Repurposing lipid-lowering drugs on asthma and lung function: evidence from a genetic association analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the correlation between asthma risk and genetic variants affecting the expression or function of lipid-lowering drug targets. METHODS: We conducted Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses using variants in several genes associated with lipid-lowering medication targets: HMGCR (statin target), PCSK9 (alirocumab target), NPC1L1 (ezetimibe target), APOB (mipomersen target), ANGPTL3 (evinacumab target), PPARA (fenofibrate target), and APOC3 (volanesorsen target), as well as LDLR and LPL. Our objective was to investigate the relationship between lipid-lowering drugs and asthma through MR. Finally, we assessed the efficacy and stability of the MR analysis using the MR Egger and inverse variance weighted (IVW) methods. RESULTS: The elevated triglyceride (TG) levels associated with the APOC3, and LPL targets were found to increase asthma risk. Conversely, higher LDL-C levels driven by LDLR were found to decrease asthma risk. Additionally, LDL-C levels (driven by APOB, NPC1L1 and HMGCR targets) and TG levels (driven by the LPL target) were associated with improved lung function (FEV1/FVC). LDL-C levels driven by PCSK9 were associated with decreased lung function (FEV1/FVC). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, our findings suggest a likely causal relationship between asthma and lipid-lowering drugs. Moreover, there is compelling evidence indicating that lipid-lowering therapies could play a crucial role in the future management of asthma.

Association between Apo B, LDL-R and PCSK9 gene polymorphisms with coronary artery diseases in Egyptians.

BACKGROUND: Many studies have focused on the significance of lipid regulatory genes in the pathophysiology of Coronary artery disease (CAD). ApoB XbaI (rs693) and EcoRI (rs1042031) single nucleoid polymorphisms (SNPs) were investigated to detect whether they are risk factors for CAD. Till now, this association remains uncertain. SMARCA4 (rs1122608) SNP has directly related to dyslipidemia. Loss of function mutations (LOF) in PCSK9 result in a reduction in LDL cholesterol and are associated with protection from the development of CAD. METHODS: This study was conducted on 54 CAD patients who were admitted at Internal Medicine Specialized Hospital (Cardiology Department) and 47 healthy controls. Peripheral blood samples were taken from both groups. DNA was extracted from EDTA-blood samples, then PCR- RFLP for ApoB XbaI (rs693) and EcoRI (rs1042031), SMARCA4 (rs1122608) and PCSK9 (rs505151) SNPs was done. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was found between patients and controls as regard EcoRI SNP. XbaI (rs693) X + X + genotype was significantly higher in control group (P = 0.0355). SMARCA4 (TT, GT + TT) genotypes, and T allele (P < 0.001); PCSK9 AG genotype and G allele (P = 0.027 and 0.032 respectively) were more frequent in CAD patients than controls. CONCLUSION: SMARCA4 (rs1122608) and PCSK9 (rs505151) SNPs are significantly accompanying with the risk of CAD development in the Egyptian population. X + X + genotype appeared to have a protective effect against CAD. However, no observed association between EcoRI (rs1042031) and the risk of CAD development was found.

APOB and CCL17 as mediators in the protective effect of SGLT2 inhibition against myocardial infarction: Insights from proteome-wide mendelian randomization.

AIMS: Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors offer a novel therapeutic avenue for myocardial infarction (MI). However, the exact nature of this relationship and the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. METHODS: Utilizing a two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) analysis, we elucidated the causal effects stemming from the inhibition of SGLT2 on MI. Then, The pool of 4907 circulating proteins within the plasma proteome were utilized to explore the mediators of SGLT2 inhibitors on MI. Protein-protein network and enrichment analysis were conducted to clarify the potential mechanism. Finally, employing MR analysis and meta-analysis techniques, we systematically assessed the causal associations between SGLT2 inhibition and coronary heart diseases (CHD). RESULTS: SGLT2 inhibition (per 1 SD decrement in HbA1c) was associated with reduced risk of MI (odds ratio [OR] = 0.462, [95% CI 0.222, 0.958], P = 0.038). Among 4907 circulating proteins, we identified APOB and CCL17 which were related to both SGLT2 inhibition and MI. Mediation analysis showed evidence of the indirect effect of SGLT2 inhibition on MI through APOB (ß = -0.557, 95%CI [-1.098, -0.155]) with a mediated proportion of 72%, and CCL17 (ß = -0.176, 95%CI [-0.332, -0.056]) with a mediated proportion of 17%. The meta-analysis result showed that SGLT2 inhibition was associated with a lower risk of CHD. CONCLUSION: Based on proteome-wide mendelian randomization, APOB and CCL17 were seen as mediators in the protective effect of SGLT2 inhibition against myocardial infarction.

Lifestyle factors, glycemic traits, and lipoprotein traits and risk of liver cancer: a Mendelian randomization analysis.

The current state of knowledge on the relationship between lifestyle factors, glycemic traits, lipoprotein traits with liver cancer risk is still uncertain despite some attempts made by observational studies. This study aims to investigate the causal genetic relationship between factors highly associated with liver cancer incidence by using Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. Employing MR analysis, this study utilized previously published GWAS datasets to investigate whether lifestyle factors, glycemic traits, and lipoprotein traits would affect the risk of liver cancer. The study utilized three MR methods, including inverse variance-weighted model (IVW), MR Egger, and weighted median. Furthermore, MR-Egger analyses were performed to detect heterogeneity in the MR results. The study also conducted a leave-one-out analysis to assess the potential influence of individual SNPs on the MR analysis results. MR-PRESSO was used to identify and remove SNP outliers associated with liver cancer. MR analyses revealed that 2-h glucose (odds ratio, OR 2.33, 95% confidence interval, CI 1.28-4.21), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM, OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.18-2.37), body mass index (BMI, OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.18-2.37), waist circumference (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.18-2.37) were associated with increased risk of liver cancer. On the contrary, apolipoproteins B (APOB, OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.47-0.97), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL, OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.42-0.92) were negatively related to liver cancer risk. Additionally, after adjusting for BMI, apolipoproteins A-I (APOA-I, OR 0.56, 95% CI, 0.38-0.81), total cholesterol (TC, OR 0.72, 95% CI, 0.54-0.94), and total triglycerides (TG, OR 0.57, 95% CI, 0.40-0.78) exhibited a significant inverse correlation with the risk of liver cancer. This study supports a causal relationship between 2-h glucose, T2DM, BMI, and waist circumference with the increased risk of liver cancer. Conversely, the study reveals a cause-effect relationship between TC, TG, LDL, APOA-I, and APOB with a decreased risk of liver cancer.

Microsomal triglyceride transfer protein is necessary to maintain lipid homeostasis and retinal function.

Lipid processing by the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is necessary to maintain retinal health and function. Dysregulation of retinal lipid homeostasis due to normal aging or age-related disease triggers lipid accumulation within the RPE, on Bruch's membrane (BrM), and in the subretinal space. In its role as a hub for lipid trafficking into and out of the neural retina, the RPE packages a significant amount of lipid into lipid droplets for storage and into apolipoprotein B (APOB)-containing lipoproteins (Blps) for export. Microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP), encoded by the MTTP gene, is essential for Blp assembly. Herein we test the hypothesis that MTP expression in the RPE is essential to maintain lipid balance and retinal function using the newly generated RPEΔMttp mouse model. Using non-invasive ocular imaging, electroretinography, and histochemical and biochemical analyses we show that genetic depletion of Mttp from the RPE results in intracellular lipid accumulation, increased photoreceptor-associated cholesterol deposits, and photoreceptor cell death, and loss of rod but not cone function. RPE-specific reduction in Mttp had no significant effect on plasma lipids and lipoproteins. While APOB was decreased in the RPE, most ocular retinoids remained unchanged, with the exception of the storage form of retinoid, retinyl ester. Thus suggesting that RPE MTP is critical for Blp synthesis and assembly but is not directly involved in plasma lipoprotein metabolism. These studies demonstrate that RPE-specific MTP expression is necessary to establish and maintain retinal lipid homeostasis and visual function.

Rational design of prodrug-type apoB-targeted siRNA for nuclease resistance improvement without compromising gene silencing potency.

Synthetic siRNA molecules without chemical modifications are easily degraded in the body, and 2'-O-modifications are frequently introduced to enhance stability. However, such chemical modifications tend to impact the gene knockdown potency of siRNA negatively. To circumvent this problem, we previously developed a prodrug-type siRNA bearing 2'-O-methyldithiomethyl (MDTM) groups, which can be converted into unmodified siRNA under the reductive environment in cells. In this study, we developed a nuclease-resistant prodrug-type 2'-O-MDTM siRNA for deployment in future animal experiments. To rationally design siRNA modified with a minimal number of 2'-O-MDTM nucleotide residues, we identified the sites susceptible to nuclease digestion and tolerant to 2'-O-methyl (2'-OMe) modification in the antisense strand of apolipoprotein B-targeted siRNA. Subsequently, we optimized the positions where the 2'-OMe and 2'-O-MDTM groups should be incorporated. siRNA bearing the 2'-O-MDTM and 2'-OMe groups at their respective optimized positions exhibited efficient knockdown potency in vitro and enhanced stability in serum.

Zebrafish ApoB-Containing Lipoprotein Metabolism: A Closer Look.

Zebrafish have become a powerful model of mammalian lipoprotein metabolism and lipid cell biology. Most key proteins involved in lipid metabolism, including cholesteryl ester transfer protein, are conserved in zebrafish. Consequently, zebrafish exhibit a human-like lipoprotein profile. Zebrafish with mutations in genes linked to human metabolic diseases often mimic the human phenotype. Zebrafish larvae develop rapidly and externally around the maternally deposited yolk. Recent work revealed that any disturbance of lipoprotein formation leads to the accumulation of cytoplasmic lipid droplets and an opaque yolk, providing a visible phenotype to investigate disturbances of the lipoprotein pathway, already leading to discoveries in MTTP (microsomal triglyceride transfer protein) and ApoB (apolipoprotein B). By 5 days of development, the digestive system is functional, making it possible to study fluorescently labeled lipid uptake in the transparent larvae. These and other approaches enabled the first in vivo description of the STAB (stabilin) receptors, showing lipoprotein uptake in endothelial cells. Various zebrafish models have been developed to mimic human diseases by mutating genes known to influence lipoproteins (eg, ldlra, apoC2). This review aims to discuss the most recent research in the zebrafish ApoB-containing lipoprotein and lipid metabolism field. We also summarize new insights into lipid processing within the yolk cell and how changes in lipid flux alter yolk opacity. This curious new finding, coupled with the development of several techniques, can be deployed to identify new players in lipoprotein research directly relevant to human disease.

Associations of 50 modifiable risk factors with atrial fibrillation using Mendelian randomization analysis.

BACKGROUND: Substantial focus has been placed on atrial fibrillation (AF) treatment and associated stroke prevention rather than preventing AF itself. We employed Mendelian randomization (MR) approach to examine the causal relationships between 50 modifiable risk factors (RFs) and AF. METHODS: Instrumental variables for genetically predicted exposures were derived from corresponding genome-wide association studies (GWASs). Summary-level statistical data for AF were obtained from a GWAS meta-analysis (discovery dataset, N = 1,030,836) and FinnGen (validation dataset, N = 208,594). Univariable and multivariable MR analyses were performed, primarily using inverse variance weighted method with a series of robust sensitivity analyses. RESULTS: Genetic predisposition to insomnia, daytime naps, apnea, smoking initiation, moderate to vigorous physical activity and obesity traits, including body mass index, waist-hip ratio, central and peripheral fat/fat-free mass, exhibited significant associations with an increased risk of AF. Coffee consumption and ApoB had suggestive increased risks. Hypertension (odds ratio (OR) 95% confidence interval (CI): 5.26 (4.42, 6.24)), heart failure (HF) (OR 95% CI, 4.77 (2.43, 9.37)) and coronary artery disease (CAD) (OR 95% CI: 1.20 (1.16, 1.24)) were strongly associated with AF, while college degree, higher education attachment and HDL levels were associated with a decreased AF risk. Reverse MR found a bidirectional relationship between genetically predicted AF and CAD, HF and ischemic stroke. Multivariable analysis further indicated that obesity-related traits, systolic blood pressure and lower HDL levels independently contributed to the development of AF. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified several lifestyles and cardiometabolic factors that might be causally related to AF, underscoring the importance of a holistic approach to AF management and prevention.

Lipoprotein(a) Is Markedly More Atherogenic Than LDL: An Apolipoprotein B-Based Genetic Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is recognized as a causal factor for coronary heart disease (CHD) but its atherogenicity relative to that of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) on a per-particle basis is indeterminate. OBJECTIVES: The authors addressed this issue in a genetic analysis based on the fact that Lp(a) and LDL both contain 1 apolipoprotein B (apoB) per particle. METHODS: Genome-wide association studies using the UK Biobank population identified 2 clusters of single nucleotide polymorphisms: one comprising 107 variants linked to Lp(a) mass concentration, the other with 143 variants linked to LDL concentration. In these Lp(a) and LDL clusters, the relationship of genetically predicted variation in apoB with CHD risk was assessed. RESULTS: The Mendelian randomization-derived OR for CHD for a 50 nmol/L higher Lp(a)-apoB was 1.28 (95% CI: 1.24-1.33) compared with 1.04 (95% CI: 1.03-1.05) for the same increment in LDL-apoB. Likewise, use of polygenic scores to rank subjects according to difference in Lp(a)-apoB vs difference in LDL-apoB revealed a greater HR for CHD per 50 nmol/L apoB for the Lp(a) cluster (1.47; 95% CI: 1.36-1.58) compared with the LDL cluster (1.04; 95% CI: 1.02-1.05). From these data, we estimate that the atherogenicity of Lp(a) is approximately 6-fold (point estimate of 6.6; 95% CI: 5.1-8.8) greater than that of LDL on a per-particle basis. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the atherogenicity of Lp(a) (CHD risk quotient per unit increase in particle number) is substantially greater than that of LDL. Therefore, Lp(a) represents a key target for drug-based intervention in a significant proportion of the at-risk population.

Based on whole-exome sequencing to explore the rule of Herceptin and TKI resistance in breast cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in women, and drug resistance during treatment is a major challenge. However, the mechanisms underlying drug resistance are not fully understood. Here we applied whole-exome sequencing (WES) to clarify resistant rules to Herceptin and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). METHODS: There are 12 HER2+ breast cancer patients who were done WES. Samples from tumor and surrounding tissues underwent DNA sequencing and analysis. Various experimental and bioinformatics techniques were employed, including genomic capture, mutation analysis (Genome Analysis Toolkit (GATK), etc.), bioinformatics assessments, and drug-gene interaction investigations. Ultimately, the study explored the association of APOB gene expression with breast cancer recurrence rates, immune cell infiltration, and drug response. RESULTS: The C > T mutation frequency was highest in the Herceptin-insensitive (HI) and verification groups, codenamed YI, contrasting with the Herceptin-sensitive (HE) group. No microsatellite instability (MSI)-H patients were in the HE group, but both HI and YI groups had 1 each. Significant differences in transition-transversion (TiTv) were observed in the HI and YI groups rather than the HE group. In the TKI- insensitive (TI) group, C > T mutations were highest, differing from the TKI-sensitive (TE) group. TE group included 2 MSI-H patients. Significant differences in TiTv were found in the TI group rather than the TE group. Mutated APOB may resist Herceptin and TKI, increasing immune infiltration. We identified potential drugs targeting it. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggested that a higher percentage of C > T mutations, significant differences in TiTv, and MSI-H status may indicate Herceptin resistance, while a higher percentage of C > T mutations, significant differences in TiTv, and the absence of MSI-H may indicate TKI resistance in breast cancer patients. For patients resistant to both Herceptin and TKI, mutated APOB may play a crucial role in resistance.

Genetic inhibition of angiopoietin-like protein-3, lipids, and cardiometabolic risk.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: RNA-based, antibody-based, and genome editing-based therapies are currently under investigation to determine if the inhibition of angiopoietin-like protein-3 (ANGPTL3) could reduce lipoprotein-lipid levels and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk. Mendelian randomisation (MR) was used to determine whether genetic variations influencing ANGPTL3 liver gene expression, blood levels, and protein structure could causally influence triglyceride and apolipoprotein B (apoB) levels as well as coronary artery disease (CAD), ischaemic stroke (IS), and other cardiometabolic diseases. METHODS: RNA sequencing of 246 explanted liver samples and genome-wide genotyping was performed to identify single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with liver expression of ANGPTL3. Genome-wide summary statistics of plasma protein levels of ANGPTL3 from the deCODE study (n = 35 359) were used. A total of 647 carriers of ANGPTL3 protein-truncating variants (PTVs) associated with lower plasma triglyceride levels were identified in the UK Biobank. Two-sample MR using SNPs that influence ANGPTL3 liver expression or ANGPTL3 plasma protein levels as exposure and cardiometabolic diseases as outcomes was performed (CAD, IS, heart failure, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, acute pancreatitis, and type 2 diabetes). The impact of rare PTVs influencing plasma triglyceride levels on apoB levels and CAD was also investigated in the UK Biobank. RESULTS: In two-sample MR studies, common genetic variants influencing ANGPTL3 hepatic or blood expression levels of ANGPTL3 had a very strong effect on plasma triglyceride levels, a more modest effect on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, a weaker effect on apoB levels, and no effect on CAD or other cardiometabolic diseases. In the UK Biobank, the carriers of rare ANGPTL3 PTVs providing lifelong reductions in median plasma triglyceride levels [-0.37 (interquartile range 0.41) mmol/L] had slightly lower apoB levels (-0.06 ± 0.32 g/L) and similar CAD event rates compared with non-carriers (10.2% vs. 10.9% in carriers vs. non-carriers, P = .60). CONCLUSIONS: PTVs influencing ANGPTL3 protein structure as well as common genetic variants influencing ANGPTL3 hepatic expression and/or blood protein levels exhibit a strong effect on circulating plasma triglyceride levels, a weak effect on circulating apoB levels, and no effect on ASCVD. Near-complete inhibition of ANGPTL3 function in patients with very elevated apoB levels may be required to reduce ASCVD risk.

Familial ApoB-specific familial hypobetalipoproteinemia in a patient with non-classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia. / Hipobetalipoproteinemia familiar ApoB específica en una paciente con hiperplasia suprarrenal congénita no clásica.

Familial hypobetalipoproteinaemia is a disorder of lipid metabolism characterized by low levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein B. ApoB-related familial hypolipoproteinemia is an autosomal condition with a codominance inheritance pattern. Non-classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia is an autosomal recessive disorder due to mutations in the CYP21A2, a gene encoding for the enzyme 21-hydroxylase, which results in an androgen excess production from adrenal source. We here present the case of a 25-year-old woman with NCAH showing decreased levels of total-cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides. Her parent had digestive symptoms and severe hepatic steatosis with elevated liver enzymes, as well as decreased levels of total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. A genetic-molecular study of the proband identified a mutation in the APOB gene, which allowed a diagnosis of heterozygous ApoB-related hypolipoproteinaemia to be made.

Conditional hepatocyte ablation of PDIA1 uncovers indispensable roles in both APOB and MTTP folding to support VLDL secretion.

OBJECTIVES: The assembly and secretion of hepatic very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) plays pivotal roles in hepatic and plasma lipid homeostasis. Protein disulfide isomerase A1 (PDIA1/P4HB) is a molecular chaperone whose functions are essential for protein folding in the endoplasmic reticulum. Here we investigated the physiological requirement in vivo for PDIA1 in maintaining VLDL assembly and secretion. METHODS: Pdia1/P4hb was conditionally deleted in adult mouse hepatocytes and the phenotypes characterized. Mechanistic analyses in primary hepatocytes determined how PDIA1 ablation alters MTTP synthesis and degradation as well as altering synthesis and secretion of Apolipoprotein B (APOB), along with complementary expression of intact PDIA1 vs a catalytically inactivated PDIA1 mutant. RESULTS: Hepatocyte-specific deletion of Pdia1/P4hb inhibited hepatic MTTP expression and dramatically reduced VLDL production, leading to severe hepatic steatosis and hypolipidemia. Pdia1-deletion did not affect mRNA expression or protein stability of MTTP but rather prevented Mttp mRNA translation. We demonstrate an essential role for PDIA1 in MTTP synthesis and function and show that PDIA1 interacts with APOB in an MTTP-independent manner via its molecular chaperone function to support APOB folding and secretion. CONCLUSIONS: PDIA1 plays indispensable roles in APOB folding, MTTP synthesis and activity to support VLDL assembly. Thus, like APOB and MTTP, PDIA1 is an obligatory component of hepatic VLDL production.

Haplotype analysis and linkage disequilibrium of ApoB gene polymorphisms and its relationship with hyperlipidemia in patients with acne vulgaris.

BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris (AV) is a chronic, multifactorial inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous unit brought on by hormonal imbalance, excessive sebum production, follicular hyperkeratinization, inflammation and Cutibacterium acne. Acne patients are characterized by alteration of the lipid profile. Apolipoprotein B gene (ApoB) plays an essential role in lipoprotein biosynthesis and multiple single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ApoB are associated with dyslipidemia. AIM: The aim of this study was to estimate the alteration of lipid profiles in AV, determine the genetic association with lipid profile alteration by studying the ApoB gene polymorphisms, and to identify the exact haplotypes associated with acne and lipid profile alteration. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In a case-control study consisting of 63 non-obese acne patients and 43 healthy controls, all participants underwent biochemical, anthropological assessments, and genetic analysis for ApoB polymorphisms. RESULT: Our results indicate that serum ApoB and the lipid profile were higher in acne patients compared with healthy subject. The most common haplotypes in acne patients were rs562338 A/rs17240441 I/c.12669 A/rs1042034 G, whereas the most common haplotypes in healthy subjects were rs562338 G/rs17240441 D/c.12669 A/rs1042034 G. Patients with mild acne had higher serum ApoB levels p = 0.005. Also, the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level was higher in mild acne compared with other acne groups, with a highly significant variation of p ≤ 0.001. CONCLUSION: We found a significant variation between the acne group and healthy controls in serum ApoB, triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL-C. The most common haplotypes in acne patients are rs562338 A/, rs17240441 I/, c.12669 A/ and rs1042034 G, and there is a linkage disequilibrium between the four selected SNPs.

Genetic variation in targets of lipid-lowering drugs and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis risk: a Mendelian randomization study.

BACKGROUND: The use of lipid-lowering drugs is still highly controversial in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We performed a drug-target Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to investigate the effect of targeted lipid-lowering drugs on the risk of ALS. METHODS: First, we evaluated the causal relationship between HMG-CoA (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A) reductase (HMGCR) inhibitors-taking trait and ALS using a bidirectional two-sample MR study. Second, we investigated the causal relationship between lipid-lowering drugs and ALS through a drug-target MR approach. The summary data for HMGCR inhibitors-taking traits were extracted from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of medication use and associated disease in the UK Biobank. The summary data for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein B (apoB) were extracted from a meta-analysis of GWAS in individuals of European ancestry in the UKB. The GWAS summary data of ALS were obtained from the Project MinE. RESULTS: Our bidirectional two-sample MR showed that genetically determined increased HMGCR inhibitors-taking trait was an independent risk factor for ALS (odds ratio [OR] = 1.090, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.035-1.150, p = 0.001). The results of drug-target MR showed that the increased expression of the HMGCR gene in blood with the higher risk of ALS (OR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.01-1.46; p = 0.042) through SMR method and the apoB level mediated by the APOB gene increased the risk of ALS (OR = 1.15; 95% CI =1.05-1.25; p = 0.001) through inverse-variance weighted MR method. CONCLUSION: This present study provides genetic support for a positive causal effect of HMGCR inhibitors-taking trait and ALS. The reason for this may be due to the underlying disease condition behind the medication, rather than the medication itself. Our findings also suggested that HMGCR and apoB inhibitors may have potential protective effects on ALS.

Lipid Metabolism, Methylation Aberrant, and Osteoporosis: A Multi-omics Study Based on Mendelian Randomization.

BACKGROUND: Observational studies have shown a causal association between dyslipidemia and osteoporosis, but the genetic causation and complete mechanism of which are uncertain. The disadvantage of previous observational studies is that they are susceptible to confounding factors and bias, that makes it difficult to infer a causal link between those two diseases. Abnormal epigenetic modifications, represented by DNA methylation, are important causes of many diseases. However, there are no studies showing a bridging role for methylation modifications in blood lipid metabolism and osteoporosis. METHODS: SNPs for lipid profile (Blood VLDL cholesterol (VLDL-C), blood LDL cholesterol (LDL-C), blood HDL cholesterol (HDL-C), blood triglycerides (TG), diagnosed pure hypercholesterolaemia, blood apolipoprotein B (Apo B), blood apolipoprotein A1(Apo A1)), and bone mineral density (BMD) in different body parts (Heel BMD, lumbar BMD, whole-body BMD, femoral neck BMD) were obtained from large meta-analyses of genome-wide association studies as instrumental variables for two-sample Mendelian randomization. Assessment of the genetic effects of lipid profile-associated methylation sites and bone mineral density was carried out using the summary-data-based Mendelian randomization (SMR) method. RESULTS: Two-sample Mendelian randomization showed that there was a negative causal association between hypercholesterolaemia and heel BMD (p = 0.0103, OR = 0.4590), and total body BMD (p = 0.0002, OR = 0.2826). LDL-C had a negative causal association with heel BMD (p = 8.68E-05, OR = 0.9586). VLDL-C had a negative causal association with heel BMD (p = 0.035, OR = 0.9484), lumbar BMD (p = 0.0316, OR = 0.9356), and total body BMD (p = 0.0035, OR = 0.9484). HDL-C had a negative causal association with heel BMD (p = 1.25E-05, OR = 0.9548), lumbar BMD (p = 0.0129, OR = 0.9358), and total body BMD (p = 0.0399, OR = 0.9644). Apo B had a negative causal association with heel BMD (p = 0.0001, OR = 0.9647). Apo A1 had a negative causal association with heel BMD (p = 0.0132, OR = 0.9746) and lumbar BMD (p = 0.0058, OR = 0.9261). The p-values of all positive results corrected by the FDR method remained significant and sensitivity analysis showed that there was no horizontal pleiotropy in the results despite the heterogeneity in some results. SMR identified 3 methylation sites associated with lipid profiles in the presence of genetic effects on BMD: cg15707428(GREB1), cg16000331(SREBF2), cg14364472(NOTCH1). CONCLUSION: Our study provides insights into the potential causal links and co-pathogenesis between dyslipidemia and osteoporosis. The genetic effects of dyslipidaemia on osteoporosis may be related to certain aberrant methylation genetic modifications.

Association of epistatic effects of MTHFR, ACE, APOB, and APOE gene polymorphisms with the risk of myocardial infarction and unstable angina in Egyptian patients.

Despite remarkable discoveries in the genetic susceptibility of coronary artery disease (CAD), a large part of heritability awaits identification. Epistasis or gene-gene interaction has a profound influence on CAD and might contribute to its missed genetic variability; however, this impact was largely unexplored. Here, we appraised the associations of gene-gene interactions and haplotypes of five polymorphisms, namely methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T and A1298C, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) insertion/deletion (I/D), apolipoprotein B (APOB) R3500Q, and apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 with the risk of myocardial infarction (MI) and unstable angina (UA). Gene-environment interactions with traditional risk factors and clinical data were also scrutinized. This study recruited 100 MI, 50 UA patients, and 100 apparently healthy controls. Logistic regression models were employed in association analyses. We remarked that the single locus effect of individual polymorphisms was relatively weak; however, a magnified effect of their combination via gene-gene interaction may predict MI risk after adjustment for multiple comparisons. Only MTHFR C677T, ACE I/D, and APOB R5300Q were associated with the risk of UA, and the ACE I/D-R3500Q interaction posed a decreased UA risk. APOB R3500Q was in strong linkage disequilibrium with MTHFR C677T, ACE I/D, and APE ε4 polymorphisms. The TCDGε3, CADGε4, and TADGε4-C677T-A1298C-ACE I/D-R3500Q-APOE haplotypes were associated with escalating MI risk, while the CDG or CIG-C677T-ACE I/D-R3500Q haplotype was highly protective against UA risk compared to controls. Interestingly, the CADGε4 and CAIGε3 haplotypes were strongly associated with the presence of diabetes and hypertension, respectively in MI patients; both haplotypes stratified patients according to the ECHO results. In UA, the CDG haplotype was negatively associated with the presence of diabetes or dilated heart. Conclusively, our results advocate that a stronger combined effect of polymorphisms in MTHFR, ACE, APOB, and APOE genes via gene-gene and gene-environment interactions might help in risk stratification of MI and UA patients.

Association between genetically proxied lipid-lowering drug targets, lipid traits, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a mendelian randomization study.

BACKGROUND: The use of circulating lipid traits as biomarkers to predict the risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is currently controversial, and the evidence-based medical evidence for the use of lipid-lowering agents, especially statins, on ALS risk remains insufficient. Our aim was to apply a Mendelian randomization (MR) approach to assess the causal impact of lipid-lowering agents and circulating lipid traits on ALS risk. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our study included primary and secondary analyses, in which the risk associations of lipid-lowering gene inhibitors, lipid traits, and ALS were assessed by the inverse variance weighting method as the primary approach. The robustness of the results was assessed using LDSC assessment, conventional MR sensitivity analysis, and used Mediating MR to explore potential mechanisms of occurrence. In the secondary analysis, the association of lipid-lowering genes with ALS was validated using the Summary data-based Mendelian Randomization (SMR) method. RESULTS: Our results showed strong evidence between genetic proxies for Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) inhibitor (OR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.68 - 0.86; P = 5.58 × 10-6) and reduced risk of ALS. Additionally, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) inhibitor (OR = 1.06, 95% CI = 0. 85-1.33) was not found to increase ALS risk. SMR results suggested that ApoB expression was associated with increased ALS risk, and colocalization analysis did not support a significant common genetic variation between ApoB and ALS. Mediator MR analysis suggested a possible mediating role for interleukin-6 and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). While elevated LDL-C was significantly associated with increased risk of ALS among lipid traits, total cholesterol (TC) and ApoB were weakly associated with ALS. LDSC results suggested a potential genetic correlation between these lipid traits and ALS. CONCLUSIONS: Using ApoB inhibitor can lower the risk of ALS, statins do not trigger ALS, and LDL-C, TC, and ApoB levels can predict the risk of ALS.

Association of APO B gene polymorphisms with the development of myocardial infarction in Pakistani population.

Myocardial infarction (MI) is when a blood clot in the coronary artery obstructs blood flow to a specific part of the heart, leading to the death of myocardium in that area. The development of MI is influenced by various environmental factors, genetic components, and their interactions, even though the exact cause has not been fully established. This is the first case-control study examining the possible association between the human Apo B gene and MI in the Punjab region of Pakistan. The study included 100 patients and 50 healthy individuals. Genomic DNA was isolated from blood samples using manual extraction methods. Subsequently, primers were optimized, and genotyping was performed using PCR, followed by DNA sequencing and RFLP analysis. The research focused on two specific APO B gene SNPs, codon 4154 G/A (rs1801701) and codon 2488 G/A (rs1042031). Both SNPs involved the substitution of guanine with adenine. It was found that individuals carrying the minor allele A of SNP rs1801701 (p < 0.001) and the minor allele A of rs1042031 (p < 0.001) had a significantly higher risk of developing MI. Additionally, haplotype analysis revealed that the AA haplotype (comprising both rs1801701 and rs1042031 SNPs) was associated with a substantially increased risk of MI (OR = 3.845). In conclusion, the study provides evidence supporting the association between specific mutations in the APOB gene and the risk of myocardial infarction in the Pakistani population.

Transcriptome analysis of ovarian tissues highlights genes controlling energy homeostasis and oxidative stress as potential drivers of heterosis for egg number and clutch size in crossbred laying hens.

Heterosis is the major benefit of crossbreeding and has been exploited in laying hens breeding for a long time. This genetic phenomenon has been linked to various modes of nonadditive gene action. However, the molecular mechanism of heterosis for egg production in laying hens has not been fully elucidated. To fill this research gap, we sequenced mRNAs and lncRNAs of the ovary stroma containing prehierarchical follicles in White Leghorn, Rhode Island Red chickens as well as their reciprocal crossbreds that demonstrated heterosis for egg number and clutch size. We further delineated the modes of mRNAs and lncRNAs expression to identify their potential functions in the observed heterosis. Results showed that dominance was the principal mode of nonadditive expression exhibited by mRNAs and lncRNAs in the prehierarchical follicles of crossbred hens. Specifically, low-parent dominance was the main mode of mRNA expression, while high-parent dominance was the predominant mode of lncRNA expression. Important pathways enriched by genes that showed higher expression in crossbreds compared to either one or both parental lines were cell adhesion molecules, tyrosine and purine metabolism. In contrast, ECM-receptor interaction, focal adhesion, PPAR signaling, and ferroptosis were enriched in genes with lower expression in the crossbred. Protein network interaction identified nonadditively expressed genes including apolipoprotein B (APOB), transferrin, acyl-CoA synthetase medium-chain family member (APOBEC) 3, APOBEC1 complementation factor, and cathepsin S as hub genes. Among these potential hub genes, APOB was the only gene with underdominance expression common to the 2 reciprocal crossbred lines, and has been linked to oxidative stress. LncRNAs with nonadditive expression in the crossbred hens targeted natriuretic peptide receptor 1, epidermal differentiation protein beta, spermatogenesis-associated gene 22, sperm-associated antigen 16, melanocortin 2 receptor, dolichol kinase, glycine amiinotransferase, and prolactin releasing hormone receptor. In conclusion, genes with nonadditive expression in the crossbred may play crucial roles in follicle growth and atresia by improving follicle competence and increasing oxidative stress, respectively. These 2 phenomena could underpin heterosis for egg production in crossbred laying hens.