HER2 codon 655 polymorphism is associated with advanced uterine cervical carcinoma

Objectives:It has been suggested that overexpression of HER2 in advanced cervical tumors can be considered an independent predictor of poor patient outcome.Design and methods:Employing PCR-RFLPs, we examined the distribution of HER2 Ile655Val (rs 1136201) genotypes and alleles in patients with advanced cervical cancer (n = 109) and controls (n = 220).Results:Odds ratio (OR) for patients with advanced cervical cancer with the HER2 Val/Val homozygous or Val/Ile heterozygous state was 1.778 (95% CI = 1.117–2.830, p = 0.0176). We also observed an association of the HER2 Val/Val genotype with advanced cervical cancer in the patient group OR = 3.706 (95% CI = 1.061–12.950, p = 0.0459). However, we did not find a significant association between the distribution of genotypes or alleles and cancer characteristics for the HER2 Ile655Val polymorphism.Conclusions:Our results indicate that the HER2 655Val variant may be associated with the incidence of advanced cervical cancer.     

Association of MTHFR, MTR, and MTRR polymorphisms with Parkinson's disease among ethnic Chinese in Taiwan

BackgroundInfluence of folate/homocysteine conversion is considered to be important in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, association of the folate metabolic pathway gene polymorphisms with PD susceptibility remains unclear.MethodsTo test this possibility in PD, we conducted a hospital-based case-control study constituting 211 patients and 218 age- and sex-matched controls of ethnic Chinese in Taiwan. Genotyping assay was performed to screen for polymorphisms of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR C677T), methyltetrahydrofolate-homocysteine methyltransferase (MTR A2756G), and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate-homocysteine methyltransferase reductase (MTRR A1049G and C1783T) genes and assess the association between these genotype polymorphisms and PD risk using logistic regression analysis.ResultsOf these four non-synonymous polymorphisms, the MTRR 1049GG variant was significantly associated with PD susceptibility (OR = 3.17, 95%CI = 1.08–9.35). Furthermore, we stratified our patients based on the MTHFR 677TT genotype in different strata, a significant association between the joint effect of polymorphisms and PD risk was observed in those patients whose genotypes were MTRR A1049G/MTR A2756G or MTRR C1783T/MTR A2756G (P < 0.05).ConclusionOur findings provide support for the synergistic effects of polymorphisms in the folate metabolic pathway genes in PD susceptibility; the increased PD risk would be more significant in carriers with the polymorphisms of MTHFR, MTR, and MTRR genes.     

Common variant in GAB2 is associated with late-onset Alzheimer's disease in Han Chinese

BackgroundGRB-associated binding protein 2 (GAB2) may function as a risk factor in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease (AD). A recent large genome-wide association study (GWAS) has identified a significant association of rs10793294 polymorphism within the GAB2 gene with AD in Caucasians. While there are no studies on the association of rs10793294 polymorphism with AD risk in the Chinese population.MethodsThe study investigated 358 sporadic late-onset AD (LOAD) and 366 healthy controls matched for sex and age in a Han Chinese population. The rs10793294 polymorphism within the GAB2 gene was genotyped using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry.ResultsThe C allele of the rs10793294 polymorphism within GAB2 was significantly associated with an increased risk of LOAD (OR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.04–1.72, P = 0.029). Significance was observed in APOEε4 carriers (genotype P = 0.039, allele P = 0.016). While in APOE ε4 non-carriers, significant differences were observed in alleles (P = 0.039) but not in genotypes (P = 0.304). Logistic regression revealed that rs10793294 polymorphism was still strongly associated with LOAD in dominant model (OR = 2.58, 95% CI = 1.22–5.45, P = 0.013) and additive model (OR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.05–1.80, P = 0.020) after adjusting for age, gender, and the APOE ε4 status.ConclusionsOur findings implicate GAB2 as a susceptibility gene for LOAD in Han Chinese.     

Effect of obesity on the association between common variations in the HNF1A gene region and C-reactive protein level in Taiwanese

BackgroundThe level of C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammatory biomarker that predicts future cardiovascular events, is a heritable trait that has been associated with variants of CRP and hepatic nuclear factor-1α (HNF1A) genes. Our aim was to test the statistical association between HNF1A genotypes/haplotypes and serum CRP level in Taiwanese.MethodsA sample population of 617 Taiwanese subjects (all Han-Chinese origin) was enrolled. Five HNF1A single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs1920792, rs1169288, rs7310409, rs2464196, rs1169310 were genotyped and analyzed.ResultsAfter adjusting for clinical covariates, minor alleles of all the 5 study SNPs were associated with decreased CRP level (P = 0.0078, P = 0.0107, P = 0.0006, P = 0.0004 and P = 0.0003, respectively). A common haplotype (TGATA) tagged by the minor alleles of study SNPs was associated with significantly decreased CRP level (P = 0.0112). Subgroup analysis revealed that the association between HNF1A genotypes and CRP level occurred only in non-obese subjects.ConclusionsHNF1A polymorphisms are independently associated with CRP level in Taiwanese. Further, HNF1A genotypes interact with obesity to set CRP level, revealing that genetic determinants for CRP level may be different between obese and non-obese individuals.     

Genetic association of rs11610206 SNP on chromosome 12q13 with late-onset Alzheimer's disease in a Han Chinese population

BackgroundSeveral genome wide screens and candidate gene studies have implicated the chromosome 12p13 locus as possibly harboring genetic variants predisposed to late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD). Recently, the strongest significant association was reported for the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs11610206 on chromosome 12q13 in an independent genome-wide association study (GWAS) in Caucasians.MethodsWe investigated whether the SNP on chromosome 12q13 was associated with LOAD in a Han Chinese population. The common rs11610206 SNP on chromosome 12q13 was genotyped using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry in 322 patients with LOAD and in 391 healthy controls matched for sex and age.ResultsPatients with LOAD had higher frequencies of T allele (56.0% versus 49.2%) compared with controls [odds ratio (OR) = 1.45, 95% confidence intervals (CI) = 1.08–1.95, and P = 0.01]. After stratification by APOE ε4-carrying status, the T allele of rs11610206 was significantly associated with LOAD only in APOE ε4 allele carriers (OR = 2.05, 95% CI = 1.21–3.47, and P = 0.007). Furthermore, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the TT genotype carriers demonstrated a 1.52-fold risk when compared with (TC + CC) genotype carriers (OR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.07–2.17, and P = 0.02).ConclusionsThis study demonstrates an association of rs11610206 polymorphism locus on chromosome 12q13 with risk for LOAD in Han Chinese.     

The association between miR-146a gene rs2910164 polymorphism and gastric cancer risk: A meta-analysis

PurposeStudies have demonstrated that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in miRNAs may lead to varying functional outcomes by altering miRNAs expression, even leading to the development of cancers. The association between a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in miR-146a rs2910164 and susceptibility to gastric cancer has been studied during the recent years, but the results are still inconclusive and inconsistent. We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the relationship between miR-146a rs2910164 polymorphism and the risk of gastric cancer.Materials and methodsThe databases of PubMed, MEDLINE and Web of Science were searched for suitable studies. A total of 8 published case–control studies on miR-146a rs2910164 polymorphism and gastric cancer risk including 4308 cases and 6370 controls were included.ResultsOverall, significant association was observed between rs2910164 and gastric cancer risk in allele model (OR = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.02–1.21); homozygote model (OR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.10–1.43) and dominant model (OR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.09–1.34). Stratified analysis by ethnicity showed significant association between rs2910164 polymorphism and gastric cancer susceptibility in Asians (OR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.00–1.23 for G vs. C; OR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.09–1.43 for GG vs. CC; OR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.07–1.33 for GG vs. GC+CC, respectively). When stratified by genotyping methods and sample size, increased gastric cancer risk was only observed with the method by TaqMan and the sample size more than 1000.ConclusionIn summary, this meta-analysis indicated that miR-146a rs2910164 polymorphism was associated with the susceptibility to gastric cancer, especially in Asian population.     

Methionine sulfoxide reductase A rs10903323 G/A polymorphism is associated with increased risk of coronary artery disease in a Chinese population

ObjectiveCoronary artery disease (CAD) is a complex disease resulting from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. We hypothesized that polymorphisms in methionine sulfoxide reductase A (MSRA: rs10903323 G/A) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA: rs699947 C/A, rs2010963 G/C, and rs3025039 C/T) contribute to CAD susceptibility.Designs and methodsWe examined the association between the four polymorphisms and the risk of CAD in a Chinese population of 435 CAD patients and 480 controls. Genotyping was performed using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI/TOF-MS).ResultsWhen the MSRA rs10903323 GG homozygous genotype was used as the reference group, the GA and GA/AA genotypes were associated with a significantly increased risk of CAD (GA vs GG: adjusted OR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.02–1.82, p = 0.038; GA/AA vs GG: adjusted OR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.01–1.76, p = 0.042). The AA homozygous genotype was not associated with a risk of CAD. In the recessive model, when the MSRA rs10903323 GG/GA genotypes were used as the reference group, the AA homozygous genotype was not associated with a risk of CAD. Logistic regression analyses revealed that the VEGFA rs699947 C/A, VEGFA rs2010963 G/C, and VEGFA rs3025039 C/T polymorphisms were not associated with a risk of CAD.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that the functional MSRA rs10903323 G/A polymorphism is associated with CAD development. However, our results allow only a preliminary conclusion, which must be validated with a larger study of a more diverse ethnic population.     

The RANTES gene promoter polymorphisms are associated with the risk of atherothrombotic cerebral infarction in Northern Han Chinese

BackgroundRegulated upon activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) plays an important role in the inflammatory process. This study is aimed at evaluating the potential association of the ? 403G/A (rs2107538) and ? 28C/G (rs2280788) polymorphisms of the RANTES gene promoter with the risk of atherothrombotic cerebral infarction (ACI) in Northern Han Chinese.MethodA total of 314 patients with ACI and 389 unrelated aged-matched healthy controls were recruited. Their genotypes of the RANTES gene promoter ? 403G/A (rs2107538) and ? 28C/G (rs2280788) were analyzed by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (multiplex PCR) and multiplex SNaPshot analysis. The potential association of genotyping and allele frequencies with ACI in this population was assessed statistically.ResultsThe frequencies of ? 403AA genotype and A allele in ACI male patients were significantly higher than that in healthy controls (P = 0.007, P = 0.009, respectively). Female patients were not different. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the ? 403AA genotype in males was significantly associated with an increased risk of ACI, even after adjusting for confounding factors (OR = 4.344; 95% CI = 1.969–9.582; P < 0.001). Although there was no significant association of the ? 28C/G polymorphism with ACI, the A-₄₀₃C-₂₈ haplotype was significantly associated with an increased risk of ACI in Han Chinese [OR = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.23–1.98, P < 0.001].ConclusionsOur data suggest that the ? 403AA genotype and A allele of the RANTES promoter were associated with increased risk for the development of ACI in male Northern Han Chinese.     

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.     

Effect of obesity on the association between ATF3 gene haplotypes and C-reactive protein level in Taiwanese

ObjectiveATF3 has traditionally been related to various inflammatory processes. Our aim was to test the statistical association between variations in the ATF3 gene and levels of nine serum inflammatory markers, including C reactive protein (CRP), in a Taiwanese population using interaction analysis.MethodsA sample population of 604 Taiwanese subjects was enrolled. Five tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms of the ATF3 gene from the Han Chinese HapMap Database were selected and genotyped.ResultsWith or without adjustment for clinical covariates, ATF3 genotypes were found to be associated with CRP levels but not with other inflammatory marker levels. Minor alleles of 2 of the 5 ATF3 SNPs were associated with decreased CRP levels predominantly in non-obese subjects (Bonferoni P = 0.018, and P = 0.002 for rs11571530, and rs10475, respectively). Two haplotypes inferred from the 5 SNPs, GATTA and TACCA, were also associated with increased or decreased CRP levels, respectively, in non-obese subjects (Bonferoni P = 0.012 and P = 0.01, respectively) but not in obese subjects. Interaction analysis revealed interaction of obesity with an ATF3 genotype associated with a high CRP level (interaction P = 0.006 for SNP rs10475). An effect of obesity on CRP level was also noted in haplotype interaction analysis (interaction P = 0.019 for haplotype TACCA).ConclusionsATF3 polymorphisms are independently associated with CRP levels in Taiwanese subjects. Further, ATF3 genotypes/haplotypes interact with obesity to set CRP levels. These findings may have implications for the prediction of atherosclerotic disease.     

Effects of common FTO gene variants associated with BMI on dietary intake and physical activity in Koreans

BackgroundAssociations with FTO (fat mass and obesity associated) gene variants and BMI have been reported in western adult populations. To widen the ethnic and age coverage of the FTO studies, we investigated the effects of FTO gene variants on being overweight and related phenotypes in Korean children and adult with a consideration of lifestyle factors.MethodsWe genotyped 711 children for 2 FTO SNPs (rs9939973 and rs9939609), analyzed lifestyle factors, and investigated the potential involvement of FTO variants in being overweight comparing with 8842 adults in the KSNP database.ResultsWith a strong association between FTO gene variants and BMI levels, we further identified an association between rs9939973 or rs9939609 and being overweight both children (P = 0.025, OR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.05–2.06; P = 0.023, OR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.06–2.22) and adults (P = 0.018, OR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.02–1.19; P = 0.001, OR = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.06–1.27). Significant association was observed between rs9939609 and dietary fat intake in children (P = 0.008) but not in adults. In low physical activity subgroup of children, rs9939609 A allele carriers had a higher BMI than TT carriers (P = 0.0147). A significant interaction effect of rs9939609 on BMI across 3 levels of adult physical activity was found.ConclusionsFTO variant rs9939609 is an overweight susceptibility gene in Koreans. By low physical activity, A allele greatly influenced greater BMI.     

The HLA-DQB1 gene polymorphisms associated with cervical cancer risk: A meta-analysis

Human leukocyte antigens (HLA) alleles may affect the development of cervical cancer through immunologic control of human papillomavirus (HPV). The association between HLA-DQB1 alleles and risk of cervical cancer has been extensively studied, but the results obtained remain inconsistent. To explore a more extensive role of HLA-DQB1 alleles on cervical cancer risk, we carried out a meta-analysis including 4862 cases and 8988 controls from 22 published studies. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the strength of the association. The overall results suggested that HLA-DQB1*02 (OR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.82–0.99), *03 (OR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.74–0.97) and *0603 (OR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.53–0.72) had a significantly association with decreased cervical cancer risk. In contrast, DQB1*05 (OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.01–1.38), *0301 (OR = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.06–1.23) and *0402 (OR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.04–1.64) conferred a significantly higher risk to cervical cancer. Moreover, a significantly association with increased or decreased cervical cancer risk was found among Europeans and Asians after stratification of the HLA-DQB1 alleles by ethnicity. These findings supported that the HLA-DQB1 alleles may contribute to genetic susceptibility of cervical cancer. Further studies with a greater number of cases are expected to confirm our results.     

Association of MMP-3 5A/6A gene polymorphism with susceptibility to carotid atherosclerosis

ObjectivesStromelysin-1 (MMP-3) as a key member of metalloproteinase family could have an important role in atherogenesis. The 5A/6A polymorphism in the promoter of MMP-3 gene affects the level of MMP-3 gene expression. We assessed whether the MMP-3 promoter low- and high-activity genotypes are related to susceptibility for carotid atherosclerosis (CA) in Serbian population.Design and methodsThe study group of case-control design consisted of 515 participants. The 265 patients with ultrasonographic evidence of carotid plaque presence were recruited for the study. The 5A/6A polymorphism was typed by RFLP-PCR.ResultsThere was significantly higher prevalence of genotypes containing 6A allele in the patients with CA compared to controls (p < 0.05). The model of inheritance with the dominant effect of 6A allele gave elevated and significant OR for carotid atherosclerosis (adjusted OR 2.35, CI = 1.0–5.5, p = 0.048).ConclusionsSubjects carrying genotypes with 6A allele had significantly higher susceptibility to carotid atherosclerosis.     

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.     

Predictors of recruited melanoma families into a behavioral intervention project

BackgroundExamination of families represents an important priority in health research. In this paper we report on individual and family-level factors associated with enrollment in a cancer prevention research project. We approached families affected by melanoma for possible participation in a randomized controlled trial of a web-based communication and support intervention.MethodsWe recruited three family members per family for assessment — the melanoma case, a first-degree relative (FDR), and a relative who is a parent of a child age 18 or younger. Recruitment involved three steps: requesting the physician's consent to approach the melanoma case, approaching the case to request their participation and family contact information, and they approaching the FDRs and parents.ResultsOf the 1380 families approached, 313 were enrolled, 263 were excluded because we could not find or contact a family member (FDR or parent), 331 did not have eligible family members, and 473 refused. The most frequently noted reason for refusal was being too busy or having no time. The primary predictors of participation for cases (OR = 1.6; CI = 1.01–2.51) and FDRs (OR = 2.15; CI = 1.11–4.13) included higher educational attainment. FDRs were more likely to enroll if they were female (OR = 1.77; CI = 1.1–.85) and parents were more likely to enroll if the case had been diagnosed more recently (OR = 3.3; CI = 1.9–5.93), if the parent was partnered (OR = 4.37; CI = 1.86–10.26), and if the parent lived in the same city as the case (OR = 2.88; CI = 1.08–7.68).ConclusionsThe results can provide information on potential directions for future family recruitment.     

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.     

A single nucleotide polymorphism in LRP2 is associated with susceptibility to Alzheimer's disease in the Chinese population

BackgroundLRP2 (also called megalin) plays a potential key role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Recently, one genome-wide association study has revealed that the rs3755166 (G/A) polymorphism located in the LRP2 promoter is associated with development of AD in Caucasians, while there are no studies on the association LRP2 of with AD risk in Asians.MethodsTo evaluate the relationship between the rs3755166 polymorphism of the LRP2 gene and AD in the ethnic Chinese Han, we conducted a case-control study (n = 361, age > 50) to determine the prevalence of one common single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of LRP2 (rs3755166) in patients with AD in Chinese population of Mainland China, and clarified whether this polymorphism is a risk factor for AD.ResultsThe prevalence of the minor allele (A) in the rs3755166 polymorphism was significantly different in AD patients and control subjects (P < 0.05). The rs3755166 polymorphism was associated with AD in the ethnic Chinese Han (OR = 1.378, 95% CI: 1.017-1.867, P = 0.039), and the results were not influenced by age, gender, or APOE status (P = 0.441, P = 0.94, P = 0.432, respectively).ConclusionOur data revealed the allele (A) of the rs3755166 polymorphism within LRP2 gene may contribute to AD risk in the Chinese Han Population.     

Mindfulness-based stress reduction for HIV treatment side effects: a randomized, wait-list controlled trial

ContextAdvances in antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV offer life-extending benefit; however, the side effects associated with ART use negatively impact quality of life and medication adherence among people living with HIV.ObjectivesThis study tested the efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) for reducing ART symptoms and bother/distress related to ART side effects. Secondary aims were to test the impact of MBSR on medication adherence and psychological functioning.MethodsSeventy-six people living with HIV who were actively taking ART and reported distress from ART-related side effects were randomly assigned to an MBSR program or a wait-list control (WLC) standard care condition. We measured side effects, ART adherence, perceived stress, depression, positive and negative affect, and mindfulness at three time points: baseline, three-month follow-up, and six-month follow-up. Side effects and related distress were assessed separately from other symptoms.ResultsCompared with a WLC, participants in the MBSR condition experienced a reduction in the frequency of symptoms attributable to ARTs at three months post-intervention (mean difference = 0.33; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.01, 0.66; t(132) = 2.04, P = 0.044) and six months post-intervention (mean difference = 0.38; 95% CI = 0.05, 0.71; t(132) = 2.27, P = 0.025). MBSR participants also experienced a reduction in distress associated with those symptoms at three months post-intervention (mean difference = 0.47; 95% CI = 0.003, 0.94; t(132) = 1.99, P = 0.048) compared with the WLC condition.ConclusionMBSR is a promising approach for reducing HIV treatment-related side effects.     

Association study: SLC6A18 gene and myocardial infarction

ObjectiveSLC6A18 (solute carrier family 6, member 18) acts as a specific transporter for neurotransmitters, amino acids and osmolytes such as betaine, taurine and creatine. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between the human SLC6A18 gene and myocardial infarction (MI) in a Japanese population.MethodsUsing 5 single nucleotide polymorphisms in the SLC6A18 gene (rs7728646, rs4975625, rs12522796, rs4975623 and rs7447815) we performed a case-control study based on each SNP and haplotype in 289 MI patients and 223 controls.ResultsLogistic regression analysis revealed that the frequency of the CC + CG genotype of rs7447815 was significantly higher in all patients and the male MI patients than in controls (P = 0.005, P = 0.036, respectively). The frequency of the T-C haplotype (rs7728646–rs7447815) was significantly higher for the MI patients when compared with controls (P = 0.037).ConclusionsThese results suggest that SLC6A18 or neighboring genes are associated with increased susceptibility to MI.