Reduced gene expression of UCP2 but not UCP3 in skeletal muscle of human obese subjects

Summary Massive overweight is an increasing health problem and underlies several complications which in turn result in premature death. The mechanisms underlying the imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure, that lead to obesity in humans, are still only partly understood. In rodents, heat generation and the burning of calories by the mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) are important for metabolic control. However, UCP1 is exclusively expressed in brown fat which is only present in limited amounts in human adults. The recent characterization of two new uncoupling proteins, UCP2 and UCP3, may elucidate potentially important pathways for energy expenditure regulation in man. The aim of this study was to investigate whether obesity is accompanied by aberrations in UCP2 and UCP3 regulation. Expression of these two genes was examined using in situ hybridization in six lean and six obese, but otherwise healthy, men. The UCP2 expression was decreased by 28 % (p = 0.001) in the abdominal muscle of the obese subjects. No differences in UCP3 expression were observed between obese and control subjects, although there was great variation in the expression between subjects. In conclusion, these data suggest an impaired activity of the mitochondrial uncoupling protein UCP2, but probably not UCP3, in obese subjects. This may result in decreased energy expenditure and contribute to the development and maintenance of obesity. [Diabetologia (1998) 41: 935–939] Received: 5 December 1997 and in revised form: 18 February 1998     

Variations in short tandem repeats deduced on the basis of the number of repeats and the relationship of these variations with longevity

The objective of this study was to investigate the quantitative characteristics of short tandem repeat (STR) variations deduced on the basis of the number of STRs that are beneficial for human survival. The longevity group included 60 nonagenarian subjects, and the control group included 250 reference adults (age, 20–50 years). Alleles of 15 Combined DNA Index System STR loci were determined using a commercial polymerase chain reaction kit. An STR with the highest frequency distribution in a population (control group) was considered as a conservative STR, and the number of core unit repeats of this STR allele was considered as the median repeat number in the STR locus (STRm). The absolute difference between the STRm and the number of core unit repeats of other STR alleles can be considered as the quantitative marker of variation for that particular STR allele (M value). The mean M values of CSF1TPO in the longevity group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). These findings appear to suggest that at least one of the STR loci may be associated with longevity. The M value of STR may be a new and high-efficacy genetic marker.     

茶叶对长寿相关基因CETP表达的影响

目的研究茶叶对人体正常皮肤成纤维细胞(GM细胞)中长寿相关基因胆固醇酯转运蛋白(CETP)编码基因表达的影响。方法采用逆转录PCR法和免疫印迹法分别检测GM细胞中CETP mRNA与蛋白的表达水平。结果高浓度(>2.5μg/μl)普洱茶叶水提取物能抑制GM细胞的生长且下调CETP mRNA表达,低浓度普洱茶叶水提取物(<2.5μg/μl)和绿茶中茶多酚(10μmol/L)能提高CETP mRNA与蛋白的表达,且呈现剂量和时间依赖性。结论 CETP基因可能是茶叶作用的靶点之一。     

高脂饮食对实验性大鼠非酒精性脂肪肝UCP2表达的影响

目的:通过高脂饮食制作非酒精性脂肪肝(NAFLD)动物模型;观察高脂饮食对实验性大鼠NAFLD解偶联蛋白2(UCP2)的影响。方法:通过高脂饮食建立大鼠非酒精性脂肪性肝病模型。观察肝脏病理改变并检测肝脏UCP2表达情况。结果:与正常对照组相比,高脂饮食大鼠肝脏UCP2表达显著上升,肝组织广泛脂肪变性,形成单纯性脂肪肝。继续给予高脂饮食使肝脏UCP2表达水平进一步增加,肝脏发生进一步病理改变而形成脂肪性肝炎。结论:高脂饮食成功地复制了NAFLD动物模型;NAFLD时肝脏UCP2表达上调,可能是机体的一种适应性反应;但是UCP2过度表达,可能诱导或加剧肝脏病理改变。     

A/ASP/VAL allele combination of IGF1R, IRS2, and UCP2 genes is associated with better metabolic profile, preserved energy expenditure parameters, and low mortality rate in longevity

A large array of gene involved in human longevity seems to be in relationship with insulin/IGF1 pathway. However, if such genes interact each other, or with other genes, to reduce the age-related metabolic derangement and determine the long-lived phenotype has been poorly investigated. Thus, we tested the role of interchromosomal interactions among IGF1R, IRS2, and UCP2 genes on the probability to reach extreme old age in 722 unrelated Italian subjects (401 women and 321 men; mean age, 62.83 ± 25.30 years) enrolled between 1998 and 1999. In particular, the G/A-IGF1R, Gly/Asp-IRS2, and Ala/Val-UCP2 allele combination was tested for association with longevity, metabolic profile and energy expenditure parameters. The effect on all-cause and cause-specific mortality rate was also assessed after a mean follow-up of 6 years. The analysis revealed that AAV allele combination is associated with a decreased all-cause mortality risk (HR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.63–0.91; p = 0.03) and with a higher probability to reach the extreme of old age (OR, 3.185; 95% CI, 1.63–6.19; p = 0.0006). The analysis also revealed lower HOMA-IR (Diff, −0.532, 95% CI, 0.886–0.17; p = 0.003), higher respiratory quotient (Diff, 0.0363, 95% CI, 0.014–0.05; p = 0.001), and resting metabolic rate (Diff, 101.80693, 95% CI, −5.26–204.278; p = 0.038) for AAV allele combination. In conclusion, A-IGF1R/Asp-IRS2/Val-UCP2 allele combination is associated with a decreased all-cause mortality risk and with an increased chance of longevity. Such an effect is probably due to the combined effect of IGF1R, IRS2, and UCP2 genes on energy metabolism and on the age-related metabolic remodeling capacity.     

Variations of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor gene are associated with extreme human longevity

Longevity phenotype in humans results from the influence of environmental and genetic factors. Few gene polymorphisms have been identified so far with a modest effect on lifespan leaving room for the search of other players in the longevity game. It has been recently demonstrated that targeted disruption of the mouse homolog of the human angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT₁R) gene (AGTR1) translates into marked prolongation of animal lifespan (Benigni et al., J Clin Invest 119(3):524–530, 2009). Based on the above study in mice, here we sought to search for AGTR1 variations associated to reduced AT₁ receptor protein levels and to prolonged lifespan in humans. AGTR1 was sequenced in 173 Italian centenarians and 376 younger controls. A novel non-synonymous mutation was detected in a centenarian. Two polymorphisms in AGTR1 promoter, rs422858 and rs275653, in complete linkage disequilibrium, were significantly associated with the ability to attain extreme old age. We then replicated the study of rs275653 in a large independent cohort of Japanese origin (598 centenarians and semi-supercentenarians, 422 younger controls) and indeed confirmed its association with exceptional old age. In combined analyses, rs275653 was associated to extreme longevity either at recessive model (P?=?0.007, odds ratio (OR) 3.57) or at genotype level (P?=?0.015). Significance was maintained after correcting for confounding factors. Fluorescence activated cell sorting analysis revealed that subjects homozygous for the minor allele of rs275653 had less AT₁R-positive peripheral blood polymorphonuclear cells. Moreover, rs275653 was associated to lower blood pressure in centenarians. These findings highlight the role of AGTR1 as a possible candidate among longevity-enabling genes.     

UCP3及SUR1基因多态性与我国北方地区汉族人群肥胖及相关表型的关系

目的采用病例-对照研究,探讨解偶联蛋白3（UCP3）Tyr210Tyr（C→T）和磺脲类受体1[ABCC8（SUR1）]Ser1370Ala（T→G）单核苷酸多态性（SNP）与肥胖及血清脂质、FPG等肥胖相关数量表型的关系。方法选取我国北方地区汉族人群中超重及肥胖患者（BMI≥25．O）300例;另入选300例年龄、性别匹配的正常体重者（18．5≤BMI〈25．0）为对照组。测定血浆脂质和FPG等肥胖相关数量表型;并采用实时荧光定量PCR技术,检测UCP3Tyr210Tyr（C→T）和SUR1Ser1370Ala（T→G）多态性基因型。结果（1）UCP3Tyr210Tyr（C→T）多态性基因型和等位基因频率在病例组和对照组分布无显著差异且与肥胖及其相关表型无关。（2）SUR1Ser1370Ala（T→G）的C／C、C／T和T／T基因型及等位基因频率在女性的病例组与对照组存在差异（P〈0．05）,而在男性组却无统计学差异;在病例组和对照组中的分布存在差异（P〈0．05）,病例组TT基因型及等位基因频率高于对照组;而仅按性别分层后也未发现基因型在两组间存在差异。由单变量及多变量逐步条件logistic回归分析皆显示SUR1基因Ser1370Ala（T→G）多态性与肥胖相关（P〈0．05）。发现TG和GG基因型频率越高则发生肥胖的可能性越小,TT基因型则相反是肥胖发生的危险因素（ORTG=0．549;ORGG=0．486）。多元线性回归分析发现：各基因型之间的生化指标除LDL—C（P〈0．05）外,其余各指标无统计学差异。按病例对照分层,肥胖组的各基因型之间TG、LDL-C和Glu均值水平存在差异（P〈0．05）,而TC、HDL—C水平的差异无统计学意义。体重正常组各基因型之间TG、LDL-C和Glu、TC、HDL—C平均值水平的差异无统计学意义。按性别进行分层后,发现除男性各基因型的DBP、TG、LDL-C水平存在差异（P〈0．05）,女性各基因型的TG、TC、LDL—C水平和BMI均值存在差异（P〈0．05）?     

Polymorphisms in MT1a gene coding region are associated with longevity in Italian Central female population

Metallothioneins (MTs) play a pivotal role in zinc-related cell homeostasis because of their high affinity for zinc, which is in turn fundamental for immune response and antioxidant activity. MTs regulate zinc homeostasis by binding zinc and releasing zinc at the occurrence for immune response. The zinc release by MT is very limited in chronic inflammation and ageing. Some polymorphisms of MTs gene, in particular MT1a sub-isoform, may affect this release that is a problem still unresolved in ageing. The screening in the present paper of two polymorphisms in MT1a gene has revealed for the first time that the polymorphism corresponding to a A/C (Asp/Thr) transition at 647 nt position in the Mt1a coding region is the more involved in the longevity, at least in old women, rather than the other corresponding to A/G (Lys/Arg) transition at 1,245 nt position. Concomitantly, for the +647 MT1a polymorphism, old and very old female with Asp/Asp genotype (called C-carriers) display higher zinc release by MT (detected by Zinpyr-1 fluorescent probe in presence of NO donor), low MT levels and reduced IL-6 plasma concentrations, suggesting its involvement in longevity and in lower inflammatory status. This fact is confirmed by the analysis of haplotypes in which the allele Asp is more involved in longevity. Therefore the +647 MT1a polymorphism more affects MTs induction and zinc release, which are indispensable to undertake the inflammatory status under control and subsequently to reach healthy longevity.Presented at the ZincAge Conference, Madrid, February 10–13, 2006.     

Genetic variants of the C11orf30-LRRC32 region are associated with childhood asthma in the Chinese population

Introduction and objectivesTo investigate whether genetic polymorphisms of C11orf30-LRRC32 region are associated with the development of childhood asthma in the Chinese population.MethodsA total of 732 asthma children and 824 age-matched healthy controls were included in the study. Blood samples were collected from the subjects for total IgE analysis, DNA extraction and RNA extraction. Three previously reported asthma-related SNPs were genotyped, including rs7936070 (G/T), rs7927894 (A/G), and rs6592657 (A/G). Blood samples from 50 patients and 50 controls were randomly selected to detect the mRNA expression levels of C11orf30 and LRRC32 in serum.ResultsThere were significantly different genotype frequencies between the two groups in terms of rs7936070 and rs7927894. Compared with controls, patients were found to have remarkably higher risk allele frequencies of rs7936070 and rs7927894. Genotype GG of rs7936070 was indicative of remarkably elevated total IgE level as compared with genotype TT and genotype GT. Similarly, genotype AA of rs7927894 was also associated with significantly elevated total IgE level. The serum expression of C11orf30 was significantly lower in the patients than in the controls. The C11orf30 expression was significantly correlated with the total IgE level (r = −0.463, p = 0.01).ConclusionsVariants of C11orf30 were associated with the risk of childhood asthma in the Chinese population. Besides, abnormally decreased expression of C11orf30 was detected in the serum of patients, which was correlated with the total IgE level. The C11orf30 might play a role in asthma via biological pathways involving the regulation of total serum IgE level.     

MMP14基因启动子和外显子单核苷酸多态性在广西百色地区壮族人群中的分布

目的研究膜型基质金属蛋白酶-1(MMP14)基因启动子和外显子单核苷酸多态性(SNPs)各等位基因及基因型在广西百色地区壮族人群中的分布频率,比较其在不同种族间分布的差异。方法采用Multiplex SNaPshot SNP分型技术对百色地区624例壮族个体的MMP14染色体基因组上rs1003349 G/T、rs3751488 A/G和rs1042704 A/G进行基因分型,结合Hapmap计划第二期公布的四个人群SNPs分型数据,分析这五个人群的遗传结构。结果壮族人群MMP14的基因型分布频率为:rs1003349(GG 35.4%、GT 50.2%和TT 14.4%)、rs3751488(AA 13.9%、AG 47.8%和GG 38.3%)和rs1042704(GG 98.9%、AG 1.1%和AA 0%)。MMP14基因SNPs在壮族人群的分布频率与在欧洲白人、非洲黑人、日本东京人和北京汉族人群中的相比差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论广西百色地区壮族人群中存在MMP14基因多态性,且与欧洲白人、非洲黑人、日本东京人和北京汉族人群均有显著差异的遗传成分存在。     

The functional VNTR MNS16A of the TERT gene is associated with human longevity in a population of Central Italy

Background

Telomerase, encoded by TERT, is the ribonucleoprotein polymerase that maintains telomere ends and it plays a crucial role in cellular senescence. TERT single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been associated both with various malignancies and telomere length (TL). The association of TERT SNPs with longevity remains uncertain and varies with ethnicity. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the functional variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) MNS16A of TERT is associated with longevity.

Methods

MNS16A genotypes have been determined for 1072 unrelated healthy individuals from Central Italy (18–106 years old) divided into three gender-specific age classes defined according to demographic information and accounting for the different survivals between sexes: for men (women), the first class consists of individuals < 66 years old (< 73 years old), the second class of individuals 66–88 years old (73–91 years old), and the third class of individuals > 88 years old (> 91 years old). TL was assessed using genomic DNA from whole blood of 72 selected individuals by a multiplex real-time PCR assay.

Results

MNS16A appears associated to longevity, showing significant associations in Comparison 2 (Age Class 3 vs. Age Class 2) under both additive (odds ratio [O.R.] 0.749; p = 0.019) and dominant (O.R. 0.579; p = 0.011) models. The MNS16A*L allele is significantly underrepresented in Age Class 3 (O.R. 0.759; p = 0.020) compared to Age Class 2. A significant telomere attrition is reported along the three age classes (p = 0.0001), that remains significant only in L*/L* genotype carriers (p = 0.002) when the analysis was conducted according to MNS16A genotype.

Conclusions

The TERT MNS16A*L allele appears negatively associated with longevity. The concomitant significant telomere cross sectional attrition rate observed for L*/L* genotype suggests that this polymorphism could influence human longevity by affecting TL.     

Genetic variants of the class A scavenger receptor gene are associated with essential hypertension in Chinese

Background

The class A scavenger receptor, which is encoded by the macrophage scavenger receptor 1 (MSR1) gene, is a pattern recognition receptor (PPR) primarily expressed in macrophages. It has been reported that genetic polymorphisms of MSR1 are significantly associated with many cardiovascular events. However, whether it links genetically to essential hypertension (EH) in Chinese is not defined.

Methods

We performed an independent case-control study in a Chinese population consisting of 617 EH cases and 620 controls by genotyping three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of MSR1.

Results

We found that rs13306541 and rs3747531 were significantly associated with an increased risk of EH with per allele odds ratio (OR) of 1.63 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.27-2.09; P<0.001] and 1.29 (95% CI: 1.09-1.52; P=0.003), respectively. Individuals with 2-4 risk alleles had a 2.03-fold (95% CI: 1.48-2.78) increased risk of EH compared with those having none of the risk alleles (P for trend <0.001).

Conclusions

Our results indicate that genetic variants of MSR1 may serve as predictive markers for the risk of EH in combination with traditional risk factors of EH in Chinese population.     

二磷酸尿苷葡萄糖苷转移酶1A7基因多态性与国人结直肠癌的相关性研究

目的探讨二磷酸尿苷葡萄糖苷转移酶(UGT)1A7基因第1外显子3处单核苷酸多态性与国人结直肠癌(CRC)的相关性,及其在我国自然人群中的分布频率。方法采用人群为基础的成组匹配病例对照研究,以半巢式聚合酶链反应(PCR)、等位基因特异PCR和PCR-限制性内切酶片段长度多态性(RFLP)联用分析技术对140例CRC患者和280例正常对照者的UGT1A7基因型进行检测分析。结果CRC患者携带变异等位基因(~*2,~*3,~*4)频率明显高于对照组(50．0%比38．6%,P＜0．01)。CRC患者携带变异纯合基因型频率(28．6%)明显高于对照组(14．3%),差异有统计学意义(P＜0．01)。与野生型相比,变异杂合型及纯合型OR比值增高趋势有统计学意义(X~2=12．15,P＜0．01)。红烧熏炸食品摄入与CRC发病有关,与低摄人量组(≤5．40 kg/年)相比,中(≤14．35kg/年)、高(＞14．35kg/年)摄入量组风险明显增高,在中摄入量组风险增高差异有统计学意义(P＜0．05,OR=1．84,95% CI∶1．09～3．11)。以红烧熏炸、腌制食品摄人以及吸烟、饮酒状况为分层因素,分析UGT1A7基因多态性与CRC发病的相关性,仅在吸烟个体观察到有相关效应,差异有统计学意义(P＜0．05,OR=3．13,95%CI∶1．03～9．52),在饮酒个体观察到的相关效应临界于显著性水平(P=0．05,OR=2．89,95%CI∶0．99～8．46)。结论UGT1A7基因多态性与CRC的发病呈正相关关系,同时与吸烟、饮酒等环境危险因素可能存在一定的协同作用。     

Polymorphic variants of GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 genes in childhood acute leukemias: A preliminary study in Argentina

Abstract

Background and Aim

Despite recent major advances in leukemia research, the etiopathogenesis of childhood leukemias remains far elusive. Individual predisposing factors, including polymorphisms in detoxification enzymes, have been implicated in the molecular pathogenesis and heterogeneity of the disease. Genetic polymorphisms of glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) that alter enzyme activity could be an additional factor that increases the risk of acute leukemia, but data are lacking in Argentina. We assessed the association of GST polymorphisms and the susceptibility to childhood leukemia in Argentina by conducting an exploratory case-control study and correlated patients’ genotype to clinical and biological features.

Methods

Deletion polymorphisms in GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes and the single nucleotide polymorphism in GSTP1 c.313A>G (rs1695; p.105Ile>Val) were genotyped by PCR-RFLP in 36 patients and 133 healthy individuals.

Results

GSTM1-null genotype was associated with a lower risk of developing acute leukemia (P = 0.013; OR: 0.31; CI: 0.12–0.80), while GSTP1-GG variants displayed an increased risk (P = 0.01; OR: 3.9; CI: 1.85–8.2). However, no differences were found for GSTT1 gene.

Conclusion

These preliminary results, to be validated in a larger population from Argentina, suggest that the development of pediatric leukemia may be differentially influenced by polymorphic variants in GST genes.