Gender-specific genetic associations of polymorphisms in ACE, AKR1C2, FTO and MMP2 with weight gain over a 10-year period

Roles of Matrix Metalloproteinases and Their Natural Inhibitors in Metabolism: Insights into Health and Disease

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of zinc-activated peptidases that can be classified into six major classes, including gelatinases, collagenases, stromelysins, matrilysins, membrane type metalloproteinases, and other unclassified MMPs. The activity of MMPs is regulated by natural inhibitors called tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). MMPs are involved in a wide range of biological processes, both in normal physiological conditions and pathological states. While some of these functions occur during development, others occur in postnatal life. Although the roles of several MMPs have been extensively studied in cancer and inflammation, their function in metabolism and metabolic diseases have only recently begun to be uncovered, particularly over the last two decades. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge regarding the metabolic roles of metalloproteinases in physiology, with a strong emphasis on adipose tissue homeostasis, and to highlight the consequences of impaired or exacerbated MMP actions in the development of metabolic disorders such as obesity, fatty liver disease, and type 2 diabetes.

Predictive Value of SLCO1B1 c.521T>C Polymorphism on Observed Changes in the Treatment of 1136 Statin-Users

Pharmacogenomic testing is a method to prevent adverse drug reactions. Pharmacogenomics could be relevant to optimize statin treatment, by identifying patients at high risk for adverse drug reactions. We aim to investigate the clinical validity and utility of pre-emptive pharmacogenomics screening in primary care, with SLCO1B1 c.521T>C as a risk factor for statin-induced adverse drug reactions. The focus was on changes in therapy as a proxy for adverse drug reactions observed in statin-users in a population-based Dutch cohort. In total, 1136 statin users were retrospectively genotyped for the SLCO1B1 c.521T>C polymorphism (rs4149056) and information on their statin dispensing was evaluated as cross-sectional research. Approximately half of the included participants discontinued or switched their statin treatment within three years. In our analyses, we could not confirm an association between the SLCO1B1 c.521T>C genotype and any change in statin therapy or arriving at a stable dose sooner in primary care. To be able to evaluate the predictive values of SLCO1B1 c.521T>C genotype on adverse drug reactions from statins, prospective data collection of actual adverse drug reactions and reasons to change statin treatment should be facilitated.

Weight regain after bariatric surgery: Promoters and potential predictors

Obesity is globally viewed as chronic relapsing disease. Bariatric surgery offers the most efficient and durable weight loss approach. However, weight regain after surgery is a distressing issue as obesity can revert. Surgical procedures were originally designed to reduce food intake and catalyze weight loss, provided that its role is marginalized in long-term weight maintenance. Consequently, it is essential to establish a scientifically standardized applicable definitions for weight regain, which necessitates enhanced comprehension of the clinical situation, as well as have realistic expectations concerning weight loss. Moreover, several factors are proposed to influence weight regain as psychological, behavioral factors, hormonal, metabolic, anatomical lapses, as well as genetic predisposition. Recently, there is a growing evidence of utilization of scoring system to anticipate excess body weight loss, along with characterizing certain biomarkers that identify subjects at risk of suboptimal weight loss after surgery. Furthermore, personalized counseling is warranted to help select bariatric procedure, reinforce self-monitoring skills, motivate patient, encourage mindful eating practices, to avoid recidivism.

BMI differences between different genders working fixed day shifts and rotating shifts: a literature review and meta-analysis

The objective of this study was to perform a systematic literature review and meta-analysis to understand the BMI differences between different genders working fixed day shifts and rotating shifts. The Pubmed, Medline, and Embase databases were searched using set keywords, thereby producing 42 studies. Study quality was assessed using appraisal criteria from the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI), and meta-analysis was performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software (CMA) version 3. The indices were the means and standard deviations of BMI values from different genders working fixed day shifts and rotating shifts. The participants of the studies included a total of 43,193 individuals working rotating shifts and 185,875 individuals working fixed day shifts. The pooling effect size (SMD, standardized mean difference) presented was 0.19. The 95% confidence interval ranged from 0.10 to 0.281. The meta-regression analysis results showed that women had higher BMI values than men, the difference was statistically significant (p <.001). The heterogeneity test indicated statistically significant differences (p <.05), and the percentage of heterogeneity (I square) was 97.91%, which indicates that a high degree of heterogeneity exists among studies. A subgroup analysis by gender was conducted. For women, the pooling effect size was 0.25, and the 95% confidence interval ranged from 0.20 to 0.30. For men, the pooling effect size was 0.19, and the 95% confidence interval ranged from 0.05 to 0.33. This meta-analysis found that both women and men working rotating shifts have significantly higher BMI values than those working fixed day shifts. Finally, we divided the data into a cross-sectional group and a cohort group based on study design, and a meta-regression analysis conducted after controlling for age and nature of work variables revealed that in the cohort study, women presented higher BMI values than men, and the difference was statistically significant (p =.010). Thus, in terms of long-term effects, these results indicate that working rotating shifts exerts a greater impact on the BMI of women.

Profiling Cellular Processes in Adipose Tissue during Weight Loss Using Time Series Gene Expression

Obesity is a global epidemic identified as a major risk factor for multiple chronic diseases and, consequently, diet-induced weight loss is used to counter obesity. The adipose tissue is the primary tissue affected in diet-induced weight loss, yet the underlying molecular mechanisms and changes are not completely deciphered. In this study, we present a network biology analysis workflow which enables the profiling of the cellular processes affected by weight loss in the subcutaneous adipose tissue. Time series gene expression data from a dietary intervention dataset with two diets was analysed. Differentially expressed genes were used to generate co-expression networks using a method that capitalises on the repeat measurements in the data and finds correlations between gene expression changes over time. Using the network analysis tool Cytoscape, an overlap network of conserved components in the co-expression networks was constructed, clustered on topology to find densely correlated genes, and analysed using Gene Ontology enrichment analysis. We found five clusters involved in key metabolic processes, but also adipose tissue development and tissue remodelling processes were enriched. In conclusion, we present a flexible network biology workflow for finding important processes and relevant genes associated with weight loss, using a time series co-expression network approach that is robust towards the high inter-individual variation in humans.

Dietary weight loss-induced changes in RBP4, FFA, and ACE predict weight regain in people with overweight and obesity

Adipokines and other biomarkers were previously identified with roles in energy expenditure, appetite, satiety, and adiposity. Therefore, we investigated whether dietary weight loss‐induced changes in adipokines and other biomarkers known to play a role in weight regulation or energy expenditure could predict weight regain in people with overweight and obesity. In this randomized controlled trial 26 males and 30 females (BMI: 28–35 kg/m²) followed either a low‐calorie diet (LCD; 1250 kcal/day) for 12 weeks or a very‐low‐calorie diet (VLCD; 500 kcal/day) for 5 weeks followed by a weight stable period of 4 weeks (dietary intervention (DI) period) and a 9‐month follow‐up period. Blood samples were taken before and after each period to measure FFA, TAG, total cholesterol, insulin, glucose, angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) activity, IL‐6, RBP4, apelin, leptin, adiponectin, vaspin, and nesfatin‐1 concentrations. Weight loss was similar between groups (LCD: −8.2 ± 0.5 kg; VLCD: −8.9 ± 0.4 kg, P = 0.30). Only changes in ACE activity, FFA and RBP4 concentrations during DI were correlated with weight regain in the whole group (r = −0.299, P = 0.030, r = −0.274, P = 0.047, and r = 0.357, P = 0.008, respectively). Together they explained 28% (r = 0.532) of weight regain variation. Dietary weight loss‐induced changes in ACE activity, FFA and RBP4 independently contribute to weight regain prediction.

The clinicopathological significance and prognostic value of EMMPRIN overexpression in cancers: evidence from 39 cohort studies

Extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) has been reported to be associated with tumor formation and invasion in many studies. However, the clinicopathological significance and prognosis of EMMPRIN in cancer patients remains inconclusive. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to assess the predictive potential of EMMPRIN in various cancers. By searching Pubmed, Cochrane library database and web of science comprehensively, 39studies with 5739 cases were included in our meta-analysis. The results indicated that EMMPRIN overexpression was significantly associated with poor outcome of cancers (HR=2.46, 95% CI: 2.21-2.75, P<0.0001). In addition, a significant relation was found between EMMPRIN overexpression and clinicopathological features, such as tumor stage (T3+T4/ T1+T2, OR=1.87, 95% CI:1.64-2.12, P<0.0001), tumor differentiation (poor/ well+ moderate, OR=1.09, 95% CI:1.60-2.23, P<0.0001), clinical stage (III+IV /I +II, OR=1.96, 95% CI:1.69-2.27, P<0.0001) and nodal metastasis (positive/negative, OR=2.37, 95% CI:1.93-2.90, P<0.0001). However, the expression of EMMRIN was not significantly associated with tumor stage in cervical cancer (OR=1.35, 95%CI: 0.73-2.48, P=0.33). In conclusion, EMMPRIN overxepression is significantly associated with clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of cancers. Thus, EMMPRIN may be regarded as a promising bio-marker in predicting the clinical outcome of patients in cancers and could be used as the therapeutic target during clinical practices.

Genetic Predictors of ≥5% Weight Loss by Multidisciplinary Advice to Severely Obese Subjects

BACKGROUND

Weight loss success is determined by genetic factors, which may differ according to treatment strategy.

METHODS

From a multidisciplinary obesity treatment program involving dietary advice, psychological counseling, and increased physical activity, 587 subjects (68% female; 46.1 ± 12.4 years; BMI 39.9 ± 6.3) were recruited. At baseline, a blood sample was drawn for DNA isolation. Genotypes were determined for 30 polymorphisms in 25 candidate genes. The association between genotypes and weight loss was assessed after 3 months (short-term) and after 12 months of treatment (long-term). Weight loss was categorized as ≥5% or <5% of initial weight.

RESULTS

The G/G genotype of PLIN1 (rs2289487) and PLIN1 (rs2304795), the T/T genotype of PLIN1 (rs1052700), and the C/C genotype of MMP2 predicted ≥5% weight loss in the first 3 months. The C/G-G/G genotype of PPARγ (rs1801282) and the T/C genotype of TIMP4 (rs3755724) predicted ≥5% weight loss after 12 months. Subjects with the combination of PPARγ (rs1801282) C/G-G/G and TIMP4 (rs3755724) T/C lost even more weight.

CONCLUSION

Polymorphisms in genes related to regulation of fat storage and structural adaptation of the adipocytes are predictors for weight loss success with different genes being relevant for short-term and long-term weight loss success.

Obesity-related genetic polymorphisms and adiposity indices in a young Italian population

Pediatric obesity develops when a complex biological predisposition collides with an obesogenic environment. To further elucidate the role of genetics in obesity onset, we performed a candidate-gene association study in a young and sportive Italian population by testing the association of functional polymorphisms in ACE (rs4646994), FTO (rs9939609), MC4R (rs17782313) and PPARG (rs1801282) genes with body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). We also tested the combinations of identified risk genotypes and epistatic interactions among them to determine the existence of cumulative effects in predicting the predisposition to gain weight. Our results confirm a significant direct influence of MC4R rs17782313 and PPARG rs1801282 on body composition, that is, minor allele homozygotes showed significantly higher BMI (rs17782313, β = 1.258, P = 0.031; rs1801282, β = 6.689, P = 1.2 × 10^-4 ) and WHtR (rs17782313, β = 0.021, P = 0.005; rs1801282, β = 0.069, P = 0.003) values. Moreover, by leveraging multifactor dimensionality reduction and general linear model (GLM) approaches we identified an epistatic interaction between ACE and MC4R, where heterozygosity at ACE rs4646994 seems to protect from the unfavorable predisposition to gain weight given by C/C genotype at MC4R rs17782313 (GLM, P = 0.004). In conclusion, to clarify the role of genetics in multifactorial diseases remains a difficult goal, even for the most investigated polymorphisms and in controlled populations. Further studies on epistasis and gene-gene interaction will help to elucidate this complex scenario. © 2017 IUBMB Life, 69(2):98-105, 2017.

Association of polymorphisms within the Renin-Angiotensin System with metabolic syndrome in a cohort of Chilean subjects

OBJECTIVE

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with hypertension, obesity and dyslipidemia. Thus, genetic variants related with these conditions may modulate its development. We evaluated the effect of polymorphisms in the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) on metabolic syndrome risk in a cohort of Chilean subjects.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A total of 152 subjects, 83 with MetS (51.2 ± 9.6 years) and 69 without MetS (49.5 ± 9.3 years) of both genders were included, according to the ATP III update criteria. The rs4340 Insertion/Deletion (I/D), rs699 (T>C) and rs5186 (A>C) of the ACE, AGT and AGTR1 genes, respectively, were genotyped.

RESULTS

After adjusting for age and gender, we observed the DD genotype of rs4340 associated with MetS (p = 0.02). Specifically, the DD genotype was associated with MetS risk in women (OR = 4.62, 95%CI, 1.41 - 15.04; p < 0.01). In males, the AA genotype for rs5186 variant was associated with an increased risk for developing MetS when compared with women carrying the same genotype (OR = 3.2; 95%CI, 1.03 - 9.89; p = 0.04). In subjects without MetS, DD genotype was associated with increased waist circumference (p = 0.023) while subjects with MetS carrying the rs5186 TT genotype showed higher levels of HDL-cholesterol (p = 0.031).

CONCLUSION

The present study contributes data highlighting the role for RAS polymorphisms in predisposing to metabolic syndrome in Chilean subjects.

Association of the fat mass and obesity-associated gene risk allele, rs9939609A, and reward-related brain structures

OBJECTIVE

Recently, the fat mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO) has been identified as a genetic risk factor for developing obesity. The underlying mechanisms remain speculative. SNPs within FTO have been associated with brain atrophy in frontal and occipital regions, suggesting that FTO might affect body weight through cerebral pathways. Behavioral studies suggested a relationship between FTO and the reward-related behavioral traits. Therefore the relationship between the FTO risk allele rs9939609A and volumes of reward-related brain structures has been investigated.

METHODS

Four hundred and ninety-two Dutch individuals (56% males, age: 70-82 years) participating in the PROSPER study underwent a 3D-T1-weighted MRI to assess the volumes of reward-related brain structures (e.g., amygdala, nucleus accumbens) and of gray matter and white matter. Linear regression analysis was performed to test for the association of subcortical and cortical structures with rs9939609A.

RESULTS

rs9939609A is associated with lower volumes of the nucleus accumbens (p=0.03) and trended toward lower cortical gray matter volumes (p=0.08). This association is independent of gender, age, and BMI, FDR corrected.

CONCLUSIONS

The FTO risk allele is associated with lower nucleus accumbens volumes, suggesting that the higher body weight of risk-allele carriers might be due to changes within reward-related brain structures.