Based on genome-wide association studies (GWAS) a linkage between several variants such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in intron 3 of SMAD7 (mothers against decapentaplegic homolog7) were, rs12953717, rs4464148 and rs4939827 has been noted for susceptibility to colorectal cancer (CRC). In this study we investigated the relationship of rs12953717 and rs4464148 with risk of CRC among 487 Iranian individuals based on a casecontrol study. Genotyping of SNPs was performed by PCR-RFLP and for confirming the outcomes, 10% of genotyping cases were sequenced with RFLP. Comparing the case and control group, we have found significant association between the rs4464148 SNP and lower risk of CRC. The AG genotype showed decreased risk with and odds ratio of 0.635 (adjusted OR=0.635, 95% CI: 0.417-0.967, p=0.034). There was no significant difference in the distribution of SMAD7 gene rs12953717 TT genotype between two groups of the population evaluated (adjusted OR=1.604, 95% CI: 0.978-2.633, p=0.061). On the other hand, rs12953717 T allele showed a statistically significant association with CRC risk (adjusted OR=1.339, 95% CI: 1.017-1.764, p=0.037). In conclusion, we found a significant association between CRC risk and the rs4464148 AG genotype. Furthermore, the rs12953717 T allele may act as a risk factor. This association may be caused by alternative splicing of pre mRNA. Although we observed a strong association with rs4464148 GG genotype in affected women, we did not detect the same association in CRC male patients.

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Background:Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a gram-negative, spiral-shaped, microaerophilic microorganism and a causative agent of many gastrointestinal tract diseases, as well as several extragastric infections. Several studies have suggested the possibility of sexual transmission of these bacteria. Objectives:The aim of the current study Was to determine the possibility of detecting H. pylori DNA in semen samples from infertile men, compared with healthy controls. Patients and Methods: One hundred infertile male patients and 100 age and gender-matched healthy controls have been enrolled in the study. Semen samples collected from each participant, undergone DNA extraction and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay to detect the H. pylori. The ß-actin PCR was performed to verify the accuracy of DNA extraction. Results: Each sample was positive in the ß-actin PCR assay. None of the samples, from both patients and controls, showed positive PCR results. Consequently, statistical analysis was impossible to perform. Conclusions: We could not confirm the presence of H. pylori DNA in semen samples, but this does not exclude the possibility of male urethral colonization by this organism. Further studies with similar results are necessary to certify this hypothesis.