OBJECTIVEEstablishment of a gene expression profile associated with differentiation inducing the glioma cells was made possible.

METHODThe expression level of 18 000 genes in glioma cells was evaluated before and after induction with sodium phenyl-butyrate for 2 hours or 6 days by cDNA array technique, with the results proved by multi-dot blot.

RESULTSNinety-eight gene expressions in the glioma cells were changed after the induction, with some genes in transcription and translation systems down-regulated, some oncogenes down-regulated, and some differentiation or apoptosis genes up-regulated. Eighteen unknown EST fragments were changed also.

CONCLUSIONA gene expression profile associated with differentiation-inducing the glioma cells including 98 genes has been established.

Cell Differentiation ; DNA, Neoplasm ; analysis ; Gene Expression ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Glioma ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Humans ; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis ; RNA, Neoplasm ; analysis

OBJECTIVETo explore the relation between genetic polymorphisms of NQO1, GSTT1 and risks of chronic benzene poisoning (BP).

METHODSA case-control study was conducted. 152 BP patients and 152 workers occupationally exposed to benzene without poisoning manifestations were investigated. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography(DHPLC) and sequencing were used to detect the single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs) of the promoter and complete coding-region of NQO1 gene. Multiple PCR was used to detect GSTT1 genotype.

RESULTSIn smoking population, there was 7.73-fold (95% CI: 1.71-34.97, P = 0.010) of risk in BP subjects carrying NQO1c. 609 T/T genotype, compared with those carrying C/C and C/T. genotype. In drinking population, the individuals carrying the 6th extron of NQO1c. 609 T/T homozygote genotype had a 11.00-fold(95% CI: 1.89-63.83, P = 0.005) risk of BP compared to those with NQO1c. 609 C/T and C/C genotypes.

CONCLUSIONThe subjects carrying NQO1c. 609 T/T genotype and together with the habit of smoking or drinking may be more susceptible to BP.

Benzene ; poisoning ; Case-Control Studies ; Ethanol ; adverse effects ; Genotype ; Glutathione Transferase ; genetics ; Humans ; NAD(P)H Dehydrogenase (Quinone) ; genetics ; Occupational Diseases ; genetics ; Occupational Exposure ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Smoking ; adverse effects