S Pirouzpanah , Fa Taleban, Ar Abadi , M Atri , P Mehdipour,
Volume 5, Issue 2 (9-2009)
Abstract
Background & Objectives: The repression of retinoic acid receptor-β2 (RARβ2) expression is a concerning aspect of breast cancer, which is often induced by hypermethylation at promoter of the gene. We aimed to explore the correlation of plasma folate, vitamin B12 and total homocysteine (tHcy) levels with hypermethylation status of RARβ2 gene among Iranian breast cancer patients.
Methods: The hypermethylation status was investigated in 137 specimens tissues from primary breast cancer patients aged 28-85 years thorough methylation-specific PCR.
Results: Hypermethylation at RARβ2 gene was observed in 36.5 %. The hypermthylated RARβ2 associated with younger age at diagnosis and negative family history of breast cancer. The plasma level of folate was found lower in cases aged ≥48 years with hypermethylated RARβ2 gene (P<0.05). In contrast the level of tHcy was shown higher in cases aged <48 y (P<0.05). The risk of hypermethylation at RARβ2 gene increased with low plasma levels of folate (OR=0.21, 95%CI: 0.05-0.88) and vitamin B12 (OR=0.04, 95%CI: 0.01-0.92) and high plasma level of tHcy (OR=7.55, 95%CI: 1.07-25.7) in cases older than 48y.
Conclusions: Low plasma levels of folate, Vitamin B12 and high plasma level of total homocysteine could have important roles as prognostic factors in hypermethylation status of RARβ2 gene in breast cancer.
L Manavifar, H Nemati Karimooy , A Nejat Shokuhi , A Sheerdel , M Shakeri , M Mahjoob ,
Volume 5, Issue 2 (9-2009)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Incidence of neurocognitive and psychologic disorders in elderly seems to become high There are numerous factors affecting neurocognitive functions like vascular factors, Vitamin B12 and folate and homocysteine levels. The aim of this study was to assess the relation between neurocognitive- psychologic markers and homocystein (Hcy), V.B12 (Cobalamin) and folate in serum.
Methods: Two hundred eighty elderly people admitted to Emam Reza Teaching Hospital in Mashahd, Iran. neurocognitive-psychologic disorders was diagnosed by a trained physician. Serum cobalamin, folate and homocystein measured by RIAand ELIZA methods, respectively.
Results: Based on Hcy>15 µmol/l level, cut off point <330 pg/ml for serum cobalamin and <6.5 ng/ml for folate deficiency defined as deficiency. The correlation between cobalamin and folate was statistically significant (p=0.000). Hemocystein correlated inversely to cobalamin (p=0.001) and folate (p=0.044). There were no statistical significant between Cobalamin, Folate and Hcv>15µmol/l and neurocognitive & psychologic markers unless Deep Tendon reflex test (P=0.04). All patients with dementia had hyperhemocysteinemia.
Conclusions: Despite the plausible biochemical mechanism, further diagnostic studies, based on clinical, neuropsychological, laboratory features will be necessary to better understand this fascinating biochemical challenge.
