Development of a novel SNP assay to detect lactase persistence associated genetic variants.

Background: In adulthood the activity of the lactase enzyme is inherited as autosomal dominant form associated to Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The present research was aimed to develop a novel genetic method to test lactase non persistence more powerfully.

Methods And Results: In our study, we selected eight different SNPs that are associated with lactase persistence from Caucasian, Arabian Bedouins, sub-Saharian Africans and Asian populations to set up an approach to detect all the eight different SNPs at the same time in the same sample.

Adiponectin Is Inversely Associated With Tumour Grade in Colorectal Cancer Patients.

Background/aim: Colorectal cancer is frequently associated with metabolic diseases. Adiponectin (APN) is an insulin-sensitizing adipokine circulating as low molecular weight (LMW), medium molecular weight (MMW) and high molecular weight (HMW) oligomers; the latter are the most bio-active oligomers. APN, through AdipoR1, AdipoR2 and T-cadherin receptors, regulates inflammation, and proliferation.

Critical review on the use and abuse of alcohol. When the dose makes the difference.

Nowadays harmful alcohol consumption represents one of the most important risk factors for the development of several type of chronic and acute diseases in the western countries, contributing to a great number of deaths. Focusing the attention on cancer development and progression, the scientific community has a large consensus in declaring the existence of a harmful association between alcohol consumption and liver, breast, upper aerodigestive tract (mouth, oropharynx, hypopharynx, and esophagus), pancreas and colon cancer appearance. However the precise biological links by which the alcohol could be responsible for cancer initiation and progression are not fully understood yet, even if the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) indicated both ethanol and acetaldehyde as carcinogen for humans.

Congruency of Genetic Predisposition to Lactase Persistence and Lactose Breath Test.

The physiological decline of lactase production in adulthood, in some individuals, is responsible for the so-called "Lactose Intolerance." This clinical syndrome presents with gastrointestinal and non-gastrointestinal symptoms following the consumption of dairy containing food. Lactose intolerance can be evaluated by means of the Lactose Breath Test (phenotype) and/or genetic evaluation of lactase-gene polymorphism (genotype).

The Overlapping Area of Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS) and Wheat-Sensitive Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): An Update.

Gluten-related disorders have recently been reclassified with an emerging scientific literature supporting the concept of non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS). New research has specifically addressed prevalence, immune mechanisms, the recognition of non-immunoglobulin E (non-IgE) wheat allergy and overlap of NCGS with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)-type symptoms. This review article will provide clinicians with an update that directly impacts on the management of a subgroup of their IBS patients whose symptoms are triggered by wheat ingestion.