Association of TNF-α promoter gene G-308A polymorphism with metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, serum TNF-α and leptin levels in Indian adult women

Short term high-fat diet induced liver ILC1 differentiation associated with the TLR9 activation

The health impact of dietary fat is a significant nutritional concern. However, the effects of high-fat diet on immune system particularly the liver regional immune function remains still unclear. Liver ILC1 has been recently identified as playing crucial roles in anti-viral defense, liver regeneration, and protection against acute liver injury. Here, in a mouse model, we uncovered that short term high-fat diet for 2 weeks obviously increased the frequency and number of ILC1 in liver. The production of TNF-α and expressions of TRAIL, CXCR3 and CXCR6 were also increased. Furthermore, EASY-RNAseq and ATAC-seq of liver ILC1 clarified the transcriptome characteristics and chromatin accessibility in response to short term high-fat diet, which were involved with lymphocyte differentiation. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that accumulation of liver ILC1 induced by short term high-fat diet was dependent on a TLR9-mediated differentiation through TLR9 inhibitor. Taken together, these findings shed light on the effect and underlying mechanism of short term high-fat diet on liver ILC1 differentiation and provide nutritional strategies and theoretical basis for the liver regional immune function regulation.

Association of endometriosis with Sjögren's syndrome: Genetic insights (Review)

Patients with a history of endometriosis have an increased risk of developing various autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis and celiac disease. There is a potential association between endometriosis and an increased susceptibility for Sjögren's syndrome (SS). SS is a common chronic, inflammatory, systemic, autoimmune, multifactorial disease of complex pathology, with genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors contributing to the development of this condition. It occurs in 0.5‑1% of the population, is characterized by the presence of ocular dryness, lymphocytic infiltrations and contributes to neurological, gastrointestinal, vascular and dermatological manifestations. Endometriosis is an inflammatory, estrogen‑dependent, multifactorial, heterogeneous gynecological disease, affecting ≤10% of reproductive‑age women. It is characterized by the occurrence of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity, mainly in the pelvic cavity, and is associated with pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, deep dyspareunia and either subfertility or infertility. It is still unclear whether SS appears as a secondary response to endometriosis, or it is developed due to any potential shared mechanisms of these conditions. The aim of the present review was to explore further the biological basis only of the co‑occurrence of these disorders but not their association at clinical basis, focusing on the analysis of the partially shared genetic background between endometriosis and SS, and the clarification of the possible similarities in the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms and the relevant molecular pathways.

Association of adipokines with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome including obesity and diabetes

Adipose tissue (AT) acts as a highly active endocrine organ, which secretes a wide range of adipokine hormones. In the past few years, several adipokines (leptin, adiponectin, resistin etc.) have been discovered showing metabolic consequences in relation to insulin resistance (IR), obesity and diabetes. These adipokines are considered to be an important component playing an important role in the regulation of energy metabolism. They have been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and cardiac diseases. The current article provides a holistic summary of recent knowledge on adipokines and emphasizes their importance in association with IR, obesity, diabetes and MetS. Adipokines such as leptin, adiponectin, resistin and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) have been involved in the regulation of an array of metabolic functions and disease associated with it, e.g. appetite and energy balance of the body, suppression of atherosclerosis and liver fibrosis, obesity with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and IR. An important adipokine, Interleukin-6 (IL-6), also correlates positively with human obesity and IR and also the elevated level of IL-6 predicts development of T2D. All of these hormones have important correlation with energy homeostasis, glucose and lipid metabolism, cardiovascular function and immunity. All the possible connections have extended the biological emphasis of AT secreted adipokines as an investigator in the development of MetS, and are now no longer considered as only an energy storage site.

Progranulin (PGRN) as a regulator of inflammation and a critical factor in the immunopathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases

Immune dysregulation has been identified as a critical cause of the most common types of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Notably, the innate and adaptive immune responses under physiological conditions are typically regulated with high sensitivity to avoid the exacerbation of inflammation, but any dysregulation can probably be associated with CVDs. In this respect, progranulin (PGRN) serves as one of the main components of the regulation of inflammatory processes, which significantly contributes to the immunopathogenesis of such disorders. PGRN has been introduced among the secreted growth factors as one related to wound healing, inflammation, and human embryonic development, as well as a wide variety of autoimmune diseases. The relationship between the serum PGRN and TNF-α ratio with the spontaneous bacterial peritonitis constitute one of the independent predictors of these conditions. The full-length PGRN can thus effectively reduce the calcification of valve interstitial cells, and the granulin precursor (GRN), among the degradation products of PGRN, can be beneficial. Moreover, it was observed that, PGRN protects the heart against ischemia-reperfusion injury. Above all, PGRN also provides protection in the initial phase following myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. The protective impact of PGRN on this may be associated with the early activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. PGRN also acts as a protective factor in hyperhomocysteinemia, probably by down-regulating the wingless-related integration site Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Many studies have further demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) has dramatically increased the risks of CVDs due to inflammation, so PGRN has drawn much more attention among scholars. Lysosomes play a pivotal role in the inflammation process, and PGRN is one of the key regulators in their functioning, which contributes to the immunomodulatory mechanism in the pathogenesis of CVDs. Therefore, investigation of PGRN actions can help find new prospects in the treatment of CVDs. This review aims to summarize the role of PGRN in the immunopathogenesis of CVD, with an emphasis on its treatment.

Prevalence of ApoB100 rs693 gene polymorphism in metabolic syndrome among female students at King Abdulaziz University

Apolipoprotein B100 (ApoB100) is a glycoprotein and a member of the adipokine family. It plays a central role in lipoprotein metabolism. Many research studies have revealed a strong relation between ApoB100 and metabolic syndrome (MetS) and insulin resistance.

In our research, we examined the relationship between ApoB100 rs693 gene polymorphism, body mass index (BMI) and the probability of MetS in young female students studying at King Abdulaziz University (KAU) in Saudi Arabia. The study group comprised 141 females whose ages ranged from 18 to 25 years. Anthropometric measurements and biochemical parameters were measured alongside a genetic analysis of ApoB100 rs693.

The BMI, glucose concentration and total cholesterol level were found to be significantly associated with the ApoB100 rs693 gene. The differences noted between control and MetS groups regarding glucose concentrations were statistically significant (P = 0.001).

A growing number of young females are being diagnosed with MetS in KAU because of unhealthy eating habits, in combination with the absence of physical exercise, causing increased body weight and the potential progression of chronic diseases. Our study showed that the allele associated with hypertensive individuals at ApoB100 rs693 and MetS may have a direct genetic influence. Further research on expanded sample sizes, however, is required in order to draw rigid conclusions.

-308G/A polymorphism of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) gene and metabolic syndrome susceptibility: a meta-analysis

Many studies tried to assess the relationship between -308G/A polymorphism of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) gene and risk of metabolic syndrome (MS), but their results were contradictory. This meta-analysis aimed to precisely evaluate this association. A systematic literature search was performed in Pubmed database and WanFang Med Online, STATA software 14.0 was used for the meta-analysis. Eleven independent studies containing 3277 cases and 3312 controls were included in our meta-analysis. In overall analysis, significant association was found between -308G/A polymorphism of TNF-α and MS in both allele model (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.09–1.98, P 0.013) and dominant model (OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.21–2.58, P 0.003). In the subgroup analysis, the A allele was associated with increased risk of MS in Asia group (allele model: OR 1.82 95% CI 1.31–2.53, P < 0.001; dominant model: OR 2.30, 95% CI 1.64–3.21 P < 0.001; homozygous model: OR 2.29, 95% CI 1.31–4.01, P 0.004), and decreased risk of MS in Europe group (dominant model: OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.70–0.99, P < 0.001; recessive model: OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.28–0.92, P 0.025; homozygous model: OR 0.49 95% CI 0.27–0.89, P 0.02). The A allele also appeared to linked to increased risk of MS in CDS group and IDF groups. No significant association was observed in NCEPATPIII group. Our results suggested that -308G/A of TNF-α gene was a risk factor for MS, but it may played different roles in different ethnics, further studies with larger sample size and more other ethnics should be performed to confirm our conclusions.

Association of TNF-α-308 G>A (rs1800629) polymorphism with susceptibility of metabolic syndrome

Background

Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) mainly comprises hyperglycemia, hypertension and dyslipidemia, and has been proven to increase the risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease. Studies have suggested that many factors may be involved in the pathogenesis of MetS, but tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF- α) may play a strong role as its gene polymorphism was associated with insulin resistance and obesity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible association of TNF-α-308 G > A (rs1800629) polymorphism with susceptibility of metabolic syndrome.

Methods

a case-control study was conducted upon 128 participants recruited from Suez Canal University Hospital (Ismailia, Egypt), divided into the MetS group (n = 64) and the control group (n = 64). Genotyping of the TNF-α-308 G > A (rs1800629) polymorphism was performed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP).

Results

The A allele was significantly higher among MetS patients (40%) than controls (11%) (p < 0.0001). A significant association was observed between the healthy and MetS groups under the influence of co-dominant, dominant and over-dominant genetic models (p < 0.05). Also, there were positive correlations between TNF-α-308 (G/A) polymorphism and risk factors of metabolic syndrome like body mass index (BMI); fasting blood sugar; cholesterol and low density lipoprotein (LDL) (p < 0.05). Regression analysis was done for predictors of MetS and the A allele was found to be a strong predictor (OR 2.752; 95% CI = 1.106 to 6.847; p = 0.03), as well as, BMI; triglyceride (TG); high density lipoprotein (HDL); LDL and cholesterol (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

TNF-α-308 G > A (rs1800629) polymorphism may be play an important role in the development of metabolic syndrome and A allele is a strong predictor in Egyptians.

Serum progranulin/tumor necrosis factor-α ratio as independent predictor of systolic blood pressure in overweight hypertensive patients: a cross-sectional study

Background

Vascular inflammation plays a key role in the progression of hypertension. Progranulin (PGRN), an anti-inflammatory growth factor, mediated inhibition of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), a pleiotropic cytokine, activity has been well-established. Despite the role of chronic low-grade inflammation in hypertension, serum levels of PGRN and PGRN/TNF-α ratio and, their association with systolic and diastolic blood pressure has not been determined in hypertensive patients till now. This study aims to find and correlate the serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α), anti-inflammatory growth factor (PGRN), and PGRN/TNF-α ratio with the blood pressure in systolic-diastolic hypertension (SDH) and isolated systolic hypertension (ISH) patients.

Results

A cross-sectional study was conducted on SDH patients (mean age, 52.95 ± 12.6 years; male/female (M/F) number = 15/10) and ISH patients (mean age, 55.80 ± 9.40 years; M/F number = 12/13) (n = 25 each). Twenty-five age and body mass index (BMI)-matched healthy subjects (mean age, 56.00 ± 8.55 years; male/female number = 11/14) were considered as control. All patients and healthy subjects were overweight (BMI, 25–30 kg/m²). Overnight fasting blood samples of subjects were taken and levels of PGRN and TNF-α were measured using ELISA diagnostic kits. PGRN and TNF-α levels were found significantly high, whereas PGRN/TNF ratio was found very low, in SDH and ISH patients as compared to healthy subjects. Reduced PGRN/TNF-α ratio and pulse pressure were found as independent predictors of SBP both in SDH and ISH patients.

Conclusions

Findings of elevated PGRN levels in response to raised TNF-α levels depict the counter regulation by PGRN to neutralize TNF-α. Findings of reduced PGRN/TNF ratio, and it being an independent predictor of SBP, ascertain the key role of imbalance in pro- and anti-inflammatory environment in hypertension. Thus, it strengthens the cross-link between the concept of immunity–adiposity–inflammation–blood pressure¸ a vicious network. Further, this cross-link of SBP and progranulin must be explored in longitudinal studies. New researches should be focused not only on impact of pro-inflammatory environment rather to find on a balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory status, so that new target sites could be explored for therapeutic management of hypertension.

The Combined Effect of Polygenic Risk from FTO and ADRB2 Gene Variants, Odds of Obesity, and Post-Hipcref Diet Differences

BACKGROUND

Computing polygenic risk scores (PRS) to predict the degree of risk for obesity may contribute to weight management programs strategically.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the combined effect of FTO rs9930501, rs9930506, and rs9932754 and ADRB2 rs1042713 and rs1042714 using PRS on (1) the odds of obesity and (2) post-intervention differences in dietary, anthropometric, and cardiometabolic parameters in response to high-protein calorie-restricted, high-vitamin E, high-fiber (Hipcref) diet intervention in Malaysian adults.

METHODS

Both a cross-sectional study (n = 178) and a randomized controlled trial (RCT) (n = 128) were conducted to test the aforementioned objectives. PRS was computed as the weighted sum of the risk alleles possessed by each individual participant. Participants were stratified into first (PRS 0-0.64), second (PRS 0.65-3.59), and third (PRS 3.60-8.18) tertiles.

RESULTS

The third tertile of PRS was associated with significantly higher odds of obesity: 2.29 (95% CI = 1.11-4.72, adjusted p = 0.025) compared to the first tertile. Indians (3.9 ± 0.3) had significantly higher PRS compared to Chinese (2.1 ± 0.4) (p = 0.010). In the RCT, a greater reduction in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels was found in second and third tertiles after Hipcref diet intervention compared to the control diet (p interaction = 0.048).

CONCLUSION

Higher PRS was significantly associated with increased odds of obesity. Individuals with higher PRS had a significantly greater reduction in hsCRP levels after Hipcref diet compared to the control diet.

Genetic polymorphisms associated with obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in Asian Indian adolescents

Background The objective of this study was to investigate the association of polymorphisms in four genes, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFA), patatin-like phospholipase domain containing 3 (PNPLA3), adiponectin (ADIPOQ) and apolipoprotein C3 (APOC3), with obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in Asian Indian adolescents. Methods In this case-control study, 218 Asian Indian adolescents with overweight/obesity and 86 lean healthy adults without fatty liver were enrolled. Hepatic steatosis was assessed and graded by ultrasonography (USG). Serum insulin, lipids, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), TNF-α, adiponectin and apolipoprotein C3 were measured and genotyping was done. Frequencies of variant and wild genotypes in all adolescents and in the subgroups without steatosis, with grade 1 steatosis and with grade 2 or 3 steatosis were compared to those in the controls. The frequencies were also compared in the overweight adolescents with grade 2 or 3 steatosis and without steatosis. Results Variant genotypes of polymorphisms -863 C > A and -1031 T > C of the TNFA gene, 455 T > C of the APOC3 gene and the wild type of +276 G > T of the ADIPOQ gene were associated with obesity with odds ratios (OR, 95% confidence interval [CI]) of 2.5 (1.5-4.4), 2.5 (1.5-4.2), 2.0 (1.1-3.6) and 2.5 (1.4-5.0), respectively. Polymorphisms 455 T > C of APOC3 and rs738409 C > G of PNPLA3 were associated with NAFLD. Fasting insulin and triglycerides (TG) were higher in the adolescents with homozygous variant polymorphisms -1031 T > C of TNFA and 455 T > C of APOC3 genes, respectively. Conclusions Several polymorphisms were noted to have a significant association with obesity and NAFLD in Asian Indian adolescents.

TNF-α/IL-10 ratio: An independent predictor for coronary artery disease in North Indian population

BACKGROUND/AIM

Cytokines are responsible for the modulation of immunological and inflammatory processes and play a significant role in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD). Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) are considered as a pro inflammatory and interleukin-10 (IL-10) anti inflammatory have been shown to predict the risk of incident of CAD. Aim of present study is to examine the impact of the TNF-α and Il-10 levels on various components of the CAD.

METHODS

Total 580 subjects were recruited in the present study out of which 290 diagnosed CAD subjects (Age 51.61±9.26; BMI 25.27±3.58) and 290 healthy controls (Age 51.72±9.48; BMI 24.02±7.42). Serum TNF-alpha and IL-10 levels were measured by ELISA.

RESULTS

Data of present study revealed that CAD patients had higher frequency (p=0.001) of smoking (38.28%), Alcohol (21.03%), Diabetes (53.45%) and hypertension (48.28%) as compare to controls. Moreover, we have observed highly significant (p<0.05) difference in PR, BMI, DBP, DBP, Glucose, TC, TG, VLDL, LDL, TNF-α and TNF-α/IL-10. However, HDL and IL-10 were found lower in CAD.

CONCLUSION

The findings of present study suggest that the TNF-α/IL-10 ratio may play a vital role in the development of CAD of North Indian population.

New Insights Regarding Genetic Aspects of Childhood Obesity: A Minireview

Introduction: Childhood obesity is occurring at alarming rates in both developed and developing countries. "Obesogenic" environmental factors must be associated with variants of different risk alleles to determine polygenic or common obesity, and their impact depends on different developmental stages.The interaction between obesogenic environment and genetic susceptibility results in the so-called polygenic forms of obesity. In contrast, monogenic and syndromic obesity are not influenced by environmental events. Therefore, this review aimed to underline the roles of some of the most studied genes in the development of monogenic and polygenic obesity in children. Results: Among the most common obesity related genes, we chose the fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene, leptin gene and its receptor, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), the melanocortin 4 receptor gene (MC4R), Ectoenzyme nucleotide pyrophosphate phosphodiesterase 1 (ENPP1), and others, such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) genes. The roles of these genes are complex and interdependent, being linked to different cornerstones in obesity development, such as appetite behavior, control of food intake and energy balance, insulin signaling, lipid and glucose metabolism, metabolic disorders, adipocyte differentiation, and so on. Conclusions: Genetic predisposition is mandatory, but not enough to trigger obesity.Dietary interventions and proper lifestyle changes can prevent obesity development in genetically predisposed children. Further studies are needed to identify the precise role of both genetic and obesogenic factors in the development of childhood obesity in order to design effective preventive methods.

Association of chemerin Rs17173608 and vaspin Rs2236242 gene polymorphisms with metabolic syndrome in Egyptian women

AIM

The metabolic syndrome is a complex of interrelated risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The adipokines, chemerin and vaspin, are known to have metabolic regulatory roles. This study aimed to assess the relation of chemerin rs17173608 and vaspin rs2236242 polymorphisms with metabolic syndrome and its related phenotypes in Egyptian women.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

The study included 100 healthy female subjects and 100 metabolic syndrome patients. The component traits of metabolic syndrome were determined and the genotypes of the polymorphisms were assessed using the tetra amplification refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction procedure.

RESULTS

The minor G allele of the chemerin rs17173608 polymorphism had a significantly higher frequency in metabolic syndrome patients (p = 0.0001). The component traits of metabolic syndrome were significantly increased in the carriers of the GG and TG genotypes. In contrast, the rare A allele of vaspin rs2236242 polymorphism was significantly higher in the control subjects (p = 0.005). The carriers of the TA and AA genotypes showed significant relation with lower values of the phenotypes of metabolic syndrome.

CONCLUSION

Metabolic syndrome in Egyptian females is associated with the minor allele of chemerin rs17173608 polymorphism, whereas the minor allele of vaspin rs2236242 polymorphism plays a protective role against metabolic syndrome.

Neuroimmune basis of methamphetamine toxicity

Although it is not known which antigen-specific immune responses (or if antigen-specific immune responses) are relevant or required for methamphetamine's neurotoxic effects, it is apparent that methamphetamine exposure is associated with significant effects on adaptive and innate immunity. Alterations in lymphocyte activity and number, changes in cytokine signaling, impairments in phagocytic functions, and glial activation and gliosis have all been reported. These drug-induced changes in immune response, particularly within the CNS, are now thought to play a critical role in the addiction process for methamphetamine dependence as well as for other substance use disorders. In Section 2, methamphetamine's effects on glial cell (e.g., microglia and astrocytes) activity and inflammatory signaling cascades are summarized, including how alterations in immune cell function can induce the neurotoxic and addictive effects of methamphetamine. Section 2 also describes neurotransmitter involvement in the modulation of methamphetamine's inflammatory effects. Section 3 discusses the very recent use of pharmacological and genetic animal models which have helped elucidate the behavioral effects of methamphetamine's neurotoxic effects and the role of the immune system. Section 4 is focused on the effects of methamphetamine on blood-brain barrier integrity and associated immune consequences. Clinical considerations such as the combined effects of methamphetamine and HIV and/or HCV on brain structure and function are included in Section 4. Finally, in Section 5, immune-based treatment strategies are reviewed, with a focus on vaccine development, neuroimmune therapies, and other anti-inflammatory approaches.

Relation of myeloperoxidase-463G/A polymorphism with metabolic syndrome and its component traits in Egyptian women

CONTEXT

Myeloperoxidase is a heme protein secreted by activated macrophages and generates intermediates that oxidize lipoproteins. Myeloperoxidase-463G/A is a functional polymorphism involved in regulation of myeloperoxidase expression.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to assess the relation of myeloperoxidase-463G/A polymorphism with metabolic syndrome and its component traits in Egyptian women from the Suez Canal area.

METHODS

The study includes 100 healthy female subjects and 100 metabolic syndrome patients. The component traits of metabolic syndrome are determined and the genotypes of the polymorphisms assessed using the PCR-RFLP technique.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in the allele frequencies between the metabolic syndrome and control groups. However, the GA and AA genotypes were associated with lower total cholesterol, LDL-C, systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the patients.

CONCLUSION

Myeloperoxidase-463G/A polymorphism is not associated with the incidence of metabolic syndrome.

Association of MicroRNA-146a rs2910164 Gene Polymorphism with Metabolic Syndrome

Alteration in microRNA-146a (miRNA-146a) expression is an important event in the pathogenesis of many human diseases. MiRNA-146a rs2910164 is a functional polymorphism that showed association with several diseases. Metabolic syndrome is an aggregation of multiple risk factors including impaired glucose tolerance, increased highdensity lipoprotein, abdominal obesity, and high blood pressure. The aim of this study was to assess the relation of miRNA-146a rs2910164 with metabolic syndrome and its component traits in Egyptian women from the Suez Canal area. The study included 100 healthy female subjects and 100 metabolic syndrome patients. The component traits of metabolic syndrome were determined and the genotypes of the polymorphisms were assessed using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism technique using the restriction enzyme Hpy188I. The rare C allele had a significantly higher frequency in metabolic syndrome patients (P = 0.013). The heterozygote GC and the rare CC genotypes showed a significant increase in body mass index, waist circumference, triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The GC genotype was associated with higher fasting blood glucose, fasting serum insulin and insulin resistance. The carriers of CC genotype had significantly lower HDL compared with the GG genotype carriers. In conclusion, The C allele of miRNA-146a rs2910164 showed positive association with increased susceptibility to metabolic syndrome and its phenotypes in the study population.

Manufactured silver nanoparticles of different sizes induced DNA strand breaks and oxidative DNA damage in hepatoma and leukaemia cells and in dermal and pulmonary fibroblasts

Many classes of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been synthesized and widely applied, but no conclusive information on their potential cytotoxicity and genotoxicity mechanisms is available. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the potential genotoxic effects (DNA strand breaks and oxidative DNA damage) of 4.7 nm coated and 42 nm uncoated AgNPs, using the comet assay, in four relevant human cell lines (hepatoma, leukaemia, and dermal and pulmonary fibroblasts) in order to understand the impact of such nanomaterials on cellular DNA. The results indicated that in all cell lines tested, 4.7 nm coated (0.1-1.6 μg ml⁻¹) and 42 nm uncoated (0.1-6.7 μg ml⁻¹) AgNPs increased DNA strand breaks in a dose- and size-dependent manner following 24 h treatment, the smaller AgNPs being more genotoxic. Human pulmonary fibroblasts showed the highest sensitivity to the AgNPs. A modified comet assay using endonuclease III and formamidopyrimidine- DNA glycosylase restriction enzymes showed that in tumoral and normal human dermal fibroblasts, pyrimidines and purines were oxidatively damaged by both AgNPs, but the damage was not size-dependent. However, in human pulmonary fibroblasts, no oxidative damage was observed after treatment with 42 nm AgNPs. In conclusion, both AgNP sizes induced DNA damage in human cells, and this damage could be related to oxidative stress.

Association of leptin/receptor and TNF-α gene variants with adolescent obesity in Malaysia

BACKGROUND

Leptin (LEP) G-2548A (rs7799039), leptin receptor (LEPR) Q223R (rs1137101) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α G-308A (rs1800629) gene variants have been reported to be associated with obesity, although results for subjects from different countries have been controversial. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Malaysian adolescents and the association of these polymorphisms with overweight and obese or over-fat adolescents.

METHODS

A total of 613 adolescents (241 Malay, 219 Chinese, 153 Indian) were enrolled. Anthropometric measurements of body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage were used to classify subjects as controls (non-overweight/obese or normal fat) or as cases (overweight/obese or over-fat). Genomic DNA was extracted from oral buccal mucosa cells for genotyping using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism and data obtained were statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 23.3% of subjects were overweight/obese whereas 11.4% were over-fat; there were significantly more overweight/obese and over-fat Indian and Malay adolescents compared to Chinese (P < 0.001). A allele was the minor one for LEPR Q223R and TNF-α G-308A in all ethnic groups, whereas G allele was minor for LEP G-2548A in Chinese and Malay adolescents, except for Indian adolescents. Indian male adolescents with AA genotype for LEP G-2548A were associated with overweight/obesity (P = 0.025; odds ratio, 3.64; 95% confidence interval: 1.15-11.54). Despite the lack of association observed for LEPR Q223R and TNF-α G-308A, Indian and Chinese subjects with AA risk genotype for LEPR Q223R/LEP G-2548A and TNF-α G-308A/LEP G-2548A, respectively, had increased mean BMI (P = 0.049, P = 0.016).

CONCLUSIONS

Genotype distribution and association of these polymorphisms with overweight/obesity vary between ethnic groups and genders. Nevertheless, the LEP G-2548A risk allele may be associated with overweight/obese Indian male adolescents in Malaysia.

Association of polymorphisms in stress-related TNFα and NPY genes with the metabolic syndrome in Han and Hui ethnic groups

BACKGROUND

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a cluster of complicated disorders caused by the interactive influencing factors of heredity and environment, which predisposes to many cnacers. RESULTS from epidemic research indicate that stress is tightly related to the pathogenesis of MS and neoplasia. This paper aims to investigate the association between psychological stress and MS with respect to the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) genes in the Han and Hui ethnic groups.

METHODS

All subjects for this case-control study matched strict enrollment criteria (nationality, gender and age) and lived in the city of Wu Zhong of Ningxia Province in China. The enrolled group contained 102 matched pairs of Hui ethnic individuals and 98 matched pairs of Han ethnic individuals. Enrolled subjects completed the general Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90). The TNFα-308G/A variant and NPYrs16147 polymorphism were detected in case (81 males, 119 females) and control (81 males, 119 females) groups by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification.

RESULTS

Nine factors of the SCL-90 were found to be statistically different (p<0.05) between case and control groups. The homozygous mutant genotype (AA) and the mutant allele (A) of the TNFα-308G/A gene were less frequently observed in the control population compared to the case group. The odds ratio (95% confidence interval) in "Allele" for MS was 2.28 (1.47-3.53), p=0.0001, while "OR" was 1.11 (0.83-1.47), p=0.15, for the NPYrs16147 gene polymorphism.

CONCLUSIONS

Psychological stress has been positively associated with MS. A previous study from our group suggested there were differences in the level of psychological stress between Hui and Han ethnic groups. Furthermore, we found that the stress-related TNFα gene was associated with MS for both Han and Hui ethnic groups. In contrast, NPY may be a possible contributor to MS and associated cancer for the Han ethnic group.

The role of TNF-α G-308A promoter polymorphism in glycemic control in Type 2 diabetes patients

BACKGROUND

TNF-α polymorphisms were shown to be associated with insulin resistance and diabetes development and complications.

AIM

To investigate the association between glycemic control in Type 2 diabetes patients and TNF-α G-308A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP).

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional observational study, where diabetes patients from both genders (170 male and 185 female) were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into two groups: good glycemic control (n = 158) and poor glycemic control (n = 197). Genotyping of TNF-α G-308A SNP was carried out using restriction fragment length polymorphisms-polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

The results showed that TNF-α G-308A SNP is strongly associated with glycemic control in type 2 diabetes patients. Patients with the AA and AG genotypes had better glycemic control than those with GG genotype (P < 0.01). Other parameters that impacted glycemic control include duration of the disease (P < 0.01) and response to insulin therapy (P < 0.01). However, no contribution for gender or statins use to glycemic control was observed (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

TNF-α G-308A SNP might modulate glycemic control among type 2 diabetes patients.

Impact of TNF haplotypes in the physical course of acne vulgaris

BACKGROUND

The role of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the TNF gene in acne vulgaris remains controversial.

METHODS

Genomic DNA was isolated from 185 patients with acne vulgaris and 165 healthy controls. SNPs at positions -376, -308 and -238 of the promoter region of TNF were defined.

RESULTS

The frequency of the GAG haplotype was greater among patients (16.8%) than among controls with borderline significance (9.7%, p = 0.059). Male carriers of haplotypes other than GGG presented acne vulgaris at a later age than carriers of the GGG haplotype. No effect of the GAG haplotype on the frequency of acne conglobata was found among women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS

Carriage of the GAG haplotype of TNF is linked with borderline susceptibility to acne vulgaris. The GGG haplotype is related with earlier disease onset in male patients.