Polymorphism of Interleukin 1B May Modulate the Risk of Ischemic Stroke in Polish Patients

Candidate SNP Markers Significantly Altering the Affinity of the TATA-Binding Protein for the Promoters of Human Genes Associated with Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma

Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is the most common form of glaucoma. This condition leads to optic nerve degeneration and eventually to blindness. Tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, fast-food diets, obesity, heavy weight lifting, high-intensity physical exercises, and many other bad habits are lifestyle-related risk factors for POAG. By contrast, moderate-intensity aerobic exercise and the Mediterranean diet can alleviate POAG. In this work, we for the first time estimated the phylostratigraphic age indices (PAIs) of all 153 POAG-related human genes in the NCBI Gene Database. This allowed us to separate them into two groups: POAG-related genes that appeared before and after the phylum Chordata, that is, ophthalmologically speaking, before and after the camera-type eye evolved. Next, in the POAG-related genes' promoters, we in silico predicted all 3835 candidate SNP markers that significantly change the TATA-binding protein (TBP) affinity for these promoters and, through this molecular mechanism, the expression levels of these genes. Finally, we verified our results against five independent web services-PANTHER, DAVID, STRING, MetaScape, and GeneMANIA-as well as the ClinVar database. It was concluded that POAG is likely to be a symptom of the human self-domestication syndrome, a downside of being civilized.

Expanding Role of Interleukin-1 Family Cytokines in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Ischemic stroke (IS) is a critical medical condition that results in significant neurological deficits and tissue damage, affecting millions worldwide. Currently, there is a significant lack of reliable tools for assessing and predicting IS outcomes. The inflammatory response following IS may exacerbate tissue injury or provide neuroprotection. This review sought to summarize current knowledge on the IL-1 family's involvement in IS, which includes pro-inflammatory molecules, such as IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-18, and IL-36, as well as anti-inflammatory molecules, like IL-1Ra, IL-33, IL-36A, IL-37, and IL-38. The balance between these opposing inflammatory processes may serve as a biomarker for determining patient outcomes and recovery paths. Treatments targeting these cytokines or their receptors show promise, but more comprehensive research is essential to clarify their precise roles in IS development and progression.

Exploring the pathogenesis of chronic atrophic gastritis with atherosclerosis via microarray data analysis

Although several studies have reported a link between chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) and atherosclerosis, the underlying mechanisms have not been elucidated. The present study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms common to both diseases from a bioinformatics perspective. Gene expression profiles were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Data on atherosclerosis and CAG were downloaded from the GSE28829 and GSE60662 datasets, respectively. We identified the differentially expressed genes co-expressed in CAG and atherosclerosis before subsequent analyses. We constructed and identified the hub genes and performed functional annotation. Finally, the transcription factor (TF)-target genes regulatory network was constructed. In addition, we validated core genes and certain TFs. We identified 116 common differentially expressed genes after analyzing the 2 datasets (GSE60662 and GSE28829). Functional analysis highlighted the significant contribution of immune responses and the positive regulation of tumor necrosis factor production and T cells. In addition, phagosomes, leukocyte transendothelial migration, and cell adhesion molecules strongly correlated with both diseases. Furthermore, 16 essential hub genes were selected with cytoHubba, including PTPRC, TYROBP, ITGB2, LCP2, ITGAM, FCGR3A, CSF1R, IRF8, C1QB, TLR2, IL10RA, ITGAX, CYBB, LAPTM5, CD53, CCL4, and LY86. Finally, we searched for key gene-related TFs, especially SPI1. Our findings reveal a shared pathogenesis between CAG and atherosclerosis. Such joint pathways and hub genes provide new insights for further studies.

Genetic and Epigenetic Regulation of MEFV Gene and Their Impact on Clinical Outcome in Auto-Inflammatory Familial Mediterranean Fever Patients

Epigenetic modifications play a pivotal role in autoimmune/inflammatory disorders and could establish a bridge between personalized medicine and disease epidemiological contexts. We sought to investigate the role of epigenetic modifications beside genetic alterations in the MEFV gene in familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). The study comprised 63 FMF patients diagnosed according to the Tel Hashomer criteria: 37 (58.7%) colchicine-responders, 26 (41.3%) non-responders, and 19 matched healthy controls. MEFV mutations were detected using a CE/IVD-labeled 4-230 FMF strip assay. DNA methylation of MEFV gene exon 2 was measured using bisulfite modification and related to pyrin level, phenotypic picture, MEFV mutations, disease severity, serum amyloid A (SAA), CRP, ESR, disease severity, and colchicine response. Our results showed that FMF patients exhibited significantly higher methylation percentage (p < 0.001) and lower pyrin levels (p < 0.001) compared to the control. The MEFV gene M694I mutation was the most commonly reported mutation (p < 0.004). High methylation percentage of the MEFV exon 2 and low pyrin concentration were correlated with disease severity, high SAA, ESR levels, H-pylori, and renal calculi. In conclusion, this study highlights the relation between high methylation percentage, reduced pyrin level, and different biomarkers in FMF, which underscores their role in the pathogenesis of FMF and could be considered as potential therapeutic targets.

Analysis of Genetic Variants in the Glucocorticoid Receptor Gene NR3C1 and Stenosis of the Carotid Artery in a Polish Population with Coronary Artery Disease

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide. Early diagnosis and elimination of risk factors are crucial for better managing CVDs. Atherosclerosis, whose development might be associated with glucocorticoids (GCs), is a critical factor in the development of carotid artery (CA) stenosis and most other CVDs. Aim: To investigate the association of Tth111I, N363S, and ER22/23EK-NR3C1 polymorphisms and the incidence of CA stenosis. Methods: The study group consisted of 117 patients diagnosed with coronary artery disease (CAD) and CA stenosis and 88 patients with CAD and ruled out CA stenosis. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood, and genotyping was carried out using Tth111I, N363S, and ER22/23EK-NR3C1 polymorphism sequencing. Results: No significant association between studied polymorphisms and the incidence or the severity of CA stenosis in the Polish population with CAD was found. Conclusion: This is the first study that proves that common NR3C1 gene variants do not influence CA stenosis and probably are not associated with atherosclerosis. The search for genes that can act as prognostic markers in predicting CA stenosis is still ongoing.

Construction of a Joint Prediction Model for the Occurrence of Ischemic Stroke and Acute Myocardial Infarction Based on Bioinformatic Analysis

Ischemic stroke (IS) has imposed significant threat to both middle-aged and elderly people worldwide. Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a rare but serious complication following IS, which can further increase patient disability and mortality rates. With the development of intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular treatment, the prognosis of IS has been greatly improved. However, the pathogenesis of IS complicated with AMI is still unclear. To fill this gap, this work uses bioinformatic analysis, where IS and AMI datasets were combined for differential gene analysis, and then, a ROC prediction model for target gene analysis was constructed. It is found that OSM gene has the highest prediction accuracy (AUC = 0.793), followed by IL6ST, IL6, JAK1, IL6R, and JAK2 genes. Joint prediction model showed higher accuracy in predicting the outcome of control and case (AUC = 0.918). The etiology of ischemic stroke and acute myocardial infarction is complicated. Their cooccurring pathological mechanisms and the conversion between the two diseases could not be explained by a single gene. Therefore, the joint prediction model in this work can provide a better prediction accuracy for research purpose.

Association of Interleukin-6-174G/C Polymorphism With Ischemic Stroke: An Updated Meta-Analysis

Background: Although numerous epidemiological studies have investigated the association between -174G/C(rs1800795) polymorphism in the interleukin-6 (IL-6) gene-stimulatory region and the risk of ischemic stroke (IS), they failed to reach a unified conclusion. The true relationship between -174G/C(rs1800795) polymorphism and IS remains controversial and unclear. Therefore, in this meta-analysis, we aimed to analyze more precisely the association between -174G/C(rs1800795) single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of IL-6 gene and IS in a larger pooled population. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials until June 30, 2021. A fixed or random-effects model was utilized based on heterogeneity between studies. The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (Cis) were calculated in the models of allele comparison (G vs. C), homozygote comparison (GG vs. CC) and (GC vs. CC), dominant (GG vs. GC + CC), hyper dominant (GG + CC vs. GC), and recessive (GG + GC vs. CC) to determine the strength of associations. Results: This meta-analysis included 13 case-control studies in 35 articles with 5,548 individuals. Overall, no significant associations between IL-6 -174G/C(rs1800795) and IS were identified (G vs. C:OR [95% CI] = 0.99 [0.81, 1.21], P = 0.91; GG + CC vs. GC:0.97 [0.85, 1.11], P = 0.66; GG vs. GC + CC: 1.01 [0.81, 1.25], P = 0.94; GC vs. CC: OR [95% CI] = 1.01 [0.68, 1.5], P = 0.96; GG vs. CC:0.93 [0.57, 1.51], P = 0.76; GG + GC vs. CC:0.97 [0.64, 1.47], P = 0.89). In the subgroup analyses by ethnicity or HWE P-value, there was a statistically significant association between IL-6 -174G/C(rs1800795) polymorphisms and IS in the alleles model; (G vs. C: LogOR [95% CI] = 0.14 [-0.16,.45], P = 0.00), homozygote model (GG vs. CC: LogOR [95% CI] = 0.18 [-0.58,.95], P = 0.00) and (GC vs. CC: LogOR [95% CI] = 0.2 [-0.46,.85], P = 0.00), dominant model (GG vs. GC + CC: OR [95% CI] = 0.02 [-0.72, 0.77], P = 0.00), and recessive model (GG + GC vs. CC: OR [95% CI]= -0.17 [-0.86,.52], P = 0.00) of the European population and in the dominant model (GG vs. GC + CC: OR [95% CI] = -0.13 [-0.51, 0.24]) of the Asian population. No statistical significance was identified in both six models of HWE p ≥ 0.2 group (both P ≥ 0.05). Conclusion: This meta-analysis revealed no correlation between IL-6 -174G/C(rs1800795) polymorphism and IS, whereas the subgroup analysis indicated that the relationship between IL-6 -174G/C(rs1800795) polymorphism and IS susceptibility varied significantly according to ethnicity and geography.

Exploring potential serum levels of Homocysteine, interleukin-1 beta, and apolipoprotein B 48 as new biomarkers for patients with ischemic stroke

BACKGROUND

Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide with heterogeneous characteristics. The subtypes of stroke are due to different pathophysiological regulations and causes. This study aimed to investigate the correlation of serum levels of apolipoprotein B 48, interleukin-1β and Homocysteine with BMI in patients with ischemic stroke (IS).

METHODS

Over one hundred controls (120) and an equal number of IS patients, including 31 women and 89 men, were recruited to participate in the case-control study conducted at Imam Reza Hospital (Tabriz, Iran) from February 2019 to March 2020. We measured serum levels of apolipoprotein B 48, interleukin-1β, and Homocysteine. Receiver operating characteristic analysis (ROC) was performed to evaluate the diagnostic value of these indices in patients and control groups.

RESULTS

The mean serum levels of apolipoprotein B 48, interleukin-1β, and Homocysteine, were significantly increased in the experimental group compared to the control group with a p-value of 0.001. The ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve for apo B48, IL -1β, hs-CRP, and Homocysteine serum levels were 0.94, 0.98, 0.99, and 1, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of our current study show that the determination of serum levels of apolipoprotein B 48, interleukin-1β, and Homocysteine can potentially be used to monitor and diagnose IS patients. However, there was no statistically significant correlation between serum levels of apolipoprotein B 48, interleukin 1β and Homocysteine and BMI in the patient group. However, there was a statistically significant inverse correlation between serum levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and BMI in the patient group.

Genetic Variation of Inflammatory Genes to Ischemic Stroke Risk in a Chinese Han Population

Background

Inflammation proteins play an important role in stroke occurrence. IL1A, IL1B, PTGS2, MMP2, and MMP9 were the mediators involved in the immune response, and the association of these genetic variations with ischemic stroke (IS) risk was still unclear.

Methods

To investigate the susceptibility of genetic variations of IL1A, IL1B, PTGS2, MMP2, and MMP9 to IS risk, we performed a case–control study involving 299 patients and 300 controls in a Chinese population. Thirteen genetic variations of investigated genes of all participants were genotyped using an improved multiplex ligase detection–reaction technique.

Results

No SNP in all genes showed an association with overall IS. However, in subgroup analysis, PTGS2 rs689466 (dominant model: CT vs TT – OR_adjusted= 2.51, 95% CI: 1.22–5.16, p = 0.012; co-dominant model: CT/CC vs TT – OR_adjusted= 2.53, 95% CI: 1.26–5.07, p = 0.009; additive model – OR_adjusted= 2.26, 95% CI: 1.19–4.28, p = 0.013) and rs5275 (dominant model: GG vs AA – OR_adjusted= 0.31, 95% CI: 0.12–0.80, p = 0.016; co-dominant model: GA/GG vs AA – OR_adjusted= 0.45, 95% CI: 0.21–0.95, p = 0.036; additive model – OR_adjusted= 0.60, 95% CI: 0.39–0.92, p = 0.020) were associated with IS type of small-vessel occlusion.

Conclusion

Our study suggested that PTGS2 rs689466 C and rs5275 A were potentially associated with IS subtype of small-vessel occlusion. Our result should be confirmed with further large sample sized studies.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms of the interleukin-1 superfamily members: аssociation with viral hepatitis B and C

The review provides information on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes encoding some interleukins belonging to the interleukin-1 (IL-1) superfamily and on their association with different infectious and non-infectious human diseases. It also briefs on the history of SNP discovery and the progress in the related scientific studies till the present time. It gives an insight into some mechanisms of interaction between infectious agents and the human immune system, involving SNPs in some cytokines of the IL-1 superfamily. The review provides data on relationships of SNPs in genes encoding other factors of the immune system, which are associated with the specific characteristics of natural history of chronic hepatitis B and C. It explores the significance of assessment of the SNP-proportion in proinflammatory cytokines and their antagonists of the IL-1 superfamily among the healthy population as well as the ratio of individual SNPs in specific groups of patients as a monitoring parameter for epidemiological surveillance of infectious diseases.

Polymorphism of Interleukin-1 Gene Cluster in Polish Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome

Background and objectives: Some experimental studies demonstrated adverse modulation of atherothrombosis by interleukin-1beta (IL-1b). To assess the relationship between the five most common variants of three polymorphisms of the IL1b gene cluster and the complexity of coronary atherosclerosis expressed in Gensini Score (GS), and the age of onset of the first acute coronary syndrome (ACS), we assessed the patients (pts) hospitalized due to ACS in this aspect. Materials and Methods: 250 individuals were included. The single nucleotide polymorphisms of IL1b gene: transition T/C at -31 position, C/T at -511, and those of IL1 receptor antagonist gene (IL1RN)—variable number of tandem repeats allele 1, 2, 3, or 4—were determined by PCR. GS was calculated from the coronary angiogram performed at the index ACS. The impact of the presence of T or C and allele 1 to 4 at the investigated loci on the mean GS, GS greater than 40, mean age of onset of ACS, and the fraction of pts over 60 years of age at ACS were compared between the five most common genotype variants. Results: The five most common variants were present in 203 pts (81.2%). Patients with pair 22 in ILRN had the lowest rate and those with pair 12 had the highest rate of ACS before 60 years of age (29.4 vs. 67.8%; p = 0.004). GS > 40 entailed an eight-fold increase of risk, as observed when pts with one T allele at locus -31 were compared with carriers of 2 or no T allele at this locus: OR 8.73 [CI95 4.26–70.99] p = 0.04. Conclusion: Interleukin-1 beta is subject to frequent genetic variability and our results show a potential relationship of this polymorphism with the extent of coronary atherosclerosis and age at the first ACS.

Targeting Platelet in Atherosclerosis Plaque Formation: Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives

Besides their role in hemostasis and thrombosis, it has become increasingly clear that platelets are also involved in many other pathological processes of the vascular system, such as atherosclerotic plaque formation. Atherosclerosis is a chronic vascular inflammatory disease, which preferentially develops at sites under disturbed blood flow with low speeds and chaotic directions. Hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension are all risk factors for atherosclerosis. When the vascular microenvironment changes, platelets can respond quickly to interact with endothelial cells and leukocytes, participating in atherosclerosis. This review discusses the important roles of platelets in the plaque formation under pro-atherogenic factors. Specifically, we discussed the platelet behaviors under disturbed flow, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia conditions. We also summarized the molecular mechanisms involved in vascular inflammation during atherogenesis based on platelet receptors and secretion of inflammatory factors. Finally, we highlighted the studies of platelet migration in atherogenesis. In general, we elaborated an atherogenic role of platelets and the aspects that should be further studied in the future.