OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association of X-ray cross-complementing group 1 (XRCC1) Arg399GIn, Arg194Trp and Arg280His polymorphisms with the risk of glioma. DATA SOURCES: A systematic literature search of papers ...OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association of X-ray cross-complementing group 1 (XRCC1) Arg399GIn, Arg194Trp and Arg280His polymorphisms with the risk of glioma. DATA SOURCES: A systematic literature search of papers published from January 2000 to August 2012 in PubMed, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure database, and Wanfang da- tabase was performed. The key words used were "glioma", "polymorphism", and "XRCC1 or X-ray repair cross-complementing group 1". References cited in the retrieved articles were screened manually to identify additional eligible studies. STUDY SELECTION: Studies were identified according to the following inclusion criteria: case-control design was based on unrelated individuals; and genotype frequency was available to estimate an odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Meta-analysis was performed for the selected studies after strict screening. Dominant and recessive genetic models were used and the relationship between homozygous mutant genotype frequencies and mutant gene frequency and glioma incidence was investigated. We chose the fixed or random effect model according to the heterogeneity to calculate OR and 95%CI, and sensitivity analyses were conducted. Publication bias was examined using the inverted funnel plot and the Egger's test using Stata 12.0 software. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Association of XRCC1 Arg399GIn, Arg194Trp, and Arg280His polymorphisms with the risk of glioma, and subgroup analyses were performed according to differ- ent ethnicities of the subjects.RESULTS: Twelve articles were included in the meta-analysis. Eleven of the articles were concerned with the Arg399GIn polymorphism and glioma onset risk. Significantly increased glioma risks were found only in the dominant model (Gin/Gin + GIn/Arg versus Arg/Arg: OR = 1.26, 95%CI= 1.03-1.54, P = 0.02). In the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, significantly increased risk was found in Asian subjects in the recessive (OR = 1.46, 95%CI= 1.04-2.45, P = 0.03) and dominant models (OR = 1.40, 95%CI= 1.10-1.78, P = 0.007), and homozygote contrast (OR = 1.69, 95%CI= 1.17-2.45, P = 0.005), but not in Caucasian sub- jects. For association of the Arg194Trp (eight studies) and Arg280His (four studies) polymorphisms with glioma risk, the meta-analysis did not reveal a significant effect in the allele contrast, the recessive genetic model, the dominant genetic model, or homozygote contrast. CONCLUSION: The XRCC1 Arg399GIn polymorphism may be a biomarker of glioma susceptibility, espe- cially in Asian populations. The Arg194Trp and Arg280His polymorphisms were not associated with overall glioma risk.展开更多
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer(CRC)is the second leading cause of all cancer related deaths in the United States and Europe.Although the incidence has been decreasing for individuals’≥50,it has been on the rise for in...BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer(CRC)is the second leading cause of all cancer related deaths in the United States and Europe.Although the incidence has been decreasing for individuals’≥50,it has been on the rise for individuals<50.AIM To identify potential risk factors for early-onset CRC.METHODS A population-based cohort analysis using a national database,Explorys,screened all patients with an active electronic medical record from January 2012 to December 2016 with a diagnosis of CRC.Subgroups were stratified based on age(25–49 years vs≥50 years).Demographics,comorbidities,and symptom profiles were recorded and compared between both age groups.Furthermore,the younger group was also compared with a control group consisting of individuals aged 25-49 years within the same timeframe without a diagnosis of CRC.Twentydata points for CRC related factors were analyzed to identify potential risk factors specific to early-onset CRC.RESULTS A total of 68860 patients were identified with CRC,of which 5710(8.3%)were younger than 50 years old,with 4140(73%)between 40-49 years of age.Multivariable analysis was reported using odds ratio(OR)with 95%CI and demonstrated that several factors were associated with an increased risk of CRC in the early-onset group versus the later-onset group.These factors included:African-American race(OR 1.18,95%CI:1.09-1.27,P<0.001),presenting symptoms of abdominal pain(OR 1.82,95%CI:1.72-1.92,P<0.001),rectal pain(OR 1.50,95%CI:1.28-1.77,P<0.001),altered bowel function(OR 1.12,95%CI:1.05-1.19,P=0.0005),having a family history of any cancer(OR 1.78,95%CI:1.67-1.90,P<0.001),gastrointestinal(GI)malignancy(OR 2.36,95%CI:2.18-2.55,P<0.001),polyps(OR 1.41,95%CI:1.08-1.20,P<0.001),and obesity(OR 1.14,95%CI:1.08-1.20,P<0.001).Comparing the early-onset cohort versus the control group,factors that were associated with an increased risk of CRC were:male gender(OR 1.34,95%CI:1.27-1.41),P<0.001),Caucasian(OR 1.48,95%CI:1.40-1.57,P<0.001)and African-American race(OR 1.25,95%CI:1.17-1.35,P<0.001),presenting symptoms of abdominal pain(OR 4.73,95%CI:4.49-4.98,P<0.001),rectal pain(OR 7.48,95%CI:6.42-8.72,P<0.001),altered bowel function(OR 5.51,95%CI:5.19-5.85,P<0.001),rectal bleeding(OR 9.83,95%CI:9.12-10.6,P<0.001),weight loss(OR 7.43,95%CI:6.77-8.15,P<0.001),having a family history of cancer(OR 11.66,95%CI:10.97-12.39,P<0.001),GI malignancy(OR 28.67,95%CI:26.64-30.86,P<0.001),polyps(OR 8.15,95%CI:6.31-10.52,P<0.001),tobacco use(OR 2.46,95%CI:2.33-2.59,P<0.001),alcohol use(OR 1.71,95%CI:1.62-1.80,P<0.001),presence of colitis(OR 4.10,95%CI:3.79-4.43,P<0.001),and obesity(OR 2.88,95%CI:2.74-3.04,P<0.001).CONCLUSION Pending further investigation,these potential risk factors should lower the threshold of suspicion for early CRC and potentially be used to optimize guidelines for early screening.展开更多
Background: The timing of elective repeat cesarean delivery at 38 weeks versus 39 weeks is still a debatable subject, both regarding maternal and neonatal outcomes. In the Saudi context, there is lack of local data to...Background: The timing of elective repeat cesarean delivery at 38 weeks versus 39 weeks is still a debatable subject, both regarding maternal and neonatal outcomes. In the Saudi context, there is lack of local data to aid decision-making regarding the timing of elective repeat cesarean delivery. Objectives: To estimate the rate of spontaneous onset of labor before the planned gestational age for repeat cesarean section in women who were booked at gestational age of (39 0/7 - 39 6/7) weeks (W39) versus (38 0/7 - 38 6/7) weeks (W38) and to compare the rate of maternal composite outcome between these groups. Design: Retrospective cohort. Setting: This study was conducted at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah, KSA. Method: Delivery registry books were reviewed to identify all deliveries from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2016 (3 years). All low-risk pregnant women who had 2 or more cesarean deliveries and who met the inclusion criteria were included. Results: A total of 440 women were included of whom 318 (72.3%) were planned for elective cesarean section at W38 gestational age and 122 women at W39 gestational age. Mothers planned at W39 had higher rate of emergency cesarean deliveries versus those planned at W38 (18.0% versus 10.4%, p = 0.030;RR = 13.06), most frequently due to early onset of contractions (16.4% versus 8.2%, p = 0.012;RR = 12.17) or cervical dilatation (11.6% versus 5.4%, p = 0.024, RR = 16.15). No difference in the incidence of individual or composite maternal complications was noted between the two groups. Mother’s age (OR 0.93, p = 0.018) and schedule date at W39 (OR = 1.94, p = 0.028) were independently associated with spontaneous onset of labor before the scheduled gestational age, while no association was found with parity, previous number of spontaneous vaginal deliveries, number of previous cesarean deliveries or interval from last cesarean delivery. Conclusion: Elective cesarean section scheduled at 39 weeks of gestation or beyond carries a higher risk of emergency cesarean section, with no significant increase in maternal complications. The identification of factors associated with spontaneous onset of labor before the planned gestational age should be carefully identified to determine the optimal timing.展开更多
目的揭示2000—2019年中国早发型癌症疾病负担及危险因素的变化趋势。方法数据来自2019年全球疾病负担研究。采用发病、死亡和伤残调整寿命年(disability-adjusted life year,DALY)指标,分析中国15~49岁人群早发型癌症疾病负担情况;通...目的揭示2000—2019年中国早发型癌症疾病负担及危险因素的变化趋势。方法数据来自2019年全球疾病负担研究。采用发病、死亡和伤残调整寿命年(disability-adjusted life year,DALY)指标,分析中国15~49岁人群早发型癌症疾病负担情况;通过人群归因分值(population attributable fraction,PAF)估计早发型癌症DALY归因于可改变危险因素的比例。以年估计百分比(estimated annual percentage change,EAPC)及其95%CI估计2000—2019年疾病负担变化趋势。结果2019年中国早发型癌症发病率、死亡率和DALY率分别为109.0/10万、35.8/10万和1763.7/10万。新发病例数在所有早发型癌症中占比最高的癌种为乳腺癌、结直肠癌和胃癌;死亡例数占比最高的癌种为肺癌、肝癌和胃癌。35.8%的早发型癌症DALY可归因于可改变危险因素。烟草使用(PAF=16.0%)为我国早发型癌症首要危险因素,其次为膳食危险因素(6.1%)和酒精使用(5.9%)。2000—2019年,我国早发型癌症的发病率呈上升趋势(EAPC=2.0%,95%CI:1.6%~2.3%);死亡率(EAPC=-1.1%,95%CI:-1.4%~-0.7%)及DALY率(EAPC=-1.2%,95%CI:-1.5%~-0.8%)均呈下降趋势。早发型肝癌新发例数占所有早发型癌症新发病例的比例由2000年首位降至2019年第8位;早发型结直肠癌发病占比由2000年第6位升至2019年第2位。与2000年(32.0%)比较,2019年我国全人群早发型癌症DALY危险因素PAF增长11.9%。结论我国早发型癌症发病增加,死亡和伤残得到有效控制,不同癌种疾病负担构成的变化存在异质性。应加强对可改变危险因素的干预,降低早发型癌症负担。展开更多
The 3-hydroxy-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, statins, are widely used in the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases to lower serum cholesterol levels. As type 2 diabetes mellitus ...The 3-hydroxy-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, statins, are widely used in the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases to lower serum cholesterol levels. As type 2 diabetes mellitus is accompanied by dyslipidemia, statins have a major role in preventing the long term complications in diabetes and are recommended for diabetics with normal low density lipoprotein levels as well. In 2012, United States Food and Drug Administration released changes to statin safety label to include that statins have been found to increase glycosylated haemoglobin and fasting serum glucose levels. Many studies done on patients with cardiovascular risk factors have shown that statins have diabetogenic potential and the effect varies as per the dosage and type used. The various mechanisms for this effect have been proposed and one of them is downregulation of glucose transporters by the statins. The recommendations by the investigators are that though statins can have diabetogenic risk, they have more long term benefits which can outweigh the risk. In elderly patients and those with metabolic syndrome, as the risk of diabetes increase, the statins should be used cautiously. Other than a subset of population with risk for diabetes; statins still have long term survival benefits in most of the patients.展开更多
BACKGROUND Risk factors such as hereditary, ecological, and metabolic are interrelated and contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Family history(FH) of diabetes mellitus, age, obesity, and physical...BACKGROUND Risk factors such as hereditary, ecological, and metabolic are interrelated and contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Family history(FH) of diabetes mellitus, age, obesity, and physical inactivity are some of the risk factors for the development of type 2 diabetes.AIM To study various aetiological determinants and risk factors for type 2 diabetes in Bangalore, India. This retrospective study examined questionnaire from patients attending the Diabetes Clinic.METHODS Data on various parameters were obtained through a questionnaire from 533 patients on the first visit to the diabetes clinic. Data regarding various aetiological determinants and risk factors viz.: Genetic risk factor and few modifiable risk factors were collected. Chi-squared test was used for statistical analysis.RESULTS A higher incidence of type 2 diabetes in males and younger population was observed in Bangalore, India. Obesity and FH were significant risk factors for not only type 2 diabetes but also early onset of diabetes. In addition, maternal history of type 2 diabetes and consanguinity increased incidence of early onset type 2 diabetes.CONCLUSION Risk factors such as obesity and FH(maternal history of type 2 diabetes) and consanguinity may play an important role in screening of family members of type 2 diabetes patients which may lead to early intervention and reduced risk of subsequent complications. Moreover, susceptible population can be counselled for the management of the type 2 diabetes including periodic investigation of blood glucose levels and lifestyle changes.展开更多
The apolipoprotein E gene ε4 allele is considered a negative factor for neural regeneration in late-onset Alzheimer's disease cases. The aim of this study was to establish a non-invasive, rapid method to genotype ap...The apolipoprotein E gene ε4 allele is considered a negative factor for neural regeneration in late-onset Alzheimer's disease cases. The aim of this study was to establish a non-invasive, rapid method to genotype apolipoprotein E gene polymorphisms. Genomic DNA from mouth swab specimens was extracted using magnetic nanoparticles, and genotyping was performed by real-time PCR using TaqMan-BHQ probes. Genotyping accuracy was validated by DNA se- quencing. Our results demonstrate 100% correlation to DNA sequencing, indicating reliability of our protocol. Thus, the method we have developed for apolipoprotein E genotyping is accurate and reliable, and also suitable for genotyping large samples, which may help determine the role of the apolipoprotein E ε4 allele in neural regeneration in late-onset Alzheimer's disease cases.展开更多
基金The Fundamental Research Funds for Jilin University in China,No.450060445246the High-Tech Industrial Development Project of Jilin Province in China,No.20090633+1 种基金the Scientific Research Foundation of Jilin Province in China,No.20130206001YY,20120713 and 200905169the Scientific Research Foundation of Changchun in China,No.12SF29
文摘OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association of X-ray cross-complementing group 1 (XRCC1) Arg399GIn, Arg194Trp and Arg280His polymorphisms with the risk of glioma. DATA SOURCES: A systematic literature search of papers published from January 2000 to August 2012 in PubMed, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure database, and Wanfang da- tabase was performed. The key words used were "glioma", "polymorphism", and "XRCC1 or X-ray repair cross-complementing group 1". References cited in the retrieved articles were screened manually to identify additional eligible studies. STUDY SELECTION: Studies were identified according to the following inclusion criteria: case-control design was based on unrelated individuals; and genotype frequency was available to estimate an odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Meta-analysis was performed for the selected studies after strict screening. Dominant and recessive genetic models were used and the relationship between homozygous mutant genotype frequencies and mutant gene frequency and glioma incidence was investigated. We chose the fixed or random effect model according to the heterogeneity to calculate OR and 95%CI, and sensitivity analyses were conducted. Publication bias was examined using the inverted funnel plot and the Egger's test using Stata 12.0 software. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Association of XRCC1 Arg399GIn, Arg194Trp, and Arg280His polymorphisms with the risk of glioma, and subgroup analyses were performed according to differ- ent ethnicities of the subjects.RESULTS: Twelve articles were included in the meta-analysis. Eleven of the articles were concerned with the Arg399GIn polymorphism and glioma onset risk. Significantly increased glioma risks were found only in the dominant model (Gin/Gin + GIn/Arg versus Arg/Arg: OR = 1.26, 95%CI= 1.03-1.54, P = 0.02). In the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, significantly increased risk was found in Asian subjects in the recessive (OR = 1.46, 95%CI= 1.04-2.45, P = 0.03) and dominant models (OR = 1.40, 95%CI= 1.10-1.78, P = 0.007), and homozygote contrast (OR = 1.69, 95%CI= 1.17-2.45, P = 0.005), but not in Caucasian sub- jects. For association of the Arg194Trp (eight studies) and Arg280His (four studies) polymorphisms with glioma risk, the meta-analysis did not reveal a significant effect in the allele contrast, the recessive genetic model, the dominant genetic model, or homozygote contrast. CONCLUSION: The XRCC1 Arg399GIn polymorphism may be a biomarker of glioma susceptibility, espe- cially in Asian populations. The Arg194Trp and Arg280His polymorphisms were not associated with overall glioma risk.
文摘BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer(CRC)is the second leading cause of all cancer related deaths in the United States and Europe.Although the incidence has been decreasing for individuals’≥50,it has been on the rise for individuals<50.AIM To identify potential risk factors for early-onset CRC.METHODS A population-based cohort analysis using a national database,Explorys,screened all patients with an active electronic medical record from January 2012 to December 2016 with a diagnosis of CRC.Subgroups were stratified based on age(25–49 years vs≥50 years).Demographics,comorbidities,and symptom profiles were recorded and compared between both age groups.Furthermore,the younger group was also compared with a control group consisting of individuals aged 25-49 years within the same timeframe without a diagnosis of CRC.Twentydata points for CRC related factors were analyzed to identify potential risk factors specific to early-onset CRC.RESULTS A total of 68860 patients were identified with CRC,of which 5710(8.3%)were younger than 50 years old,with 4140(73%)between 40-49 years of age.Multivariable analysis was reported using odds ratio(OR)with 95%CI and demonstrated that several factors were associated with an increased risk of CRC in the early-onset group versus the later-onset group.These factors included:African-American race(OR 1.18,95%CI:1.09-1.27,P<0.001),presenting symptoms of abdominal pain(OR 1.82,95%CI:1.72-1.92,P<0.001),rectal pain(OR 1.50,95%CI:1.28-1.77,P<0.001),altered bowel function(OR 1.12,95%CI:1.05-1.19,P=0.0005),having a family history of any cancer(OR 1.78,95%CI:1.67-1.90,P<0.001),gastrointestinal(GI)malignancy(OR 2.36,95%CI:2.18-2.55,P<0.001),polyps(OR 1.41,95%CI:1.08-1.20,P<0.001),and obesity(OR 1.14,95%CI:1.08-1.20,P<0.001).Comparing the early-onset cohort versus the control group,factors that were associated with an increased risk of CRC were:male gender(OR 1.34,95%CI:1.27-1.41),P<0.001),Caucasian(OR 1.48,95%CI:1.40-1.57,P<0.001)and African-American race(OR 1.25,95%CI:1.17-1.35,P<0.001),presenting symptoms of abdominal pain(OR 4.73,95%CI:4.49-4.98,P<0.001),rectal pain(OR 7.48,95%CI:6.42-8.72,P<0.001),altered bowel function(OR 5.51,95%CI:5.19-5.85,P<0.001),rectal bleeding(OR 9.83,95%CI:9.12-10.6,P<0.001),weight loss(OR 7.43,95%CI:6.77-8.15,P<0.001),having a family history of cancer(OR 11.66,95%CI:10.97-12.39,P<0.001),GI malignancy(OR 28.67,95%CI:26.64-30.86,P<0.001),polyps(OR 8.15,95%CI:6.31-10.52,P<0.001),tobacco use(OR 2.46,95%CI:2.33-2.59,P<0.001),alcohol use(OR 1.71,95%CI:1.62-1.80,P<0.001),presence of colitis(OR 4.10,95%CI:3.79-4.43,P<0.001),and obesity(OR 2.88,95%CI:2.74-3.04,P<0.001).CONCLUSION Pending further investigation,these potential risk factors should lower the threshold of suspicion for early CRC and potentially be used to optimize guidelines for early screening.
文摘Background: The timing of elective repeat cesarean delivery at 38 weeks versus 39 weeks is still a debatable subject, both regarding maternal and neonatal outcomes. In the Saudi context, there is lack of local data to aid decision-making regarding the timing of elective repeat cesarean delivery. Objectives: To estimate the rate of spontaneous onset of labor before the planned gestational age for repeat cesarean section in women who were booked at gestational age of (39 0/7 - 39 6/7) weeks (W39) versus (38 0/7 - 38 6/7) weeks (W38) and to compare the rate of maternal composite outcome between these groups. Design: Retrospective cohort. Setting: This study was conducted at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah, KSA. Method: Delivery registry books were reviewed to identify all deliveries from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2016 (3 years). All low-risk pregnant women who had 2 or more cesarean deliveries and who met the inclusion criteria were included. Results: A total of 440 women were included of whom 318 (72.3%) were planned for elective cesarean section at W38 gestational age and 122 women at W39 gestational age. Mothers planned at W39 had higher rate of emergency cesarean deliveries versus those planned at W38 (18.0% versus 10.4%, p = 0.030;RR = 13.06), most frequently due to early onset of contractions (16.4% versus 8.2%, p = 0.012;RR = 12.17) or cervical dilatation (11.6% versus 5.4%, p = 0.024, RR = 16.15). No difference in the incidence of individual or composite maternal complications was noted between the two groups. Mother’s age (OR 0.93, p = 0.018) and schedule date at W39 (OR = 1.94, p = 0.028) were independently associated with spontaneous onset of labor before the scheduled gestational age, while no association was found with parity, previous number of spontaneous vaginal deliveries, number of previous cesarean deliveries or interval from last cesarean delivery. Conclusion: Elective cesarean section scheduled at 39 weeks of gestation or beyond carries a higher risk of emergency cesarean section, with no significant increase in maternal complications. The identification of factors associated with spontaneous onset of labor before the planned gestational age should be carefully identified to determine the optimal timing.
文摘The 3-hydroxy-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, statins, are widely used in the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases to lower serum cholesterol levels. As type 2 diabetes mellitus is accompanied by dyslipidemia, statins have a major role in preventing the long term complications in diabetes and are recommended for diabetics with normal low density lipoprotein levels as well. In 2012, United States Food and Drug Administration released changes to statin safety label to include that statins have been found to increase glycosylated haemoglobin and fasting serum glucose levels. Many studies done on patients with cardiovascular risk factors have shown that statins have diabetogenic potential and the effect varies as per the dosage and type used. The various mechanisms for this effect have been proposed and one of them is downregulation of glucose transporters by the statins. The recommendations by the investigators are that though statins can have diabetogenic risk, they have more long term benefits which can outweigh the risk. In elderly patients and those with metabolic syndrome, as the risk of diabetes increase, the statins should be used cautiously. Other than a subset of population with risk for diabetes; statins still have long term survival benefits in most of the patients.
文摘BACKGROUND Risk factors such as hereditary, ecological, and metabolic are interrelated and contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Family history(FH) of diabetes mellitus, age, obesity, and physical inactivity are some of the risk factors for the development of type 2 diabetes.AIM To study various aetiological determinants and risk factors for type 2 diabetes in Bangalore, India. This retrospective study examined questionnaire from patients attending the Diabetes Clinic.METHODS Data on various parameters were obtained through a questionnaire from 533 patients on the first visit to the diabetes clinic. Data regarding various aetiological determinants and risk factors viz.: Genetic risk factor and few modifiable risk factors were collected. Chi-squared test was used for statistical analysis.RESULTS A higher incidence of type 2 diabetes in males and younger population was observed in Bangalore, India. Obesity and FH were significant risk factors for not only type 2 diabetes but also early onset of diabetes. In addition, maternal history of type 2 diabetes and consanguinity increased incidence of early onset type 2 diabetes.CONCLUSION Risk factors such as obesity and FH(maternal history of type 2 diabetes) and consanguinity may play an important role in screening of family members of type 2 diabetes patients which may lead to early intervention and reduced risk of subsequent complications. Moreover, susceptible population can be counselled for the management of the type 2 diabetes including periodic investigation of blood glucose levels and lifestyle changes.
基金supported by two grants from Science,Industry,Trade and Information Technology Commission of Shenzhen Municipality in China,grant No.201002063,JC20110518075 7A
文摘The apolipoprotein E gene ε4 allele is considered a negative factor for neural regeneration in late-onset Alzheimer's disease cases. The aim of this study was to establish a non-invasive, rapid method to genotype apolipoprotein E gene polymorphisms. Genomic DNA from mouth swab specimens was extracted using magnetic nanoparticles, and genotyping was performed by real-time PCR using TaqMan-BHQ probes. Genotyping accuracy was validated by DNA se- quencing. Our results demonstrate 100% correlation to DNA sequencing, indicating reliability of our protocol. Thus, the method we have developed for apolipoprotein E genotyping is accurate and reliable, and also suitable for genotyping large samples, which may help determine the role of the apolipoprotein E ε4 allele in neural regeneration in late-onset Alzheimer's disease cases.