The roles of endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene polymorphisms in diabetes mellitus and its associated vascular complications: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Association between nitric oxide synthase (NOS3) gene polymorphisms and diabetic nephropathy: An updated meta-analysis

Polymorphisms located within NOS3 gene have been investigated as susceptibility variants for diabetic nephropathy (DN) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in a large number of studies. However, these previous articles yielded inconsistent results and we aimed at elucidating the impact of NOS3 variants on DN risk in T2DM by conducting an updated systematic data synthesis. A total of 36 studies (12,807 participants) were selected for qualitative data synthesis, while 33 records with 11,649 subjects were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled analysis demonstrated the association of minor alleles of rs2070744 and rs1799983 with an increased susceptibility to DN (P < 0.001 and P = 0.015 for allelic model, respectively). For both of these variants, a significant effect of subgrouping according to ethnicity was found. Rs869109213 displayed an association with DN susceptibility, with pooled effect measures indicating a predisposing effect of the minor allele a (Prec = 0.002, ORrec = 1.960, 95%CI 1.288-2.983; Paavs. bb = 0.001, ORaavs. bb = 2.014, 95%CI 1.316-3.083). These findings support the effects of NOS3 variants on the risk of developing DN in T2DM.

Salvianolic acids and its potential for cardio-protection against myocardial ischemic reperfusion injury in diabetes

The incidence of diabetes and related mortality rate increase yearly in modern cities. Additionally, elevated glucose levels can result in an increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS), ferroptosis, and the disruption of protective pathways in the heart. These factors collectively heighten the vulnerability of diabetic individuals to myocardial ischemia. Reperfusion therapies have been effectively used in clinical practice. There are limitations to the current clinical methods used to treat myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. As a result, reducing post-treatment ischemia/reperfusion injury remains a challenge. Therefore, efforts are underway to provide more efficient therapy. Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Danshen) has been used for centuries in ancient China to treat cardiovascular diseases (CVD) with rare side effects. Salvianolic acid is a water-soluble phenolic compound with potent antioxidant properties and has the greatest hydrophilic property in Danshen. It has recently been discovered that salvianolic acids A (SAA) and B (SAB) are capable of inhibiting apoptosis by targeting the JNK/Akt pathway and the NF-κB pathway, respectively. This review delves into the most recent discoveries regarding the therapeutic and cardioprotective benefits of salvianolic acid for individuals with diabetes. Salvianolic acid shows great potential in myocardial protection in diabetes mellitus. A thorough understanding of the protective mechanism of salvianolic acid could expand its potential uses in developing medicines for treating diabetes mellitus related myocardial ischemia-reperfusion.

Association of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) 4a/b polymorphism with the risk of incident diabetic retinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and updated meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a systematic review and updated meta-analysis on the potential association between endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) 4a/b polymorphism and the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy (DR) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and to identify possible clinical biomarkers for early screening of DR.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A meta-analysis based on case-control or cross-sectional studies was conducted to examine the correlation between eNOS 4a/b polymorphism and DR. Pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to estimate the association strength.

RESULTS

We included 19 studies, covering 7838 subjects. An association was observed in Caucasians (allelic model: OR = 1.273, 95% CI: 1.006-1.610, p = .045; recessive model: OR = 0.575, 95% CI: 0.371-0.892, p = .014; dominant model: OR = 1.268, 95% CI: 1.052-1.528, p = .013; homozygote model: OR = 1.833, 95% CI: 1.176-2.856, p = .007). Moreover, population-based studies have indicated an association between eNOS 4a/b polymorphism and DR susceptibility.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study showed that intron 4a allele of eNOS 4a/b is a risk factor for DR in Caucasians with T2DM. Thus, eNOS 4a/b may be used as a biomarker for the early screening and diagnosis of DR in Caucasian T2DM patients.Key messagesEndothelial nitric oxide synthase 4a/b gene polymorphism is not associated with the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy in the overall population, Asians, or Chinese Han patients with type 2 diabetes. However, 4a is a risk factor for the development of diabetic retinopathy in Caucasians.Endothelial nitric oxide synthase 4a/b gene polymorphism is not associated with the type of diabetic retinopathy.

A synthesis of pathways linking diet, metabolic risk and cardiovascular disease: a framework to guide further research and approaches to evidence-based practice

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the most common non-communicable disease occurring globally. Although previous literature has provided useful insights into the important role that diet plays in CVD prevention and treatment, understanding the causal role of diets is a difficult task considering inherent and introduced weaknesses of observational (e.g. not properly addressing confounders and mediators) and experimental research designs (e.g. not appropriate or well designed). In this narrative review, we organised current evidence linking diet, as well as conventional and emerging physiological risk factors, with CVD risk, incidence and mortality in a series of diagrams. The diagrams presented can aid causal inference studies as they provide a visual representation of the types of studies underlying the associations between potential risk markers/factors for CVD. This may facilitate the selection of variables to be considered and the creation of analytical models. Evidence depicted in the diagrams was systematically collected from studies included in the British Nutrition Task Force report on diet and CVD and database searches, including Medline and Embase. Although several markers and disorders linked to conventional and emerging risk factors for CVD were identified, the causal link between many remains unknown. There is a need to address the multifactorial nature of CVD and the complex interplay between conventional and emerging risk factors with natural and built environments, while bringing the life course into the spotlight.

Plasma D-dimer levels are associated with disease progression in diabetic nephropathy: a two-center cohort study

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between plasma D-dimer levels, clinicopathological features, and clinical outcomes in patients with biopsy-proven diabetic nephropathy (DN).

METHODS

A total of 137 patients with biopsy-proven DN were enrolled in this two-center cohort study. Patients were stratified into tertiles based on plasma D-dimer levels. We investigated the relationship between plasma D-dimer levels and clinical outcomes, including a composite of death, a 40% decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (e-GFR) from baseline, or end-stage renal disease (ESRD) (defined as e-GFR < 15 mL/min/1.73 m2 or need for renal replacement therapy including hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, or kidney transplantation), assessed using Cox regression models with adjustment for confounders.

RESULTS

At baseline, the mean age was 52.61 ± 11.63 years, and the mean e-GFR was 58.02 ± 28.77 mL/min/1.73 m2. During a median 26-month follow-up period, 65 (47% of patients) achieved clinical outcomes. Compared with the low plasma D-dimer level group, those with higher plasma D-dimer levels were more likely to have higher 24-h proteinuria (p = .002), lower e-GFR (p = .001), lower hemoglobin (p = .001), a higher glomerular lesion class (p = .03), and higher interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IFTA) scores (p = .002). After adjustment for demographic, DN-specific covariates, and treatments, it was observed that a higher tertile of plasma D-dimer was nonlinearly associated with an increased risk of the clinical outcomes (Hazard Ratio (HR) for tertile 2 vs. 1, 1.7; 95% Confidence Interval (CI), 0.80-3.75; HR for tertile 3 vs. 1, 2.2; 95% CI, 0.93-5.27; p for trend = .001) in the Cox proportional hazards models.

CONCLUSION

In this study, DN patients with higher levels of plasma D-dimer had higher 24-h proteinuria, lower e-GFR, a higher glomerular lesion class, and higher IFTA scores. Furthermore, a high level of plasma D-dimer was nonlinearly associated with DN progression.

Genetic Markers of Insulin Resistance and Atherosclerosis in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients with Coronary Artery Disease

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by impaired insulin secretion on a background of insulin resistance (IR). IR and T2DM are associated with atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (CAD). The mechanisms of IR and atherosclerosis are known to share similar genetic and environmental roots. Endothelial dysfunction (ED) detected at the earliest stages of IR might be the origin of atherosclerosis progression. ED influences the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and their encoding genes. The genes and their single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) act as potential genetic markers of IR and atherosclerosis. This review focuses on the link between IR, T2DM, atherosclerosis, CAD, and the potential genetic markers CHI3L1, CD36, LEPR, RETN, IL-18, RBP-4, and RARRES2 genes.

Association between nitric oxide synthase 3 genetic variant and acute kidney injury following pediatric cardiac surgery

BACKGROUND

Acute kidney injury (AKI) complicates 30% to 50% of cardiac surgeries in pediatric patients. Genetic variants that affect renal blood flow and inflammation have been associated with AKI after cardiac surgery in diverse populations of adults but have not been studied in children. The objective of this study is to test the hypothesis that common candidate genetic variants are associated with AKI following pediatric cardiac surgery.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study at a single tertiary referral children's hospital of 2,062 individual patients undergoing surgery for congenital heart disease from September 2007 to July 2020. Pre-specified variants in candidate genes (AGTR1, APOE, IL6, NOS3, and TNF) were chosen. AKI was defined using Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes serum creatinine criteria in the first week following surgery. Outcomes were analyzed by univariate and multivariable analysis of demographic, clinical, and genetic factors.

RESULTS

The study population had median age of 6 (interquartile range [IQR], 1-53) months, 759 (37%) of whom met criteria for postoperative AKI. In unadjusted analyses of each genetic variant, only NOS3 (rs2070744) was associated with lower risk for AKI (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.62-0.9, P = .002). In logistic regression analyses adjusting for body surface area, previously identified genetic syndrome, Society of Thoracic Surgeons-European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (STAT) score, cardiopulmonary bypass time, and nephrotoxic medication exposure, the NOS3 variant remained protective against AKI (OR 0.7, 95% CI 0.58-0.85, P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

A common variant in NOS3 is associated with decreased incidence of AKI in children undergoing cardiac surgery. Further analysis of the genetic contributions to postoperative AKI may help identify individual risk in the pediatric population.

Tissue Factor, Thrombosis, and Chronic Kidney Disease

Coagulation abnormalities are common in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Tissue factor (TF, factor III) is a master regulator of the extrinsic coagulation system, activating downstream coagulation proteases, such as factor Xa and thrombin, and promoting fibrin formation. TF and coagulation proteases also activate protease-activated receptors (PARs) and are implicated in various organ injuries. Recent studies have shown the mechanisms by which thrombotic tendency is increased under CKD-specific conditions. Uremic toxins, such as indoxyl sulfate and kynurenine, are accumulated in CKD and activate TF and coagulation; in addition, the TF-coagulation protease-PAR pathway enhances inflammation and fibrosis, thereby exacerbating renal injury. Herein, we review the recent research studies to understand the role of TF in increasing the thrombotic risk and CKD progression.

Evaluation of Association Studies and Meta-Analyses of eNOS Polymorphisms in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Risk

Background: Numerous studies reported the associations between endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) polymorphisms (4b/a VNTR (rs869109213), G894T (rs1799983) and T786C (rs2070744)) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) risk. However, the conclusions were incongruent. Moreover, since no published meta-analyses were performed, a key issue regarding false-positive results needs to be addressed. Furthermore, four new articles have been published on these issues. Therefore, an updated meta-analysis was conducted to further explore these associations.

Objectives: To investigate the association between eNOS 4b/a, G894T and T786C polymorphisms and T2DM risk.

Methods: Studies were searched by using the PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Medline, Embase, International Statistical Institute (ISI) and the China Wanfang databases. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to evaluate the associations using five genetic models. Furthermore, the false-positive report probability (FPRP), Bayesian false discovery probability (BFDP), and the Venice criteria were employed to assess the credibility of statistically significant associations.

Results: Overall, the eNOS 4b/a polymorphism was associated with a significantly decreased T2DM risk in Asians (bb vs. aa: OR = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.23–0.84; ab + bb vs. aa: OR = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.24–0.86; bb vs. aa + ab: OR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.59–0.91; b vs. a: OR = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.57–0.88); the eNOS G894T polymorphism was associated with a significantly increased T2DM risk in Asians (GT vs. GG: OR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.15–2.01; GT + TT vs. GG: OR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.15–2.01; T vs. G: OR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.09–1.76); the eNOS T786C polymorphism was associated with a significantly increased T2DM risk in Indian (TC vs. TT: OR = 1.93, 95% CI = 1.27–2.94; TC + CC vs. TT: OR = 2.06, 95%CI = 1.26–3.36; C vs. T: OR = 1.90, 95%CI = 1.17–3.08). However, when a sensitivity analysis was performed after excluding low quality and Hardy–Weinberg Disequilibrium (HWD) studies, no significant association was found for the eNOS G894T polymorphism. After credibility assessment, we identified “less-credible positive results” for the statistically significant associations in the current meta-analysis.

Conclusion: In conclusion, this article suggests that all substantial relationships between eNOS 4b/a, G894T, and T786C polymorphisms and T2DM risk are most likely due to false positive results rather than real connections or biological variables.

RANTES 59029A/G Polymorphisms Associated with Diabetic Compilations in Korean Patients with Type 2 Diabetes for over 15 Years

Background: Polymorphisms in the RANTES gene are known to be associated with several diseases related to insulin resistance. In this study, we investigated the association between RANTES 59029A/G polymorphisms and the prevalence of diabetic complications relative to obesity in Korean patients who had type 2 diabetes (T2D) for over 15 years. Methods: A single-center, retrospective case-control study was performed. We included 271 patients with a duration of diabetes greater than 15 years. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism was used to analyze RANTES polymorphisms, identifying genotypes as GG, AG, or AA. Obesity was defined using the body mass index with a cutoff value of 25 kg/m². Both microvascular (retinopathy and nephropathy) and macrovascular (coronary artery disease and cerebrovascular disease) complications were evaluated. Results: The duration of T2D and hemoglobin A1c values at enrollment were 24.4 ± 5.0 years and 7.8 ± 1.6%, respectively, in the non-obese group, and 25.4 ± 6.1 years and 7.7 ± 1.7%, respectively, in the obese group. The prevalence of microvascular complications was significantly higher in the obese group compared with that in the non-obese group (83.5% vs. 72.0%, p = 0.039). Compared to the non-obese group, the obese group showed a higher proportion of the patients with AA or AG genotypes (64.3% vs. 84.5%, p = 0.001). Conclusions: The A allele of the RANTES gene is associated with obesity and may affect diabetic microvascular complications in patients with T2D for over 15 years.

Coagulation, Protease-Activated Receptors, and Diabetic Kidney Disease: Lessons from eNOS-Deficient Mice

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) dysfunction is known to exacerbate the progression and prognosis of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). One of the mechanisms through which this is achieved is that low eNOS levels are associated with hypercoagulability, which promotes kidney injury. In the extrinsic coagulation cascade, the tissue factor (factor III) and downstream coagulation factors, such as active factor X (FXa), exacerbate inflammation through activation of the protease-activated receptors (PARs). Recently, it has been shown that the lack of or reduced eNOS expression in diabetic mice, as a model of advanced DKD, increases renal tissue factor levels and PAR1 and 2 expression in their kidneys. Furthermore, pharmaceutical inhibition or genetic deletion of coagulation factors or PARs ameliorated inflammation in DKD in mice lacking eNOS. In this review, we summarize the relationship between eNOS, coagulation, and PARs and propose a novel therapeutic option for the management of patients with DKD.

Interaction between eNOS gene polymorphism and current smoking on susceptibility to coronary heart disease in Chinese people

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to explore the relation between endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD).

METHODS

SNPstats (online software: http://bioinfo.iconcologia.net/SNPstats) was performed to test Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in controls. Generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction (GMDR) was adopted to screen the preferable interaction between eNOS SNPs and smoking.

RESULTS

The frequency for the rs1799983-T allele was 31.1% in CHD patients, which was significantly higher than that of 19.8% in controls (P < 0.05). The frequency for the rs891512-A allele was 28.8% in cases, which was also significantly higher than that of 20.1% in controls (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that both rs1799983-T and rs891512-A alleles were related with increased risk of CHD, and the odds ratios (ORs) [95% confidence interval (CI)] were 1.71 (1.31-2.15) and 1.57 (1.14-2.07), respectively. High-order interactions were investigated among SNPs and environmental factors using the GMDR method. The data showed that a two-locus model (rs1799983 × smoking) had a testing accuracy of 0.60 (P = 0.001). We found that current smokers with rs1799983-GT or TT within eNOS gene have the highest CHD risk, compared to never smokers with rs1799983-GG genotype, OR (95% CI) = 2.74 (1.78-3.85), after covariates adjustment for age, gender, BMI, and alcohol drinking.

CONCLUSION

The rs1799983-T and rs891512-A alleles and interaction between rs1799983 and smoking were all risk factors of CHD.

Activation of soluble guanylyl cyclase signalling with cinaciguat improves impaired kidney function in diabetic mice

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Diabetic nephropathy is the leading cause for end-stage renal disease worldwide. Until now, there is no specific therapy available. Standard treatment with inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin system just slows down progression. However, targeting the NO/sGC/cGMP pathway using sGC activators does prevent kidney damage. Thus, we investigated if the sGC activator cinaciguat was beneficial in a mouse model of diabetic nephropathy, and we analysed how mesangial cells (MCs) were affected by related conditions in cell culture.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Type 1 diabetes was induced with streptozotocin in wild-type and endothelial NOS knockout (eNOS KO) mice for 8 or 12 weeks.. Half of these mice received cinaciguat in their chow for the last 4 weeks. Kidneys from the diabetic mice were analysed with histochemical assays and by RT-PCR and western blotting. . Additionally, primary murine MCs under diabetic conditions were stimulated with 8-Br-cGMP or cinaciguat to activate the sGC/cGMP pathway.

KEY RESULTS

The diabetic eNOS KO mice developed most characteristics of diabetic nephropathy, most marked at 12 weeks. Treatment with cinaciguat markedly improved GFR, serum creatinine, mesangial expansion and kidney fibrosis in these animals. We determined expression levels of related signalling proteins. Thrombospondin 1, a key mediator in kidney diseases, was strongly up-regulated under diabetic conditions and this increase was suppressed by activation of sGC/cGMP signalling.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

Activation of the NO/sGC/PKG pathway with cinaciguat was beneficial in a model of diabetic nephropathy. Activators of sGC might be an appropriate therapy option in patients with Type 1 diabetes.

Gene-environment interaction in chronic kidney disease among people with type 2 diabetes from The Malaysian Cohort project: a case-control study

AIM

To examine the possible gene-environment interactions between 32 single nucleotide polymorphisms and environmental factors that could modify the probability of chronic kidney disease.

METHODS

A case-control study was conducted involving 600 people with type 2 diabetes (300 chronic kidney disease cases, 300 controls) who participated in The Malaysian Cohort project. Retrospective subanalysis was performed on the chronic kidney disease cases to assess chronic kidney disease progression from the recruitment phase. We genotyped 32 single nucleotide polymorphisms using mass spectrometry. The probability of chronic kidney disease and predicted rate of newly detected chronic kidney disease progression were estimated from the significant gene-environment interaction analyses.

RESULTS

Four single nucleotide polymorphisms (eNOS rs2070744, PPARGC1A rs8192678, KCNQ1 rs2237895 and KCNQ1 rs2283228) and five environmental factors (age, sex, smoking, waist circumference and HDL) were significantly associated with chronic kidney disease. Gene-environment interaction analyses revealed significant probabilities of chronic kidney disease for sex (PPARGC1A rs8192678), smoking (eNOS rs2070744, PPARGC1A rs8192678 and KCNQ1 rs2237895), waist circumference (eNOS rs2070744, PPARGC1A rs8192678, KCNQ1 rs2237895 and KCNQ1 rs2283228) and HDL (eNOS rs2070744 and PPARGC1A rs8192678). Subanalysis indicated that the rate of newly detected chronic kidney disease progression was 133 cases per 1000 person-years (95% CI: 115, 153), with a mean follow-up period of 4.78 (SD 0.73) years. There was a significant predicted rate of newly detected chronic kidney disease progression in gene-environment interactions between KCNQ1 rs2283228 and two environmental factors (sex and BMI).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that the gene-environment interactions of eNOS rs2070744, PPARGC1A rs8192678, KCNQ1 rs2237895 and KCNQ1 rs2283228 with specific environmental factors could modify the probability for chronic kidney disease.

The effect of nitric oxide, endothelial nitric oxide synthetase, and asymmetric dimethylarginine in hemorrhoidal disease

AIM

The aim of this study was to examine the roles of nitric oxide (NOx), endothelial nitric oxide synthetase (eNOS), and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), which is the major endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide synthases (NOS), in the pathophysiology of hemorrhoidal disease.

METHODS

This study included 54 patients with grades 3 and 4 internal hemorrhoidal disease and 54 patients without the disease who attended the General Surgery Clinic. NOx, eNOS, and ADMA levels were measured with the Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA) method.

RESULTS

The patients had higher NO and eNOS levels and lower ADMA levels than the control subjects (p<0.001). A significant highly positive correlation was found between NO and eNOS (p<0.001). Nevertheless, there was a highly negative correlation between ADMA and NO-eNOS(p<0.001, p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

This preliminary study reveals that higher NOx and eNOS activities and lower ADMA levels in the rectal mucosa are observed in patients with hemorrhoidal disease than in those with normal rectal tissue. The imbalance between endothelium-derived relaxing factors, such as NO and endogenous competitive inhibitor of NOS, ADMA, may cause hemorrhoidal disease. Our study proposes that hemorrhoids display apparent vascular dilatation and present with bleeding or swelling. ADMA is an effective NOS inhibitor and may be a promising therapeutic option for hemorrhoidal disease.

NOS3 Gene rs1799983 and rs2070744 Polymorphisms in Patients with Unstable Angina

Acute coronary syndrome occurs when the heart muscle does not receive adequate oxygen and nutrients in a timely manner. Acute coronary syndromes are primarily due to atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries, i.e., coronary heart disease. Nitric oxide (NO) is synthesised from L-arginine in endothelial cells by the constitutive calcium-calmodulin-dependent enzyme, nitric oxide synthase (NOS), which mediates endothelium-dependent vasodilatation. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is predominantly expressed in endothelial cells. Three NOS isoforms have been detected in different tissue: (1) neuronal NOS (nNOS) (NOS1), (2) eNOS (NOS2), and (3) inducible NOS (iNOS) (NOS3). These isoforms are encoded by three different genes. NOS3 is located on chromosome 7q35-36 and contains 26 exons. Previous studies have suggested that NOS3 polymorphisms may be associated with acute coronary syndromes. Therefore, the aim of the study was to examine the associations between NOS3 rs1799983 (894G/T)andrs2070744 (-786T/C) polymorphisms and unstable angina. This study included 246 patients with unstable angina, as confirmed by coronary angiography. We also included 189 healthy controls who were also assessed by this technique. There were no significant differences in genotype distributions of NOS3 rs1799983and rs2070744 polymorphisms in patients with unstable angina and healthy controls in both univariate and multivariate analyses. In patients with the NOS3 rs1799983 TT genotype, we observed a higher BMI (TT vs. GT + GG, p = 0.068), and in patients with the NOS3 rs2070744 TT genotype, we observed a higher waist circumference (TT vs. TC + CC, p = 0.023; TT vs. CC, p = 0.0053). These data suggest a lack of association between the NOS3 rs1799983andrs2070744 polymorphisms and unstable angina in our patient population. However, these polymorphisms may be associated with some obesity parameters, rs1799983 in females and rs2070744 in males.

Association between endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS3) rs2070744 and the risk for migraine

Because nitric oxide could play an important role in the pathogenesis of migraine (suggested by experimental, neuropathological, biochemical, and pharmacological data), and a recent meta-analysis showed an association between the single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs2070744 in the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS or NOS3) gene (chromosome 7q36.1) and the risk for migraine in Caucasians, we attempted to replicate the possible association between this SNP and the and the risk for migraine in the Caucasian Spanish population. The frequencies for the NOS3 rs2070744 genotypes and allelic variants were assessed in 283 migraine patients and 287 healthy controls with a TaqMan-based qPCR Assay. The putative influence on genotype frequency of age at onset of migraine attacks, gender, family history of migraine, absence or presence of aura, and triggering of migraine attacks by ethanol, were also analyzed. The frequencies of NOS3 rs2070744 genotypes and allelic variants were not associated with the risk for migraine (OR [95%] CI for the minor allele = 0.91 [0.72-1.15]) and were not influenced by age at onset of migraine, gender, presence of aura, or triggering of migraine attacks by ethanol. NOS3 rs2070744CC genotypes were significantly more frequent in patients with a family history of migraine. NOS3 rs2070744 SNP is not associated with the risk for migraine in Caucasian Spanish people although it might be related to family history.

Effects of ADIPOQ polymorphisms on individual susceptibility to coronary artery disease: a meta-analysis

Whether adiponectin (ADIPOQ) polymorphisms affect individual susceptibility to coronary artery disease (CAD) remains controversial. Therefore, we performed this meta-analysis to better analyse associations between ADIPOQ polymorphisms and CAD. PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and CNKI were searched for eligible studies. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Totally, 51 studies were eligible for analyses. In overall analyses, significant associations with the susceptibility to CAD were detected for rs266729 (overdominant model: p= 0.03, OR = 1.11, 95% CI 1.01–1.22), rs822395 (recessive model: p= 0.007, OR = 1.21, 95% CI 1.05–1.40) and rs2241766 (dominant model: p= 0.0009, OR = 0.82, 95% CI 0.73–0.92; recessive model: p= 0.04, OR = 1.29, 95% CI 1.02–1.64; allele model: p< 0.0001, OR = 0.80, 95% CI 0.73–0.88) polymorphisms. Further subgroup analyses by ethnicity revealed that rs1501299 polymorphism was significantly associated with the susceptibility to CAD in East Asians, while rs2241766 polymorphism was significantly associated with the susceptibility to CAD in Caucasians, East Asians and South Asians. In summary, our findings indicated that rs266729, rs822395, rs1501299 and rs2241766 polymorphisms were all significantly associated with the susceptibility to CAD in certain populations.

Effects of ANRIL variants on the risk of ischemic stroke: a meta-analysis

Background: Several studies investigated the relationship between antisense non-coding RNA in the INK4 locus (ANRIL) variants and the risk of ischemic stroke (IS), yet whether ANRIL variants are associated with IS remain controversial. Therefore, we performed the present study to obtain a more conclusive result. Methods: Literature retrieval was conducted in PubMed, Medline and Embase. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Results: Eighteen studies were enrolled for analyses. Pooled overall analyses showed that rs2383206 (recessive model: P=0.002, OR = 1.22, 95%CI 1.08–1.38; allele model: P=0.003, OR = 0.90, 95%CI 0.84–0.96) and rs10757274 (allele model: P=0.006, OR = 0.91, 95%CI 0.86–0.97) variants were significantly associated with an increased risk of IS. Further subgroup analyses by ethnicity revealed that rs2383206, rs10757274 and rs10757278 variants were all significantly correlated with an increased risk of IS in Asians. Additionally, rs10757278 polymorphism was also significantly correlated with an increased risk of IS in Caucasians. Conclusions: Our findings indicated that rs2383206, rs10757274 and rs10757278 variants may impact individual susceptibility to IS in Asians. Moreover, rs10757278 polymorphism may also impact individual susceptibility to IS in Caucasians.

Vascular endothelial growth factor gene polymorphisms and hypertensive disorder of pregnancy: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Whether vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) polymorphisms affect individual susceptibility to hypertensive disorder of pregnancy remain controversial. Therefore, we performed this meta-analysis to better evaluate associations between VEGF polymorphisms and hypertensive disorder of pregnancy in a larger pooled population.

METHODS

Pubmed, Web of Science, Embase and CNKI were searched for eligible studies. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

RESULTS

Totally 24 studies were eligible for analyses. In overall analyses, a significant association with hypertensive disorder of pregnancy was observed for rs3025039 polymorphism in dominant (p = 0.01, OR = 0.66, 95%CI 0.48-0.91), recessive (p = 0.002, OR = 1.79, 95%CI 1.25-2.58), overdominant (p = 0.04, OR = 1.35, 95%CI 1.01-1.80) and allele (p = 0.01, OR = 0.72, 95%CI 0.56-0.93) comparisons. But we did not observe any significant associations with hypertensive disorder of pregnancy for other VEGF polymorphisms in overall analyses. Further subgroup analyses by ethnicity showed that rs2010963 polymorphism was significantly associated with hypertensive disorder of pregnancy in Caucasians (dominant and recessive models) and Africans (allele model), whereas rs3025039 polymorphism was significantly associated with hypertensive disorder of pregnancy in Asians (recessive model).

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, our findings indicated that rs2010963 and rs3025039 polymorphisms were both significantly associated with the susceptibility to hypertensive disorder of pregnancy in certain populations.

Effects of GST variants on the risk odds of hematological malignancy: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Whether glutathione S-transferases (GST) polymorphisms influence the risk odds of hematological malignancy remains controversial. Therefore, we performed this meta-analysis to better analyze correlations between GST polymorphisms and hematological malignancy.

METHODS

Literature retrieve was conducted in PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

RESULTS

Sixty-two studies were enrolled for analyses. Significant associations with hematological malignancy were observed for GSTM1 (P < 0.0001, OR = 1.25, 95% CI, 1.14-1.38), GSTP1 (P = 0.002, OR = 1.20, 95% CI, 1.07-1.34), and GSTT1 (P < 0.0001, OR = 1.57, 95% CI, 1.39-1.76) polymorphisms in overall analyses. Further subgroup analyses by ethnicity revealed that GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms were both significantly correlated with hematological malignancy in Caucasians, East Asians, and West Asians, whereas GSTP1 polymorphism was only significantly correlated with hematological malignancy in Caucasians and West Asians. When we stratified data according to type of disease, positive results were found for all investigated polymorphisms in patients with certain types of acute leukemia. Moreover, GSTP1 polymorphism was also found to be significantly associated with chronic leukemia and lymphoma.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicated that GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 polymorphisms may serve as potential genetic biomarkers of hematological malignancy in certain ethnicities.

Associations between ADIPOQ polymorphisms and coronary artery disease: a meta-analysis

Background

Whether adiponectin (ADIPOQ) polymorphisms are associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) remain controversial. Therefore, we performed this meta-analysis to better explore potential roles of ADIPOQ polymorphisms in CAD.

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and CNKI were searched for eligible studies. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

Results

Totally 45 studies were included for pooled analyses. A significant association with the susceptibility to CAD was detected for rs2241766 (dominant model: p = 0.0009, OR = 0.82, 95%CI 0.73–0.92; recessive model: p = 0.04, OR = 1.29, 95%CI 1.02–1.64; allele model: p < 0.0001, OR = 0.80, 95%CI 0.73–0.88) polymorphism in overall population. Further subgroup analyses by ethnicity showed that rs1501299 polymorphism was significantly associated with the susceptibility to CAD in East Asians, whereas rs2241766 polymorphism was significantly associated with the susceptibility to CAD in Caucasians, East Asians and South Asians.

Conclusions

Our findings indicated that rs1501299 and rs2241766 polymorphisms both affect the susceptibility to CAD in certain populations.

Effects of GST null genotypes on individual susceptibility to leukemia: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Whether glutathione S-transferases (GST) null genotypes influence individual susceptibility to leukemia remains controversial. Thus, we performed this meta-analysis to better analyze potential influences of GST null genotypes on individual susceptibility to leukemia.

METHODS

Literature retrieve was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science and Embase. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

RESULTS

Totally fifty-one studies were enrolled for analyses. Significant associations with elevated individual susceptibility to leukemia were detected for GSTM1 (p < .0001, OR = 1.28, 95%CI 1.16-1.41), GSTP1 (p = .003, OR = 1.22, 95%CI 1.07-1.40) and GSTT1 (p < .0001, OR = 1.53, 95%CI 1.35-1.74) null genotypes in overall analyses. Further subgroup analyses by type of disease revealed that GSTM1, GSTP1 and GSTT1 null genotypes were all significantly associated with elevated individual susceptibility to acute lymphoblastic leukemia, GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes were significantly associated with elevated individual susceptibility to acute myeloid leukemia, and GSTT1 null genotype was also significantly associated with elevated individual susceptibility to chronic leukemia. When we stratified data according to ethnicity of participants, positive results were found for all investigated variants in Caucasians and West Asians. Additionally, GSTM1 null genotype was also significantly correlated with elevated individual susceptibility to leukemia in East Asians.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicated that GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1 null genotypes might serve as potential genetic biomarkers of leukemia in certain ethnicities.