Interactions between rs5498 polymorphism in the ICAM1 gene and traditional risk factors influence susceptibility to coronary artery disease

Associations between the rs5498 (A > G) and rs281432 (C > G) polymorphisms of the ICAM1 gene and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk, including hypercholesterolemia

Background

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) originates from complex risk factors, including age, gender, dyslipidemia, obesity, race, genetic and genetic variation. ICAM1 gene polymorphisms are a significant risk factor for ASCVD. However, the impact of the rs5498 and rs281432 polymorphisms on the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia (HCL) has not been reported. Therefore, we determine the relationships between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), including rs5498 and rs281432 on Intercellular adhesion molecule 1 gene (ICAM1) and ASCVD susceptibility in patients with HCL.

Methods

The clinical characteristics of 278 participants were assessed, and classified to groups having HCL and without HCL. ICAM1 SNPs genotyping was performed by DNA sequencing, and ICAM1 expression was measured using real-time PCR.

Results

Positive dominant model rs5498 participants had twice the risk of HCL (95% confidence interval (CI): [1.24-3.23], P = 0.005). The frequency of the G allele in rs5498 was 1.69 times higher in participants with HCL than in controls (95% CI [1.15-2.47], P = 0.007). Participants with the rs5498 AG or GG variants and high ICAM1 mRNA expression (≥3.12) had 2.49 times the risk (95% CI [1.42-4.38], P = 0.001), and those with a high LDL-C concentration (≥3.36 mmol/L) had 2.09 times the risk (95% CI [1.19-3.66], P = 0.010) of developing ASCVD compared with those with low ICAM1 mRNA and LDL-C levels. Interestingly, participants carrying the rs5498 AG or GG variants who had tachycardia (resting heart rates (RHRs) >100 beats/min) had a 5.02-times higher risk than those with a lower RHR (95% CI [1.35-18.63], P = 0.016).

Conclusions

It may consider the G allele in ICAM1 rs5498 is associated with a higher risk of ASCVD in Thai people with HCL, and is also positively associated with ICAM1 mRNA expression, LDL-C concentration, and RHR.

Myocardial Infarction-associated Transcript Knockdown Inhibits Cell Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion Through miR-490-3p/Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1 Axis in Oxidized Low-density Lipoprotein-induced Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Emerging evidence has demonstrated that long noncoding RNAs are related to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. We aimed to investigate the roles and molecular mechanisms of myocardial infarction-associated transcript (MIAT) in the proliferation, migration, and invasion of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was conducted to determine the levels of MIAT, microRNA490-3p (miR-490-3p), and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM1). Cell Counting Kit-8 assay was performed to assess cell proliferation. Transwell assay was used to evaluate cell migration and invasion. Western blot assay was performed to measure the protein levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, N-cadherin, matrix metalloprotein-9, and ICAM1. Dual-luciferase reporter, RNA immunoprecipitation, and RNA pull-down assays were conducted to verify the relationship between miR-490-3p and MIAT or ICAM1. MIAT was elevated in atherosclerosis patients' serum and ox-LDL-induced VSMCs. MIAT knockdown suppressed cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in ox-LDL-stimulated VSMCs. MIAT acted as a sponge of miR-490-3p, and miR-490-3p deficiency overturned the inhibition of MIAT knockdown on VSMC proliferation, migration, and invasion. ICAM1 was a direct target of miR-490-3p, and ICAM1 silencing repressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of ox-LDL-stimulated VSMCs. Moreover, ICAM1 overexpression reversed the impacts of MIAT knockdown on ox-LDL-induced VSMC proliferation, migration, and invasion. MIAT knockdown could depress cell proliferation, migration, and invasion through miR-490-3p/ICAM1 axis in ox-LDL-induced VSMCs.

Dietary oleic acid supplementation and blood inflammatory markers: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to analyze data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effects of oleic acid (OA) supplementation on blood inflammatory markers in adults. PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched from 1950 to 2019, with adults and a minimum intervention duration of 4 weeks. The effect size was estimated, adopting standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Of the 719 identified studies, thirty-one RCTs involving 1634 subjects were eligible. The results of this study revealed that increasing OA supplementation significantly reduced C-reactive protein (CRP) (SMD: -0.11, 95% CI: -0.21, -0.01, P = 0.038). However, dietary OA consumption did not significantly affect tumor necrosis factor (TNF) (SMD: -0.05, 95% CI: -0.19, 0.10, P = 0.534), interleukin 6 (IL-6) (SMD: 0.01, 95% CI: -0.10, 0.13, P = 0.849), fibrinogen (SMD: 0.08, 95% CI: -0.16, 0.31, P = 0.520), plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) activity (SMD: -0.11, 95% CI: -0.34, 0.12, P = 0.355), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) (SMD: -0.06, 95% CI: -0.26, 0.13, P = 0.595) or soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) (SMD: -0.04, 95% CI: -0.27, 0.18, P = 0.701). Overall, the meta-analysis demonstrated that dietary OA supplementation significantly reduced CRP, yet did not affect other inflammatory markers including TNF, IL-6, fibrinogen, PAI-1 activity, sICAM-1or sVCAM-1.

Construction for Long Non-Coding RNA (lncRNA)-Associated Competing Endogenous RNA (ceRNA) Network in Human Retinal Detachment (RD) with Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy (PVR)

Background

The aim of this study was to analyze the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA)-associated competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network in human retinal tissues following detachment with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR).

Material/Methods

Expression data of 19 human detached retinas with PVR and 19 normal retinas from postmortem donors were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibust (GEO) database (GSE28133). The R package “limma” was utilized to discriminate the dysregulated lncRNA and mRNA profiles. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses of differentially expressed mRNAs were performed using R packages “Clusterprofiler.” The ceRNA network of dysregulated genes was constructed by using mircode, miRDB, miRTarBase and TargetScan databases, and was visualized by Cytoscape v3.6.1.

Results

A total of 23 lncRNAs and 994 mRNAs were identified significantly expressed between the human detached retinas with PVR and the normal retina tissues, with thresholds of |log₂FoldChange| >1.0 and adjusted P-value <0.05. The constructed ceRNA network (lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory axis) included 9 PVR-specific lncRNAs, as well as 27 miRNAs and 73 mRNAs.

Conclusions

We demonstrated the differential lncRNA expression profile and constructed a lncRNA-associated ceRNA network in human detached retinas with PVR. This may ferret out an unknown ceRNA regulatory network in human retinal detachment with PVR.

A Allele of ICAM-1 Rs5498 and VCAM-1 Rs3181092 is Correlated with Increased Risk for Periodontal Disease

Objective

Periodontal disease (PD) is viewed today as multifactorial problems initiated and sustained by bacteria but significantly modified by the body’s response to bacterial plaque. Recent studies have suggested that gene polymorphisms could be involved in the pathophysiology of periodontitis. This study aimed to investigate a possible correlation of the polymorphisms of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) with PD.

Methods

The genotypes of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 were initially determined in PD patients using denaturing high performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC). ELISA was then conducted to measure ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 protein levels. Next, the association of ICAM-1/VCAM-1 genotype distribution and expression with clinical indicators and severity of PD was analyzed.

Results

PD patients contained increased levels of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), increased ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 protein levels, and decreased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level. The GG genotype and G allele at ICAM-1 rs5498, as well as the AG and GG genotypes and G allele at VCAM-1 rs3181092 may reduce PD risk.

Conclusion

To sum up, the overexpressed ICAM-1 and VCA M-1 as well as A allele of ICAM-1 rs5498 and VCAM-1 rs3181092 is associated with the onset of PD.

[Effects of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound on hematopoietic function in rats after combined chemotherapy with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) on hematopoietic function in rats after combined chemotherapy with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide.

METHODS

Eighty rats were randomized into control group and LIPUS group (n=40) for treatment with intraperitoneal injection of doxorubicin (2 mg/kg)+cyclophosphamide (20 mg/kg) for 4 consecutive days and continuous irradiation with LIPUS for 7 days following the injections, respectively. The white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets counts in each group were measured at 0, 4, 7, 9, 11, 14 and 18 days after the start of drug administration. The pathological sections of the bone marrow were examined at 0, 4 and 11 days, and the flow cytometry was performed for detecting the cell apoptosis; qPCR was performed for detecting the expressions of SCF, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 mRNAs, and ELISA was used to detect the expressions of IL-3 and GM-CSF.

RESULTS

The white blood cell count was significantly higher in LIPUS group than in the control group (P < 0.05). Histopathological examination of the bone marrow revealed significantly increased hematopoietic tissue in LIPUS group (P < 0.05). Flow cytometry demonstrated an obviously lower cell apoptosis rate in the bone marrow in LIPUS group than in the control group (P < 0.05). Compared with those in the control group, the mRNA expression levels of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 as well as the protein levels of IL-3 and GM-CSF were significantly increased in LIPUS group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

LIPUS can alleviate the hematopoietic damage after combined chemotherapy with doxorubicin with cyclophosphamide probably by increasing the expressions of ICAM- 1, VCAM-1, IL- 3, and GM-CSF.

Letter to the Editor: Comments on "Association between the ICAM-1 gene polymorphism and coronary heart disease risk: a meta-analysis"

Yin et al. (Bioscience Reports (2019) 39, BSR20180923) recently published a meta-analysis about the association between the K469E (rs5498) polymorphism and risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). Authors included 14 studies based on their inclusion criteria. They indicated that only studies which their genotyping data were in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) were included in their meta-analysis. They also tested HWE for these studies and found all the control groups in HWE. As their main finding, they concluded that ‘K469E polymorphism is associated with CHD risk and the K allele is a more significant risk factor for developing CHD amongst Chinese and Caucasians populations’. However, there seems to be presenting some mistakes in HWE test which strongly affects included studies and the final conclusion. Here we aim to comment on the issue.

Recombinant Treponema pallidum protein Tp47 promotes the migration and adherence of THP-1 cells to human dermal vascular smooth muscle cells by inducing MCP-1 and ICAM-1 expression

Vascular inflammation is a complex and multifactorial pathophysiological process that plays a crucial role in all stages of syphilis and is responsible for tissue damage. Little is known about the interactions of infiltrating immunocytes with human dermal vascular smooth muscle cells (HDVSMCs) in arterioles during the immunopathogenesis of syphilis. The Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum membrane protein Tp47 is considered a major inducer of inflammation initiation and development. In this study, we demonstrated that Tp47 promoted the migration and adhesion of THP-1 cells to HDVSMCs. Furthermore, Tp47 increased monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) mRNA and protein expression levels in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The migration and adhesion of THP-1 cells to HDVSMCs were significantly suppressed by anti-MCP-1 and anti-ICAM-1 neutralizing antibodies, respectively. Further studies revealed that treatment of HDVSMCs with Tp47 activated the PI3K/Akt, p38 MAPK and NF-κB signalling pathways. Inhibition of PI3K/Akt, p38 MAPK and NF-κB suppressed the MCP-1 and ICAM-1 expression induced by Tp47. In addition, the migration and adhesion of THP-1 cells to Tp47-treated HDVSMCs were significantly decreased by pretreatment with PI3K/Akt, p38 MAPK and NF-κB inhibitors. These findings demonstrate that Tp47 promotes the migration and adherence of THP-1 cells to HDVSMCs by inducing MCP-1 and ICAM-1 expression, which is mediated by activation of the PI3K/Akt, p38 MAPK and NF-κB pathways. This study provides a novel potential therapeutic strategy for controlling the vascular inflammatory response in syphilis patients.

Association between the ICAM-1 gene polymorphism and coronary heart disease risk: a meta-analysis

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a complex polygenic disease in which gene-environment interactions play a critical role in disease onset and progression. The Intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) gene E469K polymorphism is one of the most commonly studied polymorphisms in this gene because of its association with CHD risks, but results were conflicting. The PubMed, Embase, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases were searched for case–control studies published up to November 2018. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated to assess the association. Eleven eligible studies, comprising 3435 cases and 3199 controls, were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled result showed that the ICAM-1 gene E469K polymorphism was significantly associated with an increased risk of CHD (OR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.11–1.29, for the allele K versus allele E; OR = 1.66, 95% CI = 1.43–1.92, for the K allele carriers versus EE). Subgroup analysis supported the results in the Chinese populations and in the Caucasian populations. This meta-analysis suggests that the ICAM-1 gene K469E polymorphism is associated with CHD risk and the K allele is a more significant risk factor for developing CHD amongst Chinese and Caucasians populations.

ICAM-1 gene rs5498 polymorphism decreases the risk of coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND

Many studies investigated the association between intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) gene rs5498 polymorphism and the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the results were inconsistent.

METHODS

To clarify convincing association, we conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis by searching in PubMed, Embase, Web of sciences, Sciences citation index, Google scholar, Cochrane Library, and the CNKI databases. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

RESULTS

A total of 29 case-control studies with 5,494 cases and 6,364 controls for rs5498 polymorphism were included. The studied populations of this meta-analysis included Caucasians and Asians. Meta-analysis showed that rs5498 polymorphism was associated with the decreased risk of CAD. Stratification analysis of ethnicity found that rs5498 polymorphism decreased the risk of CAD among Caucasians, but not among Asians. Stratification by type of CAD revealed that ICAM-1 gene rs5498 polymorphism was also correlated with the decreased risk of myocardial infarction (MI).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, this meta-analysis indicates that ICAM-1 gene rs5498 polymorphism decreases the risk of CAD.

Evaluation of the Obesity Genes FTO and MC4R for Contribution to the Risk of Large Artery Atherosclerotic Stroke in a Chinese Population

BACKGROUND

Obesity is a well-established risk factor for large artery atherosclerotic (LAA) stroke. The aim of the study was to explore whether obesity genes, such as MC4R and FTO, contribute to LAA stroke risk in the Chinese Han population.

METHODS

322 LAA stroke patients and 473 controls were recruited. Gene polymorphism of MC4R (rs17782313) and FTO (rs8050136 and rs9939609) were genotyped.

RESULTS

No differences were observed in genotype frequencies of variants of FTO (rs8050136 and rs9939609) or MC4R (rs17782313) between LAA stroke patients and control subjects. However, rs17782313 of the MC4R gene was associated with LAA stroke susceptibility in smokers (rs17782313: p = 0.020, OR (95% CI) = 1.55 (1.07-2.23)) in the stratified analysis. Furthermore, multifactor dimensionality reduction analysis revealed that the combination of MC4R variant (rs17782313), hypertension and smoking habit was significantly associated with increased risk of LAA stroke (p < 0.0001, OR (95% CI) = 6.57 (4.79-9.01)).

CONCLUSION

Our study indicated that the synergistic effects of MC4R variants, hypertension, and smoking habit contribute significantly to the risk of LAA stroke in the Chinese Han population. The finding revealed that obesity gene MC4R contribute to the risk of LAA stroke via a synergistic mechanism, which will provide new insight into the genetic architecture of LAA stroke.

The TT Genotype of the MTHFR 677C>T Polymorphism Increases Susceptibility to Premature Coronary Artery Disease in Interaction with Some of the Traditional Risk Factors

Background: The presence of several risk factors (genetic and non-genetic) has greater impact on the risk of premature coronary artery disease (CAD) than single risk factor. Objective: The aim of the study was to establish possible relations between genotypes and alleles of 677C>T polymorphism ofMTHFRgene and some traditional risk factors e.g. elevated levels of lipid parameters and smoking in development of premature CAD. Methods: The groups comprised 152 patients with angiographically documented premature CAD (aged 42.9 ± 5.5) and 121 age-matched blood donors (aged 42.3 ± 6.5) were studied. TheMTHFR677C>T polymorphism was genotyped with Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. Results: Patients with TT genotype who simultaneously smoked had increased risk of premature CAD compared to non-smoking cases with CC genotype (OR = 24.62). We also found that individuals with TT genotype and elevated LDL-cholesterol (LDL-chol.) level had significantly higher risk of CAD (OR = 9.92) than individuals with normal LDL-chol. level and CC genotype. Conclusions: The present study shows that simultaneous presence ofMTHFRTT genotype and smoking or elevated levels of LDL-chol. influences the risk of premature CAD. This findings give interesting contribution to gene-environment interaction problem that may have clinical implications in the future.

Integrated systems approach identifies risk regulatory pathways and key regulators in coronary artery disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease. However, the molecular mechanisms of CAD remain elusive. Regulatory pathways are known to play crucial roles in many pathogenic processes. Thus, inferring risk regulatory pathways is an important step toward elucidating the mechanisms underlying CAD. With advances in high-throughput data, we developed an integrated systems approach to identify CAD risk regulatory pathways and key regulators. Firstly, a CAD-related core subnetwork was identified from a curated transcription factor (TF) and microRNA (miRNA) regulatory network based on a random walk algorithm. Secondly, candidate risk regulatory pathways were extracted from the subnetwork by applying a breadth-first search (BFS) algorithm. Then, risk regulatory pathways were prioritized based on multiple CAD-associated data sources. Finally, we also proposed a new measure to prioritize upstream regulators. We inferred that phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) may be a key regulator in the dysregulation of risk regulatory pathways. This study takes a closer step than the identification of disease subnetworks or modules. From the risk regulatory pathways, we could understand the flow of regulatory information in the initiation and progression of the disease. Our approach helps to uncover its potential etiology.

KEY MESSAGES

We developed an integrated systems approach to identify risk regulatory pathways. We proposed a new measure to prioritize the key regulators in CAD. PTEN may be a key regulator in dysregulation of the risk regulatory pathways.

ICAM-1 molecular mechanism and genome wide SNP's association studies

Macrophages transformed foam cell formation occurs as a result of leukocyte accumulation mediated through intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM1), vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM1), and E-selectin, secreted by inflamed or damaged endothelium. The key molecule is the ICAM-1, member of the adhesion immunoglobulin super family that maps to chromosome 19 p13.2-p13.3 codes for 505 amino acids have five extracellular domains including circulatory leukocytes binding site (primarily monocytes) for recruiting it at the sites of inflammation and the tight adhesion with vascular endothelium for the above mentioned pathogenesis as an initial step. Hence the objective of the current paper is to review the Genome Wide Association (GWA) studies and summarizes its understanding of functional Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP's) of ICAM-1 clinical association to provide better guidance for the clinicians and researchers of the merits, demerits of the current results and direct them to do research on larger number of population for better prospective.

Interaction of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM1) polymorphisms and environmental tobacco smoke on childhood asthma

Asthma is a chronic disease that is particularly common in children. The association between polymorphisms of the gene encoding intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM1) and gene-environment interactions with childhood asthma has not been fully investigated. A cross-sectional study was undertaken to investigate these associations among children in Taiwan. The effects of two functional single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of ICAM1, rs5491 (K56M) and rs5498 (K469E), and exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) were studied. Two hundred and eighteen asthmatic and 877 nonasthmatic children were recruited from elementary schools. It was found that the genetic effect of each SNP was modified by the other SNP and by exposure to ETS. The risk of asthma was higher for children carrying the rs5491 AT or TT genotypes and the rs5498 GG genotype (odds ratio = 1.68, 95% confidence interval 1.09–2.59) than for those with the rs5491 AA and rs5498 AA or AG genotypes (the reference group). The risk for the other two combinations of genotypes did not differ significantly from that of the reference group (p of interaction = 0.0063). The two studied ICAM1 SNPs were associated with childhood asthma among children exposed to ETS, but not among those without ETS exposure (p of interaction = 0.05 and 0.01 for rs5491 and rs5498, respectively). Both ICAM1 and ETS, and interactions between these two factors are likely to be involved in the development of asthma in childhood.

Impact of Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 Genetic Polymorphisms on Coronary Artery Disease Susceptibility in Taiwanese Subjects

The principal pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD) is coronary artery atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease of the vessel walls of the coronary artery. Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) displays an important role in the development of the inflammation reaction and atherosclerosis. Few studies report the association of ICAM-1 genetic polymorphisms with CAD in Taiwanese subjects. Therefore, we conducted a study to associate the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of ICAM-1, rs5491, rs5498, rs281432 and rs3093030 with CAD. Five hundred and twenty-five male and female subjects, who received elective coronary angiography in Taiwan Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, were recruited to determine four ICAM-1 SNPs by real time-polymerase chain reaction and genotyping. The relationships among ICAM-1 SNPs, haplotypes, demographic and characteristics and CAD were analyzed. This study showed that rs281432 (C8823G) was the only ICAM-1 SNP which affect the development of CAD. Multivariate analysis revealed that ICAM-1 SNP rs281432 CC/CG [p=0.016; odds ratio (OR): 2.56, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.19-5.56], male gender (p=0.018; OR: 1.66, 95% CI: 1.09-2.51), aspirin use in the past 7 days (p=0.001; OR: 2.05, 95% CI: 1.33-3.14), hypertension (p<0.001; OR: 2.15, 95% CI: 1.42-3.25), serum cardiac troponin I elevation (p<0.001; OR: 2.14, 95% CI: 1.47-3.24) and severe angina in recent 24 hours (p=0.001; OR: 1.97, 95% CI: 1.31- 2.95) increase the risk of CAD. In conclusion, ICAM-1 SNP rs281432 is an independent factor to predict the development of CAD. ICAM-1 SNP rs281432 homozygotic mutant GG can reduce the susceptibility to the CAD in Taiwanese subjects.

Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 K469E polymorphism and risk of coronary artery disease: a meta-analysis

Background

Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) K469E polymorphism has been implicated in susceptibility to coronary artery disease (CAD). Several studies investigated the association of this polymorphism with CAD in different populations but the results were contradictory. A meta-analysis was conducted to assess the association between ICAM-1 K469E polymorphism and CAD susceptibility.

Material/Methods

Databases including PubMed, EMBASE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Weipu Database were searched to find relevant studies. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the strength of associations. A random-effects model was used.

Results

Fifteen case-control studies including 3088 cases and 3466 controls were included. Overall, a significant association between ICAM-1 K469E polymorphism and CAD was observed in the dominant model (OR=1.80; 95% CI 1.62–2.01; P<0.00001; P_{heterogeneity}=0.40). In subgroup analysis by ethnicity, a significant association was found among Asians (OR=1.92; 95% CI 1.51–2.43; P<0.00001; P_{heterogeneity}=0.98) and among Caucasians (OR=1.64; 95% CI 1.30–2.08; P<0.0001; P_{heterogeneity}=0.04). In the subgroup analysis by age, a significant association was found among young patients (OR=1.46; 95% CI 1.10–1.93; P=0.008; P_{heterogeneity}=0.21) and old patients (OR=1.92; 95% CI 1.75–2.10; P<0.00001; P_{heterogeneity}=0.99).

Conclusions

Results of this meta-analysis suggest that ICAM-1 K469E polymorphism confers a risk factor of CAD.

Association of inflammatory gene polymorphisms and conventional risk factors with arterial stiffness by age

Background

Inflammatory gene polymorphisms are potentially associated with atherosclerosis risk, but their age-related effects are unclear. To investigate the age-related effects of inflammatory gene polymorphisms on arterial stiffness, we conducted cross-sectional and 5-year follow-up studies using the cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) as a surrogate marker of arterial stiffness.

Methods

We recruited 1850 adults aged 34 to 69 years from the Japanese general population. Inflammatory gene polymorphisms were selected from NF-kB1, CD14, IL-6, IL-10, MCP-1, ICAM-1, and TNF-α. Associations of CAVI with genetic and conventional risk factors were estimated by sex and age group (34–49, 50–59, and 60–69 years) using a general linear model. The association with 5-year change in CAVI was examined longitudinally.

Results

Glucose intolerance was associated with high CAVI among women in all age groups, while hypertension was associated with high CAVI among participants in all age groups, except younger women. Mean CAVI for the CD14 CC genotype was lower than those for the TT and CT genotypes (P for trend = 0.005), while the CD14 polymorphism was associated with CAVI only among men aged 34 to 49 years (P = 0.006). No association of the other 6 polymorphisms with CAVI was observed. No association with 5-year change in CAVI was apparent.

Conclusions

Inflammatory gene polymorphisms were not associated with arterial stiffness. To confirm these results, further large-scale prospective studies are warranted.

Correlation between ICAM1 and VCAM1 gene polymorphisms and histopathological changes in kidney allograft biopsies

INTRODUCTION

The immunoglobulin-like molecules intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) are responsible for endothelial cell-leukocyte adhesion followed by transmigration of leukocytes through the endothelial cell lining. The aim of this study was to examine the correlation between polymorphisms in ICAM1 and VCAM1 genes and histopathological changes in transplanted kidney biopsies.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study enrolled 82 Caucasian renal transplant recipients (48 males, 34 females). Genotyping of the rs5498 ICAM1 and the rs1041163 and rs3170794 VCAM1 gene polymorphisms was performed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Biopsies were performed in 82 patients and were reviewed by a renal pathologist and the Banff working classification criteria were used.

RESULTS

There were no significant associations between VCAM gene polymorphisms and histopathological changes in kidney allograft biopsies. ICAM1 gene polymorphism was associated with the grade of interstitial fibrosis. Interstitial fibrosis was more severe among individuals with the G allele than those with the A allele (AA vs. GG+AG, p = 0.017). There were no statistically significant associations between ICAM1 gene polymorphism and other histopathological changes in kidney allograft biopsies.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of our study suggest that rs5498 ICAM1 gene polymorphism is associated with the grade of interstitial fibrosis in kidney recipients and the changes are more severe in patients with the G allele.

Genetic variations in E-selectin and ICAM-1: relation to atherosclerosis

Background

This study aimed to investigate the association of both intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and endothelial cell adhesion molecule (E-selectin) polymorphisms using PCR technique and their role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.

Material/Methods

The study enrolled 285 individuals, classified into 4 groups: 63 cerebrovascular atherosclerotic patients, 75 cardiovascular patients, 72 peripheral atherosclerotic patients and 75 normal healthy individuals.

Results

The frequency of the mutant AC genotype of E-selectin in peripheral, cerebral and cardiovascular atherosclerotic patients was significantly higher than in control subjects (29.17%, 28.53% and 28% vs. 8%, respectively). However, no significant difference was observed in the frequency of mutant CC allele between all atherosclerotic patients and control groups. The frequency of the mutant EE homozygotes of ICAM-1 in peripheral, cerebral and cardiovascular atherosclerotic patients was significantly higher compared to controls (45.8%, 42.9% and 36% vs. 12%, respectively). The frequency of EK of ICAM-1 showed no significant difference between atherosclerotic patients and the control group. The frequency of the mutant E allele of ICAM-1 was significantly higher in peripheral, cerebral and cardiovascular patients compared to controls (58.3%, 54.8% and 54% vs. 26%, respectively).

Conclusions

Ser 128Arg of E-selectin and the K469E of ICAM-1 polymorphisms may be involved in predisposition to atherosclerosis.

The intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) gene polymorphism K469E in end-stage renal disease patients with cardiovascular disease

The intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) mediates interaction of activated endothelial cells with leukocytes. It plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. A functionally important polymorphism of the ICAM-1 gene, K469E, has been described. We investigated whether this polymorphism influences the risk of CVD in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. The groups of 1016 ESRD patients and 824 healthy individuals were genotyped by PCR and allele specific oligonucleotide technique. The T allele of the K469E polymorphism was significantly more frequent in ESRD CVD+ patients than CVD- and controls (OR 2.26, 95% CI 1.87-2.72 and 1.82, 95% CI 1.55-2.11, respectively). The TT genotype was also more frequent in CVD+ patients (OR 9.90, 95% CI 6.17-15.88 vs. CVD- subgroup). When patients were stratified according to clinical outcome of CVD, there was a tendency towards higher frequencies of the T allele and TT genotype in patients with myocardial infarction (OR for T allele 1, 57, 95% CI 1.12-2.18 vs. patients without MI). In the multivariate regression analysis the carrier status of T allele of K469E was an independent risk factor of susceptibility to CVD. Our data suggest that the ICAM-1 K469E polymorphism is associated with CVD in ESRD patients.

Intercellular adhesion molecule 1 gene K469E polymorphism is associated with coronary heart disease risk: a meta-analysis involving 12 studies

Coronary atherosclerosis is a leading cause of coronary heart disease (CHD). Atherosclerotic lesion is a complex polygenic disease in which gene-environment interactions play a critical role in disease onset and progression. The ICAM1 gene-E469K polymorphism has been reported to be associated with CHD, but results were conflicting. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the published studies were performed to gain a clearer understanding of this association. The PubMed, Embase, and CNKI databases were searched for case-control studies published up to August 2011. Data were extracted and pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Twelve eligible studies, comprising 2,157 cases and 1,952 controls, were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled result showed that the ICAM1 gene-E469K polymorphism was significantly associated with an increased risk of CHD (OR = 1.496, 95% CI = 1.363-1.642, for the allele K vs. allele E; OR = 1.919, 95% CI = 11.635-2.253, for the K allele carriers vs. EE). Subgroup analysis supported the results in the Asian populations and in the Caucasian populations. This meta-analysis suggests that the ICAM1 gene K469E polymorphism is associated with CHD risk and the K allele is a more significant risk factor for developing CHD among Asian and Caucasians populations.

On the use of variance per genotype as a tool to identify quantitative trait interaction effects: a report from the Women's Genome Health Study

Testing for genetic effects on mean values of a quantitative trait has been a very successful strategy. However, most studies to date have not explored genetic effects on the variance of quantitative traits as a relevant consequence of genetic variation. In this report, we demonstrate that, under plausible scenarios of genetic interaction, the variance of a quantitative trait is expected to differ among the three possible genotypes of a biallelic SNP. Leveraging this observation with Levene's test of equality of variance, we propose a novel method to prioritize SNPs for subsequent gene–gene and gene–environment testing. This method has the advantageous characteristic that the interacting covariate need not be known or measured for a SNP to be prioritized. Using simulations, we show that this method has increased power over exhaustive search under certain conditions. We further investigate the utility of variance per genotype by examining data from the Women's Genome Health Study. Using this dataset, we identify new interactions between the LEPR SNP rs12753193 and body mass index in the prediction of C-reactive protein levels, between the ICAM1 SNP rs1799969 and smoking in the prediction of soluble ICAM-1 levels, and between the PNPLA3 SNP rs738409 and body mass index in the prediction of soluble ICAM-1 levels. These results demonstrate the utility of our approach and provide novel genetic insight into the relationship among obesity, smoking, and inflammation.

Finding gene–gene and gene–environment interactions is a major challenge in genetics. In this report, we propose a novel method to help detect these interactions. This method works by first identifying a subset of genetic variants more likely to be involved in genetic interactions and then testing these variants for interaction effects. Using this method, we were able to identify three previously unknown genetic interactions. The first interaction involves a measure of body fat and a genetic variant of the LEPR gene in the prediction of C-reactive protein concentration, a marker of inflammation. The second interaction involves the same measure of body fat and a genetic variant of the PNPLA3 gene in the prediction of ICAM-1 levels, also a marker of inflammation. These results are significant because both LEPR and PNPLA3 are linked to the biological response to increased body fat, and inflammation itself is known to be increased in obesity and is thought to contribute to its adverse health effect. Finally, a third interaction was identified between a genetic variant of the ICAM1 gene and smoking in the prediction of ICAM-1 levels. The ICAM1 gene encodes ICAM-1 itself and smoking is known to be an important determinant of ICAM-1 concentrations.