Association of polymorphic variants of IL-1β and IL-1RN genes in the development of Graves’ disease in Kashmiri population (North India)

Purpose

Graves’ disease (GD) is a multigenic, organ specific autoimmune disorder with a strong genetic predisposition and IL-1β has been shown to be involved in its pathogenesis. The present study was aimed to determine the genetic associations between polymorphisms of IL-1β gene promoter region (?511?T>C) (rs16944), exon 5 (+3954 C>T) (rs1143634) and IL-1RN gene VNTR (rs2234663) polymorphism in patients with GD in ethnic Kashmiri population.

Alleles and genotypes of polymorphisms of IL-18, TNF-α and IFN-γ are associated with a higher risk and severity of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Brazil

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary malignant tumor of the liver. We evaluated the association of alleles and genotypes of polymorphisms of IL-18 (-607C/A and -137G/C), IFN-γ (+874T/A) and TNF-α (-238G/A and -308G/A) with the risk and severity of HCC. One-hundred-and-twelve patients with HCC and 202 healthy controls were studied. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were amplified by PCR with specific primers and the products were submitted to polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and stained with silver. We evaluated tumor presentation, tumor size and presence of metastasis. Significant higher risk of HCC was associated with: alleles IL-18 -607^∗A (P = 0.0235; OR = 1.48; 95%CI = 1.06–2.08); TNF-α -238^∗A (P = 0.0025; OR = 2.12; 95%CI = 1.32–3.40) and TNF-α -308^∗A (P = 0.0351; OR = 1.82; 95%CI = 1.07–3.08); and genotypes IL-18–607AA (P = 0.0048; OR = 3.03; 95%CI = 1.40–6.55); TNF-α -238GA (P = 0.0011; OR = 2.44; 95%CI = 1.45–4.12); and TNF-α -308GA (P = 0.0031; OR = 2.51; 95%CI = 1.39–4.51). Significant association was found between multinodular HCC and IL-18 -607^∗C allele (P = 0.029; OR = 2.40, 95%CI: 1.09–5.28), and IL-18 -607CC genotype (P = 0.028; OR = 3.5, 95%CI: 1.24–9.86). Diffuse HCC was significantly associated with IFN-γ +874TA genotype (P = 0.044; OR = 3.6, 95%CI: 1.03–12.47). The IL-18 -137^∗C allele showed a significant association with the presence of metastasis. Thus, IL-18 -607^∗A and TNF-α (-238^∗A and -308^∗A) alleles may confer susceptibility to HCC, while IL-18 -607^∗C and -137^∗C alleles more severe disease.     

The N-terminal helix α(0) of hepatitis C virus NS3 protein dictates the subcellular localization and stability of NS3/NS4A complex

The N-terminal amphipathic helix α₀ of hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS3 protein is an essential structural determinant for the protein membrane association. Here, we performed functional analysis to probe the role of this helix α₀ in the HCV life cycle. A point mutation M21P in this region that destroyed the helix formation disrupted the membrane association of NS3 protein and completely abolished HCV replication. Mechanistically the mutation did not affect either protease or helicase/NTPase activities of NS3, but significantly reduced the stability of NS3 protein. Furthermore, the membrane association and stability of NS3 protein can be restored by replacing the helix α₀ with an amphipathic helix of the HCV NS5A protein. In summary, our data demonstrated that the amphipathic helix α₀ of NS3 protein determines the proper membrane association of NS3, and this subcellular localization dictates the functional role of NS3 in the HCV life cycle.     

Reactivity of (1?→?3)-β-d-glucan assay in bacterial bloodstream infections

To diagnose invasive fungal infections, the detection of (1 → 3)-β-d-glucan in serum has shown variable specificity, depending on the targeted population. Several circumstances for false-positive results of beta-glucan tests have been identified, among which are severe bacterial infections. In this study, we measured (1 → 3)-β-d-glucan by the Fungitell test in the serum of 62 patients (one serum sample tested per patient) for whom invasive fungal infection was not suspected: 19 control subjects and 43 patients with bacteraemia. The test was interpretable for 58 sera: all 19 control subjects had negative beta-glucan test; among the 39 bacteraemic patients, we report 16 false-positive results. For the 22 patients undergoing bacteraemia due to Gram-negative bacilli, we observed 13 false-positive results (59%). Among the 17 patients with bloodstream infection involving Gram-positive cocci, three false-positive tests were recorded, but none in the eight cases of Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteraemia. Statistical analysis showed that beta-glucan levels were significantly higher in patients with Gram-negative bacilli bloodstream infection in comparison to those with bacteraemia due to Gram-positive cocci. These results were independent from other previously described causes for false-positive beta-glucan tests. These data might help physicians to interpret positive beta-glucan detection when an invasive fungal infection is suspected, especially for patients with bacterial infections.     

Gnao1 (GαO protein) is a likely genetic contributor to variation in physical dependence on opioids in mice

Chronic exposure to opioids leads to physical dependence, which manifests as the symptoms of drug withdrawal. Interindividual differences in withdrawal symptom severity are well known, and at least partially due to genetic variation. To identify genes contributing to variation in withdrawal severity, we chronically treated 30 strains of the AcB/BcA recombinant congenic mouse strain set, including their A/J and C57BL/6J (B6) progenitors, with morphine for seven days and compared jumping frequencies—a sensitive and widely used index of withdrawal magnitude—during naloxone-precipitated withdrawal (NPW). Jumping frequencies of B6 mice were more than threefold greater than values obtained in A/J mice. Visual inspection of the genomic distribution of parental haplotypes in the AcB/BcA strains identified a putative quantitative trait locus (QTL) localized to chromosome 8 (90–117 Mb), and this QTL was confirmed in a B6AF2 intercross. The most salient candidate gene within this QTL, Gnao1 (guanine nucleotide binding protein, α_o; Gα_o; 96.3 Mb), was tested for functional relevance using quantitative PCR and an antisense oligodeoxynucleotide strategy. The expression of Gnao1 in the locus coeruleus was found to be upregulated in morphine-dependent B6 but not A/J mice. Antisense knockdown of Gnao1 reduced NPW jumping in B6, but not A/J, mice rendered dependent on either morphine or heroin, largely rescuing the original strain difference. These data strongly implicate the Gα_o protein in the locus coeruleus as contributing to interindividual variability in physical dependence on opioids in mice.     

Charcot–Marie–Tooth 1B caused by expansion of a familial myelin protein zero (MPZ) gene duplication

Charcot–Marie–Tooth (CMT) disease is a group of hereditary disorders affecting the motor and sensory nerves of the peripheral nervous system. CMT patterns of inheritance include dominant, recessive, and X-linked disorders. Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease, type 1B (CMT1B, OMIM 118200) is an autosomal dominant neuropathy caused by mutations in myelin protein zero (MPZ, OMIM 159440), a structural protein of peripheral myelin. Most causative MPZ mutations are missense sequence variants; however, recent clinical reports have described cases of CMT1B caused by increased dosage of the MPZ gene, with over-expression of the MPZ protein suspected to be causative of the disorder. We report an unusual case of early onset de novo CMT1B, caused by amplification of a familial, apparently benign, MPZ duplication.     

p21wafl在1, 25(OH)2D3调节人骨肉瘤细胞系HOS-8603增殖分化中的作用

目的:探讨p21^wafl在1, 25(OH)₂D₃调节人骨肉瘤细胞系HOS-8603增殖中的作用。方法: 用定量RT-PCR法检测1, 25(OH)₂D₃对p21^waflmRNA表达的诱导作用, 并构建稳定表达p21^wafl真核表达载体的细胞系HOS-p21^wafl进一步观察该细胞的生长及分化情况。结果:1, 25(OH)₂D₃作用2h即可诱导HOS-8603细胞内源性p21^wafl的表达, 4h达高峰, 24h仍未回降。细胞过度表达p21^wafl后生长速度明显减慢, 培养6d时细胞数为未转染细胞的50%;并且组织化学染色结果表明细胞的分化标志性抗原碱性磷酸酶(AKP)的表达明显增强。结论:表明1, 25(OH)₂D₃对p21^waflmRNA诱导作用可能是激素调节细胞增殖分化的重要机制之一。     

1,25-(OH)2-VitD3通过抑制Snail1-SMAD3/SMAD4复合物形成减轻糖尿病肾病肾小管间质纤维化

目的 研究1, 25-(OH)₂-VitD3 (VitD3)对糖尿病肾病肾小管间质纤维化的影响。方法 NRK-52E肾小管上皮细胞分为对照组(5.5 mmol/L葡萄糖培养基处理)、高糖组(25 mmol/L葡萄糖的培养基处理)和高糖加VitD3组(25 mmol/L葡萄糖培养基联合10^-8 mol/L VitD3)。实时定量PCR和Western blot法分别检测NRK-52E细胞Snail家族转录抑制物1(Snail1)、 SMAD家族成员3(SMAD3)、 SMAD4、 α平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-SMA)和上皮钙黏蛋白(E-cadherin)的mRNA和蛋白表达;免疫荧光细胞化学染色检测Snail1、 SMAD3、 SMAD4的表达及定位;通过染色质免疫沉淀检测Snail1与SMAD3/SMAD4形成的复合物与柯萨奇病毒-腺病毒受体(CAR)的启动子结合情况;荧光素酶报告检测Snail1、 SMAD3/SMAD4和E-cadherin的相互作用;采用小干扰RNA(siRNA)抑制细胞Snail1、 SMAD4的表达后,通过实时定量PCR检...     

Differential expression of type 2 3α/type 5 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (AKR1C3) in tumors of the central nervous system

Human aldo-keto reductase (AKR) 1C3, type 2 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSC)/ type 5 17β-HSD, is known to be involved in steroids, prostaglandins, and lipid aldehydes metabolism. The expression of AKR1C3 has been demonstrated in hormone-dependent normal tissues such as breast, endometrium, prostate, and testis; and de -regulated AKR1C3 expression has been shown in breast carcinoma, endometrial hyperplasia, endometrial carcinoma, and prostate carcinoma. AKR1C3 expression has also been demonstrated in hormone-independent normal tissues (renal tubules and urothelium) and neoplastic tissues (renal cell carcinoma, Wilm's tumor, and urothelial cell carcinoma). Extensive expression of AKR1C3 in normal and neoplastic as well as hormone-dependent and hormone-independent tissues indicates that AKR1C3 may have functions beyond steroid hormone metabolism. In this report, we describe a widespread expression of AKR1C3 in glial neoplasms and meningiomas, with limited expression in medulloblastoma and no expression in Schwannoma. These tumors, except meningioma, are not classically considered to be sex hormone-dependent or related brain tumors. The current results corroborate our earlier observations that AKR1C3 is expressed in both sex hormone-dependent and hormone-independent malignancies. Similar to AKR1C3 distribution in Wilm's tumor, we also demonstrate that expression of AKR1C3 is reduced in tumors with embryonic phenotypes.     

Mutation of KCNJ8 in a patient with Cantú syndrome with unique vascular abnormalities – Support for the role of K(ATP) channels in this condition

KCNJ8 (NM_004982) encodes the pore forming subunit of one of the ATP-sensitive inwardly rectifying potassium (K_ATP) channels. KCNJ8 sequence variations are traditionally associated with J-wave syndromes, involving ventricular fibrillation and sudden cardiac death. Recently, the K_ATP gene ABCC9 (SUR2, NM_020297) has been associated with the multi-organ disorder Cantú syndrome or hypertrichotic osteochondrodysplasia (MIM 239850) (hypertrichosis, macrosomia, osteochondrodysplasia, and cardiomegaly). Here, we report on a patient with a de novo nonsynonymous KCNJ8 SNV (p.V65M) and Cantú syndrome, who tested negative for mutations in ABCC9. The genotype and multi-organ abnormalities of this patient are reviewed. A careful screening of the K_ATP genes should be performed in all individuals diagnosed with Cantú syndrome and no mutation in ABCC9.     

20(S)-人参皂苷Rg3抑制人急性单核细胞白血病THP-1细胞迁移和侵袭

目的：观察低极性20(S)-人参皂苷Rg₃(S-Rg₃)体外抑制人急性单核细胞白血病THP-1细胞迁移和侵袭的作用。方法：将不同浓度(0、20、40和80 mg/L)的S-Rg₃加入THP-1细胞培养体系,Transwell小室检测S-Rg₃抑制细胞迁移的作用。采用免疫细胞化学、免疫荧光、Western blot和RT-qPCR等多种方法,检测S-Rg₃对THP1细胞黏附、迁移和侵袭相关蛋白表达的影响及其相关机制。结果：S-Rg₃能有效地抑制THP-1细胞迁移,下调黏附相关蛋白N-cadherin,迁移相关蛋白C-X-C趋化因子受体4(CXCR4)和基质细胞衍生因子1(SDF-1),以及侵袭相关蛋白基质金属蛋白酶2(MMP2)的表达,但上调抑制迁移侵袭相关蛋白E-cadherin、金属蛋白酶组织抑制物1(TIMP1)和TIMP3表达,同时下调CXCR4 mRNA表达,上调E-cadherin和TIMP1 mRNA表达,呈剂量依赖性。此外,S-Rg_...     

Differential alterations of GABAA receptor (α1, β2, γ2 subunit) expression and increased seizure susceptibility in rat offspring from morphine-addicted mothers: Beneficial effect of dextromethorphan

Although prenatal morphine exposure experimentally induces seizures in rat offspring, underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study addresses whether prenatal morphine exposure altered subunit compositions of γ-aminobutyric acid receptor subtype A (GABA_AR) in the hippocampal CA1 area and temporal cortex and increased seizure susceptibility of young rat offspring, at a representative age (postneonatal days 14; P14). Therapeutic efficacy of dextromethorphan (a noncompetitive antagonist of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs)), in such offspring was also evaluated. From P7 to 14, Sprague–Dawley rat offspring were intraperitoneally (ip) injected a representative dose of dextromethorphan (3 mg/kg) twice a day. At P14, some offspring were ip injected pentylenetetrazol to estimate seizure susceptibility, while the others were studied for GABA_AR subunit (α1, β2, γ2) expression. Prenatal morphine exposure caused the up-regulated α1 subunit and down-regulated β2/γ2 subunit expression of GABA_AR within hippocampus and temporal cortex in rat offspring associated to increase seizure susceptibility. The magnitudes of upregulated α1 subunit and downregulated β2 subunit expression in the hippocampus were greater than which in the temporal cortex. The use of dextromethorphan markedly reversed the prenatal morphine-induced alterations, indicating the possible therapeutic actions of dextromethorphan. These results suggest that the altered subunit compositions (α1, β2, γ2) of GABA_AR in the hippocampal CA1 area and temporal cortex may contribute, at least in part, to the increased seizure susceptibility of rat offspring subjected to prenatal morphine exposure. More importantly, dextromethorphan may be a promising clinical agent acting against these alterations.