Polymorphisms in cytokine genes as prognostic markers in diffuse large B cell lymphoma patients treated with (R)-CHOP

To investigate whether cytokine genetic polymorphisms influence the outcome of diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), we tested 337 consecutive DLBCL treated with CHOP or rituximab-CHOP (R-CHOP) from interleukin 10 (IL10), Bcl-2, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α polymorphisms. Patients who carried the IL10 rs1800871 TT or rs1800872 AA genotype showed higher complete response (CR) and overall response rate (ORR) significantly. A longer progression-free survival (PFS) was observed in patients with IL10 rs1800871 TT (P?=?0.017) or rs1800872 AA (P?=?0.017) genotype after rituximab-based chemotherapy, and better PFS was also noted with Bcl-2 rs1801018 AA genotype in the CHOP group (P?=?0.048). Furthermore, the R-CHOP group patients who carried the IL10 non-CCA haplotype had longer PFS (P?=?0.030). Cox proportional hazards analyses demonstrated that the genotype TT of IL10 rs1800871 and AA plus AC of rs1800872 were predictive of longer PFS and event-free survival (EFS) in DLBCL patients treated with R-CHOP. And the Bcl-2 rs2279115 AA plus AC genotypes and rs1801018 GG genotype were risk factors for EFS in DLBCL patients treated with CHOP. In conclusion, the results reminded us those DLBCL patients with IL10 rs1800871 TT, rs1800872 AA, or IL10 non-CCA haplotype are likely to benefit from the therapy of rituximab-based chemotherapy.     

Associations between <Emphasis Type="Italic">ERAP1</Emphasis> polymorphisms and susceptibility to ankylosing spondylitis: a meta-analysis

The aim of this study was to determine whether 11 polymorphisms of endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 1 (ERAP1) confer susceptibility to ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The authors conducted meta-analyses on associations between ERAP1 polymorphisms and AS susceptibility by using fixed and random effects models. A total of 19 articles were included in this meta-analysis, which comprised a total of 19,902 AS patients and 39,750 controls. The meta-analysis revealed a significant association between AS and the minor alleles of the rs30187 polymorphism in all study subjects (OR?=?1.255, 95 % CI?=?1.147–1.373, P?=?8.0?×?10^?8). Stratification by ethnicity led to the identification of a significant association between this polymorphism and AS in European patients (OR?=?1.283, 95 % CI?=?1.237–1.331, P?<?1.0?×?10^?9). Meta-analyses of the results for the rs27044, rs10050860, rs2287987, rs17482078, and rs26653 polymorphisms showed the same pattern that was found for rs30187. Interestingly, the rs27037 polymorphism was significantly associated with AS susceptibility in both European and Asian patients. Meta-analysis showed a significant association between AS and the minor alleles of the rs27980 and rs27582 polymorphisms in the East Asian patients (OR?=?0.904, 95 % CI?=?0.818–0.999, P?=?0.047; OR?=?0.871, 95 % CI?=?0.772–0.982, P?=?0.024, respectively) (Table 2). However, these polymorphisms have not been studied in Europeans. This meta-analysis shows that the ERAP1 polymorphisms are associated with the development of AS in Europeans and East Asians.     

CTLA-4 polymorphisms are associated with treatment outcomes of patients with multiple myeloma receiving bortezomib-based regimens

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) are important risk factors associated with autoimmune diseases and malignancies. This study explored the association of CTLA-4SNPs with the development of myeloma and evaluated the outcome of patients receiving bortezomib-based regimens in relation to CTLA-4SNPs. Peripheral blood samples from 86 patients with multiple myeloma (MM) and 154 healthy controls were obtained to investigate CTLA4 polymorphisms. Five SNP genotypes of CTLA-4, namely, ?1772 (rs733618), ?1661 (rs4553808), ?318 (rs5742909), CT60 (rs3087243), and +49 (rs231775), were evaluated through TaqMan SNP genotyping assays (Applied Biosystems). Some of the CTLA-4 polymorphisms displayed frequencies that vary among ethnic groups. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that patients with rs733618 GG showed a significantly lower disease-free survival (0 vs. 57.4%, P?=?0.020) and overall survival (46.3 vs. 83.3%, P?=?0.026) than those with GA+AA following bortezomib-based therapy. Multivariate analyses showed that rs733618 GG was a risk factor for OS (HR?=?0.012; 95% CI?=?0.001–0.199; P?=?0.002). The incidence of nonhematologic grade 3/4 adverse events significantly increased in the rs4553808 GG+GA group compared with that in the AA group (P?=?0.036). CTLA-4 rs733618 GG reduced the progression-free survival and the overall survival of patients with MM who received bortezomib-based therapy. Information regarding CTLA-4 polymorphisms and haplotypes may be used to improve MM therapy. Future studies must determine the precise effect of CTLA-4 polymorphisms and haplotypes on MM therapy outcomes by using different cohorts with a large number of subjects.     

The search for putative unifying genetic factors for components of the metabolic syndrome

Aims/hypothesis

The metabolic syndrome is a cluster of factors contributing to increased risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes but unifying mechanisms have not been identified. Our aim was to study whether common variations in 17 genes previously associated with type 2 diabetes or components of the metabolic syndrome and variants in nine genes with inconsistent association with at least two components of the metabolic syndrome would also predict future development of components of the metabolic syndrome, individually or in combination.

Methods

Genetic variants were studied in a large prospective study of 16,143 non-diabetic individuals (mean follow-up time 23 years) from the Malmö Preventive Project. In this study, development of at least three of obesity (BMI?≥?30 kg/m²), dyslipidaemia (triacylglycerol?≥?1.7 mmol/l and/or lipid-lowering treatment), hypertension (blood pressure?≥?140/90 mmHg and/or antihypertensive medication) and hyperglycaemia (fasting plasma glucose?≥?5.6 mmol/l and/or known diabetes) was defined as development of the metabolic syndrome. The risk of developing at least three components of the metabolic syndrome or the individual components was calculated by logistic regression adjusted for age at baseline, follow-up time and sex.

Results

Polymorphisms in TCF7L2 (rs7903146, OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.04–1.17, p?=?0.00097), FTO (rs9939609, OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.02–1.14, p?=?0.0065), WFS1 (rs10010131, OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.02–1.13, p?=?0.0078) and IGF2BP2 (rs4402960, OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.01–1.13, p?=?0.021) predicted the development of at least three components of the metabolic syndrome in both univariate and multivariate analysis; in the case of TCF7L2, WFS1 and IGF2BP this was due to their association with hyperglycaemia (p?p?=?0.0033 and p?=?0.027, respectively) and for FTO it was due to its association with obesity (p?=?0.004). A polymorphism in the GCKR gene predicted dyslipidaemia (rs1260326, OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.09–1.22, p?p?p?p?

Conclusions/interpretation

Polymorphisms in susceptibility genes for type 2 diabetes (TCF7L2, WFS1, IGF2BP2) and obesity (FTO) predispose to the metabolic syndrome by increasing the risk of one specific component of the metabolic syndrome. The findings argue against a unifying genetic component for the metabolic syndrome.

     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">BAALC</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">ERG</Emphasis> expression levels at diagnosis have no prognosis impact on acute myeloid leukemia patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Brain and acute leukemia, cytoplasmic (BAALC) and ETS-related gene (ERG) expression levels are independent prognostic factors for acute myeloid leukemia (AML); however, their prognostic impacts on AML patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) require further investigation. We studied 71 de novo AML patients treated with allo-HSCT and defined low and high expressers according to the median expression levels of BAALC and ERG at diagnosis respectively. High BAALC expression was associated with wild-type NPM1 (P?=?0.000) and RUNX1 mutations (P?=?0.027). High ERG expression was associated with FLT3-ITD absence (P?=?0.003) and wild-type NPM1 (P?=?0.001). BAALC and ERG expression levels were significantly correlated with each other (P?=?0.001). Survival analyses including Kaplan-Meier curves and univariate and multivariate analysis consistently reported that there were no significant differences for both event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) (all P?>?0.1), between high versus low BAALC and ERG expressers. Our study suggested that despite of their well-known adverse role in prognosis of AML, neither BAALC nor ERG expression levels at diagnosis had effect on survival of AML patients who underwent allo-HSCT.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Fas/FasL,Bcl2</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Caspase</Emphasis>-<Emphasis Type="Italic">8</Emphasis> gene polymorphisms in Chinese patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Apoptosis signals are necessary for maintaining homeostasis and an adequate immune response. Dysregulation of apoptosis-related genes in the immune system has an important impact on autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Thus, we investigated the association between Fas rs2234767 G/A, FasL rs763110 C/T, Bcl2 rs12454712 T/C, Bcl2 rs17757541 C/G, and Caspase-8 rs1035142 G/T polymorphisms and RA susceptibility in a Chinese population. These five single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were studied in a Chinese population consisting of 615 patients with RA and 839 controls. Genotyping was performed using a custom-by-design 48-Plex SNP scan TM kit. Furthermore, we undertook a meta-analysis between FasL rs763110 C/T and RA. This study indicated that Fas rs2234767 and Bcl2 rs17757541 polymorphisms were risk factors for RA. No association was observed between FasL rs763110 C/T, Bcl2 rs12454712 T/C, and Caspase-8 rs1035142 G/T polymorphisms and RA in this study. The results of this meta-analysis suggested no significant association between FasL rs763110 C/T and RA. However, stratification analysis of this meta-analysis indicated that FasL rs763110 C/T increased the risk of Caucasian RA patients. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that Fas rs2234767 G/A and Bcl2 rs17757541 T/C polymorphisms might be associated with an increased risk of RA. This meta-analysis revealed that FasL rs763110 C/T was associated with an increased risk of Caucasian RA patients.     

Non-driver mutations in patients with <Emphasis Type="Italic">JAK2</Emphasis>V617F-mutated polycythemia vera or essential thrombocythemia with long-term molecular follow-up

JAK2V617F monitoring and NGS of non-driver genes was performed in 100 patients with polycythemia vera (PV) or essential thrombocythemia (ET) with long molecular follow-up. Patients who did not progress to myelofibrosis (MF) or acute myeloid leukemia (AML) after more than 10 years (n?=?50) showed a low frequency of mutations at first sample (18%) and an incidence rate of 1.7 new mutations?×?100 person-years. Mutations were detected at first sample in 83% of PV/ET patients who later progressed to AML (n?=?12) with these patients having a rate of 25.6 mutations?×?100 person-years. Presence of mutations at diagnosis was the unique risk factor for acquiring a new genetic event (HR 2.7, 95% CI 1.1–6.8, p?=?0.03) after correction for age, PV diagnosis, and total duration of hydroxyurea (HU) exposure. Patients with additional mutation at first sample showed a higher probability of developing cytopenia under HU therapy and a higher risk of AML (HR 12.2, 95% CI 2.6–57.1, p?=?0.001) with mutations in ASXL1 (p?<?0.0001), TP53 (p?=?0.01), SRSF2 (p?<?0.0001), IDH1/2 (p?<?0.0001), and RUNX1 (p?<?0.0001) being associated with a higher probability of AML. Myelofibrotic transformation was more frequent in patients with additional mutations, especially in SF3B1 (p?=?0.02) and IDH1/2 (p?<?0.0001) although a persistently high or a progressive increase of the JAK2V617F allele burden while receiving cytoreduction was the strongest predictor of MF transformation (HR 10.8, 95% CI 2.4–49.1, p?=?0.002). In conclusion, NGS may be useful to identify a minority of PV and ET patients with high genetic instability and increased risk of AML transformation.     

Meta-genome-wide association studies identify a locus on chromosome 1 and multiple variants in the MHC region for serum C-peptide in type 1 diabetes

Aims/hypothesis

The aim of this study was to identify genetic variants associated with beta cell function in type 1 diabetes, as measured by serum C-peptide levels, through meta-genome-wide association studies (meta-GWAS).

Methods

We performed a meta-GWAS to combine the results from five studies in type 1 diabetes with cross-sectionally measured stimulated, fasting or random C-peptide levels, including 3479 European participants. The p values across studies were combined, taking into account sample size and direction of effect. We also performed separate meta-GWAS for stimulated (n?=?1303), fasting (n?=?2019) and random (n?=?1497) C-peptide levels.

Results

In the meta-GWAS for stimulated/fasting/random C-peptide levels, a SNP on chromosome 1, rs559047 (Chr1:238753916, T>A, minor allele frequency [MAF] 0.24–0.26), was associated with C-peptide (p?=?4.13?×?10^?8), meeting the genome-wide significance threshold (p?<?5?×?10^?8). In the same meta-GWAS, a locus in the MHC region (rs9260151) was close to the genome-wide significance threshold (Chr6:29911030, C>T, MAF 0.07–0.10, p?=?8.43?×?10^?8). In the stimulated C-peptide meta-GWAS, rs61211515 (Chr6:30100975, T/–, MAF 0.17–0.19) in the MHC region was associated with stimulated C-peptide (β [SE]?=???0.39 [0.07], p?=?9.72?×?10^?8). rs61211515 was also associated with the rate of stimulated C-peptide decline over time in a subset of individuals (n?=?258) with annual repeated measures for up to 6 years (p?=?0.02). In the meta-GWAS of random C-peptide, another MHC region, SNP rs3135002 (Chr6:32668439, C>A, MAF 0.02–0.06), was associated with C-peptide (p?=?3.49?×?10^?8). Conditional analyses suggested that the three identified variants in the MHC region were independent of each other. rs9260151 and rs3135002 have been associated with type 1 diabetes, whereas rs559047 and rs61211515 have not been associated with a risk of developing type 1 diabetes.

Conclusions/interpretation

We identified a locus on chromosome 1 and multiple variants in the MHC region, at least some of which were distinct from type 1 diabetes risk loci, that were associated with C-peptide, suggesting partly non-overlapping mechanisms for the development and progression of type 1 diabetes. These associations need to be validated in independent populations. Further investigations could provide insights into mechanisms of beta cell loss and opportunities to preserve beta cell function.

     

Association study of ankylosing spondylitis and polymorphisms in ERAP1 gene in Zhejiang Han Chinese population

The susceptibility loci of ERAP1 polymorphisms have been found to be strongly associated with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The researches in multiple ethnic cohorts suggested that the population attributable risk in ERAP1 polymorphisms is at a high significance level. This study was undertaken to estimate the prevalence and incidence of subsets of AS and investigate the specific variants of ERAP1 polymorphisms in AS susceptibility, in the Han ethnic Chinese population in Zhejiang Province. AS patients were selected, diagnosed, and confirmed by a qualified rheumatologist. The basal clinical and demographic characteristics were compared with all subjects. Genotypes for eight selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ERAP1 gene (rs27038, rs27037, rs27434, rs27980, rs7711564, rs30187, rs10050860, and rs17482078) were determined by using the Sequenom MassARRAY iPLEX platform in Zhejiang Han Chinese population. Association analyses were performed on the whole genotyped data set in 707 unrelated ankylosing spondylitis cases and 837 ethnically matched controls. We observed the strongest association between AS and HLA-B27, which confers over 90 % of ankylosing spondylitis cases. Moreover, we found three loci of ERAP1 polymorphisms were at a high significance level (rs27037 P = 0.00451; rs27434 P = 0.00012; rs27980 P = 0.00682) with AS in Zhejiang population. We also confirmed polymorphism locus of ERAP1 previously reported association with AS (rs27434; P = 5.3 × 10^?12). Our results indicated a difference in the mechanism of susceptibility loci in subsets of Zhejiang Han Chinese population and provided further evidence that rs27434 is the key polymorphism associated with AS in ERAP1 gene.     

Discordant association of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">CREBRF</Emphasis> rs373863828 A allele with increased BMI and protection from type 2 diabetes in Māori and Pacific (Polynesian) people living in Aotearoa/New Zealand

Aims/hypothesis

The A (minor) allele of CREBRF rs373863828 has been associated with increased BMI and reduced risk of type 2 diabetes in the Samoan populations of Samoa and American Samoa. Our aim was to test rs373863828 for associations with BMI and the odds of type 2 diabetes, gout and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Māori and Pacific (Polynesian) people living in Aotearoa/New Zealand.

Methods

Linear and logistic regression models were used to analyse the association of the A allele of CREBRF rs373863828 with BMI, log-transformed BMI, waist circumference, type 2 diabetes, gout and CKD in 2286 adults. The primary analyses were adjusted for age, sex, the first four genome-wide principal components and (where appropriate) BMI, waist circumference and type 2 diabetes. The primary analysis was conducted in ancestrally defined groups and association effects were combined using meta-analysis.

Results

For the A allele of rs373863828, the effect size was 0.038 (95% CI 0.022, 0.055, p?=?4.8?×?10^?6) for log-transformed BMI, with OR 0.59 (95% CI 0.47, 0.73, p?=?1.9?×?10^?6) for type 2 diabetes. There was no evidence for an association of genotype with variance in BMI (p?=?0.13), and nor was there evidence for associations with serum urate (β?=?0.012 mmol/l, p_corrected?=?0.10), gout (OR 1.00, p?=?0.98) or CKD (OR 0.91, p?=?0.59).

Conclusions/interpretation

Our results in New Zealand Polynesian adults replicate, with very similar effect sizes, the association of the A allele of rs373863828 with higher BMI but lower odds of type 2 diabetes among Samoan adults living in Samoa and American Samoa.

     

Role of reduced-intensity conditioning allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation in older patients with de novo acute myeloid leukemia

Reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) regimens extend the therapeutic use of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) to older patients. The survival trend in 2325 patients aged >50 years presenting with de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who underwent first reduced-intensity HCT (RIC-HCT) was assessed by retrospectively analyzing outcomes between 2000 and 2013. The annual number of RIC-HCTs in Japan was higher in the 2008–2013 period (n?=?205/year [1229/6 years]) than in the 2000–2007 period (n?=?137/year [1096/8 years]). Overall and disease-free survival were higher in the 2008–2013 period (P?<?0.001) because of the improvement in transplant-related mortality (TRM). Survival regarding RIC-HCT for AML has improved over time, with an increased number of RIC-HCTs in patients with a Karnofsky performance status (KPS) ≥80. However, TRM remains high and the relapse rate has not improved over time. Multivariate analyses showed that a KPS ≥80 and complete remission at HCT were associated with less TRM and relapse, and better survival regardless of age ≥65 years. Accurate timing and prospective identification of patients at risk of TRM may aid the development of risk-adapted strategies for RIC-HCT in AML patients regardless of age.     

Association between <Emphasis Type="Italic">IL17A</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">IL17F</Emphasis> polymorphisms and risk of Henoch–Schonlein purpura in Chinese children

Previous studies suggested that interleukin-17 and Th17 cell play an important role in the pathogenesis of childhood Henoch–Schonlein purpura (HSP). The purpose of our study is to elucidate whether the IL17A and IL17F gene polymorphisms are susceptibility genes for the development of HSP in Chinese children. A total of 148 HSP patients and 202 controls were enrolled for analyzing the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of IL17A (rs2275913, rs8193037 and rs3819025) and IL17F (rs763780 and rs9463772). TaqMan Real-Time polymerase chain reaction method was used in SNP genotyping. Compared to the healthy controls, the IL17A rs2275913 variant allele A showed a significant association with HSP [odds ratio (OR) 0.70; 95 % CI 0.51–0.94, P = 0.018]. Genotyping analysis demonstrated rs2275913 was associated with a decreased HSP risk (G/A vs. G/G: OR 0.56; 95 % CI 0.33–0.95; A/A vs. G/G: OR 0.46; 95 % CI 0.24–0.86; P = 0.032). Also, our findings showed that the A allele of IL17A rs3819025 was associated with a higher risk of HSP nephritis (OR 1.61; 95 % CI 1.00–2.58; P = 0.047). In addition, a risk haplotype of IL17A (GGA) was found (OR 1.84; 95 % CI 1.17–2.88; P = 0.008). However, no significant differences between HSP patients and healthy controls were observed when comparing genotype, allele or haplotype frequencies of the IL17F rs763780 and rs9463772 polymorphisms. In this study, we confirmed that the rs2275913 polymorphism of the IL17A gene was associated with susceptibility to HSP in Chinese children. However, there was no relationship between IL17F rs763780 and rs9463772 polymorphisms and HSP susceptibility.     

Association between susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis and <Emphasis Type="Italic">PADI4</Emphasis> polymorphisms: a meta-analysis

The objective of the study was to determine by meta-analysis whether polymorphisms of the gene encoding peptidylarginine deiminase 4 (PADI4) are associated with susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A literature review was conducted to identify data sets that described analyses of genetic association between PADI4 polymorphisms and RA. Data sets were collated and a meta-analysis was performed, with a specific focus on associations within Caucasian and Asian populations. A total of 15,947 RA cases and 22,696 controls that were taken from 28 studies in 24 papers were included in this study. Meta-analysis showed a significant association between allele 2 of the PADI4_94 polymorphism and RA in the overall population (odds ratio [OR]?=?1.155, 95 % confidence interval [CI]?=?1.069–1.249, p?=?2.7?×?10^?5). Stratification by ethnicity revealed an association between PADI4_94 allele 2 and RA in Asians (OR?=?1.273, 95 % CI?=?1.193–1.359, p?<?1.0?×?10^?9), but not in Caucasians (OR?=?1.024, 95 % CI?=?0.973–1.078, p?=?0.358). However, meta-analysis using homozygote contrast showed an association between PADI4_94 allele 2 and RA in both Asians (OR?=?2.311, 95 % CI?=?1.1.858–2.875, p?<?1.0?×?10^?9) and Caucasians (OR?=?1.523, 95 % CI?=?1.157–2.004, p?=?0.008). Meta-analysis also revealed an association between allele 2 of the PADI4_104 polymorphism and RA in both Asians (OR?=?1.547, 95 % CI?=?1.247–1.919, p?=?7.1?×?10^?6) and Caucasians (OR?=?1.096, 95 % CI?=?1.025–1.172, p?=?0.008). Finally, meta-analysis showed an association between allele 2 of the PADI4_92 polymorphism and RA in Asians (OR?=?1.263, 95 % CI?=?1.153–1.384, p?=?5.8?×?10^?8), but not in Caucasians (OR?=?1.123, 95 % CI?=?0.980–1.287, p?=?0.095). Meta-analysis indicated no association between allele 2 of either the PADI4_90 or PADI4_89 polymorphisms and RA in Asians. This meta-analysis revealed that the PADI4_94 and PADI_104 polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to RA in Asians and Caucasians, and that the PADI4_92 polymorphism is associated with susceptibility to RA in Asians, but not in Caucasians.     

Effects of post-remission chemotherapy before allo-HSCT for acute myeloid leukemia during first complete remission: a meta-analysis

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is most frequently used to treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Whether patients should routinely receive consolidation chemotherapy before proceeding to transplant after achieving first complete remission (CR1) has been a subject of debate. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies examining the impact of post-remission chemotherapy before allo-HSCT in patients with AML in CR1. Six studies including 1659 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled hazard ratio (HR) for overall survival was 0.9 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.77–1.05, P?=?0.182), and the pooled HR for leukemia-free survival was 0.87 (95% CI 0.75–1.0, P?=?0.07). No survival advantage was observed for post-remission chemotherapy before reduced-intensity conditioning or myeloablative conditioning (MAC) allo-HSCT for AML in CR1. The pooled relative risk for relapse incidence (RI) was 1.02 (95% CI 0.82–1.28, P?=?0.834). Post-remission chemotherapy before allo-HSCT did not significantly affect the RI in patients with AML in CR1. The analyses revealed no significant benefit of post-remission consolidation chemotherapy in patients who received allo-HSCT. We recommend proceeding to allo-HSCT as soon as CR1 is attained.     

Association between FTO gene polymorphisms and HDL cholesterol concentration may cause higher risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with acromegaly

Introduction

Cardiovascular diseases are main cause of morbidity and mortality in acromegaly. Polymorphisms of FTO gene are associated with obesity and increased risk of CVD (independently of BMI). Aim of this study was to investigate the allele frequencies of two FTO gene polymorphisms: rs9939609 and rs9930506 in patients with acromegaly and to examine the association of FTO gene polymorphisms with BMI and selected metabolic parameters.

Materials and methods

Identification of two single nucleotide polymorphisms of FTO gene was carried out in 51 patients with acromegaly using the minisequencing method.

Results

The risk-allele frequencies of rs9939609 and rs9930506 polymorphisms were 0.471 and 0.529, respectively and they were higher than in general European population. There is no association of FTO gene polymorphisms with BMI, glucose, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglyceride. The risk alleles were associated with decreased HDL cholesterol concentration. Homozygotes for the rs9939609-risk allele had 1.25-fold lower HDL cholesterol concentration than carriers of the TT genotype (p?=?0.0024). The estimated average decrease in HDL cholesterol concentration per risk allele for rs9930506 was 11.2%. Nevertheless, statistically significant differences were observed only between AG versus GG and AA versus GG genotypes. Homozygotes for the rs9930506-risk allele had 1.27-fold lower HDL cholesterol concentration than carriers of the AA genotype (p?=?0.007).

Conclusion

The risk-allele frequencies of studied polymorphisms in acromegaly were higher than in general European population. There is an association between FTO gene polymorphisms and HDL cholesterol concentration, suggesting FTO gene polymorphisms may be associated with higher CVD risk in patients with acromegaly.

     

Polymorphisms within the neuronal cadherin (<Emphasis Type="Italic">CDH2</Emphasis>) gene are associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in a South African cohort

OCD is characterised by recurrent obsessions and compulsions that result in severe distress and increased risk for comorbidity. Recently published findings have indicated that the neuronal cadherin gene (CDH2) plays a role in the development of canine OCD, and led us to investigate the human ortholog, CDH2, in a human OCD cohort. Seven CDH2 polymorphisms were selected and genotyped in a South African Caucasian cohort of 234 OCD patients and 180 healthy controls using TaqMan assays. Polymorphisms were analysed in a single-locus and haplotypic context. Of the seven polymorphisms, two reached statistical significance for OCD under additive and codominant models of inheritance (rs1120154 and rs12605662). CDH2 SNP, rs1120154, C-allele carriers were found to be significantly associated with lower risk to develop OCD compared to TT-homozygotes (OR = 0.49; 95 % CI: 0.32–0.75; p < 0.001), and rs12605662 G-allele carriers were significantly associated with reduced risk OCD compared to TT-homozygotes (OR = 0.46; 95 % CI: 0.30–0.71; p < 0.001), Furthermore, a single haplotype was found to infer an increased risk for OCD diagnosis (*rs8087457-rs1148374: A-T). Polymorphisms within the CDH2 gene are associated with susceptibility to OCD in a South African cohort.     

Association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the gene of ADP-ribosylation factor-like 15 (<Emphasis Type="Italic">ARL15</Emphasis>) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Korean Chinese population in Yanbian,China

This study aimed to investigate the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the gene of ADP-ribosylation factor-like 15 (ARL15) and morbidity of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Yanbian Korean Chinese population. A total of 651 subjects including 327 subjects with T2D and 324 subjects with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) were involved. Genotypes and alleles of SNPs rs26770, rs4311394, and rs35941 in ARL15 were analyzed. The results indicated: (1) frequency of genotype GG for SNP rs26770 in T2D group was higher than that in NGT group and showing as recessive model (P?=?0.045), (2) frequency of combined genotype AG-GG-CC of the three SNPs rs26770, rs4311394, and rs35941 in ARL15 in T2D group was higher than that in NGT group (P?=?0.045), (3) Haplotype G A T for the three SNPs showed positive correlation with T2D development (P?=?0.007). The following conclusion was drawn: for SNPs rs26770, rs4311394, and rs35941, genotype GG for rs26770, haplotype G A T, and joint genotype AG-GG-CC may be risk factors for T2D development in Korean Chinese population in Yanbian, China.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">FAM13A</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">POM121C</Emphasis> are candidate genes for fasting insulin: functional follow-up analysis of a genome-wide association study

Aims/hypothesis

By genome-wide association meta-analysis, 17 genetic loci associated with fasting serum insulin (FSI), a marker of systemic insulin resistance, have been identified. To define potential culprit genes in these loci, in a cross-sectional study we analysed white adipose tissue (WAT) expression of 120 genes in these loci in relation to systemic and adipose tissue variables, and functionally evaluated genes demonstrating genotype-specific expression in WAT (eQTLs).

Methods

Abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue biopsies were obtained from 114 women. Basal lipolytic activity was measured as glycerol release from adipose tissue explants. Adipocytes were isolated and insulin-stimulated incorporation of radiolabelled glucose into lipids was used to quantify adipocyte insulin sensitivity. Small interfering RNA-mediated knockout in human mesenchymal stem cells was used for functional evaluation of genes.

Results

Adipose expression of 48 of the studied candidate genes associated significantly with FSI, whereas expression of 24, 17 and 2 genes, respectively, associated with adipocyte insulin sensitivity, lipolysis and/or WAT morphology (i.e. fat cell size relative to total body fat mass). Four genetic loci contained eQTLs. In one chromosome 4 locus (rs3822072), the FSI-increasing allele associated with lower FAM13A expression and FAM13A expression associated with a beneficial metabolic profile including decreased WAT lipolysis (regression coefficient, R?=??0.50, p?=?5.6?×?10^?7). Knockdown of FAM13A increased lipolysis by ~1.5-fold and the expression of LIPE (encoding hormone-sensitive lipase, a rate-limiting enzyme in lipolysis). At the chromosome 7 locus (rs1167800), the FSI-increasing allele associated with lower POM121C expression. Consistent with an insulin-sensitising function, POM121C expression associated with systemic insulin sensitivity (R?=??0.22, p?=?2.0?×?10^?2), adipocyte insulin sensitivity (R?=?0.28, p?=?3.4?×?10^?3) and adipose hyperplasia (R?=??0.29, p?=?2.6?×?10^?2). POM121C knockdown decreased expression of all adipocyte-specific markers by 25–50%, suggesting that POM121C is necessary for adipogenesis.

Conclusions/interpretation

Gene expression and adipocyte functional studies support the notion that FAM13A and POM121C control adipocyte lipolysis and adipogenesis, respectively, and might thereby be involved in genetic control of systemic insulin sensitivity.