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Guan D, Ji Y, Lu X, Feng W, Ma W. Associations of MTHFR gene polymorphism with lipid metabolism and risk of cerebral infarction in the Northwest Han Chinese population. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1152351. [PMID: 37064173 PMCID: PMC10102478 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1152351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
ObjectiveGenetic variation in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene may contribute to the development of cerebral infarction (CI); however, results have been inconsistent across studies with different populations, including studies of the Chinese population. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of MTHFR gene polymorphism on serum lipid and homocysteine levels among patients with CI in the Northwest Chinese Han population.Patients and methodsA total of 521 CI patients and 524 non-CI controls were enrolled in the study. Polymerase chain reaction and hybridization were utilized to identify MTHFR gene polymorphisms. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess the associations of MTHFR gene polymorphism with risk of CI.ResultsFrequencies of the TT genotype and the T allele were markedly higher among CI patients than among controls. After stratifying our data by sex and age, we determined that these differences in frequency of the TT genotype and the T allele were statistically significant among participants of two different age brackets and among men, but not among women (i.e., there were no statistically significant differences between female patients and female controls). CI patients and control participants with the CT or TT genotype had significantly higher homocysteine (Hcy) levels than those with the CC genotype. Among CI patients, CT/TT carriers showed significantly lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I) levels as compared with CC carriers, but there was no significant difference for control participants. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that drinking; smoking; diabetes mellitus; levels of Hcy, direct bilirubin (DB), indirect bilirubin (IB), ApoA-I, and total protein (TP); and TT genotype were significant independent risk factors for CI.ConclusionsThe results suggested that the TT genotype of the MTHFR C677T gene polymorphism, which is associated with hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy), might be of great clinical significance in the identification of new biomarkers for CI and in the development of individualized preventive and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Guan
- Department of Pharmacology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yichun Ji
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaoyun Lu
- Department of Biological Science and Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Weiyi Feng
- Department of Pharmacology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wenbing Ma
- Department of Pharmacology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
- Department of Biological Science and Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
- *Correspondence: Wenbing Ma
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Huang W, Yuan Z, Gu H. Exploring epigenomic mechanisms of neural tube defects using multi-omics methods and data. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2022; 1515:50-60. [PMID: 35666948 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Neural tube defects (NTDs) are a heterogeneous set of malformations attributed to disruption in normal neural tube closure during early embryogenesis. An in-depth understanding of NTD etiology and mechanisms remains elusive, however. Among the proposed mechanisms, epigenetic changes are thought to play an important role in the formation of NTDs. Epigenomics covers a wide spectrum of genomic DNA sequence modifications that can be investigated via high-throughput techniques. Recent advances in epigenomic technologies have enabled epigenetic studies of congenital malformations and facilitated the integration of big data into the understanding of NTDs. Herein, we review clinical epigenomic data that focuses on DNA methylation, histone modification, and miRNA alterations in human neural tissues, placental tissues, and leukocytes to explore potential mechanisms by which candidate genes affect human NTD pathogenesis. We discuss the links between epigenomics and gene regulatory mechanisms, and the effects of epigenetic alterations in human tissues on neural tube closure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanqi Huang
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhengwei Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Hui Gu
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Steele JW, Lin YL, Chen N, Wlodarczyk BJ, Chen Q, Attarwala N, Venkatesalu M, Cabrera RM, Gross SS, Finnell RH. Embryonic Hypotaurine Levels Contribute to Strain-Dependent Susceptibility in Mouse Models of Valproate-Induced Neural Tube Defects. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:832492. [PMID: 35265619 PMCID: PMC8898900 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.832492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Valproic acid (VPA, valproate, Depakote) is a commonly used anti-seizure medication (ASM) in the treatment of epilepsy and a variety of other neurological disorders. While VPA and other ASMs are efficacious for management of seizures, they also increase the risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes, including neural tube defects (NTDs). Thus, the utility of these drugs during pregnancy and in women of childbearing potential presents a continuing public health challenge. Elucidating the underlying genetic or metabolic risk factors for VPA-affected pregnancies may lead to development of non-teratogenic ASMs, novel prevention strategies, or more targeted methods for managing epileptic pregnancies. To address this challenge, we performed unbiased, whole embryo metabolomic screening of E8.5 mouse embryos from two inbred strains with differential susceptibility to VPA-induced NTDs. We identified metabolites of differential abundance between the two strains, both in response to VPA exposure and in the vehicle controls. Notable enriched pathways included lipid metabolism, carnitine metabolism, and several amino acid pathways, especially cysteine and methionine metabolism. There also was increased abundance of ω-oxidation products of VPA in the more NTD-sensitive strain, suggesting differential metabolism of the drug. Finally, we found significantly reduced levels of hypotaurine in the susceptible strain regardless of VPA status. Based on this information, we hypothesized that maternal supplementation with L-carnitine (400 mg/kg), coenzyme A (200 mg/kg), or hypotaurine (350 mg/kg) would reduce VPA-induced NTDs in the sensitive strain and found that administration of hypotaurine prior to VPA exposure significantly reduced the occurrence of NTDs by close to one-third compared to controls. L-carnitine and coenzyme A reduced resorption rates but did not significantly reduce NTD risk in the sensitive strain. These results suggest that genetic variants or environmental exposures influencing embryonic hypotaurine status may be factors in determining risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes when managing the health care needs of pregnant women exposed to VPA or other ASMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- John W. Steele
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Ying Linda Lin
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Nellie Chen
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Bogdan J. Wlodarczyk
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Qiuying Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Nabeel Attarwala
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Madhu Venkatesalu
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Robert M. Cabrera
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Steven S. Gross
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Richard H. Finnell
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
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4
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Finnell RH, Caiaffa CD, Kim SE, Lei Y, Steele J, Cao X, Tukeman G, Lin YL, Cabrera RM, Wlodarczyk BJ. Gene Environment Interactions in the Etiology of Neural Tube Defects. Front Genet 2021; 12:659612. [PMID: 34040637 PMCID: PMC8143787 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.659612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Human structural congenital malformations are the leading cause of infant mortality in the United States. Estimates from the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) determine that close to 3% of all United States newborns present with birth defects; the worldwide estimate approaches 6% of infants presenting with congenital anomalies. The scientific community has recognized for decades that the majority of birth defects have undetermined etiologies, although we propose that environmental agents interacting with inherited susceptibility genes are the major contributing factors. Neural tube defects (NTDs) are among the most prevalent human birth defects and as such, these malformations will be the primary focus of this review. NTDs result from failures in embryonic central nervous system development and are classified by their anatomical locations. Defects in the posterior portion of the neural tube are referred to as meningomyeloceles (spina bifida), while the more anterior defects are differentiated as anencephaly, encephalocele, or iniencephaly. Craniorachischisis involves a failure of the neural folds to elevate and thus disrupt the entire length of the neural tube. Worldwide NTDs have a prevalence of approximately 18.6 per 10,000 live births. It is widely believed that genetic factors are responsible for some 70% of NTDs, while the intrauterine environment tips the balance toward neurulation failure in at risk individuals. Despite aggressive educational campaigns to inform the public about folic acid supplementation and the benefits of providing mandatory folic acid food fortification in the United States, NTDs still affect up to 2,300 United States births annually and some 166,000 spina bifida patients currently live in the United States, more than half of whom are now adults. Within the context of this review, we will consider the role of maternal nutritional status (deficiency states involving B vitamins and one carbon analytes) and the potential modifiers of NTD risk beyond folic acid. There are several well-established human teratogens that contribute to the population burden of NTDs, including: industrial waste and pollutants [e.g., arsenic, pesticides, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)], pharmaceuticals (e.g., anti-epileptic medications), and maternal hyperthermia during the first trimester. Animal models for these teratogens are described with attention focused on valproic acid (VPA; Depakote). Genetic interrogation of model systems involving VPA will be used as a model approach to discerning susceptibility factors that define the gene-environment interactions contributing to the etiology of NTDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard H. Finnell
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics and Medicine, Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Carlo Donato Caiaffa
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Sung-Eun Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Yunping Lei
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - John Steele
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Xuanye Cao
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Gabriel Tukeman
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Ying Linda Lin
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Robert M. Cabrera
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Bogdan J. Wlodarczyk
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
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Hui L. The intimate connection between maternal health and fetal development. Prenat Diagn 2020; 40:1045-1046. [PMID: 32602191 DOI: 10.1002/pd.5775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Hui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Reproductive Epidemiology group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Perinatal Medicine, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Northern Health, Epping, Victoria, Australia
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