Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T polymorphism in patients with gastric and colorectal cancer in a Korean population

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>This study was designed to investigate an association between the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism and the risk of gastric and colorectal cancer in the Korean population.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We conducted a population-based large-scale case-control study involving 2,213 patients with newly diagnosed gastric cancer, 1,829 patients with newly diagnosed colorectal cancer, and 1,700 healthy controls. Genotyping was performed with peripheral blood DNA for MTHFR C677T polymorphisms. The statistical significance was estimated by logistic regression analysis.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The MTHFR C677T frequencies of CC, CT, and TT genotypes were 35.2%, 47.5%, and 17.3% among stomach cancer, 34%, 50.5%, and 15.5% in colorectal cancer, and 31.8%, 50.7%, and 17.5% in the controls, respectively. The MTHFR 677TT genotype showed a weak opposite association with colorectal cancer compared to the homozygous CC genotype [adjusted age and sex odds ratio (OR) = 0.792, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.638-0.984, <it>P </it>= 0.035]. Subjects with the MTHFR 677CT showed a significantly reduced risk of gastric cancer compared whose with the 677CC genotype (age- and sex-adjusted OR = 0.810; 95% CI = 0.696-0.942, <it>P </it>= 0.006). We also observed no significant interactions between the MTHFR C677T polymorphism and smoking or drinking in the risk of gastric and colorectal cancer.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The T allele was found to provide a weak protective association with gastric cancer and colorectal cancer.</p

Studies on the northeast Anatolian lichens Lobaria scrobiculata and L. pulmonaria [Untersuchungen uber die nordost - Anatolischen flechten lobaria scrobiculata und L. pulmonaria]

The secondary metabolites in Lobaria pulmonaria and L. scrobiculata collected in northeast Anatolia are studied using HPLC. Constictic, nortictic and stictic acids are the major components in L. pulmonaria; in addition connorstictic, cryptostictic, and menegazziaic acids are present as minor constituents. In L. scrobiculata constictic, stictic, and usnic acids and m- scrobiculin are the major compounds; while cryptostictic and norstictic acids, and p- scrobiculin are present as minors

In vitro Investigation of the Pediculicidal Activities of the Volatile Oil Components of Some Medical Plants Raised in Turkey

PubMed ID: 29318991OBJECTIVE: The human head louse Pediculus capitis has recently acquired resistance to commercially available insecticides, which has expanded the search concerning the pediculicidal activities of some herbal products. The present study aimed to assess the in vitro pediculicidal activities of volatile oils extracted from 10 medical plants raised in Turkey: Rosa damascena (red provins rose), Pelargonium graveolens (geranium), Lavandula angustifolia (lavender), Salvia triloba (salvia), Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary; two different chemotypes), Citrus bergamia (citrus tree), Cymbopogon nardus (citronella), Citrus limonum (lemon), and Cymbopogon flexuosus (lemongrass).METHODS: Head lice obtained from school children in Manisa Province were initially grouped as adults and nymphs and were then kept under optimal conditions (temperature of 27°C and humidity of 50%). A pinch of hair and filter paper were placed in Petri dishes and seven adults and seven nymphs were separately put in Petri dishes. The extracts obtained from each volatile oil were dropped on the lice specimens.RESULTS: The active movement of the external (antenna and legs) and internal (midgut and intestine) organs of the lice was monitored and recorded starting from 5th min for 24 hours by 10 to 30 minutes intervals. The time of death was defined as the loss of active movement and cessation of intestinal activities of lice. The results were analyzed using Statistical Packages for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 15.CONCLUSION: The results showed that the volatile oil of Rosmarinus officinalis (two different chemotypes) was more effective than the other oils

Antibacterial activity of Salvia tomentosa essential oil

WOS: 000172350400017PubMed ID: 11677025The essential oil of Salvia tomentosa aerial parts, consisting of 1,8-cincol (17%), beta -caryophyllene (11%), cyclofenchene (10%) and delta -cadinene (6%), was screened for its antimicrobial activity. The essential oil remarkably inhibited the growth of tested Grampositive and Gram-negative bacteria except for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved

A taxonomical investigation into Turkey lichen genus Hypogymnia (Nyl.) Nyl. [Turkiye Likenlerinden Hypogymnia (Nyl.) Nyl. cinsi uzerinde taksonomik arastirma]

Six species are recorded: Hypogymnia bitteri, H. farinacea, H. laminisorediata, H. physodes, H. tubulosa and H. vitta. Distribution maps of these species are given. A key to the Turkish species is presented, as well as a morphological description of the species and their chemistry. -from English summar