Polymorphisms of DNA repair genes XPD and XRCC1 and risk of cataract development

Association of nuclear cataract prevalence with UV radiation and heat load in lens of older people -five city study

Epidemiological studies have reported that the frequency of nuclear cataracts (NUCs) is high among the elderly and in tropical countries. Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation and lens temperature are considered as key physical contributors, although their precise quantification is difficult. The aim of this study is to investigate the association of NUC prevalence with UV irradiation and heat load. First, we assessed the lens temperature using thermodynamic modeling considering the thermophysiological response. We then conducted a multivariate linear regression analysis for the epidemiological analysis of NUC prevalence across five cities. A strong correlation was observed between NUC prevalence and the combined effects of UV irradiation and cumulative equivalent minutes at 43 °C (CEM43°C) derived from the computed lens temperature (adjusted R2 = 0.933, p < 0.0001). Heat load significantly contributed to the prevalence at 52%, surpassing the contributions of UV irradiation (31%) and the decline in DNA repair capacity in the lens (17%). These results suggested that both UV radiation and heat load are associated with NUC, with heat load contributing more. Our findings provided important implications for future interventions, particularly in the context of global warming.

Molecular characterization of the human lens epithelium-derived cell line SRA01/04

Cataract-associated gene discovery in human and animal models have informed on key aspects of human lens development, homeostasis and pathology. Additionally, in vitro models such as the culture of permanent human lens epithelium-derived cell lines (LECs) have also been utilized to understand the molecular biology of lens cells. However, these resources remain uncharacterized, specifically regarding their global gene expression and suitability to model lens cell biology. Therefore, we sought to molecularly characterize gene expression in the human LEC, SRA01/04, which is commonly used in lens studies. We first performed short tandem repeat (STR) analysis and validated SRA01/04 LEC for its human origin, as recommended by the eye research community. Next, we used Illumina HumanHT-12 v3.0 Expression BeadChip arrays to gain insights into the global gene expression profile of SRA01/04. Comparative analysis of SRA01/04 microarray data was performed using other resources such as the lens expression database iSyTE (integrated Systems Tool for Eye gene discovery), the cataract gene database Cat-Map and the published lens literature. This analysis showed that SRA01/04 significantly expresses >40% of the top iSyTE lens-enriched genes (313 out of 749) across different developmental stages. Further, SRA01/04 also significantly expresses ~53% (168 out of 318) of cataract-associated genes in Cat-Map. We also performed comparative gene expression analysis between SRA01/04 cells and the previously validated mouse LEC 21EM15. To gain insight into whether SRA01/04 reflects epithelial or fiber cell characteristics, we compared its gene expression profile to previously reported differentially expressed genes in isolated mouse lens epithelial and fiber cells. This analysis suggests that SRA01/04 has reduced expression of several fiber cell-enriched genes. In agreement with these findings, cell culture analysis demonstrates that SRA01/04 has reduced potential to initiate spontaneous lentoid body formation compared to 21EM15 cells. Next, to independently validate SRA01/04 microarray gene expression, we subjected several candidate genes to RT-PCR and RT-qPCR assays. This analysis demonstrates that SRA01/04 supports expression of many key genes associated with lens development and cataract, including CRYAB, CRYBB2, CRYGS, DKK3, EPHA2, ETV5, GJA1, HSPB1, INPPL1, ITGB1, PAX6, PVRL3, SFRP1, SPARC, TDRD7, and VIM, among others, and therefore can be relevant for understanding the mechanistic basis of these factors. At the same time, SRA01/04 cells do not exhibit robust expression of several genes known to be important to lens biology and cataract such as ALDH1A1, COL4A6, CP, CRYBA4, FOXE3, HMX1, HSF4, MAF, MEIS1, PITX3, PRX, SIX3, and TRPM3, among many others. Therefore, the present study offers a rich transcript-level resource for case-by-case evaluation of the potential advantages and limitations of SRA01/04 cells prior to their use in downstream investigations. In sum, these data show that the human LEC, SRA01/04, exhibits lens epithelial cell-like character reflected in the expression of several lens-enriched and cataract-associated genes, and therefore can be considered as a useful in vitro resource when combined with in vivo studies to gain insight into specific aspects of human lens epithelial cells.

DNA Repair Gene (XPD, XRCC4, and XRCC1) Polymorphisms in Patients with Endometrial Hyperplasia: A Pilot Study

Background

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the association between endometrial hyperplasia and DNA repair gene (XPD, XRCC4, and XRCC1) polymorphisms.

Material/Methods

There were 114 cases enrolled in the study in 4 groups: simple endometrial hyperplasia (SH) (Group 1), complex endometrial hyperplasia without atypia (CH) (Group 2), complex atypical endometrial hyperplasia (CAH) (Group 3), and normal endometrium (NE) (Group 4). Of these cases, 37 cases had SH, 36 cases had CH, 16 cases had CAH, and 25 cases had NE. To evaluate an association between atypia and DNA repair genes, we consider a group that included both SH and CH, the endometrial hyperplasia without atypia cases (Group 5). Genomic DNA was isolated from paraffin-embedded endometrial tissue collected from the Pathology Department of Gaziantep University Medical School. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and/or restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) method was used for evaluating of XPD (−751), XRCC4 (−1394 and a variable number of tandem repeats in intron 3), and XRCC1 (−399) genes.

Results

We observed a notable distinction in patients having endometrial hyperplasia without atypia (the SH+CH group) and the CAH group in terms of XPD (−751) gene polymorphisms. A notable contrast was observed in patients with endometrial hyperplasia without atypia (the SH+CH group) and the NE group in terms of XRCC4 (VNTR intron 3) polymorphisms (P=0.026, P=0.018, respectively).

Conclusions

It was evident the DNA repair gene XPD and XRCC4 polymorphisms had a role in the pathophysiology of endometrial hyperplasia.

Lifetime study in mice after acute low-dose ionizing radiation: a multifactorial study with special focus on cataract risk

Because of the increasing application of ionizing radiation in medicine, quantitative data on effects of low-dose radiation are needed to optimize radiation protection, particularly with respect to cataract development. Using mice as mammalian animal model, we applied a single dose of 0, 0.063, 0.125 and 0.5 Gy at 10 weeks of age, determined lens opacities for up to 2 years and compared it with overall survival, cytogenetic alterations and cancer development. The highest dose was significantly associated with increased body weight and reduced survival rate. Chromosomal aberrations in bone marrow cells showed a dose-dependent increase 12 months after irradiation. Pathological screening indicated a dose-dependent risk for several types of tumors. Scheimpflug imaging of the lens revealed a significant dose-dependent effect of 1% of lens opacity. Comparison of different biological end points demonstrated long-term effects of low-dose irradiation for several biological end points.

Association of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in XRCC1 (194) and XPD (751) with Age-related cataract

PURPOSE

Age-related cataract (ARC) is a multifactorial disease and different risk factors, including genetic and environmental, are responsible for the development of its various types. The aim of this study was to find out a correlation, if any, between ARC and the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in DNA repair genes XRCC1 (X-ray repair cross-complementary-1) [Arg194Trp (rs1799782)] and XPD (xerodermapigmentosa complementation group D) [Lys751Gln (rs13,181].

METHOD

The genotype at these two SNPs was analyzed in 260 subjects (125 control and 135 patients) from Southern Punjab population (Pakistan) by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. Genotype at both analyzed codons was correlated either individually or in various combinations with the studied epidemiological factors known to be associated with ARC.

RESULTS

Our results indicated that both SNPs Arg194Trp in XRCC1 (P = 0.967) and Lys751Gln in XPD (P = 0.995) were not associated with ARC whether they were analyzed individually or in combined form (P > 0.05). Analysis of epidemiological factors revealed that age (P < 0.001), cast of subjects (P = 0.001), diabetes (P < 0.001), hypertension (P = 0.001), smoking habit (P = 0.01), drug abuse (P < 0.05), steroid use (P = 0.001) and body weight (P < 0.001) can influence the incidence of ARC in enrolled subjects. After applying Binary logistic regression it was found that the weight (P < 0.01), family history (P = 0.05), drug abuse (P = 0.05), smoking (P < 0.05) and steroid use (P < 0.05) has a significant association with the phenotype of the subjects. All epidemiological factors were also studied in association with various genotypic combinations of both SNPS, diabetes was the only factor that had a significant association (P < 0.001) association with ARC. Hypertension (P = 0.01), body weight (P < 0.05) and cast (P < 0.001) were found associated with ARC when epidemiological factors were individually correlated with ARC. Result of the two proportion test indicated that gender had no influence on the incidence of disease.

CONCLUSION

It is concluded that studied SNPs in XRCC1 and XPD have no association with the incidence of age related cataract in the analyzed group of subjects.

Association of OGG1 and MTHFR polymorphisms with age-related cataract: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To discern and confirm genetic biomarkers that help identify populations at high risk for age-related cataract (ARC).

METHODS

A literature search was performed in the PubMed, Web of Science and China National Knowledge Internet databases for genetic association studies published before June 26, 2016 regarding ARC susceptibility. All genetic polymorphisms reported were systematically reviewed, followed by extraction of candidate genes/loci with sufficient genotype data in ≥3 studies for the meta-analysis. A random/fixed-effects model was used to calculate the pooled odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals to evaluate the associations considering multiple genetic models. Sensitivity analysis was also performed.

RESULTS

A total of 144 polymorphisms in 36 genes were reported in the 61 previous genetic association studies. Thereby, three polymorphisms of two genes (8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase-1 [OGG1]; methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase NADPH [MTHFR]) in eight studies were included in the meta-analysis. Regarding the OGG1-rs1052133, the GG (OR = 1.925; 95%CI, 1.181-3.136; p = 0.009) and CG (OR = 1.384; 95%CI, 1.171-1.636; p<0.001) genotypes indicated higher risk of ARC. For the MTHFR gene, the CC+TT genotype of rs1801133 might be protective (OR, 0.838; 95%CI, 0.710-0.989; p = 0.036), whereas the AA+CC genotype of rs1801131 indicated increased risk for the mixed subtype (OR = 1.517; 95%CI, 1.113-2.067; p = 0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

Polymorphisms of OGG1 and MTHFR genes are associated with ARC susceptibility and may help identify populations at high risk for ARC.

Nucleotide Excision Repair Capacity and XPC and XPD Gene Polymorphism Modulate Colorectal Cancer Risk

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is leading malignant tumors to occur mainly in industrialized countries, where it exhibits one of the highest mortality rates. Up to 80% of all CRCs characterize a chromosomal instability (CIN) phenotype. The main challenge faced by scientist is to reveal the mechanism of CIN development. An often proposed model is defects in DNA repair in terms of efficiency and genetic variations that modulate the response to stimuli from the environment. The objectives of this research were to determine whether nucleotide excision repair (NER) might affect CRC risk.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The first part of the study concerns NER efficiency. In the second part we selected 2 common single nucleotide polymorphisms within genes involved in NER (Xeroderma pigmentosum group C (XPC) Lys939Gln, Xeroderma pigmentosum group D (XPD) Lys751Gln) to determine the relation between them and CRC risk. The restriction fragment length polymorphism-polymerase chain reaction method was used for genotyping of 221 CRC patients vs. 270 cancer-free individuals. The isotopic labeling in vitro assay was used to evaluate NER capacity in lymphocytes and tissue protein extracts.

RESULTS

We observed a significantly decreased level of NER capacity (P = .025) in lymphocytes delivered from CRC patients compared with healthy ones. Polymorphism screening points to higher CRC risk for the Gln939Gln genotype (P = .02) and Gln allele (P = .002) of the XPC gene.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, our findings suggest a potential role for NER in CRC.

New mutation in the mouse Xpd/Ercc2 gene leads to recessive cataracts

Cataracts are the major eye disorder and have been associated mainly with mutations in lens-specific genes, but cataracts are also frequently associated with complex syndromes. In a large-scale high-throughput ENU mutagenesis screen we analyzed the offspring of paternally treated C3HeB/FeJ mice for obvious dysmorphologies. We identified a mutant suffering from rough coat and small eyes only in homozygotes; homozygous females turned out to be sterile. The mutation was mapped to chromosome 7 between the markers 116J6.1 and D7Mit294;4 other markers within this interval did not show any recombination among 160 F2-mutants. The critical interval (8.6 Mb) contains 3 candidate genes (Apoe, Six5, Opa3); none of them showed a mutation. Using exome sequencing, we identified a c.2209T>C mutation in the Xpd/Ercc2 gene leading to a Ser737Pro exchange. During embryonic development, the mutant eyes did not show major changes. Postnatal histological analyses demonstrated small cortical vacuoles; later, cortical cataracts developed. Since XPD/ERCC2 is involved in DNA repair, we checked also for the presence of the repair-associated histone γH2AX in the lens. During the time, when primary lens fiber cell nuclei are degraded, γH2AX was strongly expressed in the cell nuclei; later, it demarcates clearly the border of the lens cortex to the organelle-free zone. Moreover, we analyzed also whether seemingly healthy heterozygotes might be less efficient in repair of DNA damage induced by ionizing radiation than wild types. Peripheral lymphocytes irradiated by 1Gy Cs137 showed 6 hrs after irradiation significantly more γH2AX foci in heterozygotes than in wild types. These findings demonstrate the importance of XPD/ERCC2 not only for lens fiber cell differentiation, but also for the sensitivity to ionizing radiation. Based upon these data, we hypothesize that variations in the human XPD/ERCC2 gene might increase the susceptibility for several disorders besides Xeroderma pigmentosum in heterozygotes under particular environmental conditions.

Polymorphisms of DNA repair genes XPD (Lys751Gln) and XRCC1 (Arg399Gln), and the risk of age-related cataract: a meta-analysis

PURPOSE

A meta-analysis of available studies was used to test the association between two DNA repair genes and age-related cataract.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic search of the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, EMBASE and PubMed databases identified six studies that were analyzed. Meta-analysis was used to evaluate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of the DNA repair gene xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group D (XPD) (Lys751Gln) and the X-ray repair cross-complementing gene 1 (XRCC1) (Arg399Gln). Only articles published before June 6, 2014, were included. The quality of the studies was determined using Newcastle-Ottawa Scale tools. The summary odds ratio (OR) and corresponding confidence interval (CI) for XPD Lys751Gln and XRCC1 Arg399Gln polymorphisms and risk of age-related cataract were estimated by random and fixed-effects models. Sensitivity analysis was employed to determine the robustness of the conclusions.

RESULTS

Six studies, with a total of 1518 patients with cataractous lenses and 1437 subjects with clear lenses, were included in the meta-analysis. XRCC1 Arg399Gln polymorphisms were associated with cataract risk (recessive model: ORfixed = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.67-0.93; dominant model: ORfixed = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.64-1.11; additive model: ORfixed = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.72-0.92). Analysis of Chinese, but not non-Chinese subgroups, confirmed this association. The OR of XPD Lys751Gln polymorphisms for cataract was not significant. The associations remained significant after sensitivity analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis indicates that XRCC1 Arg399Gln polymorphisms, but not XPD Lys751Gln polymorphisms, are associated with risk of age-related cataract.

Association between DNA repair genes (XPD and XRCC1) polymorphisms and susceptibility to age-related cataract (ARC): a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

DNA repair gene (XPD and XRCC1) polymorphisms have been considered as risk factors for the development of age-related cataract (ARC). To confirm the association between DNA repair gene (XPD and XRCC1) polymorphisms and the risk of ARC, a meta-analysis was conducted.

METHODS

A search was made of published literature from Institute for Scientific Information (ISI) Web of Knowledge, PubMed, Google Scholar, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang Data. In addition, all studies evaluating the association between DNA repair genes (XPD and XRCC1) polymorphisms and the risk for ARC were included in our analysis. Pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95 % confidence interval (CI) were calculated by using fixed- or random-effects model. The Egger's test was used to check the publication bias.

RESULTS

Six studies on XRCC1 Arg399Gln (1,300 cases, 1,222 controls) and five studies on XPD Lys751Gln (1,092 cases, 1,061 controls) were included. For the XPD Lys751Gln (A/C) SNP, the overall analysis demonstrated that the CC genotype showed a significant association with a decreased risk for ARC compared with the AA genotype (OR = 0.59, 95 % CI, 0.38-0.92, P = 0.019). Similarly, the CC genotype showed a significant association with a decreased risk for ARC compared with the (AA + AC) genotype (OR = 0.65, 95 % CI, 0.43-0.98, P = 0.040). Subgroup analysis showed that the association between the CC genotype and decreased risk for ARC is statistically significant in Caucasians (OR = 0.41, 95 % CI, 0.24-0.73, P = 0.002) but not in Asians (OR = 1.06, 95 % CI, 0.51-2.19, P = 0.877). For the XRCC1 Arg399Gln (G/A) SNP, the overall analysis demonstrated that the A allele showed a significant association with an increased risk for ARC compared with the G allele (OR = 1.16, 95 % CI, 1.03-1.31, P = 0.015). Subgroup analyses exhibited that the association between the A allele and the risk for ARC was statistically significant in Asians (OR = 1.23, 95 % CI, 1.07-1.41, P = 0.003) but not in Caucasians (OR = 0.94, 95 % CI, 0.73-1.22, P = 0.660). Compared with the GG genotype, the GA genotype showed a significant association with an increased risk for ARC in Asians (OR = 1.32, 95 % CI, 1.08-1.61, P = 0.006) but not in Caucasians (OR = 0.58, 95 % CI, 0.27-1.26, P = 0.171). The Egger's test did not reveal an obvious publication bias among the included studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Our meta-analysis suggested that the CC genotype of XPD Lys751Gln (A/C) SNP seemed to portend a decreased risk for ARC in Caucasian populations but not in Asian populations. The A allele and GA genotype of XRCC1 Arg399Gln (G/A) SNP might increase risk for ARC in Asian populations but not in Caucasian populations. More researches with larger and more different ethnic populations on this issue are therefore necessary.

Association between polymorphism of the DNA repair SMUG1 and UNG genes and age-related macular degeneration

PURPOSE

To investigate the association between the g.4235T>C (rs2337395) polymorphism of the UNG gene and the c.-31A>G (rs3087404) polymorphism of the SMUG1 gene and the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), as well as modulation of this association by some environmental and lifestyle factors.

METHODS

Overall, 272 AMD patients and 105 control subjects were enrolled in this study. Both polymorphisms were genotyped by restriction fragment length polymorphism-polymerase chain reaction (PCR-RFLP).

RESULTS

The C/C genotype of the g.4235T>C polymorphism of the UNG gene was associated with an increased risk of dry AMD (odds ratio, 2.54), whereas the T/T genotype of this polymorphism decreased such risk (odds ratio, 0.41). The presence of the T allele of the g.4235T>C polymorphism and the A allele of the c.-31A>G polymorphism of the SMUG1 gene (odds ratio, 2.17 and 2.18, respectively) was associated with an increased risk of AMD severity, expressed by the comparison of the frequencies of genotypes in the group of patients with wet AMD versus those with dry AMD. Conversely, the C/C genotype of the g.4235T>C polymorphism, the G/G genotype of the c.-31A>G polymorphism, and the C/C-G/G combined genotype of both polymorphisms had a protective effect (odds ratio, 0.48, 0.46, and 0.18; respectively).

CONCLUSION

The results obtained suggest the potential role of the g.4235T>C and the c.-31A>G polymorphisms in AMD pathogenesis.

Deoxyribonucleic acid repair gene X-ray repair cross-complementing group 1 polymorphisms and non-carcinogenic disease risk in different populations: A meta-analysis

PURPOSE

This study aims to assess a meta-analysis of the association of X-ray repair cross-complementing group 1 (XRCC1) polymorphisms with the risk of various non-carcinogenic diseases in different population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This meta-analysis was performed by critically reviewing reveals 38 studies involving 10043 cases and 11037 controls. Among all the eligible studies, 14 focused on Arg194Trp polymorphism, 33 described the Arg399Gln and three articles investigated on Arg280His. Populations were divided into three different ethnic subgroups include Caucasians, Asians and other (Turkish and Iranian).

RESULTS

Pooled results showed no correlation between Arg194Trp and non-carcinogenic disease. There was only weak relation in the recessive (odds ratio [OR] =1.11, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.86-1.44) model in Asian population and dominant (OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 0.66-1.63) model of other populations. In Arg399Gln polymorphism, there was no relation with diseases of interest generally. In the pooled analysis, there were weak relation in the dominant (OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 0.86-1.35) model of Asian population and quite well-correlation with recessive (OR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.19-1.88), dominant (OR = 1.23, 95% CI: 0.94-1.62), and additive (OR = 1.23, 95% CI: 0.94-1.62) models of other subgroup. For Arg280His, there was a weak relation only in the dominant model (OR = 1.06, 95% CI: 0.74-1.51).

CONCLUSION

The present meta-analysis correspondingly shows that Arg399Gln variant to be associated with increased non-carcinogenic diseases risk through dominant and recessive modes among Iranian and Turkish population. It also suggests a trend of dominant and recessive effect of Arg280His variant in all population and its possible protective effect on non-carcinogenic diseases.

Polymorphisms of the homologous recombination gene RAD51 in keratoconus and Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy

PURPOSE

We investigated the association between genotypes and haplotypes of the c.-61G>T (rs 1801320) and c.-98G>C (rs 1801321) polymorphisms of the RAD51 gene and the occurrence of keratoconus (KC) and Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) in dependence on some environmental factors.

METHODS

The polymorphisms were genotyped in peripheral blood lymphocytes of 100 KC and 100 FECD patients as well as 150 controls with PCR-RFLP.

RESULTS

The G/T genotype of the c.-61G>T polymorphism was associated with significantly increased frequency occurrence of KC (crude OR 2.99, 95% CI 1.75-5.13). On the other hand, the G/G genotype of this polymorphism was positively correlated with a decreased occurrence of this disease (crude OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.31-0.88). We did not find any correlation between genotypes/alleles of the c.-98G>C polymorphism and the occurrence of KC. We also found that the G/G genotype and G allele of the c.-98G>C polymorphism had a protective effect against FECD (crude OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.28-0.92; crude OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.30-0.92, resp.), while the G/C genotype and the C allele increased FECD occurrence (crude OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.01-3.36; crude OR 1.90, 95% CI 1.09-3.29, resp.).

CONCLUSIONS

The c.-61T/T and c.-98G>C polymorphisms of the RAD51 gene may have a role in the KC and FECD pathogenesis and can be considered as markers in these diseases.

HSF4 is involved in DNA damage repair through regulation of Rad51

Heat shock factor protein 4 (HSF4) is expressed exclusively in the ocular lens and plays a critical role in the lens formation and differentiation. Mutations in the HSF4 gene lead to congenital and senile cataract. However, the molecular mechanisms causing this disease have not been well characterized. DNA damage in lens is a crucial risk factor in senile cataract formation, and its timely repair is essential for maintaining the lens' transparency. Our study firstly found evidence that HSF4 contributes to the repair of DNA strand breaks. Yet, this does not occur with cataract causative mutations in HSF4. We verify that DNA damage repair is mediated by the binding of HSF4 to a heat shock element in the Rad51 promoter, a gene which assists in the homologous recombination (HR) repair of DNA strand breaks. HSF4 up-regulates Rad51 expression while mutations in HSF4 fail, and DNA does not get repaired. Camptothecin, which interrupts the regulation of Rad51 by HSF4, also affects DNA damage repair. Additionally, with HSF4 knockdown in the lens of Zebrafish, DNA damage was observed and the protein level of Rad51 was significantly lower. Our study presents the first evidence demonstrating that HSF4 plays a role in DNA damage repair and may contribute a better understanding of congenital cataract formation.

Polymorphisms of DNA repair genes in endometrial cancer

Endometrial cancer belongs to the commonest malignancy in females. Its development may be associated with the high exposure of endometrium to exo- and endogenous estrogens. Estrogens produce DNA bulky adducts and oxidative base damages which are removed in nucleotide excision repair (NER) and base excision repair (BER) pathways. The reaction of endometrial cells to DNA damage may be crucial for their susceptibility to cancer transformation. This reaction is executed mainly by DNA repair, which can be modulated by the variability in the genes encoding DNA repair proteins. In this report we genotyped 4 polymorphisms of 3 DNA repair genes in 94 endometrial cancer patients and 114 age-matched cancer-free women using RFLP-PCR. The following polymorphisms were studied: p.Arg194Trp, p.Arg399Gln of the XRCC1 gene, p.Ser326Cys of the hOGG1 gene and p.Lys751Gln of the ERCC2 gene. We found an association between the ERCC2 751Gln variant and endometrial cancer occurrence (OR 3.95; 95 % CI 1.88–8.31). Gene-gene interaction between the ERCC2 751Gln and XRCC1 194Trp variants also increased the risk of endometrial cancer (OR 4.41; 95 % CI 2.01–9.67). The risk in the carriers of the ERCC2 751Gln variant was increased by a positive cancer history in first degree relatives (OR 4.97; 95 % CI 1.98–12.48). The risk of endometrial cancer was not alter by polymorphism p.Ser326Cys of the hOGG1 gene. The 751 Lys/Gln polymorphism of the ERCC2 gene may be linked with endometrial cancer occurrence and its effect can be potentiated by variants of the XRCC1 gene or first degree relatives positive cancer history.

Association between polymorphisms of the DNA base excision repair genes MUTYH and hOGG1 and age-related macular degeneration

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease that results in progressive and irreversible loss of central vision and is considered as the primary cause of visual impairment, including blindness, in the elderly in industrialized countries. Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of AMD. The hOGG1 and the MUTYH genes play an important role in the repair of oxidatively damaged DNA in the base excision repair pathway. The DNA glycosylases encoded by the hOGG1 and MUTYH genes initiate this pathway by recognizing and removing 8-oxoguanine and adenine paired with 8-oxoguanine, respectively. Our study was designed to examine the association between the c.977C>G polymorphism (rs1052133) of the hOGG1 gene and the c.972G>C polymorphism (rs3219489) of the MUTYH gene and AMD as well as the modulation of this association by some clinical and lifestyle factors. Genotypes were determined in DNA from blood of 271 AMD patients, including 101 with wet and 170 with dry form of the disease and 105 sex- and age-matched individuals without AMD. We observed an association between AMD, dry and wet forms of AMD and the C/G genotype and the G allele of the c.977C>G-hOGG1 polymorphism (p 0.006; 0.009; 0.021 and 0.004; 0.005; 0.016 respectively). On the other hand, the C/C genotype and the C allele reduced the risk of AMD as well as of its dry form or wet form (p 0.002; 0.003; 0.010 and 0.004; 0.005; 0.016, respectively). Therefore, the associations we detected were driven by the dry AMD. We observed some statistically significant association between the occurrence of AMD and its dry and wet forms and genotypes of the other polymorphism, the c.972G>C-MUTYH polymorphism, but due to borderline character of all this association we do not consider them as medically relevant. Our findings suggest that the c.977C>G-hOGG1 polymorphism may be associated with dry AMD. Further studies are needed to determine possible association between AMD and the c.972G>C-MUTYH polymorphism.

DNA repair gene XPD and XRCC1 polymorphisms and the risk of febrile neutropenia and mucositis in children with leukemia and lymphoma

The aim of the study is to investigate association between DNA repair gene XPD and XRCC1 polymorphisms and febrile neutropenia (FN) and mucositis. The study population consisted of 29 children with Burkitt lymphoma and 61 children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Analysis revealed that XRCC1194Trp allele showed a protective effect against longer FN and mucositis. There was also statistically increased risk for severe mucositis in patients with XRCC1Arg399Gln polymorphism. There are no studies that have examined this relationship before. Further studies with larger cohorts are needed to clarify the association.

A class I (Senofilcon A) soft contact lens prevents UVB-induced ocular effects, including cataract, in the rabbit in vivo

PURPOSE

UVB radiation from sunlight is known to be a risk factor for human cataract. The purpose in this study was to investigate the ability of a class I UV-blocking soft contact lens to protect against UVB-induced effects on the ocular tissues of the rabbit in vivo.

METHODS

Eyes of rabbits were exposed to UVB light for 30 minutes (270-360 nm, peak at 310 nm, 1.7 mW/cm(2) on the cornea). Eyes were irradiated in the presence of either a UV-blocking senofilcon A contact lens, a minimally UV-blocking lotrafilcon A contact lens, or no contact lens at all. Effects on the cornea and lens were evaluated at various times after exposure.

RESULTS

Eyes irradiated with no contact lens protection showed corneal epithelial cell loss plus lens epithelial cell swelling, vacuole formation, and DNA single-strand breaks, as well as lens anterior subcapsular opacification. The senofilcon A lens protected nearly completely against the UVB-induced effects, whereas the lotrafilcon A lens showed no protection.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that use of a senofilcon A contact lens is beneficial in protecting ocular tissues of the rabbit against the harmful effects of UVB light, including photokeratitis and cataract.

Oxidative stress, Helicobacter pylori, and OGG1 Ser326Cys, XPC Lys939Gln, and XPD Lys751Gln polymorphisms in a Turkish population with colorectal carcinoma

The contribution of polymorphisms of DNA repair genes OGG1 Ser326Cys, XPC Lys939Gln, and XPD Lys751Gln in developing colorectal carcinoma is controversial. Whether the group 1A carcinogen Helicobacter pylori is a risk factor or not in these patients could not be clearly elucidated. One hundred ten colorectal cancer patients and 116 cancer-free individuals constituted the test and control groups, respectively. The association of OGG1 Ser326Cys, XPC Lys939Gln, and XPD Lys751Gln polymorphisms and the susceptibility to colorectal carcinoma with or without oxidative stress were evaluated. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood cells and genotypes were determined using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. For serum nitric oxide and total antioxidant status assay, spectrophotometric analyses were used. Serum albumin measurements were performed using an autoanalyzer. H. pylori IgG was measured by ELISA. The serum albumin concentrations of cancer patients were significantly lower than those of the controls (p < 0.05). The carriers of the variant genotype of OGG1 (odds ratio: 0.963; 95% confidence interval: 0.446-2.079), XPC (0.789, 0.366-1.700), or XPD (0.532, 0.259-1.094) did not associate with the increased risk of cancer progression, despite the increased oxidative stress in cancer patients. Seropositivity of H. pylori IgG has been found to increase the risk of colorectal carcinoma by 2.2-fold.

Association between genetic polymorphism in DNA repair genes and risk of B-cell lymphoma

OBJECTIVES

The authors evaluated the possible effect of DNA repair genes, XPD (Xeroderma pigmentosum group D) codon (312 and 751) and XRCC1 (X-ray repair cross-complementing group 1) codon (194 and 399) SNPs (single-nucleotide polymorphisms) on the risk of childhood B-cell lymphoma.

METHODS

The polymorphisms were analyzed in 33 patients with BL cases and in 52 healthy, age-matched controls using PCR-RFLP method.

RESULTS

The authors observed no association between variation in the XPD codon Asp312Asn, Lys751Gln, and XRCC1 codon Arg399Gln polymorphisms and B-cell lymphoma for any parameter. In contrast, tryptophan allele frequency in control and patient groups was 0.10 and 0.03 respectively (p = .04). The frequency of XRCC1 194Arg/Trp genotype in B-cell lymphoma was significantly lower than that in controls (p = .005). No significant relationship was found between genotypes and stage, lactate dehydrogenase, or bone marrow involvement.

CONCLUSIONS

XRCC1 194Trp allele may be associated with a protective effect against development of childhood B-cell lymphoma. However, these results were based on a small number of case and further studies should be done.

The role of corneal crystallins in the cellular defense mechanisms against oxidative stress

The refracton hypothesis describes the lens and cornea together as a functional unit that provides the proper ocular transparent and refractive properties for the basis of normal vision. Similarities between the lens and corneal crystallins also suggest that both elements of the refracton may also contribute to the antioxidant defenses of the entire eye. The cornea is the primary physical barrier against environmental assault to the eye and functions as a dominant filter of UV radiation. It is routinely exposed to reactive oxygen species (ROS)-generating UV light and molecular O(2) making it a target vulnerable to UV-induced damage. The cornea is equipped with several defensive mechanisms to counteract the deleterious effects of UV-induced oxidative damage. These comprise both non-enzymatic elements that include proteins and low molecular weight compounds (ferritin, glutathione, NAD(P)H, ascorbate and alpha-tocopherol) as well as various enzymes (catalase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and superoxide dismutase). Several proteins accumulate in the cornea at unusually high concentrations and have been classified as corneal crystallins based on the analogy of these proteins with the abundant taxon-specific lens crystallins. In addition to performing a structural role related to ocular transparency, corneal crystallins may also contribute to the corneal antioxidant systems through a variety of mechanisms including the direct scavenging of free radicals, the production of NAD(P)H, the metabolism and/or detoxification of toxic compounds (i.e. reactive aldehydes), and the direct absorption of UV radiation. In this review, we extend the discussion of the antioxidant defenses of the cornea to include these highly expressed corneal crystallins and address their specific capacities to minimize oxidative damage.