Polymorphism of Opioid Receptors μ1 in Highly Hypnotizable Subjects.

The possible cooperation between hypnotizability-related and placebo mechanisms in pain modulation has not been consistently assessed. Here, we investigate possible genetic bases for such cooperation. The OPRM1 gene, which encodes the μ1 opioid receptor-the primary site of action for endogenous and exogenous opioids-is polymorphic in the general population for the missense mutation Asn40Asp (A118G, rs1799971).

Sex-related differences in association of oxidative stress status with coronary artery disease.

Objective: To assess oxidative stress status in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients according to gender.

Design: Case-controlled, observational, retrospective study.

Setting: Clinical and research center.

Determinants of oxidative stress related to gender: relevance of age and smoking habit.

Background: Magnitude and major causes of oxidative stress may be different between sexes, although limitedly addressed in clinical studies with controversial results. The present study aimed to determine whether any gender-related difference exists concerning oxidative stress in a population of 332 subjects of both sexes, in a wide age range, with and without cigarette smoking habit.

Methods: The Oxidative-INDEX was calculated after evaluation of serum hydroperoxides (ROMs) and total antioxidant capacity (OXY) by means of commercial kits (d-ROMs and Oxy-adsorbent Tests, Diacron, Italy) subtracting the OXY standardized variable from the ROMs standardized variable.