Association of HSPA1B Polymorphisms with Paranoid Schizophrenia in a Polish Population.

This study aimed to find the potential association between HSPA1B polymorphisms and risk of paranoid schizophrenia, clinical variables of the disease, and suicidal behavior. A total of 901 unrelated Polish subjects of Caucasian origin (377 schizophrenia patients and 524 controls) were recruited. Four single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) were genotyped using PCR-RFLP (rs539689, rs9281590) and TaqMan assays (rs263979, rs6547452). A strong tendency towards statistical significance (p = 0.051) was observed in rs539689 allele distribution between patients and controls in overall study subjects. After stratification according to gender, we found that rs539689 was significantly associated with schizophrenia in males, but not in females. The minor allele C had a protective effect in males [OR 0.73 (95% CI 0.61-0.88, p < 0.05)]. In addition, two SNPs (rs539689, rs9281590) were significantly associated with PANSS scores. Another important finding was a strong significant association between the HSPA1B rs539689 polymorphism and attempted suicide in schizophrenic patients. The C/C genotype and C allele were protective against suicidal behavior in entire sample (p < 0.001), in males (p < 001), and in females (p < 0.05), although associations were weaker than in males. Our findings support that HSPA1B gene may be involved in susceptibility to schizophrenia and clinical presentation of the disease in a sex-dependent manner, and may play a role in suicidal behavior in the Polish population of schizophrenic patients. Further independent analyses in different populations should be performed to clarify the role of HSPA1B in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia.

Effect of apigenin, kaempferol and resveratrol on the gene expression and protein secretion of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in RAW-264.7 macrophages.

Polyphenols such as apigenin, kaempferol or resveratrol are typically found in plants, including fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices, which have a wide range of biological functions such as antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, vasodilative, anticoagulative and proapoptotic. Discovering such multifunctional compounds in widely consumed plant-based products - ones that both inhibit the release of TNF-α from tissue macrophages and at the same time enhance the secretion of IL-10 - would be an important signpost in the quest for effective pharmacological treatment of numerous diseases that have an inflammatory etiology. The aim of the study is to investigate the impact of biologically active polyphenols such as apigenin, resveratrol and kaempferol on gene expression and protein secretion of IL-10 and TNF-α in line RAW-264.7. Cells were cultured under standard conditions. IL-10 and TNF-α genes expression were examined using QRT-PCR and to assess cytokines concentration ELISA have been used. Apigenin, kaempferol and resveratrol at a dose 30µM significantly decrease the TNF-α expression and secretion. Apigenin decrease the IL-10 expression and secretion. Furthermore, increase in IL-10 secretion after administration of kaempferol and resveratrol were observed. In the process of administration of tested compounds before LPS, which activate macrophages, decrease of TNF-α secretion after apigenin and kaempferol and increase of IL-10 secretion after resveratrol were observed. The results of present work indicate that 1) apigenin, resveratrol and kaempferol may reduce the intensity of inflammatory processes by inhibiting the secretion of proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α, and resveratrol and kaempferol additionally by increasing the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 2) the studies indicate the potentially beneficial - anti-inflammatory - impact of diet rich in products including apigenin, resveratrol and kaempferol.

The influence of TSA and VPA on the in vitro differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into neuronal lineage cells: Gene expression studies.

INTRODUCTION: Epigenetic mechanisms regulate the transcription of genes, which can affect the differentiation of MSCs. The aim of the current work is to determine how the histone deacetylase inhibitors TSA and VPA affect the expression of neuronal lineage genes in a culture of rat MSCs (rMSCs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed the expression of early neuron marker gene (Tubb3), mature neuron markers genes (Vacht, Th, Htr2a) and the oligodendrocyte progenitor marker gene (GalC). Moreover, changes in the gene expression after three different periods of exposure to TSA and VPA were investigated for the first time. RESULTS: After six days of exposition to TSA and VPA, the expression of Tubb3 and GalC decreased, while the expression of Th increased. The highest increase of VAChT expression was observed after three days of TSA and VPA treatment. A decrease in Htr2a gene expression was observed after TSA treatment and an increase was observed after VPA treatment. We also observed that TSA and VPA inhibited cell proliferation and the formation of neurospheres in the rMSCs culture. DISCUSSION: The central findings of our study are that TSA and VPA affect the expression of neuronal lineage genes in an rMSCs culture. After exposure to TSA or VPA, the expression of early neuronal gene decreases but equally the expression of mature neuron genes increases. After TSA and VPA treatment ER of the oligodendrocyte progenitor marker decreased. TSA and VPA inhibit cell proliferation and the formation of neurospheres in rMSCs culture.

Association Study of Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor 1 (TNFR1) Gene Polymorphisms with Schizophrenia in the Polish Population.

Schizophrenia is a devastating mental disorder with undetermined aetiology. Previous research has suggested that dysregulation of proinflammatory cytokines and their receptors plays a role in developing schizophrenia. We examined the association of the three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; rs4149576, rs4149577, and rs1860545) in the tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1) gene with the development and psychopathology of paranoid schizophrenia in the Polish Caucasian sample consisting of 388 patients and 657 control subjects. The psychopathology was assessed using a five-factor model of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). SNPs were genotyped using the TaqMan 5'-exonuclease allelic discrimination assay. The SNPs tested were not associated with a predisposition to paranoid schizophrenia in either the entire sample or after stratification according to gender. However, rs4149577 and rs1860545 SNPs were associated with the intensity of the PANSS excitement symptoms in men, which may contribute to the risk of violent behavior. Polymorphisms in the TNFR1 gene may have an impact on the symptomatology of schizophrenia in men.

Transcriptional activity of TGFß1 and its receptors genes in thyroid gland.

INTRODUCTION: Determination of gene-candidates' profile expression responsible for fibrosis, immunosuppression, angiogenesis, and neoplasia processes in the pathogenesis of thyroid gland disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty-three patients underwent thyroidectomy: 27 with non-toxic nodular goitre (NG), 22 with toxic nodular goitre (TNG), six with papillary cancer (PTC), and eight with Graves' disease (GD). In thyroid tissues, transcriptional activity of TGFbeta1 and its receptors TGFbetaRI, TGFbetaRII, and TGFbetaRIII genes were assessed using RT-qPCR (Reverse Transcriptase Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction). Molecular analysis was performed in tissues derived from GD and from the tumour centre (PTC, NG, TNG) and from peripheral parts of the removed lobe without histopathological lesions (tissue control). Control tissue for analysis performed in GD was an unchanged tissue derived from peripheral parts of the removed lobe of patients surgically treated for a single benign tumour. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS: Strict regulation observed among transcriptional activity of TGFb1 and their receptor TGFbetaRI-III genes in control tissues is disturbed in all pathological tissues - it is completely disturbed in PTC and GD, and partially in NG and TNG. Additionally, higher transcriptional activity of TGFb1 gene in PTC in comparison with benign tissues (NG, GD) and lower expression of mRNA TGFbRII (than in TNG, GD) and mRNA TGFbetaRIII than in all studied benign tissues (NG, TNG, GD) suggests a pathogenetic importance of this cytokine and its receptors in PTC development. In GD tissue, higher transcriptional activity of TGFbetaRII and TGFbetaRIII genes as compared to other pathological tissues was observed, indicating a participation of the receptors in the pathomechanism of autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD). TGFbeta1 blood concentrations do not reflect pathological processes taking place in thyroid gland. (Endokrynol Pol 2016; 67 (4): 375-382).

Methylglyoxal (MGO) inhibits proliferation and induces cell death of human glioblastoma multiforme T98G and U87MG cells.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most malignant and invasive human brain tumor and it is characterized by a poor prognosis and short survival time. Current treatment strategies for GBM using surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy are ineffective. Thus new therapeutic strategies to target GBM are urgently needed. The effect of methylglyoxal (MGO) on the cell cycle, cell death and proliferation of human GBM cells was investigated. The T98G and U87MG cell lines were cultured in modified EMEM supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum and maintained at 37°C in a humidified atmosphere of 5% CO2 in air. Cells were exposed to methylglyoxal (0.025mM) per 72h. The influence of MGO on T98G and U87MG cell cycle, proliferation and apoptosis was evaluated as well. Cell cycle phase distribution, proliferation, apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry. MGO causes changes in cell cycle and induces accumulation of G1/G0-phase cells and reduced fraction of cells in S and G2/M phases. We have also observed inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis in cancer cells. We have also revealed that MGO induces senescence of U87MG but not T98G cells, but further studies are necessary in order to clarify and check mechanism of action of methylglyoxal and it Is a positive phenomenon for the treatment of GBM.

Combination Therapy with AKT3 and PI3KCA siRNA Enhances the Antitumor Effect of Temozolomide and Carmustine in T98G Glioblastoma Multiforme Cells.

BACKGROUND: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most malignant and invasive human brain tumor, and it is characterized by a poor prognosis and short survival time. Current treatment strategies for GBM, using surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, are ineffective. The PI3K/AKT/PTEN signaling pathway is frequently deregulated in this cancer, and it is connected with regulation of the cell cycle, apoptosis, and autophagy. OBJECTIVES: The current study was undertaken to examine the effect of small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting the AKT3 and PIK3CA genes on the susceptibility of T98G cells to temozolomide (TMZ) and carmustine (BCNU). METHODS: T98G cells were transfected with AKT3 or PI3KCA siRNA. Transfection efficiency was assessed using flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. The influence of AKT3 and PI3KCA siRNA in combination with TMZ and BCNU on T98G cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, and autophagy was evaluated as well. Alterations in messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of apoptosis-related and autophagy-related genes were analyzed using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (QRT-PCR). RESULTS: Transfection of T98G cells with AKT3 or PI3KCA siRNA and exposure to TMZ and BCNU led to a significant reduction in cell viability, accumulation of subG1-phase cells, and reduction of cells in the S and G2/M phases, as well as induction of apoptosis or necrosis, and regulation of autophagy. CONCLUSION: The siRNA-induced AKT3 and PI3KCA mRNA knockdown in combination with TMZ and BCNU inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis and autophagy in T98G cells. Thus, knockdown of these genes in combination with TMZ and BCNU may offer a novel therapeutic strategy to more effectively control the growth of human GBM cells, but further studies are necessary to confirm a positive phenomenon for the treatment of GBM.

Knockdown of AKT3 and PI3KCA by RNA interference changes the expression of the genes that are related to apoptosis and autophagy in T98G glioblastoma multiforme cells.

BACKGROUND: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most malignant and invasive human brain tumor and it is characterized by a poor prognosis and short survival time. The PI3K/AKT/PTEN signaling pathway plays a crucial role in GBM development and it is connected with the regulation of apoptosis and autophagy. Akt is involved in various aspects of cancer cell biology such as cell survival, in addition to both apoptosis and autophagy. The current study was undertaken to examine the effect of the siRNAs that target AKT3 and PI3KCA genes on the apoptosis and autophagy of T98G cells. METHODS: T98G cells were transfected with AKT3 and/or PI3KCA siRNAs. Alterations in the mRNA expression of apoptosis- and autophagy-related genes were analyzed using QRT-PCR. LC3IIA protein-positive cells were identified using flow cytometry with specific antibodies. RESULTS: Our findings demonstrate for the first time that the siRNAs that target AKT3 and PI3KCA change the expression of the genes that are related to apoptosis and autophagy and change the expression of the LC3IIA protein in T98G cells. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, there is a high probability that the knockdown of these genes induces apoptosis and autophagy in T98G cells, but further studies are necessary in order to clarify and check whether autophagy induction is a positive phenomenon for the treatment of GBM.

Lymphangiogenesis in cervical cancer evaluated by expression of the VEGF-C gene in clinical stage IB-IIIB.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the profile of VEGF-C gene expression in particular stages of cervical cancer (IB-IIIB) and to estimate the correlation between VEGF-C mRNA quantity profile and clinical stage. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Material for molecular analysis consisted of cervical cancer tissue specimens collected from 38 women (10, 15, 13 cases were classified as IB, IIB and IIIB, respectively). The control group was composed of normal cervical tissues collected from 10 women who underwent hysterectomy for non-oncological reasons. The number of VEGF-C mRNA copies in particular groups was estimated by the reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) method. RESULTS: In the control group the average number of mRNA copies was 134 ± 36 (median: 106), in a group with stage IB it was 16 077 ± 7090 (median: 580), for stage IIB - 35 019 ± 8945 (median: 40 870). The highest number of mRNA VEGF-C copies was derived in a group of patients with cervical cancer of stage IIIB. The average quantity was 56 155 ± 12 470, whereas median 55 981. A statistically significantly higher level of VEGF-C gene expression was disclosed in cervical cancer specimens with stage IIB and IIIB than in the control group. In stage IIIB, the VEGF-C gene expression was significantly higher than in specimens derived from individuals in stage IB. CONCLUSIONS: In squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix of stage IB-IIIB genes involved in lymphangiogenesis, especially VEGF-C, are expressed, which expression increases as the clinical stage of cervical cancer is higher.

Affect of antidepressants on the in vitro differentiation of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into neuronal cells.

BACKGROUND: Bone marrow is a valuable source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that can be used in regenerative medicine. MSCs are able to differentiate into cells from all three germ layers under specific conditions. The aim of the current work was to study the differentiation of rat MSCs (rMSCs) into neuron-like cells. NEW METHOD: We investigated how the antidepressants imipramine, desipramine, fluoxetine and tianeptine affect the differentiation of rMSCs. Furthermore, we present differentiation cocktails using a cortex astrocyte-conditioned medium (CACM) separately or in conjunction with each of the antidepressants and investigated their additive effect on the efficiency of differentiation. We also observed how various differentiation conditions affect the number of primary dendrites and branching dendrites per cell. RESULTS: Gene expression for an early neuronal marker (ß-III-tubulin) and markers that are typical for adult neurons such as Th, Htr2A and Slc6a4 were observed. The Tubb3 and Htr2A gene expression were up-regulated, Th decreased slightly and Slc6a4 was down-regulated after differentiation We observed a two-fold higher percentage of ß-III-tubulin positive cells after treatment with antidepressants and two-fold increase of neuron-like cells after using CACM with imipramine or fluoxetine simultaneously. Differentiation using imipramine or in conjunction with CACM and desipramine or fluoxetine simultaneously increased the number of cell dendrites. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS: The results that were obtained are completely new and need further investigations in the nearest future. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that antidepressants improve differentiation efficiency of rMSCs and may be useful in the preparation of rMSCs for transplantation. Differentiation efficiency is higher after long-term exposure to antidepressants, than after a 24-h exposure. Nearly additive effect of CACM and imipramine or fluoxetine suggests a beneficial role of antidepressants after transplantation.

Differentiation of adult rat mesenchymal stem cells to GABAergic, dopaminergic and cholinergic neurons.

BACKGROUND: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are able to differentiate into cells from all three germ layers. The aim of the current work was the differentiation rat MSCs into GABAergic, cholinergic and dopaminergic cells. NEW METHOD: In this paper, we present differentiation cocktails with a hippocampal astrocyte conditioned medium and with a glioblastoma conditioned medium. We wanted to maximize the role of endogenous secreted substances by cells from the central nervous system in both combinations. These modifications create a microenvironment of differentiation that is similar to natural conditions. Moreover, the presence of the Cxcr4 receptor on neuron-like cells was investigated first time. RESULTS: Our results show that a differentiation cocktail with a hippocampal astrocyte conditioned medium is the most effective and that 17% Gad67(+) and 7% Acht(+) cells were observed using this protocol. After differentiation using the glioblastoma conditioned medium, 12% Gad67 (+) was observed. The presence of the Cxcr4 migration receptor on Gad67(+) and Th(+) cells were observed, which might suggest the transplantation potential of differentiated cells. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS: Our results are slightly lower than those of previous studies but when differences in counting cells is taken into account, a comparison of results is really difficult. CONCLUSIONS: These new differentiation cocktails should be further investigated and in the next experiment only a part of MSCs that expressed the Cxcr4 receptor will be differentiated. We suppose that the Cxcr4(+) cells may differentiate more easily and as a result, we may achieve a homogenous population of one phenotype of neurons.

Knockdown of the AKT3 (PKBγ), PI3KCA, and VEGFR2 genes by RNA interference suppresses glioblastoma multiforme T98G cells invasiveness in vitro.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common primary brain malignancy, having a very poor prognosis and is characterized by extensive brain invasion as well as resistance to the therapy. The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/PTEN signaling pathway is deregulated in GBM. Besides, florid vascularization and aberrantly elevated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) occur very often. The present study was designed to examine the inhibitory effect of AKT3, PI3KCA, and VEGFR2 small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) on GBM cell invasiveness. T98G cells were transfected with AKT3, PI3KCA, and/or VEGFR2 siRNAs. VEGFR2 protein-positive cells were identified by flow cytometry using specific monoclonal anti-VEGFR2 antibodies. Alterations in messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of VEGF, VEGFR2, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) (MMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-13, MMP-14), tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) (TIMP-1, TIMP-3), c-Fos, c-Jun, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), ObRa, and cathepsin D genes were analyzed by qRT-PCR. Cells treated with specific siRNA were also analyzed for invasion using the Matrigel invasion assay. We have found significantly lower mRNA levels of MMPs, cathepsin D, VEGF, VEGFR2, HIF-1α, and c-Fos/c-Jun ratio, as well as significantly higher mRNA level of TIMPs in AKT3 and PI3KCA siRNA transfected cells compared to untransfected cells, while significantly lower mRNA levels of MMPs (MMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-14) and TIMP-1, as well as significantly higher mRNA level of TIMP-3, were shown only in cells transfected with VEGFR2 siRNA. The positive correlation between MMP-13 and ObRa mRNA copy number has been found. Summarizing, transfection of T98G cells with AKT3, PI3KCA, or VEGFR2 siRNAs leads to a significant reduction in cell invasiveness. The siRNA-induced AKT3, PI3KCA, and VEGFR2 mRNA knockdown may offer a novel therapeutic strategy to reduce the invasiveness of GBM cells.

Knockdown of AKT3 (PKBγ) and PI3KCA suppresses cell viability and proliferation and induces the apoptosis of glioblastoma multiforme T98G cells.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most malignant and invasive human brain tumor that is difficult to treat and has a very poor prognosis. Thus, new therapeutic strategies that target GBM are urgently needed. The PI3K/AKT/PTEN signaling pathway is frequently deregulated in a wide range of cancers. The present study was designed to examine the inhibitory effect of AKT3 or PI3KCA siRNAs on GBM cell growth, viability, and proliferation.T98G cells were transfected with AKT3 and/or PI3KCA siRNAs. AKT3 and PI3KCA protein-positive cells were identified using FC and Western blotting. The influence of specific siRNAs on T98G cell viability, proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis was evaluated as well using FC. Alterations in the mRNA expression of AKT3, PI3KCA, and apoptosis-related genes were analyzed using QRT-PCR. Knockdown of AKT3 and/or PI3KCA genes in T98G cells led to a significant reduction in cell viability, the accumulation of subG1-phase cells and, a reduced fraction of cells in the S and G2/M phases. Additionally, statistically significant differences in the BAX/BCL-2 ratio and an increased percentage of apoptotic cells were found. The siRNA-induced AKT3 and PI3KCA mRNA knockdown may offer a novel therapeutic strategy to control the growth of human GBM cells.

Heat shock protein 70 gene polymorphisms are associated with paranoid schizophrenia in the Polish population.

HSP70 genes have been considered as promising schizophrenia candidate genes based on their protective role in the central nervous system under stress conditions. In this study, we analyzed the potential implication of HSPA1A +190G/C, HSPA1B +1267A/G, and HSPA1L +2437T/C polymorphisms in the susceptibility to paranoid schizophrenia in a homogenous Caucasian Polish population. In addition, we investigated the association of the polymorphisms with the clinical variables of the disease. Two hundred and three patients with paranoid schizophrenia and 243 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Polymorphisms of HSPA1A, -1B, and -1L genes were genotyped using the PCR-RFLP technique. Analyses were conducted in entire groups and in subgroups that were stratified according to gender. There were significant differences in the genotype and allele frequencies of HSPA1A polymorphism between the patients and controls. The +190CC genotype and +190C allele were over-represented in the patients and significantly increased the risk for developing schizophrenia (OR = 3.45 and OR = 1.61, respectively). Interestingly, such a risk was higher for females with the +190CC genotype than for males with the +190CC genotype (OR = 5.78 vs. OR = 2.76). We also identified the CGT haplotype as a risk haplotype for schizophrenia and demonstrated the effects of HSPA1A and HSPA1B genotypes on the psychopathology and age of onset. Our study provided the first evidence that the HSPA1A polymorphism may potentially increase the risk of developing paranoid schizophrenia. Further independent analyses in different populations to evaluate the role of gender are needed to replicate these results.

Association of interleukin 2 (IL-2), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and TNF-alpha (TNFα) gene polymorphisms with paranoid schizophrenia in a Polish population.

Numerous reports have brought attention to the potential role of cytokines in schizophrenia. The aim of the study was to determine whether polymorphisms of IL-2, IL-6, and TNFα genes are risk factors for development of paranoid schizophrenia in a Polish population. Promoter polymorphisms of IL-6 (rs1800795), TNFα (rs1800629), and IL-2 (rs2069762) genes in patients (N=115) and controls (N=135) were genotyped by PCR-RFLP and AS-PCR methods, respectively. Genotype TT and allele T for IL-2 polymorphism, and genotype AA and allele A for TNFα polymorphism were found to be significantly associated with paranoid schizophrenia. Similarly, haplotypes CTA and GTA increased the risk (4.4 times and 5.9 times, respectively) of schizophrenia. To reveal associations between Positive and Negative Symptom Scale subscales and age at onset of schizophrenia, the authors used a novel method called Grade Correspondence Analysis. This analysis revealed that patients with early age at onset have higher scores on the Negative and General subscales of PANSS, and, in that group of patients, haplotype CTA was the most represented. As far as is known, this analysis was used for the first time with reference to genetic data.

Association study of interleukin-4 polymorphisms with paranoid schizophrenia in the Polish population: a critical approach.

Changes in immunological system are one of dysfunctions reported in schizophrenia. Some changes based on an imbalance between Th1 and Th2 cytokines results from cytokine gene polymorphisms. Interleukin-4 gene (IL4) is considered as a potential candidate gene in schizophrenia association studies. The aim of the current case-control study was to examine whether the -590C/T (rs2243250) and -33C/T (rs2070874) IL4 gene polymorphisms are implicated in paranoid schizophrenia development in the Polish population. Genotyping of polymorphisms was performed by using PCR-RFLP technique. The genotypes and alleles distribution of both SNPs were analysed in patients (n = 182) and healthy individuals constituted the control group (n = 215). The connection between some clinical variables and studied polymorphisms has been examined as well. We did not revealed any association between the -590C/T and -33C/T polymorphisms and paranoid schizophrenia. In case of both SNPs the homozygous TT genotype was extremely rare. Both polymorphic sites of the IL4 gene were found to be in a very strong linkage disequilibrium. However we did not identify a haplotype predispose to paranoid schizophrenia. No associations were also observed between the clinical course and psychopathology of the disease and the genotypes of both analysed polymorphisms. Our results suggest that the polymorphisms -590C/T in IL4 gene promoter region and -33C/T in the 5'-UTR are not involved in the pathophysiology of paranoid schizophrenia in Polish residents.

Association study of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) +874T/A gene polymorphism in patients with paranoid schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia is a multifactorial disease with changes affecting the immune system. Dysregulation of the cytokine network in schizophrenia has been well documented. Such changes may occur due to disturbances in cytokine levels that are linked to polymorphisms of cytokine genes. However, research in the role of cytokine gene polymorphisms in schizophrenia has been surprisingly scanty. The aim of this study was to identify, in a case control study, whether polymorphism of IFN-γ gene is a risk factor for the development of paranoid schizophrenia. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that examines the association between the IFN-γ gene polymorphism and psychopathological symptoms in patients with paranoid schizophrenia. Polymorphism of IFN-γ (+874T/A, rs 62559044) in schizophrenic patients (n=179), as well as healthy individuals (n=196), both Polish residents, was genotyped using AS-PCR method. Of note, when analyzing the results, we took into consideration the gender of studied individuals. Surprisingly, a single-nucleotide polymorphism in the first intron of the IFN-γ gene was found to be associated with paranoid schizophrenia in males, but not in females. The presence of allele A at position +874 in the IFN-γ gene correlates with 1.66-fold higher risk of paranoid schizophrenia development in males. Differences in the genotypes may have an important role in determining the level of I gene transcription. Because other polymorphisms have been demonstrated to influence IFN-γ transcription, further analysis is necessary to clarify the role of this gene in the pathogenesis of paranoid schizophrenia.

Functional polymorphism in the interleukin-6 and interleukin-10 genes in patients with paranoid schizophrenia--a case-control study.

Schizophrenia is a multifactorial disease with changes in immunological system. Such changes are the result of cytokine-level disturbances connected with cytokine gene polymorphisms. However, research about cytokine gene polymorphisms in schizophrenia has been surprisingly limited and ambiguous. The aim of the study was to identify whether polymorphisms of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10 are risk factors for the development of paranoid schizophrenia in case-control study. IL-6 (-174G/C; rs 1800795) and IL-10 (-1082G/A; rs 1800896) promoter polymorphisms in patients with paranoid schizophrenia and healthy individuals were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Differences in IL-6 and IL-10 promoter haplotypes may play an important role in determining the transcription level for IL-6 and IL-10 genes in schizophrenic patients. The presence of allele C at position -174 of IL-6 promoter sequence may correlate with increasing risk of paranoid schizophrenia in the Polish population, but research on a broadened group of people is needed. The presence of allele G at position -1082 of IL-10 promoter sequence correlates with increasing risk of paranoid schizophrenia in the Polish population. The coexistence of genotype GG at position -1082 of IL-10 promoter sequence and genotype GC at position -174 of IL-6 promoter sequence correlates with increasing risk of paranoid schizophrenia in the Polish population.