Association of NF-κB1 gene polymorphisms with coronary artery disease in a Han Chinese population.

Nuclear factor (NF)-κB is a transcription factor that controls cell proliferation, differentiation, and immunity. Activated NF-κB1 is associated with the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD) and genetic polymorphisms in NF-κB1 have a plausible role in modulating the risk of CAD. To identify markers that contribute to the genetic susceptibility to CAD, we examined the potential association between CAD and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; rs28362491, rs230531, rs230528, rs1005819, rs4648055, rs3774964, and rs3774968) in the NF-κB1 gene using SNaPshot SNP genotyping assay. Participants included 361 patients with CAD and 385 healthy controls. The genotype and allele frequencies of the rs28362491 (promoter region) polymorphism in the CAD patients were significantly different from those in the healthy controls. The frequency of the D allele was significantly higher in CAD patients than in the healthy controls (P = 0.005 after Bonferroni correction). Strong linkage disequilibrium was observed in one block (D' > 0.9). Haplotype analysis revealed that haplotypes in block 1 of the NF-κB1 gene did not display a risk or protective effect (P > 0.05). These data suggest that NF-κB1 gene polymorphisms confer susceptibility to CAD and also support the notion that dysfunction of NF-κB1 is involved in the pathophysiological process of CAD.

Association between interleukin-17A polymorphism and coronary artery disease susceptibility in the Chinese Han population.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a major global health problem. In China, the incidence of CAD and the rate of mortality arising from it have increased every year. Interleukin-17A (IL-17A) is a proinflammatory cytokine produced by activated T cells, and it may be involved in the development of CAD. Genetic polymorphisms in functional regions of the IL17A gene have a plausible role in modulating the risk of CAD. To evaluate the role of IL17A polymorphisms as a risk factor for CAD, we performed a detailed analysis of possible functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in regulatory regions of IL17A. This study examined the potential association between CAD and five SNPs (rs8193037, rs8193036, rs3819024, rs2275913, and rs3748067) of the IL17A gene. The allelic or genotypic frequencies of the rs8193037 (promoter region) and rs8193036 (promoter region) polymorphisms in CAD were significantly different from those in healthy controls. The CAD subjects had a significantly lower frequency of the A allele of rs8193037 (P = 0.009, OR = 1.772, 95%CI = 1.146- 2.742) and the T allele of rs8193036 (P = 0.010, OR = 1.754, 95%CI = 1.139-2.701). Strong linkage disequilibrium was observed in one block (D' > 0.9). Significantly fewer T-G-G-A haplotypes (P = 0.045) were found in CAD subjects in block 1. These data suggest that IL17A gene polymorphisms confer susceptibility to CAD, and support the notion that dysfunction of IL-17A is involved in the pathophysiological process of CAD.

Establishment of a blue light damage model of human retinal pigment epithelial cells in vitro.

To establish a blue-light damage model of human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Fourth-generation human RPE cells were randomly divided into two groups. In group A, cells were exposed to blue light (2000 ± 500 lux) for 0 (control), 3, 6, 9, and 12 h, and cell culture was stopped after 12 h. In group B, cells were exposed to blue light at the same intensity and time periods, but cell culture was stopped after 24 h. TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay was performed to determine the most suitable illuminating time with apoptotic index. Flow cytometry was used to determine apoptotic ratio of RPEs. In group A, the apoptotic index of cells that received 6, 9 and 12 h of blue light was higher than that of control. The apoptotic index of cells receiving 9 and 12 h was higher than that of 6 h (P = 0.000). In group B, the apoptotic index and RPE cell apoptosis ratio of cells exposed to 6, 9 and 12 h of blue light were higher than that of 3 h (P = 0.000); and cells receiving 9 and 12 h had higher values than that of 6 h. This study demonstrated that the best conditions to establish a blue light damage model of human retinal pigment epithelial cells in vitro are 2000 ± 500 lux light intensity for 6 h, with 24 h of cell culture post-exposure.

Tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis association with proliferative diabetic retinopathy and promotes proliferation and collagen synthesis in retinal ARPE-19 cells.

Chronic inflammation develops in the retinal microvasculature under sustained hyperglycemia and is implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy. Tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) and its receptor Fn14 have been reported to promote pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are involved in the pathogenesis of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). It is therefore possible that the TWEAK/Fn14 pathway can play a regulatory role in PDR. In the present study, we examined the expression of TWEAK and Fn14 in vitreous fluid from PDR patients. To confirm the correlation between the TWEAK expression and clinical pathological characteristics of PDR, we investigated the regulatory role of the TWEAK/Fn14 pathway in cell proliferation and collagen synthesis in retinal ARPE-19 cells. The results demonstrated that vitreous fluid from patients with PDR had higher levels of TWEAK and Fn14 than that from T2DM patients without PDR, thus suggesting an important regulatory role of TWEAK/Fn14 signaling in the pathogenesis of PDR. Furthermore, overexpression of TWEAK in ARPE-19 cells also promoted proliferation of and collagen synthesis in these retinal cells. It is possible that TWEAK/Fn14 upregulation in PDR may contribute to PDR progression by promoting the proliferation or fibrosis of retinal cells.

Short communication: Improving accuracy of predicting breeding values in Brazilian Holstein population by adding data from Nordic and French Holstein populations.

The present study investigated the improvement of prediction reliabilities for 3 production traits in Brazilian Holsteins that had no genotype information by adding information from Nordic and French Holstein bulls that had genotypes. The estimated across-country genetic correlations (ranging from 0.604 to 0.726) indicated that an important genotype by environment interaction exists between Brazilian and Nordic (or Nordic and French) populations. Prediction reliabilities for Brazilian genotyped bulls were greatly increased by including data of Nordic and French bulls, and a 2-trait single-step genomic BLUP performed much better than the corresponding pedigree-based BLUP. However, only a minor improvement in prediction reliabilities was observed in nongenotyped Brazilian cows. The results indicate that although there is a large genotype by environment interaction, inclusion of a foreign reference population can improve accuracy of genetic evaluation for the Brazilian Holstein population. However, a Brazilian reference population is necessary to obtain a more accurate genomic evaluation.

Association between alcohol dehydrogenase 1C gene *1/*2 polymorphism and pancreatitis risk: a meta-analysis.

Numerous studies have focused on the relationship be-tween alcohol dehydrogenase 1C gene (ADH1C) *1/*2 polymorphism (Ile350Val, rs698, also known as ADH1C *1/*2) and pancreatitis risk, but the results have been inconsistent. Thus, we conducted a meta-anal-ysis to more precisely estimate this association. Relevant publications were searched in several widely used databases and 9 eligible studies were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to evaluate the strength of the association. Significant associations between ADH1C *1/*2 poly-morphism and pancreatitis risk were observed in both overall meta-analysis for 12 vs 22 (OR = 1.53, 95%CI = 1.12-2.10) and 11 + 12 vs 22 (OR = 1.44, 95%CI = 1.07-1.95), and the chronic alcoholic pancre-atitis subgroup for 12 vs 22 (OR = 1.64, 95%CI = 1.17-2.29) and 11 + 12 vs 22 (OR = 1.53, 95%CI = 1.11-2.11). Significant pancreatitis risk variation was also detected in Caucasians for 11 + 12 vs 22 (OR = 1.45, 95%CI = 1.07-1.98). In conclusion, the ADH1C *1/*2 polymorphism is likely associated with pancreatitis risk, particularly chronic alcoholic pancreatitis risk, with the *1 allele functioning as a risk factor.

Genetic relationships analysis of olive cultivars grown in China.

The olive tree is an iconic tree of the Mediterranean, and is used extensively to produce high-quality olive oil. Although the China olive industry has just begun to be valued, there were also existed mislabeling and synonyms in introduced cultivars. The aim of this study was to analyze genetic similarities among olive cultivars in China using SSR and ISSR techniques. Thirty-two samples were collected from Xichang. Five of these cultivars were issued from a Chinese breeding program. Genomic DNA samples were extracted from young leaves and PCR was used to generate SSR and ISSR markers. A total of 107 polymorphic bands were detected on thirteen SSR loci, with an average of eight alleles per locus. The observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.785 (DCA03) to 0.990 (GAPU47), and the expected heterozygosity varied between 0.782 (DCA03) and 0.940 (GAPU103A). The discrimination power ranged from 0.57 to 0.83, while the polymorphism information content values ranged from 0.768 (DCA03) to 0.934 (GAPU103A). Nine ISSR primers generated 85 reproducible bands of which 78 (91.8%) were polymorphic. Based on our data, genetic similarity between cultivars ranged from 0.57 to 0.83. Cluster analysis revealed that 32 cultivars were clustered into six groups, which supports similar morphology such as use, oil content and fruit weight but not similar geographical origins. Our data also allow the identification of unknown cultivars and cases of synonyms.

Correlation analysis of ultrasonic characteristics, pathological type, and molecular markers of thyroid nodules.

The present study was conducted to analyze the correlation between ultrasonic characteristics, pathological type, and molecular markers of thyroid-tumor-related genes as well as to evaluate the diagnosis and prognosis of thyroid nodules. The acoustic characteristics of 130 thyroid specimens were detected. Pathological sectioning and immunohistochemical detection were performed to determine the correlation between tumor gene expression and ultrasonic characteristics. Ultrasonic testing revealed that malignant nodules were normally accompanied by lymph nodes. Expression of the human telomerase reverse transcriptase, Ki67, vascular endothelial growth factor, Ret, and P53 genes exhibited statistically significant differences in malignant, benign, and normal tissues. The performance of thyroid malignant nodules showed different degrees of correlation with the expression of the human telomerase reverse transcriptase, Ki67, VEGF, Ret, and P53 genes. Color Doppler ultrasound is highly sensitive for thyroid nodules and is therefore effective for identifying thyroid nodules and early diagnosis of thyroid cancer. Color Doppler ultrasound can identify benign or malignant thyroid nodules based on 5 characteristic indicators. Tumor pathology and gene expression are associated with the sonographic features of thyroid cancer. Therefore, determining the pathological basis of ultrasonography would facilitate prognostic assessments of thyroid cancer.

Relationship between vitamin D (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3) receptor gene polymorphisms and primary biliary cirrhosis risk: a meta-analysis.

The vitamin D (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3) receptor (VDR) gene encodes a protein that functions in the transcriptional regulation of vitamin D-responsive genes and plays a role in innate immunity and adaptive immune responses. In this study, we investigated the relationship between VDR polymorphisms (BsmI, ApaI, and TaqI) and primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) risk. We conducted an overall meta-analysis and subgroup meta-analysis based on ethnicity that included a total of 6 eligible studies (672 cases and 1148 controls). We detected no significant PBC risk variation for all genetic models in the overall analysis and in the subgroup analysis based on ethnicity for the BsmI polymorphism. For the ApaI polymorphism, significant associations were observed in the overall analysis as well as in the Asian subgroup. Furthermore, in the subgroup analysis based on ethnicity, a significant association was observed in the Caucasian subgroup but not in the Asian subgroup for the TaqI polymorphism. Based on the results of our meta-analysis, the VDR BsmI polymorphism may not be associated with PBC risk, while the VDR ApaI polymorphism is likely associated with PBC risk, particularly in Asians. The VDR TaqI polymorphism may be associated with PBC risk in Caucasians.

Protective role of neuregulin-1 toward doxorubicin-induced myocardial toxicity.

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the rat neuregulin-1 (NRG-1) protein in reducing doxorubicin (DOX)-induced myocardial toxicity and its underlying mechanism. The prokaryotic expression of the NRG-1 protein and the CCK8-determined activity of rat primary myocardial cells were evaluated under different DOX concentrations. Myocardial cells were divided into three groups: the control group, the 5 µM DOX (DOX5) group, and the DOX5+NRG-1 group. Western blotting was used to determine the Na+-Ca2+ exchanger (NCX-1) and cardiac myosin light-chain kinase (cMLCK) protein expression levels and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction methods were used to determine the mRNA expression levels. The prokaryotic expression of NRG-1 in the DOX5 group produced toxicity in the rat myocardial cells, and cell activity was significantly restored with the addition of NRG-1. The protective effect of NRG-1 was limited at higher DOX concentrations (DOX10), and the degree of cellular activity restoration was positively correlated with NRG-1 concentration. The addition of NRG-1 to DOX5 intervention inhibited NCX-1 protein and mRNA expression, and increased cMLCK protein and mRNA expression. In conclusion, DOX-induced toxicity in rat myocardial cells could be protected by NRG-1, and the mechanism may be related to the role of NRG-1 in up-regulating the cMLCK expression level and down-regulating the NCX-1 expression level.

Induction of hepatocyte lipopolysaccharide binding protein in models of sepsis and the acute-phase response.

Lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) is a serum glycoprotein that complexes with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to facilitate macrophage response to endotoxin. To determine the conditions that stimulate LBP production in vivo, we measured the induction of LBP in models of inflammation produced by LPS, Corynebacterium parvum, and turpentine injection. Plasma aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase concentrations and hepatocyte fibrinogen synthesis were elevated in all models. Northern blot analysis revealed 17-, 14-, and 20-fold upregulation of hepatocyte LBP mRNA following treatment with LPS, C parvum, and turpentine, respectively. Peritoneal macrophage interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor production following endotoxin stimulation was augmented by cultured hepatocyte supernatants, suggesting increased LBP synthesis in these groups. The results show that LBP mRNA is induced during hepatic inflammation and suggest that LBP is an acute-phase protein important in regulating the in vivo response to endotoxin.