In silico structural, functional and pathogenicity evaluation of a novel mutation: an overview of HSD3B2 gene mutations

Identification of a novel candidate HSD3B2 gene variant for familial hypospadias by whole-exome sequencing

Introduction: Hypospadias [MIM: 300633] is one of the most frequent congenital malformations of male external genitalia. The spectrum of genetic variants causing hypospadias is varied, with studies commonly implicating genes critical in the fetal steroidogenic pathway. This is the first genetic study on hypospadias from the Yemen ethnicity and the second to report HSD3B2 mutations in more than one affected individual from the same family. Material and methods: Surgical hypospadias repair was performed on two hypospadias-affected siblings from a consanguineous family. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed to identify the potential pathogenic variant for hypospadias, which was later confirmed by Sanger sequencing. The identified variant was further analyzed for its pathogenicity by using in silico tools such as SIFT, PolyPhen-2, MutationAssessor, MutationTaster, FATHMM, and ConSurf. Results: We identified a novel missense mutation (Chr1:119964631T>A, c.507T>A, p. N169K) in 3β-hydroxysteroid 2-dehydrogenase (HSD3B2) gene by WES. Sanger sequencing confirmed that the variant segregated the disease in the family between the affected and non-affected individuals. Both patients are homozygous, while parents and two unaffected siblings are heterozygous carriers, indicating an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance. The in silico analysis by all six in silico tools (SIFT, PolyPhen-2, MutationAssessor, MutationTaster, FATHMM, and ConSurf) predicted the variant to be pathogenic/deleterious. Discussion: An abnormal fetal steroidogenic pathway due to genetic influences may affect the development of the male genital tract, including the urethral tract closure and morphogenesis of male genitalia. Furthermore, the pathogenicity of the observed variant in this study, confirmed by multiple in silico tools, characterizes the influence HSD3B2 gene variants may have in the etiology of hypospadias. Conclusion: Understanding of pathogenic manifestation and inheritance of confounding genetic variants in hypospadias is a matter of great concern, especially in familial cases.

Co-Occurrence of a Pathogenic HSD3B2 Variant and a Duplication on 10q22.3-q23.2 Detected in Newborn Twins with Salt-Wasting Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a group of autosomal recessive disorders caused by enzyme deficiencies required for cortisol biosynthesis in the adrenal cortex. The majority of CAH are due to the deficiency of the 21-hydroxylase enzyme, while 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 deficiency accounts for less than five percent of all CAH cases. We report two Moroccan twins from a spontaneous triplet pregnancy. The 46,XY newborn exhibited a disorder of sexual differentiation (DSD) with hypo virilization, while the 46,XX newborn had normal female external genitalia. In the first week of life, they showed hyponatremia and primary adrenal insufficiency with a slight 17OHP elevation and increased DHEAS and renin levels. The aCGH-SNP analysis disclosed a 8.36 Mb long contiguous stretch of homozygosity (LCSH) on chromosome 1p13.2-p11.2 including the candidate HSD3B2 gene, a LCSH of 7.3 Mb on 14q31.1-q32.11, and a 7 Mb duplication on 10q22.3-q23.2. Clinical exome sequencing revealed the biallelic c.969T > G (p.Asn323Lys) HSD3B2, likely pathogenic, variant in both of the affected twins. This case emphasizes the importance of a prompt molecular diagnosis performed through the combination of aCGH and clinical exome, both for establishment of correct therapy and for follow-up, as the newborns also carry a genomic rearrangement with possible clinical implications.

A perspective review on the effect of different forms of zinc on poultry production of poultry with special reference to the hazardous effects of misuse

Zinc (Zn) is a unique micro-mineral because it is an essential component in many enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, carbonic anhydrase, and alkaline phosphatase, as well as being important for regulation of proteins and lipids metabolism, and sex hormones. This mineral is applied in poultry production in three forms; inorganic, organic, and nanoparticle form. The nano-form of Zn is preferable in application to other conventional forms with regard to absorption, bioavailability, and efficacy. Broilers fed on diets supplemented with Zn showed improvement of growth performance, carcass meat yield, and meat quality. In addition, Zn plays an important role in enhancing of both cellular and humeral immune responses, beside its antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. In laying hens, dietary addition of Zn improves the eggshell quality and the quantity of eggs. Moreover, Zn has a vital role in breeders in terms of improving the egg production, fertility, hatchability, embryonic development, and availability of the hatched chicks. Therefore, this review article is focused on the effects of using Zn on the performance and immunity of poultry, as well as its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties with special reference to the hazardous effects of the misusing of this mineral.

3β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 2 (3βHSD2) Deficiency due to a Novel Compound Heterozygosity of a Missense Mutation (p.Thr259Met) and Frameshift Deletion (p.Lys273ArgFs*7) in an Undervirilized Infant Male with Salt Wasting

Deficiency of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (3βHSD2) is a rare type of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), causing impaired steroid hormone production in both adrenals and gonads. Phenotype ranges, according to the genetic defect, from the salt-wasting form in both sexes to undervirilization in males and virilization in females. We present a 13-month-old male infant who was admitted to the hospital with signs of adrenocortical insufficiency and genital ambiguity. Clinical presentation, hormonal profile, laboratory evaluation, and karyotype were suggestive of the salt-wasting form of CAH due to 3βHSD2 deficiency. Mutational analysis revealed a missense mutation c.776C>T (p.Thr259Met), inherited by the mother, and a frameshift deletion c.818-819delAA (p.Lys273ArgFs*7), inherited by the father. Both mutations are considered pathogenic. To our knowledge this is the first case of an undervirilized male infant with salt wasting bearing this pathogenic frameshift deletion p.Lys273ArgFs*7 in compound heterozygosity with the missense mutation p.Thr259Met.

Supplementation of vitamin A to local chicken diets in tropical environment enhances seminal quality and blood testosterone concentration

There is insufficient information on the role of micronutrient supplementation on the productivity of local breeder cocks in a tropical environment. The target of this research, thus, was to deduce the impact of dietary vitamin A incorporation on semen traits and testosterone concentration of local breeder cocks in a tropical environment. One hundred twenty-eight-matured Nigerian local breeder cocks aged 10-12 months were alloted to 4 groups (n = 32): a control group (A) was fed experimental diet supplemented with vitamin A at 0 IU/kg feed and supplemented groups (B-D) fed commercial poultry diet supplemented with vitamin A at 250, 500 and 750 IU/kg feed for 16 weeks. Every group was replicated 4 times with 16 birds in every a replicate. A quadratic typed optimization function was employed to determine the optimum vitamin A supplementation that statistically improved serum testosterone and semen quality indices in local breeder cocks. Semen profiling and serum testosterone concentration were analysed at week 4 (pre-supplementation period), and thereafter at weeks 4, 8 and 12 (supplementation period). Serum testosterone and semen quality indices at pre-supplementation period were similar (p < 0.05) among the groups. Birds on 500 IU vitamin A/kg diet produced sperm with highest (p < 0.05) active motile cells and normal morphology compared to birds on the other 3 diets. Local breeder cocks fed diets having 500 and 750 IU vitamin A/kg diet produced sperm with lowest (p < 0.05) sluggish motile cells compared with those fed the control diet. Semen pH, volume, sperm concentration (SC), acrosome morphology defects and serum testosterone concentration were not affected by vitamin A supplementation. The result of the quadratic optimization model revealed that sluggish motile sperm (Y = 41.098-10.230x + 0.903x²; r² = 0.943, p = 0.039) and normal sperm morphology (Y = 82.665 + 8.834x - 1.500x²; r² = 0.965, p = 0.001) was optimized (p < 0.05) at 5664 and 2945 IU/kg feed, respectively. However, other parameters estimated were not significantly influenced. It is concluded that vitamin A supplementation enhanced sperm quality in local breeder cocks.

Prediction of Deleterious Non-synonymous SNPs of Human STK11 Gene by Combining Algorithms, Molecular Docking, and Molecular Dynamics Simulation

Serine-threonine kinase11 (STK11) is a tumor suppressor gene which plays a key role in regulating cell growth and apoptosis. It is widely known as a multitasking kinase and engaged in cell polarity, cell cycle arrest, chromatin remodeling, energy metabolism, and Wnt signaling. The substitutions of single amino acids in highly conserved regions of the STK11 protein are associated with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS), which is an autosomal dominant inherited disorder. The abnormal function of the STK11 protein is still not well understood. In this study, we classified disease susceptible single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in STK11 by using different computational algorithms. We identified the deleterious nsSNPs, constructed mutant protein structures, and evaluated the impact of mutation by employing molecular docking and molecular dynamics analysis. Our results show that W239R and W308C variants are likely to be highly deleterious mutations found in the catalytic kinase domain, which may destabilize structure and disrupt the activation of the STK11 protein as well as reduce its catalytic efficiency. The W239R mutant is likely to have a greater impact on destabilizing the protein structure compared to the W308C mutant. In conclusion, these mutants can help to further realize the large pool of disease susceptibilities linked with catalytic kinase domain activation of STK11 and assist to develop an effective drug for associated diseases.

Clinical perspectives in congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 deficiency

PURPOSE

3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 deficiency (3βHSD2D) is a very rare variant of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) causing less than 0.5% of all CAH. The aim was to review the literature.

METHODS

PubMed was searched for relevant articles.

RESULTS

3βHSD2D is caused by HSD3B2 gene mutations and characterized by impaired steroid synthesis in the gonads and the adrenal glands and subsequent increased dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) concentrations. The main hormonal changes observed in patients with 3βHSD2D are elevated ratios of the Δ5-steroids over Δ4-steroids but molecular genetic testing is recommended to confirm the diagnosis. Several deleterious mutations in the HSD3B2 gene have been associated with salt-wasting (SW) crisis in the neonatal period, while missense mutations have been associated with a non-SW phenotype. Boys may have ambiguous genitalia, whereas girls present with mild or no virilization at birth. The existence of non-classic 3βHSD2D is controversial. In an acute SW crisis, the treatment includes prompt rehydration, correction of hypoglycemia, and parenteral hydrocortisone. Similar to other forms of CAH, glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid replacement is needed for long-term management. In addition, sex hormone replacement therapy may be required if normal progress through puberty is failing. Little is known regarding possible negative long-term consequences of 3βHSD2D and its treatments, e.g., fertility, final height, osteoporosis and fractures, adrenal and testicular tumor risk, and mortality.

CONCLUSION

Knowledge is mainly based on case reports but many long-term outcomes could be presumed to be similar to other types of CAH, mainly 21-hydroxylase deficiency, although in 3βHSD2D it seems to be more difficult to suppress the androgens.

Mutation of HSD3B2 Gene and Fate of Dehydroepiandrosterone

3βHSD2 enzyme is crucial for adrenal and gonad steroid biosynthesis. In enzyme deficiency states, due to recessive loss-of-function HSD3B2 mutations, steroid flux is altered and clinical manifestations result. Deficiency of 3βHSD2 activity in the adrenals precludes normal aldosterone and cortisol synthesis and the alternative backdoor and 11-oxygenated C19 steroid pathways and the flooding of cortisol precursors along the Δ5 pathway with a marked rise in DHEA and DHEAS production. In gonads, it precludes normal T and estrogen synthesis. Here, we review androgen-dependent male differentiation of the external genitalia in humans and link this to female development and steroidogenesis in the developing adrenal cortex. The molecular mechanisms governing postnatal adrenal cortex zonation and ZR development were also revised. This chapter will review relevant clinical, hormonal, and genetic aspects of 3βHSD2 deficiency with emphasis on the significance of alternate fates encountered by steroid hormone precursors in the adrenal gland and gonads. Our current knowledge of the process of steroidogenesis and steroid action is derived from pathological conditions. In humans the 3βHSD2 deficiency represents a model of nature that reinforces our knowledge about the role of the steroidogenic alternative pathway in sex differentiation in both sexes. However, the physiological role of the high serum DHEAS levels in fetal life as well as after adrenarche remains to be elucidated.

Cloning, characterisation, docking and expression analysis of 3-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase during ontogenetic development and annual reproductive cycles in catfish, Clarias batrachus

Fish like higher animals, have a well-defined mechanism to produce sex steroids that play a critical role in gonadal development and maturation. In this study, we aimed to analyse the expression pattern of 3β-HSD in different tissues, during ontogenetic development and gonadal recrudescence of Clarias batrachus. A full-length cDNA of 1617 bp including an open reading frame (ORF) of 1125 bp encoding 374 amino acids was isolated from testes of C. batrachus. The docking analysis between C. batrachus 3β-HSD protein and eurycomanone exhibited high binding affinity toward each other with total energy of -108.292 kcal/mol and van der Waals (VDW) interaction of -84.2838 kcal/mol. The 3β-HSD transcript level during ontogeny was detected in all the stages starting from the fertilized egg. The mature C. batrachus showed more expression of 3β-HSD mRNA in gonads and brain while weak expression was detected in the remaining tissues analysed. The 3β-HSD mRNA expression during annual reproductive phases of gonads was more in preparatory and pre-spawning stages than that of spawning and post-spawning phases. The mRNA expression results together suggest that 3β-HSD plays an important role in gonadal development. Furthermore, the active binding sites on 3β-HSD protein could be targeted in pharmacological drug designing to cope with reproductive dysfunctions in fish.

An Integrated Computational Framework to Assess the Mutational Landscape of α-L-Iduronidase IDUA Gene

Mucopolysaccharidosis type I is a lysosomal genetic disorder caused due to the deficiency of the α-L-iduronidase enzyme (IDUA). Mutations associated with IDUA lead to mild to severe forms of diseases characterized by different clinical features. In the present study, we first performed a comprehensive analysis using various in silico prediction tools to screen and prioritize the missense mutations or nonsynonymous SNPs (nsSNPs) associated with IDUA. Subsequently, statistical analysis was empowered to examine the predictive ability and accuracy of the in silico prediction tool results supporting the disease phenotype ranging from mild to severe. Till date, no study has been carried out in IDUA in analyzing the impact of the nsSNPs at the structural level. In this context with the aid of pathogenic and stability prediction in silico tools, we identified nsSNPs R89Q, R89W, and P533R to be most deleterious and disease-causing having impact on the function of the protein. Extensive molecular dynamics analysis was performed using Gromacs to understand the deleterious nature of the mutants. Variations observed between the trajectory files of native and mutants R89Q, R89W, and P533R using Gromacs utilities enabled us to measure the adverse effects on the protein and could be the underlying reasons for the disease pathogenesis. These findings may be helpful in understanding the genotype-phenotype relationship and molecular basis of the disease to design drugs for better treatment. J. Cell. Biochem. 119: 555-565, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A New Homozygous Frameshift Mutation in the HSD3B2 Gene in an Apparently Nonconsanguineous Italian Family

BACKGROUND

3β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) deficiency is a rare cause of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) caused by inactivating mutations in the HSD3B2 gene.

PATIENT AND METHODS

We report the molecular and structural analysis of the HSD3B2 gene in a 46,XY child born to apparently nonconsanguineous parents and presenting ambiguous genitalia and salt wasting. The steroid profile showed elevated concentrations of 17-hydroxyprogesterone, androstenedione, ACTH and plasma renin, but normal values of cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate. Unexpectedly, plasma aldosterone was high. For structural and functional analyses, the three-dimensional structure of 3β-HSD2 was modeled using the crystal structure of the short-chain dehydrogenase Gox2253 from Gluconobacter oxydans as a template.

RESULTS

The direct DNA sequence of the child revealed a new homozygous frameshift mutation in exon 4 of the HSD3B2 gene, a single nucleotide deletion at codon 319 [GTC(Val)x2192;GC], yielding premature stop codon in position 367. Molecular homology modeling and secondary structure predictions suggested that the variant sequence might both alter the substrate-binding cleft and compromise the overall stability of the enzyme.

CONCLUSION

We have described the first HSD3B2 gene mutation in the Italian population and analyzed its effect in the context of the 3β-HSD2 structure and function.

Adrenarche unmasks compound heterozygous 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency: c.244G>A (p.Ala82Thr) and the novel 931C>T (p.Gln311*) variant in a non-salt wasting, severely undervirilised 46XY

3β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type II deficiency (3βHSD2) congenital adrenal hyperplasia is a rare cause of ambiguous genitalia, resulting in abnormal virilisation in both 46XY and 46XX. We describe a case of 46XY ambiguous genitalia that was misdiagnosed as androgen insensitivity syndrome. The correct diagnosis was made after adrenarche. Genotyping demonstrated compound heterozygosity in two alleles, the previously described c.244G>A (p.Ala82Thr), and a novel 931C>T(p.Gln311*) variant. We suggest that adrenarche unmasked the condition by driving cortisol production to rates that caused the mutant 3bHSD2 enzyme to become rate limiting for cortisol production. This case illustrates how markedly different the effects of this condition may be on androgen production compared with glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid production. It also demonstrates how current guidelines based on urinary steroids and cortisol sufficiency may not arrive at the correct diagnosis, and underlines the importance of gene testing in the work-up of disorders of sexual differentiation.

Determination of 17OHPreg and DHEAS by LC-MS/MS: Impact of Age, Sex, Pubertal Stage, and BMI on the Δ5 Steroid Pathway

BACKGROUND

Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and 17-hydroxypregnenolone (17OHPreg) are important for understanding the Δ5 pathway (e.g., in adrenarche and obesity). Although mass spectrometry has become the state-of-the-art method for quantifying steroids, there are few comprehensive age-, sex-, and pubertal stage-specific reference ranges for children.

AIMS

To develop a sensitive and reliable ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method for simultaneous quantification of DHEAS and 17OHPreg and to establish entire age-, sex- and pubertal stage-specific reference ranges in children.

METHODS

A total of 684 children, 453 (243 female, 210 male) with normal body mass index (BMI; <90th) and 231 (132 female, 99 male) obese subjects (>97th), were categorized into 11 age groups, and age- and Tanner stage (PH)-specific reference ranges were determined.

RESULTS

The limit of detection was 0.05 nmol/L for 17OHPreg and 0.5 nmol/L for DHEAS. Levels of both steroids declined after the neonatal period. Comparisons with RIA assays (Siemens, Munich, Germany) (DHEAS) and an in-house kit (17OHPreg) revealed 0.95 and 0.93, respectively, as coefficients of determination. Although DHEAS-generally higher in boys-increased continuously starting at 3 to 6 years, 17OHPreg remained largely constant. In obese patients, both were significantly elevated, also in part after alignment to Tanner stages (PH).

CONCLUSIONS

UPLC-MS/MS is sensitive and reliable for quantifying DHEAS and 17OHPreg. Our data support differential maturation of CYP17 during adrenarche with successively increasing 17,20-lyase activity but largely constant 17α-hydroxylation activity. Endocrine interpretation of 17OHPreg and DHEAS must consider differential patterns for age, sex, pubertal stage, and BMI.

Regulation of human 3-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type-2 (3βHSD2) by molecular chaperones and the mitochondrial environment affects steroidogenesis

Human 3-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/isomerase types 1 and 2 (3βHSD1 and 3βHSD2, respectively) are expressed in a tissue-specific pattern by different genes. Site-directed mutagenesis studies have confirmed the function of the catalytic amino acids (Tyr154, Lys 158, Ser124 in both isoenzymes), substrate/inhibitor isoform-specific residues (His156 and Arg195 in 3βHSD1) and cofactor binding residues (Asp36 provides NAD(+) specificity in both isoenzymes). However, detailed analysis of isoform-specific organelle localization and characterization is difficult due to the 93% amino acid identity between the two isoforms. With recent advances in the knowledge of mitochondrial architecture and localization of the various translocases, our laboratory has studied the mechanisms regulating mitochondrial 3βHSD2 localization. The mitochondrial N-terminal leader sequence of 3βHSD2 directs its entry into the mitochondria where it is localized to the intermembrane space (IMS). Unlike other mitochondrial proteins, the N-terminal signal sequence of 3βHSD2 is not cleaved upon mitochondrial import. 3βHSD2 interacts with the mitochondrial translocase, Tim50, to regulate progesterone and androstenedione formation. Our studies suggest that its activity at the IMS is facilitated in a partially unfolded "molten globule" conformation by the proton pump between the matrix and IMS. The unfolded protein is refolded by the mitochondrial chaperones. The protons at the IMS are absorbed by the lipid vesicles, to maintain the proton pump and recycle 3βHSD2. As a result, one molecule of 3βHSD2 may participate in multiple catalytic reactions. In summary, the steroidogenic cell recycles 3βHSD2 to catalyze the reactions needed to produce androstenedione, progesterone and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone on demand in coordination with the mitochondrial translocase, Tim50. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Steroid/Sterol signaling'.

Two novel HSD3B2 missense mutations with diverse residual enzymatic activities for Δ5-steroids

CONTEXT

Classical 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) deficiency (3β-HSDD) is caused by loss-of-function mutations in the HSD3B2 gene encoding type II 3β-HSD, which has a key role in steroid biosynthesis, converting Δ5-steroids to Δ4-steroids in adrenal glands and gonads.

PATIENT

A patient (46, XX) was found to have elevated 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) [203 nmol/l (normal range: 2·94 ± 0·9 nmol/l)] by newborn screening. Endocrinological examination revealed dramatically increased Δ5-steroids [e.g. 17-OH pregnenolone: 910 nmol/l (normal range: 12·6 ± 10·5 nmol/l)]. The patient had virilization of external genitalia with labial fusion, suggesting classical 3β-HSDD.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Consistent with the endocrinological data, the patient was a compound heterozygote for two novel missense mutations (p.Y190C and p.S218P) that were identified in HSD3B2. Both Y190 and S218 are conserved among mammals. The mutant proteins had severely impaired residual enzymatic activity in vitro, although both mutants retained higher activity for 17-OH pregnenolone than for the other Δ5-steroids. In a three-dimensional model of the enzyme based on the known structures of similar proteins, both mutations were located extremely close to the predicted substrate-binding pocket. This suggests that the mutations can cause a local conformational change in the substrate-binding pocket, leading to alterations of the binding affinities for Δ5-steroids.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified two novel missense mutations of HSD3B2 that resulted in unbalanced residual enzymatic activities for Δ5-steroids. As a potential novel mechanism, we propose that the mutations, which differently affect the activity towards different substrates, the effects of these mutations provide novel insights into the pathophysiology of 3β-HSDD.

Association of epidermal growth factor and epidermal growth factor receptor polymorphisms with the risk of hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma in the population of North China

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common solid malignant tumor occurring worldwide that leads to the third largest cause of death compared to other cancers. Genetic and environmental factors are involved in the pathogenesis of HCC. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) can stimulate the proliferation of epidermal and epithelial cells. The EGF signal pathway has a relationship with the growth of the embryo, tissue repairing, and tumorigenesis.

METHODS

In this study, 416 patients with hepatitis B virus infection (HBV)-related HCC and 645 individuals who had never been infected with HBV of the Chinese Han population were enrolled. Eight single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), whose minor allele frequency >20% in the EGF and EGFR genes, were genotyped to examine their associations with hepatocarcinogenesis. Genotyping experiments were carried out using TaqMan.

RESULTS

There were significant differences in genotype distributions (p=0.005) and allele frequencies (p=0.001, odds ratio [OR]=1.43, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.15-1.79) of rs11569017 in the EGF gene between the HCC and control groups. After binary logistic regression to determine independent factors for susceptibility to HCC under an additive model, rs11569017 was still independently associated with the susceptibility to HCC (p=0.021, OR=1.48, 95% CI=1.06-2.07), but no significant differences in other SNPs were found. Additionally, the haplotype T-G constructed by rs11569017 and rs4444903 of the EGF gene might increase the risk of HBV-related HCC (p=0.002, OR=1.44, 95% CI=1.15-1.82).

CONCLUSION

The rs11569017 T allele was associated with susceptibility to HBV-related HCC.

Prenatal ethanol exposure causes glucose intolerance with increased hepatic gluconeogenesis and histone deacetylases in adult rat offspring: reversal by tauroursodeoxycholic acid

Prenatal ethanol exposure results in increased glucose production in adult rat offspring and this may involve modulation of protein acetylation by cellular stress. We used adult male offspring of dams given ethanol during gestation days 1-7 (early), 8-14 (mid) and 15-21 (late) compared with those from control dams. A group of ethanol offspring was treated with tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) for 3 weeks. We determined gluconeogenesis, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), glucose-6-phosphatase, hepatic free radicals, histone deacetylases (HDAC), acetylated foxo1, acetylated PEPCK, and C/EBP homologous protein as a marker of endoplasmic reticulum stress. Prenatal ethanol during either of the 3 weeks of pregnancy increased gluconeogenesis, gluconeogenic genes, oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stresses, sirtuin-2 and HDAC3, 4, 5, and 7 in adult offspring. Conversely, prenatal ethanol reduced acetylation of foxo1 and PEPCK. Treatment of adult ethanol offspring with TUDCA reversed all these abnormalities. Thus, prenatal exposure of rats to ethanol results in long lasting oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stresses explaining increased expression of gluconeogenic genes and HDAC proteins which, by deacetylating foxo1 and PEPCK, contribute to increased gluconeogenesis. These anomalies occurred regardless of the time of ethanol exposure during pregnancy, including early embryogenesis. As these anomalies were reversed by treatment of the adult offspring with TUDCA, this compound has therapeutic potentials in the treatment of glucose intolerance associated with prenatal ethanol exposure.