Relation of genetic polymorphisms in microRNAs with diastolic and systolic function in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background and aimsType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has high risk of developing cardiac dysfunction, increasing of either cardiovascular death or hospitalization for heart failure. MicroRNAs (miRNA) affect cardiac function of T2DM. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between five miRNA single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and diastolic and systolic function of T2DM.Methods and resultsThree hundred untreated T2DM subjects were included. Each subject underwent SNP genotyping, conventional echocardiography, tissue doppler imaging, and speckle tracking imaging. The effects of miRNA SNPs on diastolic and systolic function were evaluated. The diastolic function of T2DM subjects with miR-133a-1-rs8089787 wild genotype or let-7f-rs10877887 variant genotype was lower than those with miR-133a-1-rs8089787 variant genotype or let-7f-rs10877887 wild genotype, manifesting as higher left atrial volume index, lower mean E′, and higher E/E’ (P < 0.05). There were no significant effects of miR-133a-2-rs13040413, let-7a-1-rs13293512 and miR-27a-rs895819 on the diastolic function of T2DM subjects (P > 0.05). These five miRNA SNPs had no effect on the systolic function of T2DM subjects (P > 0.05).ConclusionsMiRNA-133a-1-rs8089787 and let-7f-rs10877887 were associated with impaired cardiac diastolic function in T2DM. The findings may be a promising therapeutic targets for preventing diastolic dysfunction in T2DM.     

Influence of maternal and paternal IQ on offspring health and health behaviours: Evidence for some trans-generational associations using the 1958 British birth cohort study

PurposeIndividuals scoring poorly on tests of intelligence (IQ) have been reported as having increased risk of morbidity, premature mortality, and risk factors such as obesity, high blood pressure, poor diet, alcohol and cigarette consumption. Very little is known about the impact of parental IQ on the health and health behaviours of their offspring.MethodsWe explored associations of maternal and paternal IQ scores with offspring television viewing, injuries, hospitalisations, long standing illness, height and BMI at ages 4 to 18 using data from the National Child Development Study (1958 birth cohort).ResultsData were available for 1446 mother-offspring and 822 father-offspring pairs. After adjusting for potential confounding/mediating factors, the children of higher IQ parents were less likely to watch TV (odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for watching 3+ vs. less than 3 hours per week associated with a standard deviation increase in maternal or paternal IQ: 0.75 (0.64, 0.88) or 0.78 (0.64, 0.95) respectively) and less likely to have one or more injuries requiring hospitalisation (0.77 (0.66, 0.90) or 0.72 (0.56, 0.91) respectively for maternal or paternal IQ).ConclusionsChildren whose parents have low IQ scores may have poorer selected health and health behaviours. Health education might usefully be targeted at these families.     

Antibodies against Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Virus in Healthy Persons,China, 2013

In June 2013, a subclinical infection with severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) was detected in Zhejiang Province, China, prompting seroprevalence studies in 6 districts within the province. Of 986 healthy persons tested, 71 had IgG antibodies against SFTSV. This finding suggests that most natural infections with SFTSV are mild or subclinical.     

Staphylococcal endocarditis as the first manifestation of heritable protein S deficiency in childhood

A 12-year-old Japanese girl developed infective endocarditis and central nervous system disease. The previously healthy girl showed altered consciousness and abnormal behaviors along with the classical signs of septic emboli. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from peripheral blood, but not, the pleocytotic cerebrospinal fluid. Diagnostic imaging studies revealed a vegetative structure in the morphologically normal heart, and multiple thromboembolisms in the brain and spleen. Low plasma activity of protein S (12%) and thrombophilic family history allowed the genetic study, demonstrating that she carried a heterozygous mutation of PROS1 (exon 13; 1689C > T, p.R474C). Surgical intervention of the thrombotic fibrous organization and subsequent anticoagulant therapy successfully managed the disease. There are no reports of infective endocarditis in childhood occurring as the first presentation of heritable thrombophilia. Protein S deficiency might be a risk factor for the development or exacerbation of infective endocarditis in children having no pre-existing heart disease.     

Immunogenicity of a recombinant fusion construct composed of intrinsically unstructured,low polymorphic segments derived from merozoite surface protein 2 and trophozoite exported protein 1

To overcome the extensive polymorphism found in human Plasmodium antigens and to avoid the lengthy characterization of their 3 dimensional structure and subsequent production of the native proteins we have been concentrated in large unstructured, non-or low-polymorphic fragments present in the blood stage of P. falciparum. Three fragments derived from the 2 family-specific and constant regions of merozoite surface protein (MSP2) and PFF0165c protein were previously selected for evaluation as potential single vaccine candidates. In order to increase and optimize their potential efficacy against P. falciparum infection the 3 antigens were combined in a single DNA recombinant product (FusN) and compared its antigenicity with that of single antigens in sera of volunteers living in endemic countries. Immunogenicity of the FusN was then compared with that of the mixture of 3 antigens in 3 strains of mice. Antigen specific, affinity purified human antibodies were then tested in antibody dependent cellular inhibition and merozoite opsonization assays. In addition, the antigen specific antibody response and its association with protection from malaria infection were determined. The data collected indicate that the recombinant product is an equal or better antigen /immunogen than fragments used either alone or as a mixture for vaccination in combination with adjuvant. In addition, antibody response to FusN shows a stronger association with protection than single fragments. The use of a single construct as vaccine would drastically reduce the cost of manufacturing and development of the GMP product.