Transporter Proteins as Therapeutic Drug Targets-With a Focus on SGLT2 Inhibitors.

Membrane transporters interact not only with endogenous substrates but are also engaged in the transport of xenobiotics, including drugs. While the coordinated function of uptake (solute carrier family-SLC and SLCO) and efflux (ATP-binding cassette family-ABC, multidrug and toxic compound extrusion family-MATE) transporter system allows vectorial drug transport, efflux carriers alone achieve barrier functions. The modulation of transport functions was proved to be effective in the treatment strategies of various pathological states. Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are the drugs most widely applied in clinical practice, especially in the treatment of diabetes mellitus and heart failure. Sodium taurocholate co-transporting polypeptide (NTCP) serves as virus particles (HBV/HDV) carrier, and inhibition of its function is applied in the treatment of hepatitis B and hepatitis D by myrcludex B. Inherited cholestatic diseases, such as Alagille syndrome (ALGS) and progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC) can be treated by odevixibat and maralixibat, which inhibit activity of apical sodium-dependent bile salt transporter (ASBT). Probenecid can be considered to increase uric acid excretion in the urine mainly via the inhibition of urate transporter 1 (URAT1), and due to pharmacokinetic interactions involving organic anion transporters 1 and 3 (OAT1 and OAT3), it modifies renal excretion of penicillins or ciprofloxacin as well as nephrotoxicity of cidofovir. This review discusses clinically approved drugs that affect membrane/drug transporter function.

Drug-Induced Gingival Overgrowth-Molecular Aspects of Drug Actions.

Drug-induced gingival overgrowth (DIGO) is one of the side effects produced by therapeutic agents, most commonly phenytoin, nifedipine and cyclosporin A. However, the precise mechanism of DIGO is not entirely understood. A literature search of the MEDLINE/PubMed databases was conducted to identify the mechanisms involved in DIGO. The available information suggests that the pathogenesis of DIGO is multifactorial, but common pathogenic sequelae of events emerge, i.e., sodium and calcium channel antagonism or disturbed intracellular handling of calcium, which finally lead to reductions in intracellular folic acid levels. Disturbed cellular functions, mainly in keratinocytes and fibroblasts, result in increased collagen and glycosaminoglycans accumulation in the extracellular matrix. Dysregulation of collagenase activity, as well as integrins and membrane receptors, are key mechanisms of reduced degradation or excessive synthesis of connective tissue components. This manuscript describes the cellular and molecular factors involved in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and extracellular matrix remodeling triggered by agents producing DIGO.

Kidney Drug Transporters in Pharmacotherapy.

The kidney functions not only as a metabolite elimination organ but also plays an important role in pharmacotherapy. The kidney tubule epithelia cells express membrane carriers and transporters, which play an important role in drug elimination, and can determine drug nephrotoxicity and drug-drug interactions, as well as constituting direct drug targets. The above aspects of kidney transport proteins are discussed in the review.

A Mixture Method for Robust Detection HCV Early Diagnosis Biomarker with ML Approach and Molecular Docking.

Given the substantial correlation between early diagnosis and prolonged patient survival in HCV patients, it is vital to identify a reliable and accessible biomarker. The purpose of this research was to identify accurate miRNA biomarkers to aid in the early diagnosis of HCV and to identify key target genes for anti-hepatic fibrosis therapeutics. The expression of 188 miRNAs in 42 HCV liver patients with different functional states and 23 normal livers were determined using RT-qPCR. After screening out differentially expressed miRNA (DEmiRNAs), the target genes were predicted. To validate target genes, an HCV microarray dataset was subjected to five machine learning algorithms (Random Forest, Adaboost, Bagging, Boosting, XGBoost) and then, based on the best model, importance features were selected. After identification of hub target genes, to evaluate the potency of compounds that might hit key hub target genes, molecular docking was performed. According to our data, eight DEmiRNAs are associated with early stage and eight DEmiRNAs are linked to a deterioration in liver function and an increase in HCV severity. In the validation phase of target genes, model evaluation revealed that XGBoost (AUC = 0.978) outperformed the other machine learning algorithms. The results of the maximal clique centrality algorithm determined that CDK1 is a hub target gene, which can be hinted at by hsa-miR-335, hsa-miR-140, hsa-miR-152, and hsa-miR-195. Because viral proteins boost CDK1 activation for cell mitosis, pharmacological inhibition may have anti-HCV therapeutic promise. The strong affinity binding of paeoniflorin (-6.32 kcal/mol) and diosmin (-6.01 kcal/mol) with CDK1 was demonstrated by molecular docking, which may result in attractive anti-HCV compounds. The findings of this study may provide significant evidence, in the context of the miRNA biomarkers, for early-stage HCV diagnosis. In addition, recognized hub target genes and small molecules with high binding affinity may constitute a novel set of therapeutic targets for HCV.

Protein Abundance of Drug Metabolizing Enzymes in Human Hepatitis C Livers.

Hepatic drug metabolizing enzymes (DMEs), whose activity may be affected by liver diseases, are major determinants of drug pharmacokinetics. Hepatitis C liver samples in different functional states, i.e., the Child-Pugh class A (n = 30), B (n = 21) and C (n = 7) were analyzed for protein abundances (LC-MS/MS) and mRNA levels (qRT-PCR) of 9 CYPs and 4 UGTs enzymes. The protein levels of CYP1A1, CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, and CYP2D6 were not affected by the disease. In the Child-Pugh class A livers, a significant up-regulation of UGT1A1 (to 163% of the controls) was observed. The Child-Pugh class B was associated with down-regulation of the protein abundance of CYP2C19 (to 38% of the controls), CYP2E1 (to 54%), CYP3A4 (to 33%), UGT1A3 (to 69%), and UGT2B7 (to 56%). In the Child-Pugh class C livers, CYP1A2 was found to be reduced (to 52%). A significant trend in down-regulation of the protein abundance was documented for CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP3A4, CYP2E1, UGT2B7, and UGT2B15. The results of the study demonstrate that DMEs protein abundances in the liver are affected by hepatitis C virus infection and depend on the severity of the disease.

Oral Pathology in COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 Infection-Molecular Aspects.

This review article was designed to evaluate the existing evidence related to the molecular processes of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the oral cavity. The World Health Organization stated that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and transmission is produced by respiratory droplets and aerosols from the oral cavity of infected patients. The oral cavity structures, keratinized and non-keratinized mucosa, and salivary glands' epithelia express SARS-CoV-2 entry and transmission factors, especially angiotensin converting enzyme Type 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2). Replication of the virus in cells leads to local and systemic infection spread, and cellular damage is associated with clinical signs and symptoms of the disease in the oral cavity. Saliva, both the cellular and acellular fractions, holds the virus particles and contributes to COVID-19 transmission. The review also presents information about the factors modifying SARS-CoV-2 infection potential and possible local pharmacotherapeutic interventions, which may confine SARS-CoV-2 virus entry and transmission in the oral cavity. The PubMed and Scopus databases were used to search for suitable keywords such as: SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, oral virus infection, saliva, crevicular fluid, salivary gland, tongue, oral mucosa, periodontium, gingiva, dental pulp, ACE2, TMPRSS2, Furin, diagnosis, topical treatment, vaccine and related words in relevant publications up to 28 December 2021. Data extraction and quality evaluation of the articles were performed by two reviewers, and 63 articles were included in the final review.

Protein Abundance of Drug Transporters in Human Hepatitis C Livers.

Transmembrane drug transport in hepatocytes is one of the major determinants of drug pharmacokinetics. In the present study, ABC transporters (P-gp, MRP1, MRP2, MRP3, MRP4, BCRP, and BSEP) and SLC transporters (MCT1, NTCP, OAT2, OATP1B1, OATP1B3, OATP2B1, OCT1, and OCT3) were quantified for protein abundance (LC-MS/MS) and mRNA levels (qRT-PCR) in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected liver samples from the Child-Pugh class A (n = 30), B (n = 21), and C (n = 7) patients. Protein levels of BSEP, MRP3, MCT1, OAT2, OATP1B3, and OCT3 were not significantly affected by HCV infection. P-gp, MRP1, BCRP, and OATP1B3 protein abundances were upregulated, whereas those of MRP2, MRP4, NTCP, OATP2B1, and OCT1 were downregulated in all HCV samples. The observed changes started to be seen in the Child-Pugh class A livers, i.e., upregulation of P-gp and MRP1 and downregulation of MRP2, MRP4, BCRP, and OATP1B3. In the case of NTCP, OATP2B1, and OCT1, a decrease in the protein levels was observed in the class B livers. In the class C livers, no other changes were noted than those in the class A and B patients. The results of the study demonstrate that drug transporter protein abundances are affected by the functional state of the liver in hepatitis C patients.

Gene Expression and Protein Abundance of Nuclear Receptors in Human Intestine and Liver: A New Application for Mass Spectrometry-Based Targeted Proteomics.

BACKGROUND: Unwanted drug-drug interactions (DDIs), as caused by the upregulation of clinically relevant drug metabolizing enzymes and transporter proteins in intestine and liver, have the potential to threaten the therapeutic efficacy and safety of drugs. The molecular mechanism of this undesired but frequently occurring scenario of polypharmacy is based on the activation of nuclear receptors such as the pregnane X receptor (PXR) or the constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) by perpetrator agents such as rifampin, phenytoin or St. John's wort. However, the expression pattern of nuclear receptors in human intestine and liver remains uncertain, which makes it difficult to predict the extent of potential DDIs. Thus, it was the aim of this study to characterize the gene expression and protein abundance of clinically relevant nuclear receptors, i.e., the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), CAR, farnesoid X receptor (FXR), glucocorticoid receptor (GR), hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha (HNF4α), PXR and small heterodimer partner (SHP), in the aforementioned organs. METHODS: Gene expression analysis was performed by quantitative real-time PCR of jejunal, ileal, colonic and liver samples from eight human subjects. In parallel, a targeted proteomic method was developed and validated in order to determine the respective protein amounts of nuclear receptors in human intestinal and liver samples. The LC-MS/MS method was validated according to the current bioanalytical guidelines and met the criteria regarding linearity (0.1-50 nmol/L), within-day and between-day accuracy and precision, as well as the stability criteria. RESULTS: The developed method was successfully validated and applied to determine the abundance of nuclear receptors in human intestinal and liver samples. Gene expression and protein abundance data demonstrated marked differences in human intestine and liver. On the protein level, only AhR and HNF4α could be detected in gut and liver, which corresponds to their highest gene expression. In transfected cell lines, PXR and CAR could be quantified. CONCLUSIONS: The substantially different expression pattern of nuclear receptors in human intestinal and liver tissue may explain the different extent of unwanted DDIs in the dependence on the administration route of drugs.

Analysis of selected genetic variants in psoriasis susceptibility and response to treatment.

Introduction: Aetiology of psoriasis is complex with risk factors involving both environmental triggers and genetic background. Although the best characterized genetic risk factor for psoriasis is HLA-C*06 allele, a number of other variants were associated with the disease. Aim: In the current paper we have conducted a confirmation study for SNPs located in 9 gene regions in a case-control analysis of 507 psoriatic patients and 396 controls from the Polish population. Material and methods: Subsequently the impact of genetic variants on response to topical and NB-UVB therapy (reduction in the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index) was analysed. Results: Significant differences in genotype and/or allelic frequency were observed for the following SNPs: rs33980500 (TRAF3IP2), rs582757 (TNFAIP3I), rs12188300 (IL12B), rs28998802 (NOS2), and rs2233278 (TNIP1). None of the genetic factors was associated with treatment outcome. Conclusions: Although the genetic variants have an impact on the disease risk, they are unlikely to be useful in personalization of topical therapy.

A Possible Role for HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors and Its Association with HMGCR Genetic Variation in Parkinson's Disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease characterised by both motor- and non-motor symptoms, including cognitive impairment. The aetiopathogenesis of PD, as well as its protective and susceptibility factors, are still elusive. Neuroprotective effects of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors-statins-via both cholesterol-dependent and independent mechanisms have been shown in animal and cell culture models. However, the available data provide conflicting results on the role of statin treatment in PD patients. Moreover, cholesterol is a vital component for brain functions and may be considered as protective against PD. We present possible statin effects on PD under the hypothesis that they may depend on the HMG-CoA reductase gene (HMGCR) variability, such as haplotype 7, which was shown to affect cholesterol synthesis and statin treatment outcome, diminishing possible neuroprotection associated with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors administration. Statins are among the most prescribed groups of drugs. Thus, it seems important to review the available data in the context of their possible neuroprotective effects in PD, and the HMG-CoA reductase gene's genetic variability.

Synthesis and Anticancer Activity of Mitotic-Specific 3,4-Dihydropyridine-2(1H)-thiones.

Most anticancer drugs target mitosis as the most crucial and fragile period of rapidly dividing cancer cells. However the limitations of classical chemotherapeutics drive the search for new more effective and selective compounds. For this purpose structural modifications of the previously characterized pyridine aalog (S1) were incorporated aiming to obtain an antimitotic inhibitor of satisfactory and specific anticancer activity. Structure-activity relationship analysis of the compounds against a panel of cancer cell lines allowed to select a compound with a thiophene ring at C5 of a 3,4-dihydropyridine-2(1H)-thione (S22) with promising antiproliferative activity (IC50 equal 1.71 ± 0.58 µM) and selectivity (SI = 21.09) against melanoma A375 cells. Moreover, all three of the most active compounds from the antiproliferative study, namely S1, S19 and S22 showed better selectivity against A375 cells than reference drug, suggesting their possible lower toxicity and wider therapeutic index. As further study revealed, selected compounds inhibited tubulin polymerization via colchicine binding site in dose dependent manner, leading to aberrant mitotic spindle formation, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Summarizing, the current study showed that among obtained mitotic-specific inhibitors analogue with thiophene ring showed the highest antiproliferative activity and selectivity against cancer cells.

Bacterial Cellulose Membrane Containing Epilobium angustifolium L. Extract as a Promising Material for the Topical Delivery of Antioxidants to the Skin.

Bacterial cellulose membranes (BCs) are becoming useful as a drug delivery system to the skin. However, there are very few reports on their application of plant substances to the skin. Komagataeibacter xylinus was used for the production of bacterial cellulose (BC). The BC containing 5% and 10% ethanolic extract of Epilobium angustifolium (FEE) (BC-5%FEE and BC-10%FEE, respectively) were prepared. Their mechanical, structural, and antioxidant properties, as well as phenolic acid content, were evaluated. The bioavailability of BC-FESs using mouse L929 fibroblasts as model cells was tested. Moreover, In Vitro penetration through the pigskin of the selected phenolic acids contained in FEE and their accumulation in the skin after topical application of BC-FEEs was examined. The BC-FEEs were characterized by antioxidant activity. The BC-5% FEE showed relatively low toxicity to healthy mouse fibroblasts. Gallic acid (GA), chlorogenic acid (ChA), 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (3,4-DHB), 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (4-HB), 3-hydroxybenzoic acid (3-HB), and caffeic acid (CA) found in FEE were also identified in the membranes. After topical application of the membranes to the pigskin penetration of some phenolic acid and other antioxidants through the skin as well as their accumulation in the skin was observed. The bacterial cellulose membrane loaded by plant extract may be an interesting solution for topical antioxidant delivery to the skin.

Arterial Blood Pressure Variability and Other Vascular Factors Contribution to the Cognitive Decline in Parkinson's Disease.

Dementia is one of the most disabling non-motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD). Unlike in Alzheimer's disease, the vascular pathology in PD is less documented. Due to the uncertain role of commonly investigated metabolic or vascular factors, e.g., hypertension or diabetes, other factors corresponding to PD dementia have been proposed. Associated dysautonomia and dopaminergic treatment seem to have an impact on diurnal blood pressure (BP) variability, which may presumably contribute to white matter hyperintensities (WMH) development and cognitive decline. We aim to review possible vascular and metabolic factors: Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy), as well as the dopaminergic treatment, in the etiopathogenesis of PD dementia. Additionally, we focus on the role of polymorphisms within the genes for catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), apolipoprotein E (APOE), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and for renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system components, and their contribution to cognitive decline in PD. Determining vascular risk factors and their contribution to the cognitive impairment in PD may result in screening, as well as preventive measures.

Extrahepatic Drug Transporters in Liver Failure: Focus on Kidney and Gastrointestinal Tract.

Emerging information suggests that liver pathological states may affect the expression and function of membrane transporters in the gastrointestinal tract and the kidney. Altered status of the transporters could affect drug as well as endogenous compounds handling with subsequent clinical consequences. It seems that changes in intestinal and kidney transporter functions provide the compensatory activity of eliminating endogenous compounds (e.g., bile acids) generated and accumulated due to liver dysfunction. A literature search was conducted on the Ovid and PubMed databases to select relevant in vitro, animal and human studies that have reported expression, protein abundance and function of the gastrointestinal and kidney operating ABC (ATP-binding cassette) transporters and SLC (solute carriers) carriers. The accumulated data suggest that liver failure-associated transporter alterations in the gastrointestinal tract and kidney may affect drug pharmacokinetics. The altered status of drug transporters in those organs in liver dysfunction conditions may provide compensatory activity in handling endogenous compounds, affecting local drug actions as well as drug pharmacokinetics.

Identifying Differentially Expressed MicroRNAs, Target Genes, and Key Pathways Deregulated in Patients with Liver Diseases.

Liver diseases are important causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The aim of this study was to identify differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs), target genes, and key pathways as innovative diagnostic biomarkers in liver patients with different pathology and functional state. We determined, using RT-qPCR, the expression of 472 miRNAs in 125 explanted livers from subjects with six different liver pathologies and from control livers. ANOVA was employed to obtain differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs), and miRDB (MicroRNA target prediction database) was used to predict target genes. A miRNA-gene differential regulatory (MGDR) network was constructed for each condition. Key miRNAs were detected using topological analysis. Enrichment analysis for DEMs was performed using the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID). We identified important DEMs common and specific to the different patient groups and disease progression stages. hsa-miR-1275 was universally downregulated regardless the disease etiology and stage, while hsa-let-7a*, hsa-miR-195, hsa-miR-374, and hsa-miR-378 were deregulated. The most significantly enriched pathways of target genes controlled by these miRNAs comprise p53 tumor suppressor protein (TP53)-regulated metabolic genes, and those involved in regulation of methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2) expression, phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) messenger RNA (mRNA) translation and copper homeostasis. Our findings show a novel panel of deregulated miRNAs in the liver tissue from patients with different liver pathologies. These miRNAs hold potential as biomarkers for diagnosis and staging of liver diseases.

Monocarboxylate Transporter 1 (MCT1) in Liver Pathology.

Membrane monocarboxylate transporter 1 (SLC16A1/MCT1) plays an important role in hepatocyte homeostasis, as well as drug handling. However, there is no available information about the impact of liver pathology on the transporter levels and function. The study was aimed to quantify SLC16A1 mRNA (qRT-PCR) and MCT1 protein abundance (liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC---MS/MS)) in the livers of patients diagnosed, according to the standard clinical criteria, with hepatitis C, primary biliary cirrhosis, primary sclerosing hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease (ALD), and autoimmune hepatitis. The stage of liver dysfunction was classified according to Child-Pugh score. Downregulation of SLC16A1/MCT1 levels was observed in all liver pathology states, significantly for ALD. The progression of liver dysfunction, from Child-Pugh class A to C, involved the gradual decline in SLC16A1 mRNA and MCT1 protein abundance, reaching a clinically significant decrease in class C livers. Reduced levels of MCT1 were associated with significant intracellular lactate accumulation. The MCT1 transcript and protein did not demonstrate significant correlations regardless of the liver pathology analyzed, as well as the disease stage, suggesting posttranscriptional regulation, and several microRNAs were found as potential regulators of MCT1 abundance. MCT1 membrane immunolocalization without cytoplasmic retention was observed in all studied liver pathologies. Overall, the study demonstrates that SLC16A1/MCT1 is involved in liver pathology, especially in ALD.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of 3-functionalized 2-phenyl- and 2-alkylbenzo[b]furans as antiproliferative agents against human melanoma cell line.

The key function of microtubules and mitotic spindle in cell division make them attractive targets in anticancer therapy. In the present study, functionalized in 3 position 2-phenyl- and 2-alkylbenzo[b]furans were synthesized and evaluated as antitumor agents. Among the synthesized derivatives 13a, 13b and 14 exhibited the most potent antiproliferative activity against human melanoma A375 cell line with IC50 values of 2.85 µM, 0.86 µM, 0.09 µM, respectively. The most promising compound defined was 14 with three methoxy groups in the 3-aroyl substituent and 7-methoxy group in 2-phenylbenzo[b]furan skeleton. Tubulin polymerization assay, confocal microscopy imaging and flow cytometry analysis revealed that 2-phenyl-3-aroylbenzo[b]furans (13a, 13b and 14) inhibited tubulin polymerization leading to disruption of mitotic spindle formation, cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase and apoptosis.

Membrane Transporters in Human Parotid Gland-Targeted Proteomics Approach.

Salivary glands provide secretory functions, including secretion of xenobiotics and among them drugs. However, there is no published information about protein abundance of drug transporters measured using reliable protein quantification methods. Therefore, mRNA expression and absolute protein content of clinically relevant ABC (n = 6) and SLC (n = 15) family member transporters in the human parotid gland, using the qRT-PCR and liquid chromatography‒tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method, were studied. The abundance of nearly all measured proteins ranged between 0.04 and 0.45 pmol/mg (OCT3 > MRP1 > PEPT2 > MRP4 > MATE1 > BCRP). mRNAs of ABCB1, ABCC2, ABCC3, SLC10A1, SLC10A2, SLC22A1, SLC22A5, SLC22A6, SLC22A7, SLC22A8, SLCO1A2, SLCO1B1, SLCO1B3 and SLCO2B1 were not detected. The present study provides, for the first time, information about the protein abundance of membrane transporters in the human parotid gland, which could further be used to define salivary bidirectional transport (absorption and secretion) mechanisms of endogenous compounds and xenobiotics.

SLC22A5 polymorphism associated with risk of extra-articular manifestations in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

OBJECTIVES: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the most common autoimmune disease, is thought to be a complex disease in which a combination of risk alleles from different susceptibility genes predisposes to development of the disease, following exposure to as yet unknown environmental factors. An important component of the carnitine system is the plasma membrane carnitine transporters, also called organic cation transporters, i.e. OCTN1 and OCTN2 encoded by the SLC22A4 and SLC22A5 genes, respectively. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between SLC22A5 polymorphism and RA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was carried out on 404 patients diagnosed with RA according to the criteria of the American College of Rheumatology and 560 healthy subjects. The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) within the SLC22A5 gene - 207C>G (rs 2631367) was genotyped using pre-validated TaqMan genotyping assays. RESULTS: The distribution of SLC22A5 genotypes and alleles in RA patients did not differ significantly from that in healthy controls. Moreover, there were no significant associations between SLC22A5 genotypes and age at time of disease diagnosis, rheumatoid factor, erosive disease and response to treatment with methotrexate. Extra-articular manifestations were diagnosed in 16.7% of SLC22A5 GG homozygous patients, in 9.4% with the GC genotype and in 7.2% of homozygous CC patients. The frequency of extra-articular manifestations was two-fold greater in homozygous GG patients as compared with carriers of the C allele (GG vs. GC + CC), OR = 2.06 (95% CI: 1.11-3.85, p = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study suggest that the SLC22A5 polymorphism may be associated with the development of extra-articular manifestations of RA but the distribution of SLC22A5 genotypes and alleles in studied RA patients did not significantly differ from healthy subjects.

Common Missense Variant of SCN9A Gene Is Associated with Pain Intensity in Patients with Chronic Pain from Disc Herniation.

Objective: Lumbar intervertebral disk herniation (LDH) is considered one of the major risk factors for lower back pain, mainly caused by irritation of a spinal nerve or its root. One of the genes related to pain perception is SCN9A, which encodes the voltage gated sodium channel NaV1.7, a key molecule involved in peripheral pain processing. It had been presented before that a common polymorphism within SCN9A (rs6746030: G > A, R1150W) might influence nociception in the general population. Hence, the present study was aimed at investigating the association between SCN9A polymorphism and pain sensitivity. Methods: Pain intensity was measured by means of the visual analog pain scale (VAS) in 176 Caucasian patients with a history of leg and back pain who had been diagnosed with LDH and underwent lumbar discectomy. SCN9A polymorphism was determined by means of TaqMan assay. Results: A significantly higher preoperative back pain intensity was observed among rs6746030 A minor allele carriers, compared with GG homozygotes (VAS = 7.5 ± 2.4 vs 6.5 ± 2.7, P = 0.012). Similarly, A allele carriers were characterized by higher values of leg pain prior to surgery (VAS = 7.8 ± 2.3 vs 6.8 ± 2.6, P = 0.013). However, postoperative improvement in pain reduction was similar in both groups. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the SCN9A rs6746030 polymorphism may be associated with pain intensity in patients suffering from symptomatic disc herniation.