ABCG2 polymorphisms and susceptibility to ARV-associated hepatotoxicity

BACKGROUND

The ABCG2 421C/A polymorphism contributes significantly to the distribution and absorption of antiretroviral (ARV) regimens and is associated with the undesirable side effects of efavirenz.

METHODS

To investigate this, we examined ABCG2 34G/A (rs2231137) and 421C/A (rs2231142) genetic variations in 149 HIV-infected patients (116 without hepatotoxicity, 33 with ARV-induced hepatotoxicity) and 151 healthy controls through the PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The ABCG2 34GA genotype and 34A allele indicated a risk for antiretroviral therapy-associated hepatotoxicity development (p = 0.09, OR = 1.58, 95% CI: 0.93-2.69; p = 0.06, OR = 1.50, 95% CI: 0.98-2.30). The haplotype GA was associated with hepatotoxicity (p = 0.042, OR = 2.37, 95% CI: 1.04-5.43; p = 0.042, OR = 2.49, 95% CI: 1.04-5.96). Moreover, when comparing HIV patients with hepatotoxicity to healthy controls, the haplotype GA had an association with an elevated risk for the development of hepatotoxicity (p = 0.041, OR = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.02-2.93). Additionally, the association of the ABCG2 34GA genotype with the progression of HIV (p = 0.02, OR = 1.97, 95% CI: 1.07-3.63) indicated a risk for advanced HIV infection. Furthermore, the ABCG2 421AA genotype was linked to tobacco users and featured as a risk factor for the progression of HIV disease (p = 0.03, OR = 11.07, 95% CI: 1.09-270.89).

CONCLUSION

The haplotype GA may enhance the risk of hepatotoxicity development and its severity. Individuals with the ABCG2 34A allele may also be at risk for the development of hepatotoxicity. Additionally, individuals with an advanced stage of HIV and the ABCG2 34GA genotype may be at risk for disease progression.

Combinatorial Effects of miRNAs in HSV-2 Infection of Macrophages: An In Silico and In Vitro Integration Approach

The rising issues of herpes simplex virus (HSV)-2 drug ramifications have encouraged the researchers to look for new and alternative approaches that pose minimum adversities in the host while efficiently reducing the HSV-2 infection. Although microRNAs (miRNAs), as unorthodox approaches, are gaining popularity due to eliciting highly reduced immunogenic reactions, their implications in HSV-2 research have been rarely explored. In this study, a pool of cellular miRNAs with significance in HSV-2-induced inflammatory and immune responses have been identified. Computationally recognizing the host targets of these miRNAs through network biology and machine learning, in vitro validation has been addressed along with the identification of their regulation in the HSV-2 infection. To signify the role of these identified miRNAs, they have been individually ectopically expressed in macrophages. The ectopic expression of the individual miRNAs was able to suppress HSV-2 viral gene expression. Taking a step forward, this study also highlights the Box-Behnken design-based combinatorial effect of ectopically expressed miRNAs on maximum suppression of HSV-2 infectivity. Therefore, the concentrations of each of the miRNAs optimized in a combination, predicted through expert systems biology tools were validated in vitro to not only recover the target expressions but also inhibit the HSV-2 infection in the macrophages. Overall, the study offers miRNAs as intriguing alternatives to commercially available medications against HSV-2. Moreover, the study illuminates the prophylactic potentiality of the miRNAs, which is significant since there are currently no vaccines available for HSV-2. Moving forward, the miRNAs are employed in an innovative strategy that incorporates intricate biological system models and in vitro confirmation methods to deliver a prospective combinatorial miRNA therapeutic against HSV-2 infection.

A computational approach for designing and validating small interfering RNA against SARS-CoV-2 variants

AIMS

The aim of this study is to develop a novel antiviral strategy capable of efficiently targeting a broad set of SARS-CoV-2 variants.

BACKGROUND

Since the first emergence of SARS-CoV-2, it has rapidly transformed into a global pandemic, posing an unprecedented threat to public health. SARS-CoV-2 is prone to mutation and continues to evolve, leading to the emergence of new variants capable of escaping immune protection achieved due to previous SARS-CoV-2 infections or by vaccination.

OBJECTIVE

RNA interference (RNAi) is a remarkable biological mechanism that can induce gene silencing by targeting complementary mRNA and inhibiting its translation.

METHOD

In this study, using the computational approach, we predicted the most efficient siRNA capable of inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VoCs).

RESULT

The presented siRNA was characterized and evaluated for its thermodynamic properties, offsite-target hits, and in silico validation by molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations (MD) with Human AGO2 protein.

CONCLUSION

The study contributes to the possibility of designing and developing an effective response strategy against existing variants of concerns and preventing further.

Role of APOC3 3238C/G polymorphism in HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder

Apolipoprotein not only have a role in cholesterol metabolism but also play a role in normal brain function. Apolipoprotein gene polymorphisms are known risk factors for a number of mental and neurological disorders. The expression of brain apolipoproteins is significantly altered in several brain disorders. Therefore, we assed ApoC33238C/G polymorphism in a total of 248 patient infected with HIV (45 with HAND, 89 without HAND, 114 without ART) and 134 healthy controls using PCR-RFLP. ApoC3 3238CG, 3238GG genotypes and 3238G allele showed a non-significant increased risk for severity of HAND (P = 0.16, OR = 1.83; P = 0.32, OR = 2.78; P = 0.10, OR = 1.65) while comparing individuals with and without HAND. ApoC3 3238GG genotype and 3238G allele revealed an increased risk for disease progression when compared between HIV patients with and without ART (P = 0.55, OR = 1.76; P = 0.65, OR = 1.12) though risk could not reach statistical significance. ApoC3 3238GG genotype and 3238G allele were associated with the reduced risk of acquiring HIV infection when comparing HIV patients who are not on ART with healthy controls (P = 0.05, OR = 0.29; P = 0.04, OR = 0.66). In HIV patients on ART,ApoC3 3238GG genotype showed an increased susceptibility to development of HAND (P = 0.48, OR = 2.24) when comparing alcohol drinkers and non-drinkers however risk could not reach statistical significance. In conclusion, the genotype ApoC33238GG displayed an inclination of risk for the severity of HAND and HIV disease progression. The polymorphism of APOC3 3238C/G may have a role to reduce the risk for acquisition of HIV infection. ApoC33238GG genotype in presence of alcohol may increase susceptibility to development of HAND.

An In-silico Approach to Design and Validate siRNA against Monkeypox Virus

INTRODUCTION

The monkeypox virus has emerged as an uncommon zoonotic infection. The recent outbreak of MPXV in Europe and abroad in 2022 presented a major threat to individuals at risk. At present, no specific MPXV vaccinations or medications are available.

METHODS

In this study, we predicted the most effective siRNA against the conserved region of the MPXV and validated the activity by performing molecular docking studies.

RESULTS

Ultimately, the most efficient siRNA molecule was shortlisted against the envelope protein gene (B6R) based on its toxicity, effectivity, thermodynamic stability, molecular interaction, and molecular dynamics simulations (MD) with the Human Argonaute 2 protein.

CONCLUSION

Thus, the strategy may offer a platform for the development of potential antiviral RNA therapeutics that target MPXV at the genomic level.

Role of MMP-13-77A/G polymorphism in HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders patients

Many diseases including HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorder (HAND) are impacted by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). MMP-13 play a role to cleave the collagen. MMP-13 contributes to peripheral neuropathy and induces unmyelinated axon degeneration. MMP-13-77A/G polymorphism has been associated to a lower level of MMP-13. MMP-13 have been linked to increased expression in a number of diseases including neurological disease. Hence we analyzed the effect of MMP-13-77A/G polymorphism in pateints with and without HAND. The PCR-Restriction fragment length polymorphism approach was used to genotype MMP-13-77A/G polymorphism. The MMP-13-77AG genotype was shown to be more prevalent in HAND patients than in controls and showed a risk for severe HAND (44.4% vs. 34.8%, P = 0.16, OR = 1.79). When compared to healthy controls, the MMP-13-77AG genotype was found to be prevalent in HAND patients (44.4 %vs. 38.2%, P = 0.66, OR = 1.26). MMP-13-77AG genotype was overrepresented (51.5% vs. 38.2%, OR = 1.70, P = 0.29) in HAND patients who had advanced HIV disease. In without HAND patients, the MMP-13-77AG genotype was found be lessor in advanced stage of HIV disease when compared with healthy controls and it was associated with a reduced risk for advancement in disease (38.2% vs. 11.82%, P = 0.03, OR = 0.18). Smokers were more likely to have the MMP-13-77AG genotype than non-smokers, indicating an elevated risk of HAND severity (60.0% vs. 40.0%, P = 0.50, OR = 2.29, 95%). In patients with and without HAND, alcohol intake enhanced the risk for developing HAND and its severity when the MMP-13-77GG genotype was present (P = 0.78, OR = 2.10, P = 0.78, OR = 2.10). In conclusion, Individuals with alcohol usage and the MMP-13-77GG genotype may have additive effect on HAND development and its severity. Individuals of without HAND and MMP-13-77AG genotype showed reduced risk for advancement of HIV disease.

Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-Based Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications: A Review of the State-of-the-Art

A prominent research topic in contemporary advanced functional materials science is the production of smart materials based on polymers that may independently adjust their physical and/or chemical characteristics when subjected to external stimuli. Smart hydrogels based on poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) demonstrate distinct thermoresponsive features close to a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) that enhance their capability in various biomedical applications such as drug delivery, tissue engineering, and wound dressings. Nevertheless, they have intrinsic shortcomings such as poor mechanical properties, limited loading capacity of actives, and poor biodegradability. Formulation of PNIPAM with diverse functional constituents to develop hydrogel composites is an efficient scheme to overcome these defects, which can significantly help for practicable application. This review reports on the latest developments in functional PNIPAM-based smart hydrogels for various biomedical applications. The first section describes the properties of PNIPAM-based hydrogels, followed by potential applications in diverse fields. Ultimately, this review summarizes the challenges and opportunities in this emerging area of research and development concerning this fascinating polymer-based system deep-rooted in chemistry and material science.