Hydroxymethylbilane synthase gene mutations and polymorphisms in Brazilian families with acute intermittent porphyria.

Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP), an autosomal dominant disorder, is caused by a deficiency of hydroxymethylbilane synthase (HMBS). In the present study, we sought to establish a correlation between HMBS activity with the presence of mutations and polymorphisms. Enzyme activity was measured in red blood cells of four Brazilian unrelated AIP families (n = 124) and in blood donors (n = 80). The HMBS mutations in AIP family members were studied by PCR-SSCP followed by direct sequencing. Six intragenic SNPs (1345 G>A, 1500 T>C, 2377 C>A, 2478 A>G, 3581 A>G, and 7064 C>A) were determined by PCR-RFLP. Abnormal SSCP patterns in exons 7, 9, 12, and 15 were observed. DNA sequencing analysis revealed one nonsense mutation, R149X, two missense mutations, G111R and L338P, and one deletion, CT 730-731. All mutation carriers had lower enzyme activity. All polymorphisms, except 2377 C>A and 7064 C>A, showed no significant differences compared with previous reports. Mutation screening allowed the detection of the missense mutation, L338P, and the 730_731delCT deletion, two as yet unreported mutations in Brazilian AIP patients. Our findings also showed a high frequency of 2478 A>G and 3581 A>G polymorphism combinations suggesting that these polymorphisms contributed to enzymatic activity reduction in our study population.

Padronização da análise de mutações no gene TP53 em carcinomas de células escamosas de boca em material parafinado / Standardization of TP53 gene mutations analysis on oral squamous cell carcinoma from paraffin-embedded tissues

Introduction: The tumor protein p53 gene (TP53) is a constant target of investigation in cancer pathogenesis. Analysis by immunohistochemistry provides limited data about p53 in oral carcinogenesis, and TP53 sequencing can contribute to this analysis. However, obtaining high-quality and contamination-free deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) for a proper amplification can be a difficult task when using paraffin-embedded tissues. Objective: Standardize DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and DNA sequencing techniques for TP53 mutation analysis. Material and methods: Thirty-nine cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) were selected from the Pathology Division of Instituto Nacional de Câncer (Inca). The DNA extraction method used was the QIAamp® DNA minikit® system. After DNA quantification by spectrophotometry, 250 ng of genetic material obtained from TP53 gene were amplified by PCR for exon 2 and by nested PCR for exon 6. Out of the total sample, 11 cases were selected for exon 2 sequencing. Results: The DNA samples presented mean concentration of 119.74 ± 88.86 ng/µl (28.9-556.4) and purity of 1.69 ± 0.18 (1-1.9). Thirty-three (84.6%) samples were amplified for exon 2, and all samples for exon 6 (39/100%). Readable sequencing data were obtained in 10 (90.9%) cases. Conclusion: Optimization of conditions for TP53 sequencing was obtained, and this will facilitate the analysis of mutations in paraffin-embedded tissues, allowing molecular retrospective studies...

Introdução: O gene TP53 (proteína tumoral p53) é alvo constante de investigação na patogênese do câncer. A imuno-histoquímica fornece dados limitados na análise de p53 no processo da carcinogênese bucal e o sequenciamento de TP53 pode contribuir nessa investigação. Contudo, a obtenção de ácido desoxirribonucleico (DNA) com qualidade para amplificação e livre de contaminação pode constituir uma tarefa difícil na utilização de material parafinado. Objetivo: Padronizar as técnicas de extração de DNA, amplificação por reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) e sequenciamento para a análise de mutações em TP53. Material e métodos: Foram selecionados 39 casos de carcinomas de células escamosas bucal da Divisão de Patologia do Instituto Nacional de Câncer (Inca). O DNA foi extraído utilizando o sistema comercial QIAamp® DNA minikit®. Após quantificação do DNA por espectrofotometria, 250 ng de amostra foram amplificados pela técnica de PCR para o éxon 2 e por nested PCR para o éxon 6 do gene TP53. Da amostra total, 11 casos foram selecionados para a padronização da reação de sequenciamento do éxon 2. Resultados: As amostras de DNA apresentaram concentração média de 119,74 ng/µl ± 88,86 (28,9-556,4 ng/µl) e pureza de 1,69 ± 0,18 (1-1,9). Do total das amostras analisadas, 33 (84,6%) foram amplificadas para o éxon 2, e todas (39/100%), para o éxon 6. No sequenciamento do éxon 2 obtiveram-se sequências passíveis de leitura em 10 (90,9%) casos. Conclusão: A otimização das condições para o sequenciamento de TP53 foi obtida, o que facilitará a análise de mutações em tecidos parafinados, permitindo...

Polimorfismo G894T da óxido nítrico-sintetase endotelial e o prognóstico na insuficiência cardíaca / Genetic polymorphism G894T and the prognosis of heart failure outpatients

FUNDAMENTO: Estudos prévios avaliaram o papel do polimorfismo genético da enzima óxido nítrico-sintetase endotelial sobre o prognóstico na insuficiência cardíaca. Entretanto, faltam estudos relacionando o G894T e a insuficiência cardíaca na população brasileira. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a associação do G894T com o prognóstico de amostra de pacientes brasileiros com insuficiência cardíaca. MÉTODOS: Coorte com 145 pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca sistólica, num segmento de 40 meses (média = 22 meses), em dois hospitais universitários do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Foi avaliada a relação do G894T com os desfechos: remodelamento reverso; melhora da classe funcional (NYHA); taxas de mortalidade e hospitalização. Os diâmetros do átrio e ventrículo esquerdos e a fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo foram medidos na admissão e após 6 meses, para avaliação do remodelamento reverso. A melhora na classe funcional foi avaliada após 6 meses e as taxas de mortalidade e de hospitalização durante todo o seguimento. A raça foi autodeclarada. O polimorfismo G894T foi analisado por reação em cadeia de polimerase e por análise do polimorfismo dos fragmentos de restrição. RESULTADOS: A frequência genotípica foi GG (40%), GT (48,3%) e TT (11,7%), e a frequência alélica foi guanina (64,1%) e tiamina (35,8%). Não houve diferença entre as frequências genotípica ou alélica conforme a raça autodeclarada, tampouco conforme as características basais. Não houve relação entre o genótipo ou a frequência alélica e os desfechos analisados. CONCLUSÃO: Não se observou associação do polimorfismo G894T (Glu298Asp) com o prognóstico de amostra de pacientes ambulatoriais brasileiros com insuficiência cardíaca sistólica.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have analyzed the role of the genetic polymorphism of endothelial nitric oxide synthase on heart failure prognosis. However, there are no studies relating the G894T and heart failure in Brazil. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between G894T GP and the prognosis of a sample of Brazilian outpatients with heart failure. METHODS: Cohort study included 145 patients with systolic heart failure, followed for up to 40 months (mean = 22), at two university hospitals, in the State of Rio de Janeiro. We evaluated the relationship between G894T and the following outcomes: reverse remodeling, improvement in functional class (NYHA), and mortality and hospitalization rates. The diameters of the left atrium and ventricle, as well as the ejection fraction of the left ventricle, were evaluated at baseline and at 6 months to assess reverse remodeling. The improvement in functional class was evaluated after 6 months, and mortality rate and hospitalization were evaluated during follow-up. Race was self-declared. G894T polymorphism was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism. RESULTS: The genotypic frequencies were GG (40%), GT (48.3%) and TT (11.7%). The allele frequency was guanine (64.1%) and thiamine (35.8%). There were no differences between the genotype or allelic frequencies according to self-declared race, either as baseline characteristics. There was no relationship between genotype or allele frequency and the outcome measures. CONCLUSION: No association was observed between the G894T polymorphism (Glu298Asp) and prognosis in this sample of Brazilian outpatients with systolic heart failure.

Poliformismo das apoE a apoA5: efeitos no perfil lipídico de pacientes ambulatoriais soropositivos / ApoE and apoA5 polymorphism: effects on the lipid profile of ambulatory seropositive patients

Introdução: Pacientes soropositivos tratados com antirretrovirais(ARV) apresentam alterações do perfil lipídico. Polimorfismos dasapolipoproteínas A5 (-1131T/C) e E estão associados à dislipidemia,ocasionando aumento dos triglicerídios e resistência aos hipolipemiantes.Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos da infecção pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana (VIH) e dos polimorfismos das apos A5 e E sobre o perfil lipídico em pacientes ambulatoriais infectados, pré e pós-uso de ARV. Método: Estudo de coorte, observacional, prospectivo, analítico, com grupo controle, realizado entre agosto de 2008 e dezembro de 2011. Incluídos, do diagnóstico de VIH aos dias atuais, 89 pacientes de ambos os sexos, faixa etária entre 12 anos e 68 anos,sob uso ou não de terapia antirretroviral altamente ativa (HAART),atendidos no ambulatório de Cardiologia Preventiva-VIH do Hospital Universitário Antônio Pedro (Huap), UFF. Resultados: Dentre os parâmetros bioquímicos, a elevação dos triglicerídios relacionada à infecção pelo VIH e à HAART foi a mais evidente durante o estudo. Considerando o polimorfismo da apoA5, 22,4% (n = 20) dos pacientes analisados apresentaram o alelo C no seu genótipo, em comparação com 4,5% (n = 9) do grupo controle de soronegativos. Não houve diferenças significativas entre os perfis metabólicos de VIH+ que continham ou não o alelo C. Conclusão: Não houve diferença entre VIH+ carreadores do alelo C em relação àqueles não carreadoresquanto à necessidade de substituir a HAART devido à dislipidemia resistente aos hipolipemiantes. Os papéis inflamatório e aterogênico da infecção pelo VIH sobrepõem-se ou têm efeito maior do que o polimorfismo -1131T/C da apoA5 no desenvolvimento de distúrbios metabólicos.

Introduction: HIV - positive patients treated with antiretroviral(ARV) drugs have changes on lipid profile. Apolipoproteins A5(-1131TC) and E polymorphisms are associated with dyslipidemia,causing increased triglycerides and resistance to lipid-lowering drugs.Objective: Evaluate the effects of human immunodeficiency virus(HIV) infection and apoA5 and apoE polymorphisms on the lipid profileof infected outpatients, pre and post-use of ARV. Method: Cohort,observational, prospective, analytical study, with control group,between August 2008 and December 2011. Since the HIV diagnosisto the present day, 89 patients of both sexes were included, agedbetween 12 years and 68 years, under use or nonuse of highly activeantiretroviral therapy (HAART), all of them attended at PreventiveCardiology Clinic-HIV Antônio Pedro University Hospital (Huap),UFF. Results: Among the biochemical parameters, the elevation oftriglycerides related to HIV infection and to HAART was the most evidentduring the study. Considering the apoA5 polymorphism, 22.4% (n= 20) of the patients examined presented the C allele in their genotype,compared to 4.5% (n = 9) of the seronegative control group. Therewere no significant differences between the HIV metabolic profilesthat contained the C allele or not. Conclusion: There was no differencebetween HIV+ C allele carriers in relation to non-carriers on the needto replace the HAART due to lipid-lowering resistance dyslipidemia.The inflammatory and atherogenic roles of HIV infection overlap orhave greater effect than the ApoA5 -1131T/C polymorphism in thedevelopment of metabolic disorders.

Genetic polymorphism G894T and the prognosis of heart failure outpatients.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have analyzed the role of the genetic polymorphism of endothelial nitric oxide synthase on heart failure prognosis. However, there are no studies relating the G894T and heart failure in Brazil. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between G894T GP and the prognosis of a sample of Brazilian outpatients with heart failure. METHODS: Cohort study included 145 patients with systolic heart failure, followed for up to 40 months (mean = 22), at two university hospitals, in the State of Rio de Janeiro. We evaluated the relationship between G894T and the following outcomes: reverse remodeling, improvement in functional class (NYHA), and mortality and hospitalization rates. The diameters of the left atrium and ventricle, as well as the ejection fraction of the left ventricle, were evaluated at baseline and at 6 months to assess reverse remodeling. The improvement in functional class was evaluated after 6 months, and mortality rate and hospitalization were evaluated during follow-up. Race was self-declared. G894T polymorphism was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism. RESULTS: The genotypic frequencies were GG (40%), GT (48.3%) and TT (11.7%). The allele frequency was guanine (64.1%) and thiamine (35.8%). There were no differences between the genotype or allelic frequencies according to self-declared race, either as baseline characteristics. There was no relationship between genotype or allele frequency and the outcome measures. CONCLUSION: No association was observed between the G894T polymorphism (Glu298Asp) and prognosis in this sample of Brazilian outpatients with systolic heart failure.

The significance of p53 immunoexpression with different clones (DO-7 and PAb-240) in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The TP53 gene is a tumor suppressor gene. Its product is a nuclear protein that regulates cell cycle arrest, apoptosis and DNA repair. Anti-p53 clones DO-7 and PAb-240 recognize the amino acid sequences 21-25 and 213-217, respectively. This study aimed to evaluate the expression of these clones and their relationship with clinicopathological features and survival analysis in oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC). METHODS: Information on 53 primary OSCC was collected at the Brazilian National Cancer Institute. An immunohistochemical method was applied to evaluate p53 expression (DO-7 and PAb-240). Their expression was analyzed quantitatively and correlated with clinicopathological features. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and log rank test were used. RESULTS: Immunopositivity for DO-7 was present in 64% of the cases, while 58% were positive for PAb-240. There was no correlation between immunoexpression of both antibodies and clinicopathological features or survival analysis. DO-7 expression was significantly higher (p = 0.001) than that of PAb-240. CONCLUSIONS: There were quantitative differences between the expression of the antibodies studied, which may reflect a different specificity of each one. To confirm immunohistochemical results and estimate the true prognostic role of TP53 in OSCC, it is important to perform mutation analysis.

ß-adrenergic receptor polymorphisms in susceptibility, response to treatment and prognosis in heart failure: implication of ethnicity.

Common functional polymorphisms in ß-adrenergic receptor (ßAR) genes have been associated with heart failure (HF) phenotypes and pharmacogenetic interactions with ßAR blockers. This study evaluated the association between ßAR polymorphisms and carvedilol drug response and prognosis in patients with HF. In this prospective cohort controlled study, 326 volunteers were enrolled [146 HF patients (ejection fraction (EF)<50% by Simpson) and 180 healthy controls]. Drug response was evaluated by echocardiography and outcomes were mortality and hospitalization. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes, fragments were amplified by the polymerase reaction and genotyped by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) for Ser49Gly and Arg389Gly ßAR-1 polymorphisms and Gln27Glu and Arg16Gly ßAR-2 polymorphisms. The study population was in Hardy­Weinberg equilibrium. The survival rate was adjusted using the Kaplan-Meier method. HF patients showed the following characteristics: EF 35±9%, 69.9% male, age 59±13 years, 50.7% self-identified as black, 46% had ischemic etiology. The mean follow-up of 23 months showed 18 mortalities and 46 hospitalizations. The genotypes Glu27Glu (24.7 vs. 6.1%, p=0.0004) and Arg16Arg (72.6 vs. 22.8, p<0.0001) of ßAR2 polymorphisms and Gly49Gly (33.6 vs. 4.3%, p<0.0001) of the ßAR1 polymorphism were higher in HF patients compared with controls. Patients with hospital admission showed a significantly higher Gly389 allelic frequency (54.9 vs. 42.1%, p=0.039), and the trend prevailed among patients who succumbed to the disease (61.1%, p=0.047). Black patients with the Ser49Ser genotype showed a reduced survival compared with the Gly49Gly or Ser49Gly genotypes (p=0.028). There was no association between improved LVEF >20% and ßAR polymorphisms. HF patients with ß-blocker therapy and the Gly389 allele have reduced event-free survival compared to those carrying the Arg389 allele. Additionally, systolic HF outpatients undergoing ß-blocker therapy, self­identified as black and homozygous for Ser49Ser may have reduced event-free survival, while Glu27Glu, Arg16Arg and Gly49Gly genotypes may be associated with risk for HF.

Sickle cell disease: acute clinical manifestations in early childhood and molecular characteristics in a group of children in Rio de Janeiro.

OBJECTIVES: To describe clinical events of sickle cell disease and the correlation with ß-globin haplotypes and α-thalassemia in under 6-year-old children. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted of under 6-year-old children from the neonatal screening program in Rio de Janeiro. Forty-eight male and 48 female children were enrolled in this study, 79 with sickle cell anemia and 17 with hemoglobin SC. The mean age was 29.9 (standard deviation = 20.9) months, 62 (16.2 ± 8.6) were aged between 0-3 years old and 34 (54.9 ± 11.3) were from 3-6 years old. Painful events, acute splenic sequestration, hemolytic crises, hand-foot and acute chest syndromes and infections were evaluated. RESULTS: The events were more frequent in under 3-year-old children, 94% of children had at least one episode. Infection was the most common event affecting 88.5% of children. Acute splenic sequestration took place earlier, while painful crises and acute chest syndromes in under 6-year-old children. Thal-α 3.7 was observed in 20.9% of cases. Bantu was the most frequent haplotype found, followed by Benin. No correlation was observed between clinical events and ß-globin haplotypes. Children with sickle cell anemia and α-thalassemia have less infectious events. No correlation was found among these polymorphisms and clinical events, however, the majority of children with Bantu/Bantu and without α-thalassemia had more clinical events.

Estudo clínico, angiográfico, de procedimento e polimorfismos: eventos maiores e reestenose após intervenção coronariana percutânea / Clinical and angiographic study of procedures and polymorphisms: major events and restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention

Fundamentos: Diferenças genéticas são encontradas entre os indivíduos com coronárias normais e os coronariopatas. Há fatores de risco para eventos e reestenose após intervenção coronariana percutânea(ICP).Objetivos: Comparar a frequência genotípica de pacientes com coronárias normais com coronariopatas. Avaliar as características clínicas, angiográficas, de procedimento e genéticas, resultados e evolução com eventos ou reestenose e possíveis fatores de risco. Métodos: Estudo prospectivo, não randomizado, envolvendo 182 pacientes submetidos à ICP de outubro2001 a dezembro 2007 e 36 pacientes com coronárias normais, para avaliação dos resultados, da evolução clínica e dos polimorfismos da ECA I/D e do AT1R A/C.Resultados: Estudados 182 pacientes: 26,9% femininos e 73,1% masculinos, submetidos a 221 procedimentos de ICP. A frequência do genótipo AT1R dos pacientes foi AA=74,2%, AC=23,1% e CC=2,7%, sendo diferente esignificativa em relação ao grupo-controle (p=0,0026). O tempo de evolução foi 22±11 (2 a 60) meses. Nos grupos com e sem reestenose encontrou-se diâmetro de referência de 2,81±0,60mm e 2,80±0,52mm, respectivamente (p=0,8556) e extensão da lesão 17,1±6,6mm e 15,8±8,8mm(p=0,4494). Houve reestenose em 29 (13,48%) dos procedimentos. Não houve associação dos genótipos da ECA e AT1R com óbito, revascularização, infarto do miocárdio e reestenose após ICP. Conclusões: Entre o grupo-controle e o de coronariopatas houve diferença significativa quanto à frequência do polimorfismo AT1R. Não houve diferença entre reestenose clínica comprovada angiograficamente, dados da angiografia quantitativa e polimorfismos AT1R e ECA. Não houve diferença entre os polimorfismos AT1R e ECA e sobrevida e sobrevida livre de eventos maiores e reestenose.

Background: There are genetic differences between patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and normal coronary arteries. There are risk factors for events and restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI).Objectives: To compare the genotype frequency of patients with normal coronary arteries with CAD patients, evaluating clinical, angiographic, procedural and genetic characteristics, outcomes, and progress with events or restenosis, and possible risk factors. Methods: Prospective non-randomized study of 182 patients undergoing PCI from October 2001 to December 2007 and 36 patients with normal coronary arteries, inorder to evaluate outcomes, clinical progress and ACEI/D and AT1R A/C polymorphisms. Results: A total of 182 patients were evaluated, 26.9% female and 73.1% male, undergoing 221 PCI procedures.The frequency of AT1R genotype in patients was:AA=74.2%, AC=23.1% e CC=2.7%, which was significantly different from the control group (p=0.0026). The progression period was 22±11 (2-60) months. Reference diameters were 2.81±0.60 and 2.80±0.52mm with lesion lengths of 17.1±6.6mm and 15.8±8.8mm in the groups with and without restenosis respectively. Restenosis tookplace in 29 (13.48 %) of the procedures. There was no association between death and ACE I/D and AT1R A/C, nor revascularization, myocardial infarction and restenosis after PCI. Conclusions: There was a significant difference between the control group and the CAD patients for the genoty pefrequency of AT1R polymorphism, with no difference noted between angiographically documented clinical restenosis, quantitative angiographic data and AT1R and ACE polymorphisms. No difference was noted between AT1R and ACE polymorphisms and survival, major event-free survival and restenosis.

Polimorfismos beta1-adrenérgico associados com Fibrilação Atrial na Insuficiência Cardíaca Sistólica / Beta1-adrenergic receptor polymorphisms associated with atrial fibrillation in systolic heart failure

FUNDAMENTO: O sistema nervoso simpático apresenta grande importância na patogênese da fibrilação atrial na insuficiência cardíaca sistólica. A identificação de polimorfismos no gene ADBR1 do receptor beta1-adrenérgico representa um importante passo no conhecimento dessa patogênese. OBJETIVO: Este estudo analisou a associação entre os dois polimorfismos funcionais do gene ADBR1 do receptor beta1-adrenérgico, Ser49Gly e Arg389Gly, e a presença da fibrilação atrial em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca sistólica. MÉTODOS: Estudo caso-controle com 144 pacientes portadores de insuficiência cardíaca sistólica, dos quais 24 com fibrilação atrial (casos) e 120 sem fibrilação atrial (controles). O DNA genômico foi extraído de leucócitos do sangue periférico e os genótipos dos polimorfismos Ser49Gly e Arg389Gly foram identificados em todos os indivíduos por PCR/RFLP (polymerase chain reaction / restriction fragment length polymorphism). RESULTADOS: A média etária foi 59 ± 13 anos, 70% dos pacientes eram do sexo masculino, 42% apresentavam causa isquêmica e 74% apresentavam hipertensão arterial sistêmica. Os genótipos Ser49Ser e Arg389Arg apresentaram associação significativa com fibrilação atrial (p = 0,005 e p = 0,01; respectivamente). Por meio de regressão logística, ambos ajustados para o tamanho do átrio esquerdo e idade, mantiveram associação significativa (Arg389Arg - odds ratios: 2,78; intervalo de confiança de 95% = 1,02 - 7,56 e Ser49Ser - odds ratios: 8,02; intervalo de confiança de 95% = 1,02 - 63,82). CONCLUSÃO: Ambos os genótipos associaram-se com fibrilação atrial nos pacientes estudados, porém apenas o polimorfismo Ser49Gly apresentava-se em equilíbrio de Hardy-Weinberg.

BACKGROUND: The sympathetic nervous system is of great importance in the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation in systolic heart failure. The identification of polymorphisms in the beta1-adrenergic receptor gene (ADBR1) represents an important step in understanding this pathogenesis. OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the association between the two functional polymorphisms of the beta1-adrenergic receptor gene (ADBR1), Ser49Gly and Arg389Gly, and the presence of atrial fibrillation in patients with systolic heart failure. METHODS: Case-control study with 144 patients with systolic heart failure, including 24 with atrial fibrillation (cases) and 120 without atrial fibrillation (controls). Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes and the genotypes of Ser49Gly and Arg389Gly polymorphisms were identified in all individuals by PCR/RFLP (polymerase chain reaction / restriction fragment length polymorphism). RESULTS: Mean age was 59 ± 13 years, 70% of patients were males, 42% had ischemic causes and 74% had hypertension. Genotypes Ser49Ser and Arg389Arg were significantly associated with atrial fibrillation (p = 0.005 and p = 0.01, respectively). After logistic regression, both adjusted for left atrial size and age, the significant association persisted (Arg389Arg - odds ratios: 2.78, 95% confidence interval = 1.02 to 7.56 and Ser49Ser - odds ratios: 8.02, 95% confidence interval = 1.02 to 63.82). CONCLUSION: Both genotypes were associated with atrial fibrillation in patients; however, only Ser49Gly polymorphism was is in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.

Beta1-adrenergic receptor polymorphisms associated with atrial fibrillation in systolic heart failure.

BACKGROUND: The sympathetic nervous system is of great importance in the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation in systolic heart failure. The identification of polymorphisms in the beta1-adrenergic receptor gene (ADBR1) represents an important step in understanding this pathogenesis. OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the association between the two functional polymorphisms of the beta1-adrenergic receptor gene (ADBR1), Ser49Gly and Arg389Gly, and the presence of atrial fibrillation in patients with systolic heart failure. METHODS: Case-control study with 144 patients with systolic heart failure, including 24 with atrial fibrillation (cases) and 120 without atrial fibrillation (controls). Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes and the genotypes of Ser49Gly and Arg389Gly polymorphisms were identified in all individuals by PCR/RFLP (polymerase chain reaction / restriction fragment length polymorphism). RESULTS: Mean age was 59 ± 13 years, 70% of patients were males, 42% had ischemic causes and 74% had hypertension. Genotypes Ser49Ser and Arg389Arg were significantly associated with atrial fibrillation (p = 0.005 and p = 0.01, respectively). After logistic regression, both adjusted for left atrial size and age, the significant association persisted (Arg389Arg - odds ratios: 2.78, 95% confidence interval = 1.02 to 7.56 and Ser49Ser - odds ratios: 8.02, 95% confidence interval = 1.02 to 63.82). CONCLUSION: Both genotypes were associated with atrial fibrillation in patients; however, only Ser49Gly polymorphism was is in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.

Sickle cell disease: acute clinical manifestations in early childhood and molecular characteristics in a group of children in Rio de Janeiro

OBJECTIVE: To describe clinical events of sickle cell disease and the correlation with β-globin haplotypes and α-thalassemia in under 6-year-old children. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted of under 6-year-old children from the neonatal screening program in Rio de Janeiro. Forty-eight male and 48 female children were enrolled in this study, 79 with sickle cell anemia and 17 with hemoglobin SC. The mean age was 29.9 (standard deviation = 20.9) months, 62 (16.2 ± 8.6) were aged between 0-3 years old and 34 (54.9 ± 11.3) were from 3-6 years old. Painful events, acute splenic sequestration, hemolytic crises, hand-foot and acute chest syndromes and infections were evaluated. RESULTS: The events were more frequent in under 3-year-old children, 94% of children had at least one episode. Infection was the most common event affecting 88.5% of children. Acute splenic sequestration took place earlier, while painful crises and acute chest syndromes in under 6-year-old children. Thal-α 3.7 was observed in 20.9% of cases. Bantu was the most frequent haplotype found, followed by Benin. No correlation was observed between clinical events and β-globin haplotypes. Children with sickle cell anemia and α-thalassemia have less infectious events. No correlation was found among these polymorphisms and clinical events, however, the majority of children with Bantu/Bantu and without α-thalassemia had more clinical events.

Genetic polymorphisms and cerebrovascular disease in children with sickle cell anemia from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The aim of the present work was to examine possible genetic risk factors related to the occurrence of cerebrovascular disease (CVD) in Brazilian population, the frequency of ß(S)-globin gene haplotypes and co-inheritance with α-thalassemia (-α(3.7kb)) and single nucleotide polymorphism of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR-C677T), Factor V Leiden (FV-G1691A) and prothrombin (PT-G20210A) genes in children from Rio de Janeiro. Ninety four children with sickle cell anemia (SCA) were included, 24 patients with cerebrovascular involvement and 70 patients without CVD as control group. The mean age of children at the time of the cerebrovascular event was similar to the control group. The frequency of -α(3.7kb) thalassemia was similar in both groups (p=0.751). Children with Bantu/Atypical ß(S)-globin gene haplotype presented 15 times more chance (OR=15.4 CI 95% 2.9-81.6) of CVD than the other ß(S)-globin gene haplotypes. The C677T polymorphism of MTHFR gene was similar in both groups (p=0.085). No mutation in the FV Leiden or PT genes was found. A large study seems necessary to establish the role of these genetic polymorphisms in Brazilian miscegenated population.

Genetic polymorphisms and cerebrovascular disease in children with sickle cell anemia from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil / Polimorfismos genéticos e doença cerebrovascular em crianças com anemia falciforme do Rio do Janeiro, Brasil

The aim of the present work was to examine possible genetic risk factors related to the occurrence of cerebrovascular disease (CVD) in Brazilian population, the frequency of βS-globin gene haplotypes and co-inheritance with α-thalassemia (-α3.7kb) and single nucleotide polymorphism of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR-C677T), Factor V Leiden (FV-G1691A) and prothrombin (PT-G20210A) genes in children from Rio de Janeiro. Ninety four children with sickle cell anemia (SCA) were included, 24 patients with cerebrovascular involvement and 70 patients without CVD as control group. The mean age of children at the time of the cerebrovascular event was similar to the control group. The frequency of -α3.7kb thalassemia was similar in both groups (p=0.751). Children with Bantu/Atypical βS-globin gene haplotype presented 15 times more chance (OR=15.4 CI 95 percent 2.9-81.6) of CVD than the other βS-globin gene haplotypes. The C677T polymorphism of MTHFR gene was similar in both groups (p=0.085). No mutation in the FV Leiden or PT genes was found. A large study seems necessary to establish the role of these genetic polymorphisms in Brazilian miscegenated population.

Avaliar o papel da talassemia alfa (-α3.7kb), dos haplótipos da globina βS, e mutações nos genes da metileno-tetrahidrofolato redutase (MTHFR-C677T), fator V de Leiden (FV-G1691A) e protrombina (PT-G20210A) como fatores de risco para a doença cerebrovascular em pacientes com anemia falciforme. Foi realizado um estudo de caso controle com 94 crianças portadoras de anemia falciforme, 24 com doença cerebrovascular (DCV) e 70 sem DCV como grupo controle. A frequência de talassemia -α3.7kb foi semelhante em ambos os grupos (p=0,751). Crianças portadoras do haplótipo Bantu/Atípico da globina βS apresentam 15 vezes mais chances de desenvolverem DCV (OR=15,4 IC 95 por cento 2,9-81,6) do que os outros haplótipos. A frequência do polimorfismo MTHFR-C677T foi semelhante em ambos os grupos (p=0,085) e não foi observada mutação nos genes fator V e protrombina. Estudos com maior número de casos são necessários para esclarecer o papel desses polimorfismos genéticos na nossa população.

O polimorfismo AGT*M235T na disfunção cardíaca de etiologia isquêmica aguda: projeto gisca / AGT*M235T polymorphism in acute ischemic cardiac dysfunction: the gisca project

FUNDAMENTO: O polimorfismo AGT*M235T tem sido associado a elevados níveis séricos de angiotensinogênio (AGT), hipertensão arterial sistêmica e disfunção cardíaca (DC). OBJETIVO: Testar a hipótese de haver associação entre polimorfismo AGT*M235T e o risco de desenvolver disfunção cardíaca (insuficiência cardíaca ou disfunção sistólica ventricular esquerda assintomática) pós-síndrome coronariana aguda (SCA), durante o período de internação hospitalar. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados 363 pacientes (idade média 62 ± 12 anos), sendo 233 (64 por cento) homens e 130 (36 por cento) mulheres, todos da mesma coorte, internados por SCA. Compararam-se dados clínicos e genéticos dos 117 (32,2 por cento) que evoluíram com disfunção cardíaca (grupo caso) com os dos 246 (67,8 por cento), que não desenvolveram tal condição (grupo controle). O polimorfismo AGT*M235T foi determinado por análise de sequenciamento e estava em equilíbrio de Hardy-Weinberg. RESULTADOS: Houve diferença significativa na distribuição dos genótipos nas mulheres, com predomínio do genótipo *235MM no grupo controle (p = 0,001) e do alelo *235T no grupo caso. Em ambos os sexos, nos modelos de regressão logística, o diagnóstico de infarto de parede anterior na admissão foi fator de incremento no risco de DC, enquanto angina instável na admissão, ausência do alelo *235T, glicemia < 100 mg/dl, uso de betabloqueador, creatinina sérica < 1,5 mg/dl, faixa de frequência cardíaca > 60 e < 90 bpm e tabagismo atual foram fatores de redução do risco de DC. CONCLUSÃO: Este estudo sugere que a ausência do alelo *235T do AGT contribui para a redução do risco de disfunção cardíaca pós-síndrome coronariana aguda.

BACKGROUND: AGT*M235T polymorphism has been associated with high serum angiotensinogen (AGT) levels, systemic hypertension and cardiac dysfunction (CD). OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis of AGT*M235T polymorphism being associated with the risk of developing cardiac dysfunction (heart failure or asymptomatic left ventricular systolic dysfunction) after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) during hospitalization. METHODS: A total of 363 patients (mean age of 62 ± 12 years), of whom 233 (64 percent) were men and 130 (36 percent) were women, all from the same cohort and hospitalized for ACS, were studied. Clinical and genetic data from the 117 (32.2 percent) patients who developed cardiac dysfunction (case group) were compared to those of the 246 (67.8 percent) who did not develop this condition (control group). The AGT*M235T polymorphism was determined by sequence analysis and was in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the distribution of genotypes among women, with a predominance of the *235MM genotype in the control group (p = 0.001) and of the *235T allele in the case group. In the logistic regression models, the diagnosis of anterior wall myocardial infarction at admission was related to an increased risk of CD in both genders, whereas unstable angina at admission.; absence of the *235T allele; blood glucose <100 mg/dl; use of betablocker; serum creatinine level < 1.5 mg/dl;heart rate range > 60 and < 90 bpm; and current cigarette smoking were related to a lower risk of CD. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the absence of the AGT *235T allele contributes to a reduced risk of cardiac dysfunction after acute coronary syndrome.

AGT*M235T polymorphism in acute ischemic cardiac dysfunction: the gisca project.

BACKGROUND: AGT*M235T polymorphism has been associated with high serum angiotensinogen (AGT) levels, systemic hypertension and cardiac dysfunction (CD). OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis of AGT*M235T polymorphism being associated with the risk of developing cardiac dysfunction (heart failure or asymptomatic left ventricular systolic dysfunction) after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) during hospitalization. METHODS: A total of 363 patients (mean age of 62 ± 12 years), of whom 233 (64%) were men and 130 (36%) were women, all from the same cohort and hospitalized for ACS, were studied. Clinical and genetic data from the 117 (32.2%) patients who developed cardiac dysfunction (case group) were compared to those of the 246 (67.8%) who did not develop this condition (control group). The AGT*M235T polymorphism was determined by sequence analysis and was in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the distribution of genotypes among women, with a predominance of the *235MM genotype in the control group (p = 0.001) and of the *235T allele in the case group. In the logistic regression models, the diagnosis of anterior wall myocardial infarction at admission was related to an increased risk of CD in both genders, whereas unstable angina at admission.; absence of the *235T allele; blood glucose <100 mg/dl; use of betablocker; serum creatinine level < 1.5 mg/dl;heart rate range > 60 and < 90 bpm; and current cigarette smoking were related to a lower risk of CD. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the absence of the AGT *235T allele contributes to a reduced risk of cardiac dysfunction after acute coronary syndrome.

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase Glu298Asp gene polymorphism in a multi-ethnical population with heart failure and controls.

Brazilian population has a multi-ethnical profile and the prevalence of endothelial nitric oxide synthase enzyme (eNOS) polymorphism in heart failure (HF) has not been previously studied. Therefore the present study assessed the association of eNOS Glu298Asp polymorphism in patients with HF and controls. In a crossover study, was analysed the distribution of the Glu298Asp in 100 outpatients with HF, and 103 healthy controls. Self-reported race were analyzed. Left atria and left ventricle diameters and ejection fraction were evaluated in patients group. Glu298Asp was analysed by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism. The patient's average age was 59 years, 66% males, 49% Afro-descendants. The allelic frequency in patient group was Glu298=72%/Asp298=28% and the genotype frequency (GF) was Glu298Glu:49%; Glu298Asp:47%; Asp298Asp:4%. In control group, 60% Glu298 and 40% Asp298; 35% Glu298Glu, 49.5% Glu298Asp and 15.5% Asp298Asp. The prevalence of allele Glu298 was significantly higher in patients (p=0.009) as genotype Glu298Glu (p=0.03). The Glu298 in Afro-Brazilians (79%) and white patients (67%) were similar, although there was significant difference (p=0.03) in GF Glu298Glu between Afro-Brazilians and whites. There was an increased prevalence of hypertension and increased atria in Glu298Glu patients comparing with combined genotype Glu298Asp and Asp298Asp. This study suggests a regional variation in the distribution of Glu298Asp. The comparison of this distribution in African-Brazilian suggests a synergistic effect of African-descendent, Glu298Glu genotype and HF. Also demonstrated an increased frequency of Glu298 and Glu298Glu, suggesting interaction of them with HF. In HF patients, the clinical, echocardiograph and genotype analysis suggests an association of Glu298 allele and hypertension.

Severity of angiographic coronary obstruction and the apolipoprotein E polymorphism in acute coronary syndromes.

BACKGROUND: There is evidence of the association between the apolipoprotein E (APOE) and coronary disease; however, there are controversies. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between the number of coronary vessels with significant obstruction defined by angiography, the APOE polymorphism and clinical variables. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, multicenter study with 207 patients (138 men), with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), in the city of Niteroi, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, who underwent coronary angiography and genotype determination for the APOE *2*3*4 polymorphism by the Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) method. RESULTS: The frequency of the alleles was APOE *2 - 6.8%, *3 - 82.5%, *4 - 10.7%. Regarding the number of affected vessels, 27% of patients presented monoarterial obstruction, 33.8% biarterial and 39.1% triarterial and/or left coronary trunk. The degree of multivascular lesion did not correlate with the presence of the *4 allele (p= 0.78), but with age > 55 years (p=0.025), being an ex-smoker (p=0.004) and dyslipidemia (p=0.05) at the multivariate analysis and also with previous coronary artery disease (CAD) (p=0.05), diabetes (p=0.038) and metabolic syndrome (p=0.021) at the univariate analysis. The prevalence of dyslipidemia, diabetes and systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) was elevated regarding similar studies, with progressive increases in the prevalence of SAH (p=0.59) and diabetes (p=0.06), according to the number of affected vessels. CONCLUSION: The APOE polymorphism was not associated with the number of coronary vessels with significant obstruction at any age range. On the other hand, age > 55 years, being an ex-smoker and dyslipidemia associated with the multivascular lesion.

Gravidade da lesão angiográfica coronariana e polimorfismo da APOE nas síndromes coronarianas agudas / Severidad de la lesión angiográfica coronaria y polimorfismo de la APOE en los síndromes coronarios agudos / Severity of angiographic coronary obstruction and the apolipoprotein E polymorphism in acute coronary syndromes

FUNDAMENTO: Existem evidências de associação entre o polimorfismo da apolipoproteína E (APOE) e a doença coronariana, entretanto há controvérsias. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a associação entre o número de vasos coronarianos acometidos por obstrução significativa definida por angiografia, o polimorfismo da APOE e as variáveis clínicas. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal multicêntrico que envolveu 207 pacientes (138 homens) com síndrome coronariana aguda (SCA) em Niterói (RJ - Brasil), os quais realizaram angiografia coronariana e determinação do genótipo para o polimorfismo APOE *2*3*4, pelo método de Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP). RESULTADOS: A frequência dos alelos APOE *2 foi de 6,8 por cento, *3 foi de 82,5 por cento, e *4 foi de 10,7 por cento. Quanto ao número de vasos lesados, 27 por cento dos pacientes apresentavam obstrução uniarterial, 33,8 por cento, biarterial, e 39,1 por cento, triarterial ou de tronco da coronária esquerda. O grau de lesão multivascular não se relacionou com a presença do alelo *4 (p = 0,78), mas com a idade > 55 anos (p = 0,025), o ex-tabagismo (p = 0,004) e a dislipidemia (p = 0,05) na análise multivariada e com doença arterial coronariana prévia (p = 0,05), diabete (p = 0,038) e síndrome metabólica (p = 0,021) na análise univariada. A prevalência de dislipidemia, diabete e hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS) foi elevada em relação a estudos semelhantes, com aumento progressivo da prevalência de HAS (p = 0,59) e de diabete (p = 0,06), de acordo com o número de vasos lesados. CONCLUSÃO: O polimorfismo da APOE não se associou ao número de vasos coronarianos com obstrução significativa em qualquer faixa etária. Por outro lado, a idade > 55 anos, o ex-tabagismo e a dislipidemia associaram-se à lesão multivascular.

BACKGROUND: There is evidence of the association between the apolipoprotein E (APOE) and coronary disease; however, there are controversies. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between the number of coronary vessels with significant obstruction defined by angiography, the APOE polymorphism and clinical variables. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, multicenter study with 207 patients (138 men), with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), in the city of Niteroi, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, who underwent coronary angiography and genotype determination for the APOE *2*3*4 polymorphism by the Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) method. RESULTS: The frequency of the alleles was APOE *2 - 6.8 percent, *3 - 82.5 percent, *4 - 10.7 percent. Regarding the number of affected vessels, 27 percent of patients presented monoarterial obstruction, 33.8 percent biarterial and 39.1 percent triarterial and/or left coronary trunk. The degree of multivascular lesion did not correlate with the presence of the *4 allele (p= 0.78), but with age > 55 years (p=0.025), being an ex-smoker (p=0.004) and dyslipidemia (p=0.05) at the multivariate analysis and also with previous coronary artery disease (CAD) (p=0.05), diabetes (p=0.038) and metabolic syndrome (p=0.021) at the univariate analysis. The prevalence of dyslipidemia, diabetes and systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) was elevated regarding similar studies, with progressive increases in the prevalence of SAH (p=0.59) and diabetes (p=0.06), according to the number of affected vessels. CONCLUSION: The APOE polymorphism was not associated with the number of coronary vessels with significant obstruction at any age range. On the other hand, age > 55 years, being an ex-smoker and dyslipidemia associated with the multivascular lesion.

FUNDAMENTO: Hay evidencias de asociación entre el polimorfismo de la apolipoproteína E (APOE) y la enfermedad coronaria, sin embargo hay controversias. OBJETIVO: Evaluar la asociación entre el número de vasos coronarios afectados por obstrucción significativa definida por angiografía, el polimorfismo de la APOE y las variables clínicas. MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal multicéntrico que implicó a 207 pacientes (138 varones) con síndrome coronario agudo (SCA) en la ciudad de Niterói (RJ - Brasil), los que realizaron angiografía coronaria, y determinación del genotipo para el polimorfismo APOE *2*3*4 mediante el método de Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP). RESULTADOS: La frecuencia de los alelos APOE *2 fue del 6,8 por ciento, *3 fue del 82,5 por ciento, y *4 fue del 10,7 por ciento. En cuanto al número de vasos lesionados, el 27 por ciento de los pacientes presentaban obstrucción uniarterial, el 33,8 por ciento, biarterial, y el 39,1 por ciento, triarterial o de tronco de la coronaria izquierda. El grado de lesión multivascular no se relacionó con la presencia del alelo *4 (p = 0,78), sino con la edad > 55 años (p = 0,025), el ex tabaquismo (p = 0,004) y la dislipidemia (p = 0,05) en el análisis multivariado y con la enfermedad arterial coronaria previa (p = 0,05), la diabetes (p = 0,038) y el síndrome metabólico (p = 0,021) en el análisis univariado. La prevalencia de dislipidemia, diabetes e hipertensión arterial sistémica (HAS) fue elevada con relación a estudios semejantes, con aumento progresivo de la prevalencia de HAS (p = 0,59) y de diabetes (p = 0,06), según el número de vasos lesionados. CONCLUSIÓN: El polimorfismo de la APOE no se asoció al número de vasos coronarios con obstrucción significativa en cualquier grupo de edad. Por otro lado, la edad > 55 años, el ex tabaquismo y la dislipidemia se asociaron a la lesión multivascular.