Role of the BMP6 protein in breast cancer and other types of cancer.

The BMP6 protein (Bone Morphogenetic Protein 6) is part of the superfamily of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß) ligands, participates in iron homeostasis, inhibits invasion by increasing adhesions and cell-cell type interactions and induces angiogenesis directly on vascular endothelial cells. BMP6 is coded by a tumor suppressor gene whose subexpression is related to the development and cancer progression; during neoplastic processes, methylation is the main mechanism by which gene silencing occurs. This work presents a review on the role of BMP6 protein in breast cancer (BC) and other types of cancer. The studies carried out to date suggest the participation of the BMP6 protein in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype, cell growth and proliferation; however, these processes are affected in a variable way in the different types of cancer, the methylated CpG sites in BMP6 gene promoter, as well as the interaction with other proteins could be the cause of such variation.

Pepsinogen I, pepsinogen II, gastrin-17, and Helicobacter pylori serological biomarkers in the diagnosis of precursor lesions of gastric cancer.

Introduction: Atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia are precursor lesions of gastric cancer. The aim of this study was to determine the usefulness of the biomarkers pepsinogen I(PgI), pepsinogen II (PgII), gastrin-17, and H. pylori antibodies in the identification of precursor lesions. Methods: We studied 129 patients with gastric symptoms. The biomarker status was determined using GastroPanel by means of the ELISA-technique. Results: Biomarkers detected atrophy in 14% of the subjects, and 49.6% had positive antibodies for H. pylori. A PgI/PgII ratio < 3 was an important risk biomarker for precursor lesions in our population (OR = 9.171, 95% CI: 1.723-48.799, p = 0.009); however, biomarkers showed low accuracy with histopathological study. Conclusions: In the Western Mexican population, precursor lesions (AG, IM) are common in adults (45%) with dyspepsia but infrequent in children (8%). H. pylori infection was detected in 41.3% of adults and 16.0% of children. Of the studied biomarkers, a PgI/PgII ratio < 3 was an important risk factor for precursor lesions such as AG or IM in our population, with an OR of 9.171 (95% CI: 1.723-48.799, p = 0.009).

Association of KLOTHO gene variants with metabolic and renal function parameters in Mexican patients living with type 2 diabetes.

Objective: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and high blood pressure are the main causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in adulthood. Both metabolic and oxidative stresses driven by hyperglycemia as well as genetic factors have been suggested as pathogenic causes of renal failure. Some single nucleotide variants (SNVs) on gene coding KLOTHO (KL) have been implicated in several clinical scenarios including hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to analyze the association of rs1207568 (-395G > A), rs953614 (+ 1062T > G) and rs564481 (+ 1818 C > T) SNVs with metabolic and renal function parameters in Mexican patients living with type 2 diabetes. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 637 Mexican patients with T2D, and/or hypertension without previous diagnosis of CKD. Anthropometric, metabolic, and renal function parameters were determined. Patients were genotyped for rs1207568, rs953614 and rs564481 SNVs and associations under a dominant genetic model were analyzed by logistic regression. Results: For rs9536314, G-allele showed to be protective for hypo-HDL-C, albuminuria, and CKD. Carriers of minor allele of rs564481 had low odds for high glucose levels. No differences in genotype nor allele frequencies between the patients and the reference population were observed. Conclusion: In Mexican patients living with type 2 diabetes, KL variant rs9536314 was found associated with low odds of hypo-HDL cholesterol, albuminuria and presence of CKD. Meanwhile the consensus of soluble KLOTHO measurement is reached, genetic variants in the KL gene could be considered as genetic markers for CKD susceptibility in patients at high-risk of vascular complications.

Foetal haemoglobin elevation, unfavourable prognosis, and protective role of genetic variants HBG2 rs7482144, HBS1L-MYB rs9399137 and BCL11A rs4671393 in children with ALL.

In acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), elevated foetal haemoglobin (HbF) levels have been associated with the prognosis of patients. Genetic variants in HbF regulatory genes: BAF chromatin remodelling complex subunit (BCL11A), HBS1L-MYB transcriptional GTPase intergenic region (HBS1L-MYB), Krüppel-like factor 1 (KLF1), haemoglobin gamma subunit 2 (HBG2), haemoglobin gamma subunit 1 (HBG1), and haemoglobin subunit beta pseudogene 1 (HBBP1) are often associatedwith elevatedHbF concentration. This study investigated the association of genetic variants in HbF regulatory genes with HbF concentration, unfavourable prognosis, and outcome in children with ALL.We quantified HbF concentration and genotyped 17 genetic variants in 48 patients with ALL and 64 children without ALL as a reference group. HbF concentrationwas higher in patients than in the reference group (4.4%vs 1.4%), and 75%(n = 36) of thepatientshadHbF>2.5%.Unfavourable prognosis ALL was established in 68.8% (n = 33) of the patients. Variant HBG2 rs7482144 was associated with high HbF concentration (P = 0.015); while HBS1L-MYB rs9399137 (P = 0.001), HBG2 rs7482144 (P = 0.001) and the ß-globin genes HBG2, HBG1, and HBPP1 haplotypeTGC(P = 0.017) with unfavourable prognosisALL.Additionally, variantBCL11A rs4671393 showed a protective role (P = 0.0001). In conclusion, variants HBG2 rs7482144, HBS1L-MYB rs9399137 and BCL11A rs4671393 may play a significant role in ALL.

Genetic analysis of TMPRSS6 catalytic domain variants in Mexican patients with iron treatment refractoriness.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the TMPRSS6 gene variants in Mexican patients with iron treatment refractoriness, to describe hematological and iron profile parameters, and to use bioinformatic prediction and protein modeling tools to assess a possible biological impact for the detected missense variants. METHODS: Nineteen patients referred with iron treatment refractoriness were studied. Peripheral blood was collected to determine hematic cytometry, iron profile, hemoglobin electrophoresis, and quantification. Molecular screening was carried out for exons 15 through 18 of the TMPRSS6 gene by Sanger sequencing and for frequent thalassemia variants by amplification-refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and gap-PCR. The biological impact of the detected missense variants was assessed using bioinformatic prediction and protein modeling tools. RESULTS: We found 5 genetic variants in the matriptase-2 catalytic domain: 1 at intron-15/exon-16 junction (rs60484081) and 4 exonic, 3 missense (rs377054987, p.Gly626Asp; rs1384127820, p.Ser672Thr; rs855791, p.Val727Ala) and 1 synonymous (rs2235321, p.Tyr730=), with frequencies ranging from 0.18 to 0.53. No significant differences were observed in the hematological parameters or iron profile, considering type and number of variants. Bioinformatic predictions suggested a possible biological impact only for rs377054987. CONCLUSIONS: The TMPRSS6 variants observed in Mexican patients with oral iron treatment refractoriness have high frequencies; nevertheless, their relationship with hematological and iron profile parameters needs further research. The possible biological impact for rs377054987 is due to size and amino acid hydrophobicity changes and hydrogen bond modifications.

The Genetic Variant TNFA (rs361525) Is Associated with Increased Susceptibility to Developing Dengue Symptoms.

Dengue virus (DENV) is the causal agent of dengue fever. The symptoms and signs of dengue vary from febrile illness to hemorrhagic syndrome. IFITM3 and TNFA are genes of the innate immune system. Variants IFITM3 (rs12252 T>C) and TNFA (rs1800629 G > A and rs361525 G>A) might alter gene expression and change the course of the disease. Our first objective was to determine whether these variants were associated with the susceptibility and severity of dengue. The second was to assess the association of these variants with each symptom. We studied 272 cases with suspected dengue infection, of which 102 were confirmed dengue cases (DENV+) and 170 were dengue-like cases without DENV infection (DENV-). Samples of 201 individuals from the general population of Mexico were included as a reference. Genotyping was performed by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism technique. Odds ratios and confidence intervals were calculated using Pearson's chi-square test and later adjusted for age and sex with a binary logistic regression model. Haldane correction is applied when necessary. We found a significantly higher frequency of the A allele of TNFA rs361525 in both the DENV+ and DENV- groups compared with the general population. Focusing on DENV+ and DENV-, the frequency of the A allele of TNFA rs361525 was higher in the DENV+ group. A broad spectrum of symptoms was related to the A allele of both TNFA variants. We conclude that TNFA rs361525 increases the susceptibility to symptomatic dengue but can also be associated with susceptibility to other dengue-like symptoms from unknown causes.

Association of Serum Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 and FGF23 Gene Variants with Chronic Kidney Disease in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Essential Hypertension.

INTRODUCTION: Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) gene variants could influence the production of FGF23 in subjects at risk for chronic kidney disease (CKD). Our purpose was to analyze the association of serum levels of FGF23 and two FGF23 gene variants with metabolic and renal function parameters in Mexican patients with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) and/or essential hypertension (HTN). MATERIALS/METHODS: The study included 632 individuals diagnosed with T2D and/or HTN, of which 269 (43%) were diagnosed with CKD. FGF23 serum levels were determined and FGF23 gene variants rs11063112 and rs7955866 were genotyped. Genetic association analysis included binary and multivariate logistic regressions adjusted for age and sex. RESULTS: Patients with CKD were older, had higher systolic blood pressure, uric acid, and glucose levels than those without CKD. Also, patients with CKD had higher FGF23 levels (106 vs. 73 pg/mL p = 0.003). No correlation of any gene variants with FGF23 levels was found, but minor allele for rs11063112 and haplotype rs11063112A-rs7955866A were associated with low probability of CKD (Odds Ratio [OR] = 0.62 and 0.58, respectively). Conversely, the haplotype rs11063112T-rs7955866A was associated with increased FGF23 levels and risk for CKD (OR = 6.90). CONCLUSIONS: In addition to the traditional risk factors, levels of FGF23 are higher in Mexican patients with diabetes and/or essential hypertension and CKD, compared to those without renal damage. In contrast, the two minor alleles of two variants of the FGF23 gene, rs11063112 and rs7955866, as well as the haplotype carrying these two alleles, were found to be protective against renal disease in this Mexican patients' sample.

Molecular and Hematological Analysis of Alpha- and Beta-Thalassemia in a Cohort of Mexican Patients.

Introduction: Alpha- and beta-thalassemia are caused by reduced or absent synthesis of hemoglobin (Hb) subunits α and/or ß. HBA2, HBA1, and HBB mutations are the main cause of thalassemias. The aim of this article is to analyze molecular and hematological features of α- and ß-thal in a cohort of Mexican patients. Methods: One hundred forty-one thalassemia patients were studied. Peripheral blood was collected for blood cell count, electrophoresis, Hb quantification, and molecular testing. Molecular screening was performed by Gap-PCR, ARMS-PCR, Sanger sequencing, and MLPA. Results: Fifty-four patients had α-thal, 75 ß-thal, and 12 patients were complex cases, we observed 13 α- and 18 ß-thal alleles in 43 genotypes, -α3.7/αα and ßCd39C>T/ß were the most frequent. Four α-thal deletions (-Mex4 included HBA2 and HBA1, whereas (αα)Mex5, Mex6 and Mex7 involved MCS-R), a hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin-2 like (HPFH-2 like) deletion and six alleles not previously reported in Mexicans (α-59C>Tα, -α4.2, αPlasenciaα, ß-32C>T, ßInitCdA>C and ßFSCd71/72+A) were identified. Conclusion: The observed alleles denote the high heterogeneity and multiple origin admixture of Mexican population. Hematological data are consistent with genotypes, variability in simple carriers, from asymptomatic forms to mild or moderate anemia, was ascertained. We emphasize the importance to consider hematological parameters to establish adequate molecular screening strategies.

Hemoglobina Fannin-Lubbock I y II, dos variantes que comparten una mutación / Hemoglobin Fannin-Lubbock I and II, two variants sharing a mutation

Hemoglobin (Hb) Fannin-Lubbock I (beta119 [GH2]), GGC>GAC, Gly>Asp) and Hb Fannin-Lubbock II (beta111 [G13]), GTC>CTC, Val>Leu and beta 119 (GH2), GGC >GAC, Gly>Asp), share the mutation at position 119, both abnormal hemoglobins have similar fast electrophoretic mobility due the Gly>Asp change. Hb Fannin-Lubbock, is classified in the group of unstable hemoglobins, without alteration in their affinity for oxygen; the mutation at amino acid 119 and that of amino acid 111 participate in the interaction of the alpha1beta1 chains, with important links in the stability of the molecule, so that both substitutions could affect the stability of the molecule. Initially the instability of the variant was attributed to mutation 111, however, our group confirmed that the mutation at amino acid 119 is responsible for the instability to the molecule. In this paper, we analyze the first observations of Hb Fannin-Lubbock in 1976 and in 1982, the demonstration of Hb Fannin-Lubbock II by DNA sequencing as well as the evidence of two different mutations by DNA analysis, the Hb Fannin-Lubbock I observed mainly in families of Mexican origin and Hb Fannin-Lubbock II in families of Spanish origin, we also present the hematological characteristics of both types and the indirect evidence that the Hb Fannin-Lubbock I observed in a Mexican family and in a Hind

La hemoglobina (Hb) Fannin-Lubbock I (beta119 (GH2), GGC>GAC, Gly>Asp) y la Hb Fannin-Lubbock II (beta111 (G13), GTC>CTC, Val>Leu y beta119 (GH2), GGC>GAC, Gly>Asp), comparten la mutación en la posición 119, tienen movilidad electroforética rápida similar debida al cambio Gly>Asp. La Hb FanninLubbock se clasifica en el grupo de hemoglobinas inestables, sin alteración en su afinidad por el oxígeno; tanto la mutación en el aminoácido 119 como la del aminoácido 111 participan en la interacción de las cadenas alfa1beta1, por lo que ambas sustituciones podrían afectar la estabilidad de la molécula. Inicialmente la inestabilidad de la Hb se atribuyó a la mutación 111, sin embargo, nuestro grupo confirmó que la mutación en el aminoácido 119 es la responsable de la inestabilidad de la molécula. En este trabajo se analizan las primeras observaciones de la Hb Fannin-Lubbock en 1977 y en 1982, la demostración de la Hb Fannin-Lubbock II por secuenciación de ADN, así como la evidencia de dos mutaciones diferentes por análisis de ADN, la Hb Fannin-Lubbock I observada principalmente en familias de origen mexicano y la Hb Fannin-Lubbock II en familias de origen español, así como las características hematológicas de ambos tipos y la evidencia indirecta de que la Hb Fannin-Lubbock I observada en una familia mexicana y en una familia india se asocian con haplotipos beta distintos, lo que sugiere que surgieron por eventos mutacionales independientes