Genetic variants in LGALS3 are related to lower galectin-3 serum levels and clinical outcomes in systemic sclerosis patients: A case-control study.

INTRODUCTION: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare complex disease characterized by vascular damage, autoimmunity, and extensive skin and internal organs fibrosis. Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is encoded by gene LGALS3 (Lectin, Galactoside-Binding, Soluble, 3; 14q22.3) and it has been reported to play a central role in self-tolerance, inflammation, and fibrosis. OBJECTIVE: To investigate associations among LGALS3 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and serum levels Gal-3 and SSc susceptibility and their clinical features. METHODS: A case-control study with 88 patients and 151 matched controls was performed. LGALS3 variants were analyzed by the TaqMan real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) system whereas Gal-3 serum levels were measured by sandwich enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Associations among genotypes, clinical features, and Gal-3 levels were performed by univariable and multivariable analysis through statistical packages. RESULTS: The LGALS3 rs4652 A/C genotype was more frequent in SSc patients than controls according to overdominant model [OR 1.89 (CI 95% 1.01 - 3.52); p = .046]. Also, LGALS3 rs4652 C/C polymorphic genotype was associated with lower patient Gal-3 levels (p = .03) and control group (p = 0.005), as noted by generalized linear model (GLM). The LGALS3 rs1009977 G/T controls showed higher Gal-3 levels than wild-type and polymorphic genotypes (p = .03); however, in SSc patients, no difference was found. None of the LGALS3 SNPs or Gal-3 levels was associated with clinical manifestations in SSc patients. Considering only the SSc group, GLM analysis pointed LGALS3 rs4652 and rs2075601, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), myopathy, and health assessment questionnaire (HAQ) and scleroderma health assessment questionnaire (SHAQ) as important predictors for Gal-3 levels. CONCLUSION: The LGALS3 rs4652 A/C was more frequent in SSc patients and related to lower Gal-3 levels. These findings were corroborated through a GLM to estimate Gal-3 values. Also, by model equations, Gal-3 levels may be predicted by HAQ, SHAQ, PAH, myopathy, and LGALS3 rs4652 and rs2075601 factors. In these ways, we suggest that galectins may be promising biomarkers to identify susceptibility to SSc as well as to identify HAQ, SHAQ, PAH, and myopathy outcomes.

Age and growth of Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus brasiliensis) off the northeastern coast of Brazil

Age and growth of the Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus brasiliensis) caught off northeastern Brazil were determined. A total of 831 otoliths were examined - 296 from males (12 - 75 cm FL), 212 from females (11.5 - 72 cm FL) and 323 from specimens of undetermined sex (12.4 - 75 cm FL). There was a high percentage of juveniles in the catches, resulting mainly from the use of gillnets. Marginal increment analysis of the otoliths indicated that the shortest distances from the last ring to the edge occurred from November to May, laying down just one ring annually. One to eight rings were found, with specimen lengths ranging from 11.5 to 75.8 cm. The Schunute model was used to determine what model was best fit the data, demonstrating that the specialized von Bertalanffy growth equation is the most appropriate. Curves were established for males (L∞ = 79.52 cm, K = 0.189, t0 = -0.384 year) and females (L∞ = 109.18 cm, K = 0.114, t0 = -0.414 year), which resulted in distinct growth patterns between sexes. Based on the parameters estimated for the sexes separately, males have an approximate longevity of 15.5 years, whereas female longevity is 25.9 years. Specimens between 2 and 6 years of age represented 86 percent (n = 5,290) of the catch composition, characterizing the species as a catchable stock in the region. The present study updates essential information for assessing the stock of this important resource, for which the last growth studies in the region were carried out approximately thirty years ago.(AU)

Foram determinados a idade e o crescimento da serra (Scomberomorus brasiliensis) capturada na região nordeste do Brasil. Um total de 831 otólitos foi examinado, sendo 296 machos (12 - 75 cm FL), 212 fêmeas (11,5 - 72 cm FL) e 323 exemplares com sexo indeterminado (12,4 - 75 cm FL). Um alto percentual de exemplares jovens foi verificado nas capturas, principalmente pela utilização de redes de emalhar. A análise do incremento marginal nos otólitos indicou que as menores distâncias do último anel a borda ocorrem nos meses de novembro a maio, marcando apenas um anel anualmente. Foram encontrados de 1 a 8 anéis, com comprimentos de 11,5 a 75,8 cm FL. O modelo de Schunute foi utilizado, a fim de verificar qual modelo melhor se ajustava aos dados, demonstrando que a equação de crescimento de von Bertalanffy especializada é a mais indicada. Curvas foram estabelecidas para machos (L∞ = 79,52 cm, K = 0,189, t0 = -0,384) e fêmeas (L∞ = 109,18 cm, K = 0,114 e t0 = -0,414), resultando em um padrão distinto de crescimento entre sexos. De acordo com os parâmetros estimados para sexos separadamente, machos apresentam longevidade aproximada de 15,5 anos e fêmeas de 25,9 anos. Exemplares entre 2 e 6 anos de idade representaram 86 por cento (n = 5.290) da composição das capturas, caracterizando o estoque capturável da espécie na região. O presente estudo atualiza informações essenciais para avaliação do estado de exploração desse importante recurso, cujo último estudo de crescimento na região foi realizado aproximadamente há 30 anos atrás.(AU)