Polymorphisms of the tumour necrosis factor alpha gene at position -308 and TNFd microsatellite in primary IgA nephropathy.

BACKGROUND: The development of glomerular inflammation in immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) has been associated with various cytokines, including tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha). A biallelic polymorphism in the promoter region of the TNFalpha gene (TNFA), at position -308, has been described (TNFA-1 and TNFA-2) and is associated with increased TNFalpha production for the TNFA-2 allele. Another microsatellite polymorphism has been described for TNFd, which is functional and associated with increased production of TNFalpha for the d3 allele. METHODS: We have studied these two polymorphisms in 242 Caucasian patients with biopsy-proven IgAN (169 male, 73 female), who were followed from 1990 to 1999, and in 210 appropriate local Caucasian controls (133 male, 77 female) for comparison of genotypes and allelic distribution. RESULTS: The respective frequencies of A1/A1, A1/A2 and A2/A2 TNFA genotypes were 76.4, 22.3 and 1.3% in IgAN vs 78.1, 19.5 and 2.4% in controls (P=NS). For TNFd, the frequencies of the respective genotypes d3/d3, d3/non-d3 and non-d3/non-d3 were significantly different (chi(2)=12.30, P=0.002, Pc=0.013) with an increased frequency of the low-producer genotype non-d3/non-d3 in IgAN patients (24 vs 12%). The combination of TNFA and TNFd polymorphisms demonstrated that compared with controls, patients with non-A2 and non-d3 alleles (low producers) were more common (18 vs 9%; P=0.006). In the genotype/clinical phenotype correlations, we could not demonstrate significant differences between the different subgroups of patients. However, high-producer TNFalpha patients (A2 and d3 alleles) had more chronic renal failure than others (36.6 vs 22.9%) at last follow-up and their survival without chronic renal failure (Kaplan-Meier) was lower. Nevertheless, TNFalpha polymorphisms were not an independent risk factor for the progression of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: TNFA and TNFd polymorphisms seem to influence the occurrence or initiation of the disease, but do not play a significant role, if any, in the progression of IgA nephritis.     

Association of TNFd and IL-10 polymorphisms with mortality in unrelated hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

BACKGROUND: Non-HLA immunogenetic polymorphisms may influence outcome of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). In this study, we have determined the role of TNFa, TNFd, IL-10, IL-1, IL-1Ra, and IL-4R polymorphisms in patients transplanted with HSC of an unrelated donor. METHODS: The allelic variants of four SNPs (IL-10-1082, IL-1beta-511, IL-4R-3223, IL-4R-1902) and four microsatellites (TNFa, TNFd, IL-10-1064, IL-1Ra) were determined in 131 unrelated patient/donor pairs typed for HLA-A/B/C/DR/DQ (four digits). RESULTS: The allelic distribution of the polymorphisms was similar to that previously reported in Caucasoid populations. Patient and donor TNFd and patient IL-10-1064 polymorphisms correlated with mortality in univariate analysis. Patients with TNFd1/d2/d3 genotypes had 3-year survival rates of 65%. A gradual decrease in survival rates was observed for patients with TNFd3/d3 genotypes (50%, p=n.s.), TNFd4 (46%, P=0.08), and TNFd5 (33%, P=0.03). A multivariate analysis of 10/10 matched patients revealed that the following patient genotypes correlated with lower survival: TNFd3/d3 (RR 4.08, P=0.026) TNFd4 (RR 3.78, P=0.032) and TNFd5 (RR 6.69, P=0.021) all compared to TNFd1/d2/d3 genotypes.Patient IL-10 (12, 14, 15) microsatellite alleles correlated with lower 3-year survival (28%) when compared to IL-10 (<12) (56%, P=0.052) and to Il-10 (13) alleles (60%, P=0.0023). In multivariate analysis this correlation remained significant only in recipients of HSCT of 10/10 HLA matched donors (RR=2.96, P=0.038). CONCLUSION: The data demonstrate a significant correlation of the TNFd and IL-10-1064 microsatellite polymorphisms with mortality after unrelated HSCT. They support the hypothesis that simple genomic tests, in addition to precise HLA matching, may contribute to determine prognosis in patients undergoing unrelated HSCT.     

Recipient cytokine genotypes for TNF-alpha and IL-10 and the minor histocompatibility antigens HY and CD31 codon 125 are not associated with occurrence or severity of acute GVHD in unrelated cord blood transplantation: a retrospective analysis

BACKGROUND: In HLA-identical sibling bone marrow transplantation, certain recipient cytokine gene polymorphism genotypes and minor histocompatibility differences influence the occurrence and severity of acute graft-versus-host disease (aGvHD). The present study investigated the role of cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interleukin (IL)-10 gene polymorphisms HY, HA-1, and CD31 minor histocompatibility antigen (mHag) mismatch in the development of aGvHD after unrelated cord blood (CB) transplant (CBT). METHODS: DNA samples of 115 CB recipients and their unrelated CB grafts were analyzed for genotype associated with TNF-alpha (TNFd3/d3) and IL-10 (IL-10(-1064), 11-16) and for disparities in major and three minor histocompatibility antigens, HY, HA-1, and CD31 codon 125. Results were correlated with the incidence of aGvHD grades II to IV. RESULTS: Neither the donor nor the recipient GvHD risk alleles TNFd3/d3 and IL-10(-1064) (11-16) were associated with the development of aGvHD grades II to IV and I to IV. Because of the heterogeneity of CBTs, the data were reanalyzed separately for patients with malignancies (n=83) or with inborn errors (n=24). No significant association was observed between the severity of aGvHD and the possession of either TNFd3/d3 or IL-10 (11-16) genotypes. Mismatches for the mHags HY, HA-1, and CD31 exon 125 between donor and recipient did not associate with aGvHD grades II to IV. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to HLA-identical sibling bone marrow transplantation, in mismatched unrelated CBT, neither the cytokine genotypes TNFd3/d3 alone or in combination with IL-10(-1064) alleles nor the minor histocompatibility antigens HY, HA-1, and CD31 exon 125 were associated with aGvHD grades II to IV. Further determination of the cytokine gene polymorphism genotypes in CBTs compared with bone marrow transplants may identify those polymorphisms that could be potential predictive markers for the occurrence of aGvHD.     

Tumor necrosis factor gene polymorphisms and inflammatory response in coronary artery bypass grafting patients

BACKGROUND: Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), a key factor in the inflammatory cascade, has been implicated in coronary artery disease. Two biallelic polymorphisms in the TNF gene locus (TNFA at position -308 and TNFB at +252) may influence TNF-alpha production. Individuals with the rare TNFA2 allele or TNFB2 homozygosity have augmented TNF-alpha production. We investigated the genotypes associated with increased TNF-alpha production in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) patients and if these genotypes influence the magnitude of the postoperative inflammatory response. METHODS: TNF gene polymorphisms were analyzed by multiplex fluorescent solid-phase minisequencing in 86 CABG patients. Plasma concentrations of TNF-alpha, IL-6 and C3a and C-reactive protein (CRP) were analyzed before and after surgery in 45 of the patients and compared with genetically high and low TNF-alpha producers. RESULTS: Thirty percent of the patients carried the TNFA2 allele and 45% were TNFB2 homozygous. The allelic frequencies were TNFA1/TNFA2=0.84/0.16 and TNFB1/TNFB2=0.32/0.68. Pre- and postoperative levels of TNF-alpha, IL-6, C3a and CRP did not differ significantly between genetically high and low TNF-alpha producers. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of high TNF-alpha producing genotypes in a CABG population was comparable to that previously reported from normal populations. Furthermore, we found no evidence that the investigated TNF-alpha gene polymorphisms influence postoperative inflammatory response after uncomplicated coronary surgery.     

Tumor necrosis factor gene polymorphisms and inflammatory response in coronary artery bypass grafting patients

BACKGROUND: Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), a key factor in the inflammatory cascade, has been implicated in coronary artery disease. Two biallelic polymorphisms in the TNF gene locus (TNFA at position -308 and TNFB at +252) may influence TNF-alpha production. Individuals with the rare TNFA2 allele or TNFB2 homozygosity have augmented TNF-alpha production. We investigated the genotypes associated with increased TNF-alpha production in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) patients and if these genotypes influence the magnitude of the postoperative inflammatory response. METHODS: TNF gene polymorphisms were analyzed by multiplex fluorescent solid-phase minisequencing in 86 CABG patients. Plasma concentrations of TNF-alpha, IL-6 and C3a and C-reactive protein (CRP) were analyzed before and after surgery in 45 of the patients and compared with genetically high and low TNF-alpha producers. RESULTS: Thirty percent of the patients carried the TNFA2 allele and 45% were TNFB2 homozygous. The allelic frequencies were TNFA1/TNFA2 = 0.84/0.16 and TNFB1/TNFB2 = 0.32/0.68. Pre- and postoperative levels of TNF-alpha, IL-6, C3a and CRP did not differ significantly between genetically high and low TNF-alpha producers. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of high TNF-alpha producing genotypes in a CABG population was comparable to that previously reported from normal populations. Furthermore, we found no evidence that the investigated TNF-alpha gene polymorphisms influence postoperative inflammatory response after uncomplicated coronary surgery.     

G protein beta3 subunit C825T polymorphism in primary IgA nephropathy

BACKGROUND: The T allele of the G protein beta3 subunit (GNB3) C825T polymorphism has been associated with increased signal transduction, increased activity of the kidney Na+/H+ exchanger, and also with late-onset essential hypertension. Hypertension is a strong independent risk factor for progression in IgA nephropathy (IgAN). METHODS: We have studied this polymorphism in a regularly followed cohort of 299 biopsy-proven incident cases of IgAN, collected from 1989 to 1999 [208 males (70%)] and compared the genotypes and alleles distributions to 303 local Caucasian controls matched for the male predominance (214 males). The technique used was a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) with BseDI as restriction enzyme and specific primers, followed by gel electrophoresis. RESULTS: The TT, CT, and CC genotype frequencies were 13.7%, 45.8%, and 40.5% in IgAN, respectively, versus 7.6%, 47.2%, and 45.2% in controls, respectively (chi(2)= 6.16; P= 0.05). The excess of TT patients versus non-TT was significant in IgAN versus controls (chi(2)= 5.94; P= 0.015). The T allele frequency was 0.366 in IgAN versus 0.312 in controls (chi(2)= 3.97; P= 0.05). This data indicated that this polymorphism had a significant but mild influence on the occurrence/initiation of IgAN (RR = 1.81; 95% CI 1.07-3.07). In contrast, we could not demonstrate any significant and sustained difference in the clinical presentation and evolution of the homozygous TT patients compared to non-TT patients (CC + CT) despite a mean and median follow-up about 10 years. The progression to arterial hypertension or to chronic renal failure or to end-stage renal failure (ESRF) was not significantly different. In addition, multivariate Cox regression analysis excluded a significant independent role of C825T polymorphism on progression. CONCLUSION: The C825T GNB3 polymorphism had a mild influence on occurrence/initiation of IgAN, but played no significant role in the progression of the disease.     

Association of Fc gamma receptor IIIB polymorphism with renal-allogrft in Chinese

BACKGROUND: Several studies have identified FcgammaRIIIb (Fcgr3b) polymorphisms that determine susceptibility to autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. The objective of the study was to clarify whether FcgammaRIIIb allele polymorphism influence susceptibility to end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients with renal transplantation. METHODS: DNA fragments were amplified by PCR-SSP using genomic DNA from 172 unrelated, healthy blood donors and 171 renal recipients in our Kidney Disease Centre. We performed direct sequencing using 20 PCR products of renal recipients carrying different FcgammaRIIIb forms according to the allele-specific PCR. RESULTS: FcgammaRIIIb NA1/NA2 genotype frequency showed significant difference between renal recipients and healthy controls (chi(2)=19.3, P<0.005). In addition, the allele frequency also showed significant difference between the two groups. Lower frequency of genotype FcgammaRIIIb NA1/NA1 was observed in renal recipients than in healthy controls (chi(2)=5.06, P=0.024). In comparison with nonrejectors, rejectors displayed no significant defference of FcgammaRIIIb NA1/NA2 genotype frequency, as well as allele frequency. CONCLUSION: FcgammaRIIIb NA1/NA2 heterozygote genotype frequency was increased in ESRD patients in Chinese. The present findings showed that FcgammaRIIIb genotype related to the disease susceptibility, although FcgammaRIIIb polymorphisms did not affect the acute rejection.     

HLA-DQB1* alleles and genetic susceptibility to type 1 diabetes mellitus

AIM: To determine human leukocyte antigen (HLA)DQB1 allele association with susceptibility to type 1 diabetes (T1D) and to clinical and laboratory findings. METHODS: This study was conducted on 85 unrelated Egyptian children with T1D recruited consecutively from the Pediatric Diabetes Endocrinology outpatients Clinic; Mansoura University Children’s Hospital, Egypt. Patient mean follow up period was 2.5 years. Patients were subdivided according to level of HbA1c (optimal/suboptimal control < 8.5% and poor control ≥ 8.5%). Thecontrol group consisted of 113 unrelated ageand sexmatched healthy subjects without T1D or other autoimmune diseases. Genomic DNA extraction was done for all subjects using a DNA isolation kit. HLA-Class Ⅱ-DQB1 allele typing was carried out with a polymerase chain reaction-sequence-specific oligonucleotide probe using a INNO-LiPA HLA-DQB1 update kit. RESULTS: Significant differences were detected between Egyptian patients with T1D and control groups in the frequencies of DQB1*02 [44.4% vs 18.6%, corrected P value (Pc) < 0.001] and DQB1*03 (41.2% vs 24.4%, Pc < 0.001). Significant differences were also observed between control groups and T1D patients in the frequencies of DQB1*05 (14.6% vs 7.2%, P = 0.029) and DQB1*06 (34.1% vs 7.2%, P < 0.001). However, after correction for multiple comparisons, the significance was retained for HLA-DQB1*06 (Pc < 0.001) but lost for HLA-DQB1*05. HLA-DQB1*0201, *0202, *030201 were positively associated with T1D (Pc = 0.014, Pc < 0.001, and Pc < 0.001 respectively), while HLA-DQB1*060101 was negatively associated (Pc < 0.001) with the condition. Although the HLA-DQB1 alleles 030101 and 050101 were significantly higher in controls (P = 0.016, P = 0.025 respectively), both of them lost statistical significance after correction of P value. The frequency of the HLA-DQB1 genotypes 02/02, 02/03, and 03/03 was higher in T1D patients, and the frequency of the genotypes 03/06, 05/06, and 06/06 was higher in controls, these differences being statistically significant before correction. After correction, the genotypes 02/02, 02/03 in T1D, and the genotypes 03/06, 06/06 in controls were still significant (Pc = 0.01, Pc < 0.001, Pc < 0.001, and Pc = 0.04, respectively). Non-significant associations were found between the frequency HLA-DQB1 alleles and genotypes in T1D in relation to the grade of diabetic control, Microalbuminuria, age, gender, age of presentation, weight, height, frequency of diabetic ketoacidosis (P =0.42), serum cholesterol, and fasting and post-prandial level of C-peptide (P = 0.83, P = 0.9, respectively). CONCLUSION: The Current work suggests that HLADQB1 alleles *030201, *0202, *0201, and genotypes 02/03, 02/02 may be susceptibility risk factors for development of T1D in Egyptian children, while the HLADQB1*060101 allele, and 03/06, 06/06 genotypes may be protective factors. HLA-DQB1 alleles and genotypes do not contribute to microalbuminuria or grade of diabetic control.     

Tumor necrosis factor gene polymorphisms and inflammatory response in coronary artery bypass grafting patients

Background—Tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), a key factor in the inflammatory cascade, has been implicated in coronary artery disease. Two biallelic polymorphisms in the TNF gene locus (TNFA at position ?308 and TNFB at +252) may influence TNF‐α production. Individuals with the rare TNFA2 allele or TNFB2 homozygosity have augmented TNF‐α production. We investigated the genotypes associated with increased TNF‐α production in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) patients and if these genotypes influence the magnitude of the postoperative inflammatory response.

Methods—TNF gene polymorphisms were analyzed by multiplex fluorescent solid‐phase minisequencing in 86 CABG patients. Plasma concentrations of TNF‐α, IL‐6 and C3a and C‐reactive protein (CRP) were analyzed before and after surgery in 45 of the patients and compared with genetically high and low TNF‐α producers.

Results—Thirty percent of the patients carried the TNFA2 allele and 45% were TNFB2 homozygous. The allelic frequencies were TNFA1/TNFA2?=?0.84/0.16 and TNFB1/TNFB2?=?0.32/0.68. Pre‐ and postoperative levels of TNF‐α, IL‐6, C3a and CRP did not differ significantly between genetically high and low TNF‐α producers.

Conclusions—The frequency of high TNF‐α producing genotypes in a CABG population was comparable to that previously reported from normal populations. Furthermore, we found no evidence that the investigated TNF‐α gene polymorphisms influence postoperative inflammatory response after uncomplicated coronary surgery.     

CC-chemokine receptor five gene polymorphism in primary IgA nephropathy: the 32 bp deletion allele is associated with late progression to end-stage renal failure with dialysis

The chemokine (CK) receptor 5 (CCR5) is necessary for two adjacent cysteines (CC)-CKs such as Regulated upon Activation Normal T cell Expressed and Secreted, a/o Macrophage Inflammatory Protein 1alpha/beta to mediate their inflammatory properties. The CCR5 gene polymorphism with 32-basepair deletion (d32) leads to receptor inactivation/dysfunction in homo/heterozygous individuals. We have evaluated its role in both initiation and/or progression of primary immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy (IGAN) in a case-control study involving a prospective cohort of 318 IGAN patients and a matched group of 294 controls. Genotyping was performed by a two-specific primers single polymerase chain reaction technique: normal allele (nl) vs d32 allele. The d32 allele frequency was not different in patients (11.0%) vs controls (8.3%), indicating no significant influence on IGAN initiation. Genotype to clinical phenotype correlation demonstrated that progression to renal/patient death was associated with the d32 allele: 18.2% (12 out of 66 with d32) vs 8.3% (21 out of 252); chi(2)=6.73; P=0.017. The Kaplan-Meier survival without renal/patient death was worse in d32-positive patients (log-rank test; P=0.002). The Cox regression analyses confirmed that the nl/nl genotype was a significant and independent protective factor for progression to end-stage renal failure (ESRF)/dialysis: beta/standard error (s.e.)=-3.1; chi(2)=9.5; relative risk=0.31 (95% confidence interval 0.15-0.65); P=0.002. The d32-CCR5 polymorphism played a significant role in the progression of primary IGAN, with the nl/nl genotype being an independent protective factor for late progression towards ESRF/dialysis. These data raise question about the usefulness of systematic CCR5 genotyping in IGAN patients.     

肿瘤坏死因子-α基因多态性与结直肠癌的关系

目的研究肿瘤坏死因子-α（TNF-α）-308G／A基因功能多态性与结直肠癌生成及发展的关系。方法研究病例为德国曼海姆医院普通外科2000年10月至2003年3月间收治的157例经病理组织学证实为结直肠癌的患者（病例组），对照组为117例查体的健康人，病例与对照人群均为欧洲高加索人种。采用聚合酶链反应，限制性片段长度多态性（PCR—RFLP）方法检测结直肠癌组及正常对照组的TNF-α-308G／A基因型。结果病例组患者TNF-α-308G／A基因型和等位基因与对照组相比，差异无统计学意义（基因型P=0．663；等位基因χ^2=0．404，P=0．525）。Ⅲ、Ⅳ期病理分期患者A等位基因（22．6％）和A／A基因型（8．1％）的比例明显大于Ⅰ、Ⅱ期（12．9％和1．2％），两者差异有统计学意义（基因型：P=0．048，OR=7．368，95％CI=0．839～64．743；等位基因：χ^2=4．720，P=0．03，OR=1．962，95％CI=1．061～3．628）。结论TNF-α-308G／A基因功能多态性与结直肠癌生成无关．TNF-α-308A／A基因型或A等位基因与结直肠癌的进展相关。     

Correlation of M-type phospholipase A2 receptor genetic polymorphism with idiopathic membranous nephropathy

Objective To investigate the correlation of M-type phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) genetic polymorphism in two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) of Chinese Han population in Northeast China. Methods A total of 327 individuals were enrolled in the study including 95 adult patients with biopsy-proved IMN (IMN group) followed up for (25.4±11.6) months and 232 healthy people identified by healthy examination in China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University (HC group). Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was used to detect the genotype and allele frequency of rs35771982 and rs3828323 site in PLA2R gene. The χ2 test was performed to compare the distribution difference of allelic frequency and genotype frequency of the two sites in PLA2R gene between two groups. Unconditional Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the risk factor of IMN. Results IMN and HC group were matched in male predominance and body mass index (BMI). Patients with IMN were older than the healthy controls and had higher Scr, serum total cholesterol (TC), 24-hour urine protein level and lower serum albumin (Alb) level, lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) than the healthy controls (all P＜0.01). The CC genotype frequency and the C allele frequency at SNP rs35771982 site of PLA2R gene in IMN group were significantly higher than those in HC group ( χ2＝13.658, P＝0.001; χ2＝15.315, P＝9.10×10-5), whereas there was no distribution difference of genotype and allele frequency at rs3828323 site between two groups (χ2＝2.844, P＝0.241;χ2＝2.959, P＝0.085). The CC genotype at rs35771982 site in patients with IMN was not related to age, gender, BMI, blood pressure and several laboratory indexes such as Alb, TC, Scr, eGFR and 24-hour urine protein level (all P＞0.05). Unconditional Logistic regression analysis revealed that the genotype at rs35771982, age, TC, Scr and eGFR were correlated with IMN occurrence. The CC genotype at rs35771982 was the risk factor of IMN (OR＝4.408, 95%CI 1.488-13.058). Conclusions The CC genotype and C allele at rs35771982 site in PLA2R may be associated with the susceptibility to IMN, whereas the correlation between gene polymorphism at rs3828323 site and IMN is not demonstrated. The CC genotype at rs35771982 is the independent risk factor of IMN in Chinese Han population in Northeast China.     

SRD5A2 and HSD3B2 polymorphisms are associated with prostate cancer risk and aggressiveness

BACKGROUND: Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is believed to play an important role in prostate carcinogenesis. Five alpha reductase type II (SRD5A2) and 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type II (HSD3B2) are responsible for the biosynthesis and degradation of DHT in the prostate. Two polymorphisms, a valine (V) for leucine (L) substitution at the 89 codon of the SRD5A2 gene and a (TG)n,(TA)n,(CA)n repeat polymorphism within the third intron of the HSD3B2 gene were evaluated with regard to prostate cancer risk. METHODS: Blood samples were collected for 637 prostate cancer cases and 244 age and race frequency matched controls. In analysis, the SRD5A2 VL and LL genotypes were combined into one group and the HSD3B2 repeat polymorphism was dichotomized into short (<283) and long (> or =283) alleles. RESULTS: The SRD5A2 V89L polymorphism was not independently associated with prostate cancer risk. Carriage of at least one HSD3B2 intron 3 intron 3 short allele was associated with a significant increased risk for prostate cancer among all subjects (OR = 2.07, 95% CI = 1.08-3.95, P = 0.03) and Caucasians (OR = 2.80, CI = 2.80-7.43, P = 0.04), but not in African Americans (OR = 1.50, CI = 0.62-3.60, P = 0.37). Stratified analyses revealed that most of the prostate cancer risk associated with the intron 3 HSD3B2 short allele was confined to the SRD5A2 89L variant subgroup and indicated that in combination these polymorphisms may be associated with increased risk of aggressive (Gleason >7) disease (Gleason >7). CONCLUSIONS: In Caucasians, the HSD3B2 (TG)n,(TA)n,(CA)n intron 3 length polymorphism is associated with both prostate cancer risk and aggressiveness and the SRD5A2 V89L polymorphism may modify the risk conferred by this polymorphism.     

Effect of the TNF-alpha-promoter polymorphism on cardiac allograft rejection.

BACKGROUND: A polymorphism exists in the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) promoter (position -308, G/A = TNFA1/TNFA2). The TNFA2 allele is associated with increased TNF-alpha production in vitro and has been reported to increase the risk of allograft rejection in pediatric recipients of cardiac transplantation. We examined the effect of the TNFA2 allele on the risk of allograft rejection in adult cardiac transplant recipients. METHODS: We prospectively analyzed 57 subjects (aged 54 +/- 11 years, 84% men, 49% ischemic) who underwent cardiac transplantation between October 1996 and July 2001. Patients were observed after transplantation (mean, 910 +/- 605 days) and the frequency of allograft rejection (biopsy Grade > or =2) in patients with the TNFA2 allele (Group A, n = 15) was compared with TNFA1 homozygotes (Group B, n = 42). Overall survival and time to rejection episodes also were compared between groups. RESULTS: The frequency of allograft rejection was similar between groups (Group A, 8/15 [56%]; Group B, 22/42 [52%]; p = 0.77). Time to rejection also was comparable (Group A, 17 +/- 11 days; Group B, 20 +/- 20 days, p = 0.74). Overall post-transplant survival was similar between groups (1- and 2-year percentage survival: Group A, 87% and 78%, Group B, 88% and 82%, p = 0.35). CONCLUSION: The TNFA2 allele was not associated with increased risk of rejection in adult cardiac transplant recipients. The impact of this polymorphism on overall post-transplant outcomes will require investigation in larger multicenter studies.     

Interleukin-13 genetic polymorphisms in Singapore Chinese children correlate with long-term outcome of minimal-change disease.

BACKGROUND: Minimal-change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS) has been associated with atopy. As interleukin-13 (IL-13) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of MCNS, we postulated that IL-13 genetic polymorphisms could influence either susceptibility or clinical course of the disease. METHODS: Seventy-two Singapore Chinese children with MCNS and 78 normal controls were screened for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the IL-13 gene by direct sequencing. Allele and genotype frequencies of these SNPs were determined and their relationship with different clinical courses was analysed. RESULTS: Six SNPs were identified in the 5' promoter, exon 4 and 3' untranslated region (3'UTR). The three SNPs in the 3'UTR--4738 (G/A), 4793 (C/A) and 4926 (C/T)--were in tight linkage disequilibrium (Delta > or = 0.99). There was no difference in allele or genotype frequencies between MCNS children and normal controls. However, there was a significantly lower frequency of allele 4738G in those MCNS children who were still relapsing after 5 years of follow-up (G = 0.52), compared with those in complete remission (G = 0.72; P<0.05) and normal controls (G = 0.69; P<0.05). Haplotype analysis showed a significantly higher frequency of the GCC haplotype in controls and MCNS patients in complete remission (chi2 = 6.35; P<0.02), while the frequency of AAT haplotype was higher in those MCNS children still relapsing after 5 years of follow-up (chi2 = 5.38; P<0.02). Moreover, peripheral blood mononuclear cell IL-13 mRNA expression in patients with haplotype AAT was significantly higher than in those with haplotype GCC. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that genetic polymorphisms in the 3'UTR of the IL-13 gene correlate with long-term outcome of MCNS, rather than disease susceptibility, in Singapore Chinese children.     

代谢酶基因多态性与前列腺癌易感性的关系

目的 :探讨CYP1A1、NAT2基因多态性与前列腺癌易感性的关系。　方法 :应用PCR RFLP、ASA和自动实时荧光定量分析技术 ,分析 5 8例前列腺癌病人和 112例健康对照者CYP1A1和NAT2基因 4个位点的多态性 ,比较前列腺癌病人与对照组间频率差异。　结果 :前列腺癌组Ile Val多态位点各等位基因和基因型频率与对照组比较差异有显著性 (P <0 .0 5 ) ,其中等位基因G和GG基因型使患前列腺癌的危险度分别提高了 1.5 9倍 (P <0 .0 5 )和 3.0 6倍 (P <0 .0 5 ) ;前列腺癌组MspI多态位点各等位基因和基因型频率与对照组比较差异无显著性 (P>0 .0 5 )。前列腺癌组NAT2慢乙酰化基因型频率与对照组比较差异无显著性 (P >0 .0 5 )。　结论 :CYP1A1Ile Val基因多态与前列腺癌的发生可能有关 ,MspI基因多态和NAT2慢乙酰化基因型与前列腺癌的发生可能无关     

A family-based association study of megsin A23167G polymorphism with susceptibility and progression of IgA nephropathy in a Chinese population

AIMS: To investigate the association of megsin A23167G polymorphism with susceptibility and progression of IgA nephropathy in Chinese population. METHODS: 435 IgA nephropathy patients and their family members were recruited for a family-based association study. Genotypes of megsin A23167G were determined by direct sequencing. The results were analyzed by transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) and haplotype relative risk (HRR). Clinical data and histological scores of renal lesions were compared between patients with different genotypes. According to disease stability, IgA nephropathy patients were divided into progressive group and stable group. The distribution of genotype frequencies were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: TDT revealed that megsin 23167G alleles were transmitted more frequently from heterozygous parents to patients than expected (classical TDT: chi2 = 5.435, p = 0.020, extended TDT: chi2 = 5.017, p = 0.025). HRR analyses showed significant differences between transmitted and nontransmitted allele frequencies (chi2 = 7.006, p = 0.008, HRR = 1.762). The scores of glomerular index and glomerular sclerosis index were higher in GG genotype patients than those in other genotypes (F = 4.570, p = 0.033, F = 4.324, p = 0.038, respectively). The distribution frequency of GG genotype in the progressive group was higher than that of the stable group (chi2 = 4.370, p = 0.037). No statistical difference was found in tubulo-interstitial index, vascular index and clinical characteristics between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: The polymorphism of megsin A23167G is associated with susceptibility and progression of IgA nephropathy in Chinese population. GG genotype is associated with severe histological lesions and progression of the disease.     

The DQw7 allele at the HLA-DQB locus is associated with susceptibility to IgA nephropathy in Caucasians.

The frequencies of the MHC class II HLA-DR and DQ alleles in 36 Caucasian patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN) were analyzed by RFLP analysis and allele specific oligonucleotide (ASO) probing of specifically amplified genomic DNA. The class II alleles HLA-DR4 (52.7%) and DR5 (30.5%) were increased in the patient group compared to 1103 UK Caucasoid controls, but these increases were not statistically significant. However, there was a significant increase in the HLA-DQw7 allele frequency (71%) (c = 27.8%, chi 2 = 29.2, P less than 0.001, Relative Risk = 6.17). This can be explained by linkage disequilibrium between the DQw7 allele at the DQB1 locus and DRB1 genes of some DR4 and all DR5 haplotypes. The polymorphic portion of the DQ alpha chains from DR4, DQw7 and DR5, DQw7 haplotypes differ but they have identical DQ beta chains. DNA encoding DQw7 allele at the DQB1 locus was sequenced in two patients and was identical to that previously published. We conclude that the DQw7 allele at the DQB1 locus is strongly associated with susceptibility to IgAN in Caucasians.     

Interleukin 1 receptor antagonist and tumor necrosis factor-alpha gene polymorphism in patients with end-stage renal failure

End-stage-renal disease (ESRD) is a final result of various etiologies. Prognostic indicators leading to ESRD in chronic kidney diseases have been studied extensively, of which, genetic factors remain a subject of great concern. Interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) are potent proinflammatory cytokines that are involved in several chronic kidney diseases. Studies on cytokine gene polymorphism have revealed important information about the role of genetic factors in disease susceptibility and severity. Gene polymorphism of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) and TNF-alpha were determined in 297 ESRD patients and in 145 normal healthy controls. IL-1ra gene polymorphism was characterized as a variable number of tandem repeats of a 86 bp sequence within intron 2. Five alleles were identified and were designated as IL1RN*1, IL1RN*2, IL1RN*3, IL1RN*4, and IL1RN*5, corresponding to 4,2,5,3, and 6 repeats, respectively. A polymorphism in the promoter region of the TNF-alpha gene was also studied. This polymorphism involved a guanidine to adenosine transition at position -308 and was designated as TNF1 (- 308 G) and TNF2 (-308 A). The genotypes and allele frequencies were compared between patients and control group. The distributions of genotypes of IL-1ra and TNF-alpha did not differ significantly between ESRD patients and normal controls. Analysis of allele frequencies revealed a trend toward an increase in IL1RN*2 frequency (7.5% versus 3.8 %, p=0.064) and noncarriage of TNF2 in the patient group (7.2% versus 11.0%, p=0.076) when compared with the control group. When both alleles were considered together, the patient group had a significantly higher frequency of carriage of IL1RN*2 in combination with noncarriage of TNF2 (p=0.0468). We conclude that carriage of IL-1RN*2 and noncarriage of TNF2 allele appear to be poor prognostic factors in patients suffering from various chronic renal diseases that eventually enter end-stage renal failure.