand correction for multiple testing, the results of our exploratory analysis warrant further studies on the above mentioned genes and BC.</p

Introduction to the Special Issue “Turkey, Asia, and the EU in a Changing Global Order”

The special issue “Turkey, Asia, and the EU in a Changing Global Order” explores Turkey’s pivot towards Asia amidst a slowdown in its EU accession. It delves into Turkey’s increasing relations with Asia and its consequences for Turkey-EU relations. The issue also examines how Turkey’s growing ties with Asian actors affect its relationship with the EU, pondering whether these developments are competitive or complementary to Western interests within the framework of global capitalism, providing critical insights into the evolving geopolitical landscape

In Vitro and Ex Vivo Investigation of the Antibacterial Effects of Methylene Blue against Methicillin-Resistant <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>

Methylene blue (MB) is a water-soluble dye that has a number of medical applications. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was selected as a subject for research due to the numerous serious clinical diseases it might cause and because there is a significant global resistance challenge. Our main goal was to determine and analyze the antibacterial effects of MB against S. aureus both in vitro and ex vivo to enhance treatment options. A total of 104 MRSA isolates recovered from various clinical specimens were included in this study. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of MB against MRSA isolates were determined by the agar dilution method. One randomly selected MRSA isolate and a methicillin-susceptible S. aureus strain (S. aureus ATCC 25923) were employed for further evaluation of the antibacterial effects of MB in in vitro and ex vivo time-kill assays. A disc diffusion method-based MB + antibiotic synergy assay was performed to analyze the subinhibitory effects of MB on ten isolates. MICs of MB against 104 MRSA isolates, detected by the agar dilution method, ranged between 16 and 64 µg/mL. MB concentrations of 4 and 16 µg/mL showed a bactericidal effect at 24 h in the ex vivo time-kill assays and in vitro time-kill assays, respectively. We observed a significant synergy between cefoxitin and methylene blue at a concentration of 1–2 μg/mL in two (20%) test isolates. Employing MB, which has well-defined pharmacokinetics, bioavailability, and safety profiles, for the treatment of MRSA infections and nasal decolonization could be a good strategy

The effects of thyme tea supplement on free radicals formation and antioxidant system of elite wrestlers

The intensive acute exercises results in too much oxygen consumption and hence produce excessive free radicals and damage of tissues. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of thyme tea on free radical formation and antioxidant system. Eighteen elite volunteer wrestlers joined the study. The wrestlers were randomly divided into two groups to from experiment and control groups. The subjects wrested five times during the study period according to F.I.L.A rules. The measurement are performed before and after the thyme tea loading. Study groups drunk thyme tea three times a day in 35 day period before loading after first measurement. The subjects participated in the study pre-contest (Comp. Before), immediately after the competition (Comp. After), 24 hours after the competition (Comp. after 24 h), 48 hours after the competition (Comp. After 48 h), blood samples were collected from forearm vein by 5cc total of 2 tubes. Tubes, centrifuge immediately after serums and transferred to tubes Eppendorf Total of Antioxidant o Capacity (TAC), Malondialdehyde (MDA) and total sulfhydryl group (RSH) stored at the 75 C until determination of analysis. The results showed that no difference was noted between the values of the groups before the thyme loading process, a meaningful increase (p0.05). Whereas significant differences were found in the levels of MDA and TAC, after thyme loading, for the experimental group when compared to the control group (p<0.05), no meaningful difference was observed for the level of RSH. it is determined in the study that wrestling competition causes significant oxidant stress in wrestlers and increase total antioxidant capacity. However, it is detected that it makes nonenzymatic antioxidant capacity fall. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2013