Polymorphisms of the folate metabolizing enzymes: Association with SLE susceptibility and in silico analysis

Association of c.+677 C>T (rs1801133) and c.+1298 A>C (rs1801131) MTHFR genetic variants with cardiometabolic and disease risk in systemic lupus erythematosus patients: A cross-sectional study

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients present a high prevalence of cardiometabolic risk, associated with worse clinical manifestations and mortality. Folate, an essential micronutrient that participates in vital immune cellular functions, could positively affect the cardiometabolic and disease risk in SLE, through the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) enzyme, which participates in the folate metabolism, where single nucleotide variants (SNVs) have been described as a potential genetic risk factor for SLE. The aim of this study was to determine the association of the c.+677 C>T (rs1801133) and c.+1298 A>C (rs1801131) MTHFR genetic variants with cardiometabolic risk and clinical disease variables in SLE patients. A case-control study was conducted on 394 unrelated Mexican-mestizo women: 199 with SLE according to the 1997 SLE-ACR criteria and 196 control subjects (CS). Folic acid and homocysteine levels were evaluated by immunoassays. Genotyping of MTHFR genetic variants was carried out by allelic discrimination. No significant differences were found for folic acid (p = .15) and homocysteine serum levels (p = .59) between groups. According to the CC c.+677 MTHFR genotype, this was associated with low cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk by the Castelli index (OR = 0.42; p = .03) in SLE patients. The TC (OR = 1.3; p = .03) and the TA (OR = 1.6; p < .01) haplotypes from c.+677 C>T plus c.+1298 MTHFR were associated with SLE risk, while the CC MTHFR haplotype (OR = 0.5; p = .01) was found as a non-risk factor for the disease. In conclusion, the TC and the TA MTHFR haplotypes are associated with disease risk; meanwhile, the CC c.+677 MTHFR genotype confers lower cardiometabolic risk in Mexican-mestizo SLE patients.

Interleukin 12B rs3212227 and rs6887695 single nucleotide polymorphisms are associated with the susceptibility to preeclampsia: Genetic, haplotype and bioinformatics analysis

It is well-known that functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in IL-12B gene might intensely change the protein expression level, or modify its functions, which might result in immune disorders. The association between common IL-12B SNPs with preeclampsia (PE) risk has remained unclear yet. In a case-control study, 253 PE patients and 250 healthy subjects were genotyped for SNPs in IL-12B rs3212227 by PCR-RFLP and in IL-12B rs6887695 by AS-PCR. Novel in-silico analysis were performed to predict the potential functions of these polymorphisms, as well. The rs3212227 variation in IL12B gene showed an association with susceptibility to PE. The AC and CC genotypes and also C allele of this SNP were more frequent in patients. Likewise, they were frequent in early onset and late onset PE. The G allele and GC and CC genotype of rs6887695 SNP correlated negatively with PE development and it shown protective effect on PE risk. In addition, the AG and CC haplotypes of IL-12B were more prevalent in PE patients. Then, IL12B AC haplotype was less frequent in PE compare to healthy pregnant women. In-silico analysis of IL-12B rs3212227 gene polymorphism might not have significant impact on the mRNA structure and transcription of IL-12B. The results of our study revealed a significant relationship between rs3212227A/C and rs6887695G/C polymorphisms in IL-12B gene and the risk of PE in the Iranian population.

DNMT3B (rs2424913) polymorphism is associated with systemic lupus erythematosus alone and with co-existing periodontitis in a Brazilian population

The association between Periodontitis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) has been primarily based on their similar pathophysiology and both are associated with genetic polymorphisms.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate an association between the methylation-related gene polymorphisms DNMT3B (rs2424913) and MTHFR (rs1801133) to Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and Periodontitis.

METHODOLOGY

In total, 196 individuals of all genders aged 24 to 60 years old were allocated into four groups based on their systemic and periodontal status, namely: Healthy control (n=60), periodontitis (n=51), SLE (n=47), and SLE + periodontitis (n=38). Individuals with SLE were stratified according to disease activity (SLEDAI) in inactive or active. We performed polymorphism analysis using PCR-RFLP with genomic DNA from mouthwash. We analyzed data using Fisher's Exact, Chi-square test, and regression models.

RESULTS

Periodontal status were similar in subjects with periodontitis alone and combined with SLE. SLE patients with periodontitis had a longer SLE diagnosis than SLE only (p=0.001). For DNMT3 B polymorphism, the periodontitis, SLE, and Inactive SLE + periodontitis groups showed a higher frequency of T allele and TT genotypes compared to healthy controls (p<0.05). Regression analyses showed that the TT genotype is a strong risk factor for periodontitis (OR=4.53; CI95%=1.13-18.05) and also for SLE without periodontitis (OR=11.57; CI95%=3.12-42.84) and SLE with periodontitis (OR=5.27; CI95%=1.25-22.11) when compared to control.

CONCLUSION

SLE patients with periodontitis had a longer length of SLE diagnosis. The DNMT3B (rs2424913) polymorphism was associated with periodontitis and SLE alone or combined with periodontitis. Our study contributes to understanding the genetic mechanisms involved in periodontitis and SLE susceptibility.

Genetic variations as molecular diagnostic factors for idiopathic male infertility: current knowledge and future perspectives

INTRODUCTION

Infertility is a major health problem, worldwide, which affects 10-15% of couples. About half a percent of infertility cases are related to male-related factors. Male infertility is a complex disease that is the result of various insults as lifestyle issues, genetics, and epigenetic factors. Idiopathic infertility is responsible for 30% of total cases. The genetic factors responsible for male infertility include chromosomal abnormalities, deletions of chromosome Y, and mutations and genetic variations of key genes.

AREAS COVERED

In this review article, we aim to narrate performed studies on polymorphisms of essential genes involved in male infertility including folate metabolizing genes, oxidative stress-related genes, inflammation, and cellular pathways related to spermatogenesis. Moreover, possible pathophysiologic mechanisms responsible for genetic polymorphisms are discussed.

EXPERT OPINION

Analysis and assessment of these genetic variations could help in screening, diagnosis, and treatment of idiopathic male infertility.

Minor allele of rs55763075 located in MTHFR is associated with the risk of cognitive impairment after anesthesia via modulating miR-34b

This study aimed to investigate the association between cognitive impairment after general anesthesia and rs55763075 polymorphisms. We enrolled and grouped patients undergoing general anesthesia according to their genotypes of rs55763075 polymorphism. Mini–Mental State Examination (MMSE) scoring was performed to evaluate the cognitive status of patients. Quantitative real-time PCR was carried out to analyze the expression of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) mRNA and miR-34b while Western blot was performed to evaluate the expression of MTHFR protein. Furthermore, we studied the effect of rs55763075 polymorphism on the expression of MEHFR via luciferase assay. Accordingly, we found that the MMSE score in GG/GA groups was significantly higher than that in AA group. And a significant reduction of MTHFR mRNA expression was observed in the serum and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients carrying AA genotype compared with the patients carrying GG/GA genotypes. Moreover, the MTHFR expression was much lower in the cultured AA-genotyped cells transfected with miR-34b. Luciferase assay results also showed that miR-34b transfection reduced luciferase activity in the cells carrying A allele but not in cells carrying G allele. In summary, the data of this study showed that minor allele (A) of rs55763075 polymorphisms in the 3'-untranslated region of MTHFR mRNA generated a potential binding site for miR-34b, which led to reduced level of folic acid in the patients carrying the AA genotype. Furthermore, we found that the MMSE score of AA-genotyped patients was lower than that of patients carrying GG/GA genotypes.

Gene-Centric Database Reveals Environmental and Lifestyle Relationships for Potential Risk Modification and Prevention

The database at Nutrigenetics.net has been under development since 2007 to facilitate the identification and classification of PubMed articles relevant to human genetics. A controlled vocabulary (i.e., standardized terminology) is used to index these records, with links back to PubMed for every article title. This enables the display of indexes (alphabetical subtopic listings) for any given topic, or for any given combination of topics, including for genes and specific genetic variants. Stepwise use of such indexes (first for one topic, then for combinations of topics) can reveal relationships that are otherwise easily overlooked. These relationships include environmental and lifestyle variables with potential relevance to risk modification (both beneficial and detrimental), and to prevention, or at least to the potential delay of symptom onset for health conditions like Alzheimer disease among many others. Thirty-four specific genetic variants have each been mentioned in at least ≥1,000 PubMed titles/abstracts, and these numbers are steadily increasing. The benefits of indexing with standardized terminology are illustrated for genetic variants like MTHFR 677C-T and its various synonyms (e.g., rs1801133 or Ala222Val). Such use of a controlled vocabulary is also helpful for numerous health conditions, and for potential risk modifiers (i.e., potential risk/effect modifiers).

CYP1A1 and GSTs common gene variations and presbycusis risk: a genetic association analysis and a bioinformatics approach

Antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) and cytochromes P450 (CYPs) are involved in the metabolism and detoxification of cytotoxic compounds, as well as the elimination of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Therefore, alterations in the structure of these enzymes could result in prolonged production of ROS with subsequent risk of development of disorders such as presbycusis. This study aimed to investigate the association between CYP1A1 (rs4646903, rs1048943) and GSTs (GSTM1-deletion, GSTT1-deletion, GSTP1-rs1695) with presbycusis risk in an Iranian population which was followed by an in silico approach. In a case-control study, 280 subjects including 140 cases with presbycusis and 140 healthy controls were enrolled. Genotypes of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected by PCR-RFLP method and the genotype of the above mentioned deletions was determined by touchdown PCR. Some bioinformatics tools were employed to evaluate the impact of SNPs on the gene function. SNP analysis revealed that there are significant associations between rs1048943 (AG vs. AA: OR = 2.46, 95%CI = 1.30-4.65, p = 0.006; GG + AG vs. AA: OR = 2.53, 95%CI = 1.36-4.69, p = 0.003; G vs. A: OR = 2.36, 95%CI = 1.33-4.17, p = 0.003) and rs4646903 (C vs. T: OR = 1.45, 95%CI = 1.02-2.06, p = 0.040) variations and increased risk of presbycusis. However, there was no significant association between rs1695 and presbycusis risk. Also, significant associations were observed between GSTM1 (OR = 4.28, 95%CI = 1.18-15.52, p = 0.027) and GSTT1 (OR = 1.64, 95%CI = 1.02-2.65, p = 0.041) deletions and elevated risk of presbycusis. Moreover, the combination analysis revealed a significant association between GSTM1+/GSTT1- genotype and presbycusis susceptibility (OR = 1.63, 95%CI = 1.00-2.67, p = 0.049). In silico analysis revealed that the rs1048943 SNP could influence significantly on the RNA structure of CYP1A1 (distance: 0.1454; p value: 0.1799). Based on our findings, the rs4646903, rs1048943 SNPs as well as GSTM1 and GSTT1 deletions could be considered as genetic risk factors for the development and progression of presbycusis.

IL-27 variants might be genetic risk factors for preeclampsia: based on genetic polymorphisms, haplotypes and in silico approach

Pre-eclampsia (PE) is a disorder that occurs only during pregnancy. PE is associated with neonate mortality and morbidity. Overexpression of IL-27 and its receptor have been reported frequently in the trophoblast cells of patients with PE. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between genetic polymorphisms of IL-27 rs153109, and rs17855750 in an Iranian cohort of 170 PE patients and 170 normal pregnant women using the PCR-RFLP method. In the total PE, the frequency of heterozygous and mutant homozygous genotypes of rs153109 was significantly higher, severe, and mild PE groups. The genotypes and alleles frequencies of rs17855750 gene polymorphism were associated with PE susceptibility in total, severe and early-onset sub-group patients. Haplotype analysis of IL-27 rs153109 and rs17855750 polymorphisms revealed that the mutant GG haplotype frequencies significantly increased the risk of preeclampsia in total PE and different sub-group patients, while the wild AT haplotypes were associated with decreased risk of pre-eclampsia in total and sub-group patients. The in-silico analysis showed the transition of allele A to allele G in rs153109 SNP, would lead to create a new binding site and consequently may lead to changes in IL-27 gene expression. We found that rs17855750 A>G polymorphism might be influence the function of IL-27 protein. The data attained in our study propose the incidence of IL-27rs153109 and rs17855750 SNPs might be capable to be utilized as indicators for the genetic susceptibility to PE.

MTHFR polymorphisms (rs1801133) and systemic lupus erythematosus risk: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The relationship between MTHFR (5, 10-methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase) gene polymorphisms and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) has been wildly studied, but the results are still conflicting. Therefore, the purpose of this meta and pooled analysis was to identify the role of the MTHFR SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism, rs1801133) in SLE in a large sample of subjects and to assess the risk of SLE.

METHODS

Data were collected from EMBASE, PubMed and China National Knowledge Infrastructure from inception to August, 2019. Summary odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was applied to assess the association. Subgroup and sensitivity analysis were performed to assess the potential sources of heterogeneity of the pooled estimation.

RESULTS

We identified seven eligible studies involving 882 cases and 991 controls. MTHFR rs1801133 T carrier was significantly associated with increased risk of SLE when comparing to C allele [ORs were 1.766 (1.014-3.075) for T carrier vs CC, P = .04]. Furthermore, the results of the subgroup analysis by genotyping methods suggested that T allele significantly contributed to the risk of SLE for both by polymerase chain reaction-TaqMan (PCR-TaqMan) [10.111 (2.634-38.813) for TT vs CC, 3.467 (1.324-9.078) for CT vs CC and 3.744 (1.143-12.264) for TT vs C carrier]. Also the results of the subgroup analysis by ethnicity suggested that T allele significantly contributed to the risk of SLE for Asians [9.679 (4.444-21.082) for TT vs CC, 5.866 (3.021-11.389) for T carrier vs CC and 8.052 (3.861-16.795) for TT vs C carrier].

CONCLUSION

This cumulative meta-analysis showed that the MTHFR SNP (rs1801133) contributed to susceptibility of SLE. However, more multicentre well-designed case-control studies and larger sample sizes are exceedingly required to validate our findings in the future.

Association Analysis of Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Common Gene Polymorphisms with Breast Cancer Risk in an Iranian Population: A Case-Control Study and a Stratified Analysis

Genetic polymorphisms in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene may alter the risk of breast cancer. This study aimed to investigate the association of MTHFR C677T and A1298C genetic polymorphisms with breast cancer risk in case-control studies which was followed by stratified analysis. In the case-control study, 300 subjects including 150 women with breast cancer and 150 healthy women were enrolled. After blood sample collection, the C677T and A1298C polymorphisms genotyping were done by the PCR-RFLP method. Our data revealed a significant association between MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms and breast cancer risk. But, as a preliminary study, stratified analysis revealed no significant association between C677T and A1298C polymorphisms and tumor size and also lymph node metastasis in breast cancer. According to the mentioned findings, the C677T and A1298C polymorphisms in the MTHFR gene could be molecular risk factors for breast cancer in our studied population. However, further studies with larger sample sizes are required to obtain a more accurate conclusion in stratified analysis.

Association of ApaI and TaqI polymorphisms in VDR Gene with Breast Cancer

Background:

Vitamin D inhibits cell proliferation via the vitamin D receptor (VDR), which may affect breast cancer risk. This study aimed to investigate the association of ApaI and TaqI polymorphisms of the VDR gene with breast cancer risk which followed by stratified analysis.

Materials and methods:

A case-control study was conducted on 150 breast cancer patients and 150 healthy controls. VDR ApaI and TaqI genotyping were performed by PCR-RFLP. Some demographic and pathologic features of patients were extracted from their archived files and then were analyzed by genotypes distributions.

Results:

For ApaI polymorphism, our data showed a significant difference between the patient and healthy groups for mutant allele carriers compared with those with AA genotype. Besides, statistical analysis showed that there was a significant association between the C allele and the increased risk of breast cancer. For TaqI polymorphism, statistical analysis revealed that there was a significant association between CC genotype and increased risk of breast cancer. Also, there was a significant association between the C allele and the increased risk of breast cancer. In a preliminary study, stratified analysis based on the size of tumor and lymph node metastasis revealed no significant association between two ApaI and TaqI variations and these parameters.

Conclusions:

Based on our results, the VDRApaI and TaqI variations could be considered as genetic risk factors for breast cancer. However, further studies with a larger sample size are required to obtain more accurate outcomes, especially in stratified analysis.

Association analysis of rs1695 and rs1138272 variations in GSTP1 gene and breast cancer susceptibility

Background:

The glutathione S transferases P1 (GSTP1) is one of the common type of the GSTs family. This gene has several genetic polymorphisms that the rs1695 and rs1138272 are the most common variations in this gene. This study aimed to examine the association of these genetic variations with breast cancer risk which was followed by bioinformatics analysis.

Materials and Methods:

In a case-control study, 200 participants including 100 women with breast cancer and 100 healthy women were enrolled. After blood sample collection and DNA extraction, the total genomic DNA was extracted from this sample. The SNPeffects online software was employed to evaluate the effects of rs1695 genetic variation on the GSTP1 protein structure.

Results:

Our data revealed that there is a significant association between rs1695 genetic variation and the risk of breast cancer in homozygote (OR= 3.1532, 95%CI= 1.1072 to 8.9798, p= 0.0315) and allelic (OR= 1.6098, 95%CI= 1.0577 to 2.4500, p= 0.0263) genetic comparisons. This despite the fact that the rs1138272 polymorphism was not associated with breast cancer risk. Our bioinformatics analysis based on WALTZ output showed that the rs1695 polymorphism reduces the amyloid propensity of the GSTP1 enzyme (dWALTZ= -228.00).

Conclusions:

Based on our findings, the rs1695 genetic variation is a genetic risk factor for breast cancer and it could be considered as a biomarker for screening of susceptible women.

Common gene polymorphism in ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 and coronary artery disease: A genetic association study and a structural analysis

ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) has a crucial role in removing intracellular cholesterol and plays a protective role against atherosclerosis. Therefore, genetic polymorphisms in this gene may alter the susceptibility to coronary artery disease (CAD). This study was aimed to examine the association of rs2230806 (c.1051 G > A; p.R219K) variation in the ABCA1 gene with CAD in a case-control design which was followed by a meta-analysis and in silico approach. In the case-control study, 300 subjects including 150 individuals with CAD and 150 healthy controls were recruited. The c.1051 G > A genotyping was done by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. In the meta-analysis, eligible studies were collected from PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect databases and pooled odds ratio, heterogeneity, publication bias, and sensitivity analyses were carried. Finally, some bioinformatics tools were employed to assess the impacts of p.R219K variation on ABCA1 protein structure. Our case-control examination showed a statistically significant association between c.1051 G > A genetic polymorphism and CAD risk. In addition, the meta-analysis showed reliable significant associations between c.1051 G > A transition and risk of CAD in the Caucasian population. In silico analysis showed that the p.R219K substitution could alter the secondary structure, hydrophobicity pattern, and Ramachandran plot of ABCA1. These findings elucidate that the c.1051 G > A variation could be a genetic risk factor for CAD and it could be considered as a prognostic and predictive biomarker for susceptible individuals.

Association of PON1-L55M Genetic Variation and Breast Cancer Risk: A Case-Control Trial

Background:

Paraoxonase 1 (PON1), a multifactorial antioxidant enzyme, has a defensive role against oxidative stress, which is believed to contribute to cancer development. This study aimed to investigate the association of PON1-L55M functional polymorphism with breast cancer risk.

Material and methods:

In the experimental study, blood samples were collected from 150 healthy women controls and 150 breast cancer subjects. The L55M genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism.

Results:

Our analysis showed that the genotypes distribution is in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium for both case and control groups. Our data revealed that there are significant associations between PON1-L55M polymorphism and breast cancer risk in homozygote (OR= 2.13, 95%CI= 1.14-4.00, p= 0.018), dominant (OR= 1.72, 95%CI= 1.07-2.76, p= 0.024), and allelic (OR= 1.55, 95%CI= 1.12-2.15, p= 0.008) models.

Conclusions:

Our results suggest that the PON1-L55M genetic variation could be a genetic risk factor for breast cancer risk and it could be considered as a molecular biomarker for screening of susceptible women.

Oxidative stress and male infertility: current knowledge of pathophysiology and role of antioxidant therapy in disease management

Infertility is a global health problem involving about 15% of couples. Approximately half of the infertility cases are related to male factors. The oxidative stress, which refers to an imbalance in levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants, is one of the main causes of infertility in men. A small amount of ROS is necessary for the physiological function of sperm including the capacitation, hyperactivation and acrosomal reaction. However, high levels of ROS can cause infertility through not only by lipid peroxidation or DNA damage but inactivation of enzymes and oxidation of proteins in spermatozoa. Oxidative stress (OS) is mainly caused by factors associated with lifestyle. Besides, immature spermatozoa, inflammatory factors, genetic mutations and altering levels of sex hormones are other main source of ROS. Since OS occurs due to the lack of antioxidants and its side effects in semen, lifestyle changes and antioxidant regimens can be helpful therapeutic approaches to overcome this problem. The present study aimed to describe physiological ROS production, roles of genetic and epigenetic factors on the OS and male infertility with various mechanisms such as lipid peroxidation, DNA damage, and disorder of male hormone profile, inflammation, and varicocele. Finally, the roles of oral antioxidants and herbs were explained in coping with OS in male infertility.

Plasma Homocysteine and Polymorphisms of Genes Involved in Folate Metabolism Correlate with DNMT1 Gene Methylation Levels

DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) is responsible for the maintenance of DNA methylation patterns during cell division. Several human diseases are characterized by impaired DNMT1 gene methylation, but less is known about the factors that regulate DNMT1 promoter methylation levels. Dietary folates and related B-vitamins are essential micronutrients for DNA methylation processes, and we performed the present study to investigate the contribution of circulating folate, vitamin B12, homocysteine, and common polymorphisms in folate pathway genes to the DNMT1 gene methylation levels. We investigated DNMT1 gene methylation levels in peripheral blood DNA samples from 215 healthy individuals. All the DNA samples were genotyped for MTHFR 677C > T (rs1801133) and 1298A > C (rs1801131), MTRR 66A > G (rs1801394), MTR 2756A > G (rs1805087), SLC19A1 (RFC1) 80G > A (rs1051266), TYMS 28-bp tandem repeats (rs34743033) and 1494 6-bp insertion/deletion (indel) (rs34489327), DNMT3A -448A > G (rs1550117), and DNMT3B -149C > T (rs2424913) polymorphisms. Circulating homocysteine, folate, and vitamin B12 levels were available from 158 of the recruited individuals. We observed an inverse correlation between plasma homocysteine and DNMT1 methylation levels. Furthermore, both MTR rs1805087 and TYMS rs34743033 polymorphisms showed a statistically significant effect on DNMT1 methylation levels. The present study revealed several correlations between the folate metabolic pathway and DNMT1 promoter methylation that could be of relevance for those disorders characterized by altered DNA methylation.

Interleukin-23 receptor (IL-23R) gene polymorphisms and haplotypes associated with the risk of preeclampsia: evidence from cross-sectional and in silico studies

PURPOSE

Pre-eclampsia is a relatively common pregnancy disorder. Serum concentrations of certain pro-inflammatory molecules and cytokines like interleukin-23 may affect the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia. The interleukin-23 receptor (IL-23R) gene plays an important role in the progression of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases and IL-23 polymorphisms might influence the susceptibility of pre-eclampsia. The aim of the recent study was to establish the association between IL-23R gene polymorphisms and the susceptibility for developing of pre-eclampsia.

METHODS

One hundred and fifty-eight pregnant patients with pre-eclampsia and 153 controls were genotyped using RFLP-PCR and AS-PCR. Also, an in silico analysis was performed to predict possible effects of these variations on IL-23R mRNA and protein structures.

RESULTS

The frequency of the AG genotype of rs11209026 is related to a higher risk of pre-eclampsia. The mutant C and A allele in rs10889677 and rs11209026 SNPs, respectively, are correlated with the risk of pre-eclampsia and they are more frequent in severe late onset PE. We found higher frequency of the haplotype CG in patients with pre-eclampsia in comparison to healthy controls, as well as, the CG haplotype frequency significantly increased the risk of PE in severe, early onset, and late onset sub-groups. The results of computational analysis predicted rs11209026 and rs10889677 SNPs as functional variations, which can influence IL-23R mRNA and protein.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of present study show positive association between polymorphisms in the IL-23R gene and pre-eclampsia. Therefore, the presence of IL-23R rs11209026, rs10889677 polymorphism might be markers for the genetic susceptibility to pre-eclampsia.

The survivin molecule as a double-edged sword in cellular physiologic and pathologic conditions and its role as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target in cancer

Survivin is a member of the family of apoptosis inhibitory proteins with increased expression level in most cancerous tissues. Evidence shows that survivin plays regulatory roles in proliferation or survival of normal adult cells, principally vascular endothelial cells, T lymphocytes, primitive hematopoietic cells, and polymorphonuclear neutrophils. Survivin antiapoptotic role is, directly and indirectly, related to caspase proteins and shows its role in cell division through the chromosomal passenger complex. Survivin contains many genetic polymorphisms that the role of some variations has been proven in several cancers. The -31G/C polymorphism is one of the most important survivin mutations which is located in the promoter region on a CDE/CHR motif. This polymorphism can upregulate the survivin messenger RNA. In addition, its allele C can increase the risk of cancers in 1.27-fold than allele G. Considering the fundamental role of survivin in different cancers, this protein could be considered as a new therapeutic target in cancer treatment. For this purpose, various strategies have been designed including the prevention of survivin expression through inhibition of mRNA translation using antagonistic molecules, inhibition of survivin gene function through small inhibitory molecules, gene therapy, and immunotherapy. In this study, we describe the structure, played roles in physiological and pathological states and genetic polymorphisms of survivin. Finally, the role of survivin as a potential target in cancer therapy given challenges ahead has been discussed.

Impact of HOTAIR variants on preeclampsia susceptibility based on blood and placenta and in silico analysis

HOX transcript antisense RNA (HOTAIR) as a lncRNA involves in epigenetic regulation of various genes. Several studies have been suggested the effects of HOTAIR polymorphisms on different diseases. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of maternal and placental HOTAIR polymorphisms on risk of preeclampsia (PE). The maternal blood of 203 preeclamptic and 202 nonpreeclamptic pregnant women as well as the placentas of 87 of preeclamptic and 95 nonpreeclamptic pregnant women were genotyped for HOTAIR polymorphisms. There was no association between maternal and placental HOTAIR polymorphisms (rs12826786, rs920778, and rs1899663) and PE risk. However, the maternal rs4759314AG and dominant model genotypes were associated with increased risk of PE. The maternal and placental HOTAIR rs10783618 polymorphism was associated with PE risk in recessive and allelic models. Haplotype analysis showed that, the maternal CTGAT and CCTAT and placental CTGAT haplotypes were significantly higher and maternal CTGAC, TCTAT, and TTGAT and placental CTGAC haplotypes were significantly lower in PE women. In silico analysis revealed that HOTAIR rs1899663 had a main effect on the secondary structure of mRNA, however, HOTAIR rs4759314 variant had potential alteration of splicing. In conclusion, the maternal and placental HOTAIR rs10783618 polymorphism might increase PE susceptibility. © 2019 IUBMB Life, 71(9):1367-1381, 2019.

Association analysis of the common varieties of IL17A and IL17F genes with the risk of knee osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is mediated by various types of cytokines, growth factors, and inflammatory factors that the role of the interleukin-17 family in this disease is becoming increasingly apparent. The aim of this study is to determine the association between the common polymorphisms of IL17A (including rs2275913) and IL17F (including rs2397084 and rs763780) genes with the knee osteoarthritis risk which was followed by a bioinformatics approach. In a case-control study, 254 participants consisting of 127 healthy individuals and 127 subjects with knee osteoarthritis referring to Shahid Beheshti Hospital dependents on Kashan University of Medical Sciences (Kashan, Iran) were enrolled. After samples collection, the polymorphisms genotyping was determined by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. Finally, some bioinformatics tools were used to analyze the molecular effects of the three studied polymorphisms. Data analysis showed a significant association between rs2275913-GA genotype and the decreased risk of knee osteoarthritis (OR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.33-0.97, P = .040). However, rs763780-AG genotype (OR = 2.29, 95%CI = 1.11-4.69, P = .024) and rs763780-G allele (OR = 2.01, 95% CI = 1.09-3.72, P = .026) were associated with an increased risk of knee osteoarthritis. However, no significant associations were found between the rs2397084 polymorphism and knee osteoarthritis risk. Our structural analysis revealed that the rs2275913 polymorphism could create a new binding site for TFII-I at the promoter region of IL17A. Also, rs2397084 and rs763780 could significantly affect the function and structure of IL17A. Based on our findings, rs2275913 and rs763780 could be considered as protective and risk factors for knee osteoarthritis, respectively. Therefore, these polymorphisms can be considered as biomarkers for the screening of knee osteoarthritis susceptible persons.

The regulatory role of Toll-like receptors after ischemic stroke: neurosteroids as TLR modulators with the focus on TLR2/4

Ischemic stroke is the most common cerebrovascular disease and considered as a worldwide leading cause of death. After cerebral ischemia, different pathophysiological processes including neuroinflammation, invasion and aggregation of inflammatory cells and up-regulation of cytokines occur simultaneously. In this respect, Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are the first identified important mediators for the activation of the innate immune system and are widely expressed in glial cells and neurons following brain trauma. TLRs are also able to interact with endogenous and exogenous molecules released during ischemia and can increase tissue damage. Particularly, TLR2 and TLR4 activate different downstream inflammatory signaling pathways. In addition, TLR signaling can alternatively play a role for endogenous neuroprotection. In this review, the gene and protein structures, common genetic polymorphisms of TLR2 and TLR4, TLR-related molecular pathways and their putative role after ischemic stroke are delineated. Furthermore, the relationship between neurosteroids and TLRs as neuroprotective mechanism is highlighted in the context of brain ischemia.

Survivin c.-31G>C (rs9904341) gene transversion and urinary system cancers risk: a systematic review and a meta-analysis

Aim: To investigate the possible association between survivin c.-31G>C (rs9904341) gene polymorphism and urinary system cancers by a meta-analysis approach. Methods: Standard electronic literature databases were searched to find eligible studies. The odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs were estimated to find the associations possibility. Results: Overall meta-analysis revealed significant associations between c.-31G>C transversion and risk of urinary tract cancers in dominant (OR: 1.34; 95% CI: 1.02–1.75; p = 0.035), recessive (OR: 1.52; 95% CI: 1.33–1.74; p < 0.001) and homozygote codominant (OR: 1.90; 95% Cl: 1.37–2.62; p < 0.001) genetic models. Conclusion: The c.-31G>C transversion might be a risk factor for urinary system cancers. However, more articles with different ethnicities will help to obtain a more accurate conclusion.