Association between the -2518G/A polymorphism in the monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) gene and hypertension in Tunisian patients

ObjectivesMonocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1:CCL2) has been demonstrated to be involved in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis and hypertension. This study was aimed to investigate whether the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at ?2518 of the MCP-1 gene promoter region is associated to hypertension in a sample of Tunisian population.Design and methodsA total of 290 Tunisian patients with hypertension and 390 normotensive controls were included in the study. The SNP of the MCP-1 gene was determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis.ResultsA significant difference in genotype distribution and allele frequency was observed between patients and controls. Patients with hypertension had a frequency of 7.2% for the GG genotype, 35.2% for the AG genotype and 57.6% for the AA genotype. Normotensive subjects had a frequency of 3.6% for the GG genotype, 29.7% for the AG genotype and 66.7% for the AA genotype (χ² = 8.02, p = 0.01). The hypertension patient group showed a significant higher frequency of the G allele compared to the controls [0.24 vs. 0.18; OR (95%CI), 1.46 (1.11–1.91), p = 0.004]. The association between the ?2518 G/A polymorphism of MCP-1 gene and hypertension remained significant after adjustment for other well-established cardiovascular risk factors.ConclusionThe present study showed a significant and independent association between the ?2518G/A polymorphism of the MCP-1 gene (presence of G allele) and hypertension in the Tunisian population.     

Common genetic polymorphisms in pre-microRNAs were associated with increased risk of dilated cardiomyopathy

BackgroundCommon single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in pre-microRNAs may change their property through altering microRNAs (miRNAs) expression and/or maturation, resulting diverse functional consequences. We conducted a pilot study to test whether SNPs in pre-microRNAs were associated with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).MethodsGenotypes of 3 SNPs in pre-miRNAs (has-mir-196a2 rs11614913 C/T, hsa-mir-499 rs3746444 A/G, hsa-mir-146a rs2910164 C/G) in 221 DCM patients and 321 control subjects were determined with the use of PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) assay.ResultsSignificantly increased DCM risks were found to be associated with variant allele of has-mir-196a2 rs11614913 C/T (T allele) and hsa-mir-499 rs3746444 A/G (G allele) (P < 0.0001, OR = 1.730, 95% CI = 1.345–2.227, and P < 0.0001, OR = 1.794, 95% CI = 1.350–2.385, respectively). We found that increased DCM risk was statistically significantly associated with these 2 SNPs in a dominant model (P = 0.0001 and P < 0.0001 for rs11614913 and rs3746444, respectively). No association between DCM risk and hsa-mir-146a rs2910164 C/G was observed (P = 0.451, OR = 1.102, 95% CI = 0.856–1.418).ConclusionsBoth the has-mir-196a2 rs11614913 C/T and hsa-mir-499 rs3746444 A/G, but not hsa-mir-146a rs2910164 C/G, are associated with a significantly increased risk of DCM, indicating that common genetic polymorphisms in pre-microRNAs are associated with DCM.     

Association of the MS4A2 gene promoter C-109T or the 7th exon E237G polymorphisms with asthma risk: A meta-analysis

Background and objectiveA large number of studies have examined the association between the Membrane-spanning 4 domains, superfamily A, number 2 (MS4A2) gene C-109T (rs1441586) or E237G (rs569108) variants and asthma risk. However, the results are inconsistent and inconclusive. To derive a more precise estimation, a meta-analysis was performed.MethodsMeta-analyses were conducted with the data from case–control association studies (24 studies with 4496 asthmatics and 4571 controls for E237G variant and 9 studies including 2005 cases and 1868 control for C-109T polymorphisms, respectively). Random-effects model was used to calculate summary odds ratios (ORs).ResultsFor the MS4A2 gene E237G variant, no significant associations with asthma were found in overall population; we observed an elevated risk of atopic asthma among subjects with the 237G allele (OR = 1.341, 95% CI: 1.039–1.732 for G versus E and OR = 1.374, 95% CI: 1.032–1.828 for EG + GG versus EE) in the stratified meta-analysis. As for the MS4A2 gene C-109T polymorphism, no significant associations with asthma risk were observed in the total population; in subgroup analysis by ethnicity of subjects we found increased asthma risk among Asians carrying T allele (OR = 1.140, 95% CI: 1.019–1.276 for T versus C and OR = 1.359, 95% CI: 1.029–1.794 for TT versus CC).ConclusionsData indicated that the MS4A2 gene E237G variant may be a risk factor for developing atopic asthma and the promoter -109T allele is a potential risk factor of asthma in Asians.     

Genetic risk factors for renal failure among north Indian ESRD patients

ObjectivesAngiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), G-Protein couple receptor (G-Prot), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (ecNOS), Leptin ? 2548G/A and uncoupling protein (UCP2) are potent regulators of intra renal hemodynamics and may be the causative factors contributing to the deterioration of renal functions. In recent years few studies have been published to show the association of these markers with the end stage renal disease (ESRD). Our study was designed to see the role of different genetic factors individually and synergistically in the progression of renal failure.Design and methodsThe genotypes of these markers were determined by PCR and RFLP. The gene frequencies of ACE, G-protein, ecNOS, Leptin and UCP2 in 184 ESRD patients and 569 healthy controls from North India were compared.ResultsThere was a significant difference between ESRD patients and control groups both in the biochemical parameters and genotype frequencies. The genotype distribution of ACE in patients was significantly different from the controls (p = 0.0001; OR = 9.428; 95% CI = 4.56–19.492). There was no difference observed for the GNB3-825 TT genotype and for ecNOS aa genotype in patient and control groups. The distribution of Leptin ? 2548G/A genotype and UCP2 genotype in patients were significantly different from that of controls (p = 0.0013; OR = 2.804; 95% CI = 1.501–5.237 and p = 0.0001; OR = 8.853; 95% CI = 3.458–22.667 respectively).ConclusionsOur results propose that the ACE-DD, Leptin AA and UCP2-DD genotype may be potential genetic markers for predicting the causation and progression of chronic renal failures.     

Association of exonic variants of Klotho with metabolic syndrome in Asian Indians

BackgroundKlotho, an anti-aging gene, is a functional candidate for metabolic syndrome. We conducted a cross-sectional study to evaluate the association of the genetic variants of Klotho with metabolic syndrome and surrogates of insulin resistance in Asian Indians.MethodsWe recruited 428 clinically normal subjects for the study. Genotyping was done by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism.ResultsSignificant and borderline associations of the KL-VS (OR = 15.88 [95%CI, 2.56–98.70], p = 0.003) and C1818T (OR = 0.28 [95%CI, 0.07–1.07], p = 0.063) variants of the Klotho gene, respectively, were observed with metabolic syndrome. The association of the KL-VS variant with metabolic syndrome could be linked to its observed influence on high blood glucose (OR = 6.92 [95% CI = 1.75–27.44], p = 0.006), high blood pressure (OR = 5.21 [95%CI = 1.00–38.43], p = 0.046), insulin resistance (OR = 3.59, [95%CI = 1.01–12.79], p = 0.048) and trend towards its association with hypertriglyceridemia (OR = 3.69 [95%CI = 0.92–14.77], p = 0.065).ConclusionsThe genetic variants of Klotho might predict risk for metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance in Asian Indians. However, larger studies in other ethnic populations are warranted to determine the role of these gene variants in the etiology of metabolic syndrome.     

Paraoxonase/arylesterase ratio, PON1 192Q/R polymorphism and PON1 status are associated with increased risk of ischemic stroke

Objectives:In recent years, importance of enzyme activity measurements, in addition to genotyping, in epidemiological studies relating paraoxonase 1 (PON1) and vascular disease was emphasized. This is the first report evaluating paraoxonase and arylesterase activities as risk factors for ischemic stroke. In addition, PON1 192Gln(Q)/Arg(R) and 55Leu(L)/Met(M) polymorphisms were also analyzed.Design and methods:The study population was comprised of 108 ischemic stroke patients and 78 controls. Enzyme activities were determined by spectrophotometric assays and for genotyping, standard PCR protocols followed by restriction enzyme digestions were used.Results:The prevalence of the PON1 192RR genotype was increased among stroke patients (16.7%) as compared to controls (9.0%, P = 0.129). Paraoxonase and arylesterase activities and PON1 activity ratio (paraoxonase/arylesterase) were found to be lower in patients than in controls. Logistic regression analysis revealed PON1 activity ratio (odds ratio, OR = 0.697, 95% CI, 0.541 to 0.898, P = 0.005), PON1 192RR genotype (OR = 3.434, 95% CI, 1.159 to 10.178, P = 0.026) and PON1 status (PON1 activity ratio combined with PON1 192RR genotype; OR = 1.406, 95% CI, 1.038 to 1.905, P = 0.028) as significant predictors of stroke.Conclusions:This study identified PON1 activity ratio, PON1 192RR genotype and PON1 status as important risk factors for ischemic stroke.     

ChREBP gene polymorphisms are associated with coronary artery disease in Han population of Hubei province

BackgroudChREBP regulates lipogenesis and glucose utilization in the liver. Current reports suggest a contradictive association between rs3812316 of this gene and triglyceride level. We hypothesized the polymorphisms in ChREBP gene were associated with CAD in Chinese population.MethodsThe ChREBP gene polymorphisms were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) methods in 200 controls and 310 CAD patients. Serum lipids and glucose concentrations were measured in all subjects. Haplotypes were constructed based on rs3812316, rs7798357 and rs1051921. All the data were analyzed using SPSS14.0, PLINK1.07 and SHEsis software.ResultsThe rare allele G of rs3812316 was significantly lower in the CAD group after adjusting for age, sex, BMI, SBP and DBP (OR^a = 0.589, 95%CI = 0.361–0.961, P = 0.034). No significant differences between cases and controls were found in genotype or allele distributions of rs7798357, rs17145750 and rs1051921. Haplotype CGC was significant higher in CAD group (P < 0.01, OR = 2.364, 95%CI = 1.608–3.474), while haplotypes GGC, CGT, CCC were significant lower in CAD group (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe rs3812316 and the haplotypes in ChREBP gene appeared to be related to high susceptibility to CAD.     

Association of the TNF-α -308G/A polymorphism with family history of type 2 diabetes mellitus in a Mexican population

AimsWe examined the possible association of the ? 308G/A polymorphism of the TNF-α promoter gene in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) patients and in non-diabetic subjects with and without family history of DM2.MethodsWe studied 87 non-diabetic subjects without DM2 family history in at least one of two generations, 48 non-diabetic subjects with DM2 family history and 95 DM2 patients. Genotyping was carried out by PCR-RFLP.ResultsThe frequency of TNF-α ? 308G/A genotype was significantly lower in non-diabetic subjects without DM2 relatives (6%) as compared to DM2 patients (24%) (odds ratio (OR) = 5.24; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.9–15.8, p < 0.0005), but similar to non-diabetic subjects with DM2 relatives (29%) (OR = 0.77; CI = 0.3–1.7, p = 0.4). Logistic regression analysis showed the association of TNF-α ? 308G/A polymorphism with DM2 family history (OR = 5.80; CI = 1.77–18.98, p < 0.0003).ConclusionsOur results suggest that TNF-α ? 308G/A polymorphism is associated with DM2 family history and is a risk factor for DM2.     

The myeloperoxidase -463G/A polymorphism and coronary artery disease risk: A meta-analysis of 1938 cases and 1990 controls

ObjectivesGenetic polymorphism of human myeloperoxidase (MPO) -463G/A has been implicated to alter the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), but the results are controversial. To improve the reliability of the conflicting results, we conducted a meta-analysis of studies relating the MPO -463G/A polymorphism with the risk of CAD.Design and methodsTwo investigators independently searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library up to June, 2012. Summary odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the MPO -463G/A polymorphism and CAD risk were calculated, and potential sources of heterogeneity and publication bias were explored. Statistical analysis was performed with the software program of Stata 9.0.Results5 case–control studies were finally identified for analyses, involving 1938 cases with CAD and 1990 controls. We found that the MPO -463G/A polymorphism has no significant association with overall CAD risk (G/G vs A/A: OR = 0.595, 95%CI = 0.298–1.188, P = 0.141; G/G vs G/A + A/A: OR = 0.886, 95%CI = 0.779–1.008, P = 0.066; G/G + G/A vs A/A: OR = 0.611, 95%CI = 0.334–1.119, P = 0.111; OR = 0.886, 95%CI = 0.779–1.008, P = 0.066; G vs A: OR = 0.843, 95%CI = 0.675–1.053, P = 0.133). The heterogeneity test showed that there were significant differences between individual studies in additive, recessive and allelic genetic models (P = 0.008, P = 0.021, P = 0.019, respectively); further analyses revealed that age and sex possibly account for the heterogeneity.ConclusionsOur meta-analysis demonstrated the evidence that there was no significant association between the MPO -463G/A polymorphism and the risk of CAD; larger and well-designed multicenter studies are needed to confirm our results.     

Matrix metalloproteinase-1 promoter genotypes and haplotypes are associated with carotid plaque presence

ObjectivesMatrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 degrades fibrillar collagens suggesting important role in vascular remodeling. Data about MMP-1 promoter polymorphisms and carotid atherosclerosis (CA) are scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate association of MMP-1 genotypes/haplotypes with carotid plaque (CP) presence in Serbian population.Design and methodsStudy enrolled a total of 702 participants: 274 controls and 428 consecutive patients with CA who underwent carotid endarterectomy. MMP-1 polymorphisms ? 1607 1G/2G, ? 519 A/G and ? 340 T/C were genotyped by PCR and RFLP methods.ResultsIndividuals carrying MMP-1 ? 1607 2G allele had significantly increased allele dose-dependent risk for CP presence (1G1G vs. 1G2G vs. 2G2G; OR = 1; OR = 1.87 95% CI 1.29–2.07; OR = 3.49 95% CI 1.67–7.30, p = 0.0009, respectively). Compared to the referent haplotype 2G_? 1607-T_? 340-A_? 519, the haplotypes 1G_? 1607-T_? 340-A_? 519, 1G_? 1607-T_? 340-G_? 519 and 2G_? 1607-C_? 340-A_? 519 had statistically significant protective effect on CP presence (OR = 0.41, 95% CI 0.29–0.81, p = 0.01; OR = 0.56, 95% CI 0.44–0.89, p = 0.01; OR = 0.43, 95% CI 0.27–0.86, p = 0.02, respectively).ConclusionsMMP-1 ? 1607 G/2G polymorphism solely and specific haplotypes of three analyzed promoter polymorphisms are significantly and independently associated with occurrence of CP. Replication studies in other populations are needed.     

A meta-analysis of the bradykinin B2 receptor gene − 58C/T polymorphism with hypertension

Background and objectiveNumerous studies have attempted to associate ? 58C/T polymorphism of bradykinin B2 receptor gene (BDKRB2) with hypertension, whereas results were often irreproducible. We performed a meta-analysis aiming to provide a comprehensive evaluation of this polymorphism and hypertension.MethodsCase-control reports published in English were searched totaling four studies with six populations (823 cases and 916 controls). Random-effects model was applied irrespective of between-study heterogeneity, and study quality was assessed in duplicate.ResultsCompared with ? 58C allele carriers, those with ? 58T allele had a lower yet nonsignificant risk for hypertension (OR = 0.86; 95% CI: 0.68–1.09; P = 0.21). Lack of significance persisted after combining those with genotypes ? 58TC and ? 58TT together (OR = 0.87; 95% CI: 0.67–1.09; P = 0.21) or with ? 58TC and ? 58CC together (OR = 0.75; 95% CI: 0.48–1.18; P = 0.22) in association with hypertension. Sensitivity analyses by race indicated that comparison of ? 58T versus ? 58C generated a protective effect for hypertension in Asians (OR = 0.77; 95% CI: 0.58–1.02; P = 0.07) and African-Americans (OR = 0.65; 95% CI: 0.43–0.98; P = 0.04), but a risk effect in Caucasians (OR = 1.22; 95% CI: 0.92–1.61; P = 0.17). No publication bias was observed.ConclusionsOur results suggested that ? 58T allele exhibited a protective effect on hypertension in Asians and African-Americans, yet a risk effect in Caucasians.     

Relationship between genetic polymorphisms of angiotensin-converting enzyme and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase as risk factors for type 2 diabetes in Tunisian patients

Background/aimsThe role of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene polymorphisms as being risk factors for diabetes is still controversial. The aim was to investigate the distribution of ACE and MTHFR genotypes as well as to evaluate the role of plasmatic total homocysteine levels (tHcy) and ACE activity in Tunisian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Design and methods115 T2DM patients compared to 116 healthy volunteers.ResultsThe ACE I/D polymorphism was significantly associated with diabetes (p < 0.0001). The DD genotype and D allele were more frequent in patients compared to control group [DD: OR = 4.93; p < 0.0001; 95 % CI: 2.71–8.97; D: OR = 3.08, 95% CI: 2.09–4.51 p < 0.0001]. MTHFR allele and genotype frequencies did not differ between patients and controls. The susceptibility to diabetes in individuals with genotypes DD +vTT was 13.39 and in the individuals with DD + CT was 6.57 times that of the controls. However, individuals with genotypes ID + CC or II + CT have a protective effect against diabetes. The DD and TT genotypes were associated with significantly higher ACE activity and tHcy levels in diabetics.ConclusionOur data suggest that ACE ID polymorphism may act synergistically with MTHFR C677T polymorphism to assess diabetes risk.     

Synergistic effects of the polymorphisms in the PAI-1 and IL-6 genes with smoking in determining their associated risk with coronary artery disease

ObjectivesTo assess the relationship between IL-6 and PAI-1 polymorphisms and coronary artery disease (CAD) and to observe the interactions between these polymorphic variants and smoking in the CAD risk.Design and methodThe study population consisted of 178 patients with angiographically documented CAD and 202 blood donors. The analyses of genetic polymorphisms were performed using the PCR-RFLP method.ResultsThe frequency of PAI-1 5G allele was higher in the entire CAD group than in control group (p = 0.04, OR = 1.35). Also the 5G allele carriers (4G5G + 5G5G) were more frequent in patients than in controls (p = 0.03, OR = 1.93). The number of women carrying 5G allele was again significantly higher among patients (OR = 10.95 p = 0.0075). The IL-6 C allele frequency was higher only in the CAD male subgroup (p = 0.035, OR = 1.44). We found synergistic and cumulative effects between specific genotype patterns and smoking in determining the risk of CAD, especially between PAI-1(4G5G + 5G5G)+IL-6(CC) and smoking (SIM = 4.18 and p = 0.0005, OR = 9.20, respectively).ConclusionsThere are synergistic and cumulative effects of 5G allele of PAI-1 polymorphism and C allele of IL-6 polymorphism with smoking in determining their associated risk with CAD.     

Participation in pediatric epidemiologic research: the SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Study experience

BackgroundWe evaluated the association of demographic and clinical characteristics with participation in an epidemiologic study of diabetes mellitus among youth.MethodsSEARCH for Diabetes in Youth is a multicenter study of physician-diagnosed diabetes in youth under the age of 20 comprising a surveillance and a cohort component. At each center, we enumerated all prevalent cases of diabetes in 2001 (n = 6266) and all incident cases between 2002 and 2004 (n = 3668). After confirmation of eligibility and validation, we invited each case to complete a survey and participate in a study visit. Here we evaluate how age, sex, race, and diabetes type are associated with participation in the survey and study visit.ResultsAmong prevalent cases, participation in the survey was 68% and 41% in the study visit. Among 2002 to 2004 incident cases, participation varied for the survey (76%, 81%, and 82%) and study visit (52%, 60%, and 60%). In multivariate logistic regression analyses among all incident cases, older age was associated with a lower odds of participation in the study visit (15–17 vs. < 10 years: OR 0.5, 95% CI 0.4–0.7; 18–19 vs. < 10 years: OR 0.3, 95% CI 0.2–0.5), as was having type 2 diabetes vs. type 1 diabetes (OR 0.5, 95% CI 0.4–0.7) and being of African American race vs. non-Hispanic White (OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.4–0.8). Results were very similar among prevalent cases.ConclusionsElucidating the relationship between individual characteristics and participation is essential for evaluating nonresponse bias, correcting for it, and for planning and implementing recruitment strategies.     

Gamma-glutamyl transferase level predicts the development of hypertension in Hong Kong Chinese

BackgroundPlasma activities of alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase, and γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT) are often increased in cardiometabolic diseases. We investigated if hypertension is associated with increased activities of these plasma markers.MethodsWe included 235 hypertensive and 708 normotensive subjects (mean age 47.3 ± 9.6 and 58.0 ± 10.2 years respectively) from the Hong Kong Cardiovascular Risk Factor Prevalence Study-2 (CRISPS-2) in 2000–2004 who had drank < 1/week. In the follow-up study in 2005–2008 (CRISPS-3), 126 out of the 708 subjects had developed hypertension.ResultsRaised plasma ALT (OR = 1.22 per SD of log-transformed level, P = 0.045) and GGT (OR = 1.38 per SD of log-transformed level, P = 0.001) levels were associated with hypertension at baseline in CRISPS-2 after adjusting for covariates. Among subjects not on anti-hypertensive medications, plasma ALP, ALT and GGT were related to blood pressure (P < 0.01). In subjects normotensive at CRISPS-2, plasma GGT, but not ALP, ALT and AST, was an independent predictor of new-onset hypertension at CRISPS-3 (OR = 1.38 per SD of log-transformed level, P = 0.020 and OR = 2.68 for 3rd tertile vs. 1st tertile, P = 0.004) after adjusting for covariates.ConclusionsAmong the 4 plasma markers, increased GGT activity is the strongest predictor for existing and new-onset hypertension in Hong Kong Chinese.     

The single nucleotide polymorphism and haplotype analysis of MDR1 in Chinese diffuse large B cell lymphoma patients

We investigated whether the MDR1 (multidrug resistance 1) gene single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and haplotype variants were associated with the susceptibility to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). A total of 129 DLBCL patients and 208 healthy controls from Jiangsu Han population were enrolled in this study. They were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-allele specific primers (PCR-ASP) method or DNA direct sequencing at three common loci: C1236T, G2677T/A and C3435T. At locus G2677T/A, allele G and genotype GT were significantly more common in DLBCL (G: OR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.08–2.02, Pc = 0.03; GT: OR = 1.96, 95% CI: 1.25–3.07, Pc < 0.01), while genotype AT in this locus seemed to be protective (OR = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.02–0.72, Pc = 0.03). TT genotype at locus C3435T showed a risk factor in DLBCL (OR = 2.38, 95% CI: 1.52–3.74, Pc < 0.01). The frequency of T-G-T haplotype was significantly increased in DLBCL group (OR = 5.21, 95% CI: 2.58–10.54, Pc < 0.01); haplotype of G-T in 2677–3435 and diplotype of 2677GT/3435TT were significantly more frequent in DLBCL group (G-T: OR = 3.97, 95% CI: 2.31–6.85, Pc < 0.01; 2677GT/3435TT: OR = 4.55, 95% CI: 2.02–10.22, Pc < 0.01). Our findings demonstrate that G, GT at locus G2677T/A, and TT at locus C3435T might contribute to the susceptibility to DLBCL, as well as haplotype of T-G-T, G-T in 2677–3435 and diplotype of 2677GT/3435TT, while AT at locus G2677T/A might be a protective genotype. These findings could provide evidence that the MDR1 SNPs may modify the susceptibility to DLBCL and shade new lights in disease association studies.     

Risk factors for endometrial cancer in Turkish women: Results from a hospital-based case–control study

Purpose of the researchThe aim of this study was to investigate the association between risk factors and endometrial cancer in Turkish women.Methods and sampleIn a hospital-based case-control study conducted in ?stanbul, 285 patients with histologically confirmed endometrial cancer were compared with 1050 controls, admitted to the different departments of the same hospital. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were obtained from multivariate logistic regression analysis, fitted by the method of maximum likelihood.Key resultsRisk factors for endometrial cancer were found to be the state of lower education (OR = 2.53, 5% CI: 1.41–4.54), history of hypertension or diabetes (OR = 3.26, 95% CI: 2.21–4.80), (OR = 3.56, 95% CI: 2.02–6.27), lower parity (OR = 3.89, 95% CI: 2.60–5.82), early menarche age (OR = 9.43, 95% CI: 5.35–16.62) and HRT use (OR = 2.66, 5% CI: 1.40–5.06).ConclusionsIn conclusion, our results are supportive of the hypothesis that having a history of chronic disease, lower parity, early menarche and use of HRT were increased-risk factors but negative family history of cancer was decreased-risk factor for endometrial cancer.     

A randomized trial to assess the effect of a research informational pamphlet on telephone survey completion rates among older Latinos

Purpose of the studyTo assess the effects of receiving a research informational pamphlet produced by the federal Office for Human Research Protections on telephone survey participation rates of older Latinos, and illustrate the feasibility of nesting recruitment studies within other funded studies when stand alone funding for recruitment studies is limited.Design and methodsLatino patients aged ≥ 50 with ≥ 1 visit during the preceding year (N = 1314) were sampled from three community clinics and a multi-specialty medical group. Patients were randomly assigned to receive or not receive a pamphlet that contained information on research participation in the initial mailing for the telephone survey study. Survey participation rates were compared between the pamphlet and no pamphlet groups.ResultsIn a multivariate model, women (OR = 1.4; 95% CI 1.1, 1.8), and those with public insurance (vs. no insurance; OR = 1.7; 95% CI 1.1, 2.5) were more likely to participate, while those age 65 + (vs. age 50–54; OR = 0.6; 95% CI 0.4, 0.8) were less likely to participate; there was no significant difference by pamphlet group (OR = 0.8; 95% CI 0.7, 1.1). Nesting of the randomized trial of the recruitment pamphlet within the funded study required minimal additional resources.ImplicationsRecruitment methods that are more intensive than a pamphlet may be needed to enhance survey participation rates among older Latinos. Nesting recruitment trials within funded studies is a promising and efficient approach for testing recruitment strategies.