Associations of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the adiponectin gene with adiponectin levels and cardio-metabolic risk factors in patients with cancer

Objectives: The aims of this study are to (1) study the influence of polymorphisms in adiponectin gene on adiponectin levels and potential associations with breast, prostate and colon cancer; (2) investigate the associations of adiponectin levels with other adipokines and breast, prostate and colon cancers. Subjects: We measured fasting adiponectin, leptin, insulin, Sex steroids in 132 (66 females, 66 males) cancer patients and 68 age and sex matched apparently healthy subjects. Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist circumference were used as indices of obesity. Insulin Resistance was assessed using Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA). Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP rs182052 (G-10066-A), SNP rs1501299 (276G > T), SNP rs224176 (45T > G) in adiponectin gene were studied using Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction. Results: GG genotype of SNP rs1501299 was significantly associated with higher levels of adiponectin (OR=1.2, 95%CI(1.03–1.3), p = 0.02); breast (OR=8.6, 95%CI(1.03–71), p = 0.04), colon cancers (OR= 12, 95%CI(1.2–115), p = 0.03). GT genotype was also associated significantly with colon cancer (OR=2.6, 95%CI (1.1–6), p = 0.03). However SNP rs224176 was associated with only breast cancer. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that adiponectin gene SNP rs1501299 and SNP rs224176 may be the predisposing factors in some cancers but our results differ from what has been reported in other populations suggesting a complex relationship between genetic variations and phenotypic adiponectin levels.     

Recommendations for genetic variation data capture in developing countries to ensure a comprehensive worldwide data collection

Developing countries have significantly contributed to the elucidation of the genetic basis of both common and rare disorders, providing an invaluable resource of cases due to large family sizes, consanguinity, and potential founder effects. Moreover, the recognized depth of genomic variation in indigenous African populations, reflecting the ancient origins of humanity on the African continent, and the effect of selection pressures on the genome, will be valuable in understanding the range of both pathological and nonpathological variations. The involvement of these populations in accurately documenting the extant genetic heterogeneity is more than essential. Developing nations are regarded as key contributors to the Human Variome Project (HVP; http://www.humanvariomeproject.org), a major effort to systematically collect mutations that contribute to or cause human disease and create a cyber infrastructure to tie databases together. However, biomedical research has not been the primary focus in these countries even though such activities are likely to produce economic and health benefits for all. Here, we propose several recommendations and guidelines to facilitate participation of developing countries in genetic variation data documentation, ensuring an accurate and comprehensive worldwide data collection. We also summarize a few well-coordinated genetic data collection initiatives that would serve as paradigms for similar projects.     

Novel TMPRSS6 mutations associated with iron‐refractory iron deficiency anemia (IRIDA)

Mutations leading to abrogation of matriptase‐2 proteolytic activity in humans are associated with an iron‐refractory iron deficiency anemia (IRIDA) due to elevated hepcidin levels. In this paper we describe 12 IRIDA patients belonging to 7 unrelated families and identify 10 (9 novel) TMPRSS6 mutations spread along the gene sequence: 5 missense, 1 non sense and 4 frameshift. The frameshift and non sense mutations are predict to result in truncated protein lacking the catalytic domain. The causal role of missense mutations (Y141C, I212T, R271Q, S304L and C510S) is demonstrated by in silico analysis, their absence in 100 control chromosomes and the high conservation of the involved residues. The C510S mutation in the LDLRA domain in silico model causes an intra‐molecular structural imbalance that impairs matriptase‐2 activation. We also assessed the in vitro effect on hepcidin promoter and the proteolytic activity of I212T and R271Q variants demonstrating a reduced inhibitory effect for the former mutation, but surprisingly a normal function for R271Q which appears a silent mutation in vitro. Based on mRNA expression studies I212T could also decrease the total amount of protein produced, likely interfering with mRNA stability. Collectively, our results extend the pattern of TMPRSS6 mutations associated with IRIDA and propose a model of causality for some of the novel missense mutation. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Unraveling a fine-scale high genetic heterogeneity and recent continental connections of an Arabian Peninsula population

Recent studies have showed the diverse genetic architecture of the highly consanguineous populations inhabiting the Arabian Peninsula. Consanguinity coupled with heterogeneity is complex and makes it difficult to understand the bases of population-specific genetic diseases in the region. Therefore, comprehensive genetic characterization of the populations at the finest scale is warranted. Here, we revisit the genetic structure of the Kuwait population by analyzing genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms data from 583 Kuwaiti individuals sorted into three subgroups. We envisage a diverse demographic genetic history among the three subgroups based on drift and allelic sharing with modern and ancient individuals. Furthermore, our comprehensive haplotype-based analyses disclose a high genetic heterogeneity among the Kuwaiti populations. We infer the major sources of ancestry within the newly defined groups; one with an obvious predominance of sub-Saharan/Western Africa mostly comprising Kuwait-B individuals, and other with West Eurasia including Kuwait-P and Kuwait-S individuals. Overall, our results recapitulate the historical population movements and reaffirm the genetic imprints of the legacy of continental trading in the region. Such deciphering of fine-scale population structure and their regional genetic heterogeneity would provide clues to the uncharted areas of disease-gene discovery and related associations in populations inhabiting the Arabian Peninsula.Subject terms: Rare variants, High-throughput screening     

Traumatic superficial temporal artery pseudoaneurysm: Successful management using endovascular embolization

Superficial temporal artery pseudoaneurysms are uncommon but can be potentially life-threatening. Considering their rarity, the present article outlines the clinical presentation, radiological findings, intervention, and outcome of traumatic pseudoaneurysm of the superficial temporal artery. An 83-year-old female sustained a traumatic injury to the temple, resulting in right-sided swelling of the forehead. Brain computed tomography and cerebral angiogram revealed a right-sided homogenously-enhancing pseudoaneurysm in the frontal region. Successful occlusion of the lesion was achieved utilizing endovascular embolization. Three months after discharge, the patient reported no complaints or recurrence. Subsequent management included reassurance and observation with periodic clinical assessments. The unusual presentation of superficial temporal artery pseudoaneurysms requires clinicians to have thorough knowledge on the clinical presentation, proper steps in diagnosis, and the approach of choice in management. Endovascular embolization of superficial temporal artery pseudoaneurysms remains a valid approach to achieve successful occlusion of the lesion.     

Subthalamic Nucleus Stimulation–Induced Local Field Potential Changes in Dystonia

Background

Subthalamic nucleus (STN) stimulation is an effective treatment for Parkinson's disease and induced local field potential (LFP) changes that have been linked with clinical improvement. STN stimulation has also been used in dystonia although the internal globus pallidus is the standard target where theta power has been suggested as a physiomarker for adaptive stimulation.

Objective

We aimed to explore if enhanced theta power was also present in STN and if stimulation-induced spectral changes that were previously reported for Parkinson's disease would occur in dystonia.

Methods

We recorded LFPs from 7 patients (12 hemispheres) with isolated craniocervical dystonia whose electrodes were placed such that inferior, middle, and superior contacts covered STN, zona incerta, and thalamus.

Results

We did not observe prominent theta power in STN at rest. STN stimulation induced similar spectral changes in dystonia as in Parkinson's disease, such as broadband power suppression, evoked resonant neural activity (ERNA), finely-tuned gamma oscillations, and an increase in aperiodic exponents in STN-LFPs. Both power suppression and ERNA localize to STN. Based on this, single-pulse STN stimulation elicits evoked neural activities with largest amplitudes in STN, which are relayed to the zona incerta and thalamus with changing characteristics as the distance from STN increases.

Conclusions

Our results show that STN stimulation–induced spectral changes are a nondisease-specific response to high-frequency stimulation, which can serve as placement markers for STN. This broadens the scope of STN stimulation and makes it an option for other disorders with excessive oscillatory peaks in STN. © 2022 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.