Determination of the Roles of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase 4VNTR (4a/b), G894T, T786C Gene Variations in the Bladder Cancer Development

The aim of this study is to determine the roles of eNOS gene variations in BCA development. Our study included 91 patients diagnosed with BCA and 91 healthy controls. eNOS 4VNTR (4a/b), T786C and G894T gene variations genotype distributions were determined by PCR and RFLP methods. The significant difference was determined between these groups in terms of eNOS T786C and eNOS G894T gene variations genotype distributions (p < 0.05). TT genotype for G894T gene variation and CC genotype for T786C gene variation were detected higher in patients. The CC genotype of T786C gene variation was detected significantly higher in male patients than in male controls (p < 0.05). In addition, aa-TT, ab-TT, bb-TT haplotypes of 4VNTR (4a/b)-G894T gene variations, aa-CC, ab-CC, bb-CC haplotypes of 4VNTR (4a/b)-T786C gene variations and TT-TT, TT-CC, TT-CT, GG-CC, GT-CC haplotypes of G894T-T786C gene variations were observed in patient group more than control group. The significant difference was detected between these groups in terms of eNOS (G894T-T786C) haplotypes (p < 0.05). In our study, eNOS T786C and eNOS G894T gene variations were determined important genetic risk factor in the Thrace population of Turkey.

Investigation of Relationship Between Small Noncoding RNA (sncRNA) Expression Levels and Serum Iron, Copper, and Zinc Levels in Clinical Diagnosed Multiple Sclerosis Patients

In our study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between microRNA (miRNA) expression levels and serum iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) levels in Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Total RNA was isolated from peripheral venous blood containing ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) of MS patients and controls. Total RNA was labeled with Cy3-CTP fluorescent dye. Hybridization of samples was performed on microarray slides and arrays were scanned. Data argument and bioinformatics analysis were performed. Atomic absorption spectrophotometer method was used to measure serum Fe, Cu, and Zn levels. In our study, in bioinformatics analysis, although differently expressed miRNAs were not detected between 16 MS patients and 16 controls, hsa-miR-744-5p upregulation was detected between 4 MS patients and 4 controls. This may be stem from the patient group consisting of MS patients who have never had an attack for 1 year. Serum iron levels were detected significantly higher in the 16 MS patients compared to the 16 controls. This may be stem from the increase in iron accumulation based on inflammation in MS disease. According to the findings in our study, hsa-miR-744-5p upregulation has been determined as an early diagnostic biomarker for the development together of insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus associated with insulin signaling, and Alzheimer's diseases. Therefore, hsa-miR-744-5p is recommended as an important biomarker for the development together of diabetes mellitus, Alzheimer's disease, and MS disease. In addition, increased serum Fe levels may be suggested as an important biomarker for neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and MS disease.

Investigation of the Roles of MTHFR (C677T and A1298C) and MMP-2 (-1306C>T ) Variations in Bladder Cancer Development

OBJECTIVE

Bladder cancer is a complex malignancy and has been associated with high morbidity. Since susceptibility to bladder cancer development differs between individuals, determining the roles of MTHFR and MMP-2 gene variations associated with this cancer is important for analyzing differences in individual susceptibility. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of MTHFR and MMP-2 gene variations in the development of bladder cancer in the Thrace region of Turkey.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred seventy-nine blood samples were collected, including 98 patients with bladder cancer and 81 healthy controls. DNA extraction was carried out with blood samples. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism was applied to detect MTHFR C677T (rs 1801133), MTHFR A1298C (rs 1801131), and MMP-2 (-1306C>T) (rs 243865) gene variants.

RESULTS

For the MTHFR A1298C gene variation, CC genotype was the genetic risk factor (P=.0001), while AC genotype was the protective factor (P< .0001) in the development of bladder cancer. For the MMP-2 (-1306C>T) gene variation, TT genotype (P < .0001) and T allele (P=.0006) were genetic risk factors, while AC genotype (P=.0009) was the protective factor in the development of bladder cancer. For C677T/A1298C gene variations, CC-CC combined genotype was the genetic risk factor (P=.009), while CT-AC and CC-AC combined genotypes were potential protective biomarkers (P=.013 and P < .001, respectively).

CONCLUSION

In our study, TT genotype and T allele were determined as genetic risk factors for MMP-2 (-1306C>T) gene variation. For C677T/A1298C gene variations, CC- CC combined genotype was detected as the genetic risk factor in the development of bladder cancer.

CRISPR/Cas9 Mediated Therapeutic Approach in Huntington's Disease

The pathogenic mechanisms of these diseases must be well understood for the treatment of neurological disorders such as Huntington's disease. Huntington's Disease (HD), a dominant and neurodegenerative disease, is characterized by the CAG re-expansion that occurs in the gene encoding the polyglutamine-expanded mutant Huntingtin (mHTT) protein. Genome editing approaches include zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) and Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/Caspase 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) systems. CRISPR/Cas9 technology allows effective gene editing in different cell types and organisms. Through these systems are created isogenic control of human origin induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). In human and mouse models, HD-iPSC lines can be continuously corrected using these systems. HD-iPSCs can be corrected through the CRISPR/Cas9 system and the cut-and-paste mechanism using isogenic control iPSCs. This mechanism is a piggyBac transposon-based selection system that can effectively switch between vectors and chromosomes. In studies conducted, it has been determined that in neural cells derived from HD-iPSC, there are isogenic controls as corrected lines recovered from phenotypic abnormalities and gene expression changes. It has been determined that trinucleotide repeat disorders occurring in HD can be cured by single-guide RNA (sgRNA) and normal exogenous DNA restoration, known as the single guideline RNA specific to Cas9. The purpose of this review in addition to give general information about HD, a neurodegenerative disorder is to explained the role of CRISPR/Cas9 system with iPSCs in HD treatment.

Investigation of the Relationship Between IL-18 (- 607 C/A), IL-18 (- 137 G/C), and MMP-2 (- 1306 C/T) Gene Variations and Serum Copper and Zinc Levels in Patients Diagnosed with Chronic Renal Failure

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between IL-18 (- 607 C/A), IL-18 (- 137 G/C), and MMP-2 (- 1306 C/T) gene variations and serum trace element levels in patients diagnosed with CRF. Genotype distributions of IL-18 (- 607 C/A, - 137 G/C) gene variations were determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) methods were used to determine the MMP-2 (- 1306 C/T) gene variation genotype distributions. Serum trace element levels were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer method. A significant difference was found between the CRF patient and healthy control groups in terms of genotype distributions of IL-18 (- 607 C/A) and MMP-2 (- 1306 C/T) gene variations (p < 0.05). The significant difference was found between the patient and control groups in terms of serum copper and zinc levels and copper/zinc ratio (p < 0.05). The significant difference was detected between patient and control groups in terms of copper and zinc levels and copper/zinc ratio according to IL-18 (- 607 C/A), IL-18 (- 137 G/C), and MMP-2 (- 1306 C/T) gene variations and genotype distributions (p < 0.05). In addition, significant difference was determined in terms of serum copper and zinc levels and copper/zinc ratio according to haplotypes of IL-18 (- 607 C/A), IL-18 (- 137 G/C), and MMP-2 (- 1306 C/T) gene variations between patient and control groups (p < 0.05). In conclusion, evaluation of IL-18 (- 607 C/A, - 137 G/C) and MMP-2 (- 1306 C/T) gene variations and serum trace element levels together is extremely important in terms of obtaining important biomarkers in CRF early diagnosis and progression.

Assessment of the Relationship between Religious Officials' Vaccine Acceptance and Health Literacy

Background

Vaccination, which is the most effective protective measure from infectious diseases, has not been able to achieve the desired success in recent years.Religious officials, who have an important effect on the community, can play an important role for the vaccine acceptance. The study was aimed to assesment of vaccine acceptance and health literacy(HL) among religious officials.

Methods

This cross-sectional study, 72%(n = 328) of the religious officials in the city were reached. The questionnaire consisted of sociodemographic characteristics, Vaccine Acceptance Instrument (VAI) and Chew Health Literacy Scale(CHLS) which was developed by Sarathchandra et al. The instrument,which language validity and reliability were made by the researchers, consisted of 16 items and one dimension. The Cronbach alpha coefficient was 0.841. The cut off score the scale was determined by ROC analysis according to the variable of getting vaccinated. Those who scored above 54 points were determined as those who accepted the vaccine. It is accepted that HL decreases as the score on the CHLS increases.

Results

The mean age(SD) study group was 41.9(9.2), and the 76.8% were male. The vaccine acceptance frequency of religious officials was 58.8%. The CHLS score was lower in those who accepted the vaccine(p = 0.001). The HL level of 43.9% was below the mean score. 33.8% of the study group reported that they were advising the community about vaccination. According to multiple logistic regression analysis, vaccine acceptance was 2.16(OR;95% CI,1.15-4.08) higher in males, 3.01(1.73-5.25) higher who had information, 6.14 times(1.57-23.94) higher who had their children vaccinated, and 0.8 times(0.74-0.91) lower with who had low HL.

Conclusions

Vaccine acceptance among religious officials was found to be insufficient. The frequency of vaccination acceptance was higher in male, those who had high knowledge about the vaccine, those who had their children vaccinated, and those with high HL.

Key messages

Increasing the acceptance of vaccines among religious officials is an important issue as it affects the community. It would be beneficial to increase their knowledge level on this issue. Health literacy is important in increasing the acceptance of vaccines among religious officials as it affects the community.

Investigation of the roles of IL-18 (-607 C/A) and IL-18 (-137 G/C) gene variations in bladder cancer development: case-control study

BACKGROUND

The purpose of our study is to investigate the roles of IL-18 gene variations in bladder cancer development in Thrace population of Turkey.

METHODS

This study was carried out with 103 bladder cancer patients and 81 healthy controls. Genotype distributions of IL-18 (-137 G/C) and IL-18 (-607 C/A) gene variations were determined using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method.

RESULTS

The CC homozygous genotype for IL-18 (-607 C/A) gene variation was significantly higher in patients with bladder cancer compared to healthy controls (OR 0.345, 95% Cl 0.186-0.639, p = 0.001). Besides this, allele frequencies of IL-18 (-137 G/C) and IL-18 (-607 C/A) gene variations in patient with bladder cancer and healthy control groups were significantly different from the Hardy-Weinberg distribution (p < 0.05). For IL-18 (-137 G/C) and IL-18 (-607 C/A) gene variations, significant difference was determined between the bladder cancer patient and healthy control groups in terms of GC-CA (OR 0.381, 95% Cl 0.203-0.714, p = 0.002), GC-CC (OR 2.147, 95% Cl 1.013-4.550, p = 0.043), GG-AA (OR 0.431, 95% Cl 0.365-0.509, p = 0.049), and GG-CC (OR 2.476, 95% Cl 1.177-5.208, p = 0.015) haplotypes.

CONCLUSION

In our study, CC genotype of IL-18 (-607 C/A) gene variation was determined as genetic risk factor for bladder cancer development. In bladder cancer patient and healthy control groups, G and C allele frequencies of IL-18 (-137 G/C) gene variation, and C and A allele frequencies of IL-18 (-607 C/A) gene variation were determined significantly different from the Hardy-Weinberg distribution.

Investigation of The Relationship Between IL-18 (-607 C/A), IL-18 (-137 G/C) Gene Variations and Ischemic Stroke Disease Development in Thrace Region of Turkey

BACKGROUND

Ischemic stroke is a clinical condition characterized by focal or global cerebral dysfunction resulting from inhibition of brain blood flow. Genetic factors play an important role in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke. As a result of IL-18 (-607 C/A, -137 G/C) gene variations, it is thought that binding of transcription factors may be affected and IL-18 mRNA expression can be modulated. Therefore, the purpose of our study is to investigate the roles of IL-18 (-607 C/A), IL-18 (-137 G/C) gene variations in the development of ischemic stroke in Trakya Region of Turkey.

METHODS

Our study was performed with 90 ischemic stroke patients and 89 healthy controls. Genotype distributions of IL-18 (-607 C/A, -137 G/C) gene variations were determined using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method.

RESULTS

GC genotype and CA genotype of IL-18 (-137 G/C) and IL-18 (-607 C/A) gene variations were determined higher significantly in patent group as compared with other genotypes. However, the statistically significant difference was not determined between patients with ischemic stroke and healthy control groups in terms of IL-18 (-137 G/C) and IL-18 (-607 C/A) gene variations (p > 0,05). Allele frequencies of IL-18 (-137 G/C) and IL-18 (-607 C/A) in patient and control groups were significantly different from the Hardy-Weinberg distribution (p < .001 for all).

CONCLUSION

Although these gene variations' genotype distributions were not determined as a genetic risk factor for the development of ischemic stroke, allele frequencies of IL-18 (-137 G/C) and IL-18 (-607 C/A) in patient and control groups were significantly different from the Hardy-Weinberg distribution.

The association of Intron 4 VNTR and Glu298Asp polymorphisms of the nitric oxide synthetase 3 gene and vasculogenic erectile dysfunction in Turkish men

Several studies have focused on the impaired role of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS3) gene polymorphism and its association to erectile dysfunction (ED). However, currently controversial results have been reported due to their significant heterogeneity. The present study aimed to assess the genotypic distribution and the allelic frequency of Intron 4 VNTR and Glu298Asp gene polymorphisms in vasculogenic ED patients compared to healthy controls of a specific region of Turkey. A total of 75 patients with ED (median age: 56, IQR:10.5) and 75 healthy controls (median age: 56, IQR:10.5) were prospectively analyzed. All subjects were equally evaluated by the same physician with detailed history-taking, physical examination, International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire, and blood tests (incl. glucose, testosterone, triglyceride and total cholesterol level). Those with an IIEF score under 26 were considered to have ED, by classifying them according to their scores as mild (22-25), moderate (11-21) and severe (1-10) ED. Color doppler ultrasonography was carried out in patients with an IIEF score <22. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, and smoking status were significantly associated with the ED group compared to control subjects with p values of <0.001, <0.001, 0.002 and <0.001, respectively. Overall genotype frequencies was 47 (31%) a/a, 22 (15%) a/b, 82 (55%) b/b for Intron 4 VNTR and 56 (37%) GG, 78 (52%) GT, 16 (11%) TT for the Glu298Asp polymorphism. The frequencies of Intron 4 VNTR a/a allele and Glu298Asp GT allele were associated with severe ED, while a/b and TT were associated with moderate or mild, and b/b and GG were associated with no ED. In contrast to Glu298Asp, statistically significant differences in genotypic frequencies of Intron 4 VNTR gene polymorphism between ED and control subjects was established. Abbreviations: NO: nitric oxide, NOS: nitric oxide synthase, NOS3: endothelial nitric oxide synthase, NOS2: inducible nitric oxide synthase, NOS1: neuronal nitric oxide synthase, HT: hypertension, DM: diabetes mellitus, CAD: coronary artery disease, ED: erectile dysfunction, IIEF: international index of erectile function, VNTR: variable number of tandem repeats, CDU: color doppler ultrasonography, PCR: polymerase chain reaction.

The diagnostic importance of prolactin subgroups in patients with stalk mass

In some situations, the identification of subgroups of patients with elevated serum prolactin (PRL) levels on the basis of different forms of PRL present in the blood, may be complementary to generally accepted and performed biochemical and radiological examinations in addition to a thorough clinical evaluation. Further analysis of elevated PRL subgroups is advisable especially for cases lacking the signs of amenorrhea and galactorea harboring a space occupying lesion in the sellar region. We present the case report of a patient with a high ratio of macroprolactin with regard to total serum PRL harboring a radiologically confirmed stalk mass lesion. An appropriate treatment plan for this patient is discussed.