Impact of polycystic ovary syndrome on eating behavior,depression and health related quality of life: A cross-sectional study in Riyadh

Background & objectivesPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinal disorder, and the greatest cause of infertility in women. Despite availability of individual data on impact of multiple endocrinal, reproductive and even metabolic factors in PCOS individuals, the data on the co-existence of BED and depression in PCOS patients with its relationship on the quality of life in Saudi Arabian females is not found. Hence this study is aimed to elucidate the implication of PCOS on eating behaviour, induction of depression and general health quality in Saudi Arabian population of Riyadh.Materials and methodsThis is a cross-sectional study carried out in multiple health facilities of Riyadh from January to March 2019. The study samples (494) were recruited by convenience sampling and administered validated questionnaire by trained research participants. The data obtained was analysed by binary logistic regression using SPSS-IBM 25.ResultsOf the total 494 women participated in the study, 23.48% (116) were PCOS individuals. The odds of developing abnormal health related quality of (HRQ) in patients with PCOS was significantly (P = 0.000, OR = 3.472) high when compared to non-PCOS participants. The odds of showing high binge eating disorder (BED, P = 0.007, OR = 2.856) and depression (P = 0.000, OR = 2.497) scores in PCOS participants were significantly more than patients who were not having PCOS. Out of the three parameters studied, abnormal health related quality of life possessed a higher influence of PCOS compared to depression and abnormal eating behavior.Interpretation & conclusionIn conclusion, the present study shows that women with PCOS are at a significant risk for depressive disorders, disorganized eating behavior and impaired quality of life. Therefore, necessary care and screening is required to minimize the impact of PCOS on already burdened individuals.     

Impact of coronavirus disease 2019 on lung cancer patients: A meta-analysis

BackgroundThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic poses a great challenge to the treatment of lung cancer patients.Materials and methodsThe PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched for studies published before March 15, 2022, and Stata 14.0 software was used to perform a meta-analysis with a random-effects model. The odds ratio (OR) along with the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) was reported.ResultsOur meta-analysis included 80 articles with 318,352 patients involved. The proportion of lung cancer patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was 2.4% (95% CI: 0.02–0.03) prior to the Omicron variant outbreak. Among COVID-19 patients, those with lung cancer showed a higher mortality rate than those with other types of malignant solid tumors (OR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.61–2.06) and non-cancer patients (OR = 4.67, 95% CI: 3.61–6.05); however, no significant difference was observed in the mortality rate between patients with lung cancer and those with hematologic malignancies (OR = 1.07, 95% CI: 0.85–1.33). SARS-CoV-2 infection significantly increased the mortality rate in lung cancer patients (OR = 8.94, 95% CI: 6.50–12.31). By contrast, the all-cause mortality rate in lung cancer patients (OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 0.69–1.57) and the proportion of patients diagnosed with advanced lung cancer (OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 0.85–1.27) did not significantly change before and after the pandemic.ConclusionsMore attention should be paid on improving the health of lung cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.     

Insomnia and Relationship with Anxiety in University Students: A Cross-Sectional Designed Study

Purpose

Sleep disorders (SDs) are now recognized as a public health concern with considerable psychiatric and societal consequences specifically on the academic life of students. The aims of this study were to assess SDs in a group of university students in Lebanon and to examine the relationship between SDs and anxiety.

Methods

An observational cross-sectional study was conducted at Saint-Joseph University, Lebanon, during the academic year 2013–2014. Four questionnaires were face-to-face administered to 462 students after obtaining their written consent: Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7).

Results

The prevalence of clinically significant insomnia was 10.6% (95% CI: 7.8–13.4%), more frequent in first year students. ISI mean score was 10.06 (SD = 3.76). 37.1% of the participants were poor sleepers. Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and poor sleep were significantly more frequent among participants with clinical insomnia (p = 0.031 and 0.001 respectively). Clinically significant anxiety was more frequent in students suffering from clinical insomnia (p = 0.006) and in poor sleepers (p = 0.003). 50.8% of the participants with clinically significant anxiety presented EDS versus 30.9% of those with no clinically significant anxiety (p<0.0001).

Conclusions

The magnitude of SDs in this sample of Lebanese university students demonstrate the importance of examining sleep health in this population. Moreover, the link between SD and anxiety reminds us of the importance of treating anxiety as soon as detected and not simply targeting the reduction of sleep problems.     

Variables asociadas con mortalidad en una población de pacientes mayores de 80 años y con algún grado de dependencia funcional,hospitalizados por COVID-19 en un Servicio de Geriatría

ObjectiveThe SARS-CoV-2 pandemic conditions high mortality rates in hospitalized elderly. Currently, a few studies include octogenarian patients and none of them analyze the impact of functional status on this health outcome. Our objective is to describe the characteristics of patients older than 80 years hospitalized for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), to determine the mortality rate and to identify associated factors.Material and methodsProspective observational study carried out on patients over 80 years admitted for COVID-19 in a Geriatrics Service. Sociodemographic, clinical, functional, mental, analytical, radiological, therapeutic and healthcare variables were collected. The factors associated with in-hospital lethality were analyzed by bivariate analysis.Results58 cases with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 were included, mean age 88.3 ± 5.4 years, 69% women, 65.5% moderate-severe cognitive impairment and previous Barthel index 40.66 ± 36. The main symptoms were fever (60,3%), dyspnea (53.4%) and deterioration of functional condition (50%). The most frequent comorbidities were cardiovascular disease (75.9%), hypertension (HT) (74.1%) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) (50%). A mortality rate of 41,4% was detected and the associated factors were: severe functional dependence (OR = 3.8 [1.2-12.2]), moderate-severe cognitive impairment (OR = 4.9 [1-25.4]) and CKD (OR = 3.2 [1.1-9.7]).ConclusionHigh mortality rates are observed in older patients hospitalized for COVID-19, with a higher risk of dying in those with severe functional dependence or cognitive impairment. These findings reinforce the value of Geriatric Assessment to develop strategies to adapt diagnostic and therapeutic decision-making and to optimize care for elderly patients in the event of a new epidemic outbreak.     

Spontaneous recovery or persistence of postpartum endometritis and risk factors for its persistence in Holstein cows

It has been stated that postpartum endometritis in dairy cows has a tendency to cure without intervention. The objectives of this field study, therefore, were to determine the proportions of cows with spontaneous clinical recovery or persistence of postpartum endometritis and to determine some risk factors for its persistency in dairy cows (Bos taurus). Holstein-Friesian cows (n = 441 lactations) from seven dairy herds were examined monthly by vaginoscopy and transrectal palpation. A cow was considered to have “postpartum endometritis” if it had pus in the cervico-vaginal discharge at the first postpartum examination during Days 15 to 60 (Day 0 = day of calving); this was classified as mild, mucopurulent, or purulent endometritis, or endometritis with fluid in uterus. Furthermore, a cow with evidence of endometritis at least once during Days 61 to 150 was considered to have “persistence (or recurrence) of endometritis.” A total of 104 (23.6%) lactations had postpartum endometritis, of which 25.3% had persistence or recurrence of clinical endometritis. Cows with persistence or recurrence of endometritis became pregnant at a slower rate (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.28; P < 0.001) than those with no endometritis until Day 150. Calving in summer (odds ratio [OR] = 7.00; P = 0.04), early postpartum complications (OR = 6.58; P = 0.05), moderate (OR = 4.03; P = 0.08) and severe (OR = 30.99; P = 004) degrees of urovagina, and mucopurulent (OR = 9.54; P = 0.02) and purulent (OR = 5.70; P = 0.04) endometritis were risk factors for the persistence or recurrence of endometritis. Furthermore, 10.6% of cows that had not shown signs of postpartum endometritis had a new diagnosis of endometritis during Days 61 to 150. Some risk factors for the new diagnosis of endometritis beyond Day 60 were early postpartum complications (OR = 2.82; P = 0.03) and moderate (OR = 5.00; P = 0.001) or severe (OR = 12.63; P < 0.001) degrees of urovagina. In conclusion, approximately one quarter of cows with postpartum endometritis had persistence of endometritis until or beyond the breeding period. Risk factors for the persistence of clinical endometritis were summer calving, early postpartum complications, clinically relevant urovagina, and clinically relevant endometritis within 2 mo postpartum.     

Association of interleukin‐27 gene polymorphisms with susceptibility to HIV infection and disease progression

Interleukin‐27 (IL‐27) gene polymorphisms are linked to infectious disease susceptibility and IL‐27 plasma level is associated with HIV infection. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association between IL‐27 polymorphisms and susceptibility to HIV infection and disease progression. A total of 300 patients with HIV infection (48 long‐term nonprogressors and 252 typical progressors) and 300 healthy controls were genotyped for three IL‐27 polymorphisms, rs17855750, rs181206, rs40837 which were performed by using multiple single nucleotide primer extension technique. Significant association was found between IL‐27 rs40837 polymorphisms with susceptibility to HIV infection (AG vs AA: adjusted OR = 1.60, 95% CI, 1.11‐2.30, P = 0.012; AG+GG vs AA: adjusted OR = 1.44, 95% CI, 1.02‐2.03, P = 0.038) and disease progression (LTNP: AG vs AA: adjusted OR = 2.33, 95% CI, 1.13‐4.80, P = 0.021; TP: AG vs AA: adjusted OR = 1.50, 95% CI, 1.04‐2.24, P = 0.030). Serum IL‐27 levels were significantly lower in cases compared to controls (P < 0.001). There were lower serum IL‐27 levels in TPs than in LTNPs (P < 0.001). We further found that LTNPs with rs40837 AG or GG genotype had lower serum IL‐27 levels than with AA genotype (P < 0.05). The CD4⁺T counts in cases were significantly lower than controls (P < 0.001). In contrast, individuals with rs40837 AG genotype had lower CD4⁺T counts than with AA genotype in cases (P < 0.05). In addition, CD4⁺T counts in TPs were significantly lower than LTNPs (P < 0.001). IL‐27 rs40837 polymorphism might influence the susceptibility to HIV infection and disease progression probably by regulating the level of serum IL‐27 or the quantity of CD4⁺T.     

The Association of Depression and Anxiety with Pain: A Study from NESDA

Chronic pain is commonly co-morbid with a depressive or anxiety disorder. Objective of this study is to examine the influence of depression, along with anxiety, on pain-related disability, pain intensity, and pain location in a large sample of adults with and without a depressive and/or anxiety disorder. The study population consisted of 2981 participants with a depressive, anxiety, co-morbid depressive and anxiety disorder, remitted disorder or no current disorder (controls). Severity of depressive and anxiety symptoms was also assessed. In separate multinomial regression analyses, the association of presence of depressive or anxiety disorders and symptom severity with the Chronic Pain Grade and location of pain was explored. Presence of a depressive (OR = 6.67; P<.001), anxiety (OR = 4.84; P<.001), or co-morbid depressive and anxiety disorder (OR = 30.26; P<.001) was associated with the Chronic Pain Grade. Moreover, symptom severity was associated with more disabling and severely limiting pain. Also, a remitted depressive or anxiety disorder showed more disabling and severely limiting pain (OR = 3.53; P<.001) as compared to controls. A current anxiety disorder (OR = 2.96; p<.001) and a co-morbid depressive and anxiety disorder (OR = 5.15; P<.001) were more strongly associated with cardio-respiratory pain, than gastro-intestinal or musculoskeletal pain. These findings remain after adjustment for chronic cardio respiratory illness. Patients with a current and remitted depressive and/or anxiety disorder and those with more severe symptoms have more disabling pain and pain of cardio-respiratory nature, than persons without a depressive or anxiety disorder. This warrants further research.     

Combined effects of the angiogenic genes polymorphisms on prostate cancer susceptibility and aggressiveness

The single-gene approaches in association studies of polygenic diseases are likely to provide limited value in predicting risk. The combined analysis of genetic variants that interact in the same pathway may amplify the effects of individual polymorphisms and enhance the predictive power. To evaluate higher order gene–gene interaction, we have examined the contribution of four angiogenic gene polymorphisms (VEGF-1154G/A; VEGF-634G/C; MMP9-1562C/T and TSP1-8831A/G) in combination to the risk of prostate cancer. For the combined analysis of VEGF and MMP9 SNPs, we found a significant gene–dosage effect for increasing numbers of potential high-risk genotypes. Compared to referent group (low-risk genotypes), individuals with one (OR = 2.79, P = 0.1), two (OR = 4.57, P = 0.02) and three high-risk genotypes (OR = 7.11, P = 0.01) had increasingly elevated risks of prostate cancer. Similarly, gene–gene interaction of VEGF and TSP1 polymorphisms increased risk of prostate cancer in additive manner (OR = 6.00, P = 0.03), although the TSP1 polymorphism itself was not associated with the risk. In addition, we examined the synergistic effect of these polymorphisms in relation to prostate cancer prognosis according to histopathological grade and clinical stage at diagnosis. Cross-classified analysis revealed potential higher order gene–gene interactions between VEGF and TSP1 polymorphisms in increasing the risk of developing an aggressive phenotype disease. Patients carrying three high-risk genotypes showed a 20-fold increased risk of high-grade tumor (OR = 20.75, P = 0.002). These results suggest that the gene–gene interaction of angiogenic gene polymorphisms’ increased risk of prostate cancer onset and aggressiveness.     

Insomnia,Daytime Sleepiness and Cardio-Cerebrovascular Diseases in the Elderly: A 6-Year Prospective Study

Objective

To examine 1) the associations between history of cardio-cerebrovascular diseases (CVD) and insomnia complaints and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), and 2) the relationships between sleep complaints and future CVD in persons over 65.

Methods

CVD was assessed at baseline and during two, four, and six-year follow-up in 5494 non-demented subjects. Self-reported insomnia complaints (poor sleep quality, difficulty in initiating sleep, difficulty in maintening sleep, and early morning awakening), EDS and sleep medication use were evaluated at baseline. Logistic regression models and Cox proportional hazard models, with delayed entry and age of participants as the time scale, were adjusted for socio-demographic, lifestyle and clinical variables.

Results

At baseline, 748 participants had a past-history of CVD. A past-history of CVD was associated with EDS (OR = 1.28 95%CI = [1.05–1.57]) and the number of insomnia complaints (OR = 1.26 95%CI = [1.03–1.55] for 1–2 insomnia complaints; OR = 1.32 95%CI = [1.03–1.71] for ≥3 complaints). In longitudinal analyses, neither the four components of insomnia nor the number of insomnia complaints were significantly associated with first or recurrent CVD events (n = 391 events). EDS was independently associated with future CVD events even after adjusting for prescribed sleep medication and past-history of CVD (HR = 1.35 95%CI = [1.06–1.71]).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the relationships between sleep complaints and CVD could be complex. Insomnia complaints are more likely a consequence of CVD, whereas EDS appears to be a determinant of CVD independently of past-history of CVD. EDS screening may thus constitute a means of detecting persons at high risk of CVD.     

Knowledge,attitude and practices of healthcare professionals of Riyadh,Saudi Arabia towards covid-19: A cross-sectional study

Background & objectivesCOVID-19 is an emerging pandemic that necessitates the implementation of effective infection prevention and control steps. The knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of healthcare professionals toward COVID-19 affect their compliance to prevention and control initiatives. During the evolving pandemic, we examined the KAP among healthcare professionals against COVID-19 in this research.Materials and methodsThis was a cross-sectional study conducted among Riyadh region health care professionals from the beginning of December 2020 to the end of February 2021 using a validated self-administered questionnaire. The knowledge questionnaire contained questions about COVID-19 clinical characteristics, prevention, and management. The evaluation of attitudes and practices included questions regarding actions and adjustments in COVID-19 response activities. Knowledge scores were measured and compared using demographic characteristics, as well as attitudes and practices toward COVID-19. Using SPSS-IBM 25, bivariate statistics were done to analyze the data.Results146 healthcare professionals completed the survey. Physicians were the most prominent party in the survey, accounting for 74 (51 percent), followed by nurses 44 (30 percent) and pharmacists 28 (19 percent). The participants' average age was 39.69 ± 8.48 years. The participant's mean knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 11.43 ± 1.34, 3.89 ± 0.93, and 3.85 ± 0.81, respectively. With a positive attitude, the mean knowledge score was 11.52, and with proper practice, it was 11.32. With an improvement in knowledge, the attitude score increased significantly (r = 0.172, P = 0.001). Besides, there was a greater association between attitudes and practices (r = 0.170, P = 0.029). A significant enhancement in the practice score of the professionals was noted with an increase in knowledge score (r = 0.095, P = 0.010), an indicator for a positive correlation between practice and knowledge scores.Interpretation & conclusionHealthcare practitioners have a good understanding of COVID-19. Improved knowledge and a positive attitude toward COVID-19 infection are linked to appropriate practice. There is a need for more manpower, better COVID-19 management training, and strategies to reduce anxiety among healthcare professionals.     

Mortality and pre-hospitalization use of low-dose aspirin in COVID-19 patients with coronary artery disease

To determine whether pre-hospitalization use of aspirin is associated with all-cause mortality in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). We recruited 183 adult patients with CAD diagnosed with COVID-19, including 52 taking low-dose aspirin (mean [SD] age, 69.7 [1.1] years; 59.6% men) and 131 without using aspirin (mean [SD] age, 71.8 [0.9] years; 51.9% men), who were admitted in the Tongji hospital in Wuhan, China from January 10, 2020 to March 30, 2020. There was no difference on in-hospital mortality between aspirin group and non-aspirin group (21.2% vs. 22.1%, P = .885). Similarly, for critically severe COVID-19 patients, the mortality in aspirin group was close to that in non-aspirin group (44% vs. 45.9%, P = .872). Moreover, the percentage of patients with CAD taking low-dose aspirin did not differ between those survivors and non-survivors (28.7% vs. 27.5%, P = .885). Meanwhile, the usage of aspirin was not correlated with all-cause mortality in multivariate analysis (OR = 0.944, 95% CI: 0.411-2.172, P = .893). Collectively, our study suggested that the pre-hospitalization use of low-dose aspirin was not associated with the clinical outcome of patients with CAD hospitalized with COVID-19 infections.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">FAS</Emphasis> −1,377 G/A polymorphism is associated with cancer susceptibility: evidence from 10,564 cases and 12,075 controls

Published data on the association between FAS −1,377 G/A polymorphism and cancer risk are inconclusive. To derive a more precise estimation of the relationship, a meta-analysis was performed. A total of 17 studies including 10,564 cases and 12,075 controls were involved in this meta-analysis. Overall, significantly elevated cancer risk was associated with AA variant genotype when all the eligible studies were pooled into the meta-analysis (for AA vs GG: OR = 1.19; 95% CI = 1.01–1.40; P _{heterogeneity} = 0.05; for recessive model: OR = 1.21; 95% CI = 1.04–1.41; P _{heterogeneity} = 0.05). In the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, borderline statistically significantly increased risks were found among Asians for recessive model (OR = 1.20; 95% CI = 1.00–1.45; P _{heterogeneity} = 0.01). In the subgroup analysis by population-based controls or hospital-based controls, statistically significantly increased risks were found among groups with population-based controls for AA versus GG (OR = 1.27; 95% CI = 1.02–1.58; P _{heterogeneity} = 0.05) and recessive model (OR = 1.25; 95% CI = 1.00–1.59; P _{heterogeneity} = 0.01). For breast cancer, borderline statistically significantly increased risks were found for AA versus GG (OR = 1.29; 95% CI = 1.00–1.67; P _{heterogeneity} = 0.41). In summary, this meta-analysis suggests that the FAS −1,377 G/A polymorphism is associated with cancer susceptibility. L. X. Qiu, J. Shi and H. Yuan contributed equally to this work and should be considered as co-first authors.     

Public and healthcare providers awareness of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Qassim Region,Saudi Arabia

BackgroundThe rapid and extensive spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has become a major cause of concern for both general public and healthcare profession.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to analyze and evaluate the awareness of both the general public and healthcare providers in Qassim region in Saudi Arabia.MethodA cross-sectional study was conducted randomly in different shopping malls in Qassim region from 10th of February to 10th of March 2020. All participants have answered the designed questionnaire. The structured questionnaire recorded demographics and awareness of both public participants as well as health care providers.ResultA total of 130 participants have answered the designed questionnaire, out of which 67participants were males (58.5%) and 54 were females (41.5%). Overall, 129 (99%) out of the 130 participants are aware of COVID-19, and 116 (90%) have recognize it as a respiratory disease and 100% of the participants have recognized it as a contagious disease. Around 94% of the participants were able to recognize the correct incubation period of the virus. Participants of the age group 20–40 showed higher awareness level than other age groups (P value = 0.005). In addition, government employees showed higher awareness level than other profession groups (P = 0.039). Results showed significant positive correlation between the recognition of high-risk groups, reliable source of information, infection symptoms, disease prevention and available treatments.ConclusionGeneral public and health care professionals from Qassim Region showed adequate awareness of COVID-19. However, there is a strong need to implement periodic educational interventions and training programs on infection control practices for COVID-19 across all healthcare professions.     

Interferon-induced transmembrane protein-3 genetic variant rs12252 is associated with COVID-19 mortality

Interferon-induced membrane proteins (IFITM) 3 gene variants are known risk factor for severe viral diseases. We examined whether IFITM3 variant may underlie the heterogeneous clinical outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection-induced COVID-19 in large Arab population. We genotyped 880 Saudi patients; 93.8% were PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, encompassing most COVID-19 phenotypes. Mortality at 90 days was 9.1%. IFITM3-SNP, rs12252-G allele was associated with hospital admission (OR = 1.65 [95% CI; 1.01–2.70], P = 0.04]) and mortality (OR = 2.2 [95% CI; 1.16–4.20], P = 0.01). Patients less than 60 years old had a lower survival probability if they harbor this allele (log-rank test P = 0.002). Plasma levels of IFNγ were significantly lower in a subset of patients with AG/GG genotypes than patients with AA genotype (P = 0.00016). Early identification of these individuals at higher risk of death may inform precision public health response.     

The hMLH1 promoter polymorphisms and cancer susceptibility in Asian populations: A meta-analysis

Background

A variety of studies have evaluated the associations between polymorphisms in the promoter regions of the hMLH1 and cancer risk. However, the results remain inconclusive. To better understand the roles of the hMLH1 polymorphisms and cancer risk, we conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis to investigate the association between the hMLH1 − 93G/A and 1151T/A (Val384Asp) polymorphisms and cancer risk in Asian population.

Methods

We performed a meta-analysis by conducting searches of the published studies in Pub Med, CNKI, CBM, ISI web of knowledge and Google scholar search databases. Finally, 12 studies were included into our meta-analysis. Overall and subgroup analyses were performed. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to evaluate the associations between hMLH1 polymorphisms and cancer risk. Statistical analysis was performed with Review Manager 5.0.

Results

Twelve studies addressing two hMLH1 polymorphisms were analyzed among a total of 4128 cancer cases and 4678 controls. For hMLH1 − 93G/A, there was no evidence that the hMLH1 − 93G/A polymorphism was significantly associated with an increased cancer risk (P > 0.05) in Asian populations (heterozygote comparison: OR = 0.89 [95% CI (0.75, 1.060)] P = 0.20; dominant model comparison: OR = 0.98 [95% CI (0.83, 1.15)] P = 0.79). In subgroup analysis based on cancer types and the sources of control, no associations were found in colorectal cancer, gastric cancer and “other cancers” under the any gene model except for lung cancer (recessive model comparison: OR = 1.69 [95% CI (1.30, 2.19)] P < 0.0001). For hMLH1 1151T/A, the polymorphism significantly associated with an increased cancer risk in Asians: OR = 1.88 [95% CI (1.49, 2.25)], P < 0.0001, and OR = 1.87 [95% CI (1.49, 2.25)], P < 0.0001.

Conclusions

Our investigations demonstrated that the hMLH1 − 93G/A polymorphism is not a candidate for susceptibility to overall cancers, and that the hMLH1 1151T/A polymorphism is significantly associated with higher cancer risk in Asian populations. Further studies with large sample size for hMLH1 should be conducted.     

Correlations of SNHG5 genetic polymorphisms with susceptibility and prognosis to gastric cancer in a Chinese population

The most studied genetic polymorphisms associated with gastric cancer (GC) risk are located in protein-coding genes. However, these sited in long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) are not adequately explored yet. Here, we designed a case-control study of 848 cases and 880 controls to investigate the associations of polymorphisms (rs61396151, rs1059307, rs11961028, rs9351065) in lncRNA SNHG5 with the risk and prognosis of GC. The results indicate rs61396151 associated with decreased risk of GC (OR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.62–0.96), but there were no correlations observed with the clinicopathological features of GC (P > 0.05). However, the CA genotype of rs61396151 was correlated with poor overall survival rate in a multivariate cox regression model (HR = 1.91, P = 0.040), but it was reversed with adjustment for age, gender and TNM stage (HR = 1.35, P = 0.213). Collectively, our results highlight the importance of SNHG5-related polymorphisms to GC susceptibility and prognosis.     

Lack of Association between Methionine Synthase A2756G Polymorphism and Digestive System Cancer Risk: Evidence from 39327 Subjects

Background

Polymorphisms in genes involved in the metabolism of folate and methyl groups have been implicated with risk of digestive system cancer. Methionine synthase (MTR) plays a central role in folate metabolism, thereby affecting DNA methylation. The association between A2756G polymorphism (rs1805087) in MTR and digestive system cancer susceptibility was inconsistent in previous studies. To investigate this inconsistency, we performed this meta-analysis.

Methods

Databases including Pubmed, EMBASE, ISI Web of Science and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) were searched to find relevant studies. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the strength of association. Potential sources of heterogeneity were also assessed by subgroup analysis and meta-regression.

Results

A total of 29 articles with 15,368 patients and 23,959 controls were included. We found no association between MTR A2756G polymorphism and digestive system cancer in overall population (G allele: OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 0.98–1.09, P = 0.25; dominant model: OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 0.97–1.10, P = 0.33; recessive model: OR = 1.02, 95% CI = 0.89–1.17, P = 0.79). In the stratified analyses according to cancer type, sample size and genotyping method, no evidence of any gene-disease association was obtained in almost all genetic models. However, marginal significant associations were found for East Asians and hospital-based studies.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis suggests that there is no significant association between the MTR A2756G polymorphism and digestive system cancer risk.     

MDM2 SNP309 polymorphism and breast cancer risk: a meta-analysis

The mouse double minute 2 (MDM2) gene encodes a phosphoprotein that interacts with P53 and negatively regulates its activity. SNP309 polymorphism (T-G) in the promoter of MDM2 gene has been reported to be associated with enhanced MDM2 expression and tumor development. Many published studies have evaluated the association between MDM2 SNP309 polymorphism and breast cancer risk. However, the results were inconsistent. We combined and analyzed the data from 19 case–control studies including 14,450 cases and 13,382 controls. Crude odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the strength of the association between MDM2 SNP309 polymorphism and breast cancer risk. No significant association was found in all genetic models in overall population. However, in subgroup analysis by ethnicity (4 studies in Asian group, 13 studies in European group, 2 studies of mixed population which were separated into 2 European population group and 2 African population group), we found an increased breast cancer susceptibility for GT versus TT (OR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.03–1.67) in Asian population and for GT versus TT (OR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.03–1.66) in African population. When stratified by family history status (5 studies in familial breast cancer group, 5 studies in sporadic breast cancer group), homozygous subjects of sporadic breast cases carrying the T309G G allele exhibited elevated breast cancer risk (OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.00–1.82), whereas heterozygous carriers did not show significant association with breast cancer risk for GT vs. TT (OR = 1.26, 95% CI = 0.84–1.87). Our meta–analysis suggests that MDM2 SNP309 polymorphism may increase the risk to breast cancer in Asian and African population.