Association of ELMO1 gene polymorphism and diabetic nephropathy among Egyptian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

The rs3844492/ARHGAP22 and rs741301/ELMO1 polymorphisms are associated with changes in laboratory markers of renal damage among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association between the rs3844492/ARHGAP22 and rs741301/ELMO1 polymorphisms and diabetic kidney disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

The sample consisted of 740 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and diabetic kidney disease (cases) and 303 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, but no diabetic kidney disease (controls). The genotyping of the polymorphisms was conducted using real-time polymerase chain reaction with Taqman probes.

RESULTS

The frequency of the rs3844492/ARHGAP22 G/G genotype was 16.8% in the control group and 15.7% in cases (p = 0.069). After adjusting for covariables, the presence of the G allele was associated with risk for diabetic kidney disease (OR = 1.435, 95% CI 1.023 - 2.011; p = 0.036), as well as with a decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate (p = 0.012) and elevated creatinine levels (p = 0.009). No difference was observed in the rs741301/ELMO1 genotype frequencies between groups (p = 0.800). However, the presence of the C allele appears to be associated with higher creatinine levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (p = 0.064).

CONCLUSION

The rs3844492/ARHGAP22 and rs741301/ELMO1 polymorphisms are associated with alterations in renal function markers among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The C allele of the rs741301 polymorphism in the ELMO1 gene is associated with increased risk of diabetic retinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association of the rs741301 polymorphism in the ELMO1 gene with diabetic retinopathy (DR) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study analyzed 350 patients withT2DM and DR (cases) and 234 patients withT2DM without this complication but with more than 10 years of diabetes mellitus (DM) (controls). DR was diagnosed by indirect fundoscopy. Genotyping was performed by allelic discrimination real-time PCR.

RESULTS

The frequency of the C/C genotype of the rs741301 polymorphism in the ELMO1 gene was 26.9% in cases and 17.9% in controls (P = 0.011). After adjustment for covariables, the C/C genotype was associated with an increased risk of DR [odds ratio (OR) = 1.805, 95%CI 1.101-2.961; P = 0.019]. This association remained significant in dominant and additive inheritance models after adjustment for the same variables [OR = 1.597, 95%CI 1.089-2.343; P = 0.017; and OR = 1.818, 95%CI 1.099-3.007; P = 0.020].

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated an association between the presence of the C allele of the ELMO1 rs741301 polymorphism and an increased risk of DR in patients with T2DM from Southern Brazil.

Diabetic kidney disease and polymorphisms of the ELMO1 and AGTR1 genes: Systematic review

BACKGROUND

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is one of the main complications of diabetes, the main cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) worldwide. The etiopathogenesis of DKD is complex and multifactorial; recently, genetic susceptibility has gained relevance since certain ethnicities, such as Native Americans and Mexican Americans, have a higher risk of developing this disease. Numerous studies have described that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), including those for ELMO1 and AGTR1 genes, could be associated with DKD.

OBJECTIVE

To carry out a systematic review of the scientific literature on the association of SNPs of the ELMO1 and AGTR1 gene with DKD in adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D).

METHODS

Systematic review in PubMed, Google Scholar, Worldwide Science, and Science Direct databases. The selection of publications was carried out following the guidelines proposed by PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses). Original articles that reported results in the adult population with T2D were included. Information about the allelic and genotypic frequencies of the SNPs and their association with DKD was obtained.

RESULTS

The polymorphisms most frequently associated with a DKD higher risk were rs741301, rs1345365, and rs10951509 for the ELMO1 gene, whereas the rs5186 and rs388915 for the AGTR1 gene.

CONCLUSION

The risk of developing DKD depends on several factors, including the genetic susceptibility conferred by the ELMO1 and AGTR1 gene polymorphisms, without ignoring the patient's lifestyle and environmental factors. The studies about these polymorphisms' association with DKD will allow a better understanding of non-modifiable risk factors for developing this disease and recognize the differences between different studied ethnicities, which would allow faster detection of patients with T2D susceptible to developing DKD, become early markers of kidney damage, as well as implementing preventive strategies on the most susceptible ethnicities.

Screening and identification of key biomarkers associated with endometriosis using bioinformatics and next-generation sequencing data analysis

Background

Endometriosis is a common cause of endometrial-type mucosa outside the uterine cavity with symptoms such as painful periods, chronic pelvic pain, pain with intercourse and infertility. However, the early diagnosis of endometriosis is still restricted. The purpose of this investigation is to identify and validate the key biomarkers of endometriosis.

Methods

Next-generation sequencing dataset GSE243039 was obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between endometriosis and normal control samples were identified. After screening of DEGs, gene ontology (GO) and REACTOME pathway enrichment analyses were performed. Furthermore, a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed and modules were analyzed using the Human Integrated Protein–Protein Interaction rEference database and Cytoscape software, and hub genes were identified. Subsequently, a network between miRNAs and hub genes, and network between TFs and hub genes were constructed using the miRNet and NetworkAnalyst tool, and possible key miRNAs and TFs were predicted. Finally, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to validate the hub genes.

Results

A total of 958 DEGs, including 479 upregulated genes and 479 downregulated genes, were screened between endometriosis and normal control samples. GO and REACTOME pathway enrichment analyses of the 958 DEGs showed that they were mainly involved in multicellular organismal process, developmental process, signaling by GPCR and muscle contraction. Further analysis of the PPI network and modules identified 10 hub genes, including vcam1, snca, prkcb, adrb2, foxq1, mdfi, actbl2, prkd1, dapk1 and actc1. Possible target miRNAs, including hsa-mir-3143 and hsa-mir-2110, and target TFs, including tcf3 (transcription factor 3) and clock (clock circadian regulator), were predicted by constructing a miRNA-hub gene regulatory network and TF-hub gene regulatory network.

Conclusions

This investigation used bioinformatics techniques to explore the potential and novel biomarkers. These biomarkers might provide new ideas and methods for the early diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of endometriosis.

The Potential Impact of MYH9 (rs3752462) and ELMO1 (rs741301) Genetic Variants on the Risk of Nephrotic Syndrome Incidence

The kidney lost a lot of protein in the urine when you have nephrotic syndrome (NS). Clinical manifestations mostly common in NS include massive proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, hyperlipidemia, and edema. Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome is currently classified into steroid-dependent (SDNS) and steroid-resistant (SRNS) based on the initial response to corticosteroid therapy at presentation. Several reports examined the association of the MYH9 gene (rs3752462, C > T) variant and ELMO1 gene (rs741301 G > A) variant as risk factors for Nephrotic Syndrome. This study aimed to determine the potential effect of the MYH9 gene (rs3752462, C > T) and ELMO1 gene (rs741301) variant on the risk of (NS) among Egyptian Children. This study included two hundred participants involving 100 nephrotic syndrome (NS) cases and 100 healthy controls free from nephrotic syndrome (NS). The MYH9 gene (rs3752462, C > T) variant and ELMO1 gene (rs G > A741301) variant were analyzed by ARMS-PCR technique. Nephrotic syndrome cases include 74% SRNS and 26% SDNS. Higher frequencies of the heterozygous carrier (CT) and homozygous variant (TT) genotypes of the MYH9 (rs3752462, C > T) variant were observed in NS patients compared to the controls with p-value < 0.001. The frequencies of the MYH9 (rs3752462, C > T variant indicated a statistically significant elevated risk of NS under various genetic models, including allelic model (OR 2.85, p < 0.001), dominant (OR 3.97, p < 0.001) models, and the recessive model OR 5.94, p < 0.001). Higher frequencies of the heterozygous carrier (GA) and homozygous variant (AA) genotypes of ELMO1gene (rs G > A741301) variant were observed in NS patients compared to the controls with p-value < 0.001. The frequencies of the ELMO1 (rs G > A741301) variant indicated a statistically significant elevated risk of NS under various genetic models, including allelic model (OR 2.15, p < 0.001), dominant models (OR 2.8, p < 0.001), and the recessive model (OR 4.17, p = 0.001). Both MYH9 and ELMO1 gene variants are significantly different in NS in comparison with the control group (p < 0.001). The MYH9 gene (rs3752462, C > T) and ELMO1gene (rs G > A741301) variants were considered independent risk factors for NS among Egyptian Children.

Association between ELMO1 gene polymorphisms and diabetic kidney disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Previous research has suggested that the ELMO1 gene may play a role in the development of diabetic kidney disease. Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a serious complication of diabetes and the leading cause of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE

This study aim was to systematically review and explore the association between ELMO1 gene polymorphisms and diabetic kidney disease. A comprehensive systematic review provides a clear conclusion and high-level evidence for the association between ELMO1 gene and DKD for future application in personalized medicine.

METHODS

A comprehensive search of electronic databases, per PRISMA instructions, was conducted in Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, and PubMed databases from 1980 to January 2023. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using appropriate models. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed to explore potential sources of heterogeneity and assess the robustness of the findings.

RESULTS

A total of 5794 diabetes patients with DKD, 4886 diabetes patients without DKD, and 2023 healthy controls were included in the 17 studies that made up this systematic review. In the investigation of DM (Diabetes Mellitus) with DKD vs. DM without DKD, the susceptibility for DKD for the EMLO1 rs741301 polymorphism indicated a significant difference under the dominant, homozygote, and recessive genetic models. The susceptibility for DKD for the EMLO1 rs1345365, rs10255208, and rs7782979 polymorphisms demonstrated a significant difference under the allele genetic models in the analysis of DM with DKD vs. DM without DKD groups. There was a considerable increase in DKD risk in the Middle East when the population was stratified by the region.

CONCLUSION

The findings of the meta-analysis show that there are a significant connection between the EMLO1 rs741301 polymorphism and DKD susceptibility in overall analyses; as well as rs1345365, rs10255208, and rs7782979 polymorphisms; especially in the Middle East region.

Diabetes Mellitus across the Arabo-Islamic World: A Revolution

Background

Mankind continues to suffer from the ever-growing diabetes epidemic and the rapid rise of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This metabolic disease has been studied since ancient civilizations. The Arabo-Islamic civilization excelled in establishing some of the most notable discoveries and teachings that remained the blueprint for years to come in the field of diabetology.

Aim

This article aimed to review the ancient history of diabetes mellitus, with its main focus on the Arabo-Islamic civilization, and to report our subjective views and analysis of some of the past recommendations based on modern-day findings. Discussion. It is natural to have the teachings of medicine dynamically inspired by one civilization to another, as various fields continue to expand and evolve. This also applies to diabetology as the Arabo-Islamic world used the outlines of prior civilizations to revolutionize the understanding of the disease. Al-Razi and Ibn Sina are probably two of the most renowned polymaths in history, and their contributions to diabetology are well documented. Ibn Maymun's postulation about the higher prevalence of diabetes in Egypt as compared to Andalusia is something to be carefully studied. It could be that diabetes mellitus' underdiagnosis and late-stage detection are some of the major reasons for the disparity between the two mentioned regions. Modern-day Arabo-Islamic scholars continue to excel in revolutionizing diabetology.

Conclusion

The Arabo-Islamic world houses an impressive bout of scholars who have contributed since the ancient times to diabetology. This scientific locomotion shows no signs of stopping, as it continues to shine during the present day, and likely in the future.

Association between engulfment and cell motility 1-gene polymorphisms and diabetic nephropathy in an Egyptian population with type 2 diabetes

Purpose

Engulfment and cell motility 1 (ELMO1), is a candidate gene responsible for cell motility and phagocytosis. However, its role in the development and progression of nephropathy attributed to T2D is still unknown. Kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) plays a significant role in renal regeneration processes. The current study aimed to evaluate the association between kidney injury molecule-1 levels, ELMO1 gene polymorphism (rs741301, and rs1345365) as well as DN in an Egyptian population with T2D.

Methods

In this study, we enrolled 89 participants from the internal medicine outpatient clinic, 23 T2DM without DN, 22 with DN, and 44 control subjects. They were genotyped by real-time PCR. Serum level of KIM-1 was detected by ELISA.

Results

Serum KIM-1 level was correlated with DM duration, HbA1C, and UACR (P value <0.001) in T2D. There was no significant difference in the allelic and genotypic frequencies of rs741301 and rs1345365 between participants with DM who presented with albuminuria and those without. Results showed that rs1345365A/rs741301T and rs1345365G/rs741301C haplotypes were more common in patients with T2D than in HCs. However, the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.262 and 0.414, respectively).

Conclusions

KIM-1 can be a useful non-invasive biomarker for detecting early DN. The association between ELMO1 gene polymorphisms and the risk of DN in patients with T2D was not validated. Therefore, further studies with a larger sample size must be conducted.

Functional Verification of Novel ELMO1 Variants by Live Imaging in Zebrafish

ELMO1 (Engulfment and Cell Motility1) is a gene involved in regulating cell motility through the ELMO1-DOCK2-RAC complex. Contrary to DOCK2 (Dedicator of Cytokinesis 2) deficiency, which has been reported to be associated with immunodeficiency diseases, variants of ELMO1 have been associated with autoimmune diseases, such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). To explore the function of ELMO1 in immune cells and to verify the functions of novel ELMO1 variants in vivo, we established a zebrafish elmo1 mutant model. Live imaging revealed that, similar to mammals, the motility of neutrophils and T-cells was largely attenuated in zebrafish mutants. Consequently, the response of neutrophils to injury or bacterial infection was significantly reduced in the mutants. Furthermore, the reduced mobility of neutrophils could be rescued by the expression of constitutively activated Rac proteins, suggesting that zebrafish elmo1 mutant functions via a conserved mechanism. With this mutant, three novel human ELMO1 variants were transiently and specifically expressed in zebrafish neutrophils. Two variants, p.E90K (c.268G>A) and p.D194G (c.581A>G), could efficiently recover the motility defect of neutrophils in the elmo1 mutant; however, the p.R354X (c.1060C>T) variant failed to rescue the mutant. Based on those results, we identified that zebrafish elmo1 plays conserved roles in cell motility, similar to higher vertebrates. Using the transient-expression assay, zebrafish elmo1 mutants could serve as an effective model for human variant verification in vivo.

Role of engulfment and cell motility 1 (ELMO1) gene polymorphism in development of diabetic kidney disease

Background

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a progressive kidney disease that affects diabetic patients irrespective of glycemic state or hypertension. Therefore, early detection of DKD is of critical importance. Many genome-wide association studies have identified the engulfment and cell motility 1 (ELMO1) gene as a genetic marker linked to DKD. This study aimed to investigate the association between ELMO1 rs741301 gene polymorphism and the development of DKD among Egyptian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Allele and genotype frequencies were investigated in 304 subjects by real-time PCR allelic discrimination assay: 100 DKD patients, 102 diabetic patients without DKD, and 102 healthy controls.

Results

GG genotype of ELMO1 (rs741301) SNP and its allele frequencies were significantly high in all diabetic patients. GG genotype had an odds ratio (OR) of 6.095 and 95% confidence interval (CI) of 2.456–15.125, p < 0.001, while the frequent allele G had an OR of 2.366 and 95% CI of 1.450–3.859, p = 0.001. No significant difference was observed between T2DM without DKD and DKD.

Conclusion

Our results could not establish an association between the ELMO1 rs741301 variant and the progression of DKD.

Genomics, Proteomics and Metabolomics Approaches for Predicting Diabetic Nephropathy in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients

BACKGROUND

There is a continuous rise in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) worldwide and most patients are unaware of the presence of this chronic disease at the early stages. T2DM is associated with complications related to long-term damage and failure of multiple organ systems caused by vascular changes associated with glycated end products, oxidative stress, mild inflammation, and neovascularization. Among the most frequent complications of T2DM observed in about 20-40% of T2DM patients is diabetes nephropathy (DN).

METHODS

A literature search was made in view of highlighting the novel applications of genomics, proteomics and metabolomics, as the new prospective strategy for predicting DN in T2DM patients.

RESULTS

The complexity of DN requires a comprehensive and unbiased approach to investigate the main causes of disease and identify the most important mechanisms underlying its development. With the help of evolving throughput technology, rapidly evolving information can now be applied to clinical practice.

DISCUSSION

DN is also the leading cause of end-stage renal disease and comorbidity independent of T2DM. In terms of the comorbidity level, DN has many phenotypes; therefore, timely diagnosis is required to prevent these complications. Currently, urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) are gold standards for assessing glomerular damage and changes in renal function. However, GFR estimation based on creatinine is limited to hyperfiltration status; therefore, this makes albuminuria and eGFR indicators less reliable for early-stage diagnosis of DN.

CONCLUSION

The combination of genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics assays as suitable biological systems can provide new and deeper insights into the pathogenesis of diabetes, as well as discover prospects for developing suitable and targeted interventions.