The Ser128Arg polymorphism for E-selectin gene and brucellosis

A review of the immunopathogenesis of Brucellosis

Brucellosis, caused by the intracellular pathogens Brucella, is one of the major zoonotic infections. Considering the economic burden, its prevalence has been a health concern especially in endemic regions. Brucella is able to survive and replicate within host cells by expressing different virulence factors and using various strategies to avoid the host's immune response. This leads to progression of the disease from an acute phase to chronic brucellosis. Exploration of genetic variations has confirmed the expected influence of gene polymorphisms on susceptibility and resistance to brucellosis of humans. Since there is no approved human vaccine and treatment is uncertain with risk of relapse, it is important to increase knowledge about pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of brucellosis in order to manage and control this infection, especially in endemic regions.

Microsatellite (GT)n polymorphism at 3'UTR of SLC11A1 influences the expression of brucella LPS induced MCP1 mRNA in buffalo peripheral blood mononuclear cells

A (GT)n microsatellite polymorphism at 3'UTR of SLC11A1(solute carrier family 11A1) is associated with the natural resistance to bovine brucellosis. A pleiotropic effect of SLC11A1 on other candidate genes influencing the host resistance including monocyte chemotactic/chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP1) is also hypothesized. In the present study, we report the cloning and characterization of the complete coding sequence of bubaline (bu) MCP1 and its tissue distribution at the transcript level. The buMCP1 exhibited as high as 99% and >80% of sequence identities with the bovine and other domestic animal species homologues. The buMCP1 mRNA was abundant across the different tissues: most abundant in liver and mammary gland, moderate in ovary, skeletal muscle and testis, and least in uterus. Further, quantitative real-time PCR (RTqPCR) analysis revealed that PBMCs carrying so called resistant GT13 allele produced more MCP1 mRNA endogenously as well as when induced with brucella LPS suggesting the pleiotropic roles of SLC11A1 in conferring resistance against the intracellular pathogens particularly against brucellosis. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms by which 3'UTR SLC11A1 concomitantly increases the production of chemokines like MCP1 are yet to be investigated.

Cell-mediated immunity in human brucellosis

Brucella can parasitize within human antigen-presenting cells modifying phagocytosis, phagolysosome fusion, antigen presentation, cytokine secretion, and apoptosis. Subversion of innate immune mechanisms by Brucella leads to defective Th1 immune responses and T-cell anergy in chronic brucellosis patients. This review summarizes the cellular immune responses in brucellosis, based on data derived exclusively from human cells or cell lines.

Role of ICAM-1 and E-selectin gene polymorphisms in pathogenesis of PAOD in Egyptian patients

Background:

Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and E-selectin have been shown to predict cardiovascular disease (CVD) such as myocardial infarction, stroke, and peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD).

Methods:

Two mutations, S128R in E-selectin and K469E in ICAM-1, were investigated in 156 patients with PAOD and 100 control subjects using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis in an Egyptian population.

Results:

The distribution of E-selectin genotypes in patients affected by PAOD was 84.6% for the AA genotype and 15.4% for the AC genotype. In the control arm the distribution was 97% for the AA genotype and 3% for the AC genotype. There was a statistically significance difference in the distribution of the AC genotype in PAOD patients when compared with the control subjects. Additionally, the distribution of ICAM-1 genotypes in patients affected by PAOD was 30.8% with the EE, 48% with the EK, and 21.2% with the KK genotypes. The distribution of ICAM-1 genotypes in control subjects was 13% EE, 33% EK and 54% KK. The EE genotype was significantly more common in PAOD patients than in the controls.

Conclusion:

S128R and K469E polymorphisms were associated with increased risk in PAOD. Early detection of these polymorphic genes helps in early prophylaxis against PAOD.