Modulatory effect of iron chelators on adenosine deaminase activity and gene expression in Trichomonas vaginalis.

Trichomonas vaginalis is a flagellate protozoan that parasitises the urogenital human tract and causes trichomoniasis. During the infection, the acquisition of nutrients, such as iron and purine and pyrimidine nucleosides, is essential for the survival of the parasite. The enzymes for purinergic signalling, including adenosine deaminase (ADA), which degrades adenosine to inosine, have been characterised in T.

PON1 polymorphisms are predictors of ability to attain HDL-C goals in statin-treated patients.

Objectives: PON1 plays an important role in inhibiting LDL-C oxidation, which reduces atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Elevated PON1 activity or levels may contribute to increased HDL-C levels, but controversy exists over the hypothesis that genetic variation in the PON1 gene locus modulates HDL-C levels and responses to statin treatment. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the association between two polymorphisms in the PON1 gene and statin responses in a south Brazilian population.

Evaluation of sexual dimorphism in the efficacy and safety of simvastatin/atorvastatin therapy in a southern Brazilian cohort.

Background: Dyslipidemia is the primary risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and statins have been effective in controlling lipid levels. Sex differences in the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of statins contribute to interindividual variations in drug efficacy and toxicity.

Objective: To evaluate the presence of sexual dimorphism in the efficacy and safety of simvastatin/atorvastatin treatment.

Are polymorphisms in oestrogen receptors genes associated with lipid levels in response to hormone therapy?

Background: Polymorphisms in the oestrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) and oestrogen receptor 2 (ESR2) genes are associated with intermediate or endpoint markers of cardiovascular disease and with the efficacy of postmenopausal hormone therapy (HT). Contradictory findings have been described in the past and the role of these genetics variants remains unclear.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out with 266 postmenopausal women, of whom 115 received oral HT (HT+) and 151 did not receive any HT (HT-).

Evaluation of UGT1A1 and SULT1A1 polymorphisms with lipid levels in women with different hormonal status.

Background: Estrogens influence many physiological processes including cardiovascular health. Polymorphisms in phase I and II estrogen metabolism enzymes are associated with lipid levels in women.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out with 269 postmenopausal women, 116 who received oral hormonal therapy (HT) (39-75 years) with estrogens or estrogens plus progestagen, 153 that did not receive any HT (38-85 years), and 155 premenopausal women (18-52 years).