Association of BARD1 and BRIP1 Gene Polymorphisms with the Risk of Uveal Melanoma.

Considering the limited information about the role of hereditary predisposition to the development of uveal melanoma, we have performed an analysis of the frequencies of BARD1 (rs1048108, rs2229571, rs2070094) and BRIP1 (rs4986764) gene polymorphisms in patients with uveal melanoma and benign choroidal nevus in comparison with healthy volunteers (control). It has been found that the minor alleles of BRIP1 rs4986764 and BARD1 rs2070094 polymorphisms, as well as the homozygosity of T allele at the BARD1 rs1048108 locus are common genetic markers for the predisposition to uveal melanoma and benign choroidal nevus, while the homozygous genotype GG for the BARD1 rs2229571 polymorphism is a specific marker for the predisposition to uveal melanoma and progressive choroidal nevus. We have also found that the heterozygous genotype at BARD1 rs1048108 polymorphic locus is a specific marker for protection against uveal melanoma and progressive choroidal nevus.

Assessment of Antimicrobial Activity of Ethanolic and Aqueous Extracts of L. (Horse Chestnut) Bark against Bacteria Isolated from Urine of Patients Diagnosed Positive to Urinary Tract Infections.

The search for new antimicrobials is essential to address the worldwide issue of antibiotic resistance. The present work aimed at assessing the antimicrobial activity of L. (horse chestnut) bark against bacteria involved in urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Daytime Exposure to Blue Light Alters Cardiovascular Circadian Rhythms, Electrolyte Excretion and Melatonin Production.

Artificial light is characterized by certain features of its impact on the body in terms of its spectral distribution of power, duration of exposure and intensity. Short waves, perceived as blue light, are the strongest synchronizing agent for the circadian system. In the present work, we investigated the features of the circadian rhythms of blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), the excretion of electrolytes and the secretion of melatonin in normotensive (Wistar-Kyoto) and hypertensive (SHR) rats under the action of monochromatic blue light in the daytime period.

Association of the DNA Methyltransferase and Folate Cycle Enzymes' Gene Polymorphisms with Coronary Restenosis.

Background: In recent years, the interest in genetic predisposition studies for coronary artery disease and restenosis has increased. Studies show that polymorphisms of genes encoding folate cycle and homocysteine metabolism enzymes significantly contribute to atherogenesis and endothelial dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to examine some SNPs of genes coding for folate cycle enzymes and DNA methyltransferases as risk factors for in-stent restenosis.