Association of the six transmembrane protein of prostate 2 gene polymorphisms with metabolic syndrome in Han Chinese population

AimThe six-transmembrane protein of prostate 2 (STAMP2) has been demonstrated to play a potential role in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome (MetS). The present study was designed to investigate the association of STAMP2 gene polymorphisms with MetS in Han Chinese population.MethodsA case-control study enrolled 350 Han Chinese subjects in two groups: 182 MetS patients and 168 control subjects. The clinical and biochemical characteristics were determined. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), rs1981529, rs12386756 and rs10263111 in STAMP2 gene were genotyped. The association of STAMP2 gene polymorphisms with MetS was analyzed.ResultsSNPs rs1981529 and rs10263111 were found to be significantly associated with MetS phenotype in male population (P = 0.014 and 0.025). Moreover, SNP rs1981529 was found to be associated with high density lipoprotein-cholesterol in male cases and with body mass index in female cases (P = 0.014 and 0.049). SNP rs10263111 was found to be associated with both waist circumference and diastolic blood pressure in total cases (P = 0.044 and 0.033). Haplotype analysis yielded significant association of STAMP2 gene with MetS in total (global P = 0.0109) and male population (global P = 0.0004).ConclusionOur findings revealed that STAMP2 gene polymorphisms are likely to significantly contribute to the risk of MetS in male Han Chinese population.     

Lack of replication of common EXT2 gene variants with susceptibility to type 2 diabetes in Lebanese Arabs

ObjectiveRecent genome-wide association studies and replication analyses have reported the association of variants of the exostosin-2 (EXT2) gene and risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in some populations, but not in others. This study investigated the associations of EXT2 variants rs1113132, rs3740878 and rs11037909 with T2DM in a Lebanese Arab population.MethodsThis case-control study involved 995 T2DM patients and 1076 control subjects. Genotyping was done by the allelic exclusion method.ResultsWhile minor allele frequencies (MAFs) of rs11037909 (P = 0.028) and rs3740878 (P = 0.048), but not rs1113132 (P = 0.841), were higher in patients, this was lost after correcting for multiple testing. Apart from EXT2 rs1113132, which was marginally associated with T2DM in the additive model (P = 0.054), but not after adjustment for covariates, none of the tested EXT2 SNPs were associated with T2DM in any of the genetic models tested. However, variable associations of EXT2 variants with T2DM were noted according to BMI status. While the three tested EXT2 variants were not associated with T2DM in obese subjects, rs1113132 and rs11037909, but not rs3740878, were associated with T2DM in non-obese subjects. Meta-analysis revealed a significant association of rs11037909 and a marginal association of rs3740878 with T2DM in the fixed model. Using a common (GTA) haplotype as reference, three-locus (rs1113132/rs11037909/rs3740878) haplotype analysis demonstrated no association between any of the EXT2 haplotypes with T2DM, not even before correcting for multiple testing.ConclusionThis study demonstrated no association of rs1113132, rs3740878 and rs11037909 EXT2 variants with T2DM.     

Polymorphisms of MMP-2 Gene are Associated With Systolic Heart Failure Risk in Han Chinese

BackgroundMatrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of proteolytic enzymes responsible for protein degradation. MMP-2 has been demonstrated to play a pivotal role in myocardial remodeling process that occurs in congestive heart failure (HF). We hypothesized that MMP-2 genetic variations could be associated with systolic HF risk.MethodsTo test the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms of MMP-2 with systolic HF risk, we performed a hospital-based, case-control study of 605 patients with systolic HF and 689 controls without HF. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms of MMP-2 (rs243864, rs243866, and rs17859821) were genotyped by restriction fragment length polymorphism methods.ResultsThe genotype frequencies of MMP-2 rs243866 AA and AG in the control group were significantly higher than that in the case group (24.7% versus 17.9%, P < 0.01). Compared with the GG homozygotes, MMP-2 rs243866 A allele carriers had a significantly lower risk of systolic HF (adjusted OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.49-0.98; P = 0.035). Haplotype analysis indicated the haplotype GGG (rs243864-rs17859821-rs243866) was associated with higher risk of systolic HF (adjusted OR 2.05, 95% CI 1.08-3.89; P = 0.028).ConclusionThe findings of the current study suggest that MMP-2 rs243866 A allele was associated with lower risk of systolic HF in Han Chinese.     

Association of dengue virus infection susceptibility with polymorphisms of 2′-5′-oligoadenylate synthetase genes: a case–control study

Oligoadenylate synthetases play an important role in the immune response against dengue virus. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the oligoadenylate synthetases genes are known to affect oligoadenylate synthetases activity and are associated with outcome of viral infections. Polymorphisms in the OAS1 SNPs (rs1131454), OAS2 SNPs (rs1293762, rs15895 and rs1732778) and OAS3 SNPs (rs2285932 and rs2072136) genes were studied using PCR followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism methods in 30 patients for dengue infection and 40 control group who have no documented evidence of symptomatic dengue. An increase in the frequency of OAS2 gene rs1293762 SNP G/T heterozygotes (p = 0.012), decrease in the frequency of SNP G/G homozygotes (p = 0.005) and decrease in the frequency of OAS2 gene rs1732778 SNP G/G homozygotes (p = 0.000017) and A/A homozygotes (p = 0.0000012) were observed among the dengue patients compared with control group. Our results suggest that OAS2 haplotypes are associated with differential susceptibility to clinical outcomes of dengue virus infection.     

Associations of polymorphisms in the apolipoprotein A1/C3/A4/A5 gene cluster with familial combined hyperlipidaemia in Hong Kong Chinese

BackgroundFamilial combined hyperlipidaemia (FCH) is the most common genetic dyslipidaemia associated with coronary artery disease. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and haplotypes in the APOA1/C3/A4/A5 gene cluster are associated with FCH in Caucasians and with elevated triglycerides (TG) in various ethnic groups. We examined these associations with FCH in Hong Kong Chinese.MethodsFifty-six Chinese FCH patients and 176 unrelated controls were studied. Thirteen SNPs in the APOA1/C3/A4/A5 cluster were genotyped.ResultsFour alleles in APOA5 were associated with FCH (P < 0.001). The ?1131T > C (rs662799) and ?3A > G (rs651821) SNPs in APOA5 were in almost complete linkage disequilibrium (LD, r² = 0.99), and their minor alleles were more frequent (P < 0.001) in FCH than controls (0.60 vs. 0.24). The odds ratio (OR) for FCH was 6.2 (95% CI, 2.6–14.8) and 6.1 (2.6–14.6) per copy of ?1131C and ?3G, respectively, and 24.6 (8.4–72.0) and 24.4 (8.4–70.9) in ?1131C and ?3G homozygotes, respectively, as compared to wild-type homozygotes. The 1891T > C (rs2266788) SNP was in LD (r² = 0.68) with ?1131T > C and ?3A > G, and the minor allele was more frequent in FCH than controls (0.42 vs. 0.19, P < 0.001). The 553G > T (rs2075291) nonsynonymous variant was also associated with FCH (0.15 vs. 0.04, P = 0.001) and, along with ?3A > G (or ?1131T > C) and 1891T > C, contributed to haplotypes predicting FCH. The two tightly linked SNPs, ?1131T > C and ?3A > G polymorphism were significantly associated with lipid traits in all subjects combined, with variant homozygous subjects having higher TG and LDL-C and lower HDL-C levels.ConclusionsSome common polymorphisms and haplotypes in APOA5 are closely associated with FCH in Hong Kong Chinese, and these differ from those found in Caucasians.     

Genetic susceptibility to pre diabetes mellitus and related association with obesity and physical fitness components in Mexican-Mestizos

Pre diabetes mellitus (pre-DM) is considered an early-reversible condition that can progress to Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) which is the main cause of death for adult Mexican population. Gene variants influencing fasting glucose levels may constitute helpful tool for prevention purposes in pre-DM condition. Physically active Mexican-Mestizo adults (n = 565) were genotyped for 6 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (ADIPOQ rs2241766, ACSL1 rs9997745, LIPC rs1800588, PPARA rs1800206, PPARG rs1801282 and PPARGC1A rs8192678) related to lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. Fasting glucose was measured and values classified as pre-DM (≥100 mg/dL) or normal fasting glucose. Logistic models were used to test associations between pre-DM condition and SNPs, and interaction with Body Mass Index (BMI) and physical fitness components. The A allele of ASCL1 rs9997745 conferred increased risk (OR = 3.39, p = 0.001) of pre-DM which is modulated by BMI. The A allele of the PPARGC1A rs8192678 showed significant SNP*BMI (OR = 1.10, p = 0.008) interaction effect for pre-DM risk, meaning that obese subjects showed higher pre-DM risk but normal weight subjects showed lower risk. The effect increased with age and was attenuated by higher cardiorespiratory values. We found that both ACSL1 rs9997745 and PPARGC1A rs8192678 are associated with pre-DM, and that BMI significantly modified their association.     

T-cadherin gene variants are associated with type 2 diabetes and the Fatty Liver Index in the French population

AimAdiponectin is an adipocyte-secreted protein associated with insulin sensitivity. T-cadherin is a receptor for high and medium molecular weight adiponectin. In GWAS, T-cadherin gene (CDH13) polymorphisms are associated with circulating adiponectin levels. This study investigated the associations between genetic variants of CDH13 and type 2 diabetes (T2D), and its related parameters, in a Caucasian population.MethodsTwo polymorphisms of CDH13 (rs11646213 and rs3865188) were genotyped in two French cohorts, a general population from the D.E.S.I.R. study (n = 5212) and people with T2D in the DIABHYCAR study (n = 3123). Baseline adiponectin levels were measured in D.E.S.I.R. participants who were normoglycaemic at baseline, but hyperglycaemic after 3 years (n = 230), and in controls who remained normoglycaemic (n = 226) throughout.ResultsIn a cross-sectional analysis, CDH13 genotype distributions differed between those with and without T2D, with T2D odds ratios (OR) of 1.11 (95% CI: 1.04–1.18; P = 0.001) and 0.92 (95% CI: 0.87–0.98; P = 0.01) for rs11646213 and rs3865188, respectively. The rs11646213 variant, associated with a higher OR for T2D, was also associated with higher BMI (P = 0.03) and HbA_1c (P = 0.006), and lower plasma adiponectin levels (P = 0.03) in the D.E.S.I.R. participants. Conversely, the rs3865188 variant, associated with a lower OR for T2D, was also associated with lower BMI (P = 0.03), HbA_1c (P = 0.02) and Fatty Liver Index (FLI; P ≤ 0.01), and higher plasma adiponectin levels (P = 0.002). Associations with HbA_1c, FLI and adiponectin levels persisted after adjusting for BMI.ConclusionCDH13 polymorphisms are associated with prevalent T2D in this French population study. The association may be mediated through effects on BMI and/or plasma adiponectin.     

Influence of the CYP2J2 Gene Polymorphisms on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Risk in the Chinese Han Population

IntroductionCytochrome P450 (CYP) 2J2 is a major enzyme that controls epoxyeicosatrienoic acids biosynthesis, which may play a role in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) development. In this study, we aimed to assess the influence of CYP2J2 polymorphisms with COPD susceptibility.Material and methodsA case–control study enrolled 313 COPD cases and 508 controls was to investigate the association between CYP2J2 polymorphisms and COPD risk. Agena MassARRAY platform was used to genotype CYP2J2 polymorphisms. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to evaluate the association between CYP2J2 polymorphisms and COPD risk.ResultsWe observed rs11207535 (homozygote: OR = 0.08, 95%CI = 0.01–0.96, p = 0.047; recessive: OR = 0.08, 95%CI = 0.01–0.94, p = 0.044), rs10889159 (homozygote: OR = 0.08, 95%CI = 0.01–0.92, p = 0.043; recessive: OR = 0.08, 95%CI = 0.01–0.90, p = 0.040) and rs1155002 (heterozygote: OR = 1.63, 95%CI = 1.13–2.36, p = 0.009; dominant: OR = 1.64, 95%CI = 1.15–2.35, p = 0.006; additive: OR = 1.45, 95%CI = 1.09–1.92, p = 0.011) were significantly associated with COPD risk. Allelic tests showed T allele of rs2280274 was related to a decreased risk of COPD and T allele of rs1155002 was associated with an increased COPD risk. Stratified analyses indicated the effects of CYP2J2 polymorphisms and COPD risk were dependent on gender and smoking status (p < 0.05). Additionally, two haplotypes (A_rs11207535C_rs10889159T_rs1155002 and A_rs11207535C_rs10889159C_rs1155002) significantly decreased COPD risk.ConclusionIt suggested CYP2J2 polymorphisms were associated with COPD susceptibility in the Chinese Han population.     

High-resolution melting analyses for genetic variants in ARID5B and IKZF1 with childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia susceptibility loci in Taiwan

BackgroundChildhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), a heterogeneous disease that includes multiple subtypes is defined by cell lineage and chromosome anomalies. Previous genome-wide association studies have reported several ARID5B and IKZF1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with the incidence of ALL. High-resolution melting (HRM) analysis is a rapid and convenient technique to detect SNPs; we thereby detected SNPs in ARID5B and IKZF1 genes.MethodsWe enrolled 79 pediatric ALL patients and 80 healthy controls. Polymorphic variants of IKZF1 (rs6964823, rs4132601, and rs6944602) and ARID5B (rs7073837, rs10740055, and rs7089424) were detected by HRM, and SNPs were analyzed for association with childhood ALL.ResultsThe distribution of genotype rs7073837 in ARID5B significantly differed between ALL and controls (P = 0.046), while those of IKZF1 (rs6964823, rs4132601, and rs6944602) and ARID5B (rs10740055 and rs7089424) did not. We analyzed the association for SNPs with B lineage ALL to find rs7073837 in ARID5B, conferring a higher risk for B lineage ALL (odds ratio, OR = 1.70, 95% confidence interval, CI = 1.01–2.87, P = 0.049).ConclusionHRM is a practical method to detect SNPs in ARID5B and IKZF1 genes. We found that rs7073837 in ARID5B correlated with a risk for childhood B lineage ALL.     

TNFSF15 is an independent predictor for the development of Crohn's disease-related complications in Koreans

BackgroundCrohn's disease (CD) is a chronic idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease involving the whole gastrointestinal tract. TNFSF15 has been proved as a susceptibility gene for CD, but there are few reports about the association between TNFSF15 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the clinical course of CD.AimTo investigate the association between TNFSF15 genotypes and the clinical course of CD in Koreans.MethodsA total of 906 CD patients having TNFSF15 genotype data and clinical information were recruited from CD registry database of a tertiary referral center. The association between five TNFSF15 SNPs (rs4574921, rs3810936, rs6478108, rs6478109, and rs7848647) and various clinical parameters including stricture, non-perianal penetrating complications, bowel resection, and reoperation was investigated.ResultsAmong the five SNPs, rs6478108 CC genotype was associated with the development of stricture and non-perianal penetrating complications during follow-up (HR for stricture = 1.706, 95% confidence interval 1.178–2.471, P = 0.005; HR for non-perianal penetrating complications = 1.667, 95% confidence interval 1.127–2.466, P = 0.010), and rs4574921 CC genotype was associated with the development of perianal fistula (HR = 2.386, 95% confidence interval 1.204–4.727, P = 0.013) by multivariate analysis. However, there was no significant association of cumulative operation and reoperation rate with 5 SNPs of TNFSF15.ConclusionIn Korean patients with CD, non-risk allele homozygotes of TNFSF15 SNPs rs6478108 and rs4574921 are independent genetic predictive factors for the development of strictures/non-perianal penetrating complications and perianal fistula, respectively.     

Common single nucleotide polymorphisms in the FNDC5 gene are associated with glucose metabolism but do not affect serum irisin levels in Japanese men with low fitness levels

ObjectiveThis cross-sectional study analyzed the association of serum irisin concentrations with cardiorespiratory fitness levels and common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the FNDC5 gene and examined the relationships between cardiorespiratory fitness levels, common SNPs in FNDC5, and glucose metabolism.Materials/MethodsCardiorespiratory fitness was assessed by measuring peak oxygen uptake (VO₂peak) and serum irisin levels by ELISA in 163 Japanese men (age, 21–79 years). Subjects were divided into low- and high-fitness groups within each age group according to the median VO₂peak value. Common SNPs (rs3480 and rs16835198) of the FNDC5 gene were genotyped with the TaqMan assay. Glucose metabolism was evaluated by measuring HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), insulin levels, and HOMA-IR.ResultsSerum irisin levels were negatively correlated with age (p < 0.001) and not associated with the VO₂peak or HOMA-IR. In the low-fitness group, SNP analysis revealed that subjects with the rs3480 AG and GG genotypes had higher levels of insulin and HOMA-IR than those with the AA genotype (p < 0.01; no significant difference was observed in the high-fitness group). The GG genotypes of rs16835198 were associated with increased HbA1c and FPG in the low-fitness group only (p < 0.05). SNPs and both fitness groups were not associated with serum irisin levels.ConclusionsIn Japanese men, cardiorespiratory fitness levels and common SNPs in FNDC5 are not associated with circulating irisin levels, whereas high cardiorespiratory fitness abolishes the association between the rs3480 and rs16835198 SNPs and glucose metabolism independent of serum irisin levels.     

Genetics of melatonin receptor type 2 is associated with left ventricular function in hypertensive patients treated according to guidelines

BackgroundMelatonin exerts multiple biological effects with potential impact on human diseases. This is underscored by genetic studies that demonstrated associations between melatonin receptor type 2 gene (MTNR1B) polymorphisms and characteristics of type 2 diabetes. We set out to test the hypothesis whether genetic variants at MTNR1B are also relevant for other disease phenotypes within the cardiovascular continuum. We thus investigated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of MTNR1B in relation to blood pressure (BP) and cardiac parameters in hypertensive patients.MethodsPatients (n = 605, mean age 56.2 ± 9.4 years, 82.3% male) with arterial hypertension and cardiac ejection fraction (EF) ≥ 40% were studied. Cardiac parameters were assessed by echocardiography.ResultsThe cohort comprised subjects with coronary heart disease (73.1%) and myocardial infarction (48.1%) with a mean EF of 63.7 ± 8.9%. Analysis of SNPs rs10830962, rs4753426, rs12804291, rs10830963, and rs3781638 revealed two haplotypes 1 and 2 with frequencies of 0.402 and 0.277, respectively. Carriers with haplotype 1 (CTCCC) showed compared to non-carriers a higher mean 24-hour systolic BP (difference BP: 2.4 mm Hg, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.3 to 4.5 mm Hg, p = 0.023). Haplotype 2 (GCCGA) was significantly related to EF with an absolute increase of 1.8% (CI: 0.45 to 3.14%) in carriers versus non-carriers (p = 0.009).ConclusionGenetics of MTNR1B point to impact of the melatonin signalling pathway for BP and left ventricular function. This may support the importance of the melatonin system as a potential therapeutic target.     

Sex and age interaction with genetic association of atherogenic uric acid concentrations

BackgroundHigh serum uric acid levels are associated with gout, atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Three genes (SLC2A9, ABCG2, and SLC17A3) were reported to be involved in the regulation of uric acid levels.ResearchDesign and Methods: SNPs rs2231142 (ABCG2) and rs1165205 (SLC17A3) were genotyped in three cohorts (n = 4492) and combined with previously genotyped SNPs within SLC2A9 (rs6855911, rs7442295, rs6449213, rs12510549).ResultsEach copy of the minor allele decreased uric acid levels by 0.30–0.38 mg/dL for SLC2A9 (p values: 10^?20–10^?36) and increased levels by 0.34 mg/dL for ABCG2 (p = 1.1 × 10^?16). SLC17A3 influenced uric acid levels only modestly. Together the SNPs showed graded associations with uric acid levels of 0.111 mg/dL per risk allele (p = 3.8 × 10^?42). In addition, we observed a sex-specific interaction of age with the association of SLC2A9 SNPs with uric acid levels, where increasing age strengthened the association of SNPs in women and decreased the association in men.ConclusionsGenetic variants within SLC2A9, ABCG2 and SLC17A3 show highly significant associations with uric acid levels, and for SNPs within SLC2A9 this association is strongly modified by age and sex.     

Four complement factor H gene polymorphisms in association with AMD: A meta-analysis

AimTo investigate the possible association between CFH gene polymorphisms −543G > A (rs1410996), A473A (rs2274700), −257C > T (rs3753394), IVS15 (rs1329428) and AMD risk.MethodsWe searched the published literature in the Medline and Scopus from inception to May 2015. A meta-analysis was performed by the programs RevMan 5.1 and Stata 12.0, and the Pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated in fixed or random effect model based on heterogeneity test among studies.ResultsNineteen studies with a total of 10,676 subjects were included in the present meta-analysis. A statistical significant association was observed between AMD risk and CFH −543G > A polymorphism with OR of 1.77 (95% CI, 1.47–2.12), 2.24 (95% CI, 1.71–2.94), 0.49 (95% CI, 0.38–0.62) and 0.25 (95% CI, 0.18–0.37) in additive, dominant, recessive and codominant models, respectively. Similar results were obtained in polymorphisms A473A, −257C > T, IVS15. Furthermore, stratified analysis for ethnicity showed a significantly strong association between −543G > A, A473A polymorphisms and AMD risk.ConclusionThe present meta-analysis suggested that CFH −543G > A, A473A, −257C > T, and IVS15 polymorphisms might be moderately associated with AMD risk. This conclusion warrants confirmation by further studies.     

The effect of a novel intergenic polymorphism (rs11774572) on HDL-cholesterol concentrations depends on TaqIB polymorphism in the cholesterol ester transfer protein gene

Background and aimsSeveral genes have been shown to individually affect plasma lipoprotein metabolism in humans. Studies on gene–gene interactions could offer more insight into how genes affect lipid metabolism and may be useful in predicting lipid concentrations. We tested for gene–gene interactions between TaqIB SNP in the cholesterol ester transfer protein (CETP) and three novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), namely rs11774572, rs7819412 and rs6995374 for their effect on metabolic syndrome (MetS) components and related traits.Methods and resultsThe aforementioned SNPs were genotyped in 1002 subjects who participated in the Genetics of Lipid Lowering Drugs and Diet Network (GOLDN) study. Lipids were measured by standard procedures and lipoprotein subfractions, by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Polymorphism rs11774572 was significantly associated with MetS (P = 0.020), mainly driven by the association of the C allele with lower HDL-C (P = 0.043) and higher triglycerides (P = 0.049) and insulin (P = 0.040) concentrations than TT subjects. A significant interaction between SNPs rs11774572 and CETP-TaqIB SNPs was found for HDL-C concentrations (P = 0.006) and for HDL (P = 0.008) and LDL particle sizes (P = 0.009), small LDL (P = 0.004), and VLDL concentrations (P = 0.021), in which TT homozygotes displayed higher HDL-C concentrations and for HDL and LDL particle sizes, and lower small LDL and VLDL concentrations than C carriers, if they were CETP B2 allele carriers (P values ranging from <0.001 to 0.001).ConclusionsThe rs11774572 polymorphism may play a role in the dyslipidemia that characterizes MetS. The interaction between rs11774572 and CETP-TaqIB SNPs on HDL-C concentrations provides some insights into the underlying mechanisms.     

Single nucleotide polymorphisms of IL-2, but not IL-12 and IFN-γ, are associated with increased susceptibility to chronic spontaneous urticaria

BackgroundA clear picture of interaction of Th1/Th2 cytokines in pathogenesis of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), remains elusive. Impaired IFN-γ production and decreased levels of IL-2 have been reported. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of Th1 cytokines; IL-2, IL-12 and IFN-γ polymorphisms with CSU.Methods90 patients with CSU and 140 age-sex matched subjects were included in this study. DNA samples were evaluated through PCR-SSP assay in order to detect single nucleotide polymorphisms of IL-12 (A/C −1188) or (rs3212227), IFN-γ (A/T UTR5644) or (rs2069717) and IL-2 (G/T −330 and G/T +166) or (rs2069762 and rs2069763).ResultsG allele at −330 at promoter region of IL-2 gene was overrepresented in CSU. Heterozygotes (GT) at this locus and heterozygotes at +166 of IL-2 gene (GT) were more prevalent in CSU group. Additionally, the haplotype GT for loci −330 and +166 of IL-2 gene was powerfully associated with CSU (OR (95%CI) = 57.29 (8.43–112.7)).ConclusionsSNP at position −330 and +166 of IL-2 gene are differently expressed in CSU. The haplotype GT of IL-2 at −330 and +166 might confer vulnerability to a number of immunological disorders in Iranian region.     

Allelic variations of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene are associated with increased risk of coronary artery disease in type 2 diabetics: The DIABHYCAR prospective study

AimVitamin D deficiency is associated with coronary artery disease (CAD), and the actions of vitamin D are mediated by binding to a specific nuclear vitamin D receptor (VDR). This study investigated the associations of VDR gene variants with CAD in two cohorts of type 2 diabetes patients.MethodsA cohort of 3137 subjects from the prospective DIABHYCAR study (CAD incidence: 14.8%; follow-up: 4.4 ± 1.3 years) and an independent, hospital-based population of 713 subjects, 32.3% of whom had CAD, were assessed. Three SNPs in the VDR gene were genotyped: rs1544410 (BsmI); rs7975232 (ApaI); and rs731236 (TaqI).ResultsIn the DIABHYCAR cohort, an association was observed between the A allele of BsmI and incident cases of CAD (HR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.05–1.29; P = 0.002). Associations were also observed between BsmI (P = 0.01) and TaqI (P = 0.04) alleles and baseline cases of CAD. The AAC haplotype (BsmI/ApaI/TaqI) was significantly associated with an increased CAD prevalence at the end of the study compared with the GCT haplotype (OR: 1.12, 95% CI: 1.02–1.28; P = 0.04). In a cross-sectional study of the independent hospital-based cohort, associations of ApaI (P = 0.009) and TaqI (P = 0.03) alleles with CAD were observed, with similar haplotype results (OR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.03–1.73; P = 0.03).ConclusionThe haplotype comprising the minor allele of BsmI, major allele of ApaI and minor allele of TaqI of VDR (AAC) was associated with an increased risk of CAD in type 2 diabetes patients. This effect was independent of the effects of other known cardiovascular risk factors.     

Contribution of common variants of ENPP1, IGF2BP2, KCNJ11, MLXIPL,PPARγ, SLC30A8 and TCF7L2 to the risk of type 2 diabetes in Lebanese and Tunisian Arabs

BackgroundWhile several type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) susceptibility loci identified through genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have been replicated in many populations, their association in Arabs has not been reported. For this reason, the present study looked at the contribution of ENNP1 (rs1044498), IGF2BP2 (rs1470579), KCNJ11 (rs5219), MLXIPL (rs7800944), PPARγ (rs1801282), SLC30A8 (rs13266634) and TCF7L2 (rs7903146) SNPs to the risk of T2DM in Lebanese and Tunisian Arabs.MethodsStudy subjects (case/controls) were Lebanese (751/918) and Tunisians (1470/838). Genotyping was carried out by the allelic discrimination method.ResultsIn Lebanese and Tunisians, neither ENNP1 nor MLXIPL was associated with T2DM, whereas TCF7L2 was significantly associated with an increased risk of T2DM in both the Lebanese [P < 0.001; OR (95% CI): 1.38 (1.20–1.59)] and Tunisians [P < 0.001; OR (95% CI): 1.36 (1.18–1.56)]. Differential associations of IGF2BP2, KCNJ11, PPARγ and SLC30A8 with T2DM were noted in the two populations. IGF2BP2 [P = 1.3 × 10^?5; OR (95% CI): 1.66 (1.42–1.94)] and PPARγ [P = 0.005; OR (95% CI): 1.41 (1.10–1.80)] were associated with T2DM in the Lebanese, but not Tunisians, while KCNJ11 [P = 8.0 × 10^?4; OR (95% CI): 1.27 (1.09–1.47)] and SLC30A8 [P = 1.6 × 10^?5; OR (95% CI): 1.37 (1.15–1.62)] were associated with T2DM in the Tunisians, but not Lebanese, after adjusting for gender and body mass index.ConclusionT2DM susceptibility loci SNPs identified through GWAS showed differential associations with T2DM in two Arab populations, thus further confirming the ethnic contributions of these variants to T2DM susceptibility.     

OCTN1 variant L503F is associated with familial and sporadic inflammatory bowel disease

PurposeA two-allele haplotype of TC (OCTN1 rs1050152 and OCTN2 -207G→C) is associated with Crohn's disease (CD). The association has been replicated in different populations, but also failed in some studies. The present study is to replicate the association of OCTN1 rs1050152 and examine another variant rs272879 with familial and sporadic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in a cohort from central Pennsylvania, USA.MethodsThe study samples (n = 465) included 212 inflammatory bowel disease patients (CD = 115, UC = 97), including 103 familial (CD = 55, UC = 46) and 111 sporadic (CD = 60, UC = 51) IBD, 139 non-IBD family members from a familial IBD registry, and 114 unrelated healthy controls. A total of 12 OCTN1 variants within exonic sequences were examined. Two nonsynonymous SNPs, rs1050152 (L503F) and rs272879 (L395V) were genotyped by a PCR-based RFLP/cRFLP method and statistically analyzed. These samples with an additional 141 unrelated healthy samples were also genotyped for rs1050152 using the SNPlex? Genotyping System.ResultsThe OCTN1 rs1050152 is associated with CD (OR = 1.745, 95% CI = 1.019–2.990, χ² = 4.129, p = 0.042) and with IBD (OR = 1.68, 95% CI = 1.052–2.676, χ² = 4.732, p = 0.030); while the variant rs272879 is not associated with IBD, CD or ulcerative colitis (UC). The distribution of the rs1050152 variant showed a high level of the T allele in male UC (OR = 2.585, 95% CI = 1.139–5.869, p = 0.023) and IBD (OR = 2.039, 95% CI = 1.024–4.059, p = 0.042) patients, and in female CD patients (OR = 2.329, 95% CI = 1.038–5.226, ρ value = 0.039).ConclusionThe present results replicated the association of the OCTN1 rs1050152 (L503F) variant with CD and IBD overall. A weak gender-specific effect of rs1050152 (L503F) on male UC and female CD was observed.