Several polymorphisms in the DNA repair gene are thought to have significant effects on cancer risk. In this study, we investigated the association of the polymorphisms in the DNA repair genes, XRCC1 Arg399Gln, XRCC3 Thr241Met, XPD Lys751Gln, XPG Asp1104His, APE1 Asp148Glu, and HOGG1 Ser326Cys, with endometrium cancer risk. Two hundred and sixty-two women were included in the study. Endometrial biopsy was performed, and on the basis of diagnosis and histological examination, women were divided into two groups: a control group (n=158) and an endometrial cancer group (n=104). Genotypes were determined by PCR-RFLP assays in endometrial carcinoma patients and age-matched controls. In this study, we found that the frequencies of Glu+ and Asp/Glu genotypes in APE, Gln/Gln genotype of XRCC1, Met/Met genotype of XRCC3, Cys+ and Ser/Cys genotypes of HOGG1, His+ and Asp/His genotypes of XPG, and Gln+ and Gln/Gln genotypes of XPD are more prevalent in patients than controls. Frequencies of Thr/Thr genotype in XRCC3 were increased in controls compared with patients and seem to be protected from endometrial cancer. Our findings suggest that XRCC1, XRCC3, XPD, XPG, APE1, and HOGG1 genetic variants may be associated with endometrial cancer in Turkish women.

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SUMMARY: Although E. coli O157:H7 is the major serotype among Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) strains, non-O157 serotypes have caused numerous outbreaks worldwide. We aimed to evaluate the distribution of serogroups, serotypes, virulence genes, and antimicrobial resistance of STEC strains recovered from stool samples. A total of 395 stool samples characterized by watery/bloody diarrhea and/or symptoms of hemolytic-uremic syndrome were included in this study. Strains compatible with E. coli, based on biochemical tests, were tested for the presence of Shiga toxin by ELISA. Toxigenic strains were tested by serotyping and serogrouping. Virulence genes, stx1, stx2, aggR, hlyA, and eae were detected by polymerase chain reaction. Overall, 26 (6.6z) stool culture samples tested positive for STEC. Shiga toxin was positive in 28 (7.1z) patient isolates based on ELISA and PCR. Two isolates could not be serotyped. STEC strains were distributed into 10 serogroups and 14 serotypes. Of the serotyped strains, 92.3z were non-O157, with the major distribution in O104:H4 and O26:HNM. All were negative for extended-spectrum b-lactamase enzyme and 62.5z were resistant to at least 1 drug. This study demonstrated the wide distribution of non-O157 STEC strains from our patient group. Further studies should be performed to better understand STEC characteristics on a larger scale.

Purpose To evaluate the relationship of clinical pregnancy rates with bone morphogenetic proteins 2-4-7 (BMP 2, 4, 7), growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF 9), and Emmprin levels in follicular fluid of intracytoplasmic sperm injection patients. Methods Follicular fluid of 77 patients who underwent ICSI procedure was collected during the oocyte retrieval procedure. And follicular fluid levels of BMP 2, BMP 4, BMP 7, GDF 9, and Emmprin (Basigin) were measured and compared for clinical pregnancy rates. Results Follicular levels of BMP 4 was significantly higher whereas Emmprin levels were lower in patients who had achieved clinically diagnosed pregnancy compared with those who did not achieve clinical pregnancy after ICSI procedure (P = 0.007 and P = 0.035, respectively). BMP 2, BMP 7, and GDF 9 levels were comparable for both groups. Conclusion Clinical pregnancy rates after ICSI may be associated with follicular fluid levels of Emmprin and BMP 4. Follicular levels of Emmprin and BMP 4 can be used as a marker (as markers for predicting ICSI outcomes) for a better ICSI outcome.

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