Plasma UGRP1 levels associate with promoter G-112A polymorphism and the severity of asthma.

BACKGROUND: Uteroglobin-related protein 1 (UGRP1) is a secretory protein expressed in the airways and is speculated to have anti-inflammatory activity. In the mouse, its gene expression is down-regulated by interleukin (IL)-5 and -9, and up-regulated by IL-10. However, the precise role of UGRP1 in human inflammatory airway diseases such as asthma has not been clarified. The objectives of this study were to establish an ELISA system to quantify UGRP1 protein, and to examine whether plasma UGRP1 levels are associated with the G-112A polymorphism, asthma susceptibility, and its severity. METHODS: 152 asthma patients and 103 normal controls were involved in this study. Mice were immunized with recombinant UGRP1 and hybridoma cell lines were established. A sandwich ELISA system was established by using two monoclonal antibodies recognizing different epitopes. Plasma UGRP1 levels were measured with the ELISA system and the G-112A allele was detected by using real-time PCR. RESULTS: An ELISA system was established that allowed determination of UGRP1 levels within the range of 9.6-1250 pg/ml. The mean plasma UGRP1 levels for subjects with -112A allele were significantly lower than those without it (p = 0.025). Although there was no significant difference in the plasma UGRP1 levels between asthma patients and controls (p = 0.13), severe asthma patients without oral corticosteroid had significantly lower plasma UGRP1 levels compared to mild- or moderate- asthma patients and controls (p = 0.004, 0.03 and 0.003, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The ELISA system for quantifying UGRP1 protein was established, and plasma UGRP1 levels were associated with the G-112A UGRP1 gene promoter polymorphism and the severity of asthma.     

Association of asthma severity and bronchial hyperresponsiveness with a polymorphism in the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 gene

OBJECTIVES: Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen (CTLA)-4 is a homolog of CD28, which is expressed only on activated T cells. It binds to accessory molecule B7 and mediates T-cell-dependent immune response. Signaling through CTLA-4 may down-regulate type 1 T-helper cell proliferation; moreover, some studies suggest that CTLA-4 might also deliver a positive signal to type 2 T-helper cell activation. Disruption of this delicate balance of immune regulation may lead to autoimmune diseases or atopic diseases. To evaluate the possible role of CTLA-4 polymorphisms in bronchial asthma, we investigated the association between polymorphisms (exon 1 +49 A/G, promoter -318 C/T) and atopy, asthma severity, and bronchial hyperresponsiveness in bronchial asthma patients and a group of healthy control subjects. PATIENTS: Eighty-eight asthmatic patients and 88 healthy control subjects were studied. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Asthma severity assessment, methacholine challenge, allergy skinprick test, and serum total IgE measurements were performed. The genotypes of the CTLA-4 promoter (-318 C/T) and exon 1 (+49 A/G) in all subjects were determined using the polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism. The CTLA-4 promoter (-318 C/T) polymorphism was shown to be associated with asthma severity, but not with asthma, atopy, or bronchial hyperresponsiveness. A significant association was found between severe asthma and the T allele (p = 0.037). The CTLA-4 exon 1 (+49 A/G) polymorphism was shown to be associated with bronchial hyperresponsiveness, but not with asthma, atopy, or asthma severity. Asthmatic patients of the GG genotype had more hyperresponsive airways than those with the AG or AA genotype (p = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: The CTLA-4 promoter (-318 C/T) T allele may serve as a clinically useful marker of severe asthma. The CTLA-4 exon 1 (+49 A/G) polymorphism may have a disease-modifying effect in asthmatic airways.     

No association between atopy/asthma and the ILe50Val polymorphism of IL-4 receptor.

Susceptibility to atopic diseases is known to involve genetic factors. The interleukin-4 (IL-4) receptor- alpha gene (IL4R) reportedly is involved in the development of atopy. A recent study has shown the Ile50 allele of a polymorphism (Ile50Val) of IL4R to be associated with atopy. The objective of this study was to replicate this association and confirm the possible role of the Ile50Val polymorphism of IL4R in the etiology of atopic asthma in a Japanese population. We conducted a transmission disequilibrium test in 86 families identified through asthmatic children. A case-control study was also carried out using both atopic and control subjects. The IL4R Ile50Val polymorphism was genotyped by a PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism method using an intronic upstream primer. The IL4R Ile50 allele was not preferentially transmitted to atopy- or to asthma-affected children. Neither the Ile50 allele nor the Ile50/Ile50 genotype was more prevalent in the atopic subjects than in the control subjects. Our findings indicate that the Ile50Val polymorphism of IL4R does not play a substantial role in genetic predisposition for the etiology of atopy or asthma in this Japanese population.     

ADAM33基因Met764Thr位点多态性与支气管哮喘发病及患者肺功能的相关性

目的探讨中国华南地区汉族人群ADAM33基因Met764Thr位点多态性与支气管哮喘（简称哮喘）及其患者肺功能的相关性。方法对164例中国华南汉族哮喘患者（哮喘组）及112名汉族健康者（健康对照组），应用聚合酶链反应和限制性片段长度多态性（PCR-RFLP）、DNA测序及肺功能测定的方法。结果（1）不同种族人群ADAM33基因Met764Thr位点等位基因频率的比较差异无统计学意义（χ^2=6．77，P〉0．05）；（2）ADAM33基因Met764Thr位点3种基因型（Met764／Met764、Met764／Thr764、Thr764／Thr764）在哮喘组分布频率分别为78．7％（129／164）、18．3％（30／164）、3．0％（5／164）；健康对照组分布频率分别为91．1％（102／112）、6．3％（7／112）、2．7％（3／112）；各基因型分布频率哮喘组与健康对照组比较差异有统计学意义（χ^2=8．46，P〈0．05）。ADAM33基因Met764Thr位点，Thr764等位基因在哮喘组与健康对照组分布频率分别为0．122、0．058，哮喘组与健康对照组Met764及，Thr764等位基因频率比较差异有统计学意义（χ^2=6．27，P〈0．05）；（3）单变量Logistic回归分析Met764Thr位点基因多态性与哮喘的关系表明，相对Met764／Met764基因型而言，Met764／Thr764杂合型与Met764／Thr764＋Thr764／Thr764基因型均能显著增加哮喘发生的危险性[OR值及95％可信区间（CI）分别为3．389（1．430～8．030）、2．767（1．308～5．854），P均〈0．05]；（4）在哮喘组中3种基因型的用力肺活量（FVC）实测值／预测值％、第一秒用力呼气容积（FEV1）实测值／预测值％水平比较差异有统计学意义（F值分别为0．49、5．17，P均〈0．05）。结论ADAM33基因Met764Thr位点基因多态性与中国华南汉族人群哮喘发病及患者的肺功能相关。     

RANTES Gene Promoter Polymorphisms Are Associated with Bronchial Hyperresponsiveness in Korean Children with Asthma

Regulated upon activation in normal T cells, expressed, and secreted (RANTES) protein is abundantly expressed during atopic asthma, suggesting that it is an important mediator of this disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible role of RANTES promoter polymorphisms in children with asthma. We genotyped 271 children with atopic asthma, 55 children with nonatopic asthma, and 253 control children for allelic determinants at two polymorphic sites in the promoter region at positions −403G>A and −28C>G by restriction fragment length polymorphism methods. There was no significant difference in genotype and allele frequencies of the RANTES −403G>A and −28C>G polymorphisms when the atopic asthma, nonatopic asthma, and control groups were compared. However, atopic asthmatic patients who were homozygous GG for the RANTES −28C>G tended to have lower PC₂₀ methacholine than those carrying the wild genotype. In addition, a significantly lower PC₂₀ was demonstrated for the homozygous haplotype −403A/−28G in asthmatic children. The polymorphisms within the RANTES promoter may have a disease-modifying effect in Korean children with asthma. Myung Hyun Sohn and Seung-Hyun Kim contributed equally to this work.     

湖北汉族人群T淋巴细胞免疫球蛋白黏蛋白-3基因单体型与变应性支气管哮喘的相关性

目的 分析湖北汉族人群T淋巴细胞免疫球蛋白黏蛋白-3(TIM-3)启动子区-1516G/T和外显子3区4259G/T单核苷酸多态性及其连锁不平衡关系,探讨其构成的单体型与支气管哮喘(简称哮喘)易感性之间的关系.方法 2004年6月至2007年10月采用等位基因特异性聚合酶链反应检测湖北汉族175例哮喘患者(哮喘组)和202名健康者(健康对照组)TIM-3-1516G/T和4259G/T的单核苷酸多态性,计算基因型和等位基因频率、两位点间的连锁不平衡系数(D')值及单体型频率.结果 TIM-3基因-1516G/T基因型GG、GT和TT在健康对照组中分布频率分别为82.7%(167/202)、17.3%(35/202)、0(0/202),哮喘组分布频率分别为82.9%(145/175)、17.1%(30/175)、0(0/175);TIM-3基因4259G/T基因型GG、GT和,TT在健康对照组中分布频率分别为0.5%(1/202)、2.5%(5/202)、97.0%(196/202),哮喘组分布频率分别为0.6%(1/175)、5.7%(10/175)、93.7%(164/175).对照组D'值为1.0,哮喘组D'值为0.9.湖北汉族人群中存在3种单体型(G-G、G-T、T-T),这3种单体型频率在健康对照组分别为1.7%(7/404)、89.6%(362/404)、8.7%(35/404),哮喘组分别为3.4%(12/350)、88.0%(308/350)、8.6%(30/350);3种单体型(G-G、G-T、T-T)与哮喘易感性无相关性(x2值分别为2.15、0.47、0.003,P均＞0.05).结论 TIM-3基因-1516G/T与4259G/T之间存在紧密连锁不平衡关系,G-G、G-T、T-T与哮喘易感性无相关性.但不排除是否与其他种族人群中哮喘易感性相关或与其他过敏性疾病和自身免疫性疾病的易感性相关.     

Lack of association between atopic asthma and the tumor necrosis factor alpha-308 gene polymorphism in a Czech population.

Susceptibility to the development of asthma and other atopic diseases is known to be associated with genetic components. Several investigators have linked the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) genes and nearby markers located on chromosome 6p to atopy and asthma. A recent study has demonstrated that the TNF-alpha*2 allele of a polymorphism in the TNF-alpha gene promoter region (G-308 A) is associated with a higher risk for the development of atopy in Spanish patients. This study evaluates the possible role of two described bi-allelic polymorphisms in the TNF locus [a G to A transition at position-308 in the 5'-promoter region of the TNF-alpha gene and an NcoI restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) in the first intron (+252A/G) of the LT-alpha(TNF-beta) gene] in atopic diseases in a Czech population. We investigated the distribution of these polymorphisms in a case-control study. The genotypes were determined in 151 patients with atopic asthma and 155 randomly sampled control subjects. The genotype frequencies for both polymorphisms were similar in cases and controls. No significant differences in allele frequencies were found between either of the patients groups and the reference subjects. Similarly, there were no associations of any of the examined variants of the TNF genes with total IgE, specific IgE or pulmonary function tests in patients with allergic diseases. We conclude that these polymorphisms of the TNF genes are unlikely to contribute to atopic disease risk in our population. Significant associations that have been reported in other studies may reflect the genetic heterogeneity of these complex diseases.     

Prevalence of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and angiotensin converting enzyme polymorphisms in mild/moderate and fatal/near-fatal asthma.

Allele 2 of the polymorphism at position -308 in the promoter of the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) gene, and the D allele of the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene, have been associated with asthma. We hypothesized that genotypes containing these alleles would show an increased prevalence in asthmatic as compared with nonasthmatic individuals, and would be associated with asthma severity. Polymerase chain reaction-based assays were developed to determine TNF-alpha and ACE genotypes among subjects with mild/moderate asthma (n = 92), fatal/near-fatal asthma (n = 159), no asthma (n = 43), and random population controls (n = 252). The TNF-alpha -308 polymorphism was increased in both subjects with mild/moderate (p = 0.03) and those with fatal/near fatal asthma (p = 0.02) versus those without asthma, and in all subjects with asthma versus random population controls (p = 0.02). The mild/moderate group was subdivided into subjects with mild (n = 43) and those with moderate (n = 33) asthma. TNF-alpha -308 was increased in the moderately asthmatic versus the nonasthmatic subjects (p = 0.003), and in the mildly asthmatic subjects (p = 0.01). However, TNF-alpha -308 was not significantly more prevalent in the fatal/near-fatal than in the mild/moderate asthmatic group. The ACE-D allele did not show an association with either asthma or asthma severity. We conclude that the TNF-alpha -308 polymorphism may be a risk factor for asthma but does not increase the risk of a fatal or a near-fatal asthma attack, whereas the ACE polymorphism is not associated with asthma in this population.     

Cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 gene polymorphisms confer susceptibility to atopic asthma in Korean children

Cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) is a negative regulator of T lymphocyte activation. The gene encoding CTLA-4 is a candidate gene for conferring susceptibility to allergic disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential effects of CTLA-4 gene polymorphisms in Korean children on asthma. We genotyped 272 children with atopic asthma, 54 children with nonatopic asthma (NAA), and 254 control children for allelic determinants at two polymorphic sites in the region at positions promoter - 318 C > T and exon 1 + 49 G > A using restriction fragment length polymorphism methods. As a result, allele and genotype frequencies of the CTLA-4 exon 1 + 49 G > A polymorphism were different to some extent between the atopic asthma children and the controls with P<0.05, which did not reach statistical significance after the correction of multiple comparisons. In addition, CTLA-4 + 49 G > A polymorphism was significantly associated with elevated serum IgE levels (P=0.01). Of the four haplotype, haplotype 1 (C-G) was only associated with atopic asthma susceptibility after the correction of multiple comparisons (P=0.01, OR=0.702, 95% CI= 0.541-0.911). Polymorphisms in the CTLA-4 gene likely confer susceptibility to atopic asthma in Korean children.     

Analysis of -675 4 g/5 G SERPINE1 and C-159T CD14 polymorphisms in house dust mite-allergic asthma patients

BACKGROUND: Experimental studies indicate that endogenous plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1, encoded by the gene SERPINE1) modulates the immune response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). On the other hand, LPS induces PAI-1 secretion. Activation of individual cells by LPS is facilitated by CD14. The single nucleotide polymorphisms -675 4G/5G in SERPINE1 and C-159T in CD14 are major determinants of PAI-1 and CD14 expression, respectively. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the frequency of the -675 4G/5G SERPINE1 and C-159T CD14 polymorphisms in house dust mite (HDM) allergic asthma patients. METHODS: The polymorphisms were evaluated in unrelated inhabitants of northeastern Poland, including 372 HDM-allergic asthmatic patients and 160 healthy nonatopic control subjects using polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Both the C allele of CD14 and the 4G allele of SERPINE1 were more frequently encountered in HDM-allergic asthmatic patients than in healthy control individuals. When the 5G/5G-TT/CT genotype was considered as a nonrisk genotype, all other genotypes were associated with asthma. The odds ratios ranged from 3.96 (95% confidence interval, 1.56-10.1) for the 5G/5G-CC genotype to 10.7 (95% confidence interval, 5.1-24.9) for the 4G/4G-CC genotype. Bronchial reactivity to histamine and total serum immunoglobulin (Ig) E levels were predominantly associated with the 4G/5G SERPINE1 variants, while bronchial reactivity to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and serum concentrations of specific IgE against D pteronyssinus were predominantly associated with the C/T CD14 variants. Patients with 4G/4G-CC genotype had the lowest forced expiratory volume in 1 second and the highest bronchial reactivity. CONCLUSION: The SERPINE1 and CD14 polymorphisms studied here are associated with different aspects of bronchial reactivity and IgE response. Our results indicate that PAl-1 and CD14 may interact to affect susceptibility to allergic asthma.     

RANTES G-401A polymorphism is associated with allergen sensitization and FEV1 in Chinese children

G-401A polymorphism in RANTES promoter was associated with near-fatal asthma and atopic dermatitis in children. We studied whether gain-of-function mutations in RANTES gene were associated with asthma and atopy-related traits in Chinese children. Plasma total and aeroallergen-specific IgE concentrations were measured using micro-particle immunoassay and fluorescent enzyme immunoassay, respectively. Restriction fragment length polymorphism was used to genotype RANTES G-401A and C-28G. One hundred and twenty-nine asthmatic children and 66 controls were recruited. Their mean logarithmic plasma total IgE concentrations were 2.53 and 1.98, respectively (P<0.0001). RANTES G-401A was not associated with physician-diagnosed asthma (P = 0.408). However, RANTES G-401A allele was significantly associated with IgE sensitization to cat (odds ratio 2.35; 95% CI 1.15-4.77; P = 0.010). Those homozygous for -401A had higher plasma cat-specific IgE levels (P = 0.034). Subjects having -401A were also more likely to have mold-specific IgE (odds ratio 3.82; 95% CI 1.24-12.14; P = 0.007). On spirometry, those with -401A/ A had lower forced expiratory volume in 1-s (FEV1; P = 0.044). RANTES C-28G was not associated with any outcome in this study. In conclusion, the gain-of-function mutation at -401 of RANTES promoter is associated with sensitization to cat and mold allergens and FEV1 in Chinese children.     

Pediatric Asthmatic Patients Have Low Serum Levels of Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1

Serum levels of MCP-1 were measured in children with and without asthma in order to determine a possible correlation between the MCP-1-2518A/G polymorphism, serum levels of MCP-1 and asthma. Two groups of subjects -160 children with asthma and 158 healthy children were screened with a PCR-based genotyping assay. Serum MCP-1 level was measured by ELISA. The -2518G allele occurred at a significantly higher frequency in asthmatic children than in controls. The mean serum MCP-1 level was significantly lower in the asthmatic than in the control children. There was no significant association between the MCP-1 genotypes and the serum MCP-1 levels.     

多巴胺受体D1基因—48A／G多态性与原发性高血压病的关联研究

目的探讨多巴胺受体D1基因 4 8A/G多态性与原发性高血压病相关性。方法运用聚合酶链反应一限制性片段长度多态性法 (PCR RFLP)分析了解 - 4 8A/G基因型在原发性高血压病组和正常血压对照组的分布情况。结果等位基因A ,G在原发性高血压病组和对照组的分布频率分别为 0 78,0 2 2和 0 86 ,0 14 ,基因频率分布符合Hardy Weinberg平衡 ,样本具有群体代表性 ,两组人群的基因型和等位基因频率存在明显统计学差异 (P <0 0 1,P <0 0 1)。原发性高血压组中G等位基因 ,舒张压明显高于A等位基因 (P <0 0 5 )。结论在中国人群中 ,多巴胺受体D1基因 4 8A/G多态性与原发性高血压病显著性相关     

Pediatric Asthmatic Patients Have Low Serum Levels of Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1

Serum levels of MCP-1 were measured in children with and without asthma in order to determine a possible correlation between the MCP-1-2518A/G polymorphism, serum levels of MCP-1 and asthma. Two groups of subjects ?160 children with asthma and 158 healthy children were screened with a PCR-based genotyping assay. Serum MCP-1 level was measured by ELISA. The -2518G allele occurred at a significantly higher frequency in asthmatic children than in controls. The mean serum MCP-1 level was significantly lower in the asthmatic than in the control children. There was no significant association between the MCP-1 genotypes and the serum MCP-1 levels.     

Uteroglobin-related protein 1 and clara cell protein in induced sputum of patients with asthma and rhinitis

Rationale: Uteroglobin-related protein 1 (UGRP1) and Clara cell protein (CC16), members of the secretoglobin family, increasingly appear to play a role in airway inflammatory response. OBJECTIVE: To explore levels of UGRP1 and CC16 in induced sputum of patients with asthma and rhinitis. METHODS: Induced-sputum samples of patients with asthma or rhinitis (n = 32 each; atopic asthma, n = 24; atopic rhinitis, n = 20) and from 19 nonsmoking nonatopic control subjects were analyzed for cytology and levels of UGRP1, CC16, and albumin. Measurements and main results: Sputum UGRP1 increased in both asthma and rhinitis, most strikingly so in asthma, in which changes were most significant in atopic individuals. By contrast, sputum CC16 did not change significantly in either condition, although it was positively correlated with UGRP1 in patients and control subjects. Changes in sputum UGRP1 in atopic asthma were not linked to permeability changes reflected by increased albumin levels but correlated positively with sputum macrophages and negatively with eosinophils. The observed differences in UGRP1 and CC16 may be linked to different cell populations being responsible for their secretion; UGRP1 is mainly secreted in larger conducting airways, whereas CC16 is mainly secreted by the nasal and peripheral airways epithelium. CONCLUSIONS: The increase in UGRP1 but not of CC16 in asthma and rhinitis suggests that UGRP1 may play a role in these inflammatory diseases.     

Genetic Variation of Myeloperoxidase Gene Contributes to Atopic Asthma Susceptibility: A Preliminary Association Study in Russian Population

Background. Recently, we have shown that both antioxidant and oxidant genes are proper candidates for asthma susceptibility genes. Objectives. In the present study we investigated whether a common polymorphism ?463G > A in the promoter of myeloperoxidase (MPO) gene, an enzyme producing hypohalogenic oxidants, is associated with the risk of bronchial asthma. Methods. We studied 429 unrelated Russian subjects including 215 asthmatic patients and 214 sex- and age-matched healthy controls from Central Russia. The genotyping of the polymorphism ?463G > A in the MPO gene was performed by the polymerase chain reaction and the restriction fragment length polymorphism assays. Results. It was found that a carriage of a ?463A allele is associated with decreased risk of asthma (OR 0.64 95%CI 0.44–0.91, p = 0.013). Furthermore, variant genotypes (?463GA + AA) of the MPO gene were associated with decreased risk of asthma (OR adjusted by age, gender, and immunoglobulin E (IgE) level was 0.63 95%CI 0.42–0.95), but at a borderline statistical significance (Bonferroni corrected p = 0.017). Further analysis revealed that both a ?463A allele and the ?463GA/AA genotypes are significantly associated with decreased risk of atopic asthma (p = 0.01). No association of the ?463G > A polymorphism of the MPO gene with non-atopic asthma has been revealed. We also found that the allele ?463A (OR = 0.47 95%CI 0.27–0.81, p = 0.01) and the ?463GA + AA genotypes (OR 0.43 95%CI 0.24–0.78, p = 0.005) are significantly associated with decreased risk of late-onset atopic asthma (the disease onset after 30 years). No association of both allele and genotypes of the polymorphism ?463G > A of the MPO gene with early-onset of atopic and non-atopic asthma (the disease before 30 years) was seen. Conclusions. The results of this study provide novel insights into pathogenesis of bronchial asthma. We put forward a suggestion about a possible mechanism by which the ?463G > A polymorphism of the MPO gene is involved into pathogenesis of asthma.     

Lack of association between adult asthma and the tumour necrosis factor alpha-308 polymorphism gene.

Tumour necrosis factor (TNF)alpha is a cytokine endowed with potent inflammatory properties that may contribute to airway inflammation in asthma. It has previously been shown that the single base pair polymorphism-308 (G to A substitution) in the promoter of TNFalpha gene results in enhanced cytokine secretion. Whether this polymorphism is associated with the presence of phenotypic expression of asthma is questioned. In this study the relative frequency of TNF1 and TNF2 alleles in a population of adult healthy subjects (n=98) and adult Caucasian asthmatics (n=95) was compared taking into account their disease severity, atopic status and their smoking habit. For the whole group of asthma the genotype frequency for 1/1, 1/2, 2/2 were 67%, 33% and 0%, respectively, and not significantly different from those found in the control group that reached 70%, 28% and 2% respectively (p>0.05). The allele frequencies in asthma were 86% and 14% for TNF1 and TNF2 respectively while the corresponding figures were 85% and 15% in the control group (p>0.05). Furthermore, subdividing asthmatics into severe forced expiratory volume in one second <60% pred), atopic or smoking patients did not show any significant association with this TNFalpha polymorphism. To conclude the polymorphism -308 in the promoter of the TNFalpha gene does not confer a susceptibility to develop asthma nor to grade its severity.     

Glutathione-S-transferase gene polymorphisms (GSTT1, GSTM1, GSTP1) as increased risk factors for asthma

OBJECTIVES: Asthma is a complex multifactorial disease with an obvious genetic predisposition, immunological aberration, and involvement of noxious environmental factors. Polymorphisms of the glutathione-S-transferase (GST) genes are known risk factors for some environmentally-related diseases. In the present study, the hypothesis that polymorphisms in the GSTT1, GSTM1 and GSTP1 genes are associated with atopic and nonatopic asthma was examined. METHODOLOGY: The study population consisted of 103 unrelated healthy individuals and 101 patients with bronchial asthma (64 atopic, 37 nonatopic). Asthma was diagnosed according to the American Thoracic Society statement. Genotyping of polymorphisms in the GSTT1, GSTM1 and GSTP1 genes was performed using real time polymerase chain reaction with a Light Cycler instrument and hybridization probes in combination with the Light Cycler DNA master hybridization probes kit. RESULTS: Patients with atopic asthma (34.4%) had a higher prevalence of the GSTT1 null genotype than the nonatopic asthma patients (13.5%; OR = 3.83; 95% CI, 1.24-11.78). Asthma patients (63.4%) had a higher prevalence of the GSTM1 null genotype than the control group (40.8%; OR = 2.34; 95% CI, 1.31-4.20). Subjects with the GSTP1 homozygous Val/Val genotype had a 3.55-fold increased risk of having atopic asthma compared to nonatopic asthma (OR = 3.55; 95% CI, 1.10-12.56). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the GSTT1 and GSTM1 null genotypes and the GSTP1 Val/Val polymorphism may play important roles in asthma pathogenesis. It is possible that intermediate electrophilic metabolites, arising in the first phase of detoxification, are not metabolized by GST enzymes in asthmatic patients and are not excreted. These intermediate metabolites may damage cells and generate oxidative stress, and so contribute to the pathogenesis of asthma.     

Increased TNFA*2, but not TNFB*1, allele frequency in Spanish atopic patients.

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a potent proinflammatory cytokine involved in asthma and atopy. Increased TNF-alpha levels have been found in airway biopsies and bronchoalveolar lavage fluids from asthmatic patients. Constitutional variations in the TNF-alpha secretion levels in vitro are associated with molecular polymorphisms located within and around the TNF loci. Our study objective was to investigate the association between atopy and two described di-allelic polymorphisms in the TNF locus: a G to A transition at position -308 in the 5'-promoter region of the TNFA gene (TNFA*1 and TNFA*2 alleles) and an Ncol restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) in the first intron of the TNFB gene (TNFB*1 and TNFB*2 alleles). The genetic study was performed in 65 unrelated atopic patients and 60 healthy controls. The regions of interest were amplified from genomic DNA using specific primers and polymerase chain reaction. SSP-PCR analysis for TNFA -308 polymorphism genotyping and endonuclease digestion analysis for the TNFB Ncol RFLP were used. The frequency of the TNFA*2 allele was significantly higher in atopic subjects compared to the control group (38.5% vs. 10.5%; chi2 = 32.06; p <0.0001). The TNFA*2 allele is associated with a higher risk for the development of atopy (risk ratio = 9.44; EF = 0.65; chi2 = 30.06 p <0.0005). On the other hand, no significant association between the TNFB alleles and atopy was found. In conclusion, the TNFA*2 allele could be also a genetic risk marker for the predisposition to atopy in our population, as has been reported in other studies. Either the TNFA gene itself or a linked gene on chromosome region 6p21, which has yet to be identified, is a candidate gene for susceptibility to atopy.     

Genetic polymorphism of MCP-1-2518, IL-8-251and susceptibility to acute pancreatitis： A pilot study in population of Suzhou, China

AIM： To study the relationship between MCP-1-2518A/ G, IL-8-251A/T polymorphism and acute pancreatitis （AP） in the Han population of Suzhou, China.
METHODS： A case-control study was conducted to compare the distribution of genotype and genetic frequency of MCP-1-2518A/G, IL-8-251A/T gene polymorphism among AP （n = 101）, including mild AP （n = 78） and severe AP （n = 23） and control healthy individuals （n = 120） with polymerase chain reaction- restriction fragment length polymorphism （PCR-RFLP） and DNA sequencing, and analyze the relationship between the MCP-1-2518A/G, IL-8-251A/T gene polymorphism and the susceptibility to AP.
RESULTS： Significant differences were found in the distribution of genotype of MCP-1-2518A/G between the healthy control group and mild AP group （χ^2 = 32.015, P 〈 0.001）, the same was evident between the healthy control group and severe AP group （χ^2 = 12.932, P 〈 0.05） in Suzhou. However, no difference of genotypic distribution was noted between MAP and SAP （Z2 = 0.006, P = 0.997）. The genetic frequencies of G allele in mild AP were 72.4% （113/156） and 76.1% （35/46） in severe AP, both were higher than the controls, 47.1% （113/240） （χ^2 = 24.804; P 〈 0.001, and 4,2 = 13：005; P 〈 0.001）, but no difference was found between severe AP and mild AP （χ^2 = 0.242, P = 0.623）. No difference was found in the distribution of genotype of IL-8-251A/T between the healthy control group and AP group neither in the frequency of A and T allele.
CONCLUSION： The MCP-1-2518 AA genotype of the population in Suzhou may be a protective genotype of AP, while one with higher frequency of G allele is more likely to suffer from pancreatitis. But the genotype of AA and the frequency of G allele could not predict the risk of severe AP. No correlation is found between the IL-8-251 polymorphism and the liability of AP.