Dried fruit intake causally protects against low back pain: A Mendelian randomization study

Background

Low back pain is the leading cause of years lived with disability worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether dried fruit intake causally protects against low back pain using two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR).

Methods

We obtained summary-level data for dried fruit intake (N = 421,764) from the IEU Open GWAS Project. Forty-one independent genetic variants proxied dried fruit intake. The corresponding data for low back pain were derived from the FinnGen project (13,178 cases and 164,682 controls; discovery data) and the Neale lab (5,423 cases and 355,771 controls; replication data). We conducted univariable and multivariable MR analyses.

Results

In the univariable MR analysis, the inverse variance weighted estimate showed that greater dried fruit intake was associated with decreased risk of low back pain [odds ratio (OR) = 0.435, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.287-0.659, P = 8.657 × 10^-5]. Sensitivity analyses using the MR-Egger (OR = 0.078, 95% CI: 0.013-0.479, P = 0.009), maximum likelihood (OR = 0.433, 95% CI: 0.295-0.635, P = 1.801 × 10^-5), weighted median (OR = 0.561, 95% CI: 0.325-0.967, P = 0.038) and Mendelian Randomization Pleiotropy RESidual Sum and Outlier (MR-PRESSO) (OR = 0.454, 95% CI: 0.302-0.683, P = 4.535 × 10^-4) methods showed consistent results. No evidence of directional pleiotropy was identified according to the Egger intercept (intercept P-value = 0.065) or applying the MR-PRESSO method (global test P-value = 0.164). The replication analysis yielded similar results. The multivariable MR revealed that the inverse association between dried fruit intake and low back pain was consistent after adjustment for fresh fruit intake, body mass index, current tobacco smoking, alcohol intake frequency, total body bone mineral density, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels, and vigorous physical activity.

Conclusion

This MR study provides evidence to support that dried fruit intake causally protects against low back pain.

Assessment of the Association between Genetic Polymorphisms in the CHI3L1 Gene and Asthma Risk

BACKGROUND

Chitinase 3-like 1 (CHI3L1) is an important factor involved in the development of asthma. This meta-analysis assessed the association of the CHI3L1 polymorphisms rs4950928, rs10399931, rs883125, rs880633, and rs10399805 with asthma risk.

METHODS

The literature searches were conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Wanfang, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure up until September 4, 2021, for relevant studies. Sixteen publications with 18 studies involving 5,005 asthma patients and 9,725 controls were included in this meta-analysis.

RESULTS

The meta-analyses showed that among East-Asian subjects, increased asthma risk was associated with CHI3L1 rs4950928 (GG + CG vs. CC: odds ratio [OR] = 1.43, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.09-1.88, p = 0.011; GG vs. CG + CC: OR = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.20-2.26, p = 0.002; GG vs. CC: OR = 1.97, 95% CI: 1.41-2.75, p = 0.000; and G vs. C: OR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.12-1.66, p = 0.002) and rs883125 (G vs. C: OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.01-1.99, p = 0.043), whereas CHI3L1 rs10399931 was associated with reduced asthma risk (TT vs. CT + CC: OR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.64-0.99, p = 0.038; TT vs. CC: OR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.61-0.98, p = 0.030). In addition, we found an association between CHI3L1 rs4950928 and asthma risk in adult subjects but not children, while CHI3L1 rs883125 was associated with asthma risk in children.

CONCLUSION

The CHI3L1 polymorphisms rs4950928, rs10399931, and rs883125 are important genetic factors for asthma among East-Asian subjects.

Identification of SSBP1 as a prognostic marker in human lung adenocarcinoma using bioinformatics approaches

OBJECTIVE

Single-stranded DNA-binding protein 1 (SSBP1) plays an important role in DNA repair processes and the maintenance of genomic stability. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of SSBP1 and its prognostic value in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) using bioinformatics approaches.

METHODS

We applied databases including UALCAN, Kaplan-Meier plotter, LinkedOmics, Webgestalt, cBioPortal and TIMER2.0 in this study.

RESULTS

We found that SSBP1 expression was up-regulated in LUAD samples and was correlated with clinicopathological features including age, cancer stage, and nodal metastasis status by the UALCAN analysis. Multivariate Cox regression analysis by the Kaplan-Meier plotter showed that high SSBP1 expression was independently correlated with poor overall survival (hazard ratio = 1.63, 95% confidence interval: 1.08-2.46, logrank P = 0.02). The LinkedOmics analysis showed that 5078 genes were positively correlated with SSBP1 expression, whereas 7905 genes were negatively correlated with SSBP1 in LUAD. Functional enrichment analysis using the Webgestalt tool showed that for SSBP1 and the genes positively correlating with it, the significantly enriched biological process was ribosomal large subunit biogenesis, and the significantly enriched pathway was proteasome. According to the cBioPortal database, the frequency of SSBP1 alterations was 1.7% in LUAD patients, and patients with SSBP1 alterations had worse prognosis (logrank P = 4.26e-05) compared with those unaltered for SSBP1. Finally, SSBP1 expression was negatively correlated with B cell infiltration level (Rho = -0.193, P = 1.54e-05) and the expression of B cell biomarkers including CD79A and CD19.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that SSBP1 may be a prognostic marker for human LUAD.

Association of the MMP-3, MMP-9 and MMP-12 gene polymorphisms with COPD risk: a meta-analysis

Introduction

Given the evidence that the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a number of case-control studies have attempted to assess the relationship between genetic polymorphisms in MMP genes and COPD risk. However, reliable measures of these results are lacking.

Material and methods

We assessed the published evidence for association of the MMP-3, MMP-9 and MMP-12 polymorphisms with COPD risk using meta-analytic techniques. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated for each study using fixed or random effect models.

Results

A total of 23 case-control studies were included in the meta-analysis. No significant association was observed between the MMP-9 rs3918242 polymorphism and COPD risk in the overall populations under the dominant (T/T + C/T vs. C/C: OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.00-1.69, p = 0.054) and allele contrast (T allele vs. C allele: OR = 1.22, 95% CI: 0.97-1.53, p = 0.088) models. However, in sub-group analysis the polymorphism rs3918242 was significant in Asians under the dominant model (T/T + C/T vs. C/C: OR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.02-2.72, p = 0.043). The results for MMP-12 rs2276109 showed an association with COPD only in mixed populations (G/G + A/G vs. A/A: OR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.10-2.24, p = 0.013; G allele vs. A allele: OR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.09-2.14, p = 0.015). We did not find any significant association of the MMP-12 rs652438 and MMP-3 rs35068180 polymorphisms with COPD.

Conclusions

The findings of this meta-analysis suggest that there is a risk of COPD associated with the MMP-9 rs3918242 and MMP-12 rs2276109 polymorphisms in certain ethnic groups.

Development of an Oncogenic Driver Alteration Associated Immune-Related Prognostic Model for Stage I-II Lung Adenocarcinoma

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) needs to be stratified for its heterogeneity. Oncogenic driver alterations such as EGFR mutation, ALK translocation, ROS1 translocation, and BRAF mutation predict response to treatment for LUAD. Since oncogenic driver alterations may modulate immune response in tumor microenvironment that may influence prognosis in LUAD, the effects of EGFR, ALK, ROS1, and BRAF alterations on tumor microenvironment remain unclear. Immune-related prognostic model associated with oncogenic driver alterations is needed. In this study, we performed the Cox-proportional Hazards Analysis based on the L1-penalized (LASSO) Analysis to establish an immune-related prognostic model (IPM) in stage I-II LUAD patients, which was based on 3 immune-related genes (PDE4B, RIPK2, and IFITM1) significantly enriched in patients without EGFR, ALK, ROS1, and BRAF alterations in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Then, patients were categorized into high-risk and low-risk groups individually according to the IPM defined risk score. The predicting ability of the IPM was validated in GSE31210 and GSE26939 downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. High-risk was significantly associated with lower overall survival (OS) rates in 3 independent stage I-II LUAD cohorts (all P < 0.05). Moreover, the IPM defined risk independently predicted OS for patients in TCGA stage I-II LUAD cohort (P = 0.011). High-risk group had significantly higher proportions of macrophages M1 and activated mast cells but lower proportions of memory B cells, resting CD4 memory T cells and resting mast cells than low-risk group (all P < 0.05). In addition, the high-risk group had a significantly lower expression of CTLA-4, PDCD1, HAVCR2, and TIGIT than the low-risk group (all P < 0.05). In summary, we established a novel IPM that could provide new biomarkers for risk stratification of stage I-II LUAD patients.

P4166Efficacy and safety of novel biodegradable device for closure of atrial septal defect: from preclinical study to first-in-man experience

Background

closure of atrial septal defect (ASD) has emerged as the treatment of choice for the majority of defect. The biodegradable ASD closure device is a novel, absorbable device made of poly-L_latic acid (PLLA). This study evaluates the feasibility, safety and effectiveness of PLLA biodegradable ASD closure device in a swine model and for the first time in human.

Objective

The study reports on the 24- and 36- month follow-up results of PLLA device implanted in a swine model and the first-in- man experience with 6-month follow-up.

Method

Preclinical study was done in a swine ASD model. In a clinical setting, 5 pediatric patients with a secundum ASD who a clinically left-to-right shunt were enrolled in our center. Percutaneous ASD closure procedure with PLLA device was performed with fluoroscopic and transcatheter echocardiography (TTE) guidance. Procedure results and clinical outcomes at 1 day, 30 days, 3 months and 6 months after closure procedure were analyzed.

Results

24- and 36-month follow-up results of preclinical study demonstrated that the PLLA device exhibited good endothelialization and degradability in a swine model. In clinical study, device implantation was successfully achieved in all of 5 patients (median age, 3.6 years; range, 3.1–6.5 years). The mean ASD size was (13.4±2.4)mm (range, 10–16mm). The mean pulmonary-to-systemic blood flow ratio (Qp:Qs) was (1.7±0.2):1 with a range of 1.5:1 to 2.0:1. The mean procedure time and the mean fluoroscopy time were (36.2±11.3) and (6.4±1.0)minutes, respectively. There was no evidence of short-term complications related to the device or the delivery system. No device dislodgement, significant aortic valve or mitral valve regurgitation, new onset cardiac arrhythmia, or other adverse events were reported.

Characteristics and procedure data of the 5 patients who underwent ASD closure procedure with PLLA device Patient No. Age Weight Gender Defect size Qp:Qs Mean Pulmonary Pressure Device size (mm) Sheath (Fr) Procedure time Fluoroscopy time Immediate residual shunt (years) (kg) (mm) (mmHg) (mm) (Fr) (min) (min) 1 4.9 23.5 Male 17 1.7:1 22 24 12 52 7.6 None 2 3.1 10.0 Male 14 2.0:1 19 20 12 26 5.4 None 3 6.5 21.0 Male 15 1.8:1 22 20 12 31 6.0 None 4 3.2 14.5 Female 12 1.5:1 13 18 10 44 7.3 None 5 3.6 12.5 Male 10 1.5:1 17 14 10 28 5.5 None

Conclusion

This study is the first to demonstrate the feasibility, safety and effectiveness of PLLA biodegradable device in human, with no evidence of short-term complications and a high rate of early shunt closure.

Acknowledgement/Funding

National Key R&D Program of China (Grant Number: 2016 YFC1100305)

[Role of reactive oxygen species in hypoxia-induced non-small cell lung cancer migration]

Objective: To explore reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and its role on A549 cell migration under hypoxic condition. Methods: Human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell line A549 was incubated in a hypoxic environment (1%O(2), hypoxia group) or in a normoxic environment (21%O(2), normoxia group). The generation of ROS was measured by flow cytometry. The cell motility of A549 cells was detected by Transwell assay. The protein levels of protein kinase B (AKT), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38) were determined by Western blot analysis. Results: After 16 h hypoxic treatment, the migration of A549 cells in hypoxia group was significantly more than that of normoxia group [(85±10) vs (56±7) per lower magnification, P<0.001]. Besides, the generation of ROS was in a time-depended manner in hypoxia group. The ROS level was increased with the prolonged hypoxia time. It was significantly higher at 24 h than that in normoxia group [(273±4)% vs (102±6)%, P<0.001]. The migrated cells in hypoxia group co-treated with 2 mmol/L NAC for 16 h were less than that with hypoxic treatment alone [(47±13) vs (105±14) per lower magnification, P=0.011]. Meanwhile, the phosphorylation of AKT and p38 increased after 12 h hypoxic treatment in hypoxia group, however, 2 mmol/L NAC co-treatment attenuated this effect. Furthermore, inhibition of phosphorylated AKT with 0.1 μmol/L allosteric AKT inhibitor (MK-2206) in hypoxia group for 16 h reversed the hypoxia-induced A549 cell migration. The migrated cells in hypoxia+ MK-2206 group were significantly less than that in hypoxia group [(155±21) vs (249±32) per lower magnification, P<0.001]. Conclusions: Hypoxia increases the generation of ROS in A549, resulting from oxidative stress under hypoxia. The increased ROS level promotes cell motility through the activation of AKT.

Association of the IL-13 polymorphisms rs1800925 and rs20541 with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease risk: An updated meta-analysis

The aim of this study was to investigate if 2 common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the interleukin-13 (IL-13) gene, rs1800925 and rs20541 are associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) risk.Case-control association studies were retrieved systematically from PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang databases using standardized subject terms.Eleven studies including 3077 participants (1896 cases and 1181 controls) were analyzed. Evidence for a positive association between the T allele of the IL-13 SNP rs1800925 and COPD risk was found in the overall population (odds ratio [OR] = 1.57, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.21-2.04, Pz = .001). In subgroup analysis according to ethnicity, the T allele of rs1800925 was associated with an increased risk of COPD in Asians (OR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.23-2.87, Pz = .004) and Caucasians (OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.01-1.67, Pz = .041), respectively. For rs20541, the results suggested an association between rs20541 and COPD risk in Caucasians under the recessive model (OR = 2.79, 95% CI: 1.13-6.92, Pz = .026), whereas this SNP was not associated with COPD in Asians.This meta-analysis suggests that the T allele of rs1800925 is associated with the increased risk of COPD in both Asians and Caucasians, whereas rs20541 is associated with the risk of COPD in Caucasians but not in Asians.

Association Between Paraoxonase 2 Ser311Cys Polymorphism and Coronary Heart Disease Risk: A Meta-Analysis

Background

The relationship between coronary heart disease (CHD) and the paraoxonase 2 (PON2) Ser311Cys polymorphism has received much attention. We conducted a meta-analysis on the results from published case-control studies examining this relation.

Material/Methods

A literature search was performed using PubMed and ISI Web of Knowledge databases until October 2015. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using Stata version 11.0 software. Data were pooled using the random-effects model.

Results

Nine studies were eligible for statistical analysis and included a total of 5278 participants. The results did not support an association between the Ser311Cys polymorphism and CHD in the overall populations (Asians, Caucasians, and a Hispanic mixed population) under dominant (OR 1.07; 95% CI 0.91–1.28; P_z=0.413), recessive (OR 1.19; 95% CI 0.72–1.95; P_z=0.500), homozygote (OR 1.20; 95% CI 0.71–2.03; P_z=0.489), and allelic comparison (OR 1.08; 95% CI 0.91–1.28; P_z=0.390) models. However, in subgroup analysis according to ethnicity, we found that the Ser311Cys polymorphism was associated with CHD risk in Caucasians under recessive (OR 2.08; 95% CI 1.30–3.34; P_z=0.002) and homozygote (OR 2.16; 95% CI 1.33–3.50; P_z=0.002) models. Subgroup analysis indicated no significant association of this polymorphism with CHD in either Asian or Hispanic populations.

Conclusions

The PON2 Ser311Cys polymorphism is associated with CHD risk in Caucasians, but there is no association between this polymorphism and CHD in Asians or Hispanic populations.

[Clinical application of AMPLATZER Vascular Plug Ⅱ in transcatheter closure of congenital coronary artery fistula in children]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility of applying AMPLATZER Vascular Plug Ⅱ (AVP Ⅱ) in transcatheter closure of congenital coronary artery fistula in children.

METHOD

Transcatheter closure procedure applying AVP Ⅱ was carried out in 7 patients (3 males and 4 females, age 1.2-12.0 years) with congenital coronary artery fistula between May 2014 and September 2015 in Pediatric Cardiology Department of Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute. Selective coronary artery angiography and aortic root angiography were performed after the release of the device to evaluate the immediate therapeutic effect. Echocardiography and electrocardiography were performed at 1 day, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year post procedure and repeated once a year during the follow-up period.

RESULT

Transcatheter deployment of the device was successfully accomplished in all patients. The narrowest diameter of the fistula was (8.6±2.8) mm (4.0-12.5 mm), and the size of the deployed device ranged from 10.0 to 16.0 mm. Immediate selective coronary artery angiography revealed no residual shunt in 5 patients and trivial residual shunt in 2 patients. During a mean follow-up period of 2.7 (1.0-16.0) months, echocardiography showed that 3 patients remained no residual shunt, while 2 patients had trivial residual shunt, 2 patients developed small residual shunt. Cardiac murmur disappeared post procedure in all patients. Electrocardiography showed no ST-T changes. No migration or detachment of the device was found.

CONCLUSION

AVP Ⅱ is a safe and effective choice in transcatheter closure of congenital coronary artery fistula in children.

Association between the MYO9B polymorphisms and celiac disease risk: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

There is no consensus regarding the association between polymorphisms in the myosin IXB (MYO9B) gene and celiac disease (CD) risk. In this study, we performed a meta-analysis to evaluate genetic variants in MYO9B with CD.

METHODS

Four MYO9B polymorphisms (rs1545620, rs1457092, rs2305767 and rs2305764) were assessed. A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases until June 2015. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to investigate the strength of the association under dominant, recessive, homozygote and allelic comparison models.

RESULTS

Seven case-control studies with a total of 1965 CD patients and 4894 controls were included in this meta-analysis. The results showed that rs1545620 was associated with CD risk in Europeans in dominant (OR=1.31, 95% CI: 1.10-1.58, Pz =0.003), recessive (OR=1.36, 95% CI: 1.08-1.72, Pz =0.009), homozygote (OR=1.55, 95% CI: 1.20-2.01, Pz =0.001), and allelic comparison models (OR=1.24, 95% CI: 1.10-1.40, Pz =0.001), whereas in a Latin American group there were significant associations of CD with rs1457092 in dominant (OR=15.30, 95% CI: 3.51-66.67, Pz <0.001), homozygote (OR=16.55, 95% CI: 3.62-75.65, Pz <0.001), and allelic comparison models (OR=1.95, 95% CI: 1.31-2.91, Pz =0.001), and rs2305767 in dominant (OR=5.35, 95% CI: 2.42-11.86, Pz <0.001) and allelic comparison models (OR=1.65, 95% CI: 1.11-2.45, Pz =0.013). There was no association between rs2305764 and CD risk in either Europeans or the Latin American group.

CONCLUSION

rs1545620 is associated with CD risk in Europeans, whereas rs1457092 and rs2305767 are associated with CD risk in a Latin American group.

The regulated upon activation normal T-cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) -28C/G and -403G/A polymorphisms and asthma risk: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Genetic studies have revealed that the regulated upon activation normal T-cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) -28C/G and -403G/A polymorphisms are associated with asthma risk, but contradictory findings have also been reported. Therefore, we undertook a meta-analysis on this topic.

METHODS

The PubMed, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang databases were used to identify relevant studies published in the medical literature from 1990 to March 26, 2014. Nine studies (containing 2,103 cases and 2,876 controls) investigated the -28C/G polymorphism, and 11 studies (including 2,015 cases and 1,909 controls) assessed the -403G/A polymorphism.

RESULTS

The pooled results demonstrated that the -28C/G polymorphism was not associated with asthma risk in the overall populations (Caucasians, Asians, and a mixed population). However, in subgroup analysis according to age, the -28G allele was associated with an increased risk of asthma in children (odds ratio [OR] 1.27, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.03-1.57, P value for heterogeneity [P het] = 0.163, P value for the overall effect [P z] = 0.028). When we further stratified the studies performed in children on the basis of ethnicity, we found that the -28G allele was associated with an increased risk of asthma in Asian children (OR 1.28, 95 % CI 1.02-1.62, P het = 0.127, P z = 0.035), but not in Caucasian children (OR 1.20, 95 % CI 0.68-2.12, P het = 0.137, P z = 0.530). In subgroup analysis by asthma phenotype, no association between either atopic or non-atopic asthma and the -28C/G polymorphism was identified. For the -403G/A polymorphism, meta-analysis showed no association with asthma risk in the overall populations (Caucasians, Asians, and black people). In subgroup analyses by age, ethnicity, and asthma phenotype, we still did not find any association between the -403G/A polymorphism and asthma.

CONCLUSION

Current findings suggest an association between the -28G allele and asthma risk in Asian children but not in Caucasian children.

Association between the IL1B, IL1RN polymorphisms and COPD risk: a meta-analysis

The interleukin-1 (IL-1) gene polymorphisms have been implicated in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) risk, but results are controversial. We aimed to conduct a meta-analysis to address this issue. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to investigate the strength of the association. The meta-analysis revealed no association between the IL1B (−511), (−31), (+3954) polymorphisms and COPD risk. However, stratification by ethnicity indicated that the T allele carriers of the IL1B (−511) polymorphism and the C allele carriers of the IL1B (−31) variant were associated with an increased risk for developing COPD in East Asians (OR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.13–2.31, P_z = 0.009 and OR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.14–2.11, P_z = 0.006, respectively). The meta-analysis revealed a significant association between the IL1RN (VNTR) polymorphism and COPD risk in all study subjects and East Asians under homozygote model (22 vs. LL: OR = 3.16, 95% CI: 1.23–8.13, P_z = 0.017 and OR = 3.20, 95% CI: 1.13–9.12, P_z = 0.029, respectively). Our meta-analysis suggests that the IL1B (−511), (−31) and IL1RN (VNTR) polymorphisms are associated with COPD risk in East Asians. There is no association between the IL1B(+3954) polymorphism and COPD risk. Further studies should be performed in other ethnic groups besides East Asians.

Lack of association between the IL-13 C-1112T, G2044A polymorphisms and Graves' disease risk: evidence from a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have provided conflicting evidence implicating the IL-13 C-1112T and G2044A polymorphisms in Graves' disease (GD) risk. We undertook a meta-analysis to address this issue.

METHODS

The Medline, Pubmed and Web of Science databases were searched for published case-control studies investigating the relation of the IL-13 C-1112T and G2044A polymorphisms with GD risk. Data were extracted using standardized forms and odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated.

RESULTS

Available data did not suggest an association between any of the two IL-13 polymorphisms and GD risk. For the C-1112T polymorphism, the combined OR was 0.96 (95% CI: 0.77-1.19) for dominant model (TT+CT vs CC), 0.97 (95% CI: 0.69-1.38) for recessive model (TT vs CT+CC), and 0.97 (95% CI: 0.68-1.39) for homozygote model (TT vs CC). ORs for the G2044A polymorphism were similar. In subgroup analyses stratified by ethnicity, we also did not find associations between these two variants and GD risk in Asians or Caucasians. Sensitivity analyses by excluding each of the involved study in turn did not change the pooled results.

CONCLUSION

The IL-13 C-1112T and G2044A polymorphisms are not associated with GD risk.

Association between the IL1B (-511), IL1B (+3954), IL1RN (VNTR) polymorphisms and Graves' disease risk: a meta-analysis of 11 case-control studies

BACKGROUND

Data on the association between the interleukin-1 (IL-1) gene polymorphisms and Graves' disease (GD) risk were conflicting. A meta-analysis was undertaken to assess this association.

METHODS

We searched for case-control studies investigating the association between the IL1B (-511), IL1B (+3954), IL1RN (VNTR) polymorphisms and GD risk. We extracted data using standardized forms and calculated odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

A total of 11 case-control studies were included in this meta-analysis. Available data indicated that the IL1B (-511) polymorphism was associated with GD risk in the overall populations (Caucasians and Asians) in homozygote model (TT vs. CC, OR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.76-0.97, Pz  = 0.015), but not in dominant and recessive models (TT+TC vs. CC: OR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.81-1.12, Pz  =  0.553 and TT vs. TC+CC: OR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.60-1.12, Pz  =  0.205, respectively). No association between the IL1B (+3954), IL1RN (VNTR) polymorphisms and GD risk was found in the overall populations in any of the genetic models. In subgroup analyses according to ethnicity, the IL1B (-511) polymorphism was associated with GD risk in Asians in recessive and homozygote models (TT vs. TC+CC: OR =  0.68, 95% CI: 0.55-0.84, Pz < 0.001 and TT vs. CC: OR = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.70-0.93, Pz  =  0.003, respectively), but not in dominant model (TT+TC vs. CC: OR =  0.92, 95% CI: 0.77-1.11, Pz  =  0.389). No association between the IL1B (+3954), IL1RN (VNTR) polymorphisms and GD risk was indicated in Asians, and we found no association between the IL1B (-511), IL1B (+3954), IL1RN (VNTR) polymorphisms and GD risk in Caucasians in any of the genetic models.

CONCLUSION

The IL1B (-511) polymorphism, but not the IL1B (+3954) and IL1RN (VNTR) polymorphisms was associated with GD risk in Asians. There was no association between these polymorphisms and GD risk in Caucasians.

Polymorphisms in the vitamin D receptor gene and multiple sclerosis risk: a meta-analysis of case-control studies

BACKGROUND

The vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphisms have been reported to be associated with multiple sclerosis (MS), however, evidence remains conflicting. A meta-analysis was conducted to investigate this association.

METHODS

We searched Pubmed, Medline and Embase databases for case-control studies evaluating the association between the VDR Apa-I, Bsm-I, Fok-I, Taq-I polymorphisms and MS risk. Data were extracted using standardized forms and odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated.

RESULTS

11 case-control studies involving a total of 2599 cases and 2816 controls were included in this meta-analysis. Available data did not suggest an association between any of the VDR polymorphisms and the risk for MS. For Taq-I, which is the most investigated VDR polymorphism with 8 studies (2472 cases and 2446 controls), the combined OR was 1.12 (95% CI: 1.00-1.26) for the dominant model (tt+Tt vs. TT), 1.03(95% CI: 0.88-1.20) for the recessive model (tt vs. Tt+TT), and 1.04 (95% CI: 0.78-1.38) for the homozygote model (tt vs. TT). ORs for other VDR polymorphisms were similar.

CONCLUSION

The VDR Apa-I, Bsm-I, Fok-I and Taq-I polymorphisms are not associated with MS risk.

Association between tumor necrosis factor-α-308G/A polymorphism and obstructive sleep apnea: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-308G/A polymorphism has been implicated in susceptibility to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, results from previous studies are inconsistent. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the published studies was performed to investigate this association.

METHOD

We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Weipu databases for published studies evaluating the association between -308G/A polymorphism and OSA. Data were extracted using standardized forms and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

RESULTS

Four case-control studies involving a total of 419 cases and 460 controls were included in the meta-analysis. Combined data indicated that individuals carrying the -308A allele had a 65% increased risk of developing OSA when compared with the GG homozygotes (OR=1.65, 95% CI=1.02-2.68, p=0.04). In adults, the risk was even higher, elevated by 100% (OR=2.00, 95% CI=1.26-3.18, p=0.003).

CONCLUSION

The TNF-α-308G/A polymorphism contributes to the risk of OSA, especially in adults.

Effects of allergen inhalation and oral glucocorticoid on concentrations of serum-soluble CD86 in allergic asthmatics

The aim of the present study was to investigate effects of allergen inhalation and oral glucocorticoid on concentration of serum soluble CD86 in patients with allergic asthma. Our results showed that the serum soluble CD86 concentrations in the dual responder group increased from 491.8 +/- 15.4 IU/ml before allergen inhalation to 603.8 +/- 19.3 IU/ml 24 h after allergen inhalation. In the isolated early responders, there was no significant increase in serum soluble CD86 concentrations after allergen inhalation compared with baseline levels. There was a significant decrease in serum soluble CD86 concentrations after 2 weeks of glucocorticoid therapy (448.3 +/- 15.1 IU/ml) compared with baseline values (532.7 +/- 12.3 IU/ml), whereas there was no significant difference in the placebo group. This study has demonstrated that serum soluble CD86 concentrations increased after allergen inhalation in sensitized asthmatic subjects, and that serum sCD86 concentrations were downregulated by prednisolone therapy.

Regulatory CD4+CD25+ T lymphocytes in peripheral blood from patients with atopic asthma

The aim of this study was to analyze whether regulatory CD4+CD25+ T lymphocytes exist and function normally in patients with atopic asthma. Our data showed that a significant increase in CD4+CD25+ cell numbers was seen in atopic asthmatics during acute exacerbation, but not in those stable asthmatics, atopic nonasthmatics, and normal subjects. The mean inhibition values of the proliferation response of CD4+CD25- cells by CD4+CD25+ cells from normal controls and asthmatics were almost the same. There was no difference in inhibitory effects on both Th1 and Th2 cytokine production of CD4+CD25- cells by CD4+CD25+ cells in the two groups. These data demonstrated that although CD4+CD25+ cells increase in atopic asthma during exacerbation, these regulatory T cells appear to function normally with regard to suppression of T-cell proliferation as well as Th1-Th2 cytokine production.

Effect of inhaled interleukin-5 on number and activity of eosinophils in circulation from asthmatics

The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of interleukin-5 (IL-5) inhalation on changes in the activity and number of circulating eosinophils, as well as concentrations of serum total IgE, in allergic asthmatics. A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study design was employed in which each subject acted as his or her own control. Eight nonsmoking patients with allergic asthma were administered recombinant human IL-5 by nebulization. Total white blood cell counts and differentials, as well as concentrations of ECP and total IgE in serum, were determined before and at 2, 24, and 48 h after inhalation. Our results demonstrated that eosinophil numbers increased from baseline (3.6 +/- 1.1 x 10(5)/ml) to 6.3 +/- 1.2 x 10(5)/ml (P < 0.01) at 24 h and to 5.7 +/- 0.9 x 10(5)/ml (P < 0.01) at 48 h after IL-5 inhalation in asthmatics. Accompanying this significantly increased blood eosinophilia were significantly elevated serum ECP levels. Compared with baseline (6.3 +/- 1.1 ng/ml), ECP levels increased with time following IL-5 inhalation, reaching 17.6 +/- 2.8 ng/ml (P < 0.01) at 24 h and remaining elevated at 48 h (18.1 +/- 2.9 ng/ml, P < 0.01). IL-5 inhalation had no significant effect on levels of serum total IgE, however. These findings provide direct evidence that nebulized IL-5 not only induces a significant blood eosinophilia but also results in the activation of circulating eosinophils. Our data further support the importance of IL-5 in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma in humans.

Effect of inhaled interleukin-5 on airway hyperreactivity and eosinophilia in asthmatics

In order to investigate the role of interleukin-5 (IL-5) in airway hyperreactivity and eosinophilia, we observed the effect of inhaled recombinant human IL-5 on airway responsiveness to methacholine and cell populations in induced sputum in eight patients with allergic bronchial asthma using a placebo-controlled study design. Our results demonstrated that the inhalation of IL-5 did not alter lung function in allergic asthmatics. In the control experiments receiving either vehicle or 0.4 ng of endotoxin, methacholine PC20 values did not change nor did the numbers of eosinophils or eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) sputum values change from baseline. In contrast, after IL-5 inhalation, methacholine PC20 fell from baseline (0.90 +/- 166 mg/ml) to 0.32 +/- 1.63 mg/ml (p < 0.01) at 24 h, and to 0.55 +/- 1.49 mg/ml (p < 0.05) at 48 h. Accompanying this increased airway sensitivity was a significant eosinophilia and elevated concentrations of ECP in induced sputum. Our data provided direct evidence that IL-5 increases airway responsiveness and infiltration of activated eosinophils into the airway in patients with allergic bronchial asthma. It also could be concluded that the observed airway hyperreactivity and eosinophilia were not endotoxin related.

[A clinical study of the effect of wuzi yanzong solution in retarding aging process]

Eighty men ranging from 60 to 80 years old were selected, in whom no disease was found through a thorough check-up except for some senility manifestation diagnosed as deficiency of the kidney. They were randomly divided into two groups, wuzi yanzong solution (WYS) being administered in 50 cases and placebo in 30. After 5 weeks' treatment, symptoms such as hypomnsis, tinnitus, and aching of the back and legs, dribbling after urinary voiding, and nocturia were remarkably improved in the WYS group, but they remained as before in the placebo group. Before the treatment, plasma lipid peroxide (LPO), erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD), blood glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), serum luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), plasma testosterone (T) and estradiol (E2) levels were determined. In comparison with the results obtained in 33 young men in their twenties, LPO, FSH, LH level and E2/T ratio in the aged were greatly elevated, and SOD, GSH-Px and T markedly lowered. After the treatment, there was remarkable reduction of LPO and E2/T, and increase of SOD and T in the WYS group, but no significant change in the placebo group. The above results not only indicate the beneficial effect of WYS in retarding the aging process, but also suggest the possible mechanism of reducing the peroxidation of fatty acids by enhancing the antioxidant enzymes to inhibit free radical activity.

[Plasma cortisol concentration and blood leukocyte content of glucocorticoid receptors in patients with deficiency-cold vs deficiency-heat syndromes]

Plasma cortisol concentration and blood leukocyte content of glucocorticoid receptors (GCR) were assayed in 20 patients with deficiency syndromes, 10 cold in property (deficiency-cold), the other 10 hot in property (deficiency-heat), and also in 10 healthy individuals as normal control for the purpose of investigating the nature of cold and heat syndromes. As a result, the cases of deficiency-cold syndrome (DCS) had a normal concentration of plasma cortisol but a lowered content of GCR in leukocytes when compared with the normal control (P less than 0.05); the cases of deficiency-heat syndrome (DHS) had a higher concentration of plasma cortisol than the normal control (P less than 0.05) and a slightly higher content of GCR in leukocytes. It was concluded that the DCS is characterized by diminished biological effects of adrenocortical activity, while the DHS, by augmented biological effects of adrenocortical activity.

[Urine excretion of PGE2, PGF2 alpha in patients with deficiency-cold syndrome and deficiency-heat syndrome]

The 3 hours' urine excretion of PGE2 and PGF2 alpha in 32 patients and 19 healthy persons were determined by RIA. According to TCM, the patients were divided into two groups: 17 cases of deficiency-cold syndrome and 15 cases of deficiency-heat syndrome. The result showed that in patients with deficiency-cold syndrome, the excretion of urine PGE2 was lower than that of the normal control (P less than 0.05), while the excretion of urine PGF2 alpha higher than that of the normal control (P less than 0.01) and hence the PGE2/PGF2 alpha ratio was much lower (P less than 0.01); in those with deficiency-heat syndrome, the excretion of urine PGE2 was higher (P less than 0.01), the excretion of urine PGF2 alpha had no significant change (P greater than 0.05) from the normal, and the PGE2/PGF2 alpha ratio was higher (P less than 0.01). The above result indicates a close relationship between prostaglandins and the cold and heat nature of syndromes in TCM. In connection with our previous studies that showed decreased functioning of the sympathetic-adrenomedullary system and/or increased functioning of the parasympathetic nervous system with diminished catecholamines and reduced cAMP/cGMP ratio in deficiency-cold syndrome while increased functioning of the sympathetic-adrenomedullary system with augmented catecholamines and cAMP in deficiency-heat syndrome, the change of prostaglandins level can be considered as an intermediate link in the pathogenesis of syndromes different in cold and heat nature.