Investigation of the linkage between TNF-alfa rs1800629 polymorphism and preeclampsia risk: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Preeclampsia is a serious medical condition that significantly affects expectant mothers. Growing research showed an inconsistent association between TNF-alfa rs1800629 polymorphism and preeclampsia. The current meta-analysis was aimed at examining the potential impact of rs1800629 variant on preeclampsia.

METHODS

The Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and other databases were searched extensively to locate and select articles up to October 30, 2023. The PRISMA 2020 recommendations were followed to perform this study. Data analysis was done by using Comprehensive Meta analysis (v 3).

RESULTS

We have included 32 articles containing 35 studies with 3,883 patients and 5,821 controls for qualitative and quantitative data analysis. We found a strong relationship between rs1800629 variant with the increased preeclampsia risk in co-dominant model 1 (OR = 1.33, p = 0.019), co-dominant model 2 (OR = 1.43, p = 0.014), dominant model (OR = 1.25, p = 0.044), over-dominant model (OR = 1.31, p = 0.021), and allelic model (OR = 1.24, p = 0.018). This study also revealed a significantly higher risk among the Asian population in the dominant (OR = 2.31, p = 0.036) and allelic model (OR = 2.02, p = 0.028). For the Caucasian population, an increased association between the rs1800629 variant and preeclampsia risk was reported in co-dominant model 1 (OR = 1.37, p = 0.011), co-dominant model 2 (OR = 1.77, p = 0.007), dominant model (OR = 1.32, p = 0.030), recessive (OR = 1.50, p = 0.047), over-dominant (OR = 1.34, p = 0.009), and allelic model (OR = 1.32, p = 0.004). Though our study showed the protective link of the TNF-alfa polymorphism to the preeclampsia risk among the Black population, no significant outcomes were observed in any genetic models (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Overall, the present meta-analysis explored a consistent linkage of the TNF-alfa rs1800629 variant to the preeclampsia risk in different ethnic groups. Additional research is required to confirm the precise relationship between the rs1800629 variant and preeclampsia risk.

MMP-3 -1171 5A/6A promoter polymorphism and cancer susceptibility: an updated meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis

Purpose: Previous studies of MMP-3 -1171 5A/6A in cancers have produced inconclusive outcomes. This updated meta-analysis was performed to clarify the link between this variant and cancer. Methods: Databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE and Cochrane were searched for data collection. The associations were calculated by odds ratios with 95% CIs. Results: 63 eligible studies with 14,252 cases and 15,176 controls were included. The codominant 2, codominant 3, dominant, recessive and allele models were found to be significantly associated with 1.28-, 1.13-, 1.13-, 1.19- and 1.13-fold enhanced overall risk of cancer, respectively. Stratification analysis revealed a 1.28-times enhanced risk of esophageal cancer (codominant 1), 1.29- and 1.26-fold (codominant 3) and 1.18- and 1.28-fold (recessive model) enhanced risk in colorectal and gastrointestinal cancers, respectively, 1.30-, 1.35- and 1.22-times in codominant model 1, dominant and allele models for breast cancer, 1.56-fold (codominant 2) for gynecological cancer and 2.40-times in codominant model 2 for hepatocellular cancer. Conclusion: This meta-analysis suggests a significant association between the MMP-3 -1171 5A/6A variant and cancer. This meta-analysis was registered at INPLASY (registration number: INPLASY202280049).

Evaluation of the Association between FGFR2 Gene Polymorphisms and Breast Cancer Risk in the Bangladeshi Population

Breast cancer is considered the most frequent cause of mortality from malignancy among females. Fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) gene polymorphisms are highly related to the risk of breast cancer. However, no investigation has been carried out to determine the association of FGFR2 gene polymorphisms in the Bangladeshi population. Based on polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP), this study was performed to evaluate the association of FGFR2 (rs1219648, rs2420946, and rs2981582) variants in 446 Bangladeshi women (226 cases and 220 controls). A significant association of the FGFR2 rs1219648 variant with breast malignancy was reported in additive model 1 (aOR = 2.87, p < 0.0001), additive model 2 (aOR = 5.62, p < 0.0001), the dominant model (aOR = 2.87, p < 0.0001), the recessive model (aOR = 4.04, p < 0.0001), and the allelic model (OR = 2.16, p < 0.0001). This investigation also explored the significant association of the rs2981582 variant with the risk of breast cancer in additive model 2 (aOR = 2. 60, p = 0.010), the recessive model (aOR = 2.47, p = 0.006), and the allelic model (OR = 1.39, p = 0.016). However, the FGFR2 rs2420946 polymorphism showed no association with breast cancer except in the overdominant model (aOR = 0.62, p = 0.048). Furthermore, GTT (p < 0.0001) haplotypes showed a correlation with breast cancer risk, and all variants showed strong linkage disequilibrium. Moreover, in silico gene expression analysis showed that the FGFR2 level was upregulated in BC tissues compared to healthy tissues. This study confirms the association of FGFR2 polymorphisms with breast cancer risk.

Analysis of serum calcium, sodium, potassium, zinc, and iron in patients with pre-eclampsia in Bangladesh: A case-control study

Background and Aims

Pre-eclampsia is a particular type of pregnancy condition. Although the primary etiology of pre-eclampsia is unclear, it hypothesizes that the alteration of trace elements and macro-minerals may play a crucial function in the pathogenesis of Pre-eclampsia. Therefore, our research sought to ascertain the serum level of trace elements (zinc, iron) and macro-minerals (sodium, calcium, potassium) and their possible association with pre-eclampsia.

Methods

The present study was conducted with 74 pre-eclampsia pregnant women (case) and 118 pregnant women having normal blood pressure (controls). Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy determined the serum level of trace components and electrolytes.

Results

The researchers discovered notable differences in maternal age, gestational period, body mass index, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, hemoglobin, and creatinine level. Results of serum analysis revealed that calcium (52.06 ± 3.71 mg/L vs. 65.93 ± 2.57 mg/L, p < 0.05) and potassium (63.44 ± 5.33 mg/L vs. 102.54 ± 4.25 mg/L, p < 0.001) concentrations were substantially lower in the patient group than in control. Serum zinc (0.34 ± 0.02 mg/L vs. 0.52 ± 0.02 mg/L, p < 0.001) and iron (0.38 ± 0.03 mg/L vs. 0.46 ± 0.02 mg/L, p < 0.05) concentration were also considerably decreased in pre-eclampsia participants compared with a pregnant normotensive group. Pearson's correlation research results in the patient group revealed a connection between trace elements or macro minerals. In addition, the systolic blood pressure was positively correlated with sodium (r = 0.392, p < 0.01) and negatively correlated with potassium (r = -0.257, p < 0.05) in the control group.

Conclusions

This study concludes that calcium, potassium, iron, and zinc levels were lower, whereas sodium levels were higher in Bangladeshi pre-eclampsia patients compared to controls. These findings with Pearson's correlation and the inter-element relationship between the patient and a control subject results can act as critical indication factors for patients with pre-eclampsia in Bangladesh and, as a result, may require a higher intake of calcium, potassium, iron, and zinc for effective therapeutic intervention and reduce the intake of sodium.

Susceptibility of TNFAIP8, TNFAIP8L1, and TNFAIP2 Gene Polymorphisms on Cancer Risk: A Comprehensive Review and Meta-Analysis of Case-Control Studies

Objectives: The TNFAIP8 gene family and TNFAIP2 gene are inextricably linked to an elevated risk of cancer development. This systemic review and meta-analysis seeks to establish the relationship between TNFAIP8 (rs11064, rs1045241, rs1045242, and rs3813308), TNFAIP8L1 (rs1060555), and TNFAIP2 (rs710100 and rs8126) polymorphisms with the risk of cancer. Methods and Materials: A systematic search of multiple databases from January 2022 to April 2022 was used to identify relevant studies. Odds ratios (ORs) with corresponding 95% CI and p-value were calculated to assess the association. Bonferroni correction was performed to correct p-values. Trial sequential analysis (TSA) and in-silico messenger RNA expression were also performed. Review Manager 5.4 software was used for performing this meta-analysis. Results: This study comprised 6909 cancer patients and 7087 healthy participants from 14 studies. Four genetic models of rs11064 (codominant 2 [COD2]: OR = 2.30, p = 7.83 × 10^-5; codominant 3 [COD3]: OR = 2.10, p = .0006; recessive model [RM]: OR = 2.24, p = .0001; AC: OR = 1.47, p = .037), two genetic models of rs1045241 (codominant 1 [COD1]: OR = 1.27, p = .009; overdominant model [ODM]: OR = 1.24, p = .018), four genetic models of rs1045242 (COD1: OR = 1.52, p = .005; dominant model (DM): OR = 1.56, p = .002; OD: OR = 1.48, p = .008; AC: OR = 1.48, p = .002), and three genetic models of rs8126 (COD2: OR = 1.41, p = .0005; COD3: OR = 1.44, p = .0002; RM: OR = 1.43, p = .0001) were statistically linked to cancer risk. Only one genetic model of rs1060555 polymorphism showed a significant protective association with cancer (COD2: OR = 0.80, p = .048). The outcomes of TSA also validated the findings of the meta-analysis. Conclusion: This study summarizes that rs11064, rs1045241, and rs1045242 polymorphisms of TNFAIP8 gene and rs8126 polymorphism of TNFAIP2 gene are significantly linked with the risk of cancer development. This meta-analysis was registered at INPLASY (registration number: INPLASY202270073).

Catalase C262T genetic variation and cancer susceptibility: A comprehensive meta-analysis with meta-regression and trial sequential analysis

Background

Several genetic association studies have analyzed the link between the catalase ( CAT) C262T variant and different cancers, but the findings remain controversial. Our research centered on establishing a comprehensive correlation between the C262T variant and different cancers.

Methods

This study was conducted using RevMan 5.4 software following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. For this meta-analysis, 53 case-control studies (18,258 cases and 47,476 controls) were chosen.

Results

The analysis revealed that three genetic models were statistically linked ( P < 0.05) to overall cancer susceptibility in codominant model 2 (COD2): odds ratio (OR) = 1.16, COD3: OR = 1.21, recessive model (RM): OR = 1.20). After stratification by ethnicity, a significant link ( P < 0.05) was found in Caucasians (COD2: OR = 1.18, COD3: OR = 1.17, over-dominant model (ODM): OR = 1.19) and Asians (COD3: OR = 1.49). Subgroup analyses revealed a significant correlation ( P < 0.05) with blood-and-bone-marrow-related cancer, skin cancer, gastrointestinal-tract-related cancer, prostate cancer, and gynecologic cancer. Three genetic models in population-based controls (COD2: OR = 1.19, COD3: OR = 1.17, RM: OR = 1.19) and two genetic models in hospital-based controls (COD3: OR = 1.40, RM: OR = 1.24) were found to be significantly correlated ( P < 0.05) with cancer. Also, three genetic models for polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (COD3: OR = 1.46; RM: OR = 1.34, ODM: OR = 0.80) and three models for MALDI-TOF + MassARRAY (COD2: OR = 1.32, RM: OR = 1.26, allele model: OR = 1.14) genotyping methods showed significant association ( P < 0.05) with cancer. The meta-regression showed that the quality scores might be a source of significant heterogeneity under the COD2 model (coefficient = 0.176, P = 0.029). Trial sequential analysis also validated the adequacy of the sample size on overall findings.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that CAT C262T variant is associated with overall cancer susceptibility, especially in Caucasians and Asians. This variant may also be associated with blood-and-bone-marrow-related, GIT-related, prostate, skin, and gynecological cancers.

Genetic Polymorphism of miR-218-2 (rs11134527) in Cervical Cancer: A Case-Control Study on the Bangladeshi Women

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of Cervical Cancer (CC) is disproportionately higher in developing countries. It is the second most frequent cancer type among Bangladeshi women and the major cause of morbidity and mortality. However, no previous data reported the association of miR-218-2 gene polymorphisms in Bangladeshi cervical cancer patients.

AIM

This case-control study was designed to find the link between the rs11134527 polymorphism in miR-218-2 and CC.

METHODS

A total of 488 subjects were recruited, comprising 256 cervical cancer patients and 232 healthy females. Genotyping was conducted with the tetra-primer ARMS-PCR technique to detect the association.

RESULTS

The results of genotype data showed that rs11134527 was in the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in both CC cases and controls (P >0.05). Overall, the polymorphism was found to be significantly associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer with AG genotype (AG vs. GG: OR = 2.26, 95% Cl = 1.40-3.66, P = 0.0008), AA genotype (AA vs. GG: OR = 3.64, 95% Cl = 2.17-6.10, P <0.0001), dominant model (AG+AA vs. GG: OR = 2.75, 95% Cl = 1.75-4.31, P <0.0001), recessive model (AA vs. GG+AG: OR = 2.08, 95% Cl = 1.41-3.08, P = 0.0002), and A allele (A vs. G: OR = 1.94, 95% Cl = 1.51-2.51, P <0.0001). All of these correlations remained statistically significant after performing Bonferroni correction (P <0.008).

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that the rs11134527 polymorphism in the miR-218-2 gene contributes to the susceptibility of CC in Bangladeshi women.

A review on association and correlation of genetic variants with eating disorders and obesity

Background

Now, eating disorders and obesity and their correlations are danger signal in worldwide which is caused by multifactor and associated with significant mortality and morbidity.

Main body

Every aspect of a patient’s life is influenced by eating disorders and obesity and their correlations. Due to frequent seeing of obese patients, eating disorders have been included in the review as they can sometimes be associated with obesity. However, it should be noted that most patients having eating disorder are at risk to be obese or overweight. This research explores the risk factors for the two disorders, as well as the assessment of medical complications and treatment recommendations for the disorders. In these two disorders, there is also a correlation. The essential consideration is that eating disorders are impulse-control disorders which are similar to addictive behaviors in some aspects. So it is a crying need to treat a patient with obesity and eating disorders simultaneously to ensure success. Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have increased our knowledge of the pathophysiology of eating disorders (EDs) and obesity and their correlation.

Conclusion

This review enlightens on the summary of eating disorder, obesity, genotypic traits, molecular relations, interaction, correlation, and effect of eating disorder and obesity which outline potential future directions and clinical implications for patients with EDs and obesity.

Pharmacological investigation of analgesic and antipyretic activities of methanol extract of the whole part of Aeginetia indica

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Aeginetia indica (Linn.), commonly known as aankuri bankuri, guan-jen-huang, forest ghost flower, dok din daeng, dapong tubo; is a root parasitic plant of the Orobanchaceae family native to South and South-East Asian region. Different parts of the plant are traditionally used to treat fever, pain, inflammation, arthritis, cough, diabetes, and chronic liver disease. Local practitioners often recommend this plant as a folk remedy for dermal swelling, painful menstrual periods, wounds, and knee pain. However, the antipyretic and analgesic activity of A. indica have never been investigated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study was aimed to evaluate the analgesic and antipyretic potential of Aeginetia indica plant extract to verify its effectiveness as reported in traditional uses.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Preliminary phytochemical analysis of Aeginetia indica crude extract was performed using previously established methods and antioxidant capacity was determined by phosphomolybdenum assay. In vivo analgesic activity of Aeginetia indica methanol extract (AiME) was evaluated by acetic acid-induced writhing test, formalin-induced paw licking test, and hot plate test model. The antipyretic activity was studied in Baker's yeast induced pyrexia model.

RESULTS

Phytochemicals screening revealed cardiac glycosides, saponins, phenols, tannins, and flavonoids in the crude extract of Aeginetia indica. Total phenolic and flavonoid content were recorded as 101 ± 1.1 mg GAE/g of the extract and 35 ± 0.8 mg QE/g of the extract, respectively. The total antioxidant capacity observed in phosphomolybdenum assay was 68.3 ± 1.3 mg ascorbic acid equivalent per gram of the extract. AiME showed significant dose-dependent analgesic activity against acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin-induced paw licking, and hot plate pain model. A higher dose of A. indica (200 mg/kg) produced significant (P < 0.001) inhibition of writhing by 69% whereas, standard aspirin showed maximum 85.6% inhibition. AiME at all doses showed a significant (P < 0.001) decrease of paw licking time in both early neurogenic and late inflammatory pain phase of formalin-induced licking test. In the hot plate test, AiME at a 200 mg/kg dose produced antinociceptive activity (55.18%) higher than the standard ketorolac (49.88%) at 1 h. However, after 2 h, ketorolac showed a maximum effect of 62.66% and AiME 200 mg/kg showed a 60.24% effect. A significant (P < 0.001) reduction of rectal temperature (4.54 °F↓) was recorded for AiME 200 mg/kg, which was higher than the standard paracetamol (3.86 F°↓) after 24 h of treatment.

CONCLUSION

The in vivo investigational studies' results demonstrated promising analgesic and antipyretic activities of A. indica, which supported the claim of its folk uses.

A Review on Current Repurposing Drugs for the Treatment of COVID-19: Reality and Challenges

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has become a global pandemic with a high growth rate of confirmed cases. Therefore, therapeutic options are desperately urgent to fight with this damning virus. As it may take years to develop a specific therapy of COVID-19, it is urgent to emphasize the repurposing of drugs used for other conditions. This study reviewed the most common drugs for COVID-19 based on available online literature representing the latest in vitro clinical trial database, rational of use, adverse effects, potential toxicities, and US National Institute of Health (NIH) recommendation to use for COVID-19. Based on the preliminary data from clinical trials and considering the NIH and FDA recommendation, remdesivir and convalescent blood products are the most promising potential for COVID-19 treatment. The use of chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, favipiravir, ivermectin, and colchicine might also be effective. However, furthermore, in vivo investigations are needed in detail individually and in combination for possible benefits in humans. Besides, tocilizumab might be deemed as adjunctive therapy for patients with cytokine release syndrome. However, lopinavir-ritonavir, anakinra, and sarilumab had not proven their clinical efficacy. Eventually, sarilumab has been withdrawn from sponsored clinical trials based on the preliminary data. Baricitinib and ruxolitinib have the additive immunosuppressive effect. Consequently, all of these drugs are being evaluated with further studies. In addition, drug-drug interaction and safety concerns must be taken into account before the administration of the recommended drugs.

Antipyretic and anti-nociceptive effects of methanol extract of leaves of Fimbristylis miliacea in mice model

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Fimbristylis miliacea (L.) Vahl (Cyperaceae) is a grass like herb usually grows as a weed in rice fields and is mainly distributed in tropical or sub-tropical countries of south and south-east Asia, central America, northern Australia and west Africa. The plant has been traditionally used to treat fever as a form of poultice.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study aimed to investigate antipyretic and anti-nociceptive effects of methanol extract of leaves of Fimbristylis miliacea in mice model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Antipyretic effect of Fimbristylis miliacea was examined using Baker's yeast induced hyperthermia test. Anti-nociceptive effect was investigated using acetic acid induced writhing test, formalin induced hind paw licking test and hot plate test.

RESULTS

The extract at concentration of 400 mg/kg produced significant reduction in body temperature after 0.5 h of administration (4.12 °F, p ≤ 0.001) and continued to decrease (after 4 h, 5.92 °F, p ≤ 0.001). Extracts at 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg decreased the temperature by about 2.77 °F (from 99.47 °F to 96.7 °F) and 5.58 °F (98.2 °F-92.62 °F) respectively after 4 h whereas paracetamol dropped by about 7.2 °F (p ≤ 0.001). The extract showed significant decrease in number of writhes at all concentrations. Highest effect was found at 200 mg/kg having 35.7 writhes (p ≤ 0.001), much lower than control (89.2); standard drug diclofenac showed 23.2 writhes. Percent inhibition of writhing were 54.26 and 73.99 for 200 mg/kg and diclofenac respectively. The result of hind paw licking test also corroborated writhing test. Significant reduction in percent inhibition of licking was observed mainly in late phase. Percent inhibition of licking were 93.77 and 51.55 for 400 mg/kg extract and diclofenac respectively. In hot plate test, extract at 400 mg/kg showed significant increase in latency from 10.77 s to 13.59 s (p ≤ 0.05). Extract at this dose after 2 h demonstrated greater percent maximal effect (43.26%) compared to ketorolac (40.19%).

CONCLUSION

The experiment confirmed the traditional use of F. miliacea in the treatment of fever with possible anti-nociceptive effects.