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Biomedical subjects

Cornelia M Ulrich

Publications and source records attributed to Cornelia M Ulrich.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Serum lipoproteins in overweight/obese postmenopausal women: a one-year exercise trial.

INTRODUCTION: This analysis was conducted to study the effect of a 1-yr moderate-intensity aerobic exercise program on serum lipoproteins among overweight/obese postmenopausal women. METHODS: We randomized 173 sedentary (VO2max = 20.2 mL.kg(-1).min(-1)), overweight/obese women (body mass index (BMI) 25.0-42.0 kg.m(-2) or body fat > 33% if BMI 24.0-25.0) aged 50-75 yr, not using hormone therapy, living in the Seattle area, to an exercise intervention or stretching control group. The exercise intervention included facility and home-based exercise (45 min, 5 d.wk(-1) of moderate-intensity sports or recreational exercise). Total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were determined by chemical assay; low-density lipoprotein (LDL) was then calculated. RESULTS: Of the 173 women, 170 (98.3%) completed the study with exercisers averaging 176 (SD 91) min.wk(-1) of moderate- to vigorous-intensity (60%-75% HRmax) exercise, expending approximately 3828 kJ.wk(-1) (SD 2053). Exercisers, compared with stretchers, significantly increased their VO2max (+11%, P<0.001) and lost more body weight (-1.4 kg, P < 0.05), DEXA-% total body fat (-1.0, P < 0.005), L4-5 computed tomography intraabdominal fat (-8.6 cm2, P < 0.05) and subcutaneous abdominal fat (-28.8 cm2, P < 0.005) after 12 months. Mean (SD) baseline lipoprotein levels for TC, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides were 231 (39), 152 (39), 52 (12), and 135 (65) mg.dL(-1), respectively. We observed no significant change in serum lipoprotein levels among exercisers compared with stretchers at either 3 or 12 months postrandomization. We did not observe a statistically significant effect of exercise on serum lipoproteins in subgroups that changed their intraabdominal and subcutaneous fat, percent total body fat, or VO2max the most, or that adhered to the exercise regimen the most over 1 yr. CONCLUSION: It appears that a year long moderate-intensity exercise program alone does not significantly alter serum lipoprotein levels among overweight/obese postmenopausal women.

Aged↗

Effect of exercise on bone mineral density and lean mass in postmenopausal women.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of physical activity on bone mineral density, bone mineral content, and lean mass in postmenopausal, overweight/obese women. METHODS: We conducted a 12-month randomized controlled aerobic exercise intervention versus control in 173 sedentary, overweight/obese, postmenopausal women, aged 50-75 yr. The exercise prescription consisted of >or=45 min of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (60-75% of maximal heart rate), 5 d.wk for 12 months. Control participants attended 45-min stretching sessions once a week. Ninety-eight percent (N=170) completed the trial. Exercisers averaged 172 min.wk (SD=89) of exercise and expended 3828 kJ.wk (SD=2053). We assessed body fat, total lean mass, and total body bone mineral density and content using dual-energy x-ray absortiometry (DXA). We compared baseline with 12-month changes in exercisers versus controls. RESULTS: Exercisers lost significantly more weight than stretchers (1.3-kg loss vs 0.1-kg gain, P=0.01). However, no differences between exercisers and controls in the change from baseline to 12 months were detected: exercisers' average bone mineral density increased by 0.005 g.cm and controls' by 0.003 g.cm (P=0.61). Similarly, no significant differences were detected for bone mineral content. Lean mass increased by 0.2 kg in both groups (P=0.84). CONCLUSION: Overall, the results from this randomized controlled study suggest that a yearlong moderate-intensity aerobic exercise intervention does not affect total body bone mineral density, bone mineral content, or lean mass in overweight/obese postmenopausal women.

Aged↗

Thromboxane synthase (TBXAS1) polymorphisms in African-American and Caucasian populations: evidence for selective pressure.

Thromboxane synthase (TBXAS1), a cytochrome P450 enzyme, converts prostaglandin H2 into thromboxane A2, a potent vasoconstrictor and inducer of platelet aggregation. Thromboxane A2 has been implicated in modulating cell cytotoxicity and in tumor growth and metastasis. Twelve coding-region variants were identified in the human TBXAS1 gene in 48 African-American and 46 Caucasian individuals, of which eight were amino-acid substitutions. The latter were confirmed in an independent Caucasian population (n=94 unrelated individuals). We performed an evolutionary analysis of patterns of nucleotide diversity and identified patterns of amino acid replacement in human-mouse comparisons consistent with purifying selection on an inter-species time scale using the McDonald-Kreitman test. We also observed patterns of nucleotide diversity within humans consistent with purifying selection acting on existing polymorphism using Tajima's D within coding regions. These evolutionary tests suggest that some of the rare coding variations observed in the human population are deleterious. We used two sequence-homology-based software programs and molecular modeling to predict the potential impact of these polymorphisms on TBXAS1 function. The c.772C>T (p.Lys258Glu), c.1249C>G (p.Gln417Glu), and c.1348G>A (p.Glu450Lys) substitutions are predicted as most likely to alter protein function; another, c.1352C>A (p.Thr451Asn), may also affect function. Given the evolutionary evidence, these variants may be functional and therefore of relevance for disease endpoints related to inflammation and angiogenesis, as well as for the pharmacogenetics of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Black or African American↗

Polymorphic variation in hOGG1 and risk of cancer: a review of the functional and epidemiologic literature.

The gene encoding human 8-oxoguanine glycosylase 1 (hOGG1) is involved in DNA base excision repair. The encoded DNA glycosylase excises 7,8-dihydro-8-oxoguanine (8-OHdG), a highly mutagenic base produced in DNA as a result of exposure to reactive oxygen species (ROS). Polymorphisms in this gene may alter glycosylase function and an individual's ability to repair damaged DNA, possibly resulting in genetic instability that can foster carcinogenesis. In order to elucidate the possible impact of polymorphisms in hOGG1, we performed a literature review of both functional and epidemiologic studies that assessed the effects of these polymorphisms on repair function, levels of oxidative DNA damage, or associations with cancer risk. Fourteen functional studies and 19 epidemiologic studies of breast, colon, esophageal, head and neck, lung, nasopharyngeal, orolaryngeal, prostate, squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN), and stomach cancers were identified. Although the larger functional studies suggest reduced repair function with variant alleles in hOGG1, the evidence is generally inconclusive. There is some epidemiologic evidence that risk for esophageal, lung, nasopharyngeal, orolaryngeal, and prostate is related to hOGG1 genotype, whereas risk of breast cancer does not appear related. In studies that explored potential interactions with environmental factors, cancer risk for hOGG1 genotypes differed depending on exposure, especially for colon cancer. In summary, there is limited evidence that polymorphisms in hOGG1 affect repair function and carcinogenesis. Larger, well-designed functional and epidemiologic studies are needed to clarify these relationships, especially with respect to interactions with other DNA repair enzymes and interactions with environmental factors that increase carcinogenic load.

DNA Glycosylases↗

A Michaelis-Menten-style model for the autocatalytic enzyme prostaglandin H synthase.

Prostaglandin H synthase (PGHS) is an autocatalytic enzyme which plays a key role in the arachidonic acid metabolic pathway. PGHS mediates the formation of prostaglandin H2, the precursor for a number of prostaglandins which are important in a wide variety of biological processes, including inflammation, blood clotting, renal function, and tumorigenesis. Here we present a Michaelis-Menten-style model for PGHS. A stability analysis determines when the reaction becomes self-sustaining, and can help explain the regulation of PGHS activity in vivo. We also consider a quasi-steady-state approximation (QSSA) for the model, and present conditions under which the QSSA is expected to be a good approximation. Applying the QSSA for this model can be useful in computationally intensive modeling endeavors involving PGHS.

Catalysis↗

Effects of exercise on metabolic risk variables in overweight postmenopausal women: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the effects of exercise on metabolic risk variables insulin, leptin, glucose, and triglycerides in overweight/obese postmenopausal women. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Sedentary women (n = 173) who were overweight or obese (BMI > or = 25 kg/m(2) or > or =24 kg/m(2) with > or =33% body fat), 50 to 75 years of age, were randomized to 12 months of exercise (> or =45 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity 5 d/wk) or to a stretching control group. Body composition (DXA) and visceral adiposity (computed tomography) were measured at baseline and 12 months. Insulin, glucose, triglycerides, and leptin were measured at baseline and 3 and 12 months. Insulin resistance was evaluated by the homeostasis model assessment formula. Differences from baseline to follow-up were calculated and compared across groups. RESULTS: Exercisers had a 4% decrease and controls had a 12% increase in insulin concentrations from baseline to 12 months (p = 0.0002). Over the same 12-month period, leptin concentrations decreased by 7% among exercisers compared with remaining constant among controls (p = 0.03). Homeostasis model assessment scores decreased by 2% among exercisers and increased 14% among controls from baseline to 12 months (p = 0.0005). The exercise effect on insulin was modified by changes in total fat mass (trend, p = 0.03), such that the exercise intervention abolished increases in insulin concentrations associated with gains in total fat mass. DISCUSSION: Regular moderate-intensity exercise can be used to improve metabolic risk variables such as insulin and leptin in overweight/obese postmenopausal women. These results are promising for health care providers providing advice to postmenopausal women for lifestyle changes to reduce risk of insulin resistance, coronary heart disease, and diabetes.

Adipose Tissue↗

Associations between reproductive and menstrual factors and postmenopausal androgen concentrations.

BACKGROUND: Reproductive and menstrual characteristics, as well as high circulating estrogen and androgen concentrations, are associated with the risk of breast and ovarian cancer in postmenopausal women. To explore possible etiological relationships between menstrual and reproductive characteristics and cancer risk, we examined associations between menstrual and reproductive factors and serum concentrations of total testosterone, free testosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S). METHODS: This study was conducted in 167 postmenopausal women, using data from the pre-randomization visit of an exercise clinical trial. Participants were sedentary, overweight/ obese, and not on hormone therapy. RESULTS: DHEA-S concentrations were 42% higher, total testosterone concentrations were 35% lower, and free testosterone concentrations were 23% lower in women with both ovaries removed compared with those with both remaining (p = 0.01, p = 0.01, and p = 0.03, respectively). Women who had used herbal therapy in the past had, on average, 25% higher concentrations of total and free testosterone than women who had never used these herbal therapies (p = 0.03 and p = 0.004, respectively). No other significant associations were detected. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, this study does not support the hypothesis that reproductive or menstrual factors, with the exception of oophorectomy status, are associated with postmenopausal androgen concentrations.

Aged↗

Nutrigenetics in cancer research--folate metabolism and colorectal cancer.

The B vitamin folate is essential for one-carbon transfer reactions, including those related to the methylation of DNA or other substrates and nucleotide synthesis. Epidemiologic and experimental studies implicate low-folate intakes in elevated risk of colorectal neoplasia and suggest that biologic mechanisms underlying this relation include disturbances in DNA methylation patterns or adverse effects on DNA synthesis and repair. With the completion of the Human Genome Project, a vast amount of data on inherited genetic variability has become available. This genetic information can be used in studies of molecular epidemiology to provide information on multiple aspects of folate metabolism. First, studies linking polymorphisms in folate metabolism to an altered risk of cancer provide evidence for a causal link between this pathway and colorectal carcinogenesis. Second, studies on genetic characteristics can help clarify whether certain individuals may benefit from higher or lower intakes of folate or nutrients relevant to folate metabolism. Third, studies on genetic polymorphisms can generate hypotheses regarding possible biologic mechanisms that connect this pathway to carcinogenesis. Last, genetic variability in folate metabolism may predict survival after a cancer diagnosis, possibly via pharmacogenetic effects. To solve the puzzle of the folate-cancer relation, a transdisciplinary approach is needed that integrates knowledge from epidemiology, clinical studies, experimental nutrition, and mathematical modeling. This review illustrates knowledge that can be gained from molecular epidemiology in the context of nutrigenetics, and the questions that this approach can answer or raise.

Colorectal Neoplasms↗

PTGS2 (COX-2) -765G > C promoter variant reduces risk of colorectal adenoma among nonusers of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Prostaglandin H synthase 2 (PTGS2) or cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) has been shown to play a key role in the regulation of inflammation, and its inhibition is associated with a reduced risk of colon cancer. The PTGS2 (COX-2) -765G > C promoter variant is located in a putative SP1 binding site and reduces PTGS2 expression. In a Minnesota-based case-control study of cases with adenomatous (n = 494) or hyperplastic polyps (n = 186) versus polyp-free controls (n = 584), we investigated the role of the PTGS2 -765G > C promoter polymorphism. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used, adjusting for age, body mass index, caloric intake, alcohol, fiber, sex, hormone use, and smoking. For colorectal adenoma, odds ratios (OR) compared with PTGS2 -765GG as reference were GC 1.00 [95% confidence interval (95% CI), 0.74-1.35] and CC 0.53 (95% CI, 0.22-1.28). For hyperplastic polyps, the comparable adjusted odds ratios were GC 0.97 (95% CI, 0.65-1.46) and CC 0.24 (95% CI, 0.05-1.11). Risk associated with the -765G > C variant differed by aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use. Among nonusers of aspirin or other NSAIDs, the CC genotype conferred a significant decrease in risk of adenoma (OR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.07-0.89). Use of aspirin or other NSAIDs reduced risk of adenoma only among those with the -765GG (wild type) and possibly -765CG genotypes (OR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.48-0.92 and OR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.40-1.02, respectively). These data suggest that COX-2 expression or activity may be beneficially suppressed, and risk of colorectal polyps reduced, by aspirin or other NSAIDs in PTGS2 -765GG (wild type) individuals and by the -765 CC variant genotype in nonusers of NSAIDs.

Adenoma↗

Associations among circulating sex hormones, insulin-like growth factor, lipids, and mammographic density in postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVE: Hormone therapy use has been positively associated with mammographic density in several studies. However, few studies have examined the association between endogenous hormone levels and mammographic density. Therefore, we evaluated the relationship of endogenous sex hormones, insulin-like growth factor (IGF), and lipids with mammographic density in 88 overweight, postmenopausal women not taking hormone therapy. METHODS: Percent density and dense area were evaluated as continuous measures using a computer-assisted program. We used multiple linear regression to evaluate the associations of sex hormones, IGF, and cholesterol with mammographic density, adjusting for confounders, including adiposity. We evaluated stratification by history of hormone therapy use (former versus never) and hormone therapy latency (<5 versus > or = 5 years). RESULTS: Among former hormone therapy users, mammographic density was inversely associated with circulating levels of estrone (P = 0.01), estradiol (P = 0.003), free estradiol (P = 0.004), testosterone (P = 0.04), free testosterone (P = 0.02), androstenedione (P < 0.001), dehydroepiandrosterone (P = 0.01), and the ratio of IGF-I to its binding protein (IGF-I/IGFBP-3; P = 0.04). We found similar associations when we limited the analyses to women who had used hormone therapy within the past 5 years. We also noted positive associations of mammographic density with total cholesterol (P = 0.03) and low-density lipoprotein (P = 0.03) among former hormone therapy users. No associations were noted among women who had never used hormone therapy. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that there is an inverse relationship between endogenous sex hormones and mammographic density in postmenopausal women among former users of hormone therapy. This is not consistent with the hormone therapy literature and should be confirmed in larger studies.

Aged↗

Polymorphisms in the reduced folate carrier, thymidylate synthase, or methionine synthase and risk of colon cancer.

Folate metabolism supports the synthesis of nucleotides as well as the transfer of methyl groups. Polymorphisms in folate-metabolizing enzymes have been shown to affect risk of colorectal neoplasia and other malignancies. Using data from a population-based incident case-control study (1,600 cases and 1,962 controls), we investigated associations between genetic variants in the reduced folate carrier (RFC), thymidylate synthase (TS), methionine synthase (MTR), and 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) and colon cancer risk. The TS enhancer region (TSER) variant was associated with a reduced risk among men [2rpt/2rpt versus 3rpt/3rpt wild-type; odds ratio (OR), 0.7; 95% confidence interval, 0.6-0.98] but not women. When combined genotypes for both TS polymorphisms (TSER and 3'-untranslated region 1494delTTAAAG) were evaluated, ORs for variant genotypes were generally below 1.0, with statistically significantly reduced risks among women. Neither MTR D919G nor RFC 80G>A polymorphisms were associated with altered colon cancer risk. Because folate metabolism is characterized by interrelated reactions, we evaluated gene-gene interactions. Genotypes resulting in reduced MTHFR activity in conjunction with low TS expression were associated with a reduced risk of colon cancer. When dietary intakes were taken into account, individuals with at least one variant TSER allele (3rpt/2rpt or 2rpt/2rpt) were at reduced risk in the presence of a low folate intake. This study supports findings from adenoma studies indicating that purine synthesis may be a relevant biological mechanism linking folate metabolism to colon cancer risk. A pathway-based approach to data analysis is needed to help discern the independent and combined effects of dietary intakes and genetic variability in folate metabolism.

5-Methyltetrahydrofolate-Homocysteine S-Methyltran↗

DNA repair polymorphisms and risk of colorectal adenomatous or hyperplastic polyps.

Genetic variability in DNA repair genes may contribute to differences in DNA repair capacity and susceptibility to cancer, especially in the presence of exposures such as smoking. In a Minnesota-based case-control study of cases with only adenomatous polyps (n = 384), only hyperplastic polyps (n = 191), or both types of polyps (n = 119) versus polyp-free controls (n = 601), we investigated the role of polymorphisms in the DNA repair genes O(6)-methylguanine methyltransferase (MGMT; p.L84F and p.I143V), XPD (p.D312N and p.K751Q), and XPG (p.D1104H). MGMT polymorphisms were not associated with polyp risk. Overall, a homozygous variant XPD-combined genotype was associated with an increased risk of adenomatous polyps [odds ratio (OR), 1.57; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.04-2.38] and an XPGHH1104 genotype with a decreased risk of hyperplastic polyps (OR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.13-0.98). However, age stratification showed that the XPD association was present only in subjects >/=60 years old (OR, 3.77; 95% CI, 1.94-7.35), whereas the XPG association was observed largely in subjects <60 years old (OR, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.05-0.91). Smokers did not have a significantly increased risk of adenomatous polyps in the absence of synchronous hyperplastic polyps, except for subjects with a homozygous variant XPD genotype or a homozygous wild-type XPG genotype (OR, 3.93; 95% CI, 1.68-9.21 and OR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.01-2.50, respectively). Smoking was associated with a statistically significant 2.5- to 6-fold increased risk of hyperplastic polyps for individuals with most of the DNA repair genotypes. However, no substantial increase was observed among individuals who were homozygous variant for XPG (1104HH; OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 0.25-7.65). Our data suggest that polymorphisms in DNA repair genes may be risk factors for colorectal neoplasia and that they may exacerbate the effects of exposures to carcinogens.

Adenoma↗

Interindividual variation in nucleotide excision repair genes and risk of endometrial cancer.

Exposure to estrogens is a likely cause of endometrial cancer, but the means by which estrogens exert this effect are not entirely clear. One hypothesis is that certain estrogen metabolites bind to the DNA, forming bulky adducts that damage the DNA and initiate carcinogenesis. A woman's reduced capacity to repair such damage may increase her risk of endometrial cancer. We conducted a population-based case-control study in western Washington State to address the role of variation in nucleotide excision repair genes on the risk of endometrial cancer. Case women (n = 371), ages 50 to 69 years, were diagnosed with invasive endometrial cancer between 1994 and 1999. Control women (n = 420) were selected using random-digit dialing (ages 50-65 years) and by random selection from Health Care Financing Administration data files (ages 66-69 years). Genotyping assays were done for ERCC1, ERCC2 (XPD), ERCC4 (XPF), ERCC5 (XPG), XPA, and XPC. No appreciable differences between cases and controls were observed in the genotype distributions of ERCC1 (c8092a and c19007t), ERCC2 (D312N, K751Q, and c22541a), ERCC4 (R415Q and t30028c), or ERCC5 (D1104H). Carriage of at least one variant allele for XPA G23A was associated with decreased risk of endometrial cancer [odds ratio (OR), 0.70; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 0.53-0.93]. Carriage of at least one XPC A499V variant allele was associated with a modest decrease in risk (OR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.59-1.05). Women with variant alleles at both XPC A499V and K939Q had 58% of the risk of women with no XPC variant alleles (OR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.35-0.96). Our data suggest that interindividual variation in XPA and XPC influences a woman's risk of endometrial cancer.

Aged↗

Pharmacogenetics of folate-related drug targets in cancer treatment.

Folate metabolism is the target of two major drug groups: folate antagonists (for example, methotrexate) and thymidylate synthase inhibitors (for example, 5-fluorouracil). These agents are used in the treatment of cancer, as well as for other conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis. High-dose cancer treatment protocols can induce a state of acute folate depletion which may lead to significant treatment-related toxicity. Polymorphisms in folate-metabolizing enzymes may modify the therapeutic effectiveness and toxicity of these drugs. This review briefly summarizes the drugs targeting the folate pathway and describes common polymorphisms in folate-metabolizing enzymes and transport proteins. Pharmacogenetic studies investigating folate-related drug targets in the treatment of colorectal cancers and hematologic malignancies will subsequently be discussed. Findings to date illustrate a potential for targeting therapy based on patients' genotypes, in order to improve outcomes and reduce toxicity. However, larger, well-designed studies are needed to confirm these early findings.

Animals↗

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase genotype affects risk of relapse after hematopoietic cell transplantation for chronic myelogenous leukemia.

PURPOSE: Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) directs intracellular folate toward homocysteine metabolism and away from nucleotide synthesis. Two common MTHFR polymorphisms, C677T and A1298C, are associated with reduced enzyme activity. We evaluated the association of these polymorphisms with risk of relapse and bcr-abl mRNA transcript detection among 336 Caucasian patients who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation for chronic myelogenous leukemia. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Data on the transplant course and folate-related exposures were abstracted from medical records. MTHFR C677T and A1298C genotypes were determined using polymerase chain reaction/restriction fragment length polymorphism and TaqMan assays. Qualitative bcr-abl mRNA testing was conducted using a two-step reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assay. Cox regression analysis was used to assess the association between MTHFR genotypes and time to relapse and bcr-abl mRNA detection. RESULTS: A statistically significant decreased risk of relapse was observed in patients with the variant A1298C genotype [1298AC, hazard ratio (HR)=0.48 and 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.26-0.88; 1298CC, HR=0.28 and 95% CI=0.09-0.84; P-trend <0.01). For the joint C677T/A1298C genotype, variant genotypes were associated with a decreased risk of relapse when compared with the wild-type 677CC/1298AA genotype. This risk was lowest for the 677CC/1298CC genotype (HR, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.08-0.72). MTHFR genotypes were not associated with bcr-abl transcript detection. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that individuals with the 677CC/1298AA genotype are at higher risk of relapse after hematopoietic cell transplantation and that the balance of intracellular folate metabolites available for nucleotide synthesis (regulated by the relative activity of the MTHFR enzyme) may affect the progression from bcr-abl positivity to clinical relapse.

Adolescent↗