Genetic Variants in Matrix Metalloproteinases MMP3 (rs3025058) and MMP9 (rs3918242) Associated with Colonic Diverticulosis.

Background and Objectives: Diverticulosis affects a significant portion of the elderly population, with age and lifestyle being established risk factors. Additionally, genetic predisposition is gaining recognition as a contributing factor. This pilot study sought to explore the frequency of genetic variants in matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) 3, 9, and 12 in a population of colonic diverticulosis patients. Materials and Methods: The study encompassed 134 participants: 59 diagnosed with colon diverticulosis during colonoscopy and 75 healthy controls. The cases and controls were meticulously matched in terms of age and gender. We assessed the distribution of genetic variants MMP3 rs3025058, MMP9 rs3918242, and MMP12 rs2276109 using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragments length polymorphism technique. Results: The MMP9 rs3918242 allele T was notably more frequent in individuals with diverticulosis when compared with the control group (p < 0.03). Furthermore, it was associated with dominant (OR = 2.62; 95% CI: 1.24-5.56; p < 0.01) and co-dominant (OR = 2.10; 95% CI: 1.06-4.13; p < 0.03) genetic models. The MMP3 rs3025058 5A/5A genotype was nearly twice as frequent in patients with diverticulosis, while the 6A/6A genotype was only half as common in this group. Conversely, no significant correlation was established between MMP12 rs2276109 and colonic diverticulosis. Conclusions: Our study offers the first insight into a potential connection between genetic variants in MMPs and colon diverticulosis. Specifically, allele T of MMP9 rs3918242 and allele 5A of MMP3 rs3025058 appear to be linked to this condition. These findings indirectly suggest a role for extracellular matrix proteins in the pathogenesis of diverticulosis.

Serotonin Metabolism and Serotonin Receptors Expression Are Altered in Colon Diverticulosis.

Background and Objectives: Diverticulosis is frequently accompanied by altered bowel habits. The biogenic amines within colonic mucosa control bowel motility, and in particular, alterations in serotonin signaling may play a role in colon diverticulosis. The aim of the study was to assess the concentration of biogenic amines and serotonin receptor expression in the colonic mucosa in patients with diverticulosis and healthy controls. Materials and Methods: This prospective, comparative study included 59 individuals: 35 with sigmoid diverticulosis and 24 healthy controls. The study was held at the Department of Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland. Mucosal samples were taken from the right and left colon during a colonoscopy in all patients. Concentrations of norepinephrine, 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol, dopamine, homovanillic acid, serotonin, and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid were measured with high-performance liquid chromatography. Expressions of human 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 3A, 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 4, 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 7, solute carrier family 6 member 4 (SERT) for serotonin, as well as the neuroglia activation markers glial fibrillary acidic protein, S100 calcium-binding protein B, and proteolipid protein 1, were assessed with polymerase chain reaction. Results: The median age and sex distribution were comparable in both study groups (median 69 y vs. 52 y; p < 0.455 and males/females in cases 11/17 vs. 18/19 in controls; p < 0.309). In diverticulosis patients, there was a higher concentration of serotonin in the left affected colon compared to the right healthy part of the colon (median 8239 pg/mg vs. 6326 pg/mL; p < 0.01). The SERT expression was lower in the affected left segment compared to the right colon (median 0.88 vs. 1.36; p < 0.01). There was a higher colonic mucosa concentration of serotonin (median 8239 pg/mg vs. 6000 pg/mL; p < 0.02) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid/serotonin ratio (median 0.27 vs. 0.47; p < 0.01) in diverticulosis patients compared to controls in the left side of the colon. Conclusions: The concentration of serotonin in the mucosa of the colon segment affected by diverticula is higher than in the healthy segment in the same individuals and higher than in healthy controls. These results underline serotonin signaling in colon diverticulosis pathophysiology.

Genetic variants of tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (rs4898) and 2 (rs8179090) in diverticulosis.

INTRODUCTION: Diverticulosis affects approximately 60% of population after 60th year of age. Diverticular disease is symptomatic diverticulosis characterized by abdominal pain, flatulence and bloating, and bowel habits change. Age and lifestyle are risk factors for diverticulosis, additionally genetic predisposition is postulated. The aim of the study was to assess whether tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP) 1 rs4898 and TIMP2 rs8179090 genetic variants are related to colonic diverticulosis. METHODS: The study included 220 patients, 100 with colon diverticulosis diagnosed on colonoscopy and 120 controls. TIMP1 rs4898 and TIMP2 rs8179090 variants were examined using PCR-restriction fragments length polymorphism from a blood sample. RESULTS: Allele T of TIMP1 rs4898 was more frequent in male patients with diverticulosis than in controls (P < 0.01), whereas in women there were no differences in its distribution, both in heterozygotes and homozygotes or in homozygotes separately, proving a recessive effect. TIMP2 s8179090 allele G frequency was 0.95 in cases and controls, there were no CC homozygotes identified, and no associations with diverticulosis showed. CONCLUSION: TIMP1 rs4898 allele T may be a genetic determinant of the risk of diverticulosis in men.

Screening for late-onset Pompe disease in Poland.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to screen for late-onset Pompe disease using the dried blood spot (DBS) test in a cohort of patients with limb-girdle muscle weakness or persistent hyperCKemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with limb-girdle muscle weakness, persistently elevated CK, rigid spine syndrome, dyspnoea, myalgia or sibling of the patient diagnosed with LOPD were included in the study. Acid α-glucosidase (GAA) activity was measured on DBS by tandem mass spectrometry and followed by genetic testing when required. Study was conducted between June 2014 and May 2017. RESULTS: A total of 337 patients aged 32.2 years (range 2-80) were included in the study. Late-onset Pompe disease was diagnosed in 10 patients (3.0% of tested cohort). All were compound heterozygotes with common c.32-13T>G mutation on one allele and missense or frameshift mutation on the other. Two of the mutations (c.1951delG and c.397T>G) were not reported previously. Seven of the patients started enzyme replacement therapy. CONCLUSIONS: DBS test is a reliable method for screening for late-onset Pompe disease.

Treatment outcome in juvenile-onset myasthenia gravis.

INTRODUCTION: Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease of the neuromuscular junction. Approximately 10%-15% of MG patients have juvenile (<18 years of age) onset. We aimed to assess the clinical course, outcome, and subjectively perceived health status of a cohort of juvenile MG patients. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of medical records of 101 patients followed by a cross-sectional questionnaire study. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 12.8 years at onset and 13.7 years at diagnosis. Ninety percent of the patients were seropositive. Over 40% of the patients were treated with immunosuppression and over 80% underwent thymectomy. The mean Myathenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living (MG-ADL) scale score was 2.48. At last follow-up, 30.9% of patients were in complete, stable remission; 77.8% perceived their health as good. DISCUSSION: The treatment outcome for juvenile MG is favorable, with a marked reduction of symptoms and good day-to-day activity achieved for most patients. Muscle Nerve 59:549-549, 2019.