Colchicine modulates expression of pro-inflammatory genes in neutrophils from patients with familial Mediterranean fever and healthy subjects

Colchicine (Col) is a microtubule depolymerizing drug, widely used for treatment of familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). Mechanisms by which Col exerts its beneficial effects are not yet completely understood, especially with respect to gene expression in polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs), the main effector cells in acute inflammatory attacks of FMF. This study was, therefore, designed to elucidate possible modulatory effect of Col on expression of inflammation-related genes in circulating PMNs from 16 FMF patients in the remission period and 11 healthy subjects. In vitro effect of Col exposure (1 microg/ml) on expression of 8 selected genes was examined using quantitative real-time RT-PCR. Col up-regulated expression of IL-8 and IL-1beta genes in FMF (13-fold and 2.7-fold, p less than 0.05, respectively) and healthy (3-fold and 6.5-fold, p less than 0.05, respectively) PMNs, and down-regulated caspase-1 in FMF neutrophils (3-fold, p less than 0.05). In FMF PMNs treated with Col mRNAs of IL-8 (51-fold, p less than 0.01) and c-FOS (7-fold, p less than 0.05) transcripts were elevated compared to those from healthy subjects. By contrast, caspase-1 mRNA was decreased in FMF neutrophils compared to healthy cells (1.6-fold, p less than 0.05). Hereby, we provide evidence that, at least in vitro, Col displays pro-inflammatory potential in respect to IL-1beta and IL-8 genes. At the same time, our findings implicate suppression of caspase-1 expression by Col as a potential mechanism for its effects in FMF treatment.

Genome-wide association analysis reveals 12q13.3-q14.1 as new risk locus for sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is a systemic inflammatory disease of unknown aetiology, influenced by genetic and environmental factors. However, the loci so far identified for sarcoidosis explain only a part of its assumed heritability. To identify further susceptibility loci, we performed a genome-wide association analysis using the Affymetrix 6.0 Human GeneChip followed by validation and replication stages. After quality control, 637 cases, 1233 controls and 677 619 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were available for an initial screening. 99 SNPs were selected for validation in an independent study panel (1664 patients, 2932 controls). SNP rs1050045 was significantly associated with sarcoidosis (corrected p=0.0215) in the validation panel and yielded a p-value of 9.22 × 10(-8) (OR 1.24) in the meta-analysis of the screening and validation stage. A meta-analysis of three populations from Germany, the Czech Republic and Sweden confirmed this finding (p = 0.024; OR 1.14). Fine-mapping and mRNA expression studies pointed to osteosarcoma amplified 9 (OS9) as the most likely candidate for the underlying risk factor. The OS9 protein plays an important role in endoplasmic reticulum-associated protein degradation and acts during Toll-like receptor induced activation of myeloid cells. Expression analyses of OS9 mRNA provide evidence for a functional mechanism underlying the detected association signal.

Simultaneous up-regulation of matrix metalloproteinases 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases 1, 4 in serum of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP) have been implicated in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) pathogenesis. However, the majority of studies have focused on single MMP, and there is limited information on parallel expression of MMP and their antagonists TIMP. We, therefore, investigated the serum profile of MMP 1-3, 7-9, 12 and 13, and TIMP 1-4 in COPD patients.

METHODS

Serum MMP 1-3, 7-9, 12 and 13, and TIMP 1-4 were measured in 74 COPD patients and 20 control subjects by multiple microsphere technology.

RESULTS

MMP 1-3 and MMP 7-9 were elevated in COPD patients compared with control subjects (P= 0.001-0.043). The increased concentrations of MMP 1, 8 and 9 paralleled GOLD stage (P= 0.002-0.007). TIMP 1 and 4 concentrations were elevated in COPD (P < 0.001). MMP 1, 8 and 9, and TIMP 1 and 4 serum levels in COPD non-smokers were higher than in control non-smokers (P = 0.002-0.025). MMP 12 and 13 levels were undetectable in our serum samples.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides further evidence for increased MMP 1, 7-9, and TIMP 1 serum levels in COPD, and demonstrates for the first time serum elevation of MMP 2 and 3, and TIMP 4. The finding that circulating TIMP 4 levels are increased in COPD and the observed relationship between serum levels of MMP 1, 8 and 9, and GOLD stage requires verification in an expanded patient cohort.

A novel sarcoidosis risk locus for Europeans on chromosome 11q13.1

RATIONALE

Sarcoidosis is a complex inflammatory disease with a heterogeneous clinical picture. Among others, an acute and chronic clinical course can be distinguished, for which specific genetic risk factors are known.

OBJECTIVES

To identify additional risk loci for sarcoidosis and its acute and chronic subforms, we analyzed imputed data from a genome-wide association scan for these phenotypes.

METHODS

After quality control, the genome-wide association scan comprised nearly 1.3 million imputed single-nucleotide polymorphisms based on an Affymetrix 6.0 Gene Chip dataset of 564 German sarcoidosis cases, including 176 acute and 354 chronic cases and 1,575 control subjects.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

We identified chromosome 11q13.1 (rs479777) as a novel locus influencing susceptibility to sarcoidosis with genome-wide significance. The marker was significantly associated in three distinct German case-control populations and in an additional German family sample with odds ratios ranging from 0.67 to 0.77. This finding was further replicated in two independent European case-control populations from the Czech Republic (odds ratio, 0.75) and from Sweden (odds ratio, 0.79). In a meta-analysis of the included European case-control samples the marker yielded a P value of 2.68 × 10(-18). The locus was previously reported to be associated with Crohn disease, psoriasis, alopecia areata, and leprosy. For sarcoidosis, fine-mapping and expression analysis suggest KCNK4, PRDX5, PCLB3, and most promising CCDC88B as candidates for the underlying risk gene in the associated region.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides striking evidence for association of chromosome 11q13.1 with sarcoidosis in Europeans, and thus identified a further genetic risk locus shared by sarcoidosis, Crohn disease and psoriasis.

A pilot randomized trial comparing long-term effects of red and white wines on biomarkers of atherosclerosis (in vino veritas: IVV trial)

BACKGROUND

Since early 90', growing body of evidence indicates that the Mediterranean diet with mild to moderate consumption of wine, mostly red wine, has a protective effect on cardiovascular diseases. Several mechanisms have been discussed to participate in the beneficial effect of red wine, such as antioxidant or vasodilating activity. However, later it has been shown that also other alcoholic beverages have a protective effect on atherosclerosis. Up to now, data from the prospective, long-term, head-to-head comparisons of the effects of different drinks on markers of atherosclerosis are insufficient.

METHODS

The IVV (in vino veritas) study is a long-term, prospective, multicenter, randomized trial comparing the effect of red and white wines on the markers of atherosclerosis. One hundred and twenty healthy subjects with mild to moderate risk of atherosclerosis will be randomized to regular consumption of red wine (Pinot Noir) or white wine (Chardonnay-Pinot) for one year. The primary endpoint is the level of HDL-cholesterol at one year, while secondary endpoints are levels of other markers of atherosclerosis (LDL-cholesterol, C-reactive protein, myeloperoxidase, advanced oxidation protein product, interleukins 6 and 18, matrix metalloproteinases, glutathione s-transferase, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, soluble CD40L).

CONCLUSION

The IVV trial is the first study focusing on the long-term prospective comparison of the effects of red and white wines consumption on HDL-cholesterol and other markers of atherosclerosis. Results of the IVV trial may extend our understanding of the widely discussed "French paradox" (Tab. 1, Ref. 21)

Variation in the IL1B, TNF and IL6 genes and individual susceptibility to prosthetic joint infection

Background

Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is an important failure mechanism of total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Here we examine whether the particular genetic variants can lead to increased susceptibility to PJI development.

Results

We conducted a genetic-association study to determine whether PJI could be associated with functional cytokine gene polymorphisms (CGP) influencing on innate immunity response. A case–control design was utilized and previously published criteria for PJI were included to distinguish between cases and control subjects with/without TJA. Six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in the genes for interleukin-1beta (SNP: IL1B-511, +3962), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-308, -238) and interleukin-6 (IL6-174, nt565) were genotyped in 303 Caucasian (Czech) patients with TJA (89 with PJI / 214 without PJI), and 168 unrelated healthy Czech individuals without TJA. The results showed that carriers of the less common IL1B−511*T allele were overrepresented in the group of TJA patients with PJI (69%) in comparison with those that did not develop PJI (51%, p = 0.006, p_corr = 0.037) and with healthy controls (55%, p = 0.04, p_corr = N.S.). There was no significant difference in the distribution of the remaining five investigated CGPs and their haplotypes between groups.

Conclusion

A functional variant of the gene encoding for IL-1beta was preliminarily nominated as a genetic factor contributing to the susceptibility to PJI. Our results should be independently replicated; studies on the functional relevance of IL1B gene variants in PJI are also needed.

Association of C1QB gene polymorphism with schizophrenia in Armenian population

Background

Schizophrenia is a complex, multifactorial psychiatric disorder. Our previous findings indicated that altered functional activity of the complement system, a major mediator of the immune response, is implicated in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. In order to explore whether these alterations are genetically determined or not, in the present study we evaluated the possible association of complement C1Q component gene variants with susceptibility to schizophrenia in Armenian population, focusing on four frequent single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of C1QA and C1QB genes.

Methods

In the present study four SNPs of the complement C1Q component genes (C1QA: rs292001, C1QB rs291982, rs631090, rs913243) were investigated in schizophrenia-affected and healthy subjects. Unrelated Caucasian individuals of Armenian nationality, 225 schizophrenic patients and the same number of age- and sex-matched healthy subjects, were genotyped. Genotyping was performed using polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP) and quantitative real-time (qRT) PCR methods.

Results

While there was no association between C1QA rs292001, C1QB rs913243 and rs631090 genetic variants and schizophrenia, the C1QB rs291982*G minor allele was significantly overrepresented in schizophrenic patients (G allele frequency 58%) when compared to healthy subjects (46%, OR = 1.64, p_corr = 0.0008). Importantly, the susceptibility for schizophrenia was particularly associated with C1QB rs291982 GG genotype (OR = 2.5, p_corrected = 9.6E-5).

Conclusions

The results obtained suggest that C1QB gene may be considered as a relevant candidate gene for susceptibility to schizophrenia, and its rs291982*G minor allele might represent a risk factor for schizophrenia at least in Armenian population. Replication in other centers/populations is necessary to verify this conclusion.

Functional characterization of the complement receptor type 1 and its circulating ligands in patients with schizophrenia

BACKGROUND

Whereas the complement system alterations contribute to schizophrenia, complement receptors and regulators are little studied. We investigated complement receptor type 1 (CR1) expression on blood cells, the levels of circulating immune complexes (CIC) containing ligands of CR1, C1q complement protein and fragments of C3 complement protein (C1q-CIC, C3d-CIC), and CR1 C5507G functional polymorphism in schizophrenia patients and controls.

RESULTS

We found an increased C1q-CIC level and CR1 expression on blood cells, elevated number of CR1 positive erythrocytes and reduced number of CR1 positive lymphocytes and monocytes in patients compared to controls. No difference in the levels of C3d-CIC between groups was observed. Higher CR1 expression on erythrocytes in CC genotype versus CG+GG for both groups was detected, whereas no difference was observed for other cell populations. Our results indicated that schizophrenia is associated with the increased CR1 expression and C1q-CIC level.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study for the first time indicated that schizophrenia is associated with the increased CR1 expression and C1q-CIC level. Further studies in other ethnic groups are needed to replicate these findings.

T-helper cell type-1 transcription factor T-bet is upregulated in pulmonary sarcoidosis

Upregulation of genes for interferon (IFN)-γ and CXC chemokine receptor (CXCR)3 expression, two crucial molecules in sarcoid inflammation and granuloma formation, is directly controlled by the T-helper (Th)1 transcription factor T-bet (T-box, expressed in T-cells). However, there is no information on T-bet expression in sarcoidosis or its relationship with "sarcoidosis-associated" genes. Therefore, we investigated expression of T-bet mRNA and, in parallel, a spectrum of genes known to be involved in sarcoidosis pathogenesis. Transcripts were determined in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cells from 62 sarcoidosis patients and 25 controls by quantitative RT-PCR; T-bet protein was localised by immunohistochemistry. Patient's BAL cells expressed higher mRNA T-bet levels than those of controls (mean ± sd fold change 3.64 ± 1.72; p = 0.00006). T-bet mRNA expression did not vary between clinical phenotypes as assessed by chest radiography stage, presence/absence of Löfgren's syndrome, extrapulmonary/pulmonary involvement or progressing/remitting disease (p > 0.05). T-bet mRNA expression correlated with expression of IFN-γ, CC chemokine ligand 5, CXC chemokine ligand (CXC)10, interleukin (IL)-2 receptor/IL-15 receptor β, CXCR3 and CXCR6 (p < 0.01). T-bet protein was localised to alveolar macrophages and lymphocytes, tissue multinucleated giant cells, macrophages and lymphocytes. In pulmonary sarcoidosis, T-bet upregulation is associated with changes in expression of IFN-γ, CXCR3 and chemokines/receptors involved in the pathogenesis of sarcoidosis, which suggests a role for T-bet in this Th1 disease, including modulation of some sarcoidosis-associated genes.

Involvement of microRNAs in physiological and pathological processes in the lung

To date, at least 900 different microRNA (miRNA) genes have been discovered in the human genome. These short, single-stranded RNA molecules originate from larger precursor molecules that fold to produce hairpin structures, which are subsequently processed by ribonucleases Drosha/Pasha and Dicer to form mature miRNAs. MiRNAs play role in the posttranscriptional regulation of about one third of human genes, mainly via degradation of target mRNAs. Whereas the target mRNAs are often involved in the regulation of diverse physiological processes ranging from developmental timing to apoptosis, miRNAs have a strong potential to regulate fundamental biological processes also in the lung compartment. However, the knowledge of the role of miRNAs in physiological and pathological conditions in the lung is still limited. This review, therefore, summarizes current knowledge of the mechanism, function of miRNAs and their contribution to lung development and homeostasis. Besides the involvement of miRNAs in pulmonary physiological conditions, there is evidence that abnormal miRNA expression may lead to pathological processes and development of various pulmonary diseases. Next, the review describes current state-of-art on the miRNA expression profiles in smoking-related diseases including lung cancerogenesis, in immune system mediated pulmonary diseases and fibrotic processes in the lung. From the current research it is evident that miRNAs may play role in the posttranscriptional regulation of key genes in human pulmonary diseases. Further studies are, therefore, necessary to explore miRNA expression profiles and their association with target mRNAs in human pulmonary diseases.

Genetic variants of the inflammatory C-reactive protein and schizophrenia in Armenian population: a pilot study

C-reactive protein (CRP) is an inflammation marker implicated in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. To investigate association of the CRP rs1417938, rs1800947, rs1205 variants with susceptibility to schizophrenia 208 unrelated Armenians (103 patients and 105 healthy controls) were genotyped. In this pilot study, none of studied variants was associated with schizophrenia.

MCP-1 -2518 A/G gene polymorphism is associated with blood pressure in ischemic heart disease asymptomatic subjects

Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), one of the key inflammatory chemokines, plays an important role in the initiation of atherosclerosis, and represents a risk for coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction. A recent animal study showed that MCP-1 gene might be a candidate gene for salt-sensitive hypertension in Dahl salt sensitive rats. This effect has not been yet studied in asymptomatic humans. We tested the MCP-1 -2518 A/G single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in 66 hypertensive ischemic heart disease asymptomatic subjects. Inflammatory markers, classic risk factors and absolute cardiovascular risk (SCORE system) were also investigated in these subjects. Our results showed that both, systolic and diastolic values of blood pressure were associated with MCP-1 -2518 A/G SNP at the level of both, genotype and allele frequencies. Subjects with mutant G allele had higher levels of both values of blood pressure, systolic (p = 0.035) and diastolic (p = 0.040) than subjects with allele A. Statistically significantly higher levels of both values of blood pressure, systolic (p = 0.037) and diastolic (p = 0.021) were found also in IHD asymptomatic subjects with AG and GG genotypes. Subjects with AG and GG genotypes had also an increased absolute cardiovascular risk (1.62% vs 3.17%; p = 0.004) and an increasing trend for elevated plasma level of high-sensitive CRP (2.858 vs 2.062 mg/l; p = 0.076). We did not find any significant correlation between the serum level of MCP-1 and blood pressure. To our best knowledge, this is the first study concerning the association between MCP-1 polymorphism and arterial blood pressure in IHD asymptomatic subjects. These results indicate that the expression of MCP-1 may be increased before the onset of hypertension but further observations from larger cohorts are needed to confirm this finding (Tab. 6, Ref. 41).

Variation in cytokine genes can contribute to severity of acetabular osteolysis and risk for revision in patients with ABG 1 total hip arthroplasty: a genetic association study

BACKGROUND

The differences in total hip arthroplasty (THA) survivorship may be influenced by individual susceptibility to periprosthetic osteolysis. This may be driven by functional polymorphisms in the genes for cytokines and cytokine receptors involved in the development of osteolysis in THA, thereby having an effect on the individual's phenotype.

METHODS

We performed a study on 22 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for 11 cytokines and two cytokine receptor candidate genes for association with severity of acetabular osteolysis and risk to failure in THA. Samples from 205 unrelated Caucasian patients with cementless type THA (ABG 1) were investigated. Distribution of investigated SNP variants between the groups of mild and severe acetabular osteolysis was determined by univariate and multivariate analysis. Time-dependent output variables were analyzed by the Cox hazards model.

RESULTS

Univariate analysis showed: 1) TNF-238*A allele was associated with severe osteolysis (odds ratio, OR = 6.59, p = 0.005, population attributable risk, PAR 5.2%); 2) carriers of the IL6-174*G allele were 2.5 times more prone to develop severe osteolysis than non-carriers (OR = 2.51, p = 0.007, PAR = 31.5%); 3) the carriage of IL2-330*G allele was associated with protection from severe osteolysis (OR = 0.55, p = 0.043). Based on logistic regression, the alleles TNF-238*A and IL6-174*G were independent predictors for the development of severe acetabular osteolysis. Carriers of TNF-238*A had increased cumulative hazard of THA failure according to Cox model (p = 0.024). In contrast, IL2-330*G allele predicted lower cumulative hazard of THA failure (p = 0.019).

CONCLUSION

Genetic variants of proinflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha and IL-6 confer susceptibility to severe OL. In this way, presence of the minor TNF allele could increase the cumulative risk of THA failure. Conversely, SNP in the IL2 gene may protect carriers from the above THA complications.

Association of MCP-1 -2518 A/G single nucleotide polymorphism with the serum level of CRP in Slovak patients with ischemic heart disease, angina pectoris, and hypertension

The aim of our work was to find if MCP-1 -2518 (A/G) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) influences somehow the serum concentrations of high-sensitive CRP (hsCRP) both in patients suffering from ischemic heart disease (IHD), myocardial infarction (MI), angina pectoris (AP), and hypertension (HT) and in control group of healthy subjects. Totally, 263 patients with the diagnosis of IHD, out of them 89 with MI, 145 with AP, 205 with HT, and also 67 healthy subjects were included in the study. First, we estimated the serum levels of hsCRP. We found that patients with AP had significantly higher serum level of hsCRP than both control group of healthy subjects (P = .043) and IHD patients without AP (P = .026). The presence of the mutant G allele statistically significantly correlated with the higher serum levels of hsCRP in patients with IHD (P = .016), AP (P = .004), and HT (P = .013). Higher correlations were found in men (AP: P = .019; HT: P = .047). In all cases the highest levels of hsCRP were found both in patients and healthy controls with homozygous GG genotype.

The CR1 C5507G polymorphism is not involved in susceptibility to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in two European populations

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a severe lung disease with unknown aetiology, is thought to have an important genetic component. Single nucleotide polymorphism, C5507G, of the complement receptor 1 (CR1) gene, which affects the number of CR1 molecules on erythrocytes, has been associated with susceptibility to IPF in a single European population. To replicate this finding, 53 Czech IPF patients with 203 Czech healthy control subjects and 70 English IPF patients with 149 English controls were investigated. In both populations, there were no significant differences in distribution of CR1 C5507G variants between IPF patients and their appropriate control groups. In conclusion, the association of the CR1 C5507G polymorphism with susceptibility to IPF was not reproducible in Czech and English populations.

Protein levels of CC chemokine ligand (CCL)15, CCL16 and macrophage stimulating protein in patients with sarcoidosis

The objective of this study was to assess protein levels for candidate cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in patients with polar forms of pulmonary sarcoidosis, i.e. Löfgren's syndrome (LS) and more advanced chest X-ray (CXR) stage III disease. Twenty-four inflammatory molecules were analysed in unconcentrated BALF samples from 10 sarcoidosis patients with CXR stage III and 10 patients with LS by semiquantitative protein array. Four novel molecules [CC chemokine ligand (CCL)15, CCL16, macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and macrophage stimulating protein (MSP)], detected for the first time in association with sarcoidosis, were then quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in a second cohort of 68 sarcoidosis patients and 17 control subjects. The protein levels of CCL15, CCL16, CCL24, CXCL8, CXCL9, CXCL10, interleukin-16, MIF, MSP and matrix metallopeptidase 1 were increased in CXR stage III patients when compared with patients with LS. CCL15 and MSP up-regulation in CXR stage III patients in comparison with LS patients and controls was confirmed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Moreover, MSP was associated with treatment requirement (P = 0.001) and CCL15 was elevated in patients with disease progression at 2-year follow-up (P = 0.016). CCL16 levels were increased in sarcoidosis versus controls (P < 0.05), but no difference was observed between patient subgroups. MIF up-regulation was not confirmed in a larger patient group. In conclusion, chemokines CCL15, CCL16 and MSP were found elevated for the first time in BALF from sarcoidosis patients; our results showed that CCL15 and MSP may affect disease course.

Possible impact of MADCAM1 gene single nucleotide polymorphisms to the outcome of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule-1 (MAdCAM-1) contributes to the recruitment of donor T cells into the mucosal tissues of the recipient after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT). The aim of our study was to determine whether selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the MADCAM1 gene are associated with development of serious complications after aHSCT. Three MADCAM1 gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs758502 C/T, rs2302217 A/G, rs3745925 G/T) were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primers in 87 Czech, HLA-identical donor-recipient aHSCT pairs. MADCAM1 rs2302217 AA homozygous recipients developed chronic GVHD more frequently than patients with other genotypes (65% vs. 34%; p = 0.025). Furthermore, multivariate analysis revealed the MADCAM1 rs2302217 AA genotype in recipient being also an independent factor associated with development of acute GVHD (p = 0.036) and decreased overall survival (p = 0.001). These data suggest that MADCAM1 gene polymorphisms may be associated with the risk of chronic GVHD and may, also, affect mortality related to aHSCT.

Association of IL-6 gene polymorphism with the outcome of allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation in Czech patients

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is an important pro-inflammatory mediator implicated in immune-mediated complications of allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT). In accord with previous reports, this preliminary study on 56 donor-recipient pairs revealed IL-6-174 single nucleotide polymorphisms as a risk factor for the development of acute graft-versus-host disease and decreased survival after aHSCT.

Association of IL6 and CCL2 gene polymorphisms with the outcome of allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Various polymorphisms of non-HLA genes have recently been investigated as candidate risk factors in allogeneic haematopoietic SCT (aHSCT). Our study aimed at exploring possible associations of IL6 and CCL2 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) with aHSCT outcome. A total of 166 HLA-identical aHSCT pairs recruited in were genotyped for IL6 -174 G/C, IL6 -597 G/A, CCL2 -2518 A/G and CCL2 -2076 A/T SNPs by PCR with sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP). The association between IL6 -174 GG genotype and increased risk of acute GVHD was found in whole study group (P=0.03) and in the subgroup of related aHSCT (P=0.01), association between IL6 -597 GG genotype and the occurrence of acute GVHD was detected only in the related aHSCT pairs (P=0.02). Furthermore, reduction in OS was revealed among recipients possessing IL6 -174(*)G allele in the group of related aHSCT pairs (P=0.04). Presence of CCL2 -2076 TT genotype was associated with decrease of OS (P=0.04) and increase of TRM (P=0.02) in patients transplanted by related donor. These results, in the context of previous findings, suggest that IL6 gene polymorphisms may be associated with aHSCT outcome, particularly in patients transplanted from a related donor.

The macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) gene polymorphism in Czech and Russian patients with myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a cytokine implicated in early and advanced atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to investigate whether polymorphism of MIF gene is associated with myocardial infarction (MI).

METHODS

Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in MIF gene (-173G/C, rs755622) was investigated in Czech (n=219) and Russian (n=240) MI patients and population control from the same geographical areas (Czech, n=137; Russian, n=174). Further, another SNP (rs1007888) located within the 3' flanking region of the MIF gene was investigated in Czech MI patients and control subjects.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in the distribution of MIF -173G/C genotypes, alleles or carriage rates between case and control groups in either populations. However, the GG genotype of the MIF SNP rs1007888 was associated with MI in Czech female patients (p=0.027).

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together with previous reports, our study suggests that particular MIF gene polymorphisms may contribute to MI susceptibility in females.

The MCP-1 -2518 (A/G) single nucleotide polymorphism is associated with ischemic heart disease and myocardial infarction in men in the Slovak population

We investigated the MCP-1 -2518 (A/G) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in Slovak cohort of patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD). Our study comprised 270 patients with IHD, out of them 92 with myocardial infarction (MI). We found that the frequencies of the mutant GG genotype in Slovak patients with IHD (10.7%; p=0.019) and MI (12.0%; p=0.046) were significantly higher than those in the control subjects (5.8%). After subdividing the groups according to the sex, statistically significant difference was found only in men (IHD: p=0.013, MI: p=0.009). We also found a higher rate of GG homozygous genotype in patients with early (< or =50 years of age) MI (18.4%; p=0.004)--statistically significant again only in men (23.1%; p=0.002). The frequencies of G alleles in IHD male patients (30.3%, p=0.046) and in early MI male patients (38.5%, p=0.019) were also statistically significantly higher than in control group. Our results confirm that IHD and MI are linked to MCP-1 -2518 (A/G) single nucleotide polymorphism (Tab. 4, Ref. 34). Full Text (Free, PDF) www.bmj.sk.

MCP-1 and CCR2 gene polymorphisms in Czech patients with allergic disorders

Several lines of evidence suggest that chemokines play an important role in asthma and allergy. We analysed polymorphisms at -2518A/G and -2076A/T of MCP-1 and V64I of CCR2 gene in healthy subjects (n = 306) and allergic patients (n = 332). Allele and genotype frequencies did not differ significantly between groups. Nevertheless, MCP-1 variants were associated with allergen sensitization. The results suggest that MCP-1, but not CCR2 gene variants, may participate in the pathogenesis of allergic phenotypes at least in the Caucasian population.

PSMB2 and RPL32 are suitable denominators to normalize gene expression profiles in bronchoalveolar cells

BACKGROUND

For accuracy of quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), normalisation with suitable reference genes is required. To date, no reference genes have been validated for expression studies of bronchoalveolar (BAL) cells. The aims of this study were to identify gene(s) with stable mRNA expression in BAL cells irrespective of gender, smoking, BAL cellular composition, lung pathology, treatment; and to assess the influence of reference genes on target gene expression data.

RESULTS

The mRNA expression of ten housekeeping genes (ACTB, ARF1, CANX, G6PD, GAPDH, GPS1, GNB2L1, PSMB2, PSMD2, RPL32) was investigated by qRT-PCR in BAL cells from 71 subjects across a spectrum of lung diseases. The analyses were validated in an independent BAL cohort from 63 sarcoidosis patients and 17 control subjects. A second derivative method was used to calculate expression values (CTt); an equivalence test, applets BestKeeper, geNorm and NormFinder were applied to investigate gene expression stability. Of the investigated genes, PSMB2 (CTt +/- SD, 23.66 +/- 0.86) and RPL32 (18.65 +/- 0.92) were the most stable; both were constantly expressed in BAL samples from parallel investigated cohorts irrespective of evaluated variables. Finally, to demonstrate effect of traditional (ACTB/GAPDH) and novel (PSMB2/RPL32) reference genes as denominators, expression of two cytokines known associated with sarcoidosis was investigated in sarcoid BAL cells. While normalization with PSMB2/RPL32 resulted in elevated IFNG mRNA expression (p = 0.004); no change was observed using GAPDH/ACTB (p > 0.05). CCL2 mRNA up-regulation was observed only when PSMB2/RPL32 were used as denominators (p < 0.03).

CONCLUSION

PSMB2 and RPL32 are, therefore, suitable reference genes to normalize qRT-PCR in BAL cells in sarcoidosis, and other interstitial lung disease.

Molecular dynamics study of Pseudomonas aeruginosa lectin-II complexed with monosaccharides

We present the results of a series of 10-ns molecular dynamics simulations on Pseudomonas aeruginosa lectin-II (PA-IIL) and its complexes with four different monosaccharides. We compare the saccharide-free, saccharide-occupied, and saccharide- and ion-free forms of the lectin. The results are coupled with analysis of the water density map and calcium coordination. The water density pattern around the binding site in the free lectin molecular dynamics was fitted with that in the X-ray and with the hydroxyl groups of the monosaccharide within the lectin/monosaccharide complexes and the best ligand was predicted based on the best fit. Interestingly, the water density pattern around the binding site in the uncomplexed lectin exactly fitted the O2, O3, and O4 hydroxyl groups of the fucose complex with the lectin. This observation could lead to a hypothesis that the replacement of these three water molecules from the binding site by the monosaccharide decreases the entropy of the complex and increases the entropy of the water molecules, which favors the binding. It suggests that the high density peaks of the solvent around the binding site in the free protein could be the tool to predict hydroxyl group orientation of the sugar in the protein/sugar complexes. The high affinity of PA-IIL binding site is also attributed to the presence of two calcium ions, each of them making five to six coordinations with the protein part and two coordinations with either water or the monosaccharide. When the calcium ions are removed from the simulated system, they are replaced by sodium ions from the solvent. These observations rationalize the high binding affinity of PA-IIL towards fucose.

Complement receptor 1 single nucleotide polymorphisms in Czech and Dutch patients with sarcoidosis

A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) C5507G of the complement receptor 1 (CR1) gene has been associated with genetic susceptibility to sarcoidosis in an Italian population. In order to provide further data on the possible involvement of CR1 gene polymorphisms in sarcoidosis, CR1 SNPs C5507G and A3650G were investigated in Czech (n = 210) and Dutch (n = 116) patients with sarcoidosis with ethnically matched groups of healthy control subjects (Czech, n = 203; Dutch, n = 112). CR1 C5507G and A3650G SNPs were not associated with susceptibility to sarcoidosis or its clinical course. Further, CR1 messenger RNA expression in bronchoalveolar lavage cells investigated by quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction did not differ between sarcoidosis patients and control subjects and was not associated with the presence of the CR1 5507*G allele.

[Involvement of immunogenetic factors in the development of periprosthetic osteolysis]

Aseptic loosening and osteolysis are the most frequent causes of total hip or total knee arthroplasty failure. Osteolysis is induced predominantly by polyethylene particles that are produced by adhesive wear of the prosthesis. The particles trigger a complex host's reaction varying in intensity even in response to the same number of particles. These differences indicate that individual predisposition may have an important role in the pathogenesis of osteolysis. The major key mediators of wear-induced osteolysis include the cytokines RANKL, TNF-a, IL-1, IL-6 and IL-8. The inter-individual differences in the extent of bone destruction may therefore be related to variation in the amount and/or activity of these cytokines based on their gene polymorphism. Our pilot study suggests an association of some variants of the cytokine genes (e.g., IL1A-889) with a predisposition to development of severe osteolysis. If this assumption is confirmed by future investigations, this approach can facilitate the pre-operative identification of patients at risk of the development of severe periprosthetic osteolysis and premature failure of the implant.

Bone remodeling, particle disease and individual susceptibility to periprosthetic osteolysis

Bone remodeling is a tightly coupled process consisting of repetitive cycles of bone resorption and formation. Both processes are governed by mechanical signals, which operate in conjunction with local and systemic factors in a discrete anatomic structure designated a basic multicellular unit (BMU). The microenvironment around total joint arthroplasty is a dynamic and complex milieu influenced by the chemical and physical stimuli associated with servicing the prosthesis. A key factor limiting the longevity of the prosthesis is polyethylene wear, which induces particle disease, and this may lead to increased and prolonged activity of BMUs resulting in periprosthetic osteolysis. Several pathways regulating BMU function have been reported in the past, including RANKL/RANK/OPG/TRAF6, TNF-alpha/TNFR/TRAF1, and IL-6/CD126/JAK/STAT. Moreover, the expression and functional activity of all these molecules can be affected by variations in their genes. These may explain the differences in severity of bone defects or prosthetic failure between patients with similar wear rates and the same prosthesis. Simultaneously, this data strongly support the theory of individual susceptibility to prosthetic failure.

Expression of CCX CKR in pulmonary sarcoidosis

OBJECTIVE

CCX CKR is a decoy chemokine receptor that specifically binds the chemokines CCL19, CCL25 and CCL21. CCL19 was previously found to be upregulated in pulmonary sarcoidosis. We have, therefore, investigated CCX CKR expression in this inflammatory disease.

METHODS AND RESULTS

CCX CKR mRNA was semiquantitated using RT-PCR in unseparated bronchoalveolar (BAL) cells from sarcoidosis patients (S, n = 29) and healthy control subjects (C, n = 9). CCX CKR transcripts were upregulated in patients (mean +/- SEM); S, 0.82 +/- 0.10; C, 0.44 +/- 0.04; p = 0.01; this upregulation paralleled the disease course as assessed by the chest radiographic stage (p < 0.02). Immunocytochemistry localised the CCX CKR protein to ciliated bronchial cells. Flow cytometric fluorescent ligand uptake assay showed that these cells are able to internalize its ligand.

CONCLUSION

These observations implicate CCX CKR in the modulation of the inflammatory response in sarcoidosis.

The MCP-1-2518 (A to G) single nucleotide polymorphism in Czech patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis: association with Löfgren's syndrome

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The chemokine Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein (MCP)-1/CCL2, a chemoattractant for mononuclear cells, has already been implicated in the pathogenesis of sarcoidosis. A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located at the position -2518 (A to G) of the MCP-1 gene has been reported to alter production of the MCP-1 protein in vitro and ex vivo. The present study, therefore, explored a possible association between MCP-1-2518 SNP and pulmonary sarcoidosis including its clinical subtypes, especially Löfgren's syndrome (LS). Relationship between MCP-1-2518 SNP and serum MCP-1 levels was also investigated.

METHODS

MCP-1-2518 genotypes were determined using PCR with sequence specific primers in 105 sarcoidosis patients and 359 healthy control subjects. The differences in genotype and allelic frequencies between the patient and control groups were assessed by chi2 test. MCP-1 protein concentrations in serum samples from 77 sarcoidosis patients were determined by ELISA; Mann-Whitney U-test was used to test for differences in protein levels.

RESULTS

While there was no significant difference in distribution of MCP-1-2518 alleles between sarcoidosis patients and healthy control subjects, a significantly higher proportion of the MCP-1-2518*G allele (p = 0.01, odds ratio (OR) = 2.3) and of the GG genotype (p = 0.03, OR = 3.9) was observed in the patients with LS compared to control subjects. There was also a significantly higher frequency of the MCP-1-2518*G allele in patients presenting with LS compared to the patients without LS (p = 0.04, OR = 2.1). MCP-1 protein in serum was not related to MCP-1-2518 gene variants.

CONCLUSION

A possible interpretation of our results is, that the MCP-1-2518 SNP or a gene located nearby may modify clinical manifestation of sarcoidosis towards Löfgren's syndrome. Future investigations in other population(s) should, therefore, follow this case-control study.

Identification of tunnels in proteins, nucleic acids, inorganic materials and molecular ensembles

The knowledge of the access paths connecting interior of molecular systems with surrounding environment is important for the understanding of structurefunction relationships and engineering of molecules for biotechnological applications. CAVER is a computer program developed for calculations of tunnels, channels or pores in the biomolecules, inorganic materials and molecular ensembles. The algorithm performs a skeleton search based on a reciprocal distance function grid. The algorithm is implemented in the stand-alone version, web version and as plug-in for PyMol. CAVER is available from the website http://loschmidt.chemi.muni.cz/caver.

Mechanism of enhanced conversion of 1,2,3-trichloropropane by mutant haloalkane dehalogenase revealed by molecular modeling

1,2,3-Trichloropropane (TCP) is a highly toxic, recalcitrant byproduct of epichlorohydrin manufacture. Haloalkane dehalogenase (DhaA) from Rhodococcus sp. hydrolyses the carbon-halogen bond in various halogenated compounds including TCP, but with low efficiency (k (cat)/K (m )= 36 s(-1) M(-1)). A Cys176Tyr-DhaA mutant with a threefold higher catalytic efficiency for TCP dehalogenation has been previously obtained by error-prone PCR. We have used molecular simulations and quantum mechanical calculations to elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved in the improved catalysis of the mutant, and enantioselectivity of DhaA toward TCP. The Cys176Tyr mutation modifies the protein access and export routes. Substitution of the Cys residue by the bulkier Tyr narrows the upper tunnel, making the second tunnel "slot" the preferred route. TCP can adopt two major orientations in the DhaA enzyme, in one of which the halide-stabilizing residue Asn41 forms a hydrogen bond with the terminal halogen atom of the TCP molecule, while in the other it bonds with the central halogen atom. The differences in these binding patterns explain the preferential formation of the (R)- over the (S)-enantiomer of 2,3-dichloropropane-1-ol in the reaction catalyzed by the enzyme.

Distribution of 22 cytokine gene polymorphisms in the healthy Czech population

Cytokine gene polymorphisms (CGP) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of immune-mediated diseases including transplant complications via their effect on cytokine production and regulation. This study aimed to determine population frequencies of selected cytokine single nucleotide polymorphisms in the healthy Czech population and compare them with the data from other selected European populations. CGP were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP) using the Heidelberg kit in 120 unrelated Czech healthy individuals. Chi-squared analysis was used to test for a deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Allelic and genotype frequencies and carriage rates were determined for 22 CGP located within 13 cytokine genes in total. The frequencies observed in this study were similar to those available from the other two geographically close Central European centres, but they differed for several CGP from the data reported in south European populations. The data on the distribution of 22 CGP in the healthy Czech population reported here may be utilized to investigate possible associations of CGP with diseases or transplantation outcome.