The nucleosome is the fundamental building block of eukaryotic chromatin formed by DNA and histone proteins.Chromatin modifications such as acetylation, methylation, and phosphorylation are necessary for protection,replication, and gene transcription. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are a group of enzymes that remove acetyl groupsto re-establish positive charges on histones and aberrant deacetylation may lead to tumorigenesis in different tissues.Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACIs) are a class of chemotherapeutic agent that can reactivate gene expressionand inhibit the growth of tumor cells by histone deacetylase inhibition. HDACI valproic acid (VPA) has shown potentanticancer effects in vitro and in vivo. Previously, we reported that VAP can inhibit the growth and induce apoptosisof human colon carcinoma HT 29 and hepatocellular carcinoma HepG 2 cells. The aim of the present study was toaccess the effect of VPA on proliferation and apoptosis of the human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) PLC/PRF5 cellline. Materials and Methods: PLC/PRF5 cells were treated with VPA and then MTT and flow cytometry assays wereused to determine the effects on viability and apoptosis, respectively. Results: VPA inhibited cell growth and inducedapoptosis in PLC/PRF5 cells significantly. Discussion: Our results clearly demonstrated that VPA has inhibitory andapoptotic effects. Conclusion: VPA can significantly inhibit the growth of HCC cells and play a significant role inapoptosis induction.

Among concepts proposed to elucidate atherosclerosis process, the oxidative modification hypothesis is more considered to be investigated in studies. Based on the hypothesis, the LDL components are chemically modified due to oxidative stress within subendothelial space of vessels. The cells are able to recognize the oxidized LDL (ox-LDL) preparations so that inflammatory events spread through intracellular pathways and lead to the cellular dysfunction and the production of atherosclerotic plaques. The circulating ox-LDL level is suggested as biomarker of atherogenic lesions. However, it is not confirmed in some studies since the circulating ox-LDL clearance during the extent of atherosclerosis process is related to function of scavenger receptors and the serum anti LDL levels. The report is focused on the biochemical characteristics of modified LDL components, the cellular internalization of ox-LDL particles through the scavenger receptors, prediction of consensus blocks in the receptor sequences and the circulating ox-LDL assessments in cardiovascular complications.

Relationships of Colorectal Cancer with Dietary Factors and Public Health Indicators: an Ecological Study Colorectal cancer, ecologic study;risk factor;developing countries;correlation; Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in Iranian women and fifth in men. The aims of this study were to investigate the relation of dietary factors and public health indicators to its development. Materials and Methods: The required information (2001-2006) about risk factors was obtained from the Non-Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre (NCDSC) of Iran. Risk factor data (RFD) from 89,404 individuals (15-64 years old) were gathered by questionnaire and laboratory examinations through a cross sectional study in all provinces by systematic clustering sampling method. CRC incidence segregated by age and gender was obtained from Cancer Registry Ministry of Health (CRMH) of Iran. First, correlation coefficients were used for data analysis and then multiple regression analysis was performed to control for confounding factors. Results: Colorectal cancer incidence showed a positive relationship with diabetes mellitus, hypertension, lacking or low physical activity, high education, high intake of dairy products, and non-consumption of vegetables and fruits. Conclusions: We concluded that many dietary factors and public health indicators have positive relationships with CRC and might therefore be targets of preliminary prevention. However, since this is an ecological study limited by potential ecological fallacy the results must be interpreted with caution.

Relationships between Breast Cancer and Common Non-Communicable Disease Risk Factors: an Ecological Study Breast cancer;risk factors;correlation;linear regression;ecological study; Background: Breast cancer is one the most common cause of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide. The aims of this study were to investigate the impact of dietary factors and health status indicators on breast cancer (BC) incidence. Materials and Methods: Risk factor data (RFD) of 89,404 individuals (15-64 years old) were gathered by questionnaire and laboratory examinations through a cross sectional study from the Non-Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre (NCDSC) of Iran. BC incidences of all provinces through 2001-2006 segregated by age and gender were obtained from the Cancer Registry Ministry of Health (CRMH). Results: a significant positive relationship was seen between diabetes mellitus, fish comsupmption, percent of academic education and non-consumption of fruit, and breast cancer in women. However, non fish consumption, percent age illiteracy and taking fruit showed a significant negative relationship with the incidence of breast cancer. In addition, multiple linear regression analysis showed associations among percentage with academic education, fruit consumption and diabetes. Conclusions: We conclude that dietary factors such as fish and furit consumption, dairy products, health status indicators, academic education, and some diseases like diabetes mellitus can affect the BC incidence, although the results of ecologic studies like this must naturally be interpreted with caution.