Polymorphisms in the vitamin D receptor and the androgen receptor gene associated with the risk of urolithiasis

Genetic Polymorphisms and Kidney Stones Around the Globe: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective: This study explores associations between recurrent kidney stones and genetic polymorphisms.

Methods: Meta-analysis of polymorphisms in renal stone cases versus control groups. Four electronic databases (PubMed, SCOPUS, EMBASE, and Web of Science) were searched up to 30 May 2021, using the keywords: “kidney stone” or “kidney calculi,” or “urolithiasis” or “nephrolithiasis” or “urinary calculi” and “genome” or “genetic” or “mutation” or “single nucleotide polymorphism.” Forrest plots, ORs, 95% CI, Chi-square (χ2)-test, and index of heterogeneity (I2) were calculated. Only studies with Newcastle–Ottawa scale (NOS) ≥ 6 were included for quality control, and Funnel, Begg’s, and Eager’s plots assessed publication bias. PROSPERO: CRD42022250427.

Results: Among 7,671 searched articles, 72 were included. Polymorphisms in VDR (OR: 1.20; 95% CI: 1.06–1.36), CASR (OR = 1.24; 95% CI: 1.01–1.52), Osteopontin (OR = 1.38; 95% CI: 1.09–1.74), and Urokinase genes (OR = 1.52; 95% CI: 1.02–2.28) showed a significant association with risk of urinary stone formation, while Klotho gene showed a protective effect (OR = 0.75; 95% CI: 0.57–0.99). The VDR gene polymorphism was frequent in Asians, whereas CASR polymorphism was frequent in European and North American populations.

Conclusion: Multifactorial nature of the stone formation, emphasizing the role of environmental factors, might explain contradictory results in the literature. While polymorphisms in VDR, CASR, Osteopontin, and Urokinase genes were associated with urinary stone formation, the Klotho gene showed a protective effect.

Vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to urolithiasis: a meta-regression and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The currently available data with respect to the association between vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphism and risk to urolithiasis are inconclusive and inconsistent. Hence, an exhaustive meta-analysis can solve the discrepancies and provide a hint for upcoming investigations. Herein, a meta-analysis was carried out to attain a conclusive estimate of the association between VDR gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and urolithiasis risk.

METHODS

The major databases, including ISI Web of science, Scopus, and PubMed/MEDLINE were searched systematically from until June 2020 to retrieve all relevant studies. Association between VDR gene polymorphisms, including FokI (rs2228570), TaqI (rs731236), BsmI (rs1544410), and ApaI (rs7975232), and urolithiasis risk was evaluated using pooled odds ratio (OR) and their corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). Additionally, to seek for the potential source of heterogeneity, meta-regression analyses were exerted.

RESULTS

Literature search led to finally finding of 33 studies evaluating the VDR gene SNPs and urolithiasis risk. It was observed that none of the four SNPs were significantly associated with urolithiasis predisposition. However, subgroup analysis confirmed higher risk of urolithiasis in East-Asian and Caucasian population with ApaI and TaqI gene polymorphism. The analyses of sensitivity acknowledged the results stability.

CONCLUSION

Although this meta-analysis did not support the association of FokI, TaqI, BsmI, and ApaI in the overall polled analysis, it suggests that ApaI and TaqI SNPs is associated with increased risk of urolithiasis in East-Asian and Caucasians populations.

Efficacy of abiraterone combined with flutamide on prostate cancer patients and its effect on serum miR-493-5p and miR-195-5p

Efficacy of abiraterone combined with flutamide on patients with prostate cancer (PCa) and its effect on levels of miR-493-5p and miR-195-5p contained in serum were investigated. The medical records of 146 PCa patients admitted to Longhua Hospital Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2011 to December 2013 were selected. Eighty-four patients were treated with abiraterone combined with flutamide as a study group, 62 patients were treated with abiraterone alone as a control group. The curative effect, adverse reactions, quality of life and five-year overall survival (OS) of the two groups were compared. The serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level was measured by radioimmunoassay at 3 days (T1) before treatment, 1 month (T2), 2 months (T3), and 6 months (T4) after treatment, and the relative expression of miR-493-5p and miR-195-5p in serum were detected by qRT-PCR. The total effective rate of the study group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). The total incidence of toxic and side effects in the study group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). The improvement rate of quality of life in the study group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). OS in the study group was significantly higher than that in the control group at 5 years (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in serum PSA level between the two groups at T1 (P>0.05); there was no significant difference in the relative expression of miR-493-5p and miR-195-5p between the two groups at T1 (P>0.05). In conclusion, abiraterone combined with flutamide has better curative effect and lower incidence of adverse reactions in patients with metastatic castration-resistant PCa (CRPC) than abiraterone alone, and can increase the expression levels of miR-493-5p and miR-195-5p in patient serum.

Relationship Between the ApaI (rs7975232), BsmI (rs1544410), FokI (rs2228570), and TaqI (rs731236) Variants in the Vitamin D Receptor Gene and Urolithiasis Susceptibility: An Updated Meta-Analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis

The relationship between urolithiasis and vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene variants is still under debate according to the available published literature. To assess correlations between VDR gene variants ApaI (rs7975232), BsmI (rs1544410), FokI (rs2228570), and TaqI (rs731236) and urolithiasis susceptibility, we performed the present study through meta-analysis. The PubMed, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Wanfang databases were searched to retrieve qualified case-control studies. Finally, 31 reports were selected for the present meta-analysis. The results demonstrated that the VDR gene TaqI TT genotype was related to decreased risk of urolithiasis in the overall population (TT vs. Tt+tt: P = 0.011, OR = 0.824, 95% CI = 0.709–0.957). In ethnicity subgroup analysis, we found that the TaqI variant was obviously correlated to urolithiasis risk among Asians and Caucasians (P < 0.05). Additionally, significant urolithiasis risk was identified in adults. However, the FokI, BsmI, and ApaI variants did not have an increased risk of developing urolithiasis. Trial sequential analysis results were on a sufficiently large number of participants and did not require more research to confirm associations. Our research suggested that the VDR gene variant TaqI was correlated with urolithiasis susceptibility and that the t-allele might be the risk gene and T-allele the protective gene in VDR TaqI variant.

Association of vitamin D receptor TaqI and ApaI genetic polymorphisms with nephrolithiasis and end stage renal disease: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The deficiency of vitamin D receptor (VDR) or its ligand, vitamin D3, is linked to the development of renal diseases. The TaqI (rs731236) and ApaI (rs7975232) polymorphisms of VDR gene are widely studied for their association with renal disease risk. However, studies have largely been ambiguous.

METHODS

Meta-analysis was carried out to clarify the association of TaqI (2777 cases and 3522 controls) and ApaI (2440 cases and 3279 controls) polymorphisms with nephrolithiasis (NL), diabetic nephropathy (DN) and end stage renal disease (ESRD).

RESULTS

The VDR TaqI C-allele under allele contrast was significantly associated with ESRD in both fixed effect and random effect models, and ApaI C-allele with ESRD only under fixed effect model. Cochrane Q-test showed no evidence of heterogeneity for TaqI polymorphism and a significant heterogeneity for Apa I polymorphism. No publication bias was observed for both the polymorphisms.

CONCLUSIONS

The present meta-analysis identifies TaqI and ApaI polymorphisms of VDR gene as risk factors for renal diseases.

Association of vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms and risk of urolithiasis: results of a genetic epidemiology study and comprehensive meta-analysis

Polymorphisms of vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene have been associated with risk of urolithiasis, but, with inconsistent results and lack data from Pakistani population. Therefore, after including our indigenous study data, a comprehensive meta-analysis was performed to provide an evidence-based estimate of any association between VDR polymorphisms and urolithiasis risk. A total of 483 Pakistani subjects, comprising 235 urolithiasis patients and 248 healthy controls, were genotyped for 6 VDR polymorphisms. Additionally, a systematic literature search with subsequent meta-analysis was conducted and pooled odds ratios (ORs) were used to determine the strength of any existent associations. Trial sequential analysis (TSA) was also performed. Results revealed no significant association of any VDR polymorphism and urolithiasis risk in indigenous Pakistani patients. However, meta-analysis of 29 relevant studies indicated that VDR FokI polymorphism significantly increased the risk of urolithiasis in allelic (f vs. F: OR = 1.13; 95% CI = 1.05-1.22; p ≤ 0.01) and recessive (ff vs. FF + Ff: OR = 1.20; 95% CI = 1.05-1.38; p = 0.01) models with no significant heterogeneity. No associations were evident for VDR ApaI, BsmI and TaqI polymorphic variants and urolithiasis risk after correction for multiple testing. Subgroup analysis by ethnicity suggested significant association for FokI variant among Asians. The TSA results demonstrated that the evidence reflecting association of FokI polymorphism and urolithiasis risk was sufficient and conclusive. In conclusion, this meta-analysis suggests that VDR FokI polymorphism is significantly associated with urolithiasis risk, especially in Asians, whereas ApaI, BsmI and TaqI polymorphisms are not associated.

Polymorphisms of the VDR gene in patients with nephrolithiasis in a Han Chinese population

An association study between VDR gene polymorphisms and nephrolithiasis was conducted in different populations, but it is not yet known whether the association exists in the Han Chinese population. Here, we genotyped three SNPs (rs731236, rs7975232 and rs10735810) in the promoter region of the VDR gene by iMLDR genotyping assays in a large case-control cohort. The results demonstrated that there was no association found between the three SNPs (rs731236, rs7975232 and rs10735810) in the VDR gene and nephrolithiasis, whether in allele or genotype distribution. However, SNP rs10735810 was correlated with the level of serum calcium in control groups, but not in patient groups. In conclusion, considering the large sample size, we believe that the SNP rs10735810 allele A in the VDR gene promoter region may influence the level of serum calcium, but not influence the formation of nephrolithiasis in a Han Chinese population.

The genetic framework for development of nephrolithiasis

Over 1%–15% of the population worldwide is affected by nephrolithiasis, which remains the most common and costly disease that urologists manage today. Identification of at-risk individuals remains a theoretical and technological challenge. The search for monogenic causes of stone disease has been largely unfruitful and a technological challenge; however, several candidate genes have been implicated in the development of nephrolithiasis. In this review, we will review current data on the genetic inheritance of stone disease, as well as investigate the evolving role of genetic analysis and counseling in the management of nephrolithiasis.

Polymorphisms in CaSR and CLDN14 Genes Associated with Increased Risk of Kidney Stone Disease in Patients from the Eastern Part of India

Kidney stone disease (KSD) is a major clinical problem imposing a large burden for both healthcare and economy globally. In India, the prevalence of kidney stone disease is rapidly increasing. This study aimed to evaluate the association between genetic defects in vitamin D receptor (VDR), calcium sensing receptor (CaSR) and claudin 14 (CLDN14) genes and kidney stone disease in patients from eastern India. We enrolled 200 consecutive kidney stone patients (age 18-60 years) (cases) and their corresponding sex and age matched 200 normal individuals (controls). To identify genetic variants responsible for KSD, we performed sequence analysis of VDR, CaSR and CLDN14 genes. Four non-synonymous (rs1801725, rs1042636, rs1801726 and rs2228570), one synonymous (rs219780) and three intronic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs731236, rs219777 and rs219778) were identified. Genotype and allele frequency analysis of these SNPs revealed that, rs1801725 (Ala986Ser), rs1042636 (Arg990Gly) of CaSR gene and rs219778, rs219780 (Thr229Thr) of CLDN14 gene were significantly associated with KSD. Serum calcium levels were significantly higher in subjects carrying 986Ser allele and calcium excretion was higher in subjects bearing 990Gly allele. In conclusion, rs1801725, rs1042636, rs219778 and rs219780 SNPs were associated with kidney stone risk in patients from the eastern part of India.

Association of vitamin D receptor BsmI (rs1544410), Fok1 (rs2228570), TaqI (rs731236) and ApaI (rs7975232) gene polymorphism with the nephrolithiasis susceptibility

Association of vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphism with the risk of nephrolithiasis from the published reports is still conflicting. This study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between VDR BsmI (rs1544410), Fok1 (rs2228570), TaqI (rs731236) and ApaI (rs7975232) gene polymorphism and the risk of nephrolithiasis using meta-analysis method. The association studies were identified from PubMed, and Cochrane Library on 1 April 2014, and eligible investigations were included and synthesized using meta-analysis method. Six reports were recruited into this meta-analysis for the association of VDR BsmI, Fok1, TaqI and ApaI gene polymorphism with nephrolithiasis susceptibility. In this meta-analysis, VDR BsmI, Fok1, TaqI and ApaI gene polymorphism were not associated with nephrolithiasis susceptibility for overall populations and in Caucasians. However, the Fok1 f allele and ff genotype were associated with the risk of nephrolithiasis in Asians, but the FF genotype not. Furthermore, TaqI TT genotype was associated with the risk of nephrolithiasis in Asians, but the t allele and tt genotype not. However, ApaI gene polymorphism was not associated with nephrolithiasis susceptibility in Asians. In conclusion, VDR BsmI, Fok1, TaqI and ApaI gene polymorphism were not associated with nephrolithiasis risk in overall populations and in Caucasians. But, the Fok1 f allele and ff genotype, TaqI TT genotype, ApaI gene polymorphism were associated with the risk of nephrolithiasis in Asians. However, more studies should be conducted to confirm it.

Effects of vitamin D receptor polymorphisms on urolithiasis risk: a meta-analysis

Background

Several studies analyzed the associations of Vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphisms with urolithiasis risk in different ethnic groups. However, the results were inconclusive. To evaluate a more precise estimation of the relationship, a meta-analysis was performed.

Methods

Pubmed, EMBASE, Wanfang Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Weipu Database were searched. Data were extracted independently by two investigators. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the strength of associations.

Results

Twenty-three case–control studies were included in this meta-analysis. Significant associations between ApaI, BsmI, FokI, and TaqI polymorphisms and urolithiasis risk were observed. However, sensitivity analyses for BsmI and FokI polymorphisms indicated that the results were not reliable and credible. In addition, there was a significant association of the ApaI-TaqI haplotype with urolithiasis risk.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis suggested that ApaI and TaqI polymorphisms in VDR gene were associated with urolithiasis risk.