The 27-bp VNTR polymorphism in intron 4 of the human eNOS gene in healthy Singaporean Chinese, Indians, and Malays.

Human endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is one isoform of the nitric oxide synthases that are responsible for nitric oxide synthesis from L-arginine. The gene encoding eNOS contains a 27-bp VNTR polymorphism in intron 4. We report here for the first time the presence of a novel allele 3, which was absent in all other populations studied to date, in 1.

Hardy-Weinberg disequilibrium of the IL-18 C-607A SNP suggesting selective advantage of heterozygotes.

Interleukin-18 (IL-18) plays a key role in autoimmune, inflammatory, and infectious diseases. The IL-18 gene contains a C to A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at position -607 (C-607A) within the promoter region, which was found to affect the promoter activity and subsequently the protein level of IL-18. We investigated this SNP in a group of healthy Singaporeans and found that CA was the most common genotype and the C allele was more prevalent than the A allele, which was not always the case in other ethnic groups.

Novel alleles of 31-bp VNTR polymorphism in the human cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) gene were detected in healthy Asians.

A 31-bp variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) polymorphism of the cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) gene was earlier reported in Caucasians of predominantly European descent and Indo-Caucasoid populations. We report here for the first time, the detection of allele 20, which was absent in Caucasian and Indo-Caucasoid populations, as a common allele present in Singaporean Chinese (6.25%), Indians (11.

The allele frequencies of three polymorphisms in genes involved in homocysteine metabolism in a group of unrelated healthy Singaporeans.

The cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) 844ins68 polymorphism, methionine synthase (MS) A2756G SNP, and 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T SNP are associated with homocysteine (Hcy) level in humans. Elevated Hcy level is considered a risk factor for atherosclerotic diseases among Asian populations. Therefore, the three polymorphisms may vary the risk for developing such diseases in Singaporeans.

Evaluation of hypericin-mediated photodynamic therapy in combination with angiogenesis inhibitor bevacizumab using in vivo fluorescence confocal endomicroscopy.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an alternative cancer treatment modality that offers localized treatment using a photosensitizer and light. However, tumor angiogenesis is a major concern following PDT-induced hypoxia as it promotes recurrence. Bevacizumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), thus preventing angiogenesis.

Targeting EGFR with photodynamic therapy in combination with Erbitux enhances in vivo bladder tumor response.

Background: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising cancer treatment modality that involves the interaction of the photosensitizer, molecular oxygen and light of specific wavelength to destroy tumor cells. Treatment induced hypoxia is one of the main side effects of PDT and efforts are underway to optimize PDT protocols for improved efficacy. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-tumor effects of PDT plus Erbitux, an angiogenesis inhibitor that targets epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), on human bladder cancer model.

The effect of photodynamic therapy on tumor angiogenesis.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT), the activation of a photosensitive drug in tumor tissue with light of specific wavelength, has been used effectively to treat certain solid tumors. Though therapeutic responses are encouraging, PDT-mediated oxidative stress can act as an angiogenic switch that ultimately leads to neovascularization and tumor recurrence. This article explores the effect of PDT on angiogenesis in different tumor models.

Assessment of the validity of the sections in Musa (musaceae) using AFLP.

Musa L. (Musaceae) is currently separated into five sections (Musa. Rhodochlamys, Callimusa, Australimusa and Ingentimusa) based on chromosome numbers and morphological characters.