Alterations of tumor suppressor gene p16INK4a in pancreatic ductal carcinoma.

Background: Cell cycle inhibitor and tumor suppressor gene p16/MTS-1 has been reported to be altered in a variety of human tumors. The purpose of the study was to evaluate primary pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas for potentially inactivating p16 alterations.

Methods: We investigated the status of p16 gene by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), nonradioisotopic single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP), DNA sequencing and hypermethylation analysis in 25 primary resected ductal adenocarcinomas.

Effect of vitamin C supplementation on oxidative DNA damage in an experimental model of lead-induced hypertension.

Aims: Chronic exposure to lead results in sustained hypertension in humans and experimental animals. We investigated the possible role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their impact on DNA damage in lead-induced hypertension. Further the effect of short-term supplementation of vitamin C is also demonstrated.