Associations between the VDR Gene rs731236 (TaqI) Polymorphism and Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Women from the RAC-OST-POL

BACKGROUND

Postmenopausal osteoporosis is not only related to hormonal factors but is also associated with environmental and genetic factors. One of the latter is the polymorphism of vitamin D receptor (VDR). The aim of the reported study was to comprehensively analyze the VDR gene polymorphic variants rs731236 (TaqI), rs1544410 (BsmI) and rs7975232 (ApaI) in the Polish population of postmenopausal women.

METHODS

The study group consisted of 611 women after menopause (their median age was 65.82 ± 6.29 years). Each of them underwent bone densitometry (DXA) of the non-dominant femoral neck and total hip with a biochemical analysis of vitamin D3 serum concentration and genotyping of the above-mentioned single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs); the obtained results were analyzed in the aspect of waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI) and past medical history.

RESULTS

The genotype prevalence rates of all SNPs were compatible with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (p > 0.050). Out of the studied polymorphisms, only rs731236 genotype variants affected DXA, with AG heterozygotes showing the worst bone parameters. Neither patient age nor vitamin D3 concentration, BMI, WC or comorbidities was associated with rs731236 genotype.

CONCLUSIONS

Out of the polymorphisms studied, only rs731236 genotypes differed among the DXA results, while the AG heterozygotes were characterized by the lowest median bone mineral density.

Association between Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Receptor Alpha Gene Polymorphisms and Platelet-Rich Plasma's Efficiency in Treating Lateral Elbow Tendinopathy-A Prospective Cohort Study

Individual differences in the response to platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy can be observed among patients. The genetic background may be the cause of this variability. The current study focused on the impact of genetic variants on the effectiveness of PRP. The aim of the present study was to analyze the impact of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of the platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRA) gene on the effectiveness of treating lateral elbow tendinopathy (LET) with PRP. The treatment's efficacy was analyzed over time (2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 52 and 104 weeks after the PRP injection) on 107 patients using patient-reported outcome measures (PROM) and achievement of a minimal clinically important difference (MCID). Four SNPs of the PDGFRA gene (rs7668190, rs6554164, rs869978 and rs1316926) were genotyped using the TaqMan assay method. Patients with the AA genotypes of the rs7668190 and the rs1316926 polymorphisms, as well as carriers of the T allele of rs6554164 showed greater effectiveness of PRP therapy than carriers of other genotypes. Moreover, the studied SNPs influenced the platelets' parameters both in whole blood and in PRP. These results showed that PDGFRA gene polymorphisms affect the effectiveness of PRP treatment. Genotyping the rs6554164 and the rs1316926 SNPs may be considered for use in individualized patient selection for PRP therapy.

Genetic Variability in VEGFA Gene Influences the Effectiveness of Tennis Elbow Therapy with PRP: A Two-Year Prospective Cohort Study

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is implicated in both the etiology of tendinopathy and its healing process. Polymorphic variants of the VEGFA gene exhibit varied expression, which can influence the phenotype and treatment effectiveness. The aim of the present study was to analyze the influence of VEGFA gene variants on the effectiveness of tennis elbow therapy using platelet-rich plasma (PRP), measured through common patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). A cohort of 107 patients (132 elbows) with tennis elbow was prospectively analyzed, with a two-year follow-up (at weeks 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 52, and 104 after PRP injection). PROMs values were compared between variants of five VEGFA gene polymorphisms (rs699947 A>C, rs2010963 C>G, rs1413711 C>T, rs3024998 C>T and rs3025021 C>T) at each follow-up point. Patients with genotypes GG (rs2010963) and CC (rs3024998) had better response to PRP therapy (significantly fewer symptoms and limitations in the upper limb compared to carriers of alleles C and T, respectively). Polymorphisms influenced also selected hematological parameters. VEGFA gene polymorphisms (rs2010963 and rs3024998) appear to be significant treatment modifiers for tendinopathy, and their genotyping may serve as an effective tool for personalized patient selection for PRP therapy.

Polymorphic Variants of the PDGFRB Gene Influence Efficacy of PRP Therapy in Treating Tennis Elbow: A Prospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Differences in response to PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy may be linked to the variability of growth factors and their receptor's genes. Considering that, we checked whether the platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta gene (PDGFRB) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) affect the effectiveness of PRP therapy in treating tennis elbow patients.

METHODS

The treatment efficacy was analyzed over time (2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 52, and 104 weeks after PRP injection) on 107 patients (132 elbows) using PROMs (patient-reported outcome measures), namely VAS (Visual Analog Scale), QDASH (quick version of Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand) and PRTEE (Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation). Five polymorphisms of the PDGFRB gene (rs4324662, rs758588, rs3828610, rs3756311, and rs3756312) were genotyped.

RESULTS

The CC (rs3828610) and GG (rs3756311 and rs3756312) genotypes had a particularly strong impact on the effectiveness of the therapy, as measured by the values of PROMs, both in additive as well as dominant/recessive models. These homozygotes were also characterized by significantly higher values of MPV (mean platelet volume).

CONCLUSIONS

The PDGFRB gene SNPs affect the effectiveness of PRP therapy in treating tennis elbow patients and it may result from the differentiated metabolic activity of platelets in particular genotype variants.

What Role Does PDGFA Gene Polymorphisms Play in Treating Tennis Elbow with PRP? A Prospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

This study aims to identify genotype variants of the platelet-derived growth factor alpha polypeptide gene (PDGFA) that can influence the individual response to the treatment with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in tennis elbow patients.

METHODS

We observed a cohort of 107 patients (132 elbows) with tennis elbow who received treatment with PRP. Patients have been followed-up for two years after PRP injection and the effectiveness of the treatment was measured using universal patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs): visual analog scale (VAS), quick version of disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand score (QDASH), and patient-rated tennis elbow evaluation (PRTEE). PROMs values, and clinical and platelet parameters were compared between genotype variants of the studied polymorphisms (rs1800814, rs2070958 and rs62433334).

RESULTS

The A allele carriers (rs1800814) had significantly lower values of VAS (week 12), QDASH, and PRTEE (weeks 8, 12). The T allele carriers (rs2070958) had significantly lower values of VAS (weeks 8, 12), QDASH, and PRTEE (weeks 4-12). Additional forms of therapy (manual and physical) were necessary significantly more often in GG (rs1800814) and CC (rs2070958) homozygotes.

CONCLUSIONS

The PDGFA gene's polymorphisms influences the effectiveness of PRP therapy in tennis elbow treatment. The effectiveness of PRP is greater in A allele (rs1800814) and T allele (rs2070958) carriers.

Family-Based Cohort Association Study of PRKCB1, CBLN1 and KCNMB4 Gene Polymorphisms and Autism in Polish Population

The aim of the study was to perform family-based association analysis of PRKCB1, CBLN1 and KCNMB4 gene polymorphisms and autism disorder. We comprised 206 Caucasian children with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) and their biological parents. In transmission/disequilibrium test we observed that T-allele of the rs198198 polymorphism of the PRKCB1 gene was more often transmitted to affected children in the male subgroup (p = 0.010). Additionally, the T carrier state was significantly associated with hypotonia (p = 0.048). In the female subgroup, the T-allele carriers more often showed more mobile/vital behavior (p = 0.046). In conclusion, our study showed that the rs198198 of the PRKCB1 gene may be associated with ASD in men and with some features characteristic for the disorder.

Why PRP works only on certain patients with tennis elbow? Is PDGFB gene a key for PRP therapy effectiveness? A prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

There is variability in individual response to platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy in tennis elbow treatment. Genetic variation, especially within genes encoding growth factors may influence the observed inter-individual differences. The purpose of this study was to identify polymorphic variants of the platelet-derived growth factor beta polypeptide gene (PDGFB) that determine an improved individual response to PRP therapy in tennis elbow patients.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study was designed in accordance with STROBE and MIBO guidelines. A cohort of 107 patients (132 elbows, 25 bilateral) was studied, including 65 females (77 elbows) and 42 males (55 elbows), aged 24-64 years (median 46.00 ± 5.50), with lateral elbow tendinopathy treated with autologous PRP injection. The effectiveness of PRP therapy was recorded in all subjects at 2, 4, 8, 12, 24 and 52 weeks after PRP injection using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), quick version of Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score (QDASH) and Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE). In order to determine the PDGFB variants with the best response to PRP therapy, patient reported outcome measures were compared between individual genotypes within studied polymorphic variants (rs2285099, rs2285097, rs2247128, rs5757572, rs1800817 and rs7289325). The influence of single nucleotide polymorphisms on blood and PRP parameters, including the concentration of PDGF-AB and PDGF-BB proteins was also analyzed.

RESULTS

Our analysis identified genetic variants of the PDGFB gene that lead to a better response to PRP therapy. The TT (rs2285099) and CC (rs2285097) homozygotes had higher concentration of platelets in whole blood than carriers of other genotypes (p = 0.018) and showed significantly (p < 0.05) lower values of VAS (weeks 2-12), QDASH and PRTEE (weeks 2-24). The rs2285099 and rs2285097 variants formed strong haplotype block (r² = 98, D'=100). The AA homozygotes (rs2247128) had significantly lower values of VAS (weeks 4-52), QDASH and PRTEE (weeks 8, 12).

CONCLUSIONS

PDGFB gene's polymorphisms increase the effectiveness of PRP therapy in tennis elbow treatment. Genotyping two polymorphisms of the PDGFB gene, namely rs2285099 (or rs2285097) and rs2247128 may be a helpful diagnostic tool while assessing patients for PRP therapy and modifying the therapy to improve its effectiveness.

Association of CX3CR1 Gene Polymorphisms with Fractalkine, Fractalkine Receptor, and C-Reactive Protein Levels in Patients with Kidney Failure

Fractalkine (CX3CL1) is a chemokine that plays a significant role in inflammation, one of the pathophysiological processes underlying end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Genetic factors are significantly involved in cytokine expression and have been studied as potential risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD). Objectives: We aimed to elucidate the association of CX3CR1 gene polymorphisms rs3732378 and rs3732379 with the levels of CX3CL1, CX3CL1 receptor (CX3CR1), as well as C-reactive protein (CRP). Patients and methods: We enrolled 198 participants, including 106 patients with ESRD and 92 controls. Peripheral blood samples were collected from each patient for genetic (rs3732378 and rs3732379 polymorphisms) and immunoenzymatic (fractalkine, CX3CR1, CRP) tests. Results: CX3CR1 and CRP levels were higher in patients with ESRD than in controls (p < 0.05). Fractalkine levels were significantly higher in ESRD patients who were homozygous for the G allele of the rs3732378 polymorphism and for the C allele of the rs3732379 polymorphism than in homozygous controls. Moreover, carriers of these alleles among patients with ESRD had significantly higher CX3CR1 levels than controls. Conclusions: The G allele of the rs3732378 polymorphism and the C allele of the rs3732379 polymorphism of the CX3CR1 gene are associated with higher CX3CL1 and CX3CR1 levels. Our study suggests that CX3CR1 gene polymorphisms could be potentially involved in the pathogenesis of ESRD, but the study needs to be replicated in a larger population with a longitudinal follow-up study. Identification of genetic factors associated with inflammation in ESRD may contribute to the development of targeted gene therapies in the future.

Association of single nucleotide polymorphism (rs741301) of the ELMO1 gene with diabetic kidney disease in Polish patients with type 2 diabetes: a pilot study

INTRODUCTION

Multifactorial pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) consists of a combination of metabolic, environmental, and genetic factors. A genome-wide association study has shown that ELMO1 is a candidate gene for DKD occurrence and progression. The aim of this study was to assess the association of a single nucleotide polymorphism (rs741301) of the ELMO1 gene with DKD in Polish patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This was a case/control study of 272 T2DM patients with or without DKD. Patients were divided into groups depending on DKD definition according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the National Kidney Foundation (NKF). The association of the rs741301 polymorphism with DKD was assessed in the whole study group as well as in the subgroups stratified according to the presence of DKD.

RESULTS

There was no association between rs741301 polymorphisms and the presence of DKD in relation to the ADA definition (p = 0.6) or the NKF definition (p = 0.5) of DKD and with estimated glomelural filtration rate (eGFR) value reflecting the stage of the chronic kidney disease (p = 0.8).

CONCLUSIONS

Even though the results of this study are negative, there is still a great need for larger studies assessing the genetic susceptibility to DKD to identify patients who are particularly prone to this complication.

Relationship between CETP gene polymorphisms with coronary artery disease in Polish population

The cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) gene encodes a hydrophobic glycoprotein that plays a crucial role in the reverse transport of cholesterol. The aim of the present study was to determine whether CETP polymorphisms (rs1532624, rs247616 and rs708272) are associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) in a Polish population. Serum lipid levels and single nucleotide polymorphisms of CETP genes were determined in 494 subjects: 248 patients with premature CAD and 246 blood donors as controls. Selected polymorphisms were examined using TaqMan PCR analysis. We found that CAD risk was significantly higher for CC homozygotes and C allele carriers of the rs247616 polymorphism than for carriers with the T allele (OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.29–2.76, p = 0.001 and OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.14–1.99, p = 0.003) and likewise for the CC genotype of the rs1532624 polymorphism than for those with the A allele (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.05–2.40, p = 0.026). Moreover, T allele carriers of the rs708272 polymorphism had significantly higher total cholesterol levels compared to CC homozygotes (p < 0.05) in the healthy controls. We also observed an allelic pattern, C_(rs2477616)C_(rs708272)C_(rs1532624), which increased susceptibility to CAD by 43% (OR = 1.43, 95% CI 1.10–1.85, p = 0.006). In conclusion, the rs247616 and rs1532624 polymorphisms of CETP may modulate the risk of CAD in Polish population.

Vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms and prostate cancer

Prostate cancer (PC) is the most common cancer among men worldwide and its pathogenesis is complex. The development of PC depends on family and environmental factors. Vitamin D can be associated with both of these factors. Its reduced serum concentration has been reported in a number of tumors. However, in the case of PC, the study results are conflicting. Polymorphism of VDR gene may also be involved in the development of this cancer. The aim of the study was to compare the frequency of selected polymorphisms in patients with PC and in men without this disease. Seventy-two Caucasian males aged 35-75 years with histologically proven PC (T1/T2) were enrolled in the study group. Seventy-two random age-matched Caucasian out-patient subjects formed the control group. VDR (FokI, BsmI and TaqI) gene polymorphism (rs2228570, rs1544410, rs731236) was determined by TaqMan® SNP Genotyping. The Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium (HWE) - p> 0.05 was in all studied polymorphisms. Deviations from the HWE were not found. There were no differences between the study group and the control group. No difference was found when the groups were compared in terms of age or the Gleason score.

Upstream Stimulating Factor 1 (USF-1) Gene Polymorphisms and the Risk, Symptoms, and Outcome of Pediatric Ischemic Stroke

BACKGROUND

Pediatric ischemic stroke is an important cause of morbidity and mortality. As previous studies of children after stroke showed, dyslipidemias were very common in Polish and other European populations. Thus, looking for genetic factors predisposing to pediatric stroke, its symptoms, and outcome, we have analyzed 2 polymorphisms of the upstream stimulating factor 1 (USF-1) gene.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study group consisted of 82 children with stroke, 156 parents, and 146 controls. We used 2 alternative methods: the case-control model and the analysis of families using the transmission disequilibrium test. The 2 polymorphisms, rs2516839 and rs3737787, were genotyped using the TaqMan Pre-Designed SNP Genotyping Assay. The Statistica 10.0 software was used in all statistical analyses.

RESULTS

We did not observe any statistical differences in genotype and allele frequencies between patients and controls. There were also no significant differences in the transmission of alleles from the parents to the affected children. However, we have observed that the TT genotype of the rs2516839 polymorphism was more common in patients with epilepsy and dysarthria, whereas the TT genotype of the rs3737787 polymorphism was more frequent in the group of patients with a decrease in intellectual functioning.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study did not show any associations between the 2 analyzed polymorphisms of the USF-1 gene and pediatric ischemic stroke. However, we have observed an influence of specific genotypes on the outcome of stroke, including epilepsy, dysarthria, and a decrease in intellectual functioning.

Association of rs 3807337 polymorphism of CALD1 gene with diabetic nephropathy occurrence in type 1 diabetes - preliminary results of a family-based study

INTRODUCTION

The worldwide growing burden of diabetes and end-stage renal disease due to diabetic nephropathy has become the reason for research looking for a single marker of chronic kidney disease development and progression that can be found in the early stages of the disease, when preventive action delaying the destructive process could be performed. The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of rs3807337 polymorphism of the caldesmon 1 (CALD1) gene located on the long arm of chromosome 7 encoding for protein that is connected with physiological kidney function on development of diabetic nephropathy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

There was an association study of rs3807337 polymorphism of the CALD1 gene in parent-offspring trios by PCRRFLP method. Ninety-nine subjects: 33 patients with diabetic nephropathy due to type 1 diabetes and 66 of their biological parents, were examined. The mode of alleles transmission from heterozygous parents to affected offspring was determined using the transmission disequilibrium test.

RESULTS

The allele G of rs3807337 polymorphism of the CALD1 gene was transmitted to affected offspring significantly more often than expected for no association.

CONCLUSIONS

The obtained results suggest that the genetic variability of the CALD1 gene may influence the development of diabetic nephropathy in type 1 diabetes, but further studies involving larger studied groups of patients are needed. (Endokrynol Pol 2017; 68 (1): 13-17).

Association of rs1800471 polymorphism of TGFB1 gene with chronic kidney disease occurrence and progression and hypertension appearance

INTRODUCTION

Transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) is a cytokine involved in the process of pathological tissue sclerosis, which is part of the pathophysiological mechanism of end stage renal disease development. The aim of the study was to evaluate the association of the single nucleotide polymorphism rs1800471 of the TGFB1 gene with chronic kidney disease (CKD) occurrence and progression as well as hypertension appearance.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

It was a case-control study where 109 patients with CKD and 111 very old people were enrolled. The association of the studied polymorphism with mentioned diseases was assessed in the whole study group as well as in the subgroups stratified according to the underlying etiology of CKD: nephropathy in type 1 diabetes (n = 13), chronic glomerulonephritis (n = 50) and chronic interstitial nephritis (n = 46).

RESULTS

No association of CKD progression with rs1800471 polymorphism was observed. The C allele was identified as the one associated with higher risk of the disease occurrence in the dominant model of inheritance (p = 0.035). The C allele in women, opposite to male gender, was associated with higher risk of CKD development (p = 0.038). GG genotype was associated with elevated risk of hypertension appearance (p = 0,0021).

CONCLUSIONS

Due to the lack of accordance with previously performed studies it is still impossible to state an unequivocal conclusion regarding the association between rs1800471 polymorphism of the TGFB1 gene and risk of CKD occurrence and progression as well as hypertension appearance. That is why it is necessary to perform further studies in this field.