The role of ERK-1 and ERK-2 gene polymorphisms in PCOS pathogenesis.

Background: Ovulation is regulated by extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1 (ERK-1) and ERK-2 signaling mechanisms, and ERK-1/2 kinases modulates the function of most of the LH-regulated genes. Defective ERK kinase signaling that is secondary to a genetic problem contributes to both ovulatory dysfunction and metabolic problems in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). We planned to investigate ERK-1 and ERK-2 gene polymorphisms in PCOS for the first time in the Turkish population.

Risk factors and histopathological features of breast cancer among women with different menopausal status and age at diagnosis.

Purpose: Although there are studies that investigate different risk factors and clinicopathological features of breast cancer in women at different age groups and menopausal status, there is a need for studies with larger study populations due to controversial findings. We conducted this study to identify demographic parameters in breast cancer patients and histopathological features of the tumors for different age groups and compare them to demonstrate significant differences, if any.

Methods: 3325 women diagnosed with breast cancer in Hacettepe University Oncology Hospital Outpatient Clinic between January 1994 and March 2014 were included in this study.