Association of the promoter polymorphism -1438G/A of the 5-HT2A receptor gene with behavioral impulsiveness and serotonin function in women with bulimia nervosa.

Separate lines of research suggest that the functional alterations in the serotonin (5-HT) 2A receptor are associated with 5-HT tone, behavioral impulsiveness, and bulimia nervosa (BN). We explored the effect of allelic variations within the 5-HT2A receptor gene promoter polymorphism -1438G/A on trait impulsiveness and serotonin function in women with BN. Participants included women with BN having the A allele (i.e., AA homozygotes and AG heterozygotes, BNA+, N = 21); women with BN but without the A allele (i.e., GG homozygotes, BNGG, N = 12), and normal eater control women having the A allele (NEA+, N = 19) or without the A allele (NEGG; N = 9). The women were assessed for psychopathological tendencies and eating disorder symptoms, and provided blood samples for measurement of serial prolactin responses following oral administration of the post-synaptic partial 5-HT agonist meta-chlorophenylpiperazine (m-CPP). The BNGG group had higher scores than the other groups on self-report measures of non-planning and overall impulsiveness and had blunted prolactin response following m-CPP. The bulimic groups did not differ from each other on current eating symptoms or on frequencies of other Axis I mental disorders. Findings indicate that women with BN who are GG homozygotes on the -1438G/A promoter polymorphism are characterized by increased impulsiveness and lower sensitivity to post-synaptic serotonin activation. These findings implicate the GG genotype in the co-aggregation of impulsive behaviors and alterations of post-synaptic 5-HT functioning in women with BN.     

Unraveling the complexities of cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) immune regulation in health and disease

It has become clear that the endocannabinoid system is a potent regulator of immune responses, with the cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) as the key component due to its high expression by all immune subtypes. CB2 has been shown to regulate immunity by a number of mechanisms including development, migration, proliferation, and effector functions. In addition, CB2 has been shown to modulate the function of all immune cell types examined to date. CB2 is a G_i-protein-coupled receptor and thus exhibits a complex pharmacology allowing both stimulatory and inhibitory signaling that depends on receptor expression levels, ligand concentration, and cell lineage specificities. Here, we discuss both in vitro and in vivo experimental evidence that CB2 is a potent regulator of immune responses making it a prime target for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.     

Stress regulates endocannabinoid-CB1 receptor signaling

The CB1 cannabinoid receptor is a G protein coupled receptor that is widely expressed throughout the brain. The endogenous ligands for the CB1 receptor (endocannabinoids) are N-arachidonylethanolamine and 2-arachidonoylglycerol; together the endocannabinoids and CB1R subserve activity dependent, retrograde inhibition of neurotransmitter release in the brain. Deficiency of CB1 receptor signaling is associated with anhedonia, anxiety, and persistence of negative memories. CB1 receptor-endocannabinoid signaling is activated by stress and functions to buffer or dampen the behavioral and endocrine effects of acute stress. Its role in regulation of neuronal responses is more complex. Chronic variable stress exposure reduces endocannabinoid-CB1 receptor signaling and it is hypothesized that the resultant deficiency in endocannabinoid signaling contributes to the negative consequences of chronic stress. On the other hand, repeated exposure to the same stress can sensitize CB1 receptor signaling, resulting in dampening of the stress response. Data are reviewed that support the hypothesis that CB1 receptor signaling is stress responsive and that maintaining robust endocannabinoid/CB1 receptor signaling provides resilience against the development of stress-related pathologies.     

The proximal and distal C-terminal tail domains of the CB1 cannabinoid receptor mediate G protein coupling.

The human CB1 cannabinoid receptor couples to G(i/o) proteins and inhibits neuronal voltage-gated Ca2+ channels. The role of the C-terminal tail of the CB1 cannabinoid receptor in G(i/o) protein coupling was examined using the superior cervical ganglion neuronal expression system. Deletion of the distal intracellular C-terminal tail (amino acids 418-472) slowed the kinetics and reduced the magnitude of Ca2+ channel inhibition. Deletion of the entire intracellular C-terminal tail (amino acids 401-472) abolished Ca2+ channel inhibition demonstrating the critical role of the proximal amino acids 401-417 of the C-terminal tail in G protein signaling. Expression of the C-terminal truncated receptors on the cell surface was examined using an N-terminal CB1 antibody. Both the C-terminal truncated receptors were expressed on the cell surface and were no different from wild type CB1 cannabinoid receptors.This study establishes that the proximal CB1 cannabinoid receptor intracellular C-terminal tail domain (amino acids 401-417) is critical for G(i/o) protein coupling and that the distal C-terminal tail domain (amino acids 418-472) profoundly modulates both the magnitude and kinetics of signal transduction. Thus, the C-terminal tail of the CB1 cannabinoid receptor has a wider role in G protein coupling than was previously thought.     

Cannabinoid receptors and pain

Mammalian tissues contain at least two types of cannabinoid receptor, CB(1) and CB(2), both coupled to G proteins. CB(1) receptors are expressed mainly by neurones of the central and peripheral nervous system whereas CB(2) receptors occur centrally and peripherally in certain non-neuronal tissues, particularly in immune cells. The existence of endogenous ligands for cannabinoid receptors has also been demonstrated. The discovery of this 'endocannabinoid system' has prompted the development of a range of novel cannabinoid receptor agonists and antagonists, including several that show marked selectivity for CB(1) or CB(2) receptors. It has also been paralleled by a renewed interest in cannabinoid-induced antinociception. This review summarizes current knowledge about the ability of cannabinoids to produce antinociception in animal models of acute pain as well as about the ability of these drugs to suppress signs of tonic pain induced in animals by nerve damage or by the injection of an inflammatory agent. Particular attention is paid to the types of pain against which cannabinoids may be effective, the distribution pattern of cannabinoid receptors in central and peripheral pain pathways and the part that these receptors play in cannabinoid-induced antinociception. The possibility that antinociception can be mediated by cannabinoid receptors other than CB(1) and CB(2) receptors, for example CB(2)-like receptors, is also discussed as is the evidence firstly that one endogenous cannabinoid, anandamide, produces antinociception through mechanisms that differ from those of other types of cannabinoid, for example by acting on vanilloid receptors, and secondly that the endocannabinoid system has physiological and/or pathophysiological roles in the modulation of pain.     

中国北方地区汉族人群MCP-1基因多态性与肺癌相关性研究

目的 探讨中国北方地区汉族人群单核细胞趋化因子蛋白-1(monocyte chemoattrac-tant protein 1,MCP-1)基因-2518位点多态性与肺癌的相关性.方法 应用聚合酶链反应-限制性片段长度多态性(polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism,PCR-RFLP)的方法对中国北方地区汉族人群134例肺癌患者和82例正常对照进行MCP-1基因-2518位点基因多态性检测.结果 AA基因型和GG基因型频率在肺癌病人和对照组间差异有统计学意义.AA基因型患肺癌的相对风险度增加(OR=2.645,X~2=6.532,P=0.011),GG基因型患肺癌的相对风险度降低(OR=0.519,X~2=4.929,P=0.026).肺癌病人中非小细胞肺癌患者AA基因型和GG基因型频率在病人和对照组间差异有统计学意义,AA基因型患病的相对风险度增加(OR=3.138,X~2=8.905,P=0.003),GG基因型患病的相对风险度降低(OR=0.516,X~2=4.613,P=0.032).小细胞肺癌患者各基因型频率与对照组差异无统计学意义.结论 中国北方地区汉族人群MCP-1基因-2518位点多态性与非小细胞肺癌相关,与小细胞肺癌不相关.     

What we know and do not know about the cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2)

It has been well appreciated that the endocannabinoid system can regulate immune responses via the cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2), which is primarily expressed by cells of the hematopoietic system. The endocannabinoid system is composed of receptors, ligands and enzymes controlling the synthesis and degradation of endocannabinoids. Along with endocannabinoids, both plant-derived and synthetic cannabinoids have been shown to bind to and signal through CB2 via G proteins leading to both inhibitory and stimulatory signals depending on the biological process. Because no cannabinoid ligand has been identified that only binds to CB2, the generation of mice deficient in CB2 has greatly expanded our knowledge of how CB2 contributes to immune cell development and function in health and disease. In regards to humans, genetic studies have associated CB2 with a variety of human diseases. Here, we review the endocannabinoid system with an emphasis on CB2 and its role in the immune system.     

动脉硬化性脑梗死与肿瘤坏死因子α-238及肿瘤坏死因子α-308基因多态性的关系

目的 探讨肿瘤坏死因子(TNF)α-238及TNFα-308基因多态性与动脉硬化性脑梗死的关系.方法 运用聚合酶链反应-限制性片段长度多态性(PCR-RFLP)技术检测97例动脉硬化性脑梗死(CI组)及141例正常人(对照组)的外周血TNFα-238、TNFα-308基因多态性AA、AG、GG的基因型.结果 CI组TNFα-238 GG、GA和AA基因型频率分别为88.66%、11.34%和0;对照组分别为95.74%、4.26%和0.CI组TNFα-238 G、TNFα-238 A基因频率分别为94.33%、5.67%;对照组分别为97.87%、2.13%.TNFα-238各种基因型频率在CI组与正常对照组之间的差异有统计学意义(均为P<0.05).CI组TNFα-308 GG、GA和AA基因型频率分别为77.32%、8.25%和14.43%;对照组分别为92.20%、5.67%和2.13%.CI组TNFα-308 G、TNFα-308 A基因频率分别为81.44%、18.56%;对照组分别为95.04%、4.96%.TNFα-308各种基因型频率在CI组与正常对照组之间的差异有统计学意义(均为P<0.05).结论 TNFα-238和TNFα-308基因多态性AA、AG、GG基因型与CI有关联.     

2-Arachidonoyl-glycerol suppresses interferon-gamma production in phorbol ester/ionomycin-activated mouse splenocytes independent of CB1 or CB2

2-Arachidonoyl-glycerol (2-AG), an endogenous ligand for cannabinoid receptor types 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2), has previously been demonstrated to modulate immune functions including suppression of interleukin-2 expression and nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) activity. The objective of the present studies was to investigate the effect of 2-AG on interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) expression and associated upstream signaling events. Pretreatment of splenocytes with 2-AG markedly suppressed phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate plus calcium ionophore (PMA/Io)-induced IFN-gamma secretion. In addition, 2-AG suppressed IFN-gamma steady-state mRNA expression in a concentration-dependent manner. To unequivocally determine the putative involvement of CB1 and CB2, splenocytes derived from CB1(-/-)/CB2(-/-) knockout mice were used. No difference in the magnitude of IFN-gamma suppression by 2-AG in wild-type versus CB1/CB2 null mice was observed. Time-of-addition studies revealed that 2-AG treatment up to 12 h post-cellular activation resulted in suppression of IFN-gamma, which was consistent with a time course conducted with cyclosporin A, an inhibitor of NFAT activity. Coincidentally, 2-AG perturbed the nuclear translocation of NFAT protein and blocked thapsigargin-induced elevation in intracellular calcium, suggesting that altered calcium regulation might partly explain the suppression of NFAT nuclear translocation and subsequent IFN-gamma production. Indeed, Io partially attenuated the 2-AG-induced suppression of PMA/Io-stimulated IFN-gamma production. Taken together, these data demonstrate that 2-AG suppresses IFN-gamma expression in murine splenocytes in a CB receptor-independent manner and that the mechanism partially involves suppression of intracellular calcium signaling and perturbation of NFAT nuclear translocation.     

Genetic variation may influence obesity only under conditions of diet: analysis of three candidate genes

Under the hypothesis of obesity as a polygenetic disease numerous genes have been associated with an obese phenotype and metabolic co-morbidities. The cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB 1) is part of an underinvestigated system that participates in appetite control. Previous publications suggest that the endocannabinoid systems interact with the better understood leptin-melanocortin axis. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is a player in the latter. Finally resistin has been shown to influence NPY expression in the brain. In a cohort of 1721 caucasion men and women with a BMI of 25kg/m(2) or more we therefore investigated three candidate polymorphisms at baseline and following 3 months low fat caloric restriction diet by polymerase chain reaction and restriction digestion: the 1359 G/A variant of the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1), the L7P variation in neuropeptide Y (NPY) and the -420C>G polymorphism in resistin. Comparing groups according to genotype for each gene separately revealed significant results at baseline only for the CB1 gene. However, upon dieting significant data was found for all 3 genes. Carriers of at least one A allele in CB1 lost more weight and reduced LDL cholesterol more than wildtype patients. LL homocygotes in NPY had a greater reduction in glucose, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol whereas in resistin carriers of the G allele had a greater reduction in weight and triglycerides. Creating two groups defined by NPY and resistin genotype, respectively, with similar BMI values resulted in significant differences concerning weight loss and metabolic improvement. In conclusion, genetic polymorphisms associated with obesity may become relevant only under the condition of a low calory diet. The presence of a certain genotype may then be beneficial for obesity treatment.     

新疆汉族和维吾尔族健康人群VKORC1启动子区基因多态性研究

目的了解VKORC1—1639A／G基因多态性在新疆汉族和维吾尔健康人群中的分布及其与国外其他不同民族之间的差异。方法采用PCR—RFLP技术对205名汉族和204名维吾尔族乌鲁木齐地区体检健康者VKORC1—1639A／G基因多态性进行检测，计算其基因型和等位基因频率，并与国外多个民族VKORC1—1639A／G基因多态性分布进行比较。结果新疆汉族和维吾尔族健康人群中共检测到2种等位基因：A和G。汉族A和G等位基因频率分别为87％和13％，维吾尔族A和G等位基冈频率分别为62％和38％。新疆汉族和维吾尔族健康人群VKORC1—1639A／G基因多态性共检测到3种基因型，新疆汉族健康人群以AA基因型常见，基因型频率74％。其次是AG基因型，基因型频率分别为26％。GG基因型的个体仅检测到1例，基因型频率小于1。新疆维吾尔族健康人群以AG基因型常见，基因型频率58％。其次是AA基因型，基因型频率分别为33％。GG基因型频率为9％。结论新疆汉族VKORC1—1639A／G基因多态性以AA基因型为主。维吾尔族VKORC1—1639A／G基因多态性以AG基因型为主，新疆汉族VKORC1—1639A／G基因多态性分布与维吾尔族人群和欧美人群存在较大差异。新疆维吾尔族人群VKORC1—1639A／G基因多态性分布与欧关人群接近。     

VEGF基因多态性与子宫内膜异位症和子宫腺肌病遗传易感性研究

目的 探讨血管内皮生长因子(vascular endothelial growth factor,VEGF)基因启动子区-460C/T和-1154G/A单核苷酸多态性与子宫内膜异位症和子宫腺肌病发病风险的关系.方法 采用聚合酶链反应-限制性片段长度多态方法检测344例子宫内膜异位症患者(内异症组)和360名对照妇女(对照组)、174例子宫腺肌病患者(腺肌病组)和199名对照妇女(对照组)的VEGF基因2个多态性位点的基因型频率分布情况.结果 VEGF-460C/T多态的基因型和等位基因频率分布在两病例组与其对照组间差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05).在内异症组和对照组中,VEGF-1154G/A多态的AA、GA、GG 3种基因型频率分别是1.7%、28.8%、69.5%和5.8%、32.8%、61.4%,两组比较差异有统计学意义(P=0.006);G、A等位基因频率分别是83.9%、16.1%和77.8%、22.2%,两组比较差异有统计学意义(P=0.004);与GA+AA基因型相比,携带GG基因型明显增加内异症的发病风险(OR=1.43,95%CI:1.05～1.96).在腺肌病组和对照组中,VEGF-1154G/A多态的AA、GA、GG 3种基因型频率分别是2.9%、23.6%、73.6%和7.0%、34.2%、58.8%.两组比较差异有统计学意义(P=0.007);G、A等位基因频率分别是85.3%、14.7%和75.9%、24.1%,两组比较差异有统计学意义(P=0.001);与GA+AA基因型相比,携带GG基因型明显增加腺肌病的发病风险(OR=1.95,95%CI:1.26～3.03).结论 VEGF基因启动子区-1154G/A多态与子宫内膜异位症和子宫腺肌病的发病风险明显相关,携带GG基因型显著增加子宫内膜异位症和子宫腺肌病的发病风险.     

Correlation of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 gene polymorphisms with stage 2 hypertension in Han Chinese

Experimental evidence indicates that angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a homologue of human ACE, might negatively regulate the activated renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and might function as a protective regulator in the pathogenesis of hypertension. However, association studies regarding ACE2 are sparse in the literature, with negative results in the majority of cases. Here we conducted an association study between 2 intronic polymorphisms (A1075G and G8790A) of the ACE2 gene and stage 2 hypertension in Han Chinese. We genotyped the 2 polymorphisms in 1494 subjects (808 stage 2 hypertensives and 686 normotensives) recruited from the Fangshan district (Beijing). Data were analyzed using chi(2) test, 1-way analysis of variance, and logistic regression where appropriate. The frequency of A1075G allele distribution in males differed significantly (P < 0.0001), whereas the genotype and allele distributions of G8790A polymorphism were similar, between stage 2 hypertensives and normotensives. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) differed significantly in females across both genotypes: SBP was significantly lower in subjects with the 1075AA and 8790GG genotypes, higher in the 1075GG (+13.65 mm Hg versus AA) and 8790AA (+13.36 mm Hg versus GG) genotypes, and intermediate in the 1075AG (+5.76 mm Hg versus AA) and 8790GA (+5.65 mm Hg versus GG) genotypes. Our data suggest that the polymorphism (A1075G) might be a risk factor-at least a marker-for stage 2 hypertension in males and that the 2 studied polymorphisms might be the indicators of systolic hypertension in females.     

Impaired expression of indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase in monocyte-derived dendritic cells in response to Toll-like receptor-7/8 ligands

The endogenous cannabinoid system plays an important role in regulating the immune system. Modulation of endogenous cannabinoids represents an attractive alternative for the treatment of inflammatory disorders. This study investigated the effects of URB597, a selective inhibitor of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), the enzyme catalysing degradation of the endogenous cannabinoid anandamide, and AM404, an inhibitor of anandamide transport, on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced increases in plasma cytokine levels in rats. Both URB597 and AM404 potentiated the LPS-induced increase in plasma tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) levels. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) antagonist, GW9662, attenuated the AM404-induced augmentation of TNF-alpha levels. Furthermore, the selective cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptor antagonists, AM251 and AM630 respectively, and the transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor-1 (TRPV1) antagonist, SB366791, reduced LPS-induced TNF-alpha plasma levels both alone and in combination with AM404. In contrast, AM404 inhibited LPS-induced increases in circulating interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and IL-6. AM251 attenuated the immunosuppressive effect of AM404 on IL-1beta. None of the antagonists altered the effect of AM404 on LPS-induced IL-6. Moreover, AM251, AM630 and SB366791, administered alone, inhibited LPS-induced increases in plasma IL-1beta and IL-6 levels. In conclusion, inhibition of endocannabinoid degradation or transport in vivo potentiates LPS-induced increases in circulating TNF-alpha levels, an effect which may be mediated by PPARgamma and is also reduced by pharmacological blockade of CB1, CB2 and TRPV1. The immunosuppressive effect of AM404 on IL-1beta levels is mediated by the cannabinoid CB1 receptor. Improved understanding of endocannabinoid-mediated regulation of immune function has fundamental physiological and potential therapeutic significance.     

瘦素受体基因3057位G→A变异与妊娠高血压综合征的关系

目的探讨瘦素受体基因（Leptin receptor gene,LEPR）20外显子3057位核苷酸G→A变异与妊娠高血压综合征（妊高征,PIHs）关系。方法应用PCR-RFLP法检测了106例妊高征患者（妊高征组）和98例正常妊娠孕妇（对照组）LEPR基因3057位核苷酸G→A变异。结果妊高征组LEPR基因型频率分布：GG型为2.8%,GA型为16.1%,AA型为81.1%;妊高征组AA基因型频率和A等位基因频率（81.1%和89.1%）高于对照组孕妇（74.5%和85.2%）,但无统计学意义（P〉0.05）;携带A等位基因和AA基因型的孕妇发生PIHs的相对风险OR值分别为1.43（95%CI：0.79～2.56）和1.72（95%CI：0.28～10.75）（P〉0.05）。结论LEPR基因3057位G→A变异与潍坊地区汉族人群PIHs的发病无明显相关性。     

The beta2-adrenergic receptor specifically sequesters Gs but signals through both Gs and Gi/o in rat sympathetic neurons

Beta(2)-adrenergic receptors (beta(2)-AR) and CB1 cannabinoid receptors share the property of being constitutively active. The CB1 cannabinoid receptor can also sequester G(i/o) proteins; however, it is not known whether the beta(2)-AR can also sequester G proteins. Beta(2)-ARs were heterologously expressed in rat superior cervical ganglion neurons by microinjection of cDNA and studied using the patch-clamp technique. The beta-AR agonist isoproterenol increased the Ca(2+) current 25.9+/-1.6% in neurons microinjected with 100 ng/microl beta(2)-AR cDNA but was without effect on control neurons. Pretreatment with cholera toxin (CTX) abolished the effect of isoproterenol, indicating coupling via G(s) proteins. In neurons microinjected with 200 ng/microl beta(2)-AR cDNA, isoproterenol had the opposite effect of inhibiting the Ca(2+) current 36.5+/-2.0%. Inhibition of the Ca(2+) current was sensitive to pertussis toxin, indicating beta(2)-AR coupling to G(i/o) proteins. Pretreatment with CTX resulted in a greater 54+/-3.8% inhibition of the Ca(2+) current, indicating that G(s) coupling masks the full effect of G(i/o) coupling. Expression of beta(2)-ARs abolished signaling by G(s)-coupled receptors for vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP). VIP inhibited the Ca(2+) current 49.5+/-0.5% in control neurons but had no effect in neurons expressing beta(2)-ARs. In contrast, expression of beta(2)-ARs had no effect on signaling by the G(i/o)-coupled alpha(2)-adrenergic receptor. This study demonstrates that the beta(2)-AR couples to both G(s) and G(i/o) proteins but specifically sequesters G(s) proteins, preventing their interaction with another G(s)-coupled receptor. beta(2)-adrenergic receptors thus have the potential to prevent other G(s)-coupled receptors from transducing their biological signals.     

The -1438A/G polymorphism in the 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2A gene is related to hyperuricemia, increased gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level in the Japanese population: a prospective cohort study over 5 years

This prospective cohort study in Japanese workers examined the relationship between the -1438A/G polymorphism in the 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2A gene and the development of positive findings for various life-style-related disorders. This study over the 5-year period, 1997-2002, included observations of several disorders in cohorts ranging between 560-1023 for males and 477-735 for females who had negative findings for each disorder at baseline. The criteria for development of the disorders were: hypertension, systolic blood pressure > or =140 mmHg or dia-stolic blood pressure > or =90 mmHg or taking antihypertensive medication; overweight, body mass index (BMI) > or =25 kg/m(2); obesity, BMI > or =30 kg/m(2); new onset of cerebral stroke; metabolic abnormalities, glycosylated hemoglobin A1c >6.0%, total cholesterol > or =240 mg/dl, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol <40 mg/dl, uric acid >7.0 mg/dl, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase > or =60 IU/l in males and > or =30 IU/l in females. Pooled logistic regression analyses were performed using the -1438A/G genotype and other potential factors as covariates. The odds ratios to AA genotype were significant for uric acid (GG, 0.52; AG, 0.59), obesity (AG, 0.24) in males and for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (GG, 0.11; AG, 0.36), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GG, 0.53; AG, 0.62) and total cholesterol (GG, 1.84) in females. The present study is the first prospective cohort investigation to demonstrate that the -1438G allele has a protective effect against the development of a range of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. This study indicates that the -1438A/G polymorphism is an independent factor for various disorders in the general Japanese population and suggests that targeting of this polymorphism may be beneficial for preventing these disorders in Japan.     

正常中国人及肥胖患者解偶联蛋白1基因-3826 A/G多态性的研究

目的 研究解偶联蛋白1(uncoupling protein 1,UCP1)基因-3826 A/G多态性是否与中国人肥胖有关联,为探讨肥胖的分子遗传基础提供依据.方法 应用聚合酶链反应-限制性片段长度多态性分析法,对成都地区384名汉族人(257例非肥胖者及127例肥胖者)UCP1基因-3826 A/G多态性位点进行分析,采用酶法和单向免疫扩散法对血脂和载脂蛋白水平进行测定.结果 UCP1基因-3826 A/G多态位点A、G等位基因频率在肥胖组为0.508、0.492,在非肥胖组为0.467、0.533,两组间等位基因的频率差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).-3826 A/G位点在肥胖组GG基因型携带者血清载脂蛋白(apolipoprotein,apo)B100水平高于AA基因型者(P<0.05),AG型者apo CⅡ、apo CⅢ水平均分别高于AA基因型携带者(P<0.05).在非肥胖男性亚组,GG纯合基因型携带者血清高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(high-density lipoprotein cholesterol,HDL-C)及apoAⅠ水平显著低于AA基因型携带者(P<0.05);AG型者apoAⅡ水平低于AA基因型者.在肥胖男性亚组,GG基因型携带者血清apo B100水平较AA型者显著升高(P<0.05);在肥胖女性亚组,GG基因型者apo AⅠ水平低于AG型者,AG型者apoCⅡ、apoCⅢ水平均分别高于AA型者(P<0.05).结论 UCP1基因-3826A/G多态性与成都地区中国汉族人肥胖无关联,但与血清HDL-C及apoAⅠ、apoB100等载脂蛋白水平含量有关,且具有性别差异.     

Cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 polymorphism in patients with rheumatic heart disease

Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) is a systemic inflammatory disease occurring as a consequence of an exaggerated immune response to group A, beta haemolytic streptococcal pharyngitis. The molecular mimicry between human target organs/tissues and specific components of the infectious organism leads to the development of autoimmune reactions and cardiac tissue damage in rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) is a negative regulator of T cell activation and proliferation during the immune response. CTLA-4 gene polymorphism has been shown to affect the inhibitory function of CTLA-4. We aimed to analyze the association of CTLA-4 gene locus at position 49 of exon 1 with susceptibility to ARF/RHD. This study included a total of 98 patients with RHD as a sequela of ARF, who fulfilled the revised classification criteria of Jones and 154 healthy unrelated controls. CTLA-4 +49 A/G polymorphism was genotyped by using PCR-RLFP technique. Data was analyzed by binary logistic regression models. The frequencies of GG, GA and AA genotypes were found to be 14%, 47% and 39%, respectively, in patients and 6%, 45% and 49%, respectively, in controls. The GG genotype was found to be significantly different between patients and controls (OR: 3.11; P = 0.016). GA and AA genotypes did not statistically differ between patients and controls. Our data showed a significant association of +49G /G polymorphism in a small patient group with RHD.