Applicability of Diagnostic Criteria and High Prevalence of Familial Dysbetalipoproteinemia in Russia: A Pilot Study

Familial dysbetalipoproteinemia (FD) is a highly atherogenic genetically based lipid disorder with an underestimated actual prevalence. In recent years, several biochemical algorithms have been developed to diagnose FD using available laboratory tests. The practical applicability of FD diagnostic criteria and the prevalence of FD in Russia have not been previously assessed. We demonstrated that the diagnostic algorithms of FD, including the diagnostic apoB levels, require correction, taking into account the distribution of apoB levels in the population. At the same time, a triglycerides cutoff ≥ 1.5 mmol/L may be a useful tool in identifying subjects with FD. In this study, a high prevalence of FD was detected: 0.67% (one in 150) based on the ε2ε2 haplotype and triglycerides levels ≥ 1.5 mmol/L. We also analyzed the presence and pathogenicity of APOE variants associated with autosomal dominant FD in a large research sample.

[Actual nutrition in adults with familial hypercholesterolemia]

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a highly atherogenic, genetically based lipid disorder. For patients with FH, dietary modification is the cornerstone of complex lipidlowering therapy. The aim of the research was to assess the actual nutrition in adults with familial hypercholesterolemia. Material and methods. The study included 100 patients over 18 years old (including 46% men) with "probable" or "definite" FH according to the Dutch Lipid Clinic Network or Simon Broome criteria from the GENMOTIV-FH study (ClinicalTrials: NCT04656028) in 2019-2021. Actual nutrition was assessed using the 24-hour dietary recall method. The frequency of the main meal groups' consumption and food-related behavior were assessed using a questionnaire method. The data are presented as the median [Q25; Q75]. Results. The study showed the excess consumption of protein (19.3 [16.7; 24.0] in men and 18.6% [13.6; 24.3] in women, p=0.592), total fat (35.1 [29.4; 41.0] in men vs 39.2% [33.2; 47.5] in women, p=0.018), including saturated fatty acids (9.6 [4.7; 13.0] vs 10.4% [7.5; 14.2], respectively, p=0.151), and cholesterol (265.8 [188.8; 521.9] mg/day in men vs 282.1 [147.2; 542.8] mg/day in women, p=0.936). Consumption of total carbohydrates (44.3 [37.2; 50.0] vs 39.6% [30.1; 48.8], respectively, p=0.100) and fiber (10.7 [7.3; 13.3] g/day in men vs 11.5 [7.9; 13.9] g/day in women, p=0.372) was insufficient. Only 47.9% of patients consumed vegetables daily, 39.1% - fruits and berries. The majority (64.5%) of patients with FH preferred high-fat cheese (>=25%). Cottage cheese of >=5% fat content preferred 52.7% of patients. The daily poultry consumption was more than red meat (19.3 vs 4.3% respectively, p=0.003). Regularly included fish in their meal 53.8% of patients. Conclusion. The actual nutrition in adults with FH does not match international guidelines. The results highlight the importance of dietary interventions for patients with FH.

Genetic landscape in Russian patients with familial left ventricular noncompaction

Background

Left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) cardiomyopathy is a disorder that can be complicated by heart failure, arrhythmias, thromboembolism, and sudden cardiac death. The aim of this study is to clarify the genetic landscape of LVNC in a large cohort of well-phenotyped Russian patients with LVNC, including 48 families (n=214).

Methods

All index patients underwent clinical examination and genetic analysis, as well as family members who agreed to participate in the clinical study and/or in the genetic testing. The genetic testing included next generation sequencing and genetic classification according to ACMG guidelines.

Results

A total of 55 alleles of 54 pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants in 24 genes were identified, with the largest number in the MYH7 and TTN genes. A significant proportion of variants -8 of 54 (14.8%) -have not been described earlier in other populations and may be specific to LVNC patients in Russia. In LVNC patients, the presence of each subsequent variant is associated with increased odds of having more severe LVNC subtypes than isolated LVNC with preserved ejection fraction. The corresponding odds ratio is 2.77 (1.37 -7.37; p <0.001) per variant after adjustment for sex, age, and family.

Conclusion

Overall, the genetic analysis of LVNC patients, accompanied by cardiomyopathy-related family history analysis, resulted in a high diagnostic yield of 89.6%. These results suggest that genetic screening should be applied to the diagnosis and prognosis of LVNC patients.

Phenotypic vs. genetic cascade screening for familial hypercholesterolemia: A case report

One of the most common autosomal dominant disorders is familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), causing premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases and a high risk of death due to lifelong exposure to elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. FH has a proven arsenal of treatments and the opportunity for genetic diagnosis. Despite this, FH remains largely underdiagnosed worldwide. Cascade screening is a cost-effective method for the identification of new patients with FH and the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. It is usually based only on clinical data. We describe a 48-year-old index patient with a very high LDL-C level without controlled guidelines-based medication, premature atherosclerosis, and a rare variant in the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) gene. Phenotypic cascade screening identified three additional FH relatives, namely the proband's daughter, and two young grandsons. The genetic screening made it possible to rule out FH in the proband's younger grandson. This clinical case demonstrates that genetic cascade screening is the most effective way of identifying new FH cases. We also first described in detail the phenotype of patients with a likely pathogenic variant LDLR-p.K223_D227dup.

Identification of Pathogenic Variant Burden and Selection of Optimal Diagnostic Method Is a Way to Improve Carrier Screening for Autosomal Recessive Diseases

Cystic fibrosis, phenylketonuria, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, and sensorineural hearing loss are among the most common autosomal recessive diseases, which require carrier screening. The evaluation of population allele frequencies (AF) of pathogenic variants in genes associated with these conditions and the choice of the best genotyping method are the necessary steps toward development and practical implementation of carrier-screening programs. We performed custom panel genotyping of 3821 unrelated participants from two Russian population representative samples and three patient groups using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and next generation sequencing (NGS). The custom panel included 115 known pathogenic variants in the CFTR, PAH, SERPINA1, and GJB2 genes. Overall, 38 variants were detected. The comparison of genotyping platforms revealed the following advantages of real-time PCR: relatively low cost, simple genotyping data analysis, and easier detection of large indels, while NGS showed better accuracy of variants identification and capability for detection of additional pathogenic variants in adjacent regions. A total of 23 variants had significant differences in estimated AF comparing with non-Finnish Europeans from gnomAD. This study provides new AF data for variants associated with the studied disorders and the comparison of genotyping methods for carrier screening.

Case Report: Next Generation Sequencing in Clinical Practice–A Real Tool for Ending the Protracted Diagnostic Odyssey

We reported a case of sitosterolemia, which is a rare genetic disease, characterized by increased plant sterol absorption and great heterogeneity of clinical manifestations. Our patient was initially referred to the lipid clinic due to high cholesterol levels and premature cardiovascular disease. Diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolemia was established in accordance with the Dutch Lipid Clinic Network criteria. Next-generation sequencing was later performed, which revealed a nonsense mutation in the ABCG8 gene, which led to the diagnosis of sitosterolemia. The aim of our report is to demonstrate, how genetic testing helped to make the correct diagnosis and to explain many of the patient's health problems, which etiology remained unclear for many years.

Targeted Sequencing of 242 Clinically Important Genes in the Russian Population From the Ivanovo Region

We performed a targeted sequencing of 242 clinically important genes mostly associated with cardiovascular diseases in a representative population sample of 1,658 individuals from the Ivanovo region northeast of Moscow. Approximately 11% of 11,876 detected variants were not found in the Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Database (dbSNP) or reported earlier in the Russian population. Most novel variants were singletons and doubletons in our sample, and virtually no novel alleles presumably specific for the Russian population were able to reach the frequencies above 0.1-0.2%. The overwhelming majority (99.3%) of variants detected in this study in three or more copies were shared with other populations. We found two dominant and seven recessive known pathogenic variants with allele frequencies significantly increased compared to those in the gnomAD non-Finnish Europeans. Of the 242 targeted genes, 28 were in the list of 59 genes for which the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) recommended the reporting of incidental findings. Based on the number of variants detected in the sequenced subset of ACMG59 genes, we approximated the prevalence of known pathogenic and novel or rare protein-truncating variants in the complete set of ACMG59 genes in the Ivanovo population at 1.4 and 2.8%, respectively. We analyzed the available clinical data and observed the incomplete penetrance of known pathogenic variants in the 28 ACMG59 genes: only 1 individual out of 12 with such variants had the phenotype most likely related to the variant. When known pathogenic and novel or rare protein-truncating variants were considered together, the overall rate of confirmed phenotypes was about 19%, with maximum in the subset of novel protein-truncating variants. We report three novel protein truncating variants in APOB and one in MYH7 observed in individuals with hypobetalipoproteinemia and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, respectively. Our results provide a valuable reference for the clinical interpretation of gene sequencing in Russian and other populations.

The Prevalence of Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia in Selected Regions of the Russian Federation: The FH-ESSE-RF Study

Heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) is one of the most common genetic conditions but remains substantially underdiagnosed. The aim of our study was to investigate the prevalence of HeFH in the population of 11 different regions of Russia. Individuals were selected from the Epidemiology of Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Diseases in Regions of the Russian Federation Study. All participants who had low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) higher than 4.9 mmol/L, or LDL-C lower than 4.9 mmol/L, but had statin therapy, were additionally examined by FH experts. FH was diagnosed using the Dutch Lipid Clinic Network criteria, incorporating genetic testing. HeFH prevalence was assessed for 18,142 participants. The prevalence of patients with definite or probable HeFH combined was 0.58% (1 in 173). A total of 16.1% of patients with definite or probable HeFH had tendon xanthomas; 36.2% had mutations in one of the three genes; 45.6% of FH patients had coronary artery disease; 63% of HeFH patients received statins; one patient received an additional PCSK9 inhibitor; no patients received ezetimibe. Only 3% of patients reached the LDL-C goal based on 2019 ESC/EAS guidelines. Underdiagnosis and undertreatment of FH in Russia underline the need for the intensification of FH detection with early and aggressive cholesterol-lowering treatment.

ISO 20387 biobanking standard. Analysis of requirements and experience of implementation

Currently one of the most important problems facing biobanking specialists is the standardization of biobanks operation. Close attention is paid to this issue by international biobanking organizations, such as ISBER and BBMRI-ERIC, which develop regulatory documentation in this area. The article provides examples of standardization tools - implementation of the ISO 9001 quality standard and ISBER Best Practices. General information about the development, scope, and structure of the ISO 20387 standard is provided. The standard does not provide ready-made solutions and does not contain specific requirements for storage temperature or biosamples processing in biobanks, allowing each biobank to adapt its own management system to existing conditions and needs. The standard contains requirements for both the organization of the biobanking and the supporting processes - personnel competence; requirements for biological safety; infrastructure management, including equipment used by the biobank, environmental parameters that affect the storage of biomaterial. The standard contains requirements for the quality management system of biobank, as a necessary element of the organization of any biorepository. At the initiative of the Russian National Association of biobanks and biobanking specialists (NASBIO), development of the Russian standard GOST R ISO 20387 «Biotechnology. Collection and storage of biological samples in biobanks. General requirements» is included in the plan of the National Standardization Program for 2020 by order of Rosstandart No. 2612 of 11/01/2019. Implementing quality standards is a long and painstaking process that requires the involvement of all employees and certain resources. However, the effectiveness of strict compliance exceeds the cost of developing, implementing and maintaining management systems, as it significantly increases the confidence of researchers in the work of biobanks, guarantees high quality of biospecimens and associated data, and creates opportunities for cooperation, both at the national and international level, based on the application of common quality standards in the work.

Case Report: Hypertriglyceridemia and Premature Atherosclerosis in a Patient With Apolipoprotein E Gene ε2ε1 Genotype

We present a case of a 40-year-old male with premature atherosclerosis, with evidence of both eruptive and tendinous xanthomas, which could imply an increase in both low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglyceride (TG) levels. However, his LDL was 2.08 mmol/l, TG -11.8 mmol/l on rosuvastatin 20 mg. Genetic evaluation was performed using a custom panel consisting of 25 genes and 280 variants responsible for lipid metabolism. A rare ε2ε1 genotype of apolipoprotein E was detected. The combination of clinical manifestations and genetic factors in this patient leads to the diagnosis of familial dysbetalipoproteinemia. Implementation of genetic testing into routine clinical practice could not only improve disease diagnostics and management, but also help prevent their development.

National Association of Biobanks and Biobanking Specialists: New Community for Promoting Biobanking Ideas and Projects in Russia

The research biobanking field is developing rapidly in Russia. Over the course of the last decade, numerous biobanks were created or formed from existing collections of human and environmental biospecimens. The Russian National Association of Biobanks and Biobanking Specialists (NASBIO) was established in December 2018, aiming to: (1) unite professionals and research centers to create and develop a network of biobanks in Russia; (2) provide services and expertise in the field of biobanking; (3) execute various research projects utilizing biobanks' infrastructure; and (4) facilitate integration of Russian biomedical research centers into global research activities. The organizational structure, aims, and plans of this newly formed national association are reviewed in this article. The founders of NASBIO hope that the association will promote further development of biobanks and their networking in Russia, which is critically important for the success of national biomedical, pharmaceutical, and biotechnological research, and can facilitate international biobanking projects on a global scale.

A Data-Driven Approach to Carrier Screening for Common Recessive Diseases

Genetic screening is an advanced tool for reducing recessive disease burden. Nowadays, it is still unclear as to the number of genes or their variants that are necessary for effective screening. This paper describes the development of a carrier screening custom panel for cystic fibrosis, phenylketonuria, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, and sensorineural hearing loss consisting of 116 variants in the CFTR, PAH, SERPINA1, and GJB2 genes. The approach is based on the cheapest and fastest method, on using a small number of genes, and on the estimation of the effectiveness of carriers' detection. The custom panel was tested on a population-based cohort that included 1244 participants. Genotypes were determined by the TaqMan OpenArray Genotyping platform on the QuantStudio 12K Flex Real-Time PCR System. The frequency of heterozygotes in the Russian population was 16.87% or 1:6 (CI95%: 14.76-19.00% by Clopper-Pearson exact method): in CFTR-2.81% (1:36), PAH-2.33% (1:43), SERPINA1-4.90% (1:20), and GJB2-6.83% (1:15). The data on allele frequencies were obtained for the first time on a Russian population. The panel allows us to identify the vast majority of carriers of recessive diseases in the population. It is an effective approach to carrier screening for common recessive diseases.

Actual approaches to the transportation of biological samples at low temperatures

Taking into account the impact of shipment method of biosamples is necessary for obtaining high-quality biological samples in biobanking and laboratory research. The impact of liquid nitrogen, dry ice and cold accumulators on the quality of biological markers was considered, as well as recommendations to reduce the impact of these methods of shipment. The liquid nitrogen provides the best preservation of samples, however, dry ice is used much more often during their transportation. When transporting certain types of cells using dry ice, there is the way to use CryoStor CS1 and Cell Banker 1 cryoprotectors. The dry ice has a significant effect on both the pH of liquid biological samples and the coagulological parameters of plasma samples. The penetration of CO2 into the sample leads to changes in the parameters of PTT and APPT, as well as to decrease the protein C and fibrinogen level under certain conditions. Serum and plasma samples exposed to dry ice for more than 16 hours should be thawed open at room temperature, or instead of it should be kept at -80 °C for 24 hours to avoid changes in coagulation parameters, The use of cold accumulators is unacceptable for long-term shipment of serum and plasma containing unstable biomarkers because of insufficiently low temperature (increase over time to -25 °C and above). Besides, metal pellets can be used as cold storage batteries at low temperatures (up to -80 ° C), but they are not as effective as dry ice, since it is able to hold the required temperature for much longer.

Binding of pyridoxal, pyridoxal 5'-phosphate and derived hydrazones to bovine serum albumin in aqueous solution

In the present paper, the kinetics of a reaction between bovine serum albumin (BSA) and pyridoxal, pyridoxal 5'-phosphate was studied, apparent rate constant of product formation and dissociation as well as binding constants were determined. Pyridoxal 5'-phosphate hydrazones of isonicotinic, picolinic, 2-furoic, thiophene-2-carboxylic, pyrazinoic acids binding to BSA was studied by spectrofluorimetry, stability constants of the associates were calculated from experimental data using maximal likelihood approach. The changes in the secondary structure of BSA induced by hydrazones addition were studied by IR spectroscopy. New freely available software for curve fitting was developed as a part of the software kit designed for the solution chemistry and used for a specific problem of this study, IR spectra processing.

[Current best practices and biobanking recomedations.]

The biobank is a structure established with the goal of long-term responsible storage of biological samples and the associated data for their further use in scientific and clinical research. The objectives of biobanking are the creation of unified recommendations on: the planning of premises and the selection of equipment for storage; development of management methods and staff training; standardization of methods for the collection, shipping, processing and storage of biomaterial of various origins, as well as methods for quality control and validation of the applied methods; creation and use of databases of information accompanying biospecimens. The lack of common standards for conducting the preanalytical phase has been the cause of low accuracy and poor reproducibility of research results. To date, a large number of guidelines and best practices have been published that provide an answer to a wide range of problems in organizing the biobanking process. The article provides an overview of the most famous biobanking guidelines that can be used to solve various research problems. Biobanking in Russia is actively developing. Since 1996 there is a work on the legislative regulation of biobanking activities, as a result of which a number of regulatory documents have been issued. An important stage in the development of biobanking in Russia was the establishment of the "National Association of Biobanks and Biobanking Specialists" (NASBio) in 2018, which included representatives of medical and research institutions, commercial firms, and qualified specialists in the field of biobanking. One of the key tasks of NASBio is the adaptation and implementation of the best biobanking practices in Russian research institutes and centers. The use of modern guidelines and best practices on biobanking will lead to an increase in the quality of research and publications.

P3351The new organizational scheme for research on rare and interesting clinical cases in cardiology

Introduction

There is a challenge to study rare and unusual diseases in cardiology. Patients with such cases often concentrate in large scientific medical centers, where implementation of new organizational research approaches may be useful to overcome this challenge.

Purpose

To develop and approbate new organizational scheme to study of rare and interesting clinical cases in cardiology.

Methods

The new organizational scheme for research on rare and interesting clinical cases in cardiology is based on three main interconnected teams: clinical cardiologists, scientific researchers, and biobanking specialists. In 2016 the joint team of experts in these areas developed: 1) criteria for selection of patients with rare and interesting clinical cases, 2) requirements for collection of biomaterial and data, 3) ethical rules, 4) logistics of all processes, 5) organization of teamwork of all participants from different departments, 6) promotion of the project and involvement of all clinicians of the medical scientific center.

Results

The teamwork of cardiologists, scientific researchers and biobanking specialists was organized. Cardiologists are responsible for selection of patients; scientific researchers - for formation and analysis of database; biobanking specialists - for standardization of biospecimens' collection, preparation and safe responsible storage, partly - for database formation. Special training for all participants of the project was conducted. It included issues of selection of patients; the procedure of informed consent signing and information encoding; logistics of interaction of clinical, scientific, and biobank's personnel; proper documentation etc. As a result since the start of the project from June 2016 to January 2019, biomaterial and depersonalized data were collected from 753 patients, including: early (<45 y.o. in men, <50 y.o. in women) development of coronary artery disease – 167, early (<50 y.o.) development of atrial fibrillation – 197, morbid obesity (BMI>40 kg/m2) - 71, primary electric heart diseases - 42, cardiomyopathies - 272, other rare diseases – 96 patients. The project is currently ongoing. This approach allows collecting and preserving valuable biomaterial and data for research in present and future. To date these materials have been already used for several research initiatives such as investigation of hypertrophic and non-compact cardiomyopathies, familial hypercholesterolemia; identification of novel genetic markers of type 2 diabetes and obesity; reports and publications about rare clinical cases.

Conclusion

The integrated teamwork of clinical cardiologists, scientific researchers and biobanking specialists in large scientific medical center gives qualitatively new opportunities: increase of the dynamicity, efficiency, standardization, and as a result, quality of present and future research on rare and interesting clinical cases in cardiology.

Levels of nitric oxide metabolites, adiponectin and endothelin are associated with SNPs of the adiponectin and endothelin genes

Adiponectin, endothelin and nitric oxide (NO) are major regulators of vascular function. An imbalance of vasoactive factors contributes to the onset and progression of atherosclerosis. Various single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are considered to be risk factors for coronary heart disease. However, the molecular mechanisms of their associations with the components of endothelial dysfunction are poorly understood. In the present study, rs17366743, rs17300539, rs266729, rs182052 and rs2241766 SNPs of the adiponectin (ADIPOQ) gene and rs2070699, rs1800542 and rs1800543 SNPs of the endothelin-1 (EDN1) gene were genotyped in 477 patients with coronary heart disease who were subjected to coronary angiography, in order to determine the presence or absence of coronary atherosclerosis. The serum levels of adiponectin, endothelin and stable metabolites of NO, (nitrate and nitrite NOx), were assayed and their associations with the SNP genotypes and coronary lesions were calculated. The results indicated that rs17366743 of the ADIPOQ gene and rs2070699 and rs1800543 of the EDN1 gene were associated with the levels of NOx in women, which in turn was associated with cardiovascular mortality. In men, rs182052 and rs266729 of the ADIPOQ gene were associated with adiponectin levels, whereas rs17366743 of the ADIPOQ gene was associated with endothelin levels. Additionally, these SNPs were indirectly associated with the prevalence of coronary lesions in men. Therefore, the tested SNPs can be considered potential risk factors that lead to imbalance of vasoactive mediators in a gender-specific manner and contribute to the development of clinical manifestations of atherosclerosis.

Noncompaction cardiomyopathy is caused by a novel in-frame desmin (DES) deletion mutation within the 1A coiled-coil rod segment leading to a severe filament assembly defect

Mutations in DES, encoding desmin protein, are associated with different kinds of skeletal and/or cardiac myopathies. However, it is unknown, whether DES mutations are associated with left ventricular hypertrabeculation (LVHT). Here, we performed a clinical examination and subsequent genetic analysis in a family, with two individuals presenting LVHT with conduction disease and skeletal myopathy. The genetic analysis revealed a novel small in-frame deletion within the DES gene, p.Q113_L115del, affecting the α-helical rod domain. Immunohistochemistry analysis of explanted myocardial tissue from the index patient revealed an abnormal cytoplasmic accumulation of desmin and a degraded sarcomeric structure. Cell transfection experiments with wild-type and mutant desmin verified the cytoplasmic aggregation and accumulation of mutant desmin. Cotransfection experiments were performed to model the heterozygous state of the patients and revealed a dominant negative effect of the mutant desmin on filament assembly. DES:p.Q113_L115del is classified as a pathogenic mutation associated with dilated cardiomyopathy with prominent LVHT.

KEV: A free software for calculating the equilibrium composition and determining the equilibrium constants using UV-Vis and potentiometric data

Present paper reports on an algorithm for calculating the equilibrium composition of several compounds mixture if their total (equilibrium) concentrations and the equilibrium constants of reactions between them are known. The algorithm for determining the unknown equilibrium constants from UV-Vis or potentiometric experimental data using minimizing function (maximal likelihood method) is described. The recommendations on the evaluating of equilibrium constants from experimental results are given. The algorithms described are realized as free-of-charge distributed software/scripts bundle/source code.

[Quality management in biobank. World tendencies and experience of biobank of FSI «NMRC for preventive medicine» of the Ministry of healthcare of Russia.]

This paper provides several definitions of the term "biobank"; a list of standards developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) applicable to the activities of biobanks; analyzes the legal and ethical requirements; the Russian legal framework in the field of biobanking, the best international practices and recommendations; describes the experience of the development and implementation of quality management systems according to ISO 9001 in Biobanks established in different countries, and the experience of the Bank of Biological Material of the National Medical Research Center for Preventive Medicine of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russia. The ISO 20387 Biobanking Standard, released in August 2018, combined the knowledge and experience of specialists from around the world and defined the general requirements that must be fulfilled by biobanks and repositories wishing to guarantee their customers the high quality of the preanalytical stage of scientific research, biological samples and associated data. In 2019, the Russian version of this standard is expected. Documents of the quality management system provide the reproducibility of activities on the main storage processes and facilitates the process of incorporating a new employee; conducting internal and external audits; Biobank knowledge management - continuous staff education. The introduction of an effective quality management system into biobank activity warrants the high quality of biological samples, the standardized pre-analytical stage, reliable, regulated long-term storage of biomaterial and related information for use in research purposes today and in future.

The prevalence of familial hypercholesterolemia in the West Siberian region of the Russian Federation: A substudy of the ESSE-RF

Background

The prevalence of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) in Russia has not previously been evaluated. The aim of our study was to investigate the prevalence of FH in the population of the West Siberian region of Russia, and then estimate the frequency of coronary artery disease (CAD) and treatment with cholesterol-lowering medication in FH patients.

Methods

The sample of our study consisted of participants from the population-based cohort of The Epidemiology of Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Diseases in Regions of the Russian Federation Study (ESSE-RF), conducted in the Tyumen and Kemerovo regions (1,630 and 1,622 people, respectively, aged 25–64). All participants who had LDL-cholesterol higher than 4.9 mmol/l and who had LDL-cholesterol less than or equal to 4.9 mmol/l but had statin therapy were examined and interviewed by experts in FH.

Results

The prevalence of patients with definite FH was 0.24% (one in 407) (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.06%–0.42%), with probable FH was 0.68% (one in 148) (95% CI: 0.38%–0.98%), and with definite or probable FH combined was 0.92% (one in 108) (95% CI: 0.58%–1.26%). 40% (95% CI: 20.8%–59.2%) of patients with definite or probable FH had CAD. However, only 23% (95% CI: 6.3%–39.7%) of patients with definite or probable FH were on statins. The odds ratios for CAD and myocardial infarction (MI), adjusted for age, gender, region, smoking, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus, were 3.71 (95% CI: 1.58–8.72) (p = 0.003) and 4.06 (95% CI: 0.89–18.55) (р = 0.070) respectively for individuals with definite or probable FH relative to those who were unlikely to have FH.

Conclusions

The prevalence of FH in Russia may be significantly higher than previously estimated. There is underdiagnosis and undertreatment of FH in Russia.

Association between polymorphisms of eNOS and GPx-1 genes, activity of free-radical processes and in-stent restenosis

Our aim was to examine correlations between polymorphisms in five antioxidant enzymes genes, activity of free-radical processes, and the risk of restenosis after coronary artery stenting with bare metal stents (BMS). A total of 101 male patients who underwent intracoronary stenting using BMS and coronary angiography follow-up of 6 months were enrolled in: group with in-stent restenosis (n = 44) and without restenosis (n = 57). The content of lipoperoxides and malondialdehyde (MDA) in Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in erythrocytes, and genotypes polymorphisms of the CAT gene (-262C/T), paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) gene (163T/A and 575A/G), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene (298G/T (rs#1799983) and -786T/C), GPx-1 gene (599C/T (rs#1050450)), and glutathione-S-transferase (GSTP) gene (313A/G) were determined. In carriers of the minor allele of 599C/T polymorphism of the GPx-1 gene, activity of GPx in erythrocytes was lower by 17 % than in wild allele homozygotes, while the content of lipoperoxides in LDL was higher by 74 %. T-allele of 599C/T polymorphism of the GPx-1 gene (OR = 2.9; 95 % CI: 1.23-6.82) and T-allele of 298G/T polymorphism of the eNOS gene (OR = 2.79; 95 % CI: 1.17-6.66) were associated with the risk of in-stent restenosis. Minor alleles of polymorphisms 298G/T of the eNOS gene and 599C/T of the GPx-1 gene are associated with an increased risk of in-stent restenosis. Minor allele of the GPx-1 gene 599C/T polymorphism leads to a decrease of the GPx activity and increase of the activity of free-radical processes.

Ultrasound markers that describe plaques are more sensitive than mean intima-media thickness in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia

A widely adopted ultrasound surrogate marker for predicting cardiovascular risk is mean intima-medial thickness (mean-IMT). There are, however, certain limitations to this methodology. We compared the severity of carotid atherosclerosis in adult patients with high cardiovascular risk (patients with familial hypercholesterolemia [FH] and without previous statin treatment) and in their adult FH-free first-degree relatives using not only mean-IMT, but also maximum-IMT, plaque number, plaque score and percent area stenosis. Mean-IMT has not differed in both groups (0.64 ± 0.18 mm vs. 0.58 ± 0.13 mm in the control group, p = 0.349). Maximum-IMT (0.99 ± 0.35 vs. 0.76 ± 0.19, p = 0.0057), plaque number (3 ± 3 vs. 1 ± 2, p = 0.0009), plaque score (5.14 ± 4.97 mm vs. 1.58 ± 3.09 mm, p = 0.0009) and percent area stenosis (38% ± 22% vs. 12% ± 20%, p = 0.0004) were significantly higher for FH patients than for their relatives. We have demonstrated that plaque number, plaque score and percent area stenosis markers were more sensitive than mean-IMT for cardiovascular risk estimation in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia.

[Disorders of lipid metabolism in patients with cholelithiasis and gallbladder cholesterosis depending on apolipoprotein E genotype]

The work was aimed to study blood lipid spectrum in 133 patients with cholelithiasis (CL) and 159 with gallbladder cholesterosis (GC) as well as apoE genotypes (based on restriction fragment polymorphism) in 49 and 36 respectively. Lipid composition was shown to significantly differ in the two conditions. LDL cholesterol was increased in GC and TG in CL. A rise in LDL cholesterol in both groups was apparent before the age of 30 yr (34.6 +/- 8.4 and 52.6 +/- 12.9% respectively), that in TG and VLDL after 40 yr. E3/3 genotype (norm) was identified in 75.5 +/- 6.2% of the patients with CL and in 83.4 +/- 6.2% in those with GC (p < 0.05). e4 allele (mutation) equally frequently occurred in 10.2 +/- 4.3 and 8.1 +/- 4.5% of patients with CL and GC (p > 0.5), e2 allele in 14.5 +/- 5.0 and 8.1 +/- 4.5% (p < 0.05). These data suggest that patients of both groups equally frequently suffered disturbances in metabolism of saturated (e2 allele) and polyunsaturated (e4 allele) fatty acids predisposing for hypercholesterolemia and hyperlipidemia. They explain why CL is frequently associated with cholesterosis and GC with the formation of caliculi. However, the absence of significant correlation between CL, GC and alleles e2, e4 suggests participation of other factors in pathogenesis of these diseases (LP(a), LDL heterogeneity).

[Effect of polymorphisms of cytochrome P450 and apolipoprotein E genes on therapeutic efficacy of statins]

Statins are widely used in clinical practice for lowering of levels of atherogenic blood plasma lipids and treatment of atherosclerosis. Variability of response of the body to these drugs might be determined by genetic factors (gene polymorphisms) related to metabolism of drugs. Among them central place belongs to enzymes of subfamily 3A of cytochrome P450 (CYP). In this review we present results of studies assessing effect of various allele variants of CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 on efficacy and tolerability of atorvastatin, lovastatin,, and simvastatin in different populations of patients. We also present data on populational frequency of genetic polymorphisms under study. In addition we cover the problem of possible influence of apoE genotype on efficacy of statins. The available data do not allow yet to recommend pharmacogenetic testing for wide clinical practice.

[Diagnostics of moderate and high hypertriglyceridemia in patients in polyclinic practice: primary and secondary lipid metabolic disorders]

AIM

To define clinical and biochemical differences in groups of patients with moderate (< or =4.5 mmol/l and high (more than 4.5 mmol/l) blood triglyceride (TG) levels. To define the markers of biochemical and lipid parameters that could specify an algorithm for the differential diagnosis and treatment of different forms of hypertriglyceridemia.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Patients (96 (54%) females) aged 12 to 71 years (median 50 years; quartiles, 41-61 years) with a TG level of more than 23 mmol/l and the following diseases: coronary heart disease (CHD) (44.8%), myocardial infarction (13.5%), arterial hypertension (87.9%), xanthomas (36.5%), and a family history of diseases (51%). The diagnosis of hyperlipidemia included a classical algorithm for clinical, biochemical, and clinicogenealogical examinations. Extended biochemical blood analysis, the determination of lipoprotein cholesterol (C), TG, low-density lipoprotein C, lipid electrophoresis, and assay of apolipoproteins A1, B-100, E, and C3 were made.

RESULTS

The groups with moderate (< or =4.5 mmol/l and high (more than 4.5 mmol/l) blood triglycerides showed no differences in age and gender, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, the incidence of coronary heart disease, arterial hypertension, peripheral artery atherosclerosis, cardiac arrhythmias, and xanthomas. There was a significant correlation of high TG levels with smoking (a risk factor) and with the indicators of other metabolic disturbances--total C, chylomicrones, lipoprotein(a), LP-E-total, LP B:E, LP-C3-total, and LP-C3, which determined the impact of nutrition (and the development of pancreatitis), but also had a hereditary predisposition through the polygenic mechanisms of gene expression under the influence of a number of factors.

CONCLUSION

Higher TG levels correlated with the parameters, the diagnosis of which makes it possible to reveal additional metabolic disturbances via environmental and polygenic mechanisms.

[Familial hypercholesterolemia in Russia: genetic and phenotypic characteristics]

AIM

To make qualitative and quantitative analyses of phenotypical characteristics and to study a spectrum and frequency of mutations in LDLR and APOB genes in patients with familial heterozygous hypercholesterolemia (FHHC).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Clinical symptoms of FHHC were studied in males and females. Mutations were detected with PCR, analysis of SSCP of all the exones of LDLR gene and a fragment of exone 26 of APOB gene with subsequent sequestration of DNA fragments with anomalous electrophoretic motility, analysis of restriction fragments length polymorphism.

RESULTS

LDLR gene mutations were detected in 50%, of APOB gene in 2.6% patients with FHHC, 70% of LDLR gene mutations have never been discovered before. Three known mutations were detected in the APOB gene: R3500Q (1.9% cases), H3543Y (0.55%), R3531C (0.15%). Incidence of coronary heart disease in untreated FHHC patients is 61.5%, of myocardial infarction--31%. Life span of both males and females with FHHC was subnormal, especially of men (median: 53 years in 95% CI, 49.2-56.8 years and 62 years in 95% CI 59.2-64.8 years, respectively). Incidence rate of basic clinical symptoms increased with age and significantly correlated with LDLP cholesterol.

CONCLUSION

Frequency and severity of clinical symptoms and complications in FHHC and in Russian population agree with those of the European countries. The same occurs with frequency and mutations of the APOB gene, while mutations of the LDLR gene in 70% cases are unique for Russian population and are not described in other countries. This makes impossible to use foreign test kits for FHHC diagnosis in Russia.

[Phenotypical features of a heterozygous form of familial hypercholesterolemia]

AIM

To conduct a quantitative and qualitative analysis of phenotypical manifestations in patients with a heterozygous form of familial hypercholesterolemia (FHC) and to reveal factors involved in their development.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 247 patients with a clinical diagnosis of heterozygous FHC participated in the trial. Clinical manifestations of the disease in men and women were analysed and compared. Blood lipids were compared to those in the controls. A correlation analysis was used to reveal correlations between symptoms of the disease and lipid levels in the blood.

RESULTS

Tendon xanthomas were most frequent (79%) clinical sign with location primarily in Achilles' tendon. Incidence of basic clinical manifestations increased with age and significantly correlated with LDLP cholesterol. Two clinical signs were seen in 1/3 of the patients, three--in 13% (sex differences were insignificant). Mean levels of total cholesterol and LDLP serum cholesterol in heterozygous patients were 1.9 and 2.5 times higher than in the controls. Total cholesterol was significantly higher in women. A mean level of HDLP cholesterol was significantly lower while triglycerides were higher than in the control group. The disease symptoms manifested in men 5 years earlier than in women, FHC was diagnosed in men 7.5 years earlier.

CONCLUSION

Patients with heterozygous FHC are characterized by higher levels of LDLP cholesterol, lower level of HDLP cholesterol and higher triglycerides in the serum than in healthy controls. Sex-related differences by severity and prevalence of basic symptoms in heterozygous FHC patients were not found. The time of clinical symptoms appearance and diagnosis evidences for more rapid progression of the disease in men.

[Genetic factors of risk of ischemic heart disease development in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia]

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) develops in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FHC) 15-20 years earlier than in general population. However age of onset of the disease, its clinical manifestations are variable and not completely determined by cholesterol level and class of low density lipoprotein receptor mutations.

AIM

To elucidate associations of some auxiliary genetic factors -- such as C151565T, C677T, R353Q polymorphisms of glycoprotein IIIa (GPIIIa), methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) and coagulation factor VII genes, respectively, -- with the presence of IHD in patients with FHC.

MATERIAL

Patients with clinical diagnosis of heterozygous FHC (n=198) with (n=106) and without (n=92) IHD.

RESULTS

Patients with compared with those without IHD had similar frequency of T-allele of MTHFR gene (p=0.519), more often had T-allele of GPIIIa gene (23 and 12.5%, respectively, p=0.009), and less often -- Q-allele of factor VII gene (13 and 21%, respectively, p=0.048). Multifactorial analysis showed that risk of IHD was higher in patients with TT compared with CC genotype of the GPIIIa gene (OR 1.53, 95%CI 1.12-2.3), and lower in patients with RQ and QQ compared with RR genotype of factor VII gene (OR 0.41, 95%CI 0.19-0.75).

CONCLUSION

In patients with FHC polymorphisms in factor VII and GPIIIa genes but not C677T polymorphism of MTHFR gene were associated with the presence of IHD.

[Low density lipoprotein receptor gene mutations in patients with clinical diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolemia.]

Low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) gene mutations cause familial hypercholesterolemia which is associated with elevated risk of ischemic heart disease.

AIM

To define LDLR gene mutations in unrelated patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia in Russia.

METHODS

PCR- single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis, automated DNA sequencing, and test for the presence of the apolipoprotein (apo) B-3500 mutation known to induce hereditary defect in apo-B-100.

RESULTS

We found 6 novel mutations of LDLR gene designated E8X, 230insG, 671_679dupGACAAATCT, W422R, D461Y, and V698L. We also identified three missense mutations - C139G, E207K and R395W, which were previously described in FH patients from western populations. None of the studied persons had apo-B-3500 mutation.

CONCLUSION

These findings broaden knowledge on mutations responsible for development of familial hypercholesterolemia and confirm molecular heterogeneity of this disease in Russia.

[Multiple molecular-genetic defects in a woman with mixed hyperlipoproteinemia and early ischemic heart disease]

AIM

Analysis of genes of apolipoprotein E (apoE), LDLP receptor and methylentetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) in a female patient with mixed hyperlipoproteinemia (HLP) and early ischemic heart disease (IHD).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A patient with a mixed form of HLP and 5 her relatives were examined genetically. The genotype of apoE and MTHFR was determined using a restrictive analysis of PCR fragments. Conformation of one chain DNA was used to analyse gene of LDLP-receptor with following sequencing of anomalous DNA.

RESULTS

The proband had changes in all examined genes: nucleotide replacement of A370T gene of LDLP receptor, nucleotide replacement of MTHFR gene C677T and epsilon 2/epsilon 2-genotype of apoE. None of the relatives carried more than one polymorphism by the studied genes.

CONCLUSION

Early IHD in females can be caused by combination of polymorphisms of genes associated with development of atherosclerosis.