Leptin to high-molecular-weight adiponectin ratio is independently correlated with carotid intima-media thickness in men,but not in women

Background: The leptin:adiponectin ratio (L:A ratio) is an independent predictor of carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT).

Objective: To evaluate whether the leptin:high-molecular-weight adiponectin ratio (L:HA ratio) is associated with CIMT in the general population.

Methods: We investigated the relationship between the L:HA ratio and CIMT in 233 Japanese study participants (106 men and 127 women).

Results: After adjustment for confounding factors, CIMT was significantly correlated with the log L:HA ratio (β?=?0.11, p?=?0.014) in men, whereas no correlation was observed in women (β?=?0.01, p?=?0.50).

Conclusion: The L:HA ratio is closely correlated with CIMT in men, but not in women.     

White blood cell count and cardiovascular biomarkers of atherosclerosis

Objective: To investigate the association with white blood cells (WBC) and atherosclerotic parameters including cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) and carotid intima–media thickness (CIMT) in the general population.

Methods: We investigated the relationship between WBC count and metabolic syndrome components, CAVI and CIMT in 3738 Japanese study participants.

Results: WBC count weakly correlated with CAVI in men (β?=?0.61, p?=?0.043), but not in women (β?=?0.35, p?=?0.17). On the other hand, WBC did not correlate with CIMT in either men or women (p?=?0.41 and p?=?0.71, respectively).

Conclusion: WBC count was associated with lipids, blood pressure and body mass index, although the correlations with CAVI and CIMT were weak or absent.     

Association of the C242T polymorphism in the NADPH oxidase p22 phox gene with carotid atherosclerosis in Slovenian patients with type 2 diabetes

Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetes and its complications. Genetic variations of enzymes producing reactive oxygen species could change their activity, thus contributing to the susceptibility to oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to examine the role of the NADPH oxidase C242T polymorphism in the development of carotid atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes. 286 diabetic patients and 150 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Carotid atherosclerosis was quantified ultrasonographically as carotid intima-media thickness, plaque score (0–6) and plaque type (1–5). Diabetic patients were divided into low and high risk groups based on ultrasound phenotypes of carotid atherosclerosis. Genotypes were determined by real-time PCR. Levels of 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Diabetic patients demonstrated a statistically significant difference compared to healthy controls in the following parameters: age, BMI, waist circumference, smoking prevalence, glucose, triglyceride and 8-OHdG serum levels. Control subjects had significantly higher levels of HDL, LDL and total cholesterol than diabetics (p?<?0.001). The NADPH C242T polymorphism was not related with clinical characteristics, lipid parameters and 8-OHdG serum levels. We found no significant difference in the NADPH genotype distribution between diabetics and controls (p?=?0.19) nor between low and high risk subgroups of diabetics (mean CIMT: p?=?0.67; plaque score: p?=?0.49, plaque type: p?=?0.56). In the present study the NADPH C242T polymorphism was not associated with the degree of oxidative stress and carotid atherosclerosis. Further studies will show if it can be used as a genetic marker for carotid atherosclerosis in diabetic patients.     

Genetic polymorphisms in MMP 2, 3 and 9 genes and the susceptibility of osteosarcoma in a Chinese Han population

Background: There are no data about the role of MMPs polymorphism in development of osteosarcoma.

Patients and methods: Two-hundred fifty-one patients with osteosarcoma and 251 healthy controls were included to investigate the association between the MMP2, 3, 9 polymorphisms and the risk of osteosarcoma.

Results: Compared with the MMP2 SNP rs243865 homozygote CC, The heterozygous CT genotype was associated with significantly increased risk for osteosarcoma (OR?=?1.86, 95% CI?=?1.18–4.22, p?=?0.014); the TT genotype was associated with increased risk for osteosarcoma (OR?=?1.92, 95% CI?=?1.21–3.52, p?=?0.028). However, the genotype and allele frequencies of MMP3 rs3025058 and MMP9 rs3918242 polymorphisms were not significantly different.

Conclusion: MMP2 rs243865 genotype was associated with increased risk for development of osteosarcoma in Chinese Han population.     

Association of vitamin D receptor BsmI (rs1544410) gene polymorphism with the chronic kidney disease susceptibility

Abstract

Association of vitamin D receptor (VDR) BsmI (rs1544410) gene polymorphism with the chronic kidney disease (CKD) susceptibility from the published reports are still conflicting. This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between VDR BsmI (rs1544410) gene polymorphism and the risk of CKD. The association studies were identified from PubMed, Cochrane Library and China Biological Medicine Database on 1 March 2014, and eligible investigations were included and synthesized using meta-analysis method. Nine reports were recruited into this meta-analysis for the association of VDR BsmI gene polymorphism with CKD susceptibility. In this meta-analysis for overall populations, the BsmI B allele BB genotype and bb genotype were not associated with the risk of CKD (B allele: OR?=?1.12, 95% CI: 0.88–1.44, p?=?0.36; BB genotype: OR?=?1.15, 95% CI: 0.81–1.62, p?=?0.43; bb genotype: OR?=?0.86, 95% CI: 0.61–1.20, p?=?0.36). Furthermore, VDR BsmI gene polymorphism was not associated with CKD susceptibility in Asians and in Caucasians. In conclusion, the BsmI gene polymorphism was not associated with CKD susceptibility in overall populations, in Asians and in Caucasians. However, more studies should be conducted to confirm it.     

Prognostic value of pre-treatment red blood cell distribution width in lung cancer: a meta-analysis

Abstract

Objective: In recent years, increasing studies found that pre-treatment red blood cell distribution width (RDW) could predict clinical outcomes in various cancers. However, the prognostic value of pre-treatment RDW in lung cancer was inconsistent. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to determine prognostic value of pre-treatment RDW in lung cancer.

Methods: We performed a search in PubMed, The Cochrane Library, EMBASE (via OVID), Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, SinoMed databases, then we identified all records up to February 15, 2019. Outcomes of interest were overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Hazard ratios (HRs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated to assess the relevance of pre-treatment RDW to OS in lung cancer.

Results: We included ten articles in total. Pooled results revealed that elevated pre-treatment RDW was significantly associated with poor OS (HR?=?1.55, 95% CI: 1.26–1.92, p?<?0.001) and DFS (HR?=?1.53, 95% Cl: 1.15–2.05; p?=?0.004) in lung cancer. Further subgroup analysis manifested that lung cancer patients with elevated pre-treatment RDW had worse prognosis.

Conclusions: A higher value of pre-treatment RDW indicated worse survival of patients with lung cancer. RDW may serve as a reliable and economical marker for prediction of lung cancer prognosis.     

Gelsolin rs1078305 and rs10818524 polymorphisms were associated with risk of oral squamous cell carcinoma in a Chinese Han population

Background: Gelsolin (GSN) is one of the most abundant actin-binding proteins, and is involved in cancer development and progression.

Patients and methods: A hospital-based case-control study including 201 patients with OSCC and 199 healthy controls was conducted. Seventeen single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of GSN were investigated by Sequenom Mass ARRAY and iPLEX-MALDI-TOF technology.

Results: Through comparison of the 17 SNPs on GSN gene between the two groups, SNP rs1078305 and rs10818524 were verified to be significantly associated with an increased risk of OSCC. For GSN rs1078305, the TT genotype was associated with increased risk for OSCC (OR?=?1.92, 95% CI?=?1.11–3.32, p?=?0.028). CT/TT variants were also associated with increased risk for OSCC compared to the CC genotype (OR?=?1.83, 95% CI?=?1.25–3.84, p?=?0.032).

Conclusion: The rs1078305 and rs10818524 SNPs of GSN were associated with increased risk for OSCC development in a Chinese Han population.     

Association between polymorphisms in AXIN1 gene and atrial septal defect

Abstract

Context: AXIN1 is a central component of Wnt signalling pathway which is essential for embryonic development.

Objective: To investigate whether polymorphisms of AXIN1 contribute to ASD susceptibility.

Materials and methods: Three tag SNPs (rs12921862, rs370681 and rs1805105) in AXIN1 were genotyped in 208 ASD patients and 302 healthy controls using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) in a Chinese population.

Results: Significantly increased ASD risk was observed to be associated with the A allele of rs12921862 (p?<?0.0001, OR?=?3.096, 95% CI?=?2.037–4.717). Increased ASD risk was observed to be associated with rs370681 in a codominant (p?=?0.043, OR?=?1.52, 95% CI?=?1.04–2.22) and overdominant model (p?=?0.016, OR?=?1.57, 95% CI?=?1.08–2.27).

Conclusion: rs12921862 and rs370681 may contribute to ASD susceptibility.     

Impact of genetic variants in IL-2RA and IL-2RB on breast cancer risk in Chinese Han women

The expression of IL-2RA and IL-2RB was correlated with breast cancer (BC) progression. However, there is no literature investigating the association of IL-2RA and IL-2RB polymorphisms with BC predisposition among Chinese Han Women. Seven SNPs in IL-2RA and IL-2RB were genotyped by Agena MassARRAY platform among 553 BC patients and 550 healthy controls. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) adjusted for age were calculated for the effect of IL-2RA and IL-2RB variants on BC susceptibility. IL-2RA rs12722498 was a protective factor for BC occurrence (OR?=?0.70, p?=?0.019), especially in subjects with age?≤?52 years (OR?=?0.55, p?=?0.004). IL-2RA rs12569923 (OR?=?9.07, p?=?0.033), IL-2RB rs2281089 (OR?=?0.67, p?=?0.043) and rs9607418 (OR?=?0.59, p?=?0.012) were related to the incidence of estrogen receptor positive (ER?+) BC. IL-2RB rs3218264 (OR?=?1.38, p?=?0.010) and rs9607418 (OR?=?0.56, p?=?0.009) were associated with the risk of developing progesterone receptor positive (PR?+) BC. Rs2281089 (OR?=?1.54, p?=?0.012) and rs1573673 (OR?=?0.72, p?=?0.035) were correlated to Ki-67 level. Moreover, IL-2RB rs2281089 (OR?=?0.72, p?=?0.022) showed a reduced risk of BC metastasis, and IL-2RA rs12722498 (OR?=?0.54, p?=?0.030) had a lower frequency in BC patients with tumor size?>?2 cm. Our study identified the potential effect of genetic variations in IL-2RA and IL-2RB on BC susceptibility and/or BC clinicopathologic indicators among Chinese Han Women.

     

Irregular 24-hour activity rhythms and the metabolic syndrome in older adults

Circadian rhythms – near 24?h intrinsic biological rhythms – modulate many aspects of human physiology and hence disruption of circadian rhythms may have an important impact on human health. Experimental work supports a potential link between irregular circadian rhythms and several key risk factors for cardiovascular disease including hypertension, obesity, diabetes and dyslipidemia, collectively termed the metabolic syndrome. While several epidemiological studies have demonstrated an association between shift-work and the components of the metabolic syndrome in working-age adults, there is a relative paucity of data concerning the impact of non-occupational circadian irregularity in older women and men. To address this question, we studied 7 days of actigraphic data from 1137 older woman and men participating in the Rush Memory and Aging Project, a community-based cohort study of the chronic conditions of aging. The regularity of activity rhythms was quantified using the nonparametric interdaily stability metric, and was related to the metabolic syndrome and its components obesity, hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia. More regular activity rhythms were associated with a lower odds of having the metabolic syndrome (OR?=?0.69, 95% CI?=?0.60–0.80, p?=?5.8?×?10^?7), being obese (OR?=?0.73, 95% CI?=?0.63–0.85, p?=?2.5?×?10^?5), diabetic (OR?=?0.76, 95% CI?=?0.65–0.90, p?=?9.3?×?10^?4), hypertensive (OR?=?0.78, 95% CI?=?0.66–0.91, p?=?2.0?×?10^?3) or dyslipidemic (OR?=?0.82, 95% CI?=?0.72–0.92, p?=?1.2?×?10^?3). These associations were independent of differences in objectively measured total daily physical activity or rest, and were not accounted for by prevalent coronary artery disease, stroke or peripheral artery disease. Moreover, more regular activity rhythms were associated with lower odds of having cardiovascular disease (OR?=?0.83; 95% CI?=?0.73–0.95, p?=?5.7?×?10^?3), an effect that was statistically mediated by the metabolic syndrome. We conclude that irregular activity rhythms are associated with several key components of the metabolic syndrome in older community-dwelling adults, and that the metabolic syndrome statistically partially mediates the association between activity rhythms and prevalent cardiovascular disease. Although additional longitudinal and experimental studies are needed to conclusively delineate the causal relationships underlying these associations, these findings are consistent with preclinical data, and add further support for investigations of the irregularity of activity rhythms as a potential therapeutic target to decrease the burden of cardiovascular disease in older adults.     

Association of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 2518G/A gene polymorphism with diabetic nephropathy risk

Abstract

Results from the published studies on the association between monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) ?2518 A/G gene polymorphism and diabetic nephropathy (DN) risk are still conflicting. This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between MCP-1 A/G gene polymorphism and DN risk and to explore whether MCP-1 A allele, AA genotype or GG genotype could become a predictive marker for DN risk. Association studies were identified from the databases of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and CBM-disc (China Biological Medicine Database) as of 1 March 2014, and eligible investigations were synthesized using meta-analysis method. Four studies were identified for the analysis of association between MCP-1 A/G gene polymorphism and DN risk, and all the included studies were form Asian population. The association between MCP-1 A/G gene polymorphism and DN susceptibility was not found (A allele: OR?=?1.19; 95% CI: 0.97–1.45; p?=?0.10; AA genotype: OR?=?1.27; 95% CI: 0.95–1.70; p?=?0.11; GG genotype: OR?=?0.77; 95% CI: 0.57–1.05; p?=?0.10). In the sensitive analysis, according to the control source from hospital, we found that AA genotype was associated with the DN risk (OR?=?1.45; 95% CI: 1.05–2.00; p?=?0.02). However, other associations were not found in the sensitive analysis according to the control source from hospital or population. Our results indicate that AA homozygous might be a significant genetic molecular marker to predict the diabetes mellitus patients developing into DN. However, more investigations are required to further clarify this association.     

Association between red blood cell distribution width and long-term mortality among patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention with previous history of cancer

Abstract

Background: The number of patients suffering from coronary heart disease with cancer is rising. There is scarce evidence concerning the biomarkers related to prognosis among patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with cancer. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the association between red blood cell distribution width (RDW) and prognosis in this population.

Methods: A total of 172 patients undergoing PCI with previous history of cancer were enrolled in this retrospective study. The endpoint was long-term all-cause mortality. According to tertiles of RDW, the patients were classified into three groups: Tertile 1 (RDW <12.8%), Tertile 2 (RDW ≥12.8% and <13.5%) and Tertile 3 (RDW ≥13.5%).

Results: During an average follow-up period of 33.3 months, 29 deaths occurred. Compared with Tertile 3, mortality of Tertile 1 and Tertile 2 was significantly lower in the Kaplan–Meier analysis. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, RDW remained an independent risk factor of mortality (HR: 1.938, 95% CI: 1.295–2.655, p?<?0.001). The all-cause mortality in Tertile 3 was significantly higher than that in Tertile 1 (HR: 5.766; 95% CI: 1.426–23.310, p?=?0.014).

Conclusions: An elevated RDW level (≥13.5%) was associated with long-term all-cause mortality among patients undergoing PCI with previous history of cancer.     

Association between chemokine receptor 5 delta32 polymorphism and susceptibility to cancer: a meta-analysis

Abstract

Objective: To explore whether the functional chemokine receptor 5 delta32 (CCR5-Δ32) polymorphism is associated with susceptibility to cancer. Methods: A meta-analysis was conducted on the association between the CCR5-Δ32 polymorphism and cancer using (i) allele contrast and (ii) the dominant model. Results: Thirteen articles, including 16 comparative studies on a total of 3087 patients and 3735 controls, were included in the meta-analysis. These studies encompassed breast cancer (n?=?3), bladder cancer (n?=?3), cervical cancer (n?=?2), pancreatic cancer (n?=?2), prostate cancer (n?=?2), head and neck cancer (n?=?2), lymphoma (n?=?1), gallbladder cancer (n?=?1), skin cancer (n?=?1) and mixed cancer (n?=?1). The meta-analysis revealed an association between cancer and the CCR5-Δ32 allele (OR?=?1.368, 95% CI?=?1.064–1.758, p?=?0.014), and stratification by ethnicity showed an association between the CCR5-Δ32 allele and cancer in Indians (OR?=?2.480, 95% CI?=?1.247–4.932, p?=?0.010). The meta-analysis also revealed an association between breast cancer and the CCR5-Δ32 allele (OR?=?1.689, 95% CI?=?1.012–2.821, p?=?0.045). However, allele contrast and the dominant model failed to reveal an association between the CCR5-Δ32 polymorphism and bladder cancer, cervical cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, and head and neck cancer. Conclusions: This meta-analysis demonstrates that the CCR5-Δ32 polymorphism is associated with susceptibility to cancer in Indians and is associated with breast cancer.     

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the association of transforming growth factor β receptor I 6A/9A gene polymorphism with ovarian cancer risk

Abstract

Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in women. This meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the association of transforming growth factor β receptor I (TβR-I) 6A/9A gene polymorphism with ovarian cancer risk. The association literatures were identified from PubMed and Cochrane Library on 1 October 2013, and eligible reports were recruited and synthesized. Four reports were recruited into this meta-analysis for the association of TβR-I 6A/9A gene polymorphism with ovarian cancer risk. 6A allele and 6A/6A genotype of TβR-I were associated with the ovarian cancer risk (6A: OR?=?1.24, 95% CI: 1.02–1.51, p?=?0.03; 6A/6A: OR?=?2.30, 95% CI: 1.01–5.22, p?=?0.05). However, TβR-I 9A/9A genotype was not associated with the risk of ovarian cancer (OR?=?0.82, 95% CI: 0.66–1.02, p?=?0.08). In conclusion, TβR-I 6A allele and 6A/6A genotype are associated with the ovarian cancer risk. However, more studies should be performed to confirm this relationship in the future.     

Maternal association and influence of DHFR 19 bp deletion variant predisposes foetus to anencephaly susceptibility: a family-based triad study

Abstract

Objective: Previous studies have not used family-based methods to evaluate maternal-paternal genetic effects of the folate metabolizing enzyme, dihydro folate reductase (DHFR) essential during embryogenesis. Present study focuses on evaluating the association and influence of parental genetic effects of DHFR 19?bp deletion in the development of foetal neural tube defects (NTDs) using family-based triad approach.

Materials and methods: The study population (n?=?924) including 124 NTD case-parent trios (n?=?124?×?3?=?372) and 184 healthy control-parent trios (n?=?184?×?3?=?552) from Telangana, India, was genotyped for DHFR 19?bp deletion. Statistical analysis was used by SPSS and parent-of-origin effects (POE).

Results: Foetuses with deletion genotype (DD) were at risk of developing anencephaly (OR =?3.26, p?=?0.020). Among parents, increased maternal risk of having an anencephaly foetus (OR =?2.66, p?=?0.028) was observed in mothers with DD genotype. In addition, POE analysis also demonstrated higher risk of maternal transmission of the deletion allele to anencephaly foetus compared with paternal transmission (OR =?6.00, p?=?0.016). Interestingly, maternal-paternal-offspring genotype incompatibility revealed maternal deletion genotype (DD) in association with paternal heterozygous deletion genotype (WD) significantly increased risk for NTDs (OR =?5.29, p?=?0.013).

Conclusions: This study, using family-based case-parent and control-parent triad approach, is the first to report influence of maternal transmission of DHFR 19?bp deletion in the development of anencephaly in the foetus.     

Ischemia-modified albumin as a marker of vascular dysfunction and subclinical atherosclerosis in β-thalassemia major

Background: Ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) is an altered type of serum albumin that forms under conditions of oxidative stress and an independent predictor of major adverse cardiovascular events.

Objectives: To measure the levels of IMA in 45 children and adolescents with β-thalassemia major (β-TM) compared with 30 healthy controls and assess its relation to lipid peroxidation, vascular complications and subclinical atherosclerosis.

Methods: β-TM patients without symptoms of heart disease were studied focusing on transfusion history, chelation therapy, serum ferritin, malondialdehyde (MDA) and IMA levels. Echocardiography was performed and carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) was assessed.

Results: IMA and MDA levels were significantly higher in β-TM patients compared with controls (p?Conclusion: Our results highlight the role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of vascular complications in thalassemia. IMA could be useful for screening of β-TM patients at risk of cardiopulmonary complications and atherosclerosis because its alteration occurs in early subclinical disease.     

New scoring system combining the FIB-4 index and cytokeratin-18 fragments for predicting steatohepatitis and liver fibrosis in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Purpose: To establish a new scoring system as a noninvasive tool for predicting steatohepatitis and liver fibrosis in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Methods: A total of 170 patients histologically diagnosed with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) (n?=?130) or nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) (n?=?40) were enrolled. We analyzed receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and performed multivariate analysis to predict steatohepatitis and liver fibrosis.

Results: Multivariate analysis showed that cytokeratin-18 fragment (CK18-F) levels (≥278?U/L) (odds ratio [OR], 4.46; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.42–14.00; p?=?0.010) and the FIB-4 index (≥1.46) (OR, 4.54; 95% CI, 1.93–29.50; p?=?0.004) were independently associated with prediction of NASH. We then established a new scoring system (named the FIC-22 score) for predicting NASH using CK18-F levels and FIB-4 index. The areas under the ROC curve (AUROCs) of the FIC-22 score and NAFIC score were 0.82 (95% CI, 0.75–0.89) and 0.71 (95% CI, 0.62–0.78) (p?=?0.044). Additionally, the AUROC of the FIC-22 score for predicting the presence of fibrosis (F?≥?1) was 0.78 (95% CI, 0.70–0.85).

Conclusions: In patients with NAFLD, the FIC-22 score had high predictive accuracy not only for steatohepatitis but also for the presence of liver fibrosis.     

MTHFR polymorphisms and ovarian cancer risk: a meta-analysis

The C677T and A1298C polymorphisms of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) have been reported to alter the risk of ovarian cancer. However, the results are still inconclusive. For better understanding of the effect of these two polymorphisms on ovarian cancer risk, a meta-analysis was performed. An extensive search was performed to identify all case–control studies investigating such association. The strength of association between these two polymorphisms and ovarian cancer risk was assessed by odds ratio (OR) with the corresponding 95?% confidence interval (95?% CI). 3,496 cases and 3,631 controls for C677T polymorphism and 3,280 cases and 3,346 controls for A1298C polymorphism were included in this meta-analysis. The results suggested that there were no significant associations between C677T and A1298C polymorphisms and ovarian cancer risk in overall comparisons in all genetic models (For C677T: TT vs. CC: OR?=?0.94, 95?% CI?=?0.71–1.24, P?=?0.65; CT vs. CC: OR?=?1.03, 95?% CI?=?0.93–1.14, P?=?0.57; TT/CT vs. CC: OR?=?1.01, 95?% CI?=?0.88–1.16, P?=?0.87; TT vs. CC/CT: OR?=?0.93, 95?% CI?=?0.72–1.20, P?=?0.58. For A1298C: CC vs. AA: OR?=?1.05, 95?% CI?=?0.88–1.25, P?=?0.65; CA vs. AA: OR?=?0.98, 95?% CI?=?0.88–1.08, P?=?0.66; CC/CA vs. AA: OR?=?0.99, 95?% CI?=?0.90–1.09, P?=?0.85; CC vs. AA/CA: OR?=?1.06, 95?% CI?=?0.90–1.26, P?=?0.46). Subgroup analysis based on ethnicities and influence analysis did not perturb the results. In conclusion, the results of this meta-analysis indicate that the MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms are not associated with ovarian cancer risk, especially in Caucasians.     

Association of vitamin D receptor BsmI (rs1544410) gene polymorphism with the intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) level among patients with end-stage renal disease

Abstract

Association of vitamin D receptor (VDR) BsmI (rs1544410) gene polymorphism with the intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) level among patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) from the published reports is still conflicting. This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between VDR BsmI (rs1544410) gene polymorphism and the iPTH level among patients with ESRD. The association studies were identified from PubMed, and Cochrane Library on 1 March 2014, and eligible investigations were included and synthesized using meta-analysis method. Six reports were recruited into this meta-analysis for the association of VDR BsmI gene polymorphism with iPTH level among patients with ESRD. In this meta-analysis, the iPTH level in ESRD patients carrying BsmI Bb genotype was higher than that in ESRD patients carrying bb genotype in overall populations (Bb versus bb: OR?=?61.40, 95% CI: 19.65–103.16, p?=?0.004). However, the iPTH level in ESRD patients carrying BB genotype was not significant different from that in ESRD patients with Bb genotype and bb genotype in overall populations (BB versus Bb: OR?=??18.30, 95% CI: ?126.28–89.69, p?=?0.74; BB versus bb: OR?=?22.85, 95% CI: ?70.81–116.51, p?=?0.63). Furthermore, the results for Caucasians were similar to those in overall populations. In conclusion, the iPTH level in ESRD patients carrying BsmI Bb genotype was higher than that in ESRD patients carrying bb genotype in overall populations and in Caucasians. However, more studies should be conducted to confirm it.