MMP-2 −1575G/A polymorphism modifies the onset of optic neuritis as a first presenting symptom in MS?

Genome-Wide Expression Profile in People with Optic Neuritis Associated with Multiple Sclerosis

The aim of this study was to perform a genome-wide expression analysis of whole-blood samples from people with optic neuritis (ON) and to determine differentially expressed mRNAs compared to healthy control subjects. The study included eight people with acute ON and six healthy control subjects. Gene expression was analyzed using DNA microarrays for whole-human-genome analysis, which contain 54,675 25-base pairs. The additional biostatistical analysis included gene ontology analysis and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Quantitative RT-PCR (qPCR) was used to confirm selected differentially expressed genes. In total, 722 differently expressed genes were identified, with 377 exhibiting increased, and 345 decreased, expression. Gene ontology analysis and GSEA revealed that protein phosphorylation and intracellular compartment, apoptosis inhibition, pathways involved in cell cycles, T and B cell functions, and anti-inflammatory central nervous system (CNS) pathways are implicated in ON pathology. qPCR confirmed the differential expression of eight selected genes, with SLPI, CR3, and ITGA4 exhibiting statistically significant results. In conclusion, whole-blood gene expression analysis showed significant differences in the expression profiles of people with ON compared to healthy control subjects. Additionally, pathways involved in T cell regulation and anti-inflammatory pathways within CNS were identified as important in the early phases of MS.

Association of RAGE rs1800624 and rs1800625 gene polymorphisms with predisposition to optic neuritis and optic neuritis together with multiple sclerosis

Optic neuritis (ON) is demyelinating acute inflammatory disease which affects the optic nerve. ON is classified as a typical (demyelinating) or an atypical (idiopathic). Patients often complain having a periocular pain or a visual loss. The main factor causing the optic neuritis is still unknown. It is believed that it might be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. As the optic neuritis is an inflammation disease, the RAGE gene was selected as it is a part of the inflammation process.

AIM

to determine the relation between RAGE rs1800624 and rs1800625 genotypes of patients who have a manifestation of optic neuritis and optic neuritis with multiple sclerosis together in Lithuanian population and visual acuity recovery.

OBJECTIVES

patients with optic neuritis and healthy controls individuals were examined. Genotyping was carried out by using the instrument of real-time polymerase chain reaction called StepOnePlus (AppliedBiosystems). Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 20.0 software and free PLINK software (version 1.07).

RESULTS

Results indicate that rs1800624 polymorphism is not statistically significant in optic neuritis manifestation (p = .392), while rs1800625 GG genotype is associated with 7.5-fold increased odds of ON development under the codominant model (OR = 7.5; 95% CI:1.796-31.313; p = .006) and with 6.9-fold increased odds under the recessive model OR = 6.862; 95% CI:1.665-28.288; p = .008); and each allele G is associated with 1.9-fold increased odds of ON development under the additive model (OR = 1.879; 95% CI:1.149-3.072; p = .012). The haplotype containing A-G alleles in rs1800624 and rs1800625 was statistically significantly associated with increased risk for ON development (χ2 = 13.23; p < .001). Both polymorphisms do not have statistically significant importance in relation to visual acuity recovery.

CONCLUSIONS

RAGE rs1800625 AA genotype decreases the risk of optic neuritis. The single nucleotide polymorphisms RAGE rs1800624 and rs1800625 do not have a statistically significant importance in relation with visual acuity recovery.

MMP-2: is too low as bad as too high in the cardiovascular system?

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 cleaves a broad spectrum of substrates, including extracellular matrix components (responsible for normal tissue remodeling) and cytokines (modulators of the inflammatory response to physiological insults such as tissue damage). MMP-2 expression is elevated in many cardiovascular pathologies (e.g., myocardial infarction, hypertensive heart disease) where tissue remodeling and inflammatory responses are perturbed. Thus, it has generally been assumed that blockade of MMP-2 activity will yield therapeutic effects. Here, we provide a counterargument to this dogma based on 1) preclinical studies on Mmp2-null ( Mmp2−/−) mice and 2) clinical studies on patients with inactivating MMP2 gene mutations. Furthermore, we put forward the hypothesis that, when MMP-2 activity falls below baseline, the bioavailability of proinflammatory cytokines normally cleaved and inactivated by MMP-2 increases, leading to the production of cytokines and cardiac secretion of phospholipase A2activity into the circulation, which stimulate systemic inflammation that perturbs lipid metabolism in target organs. Finally, we suggest that insufficient understanding of the consequences of MMP-2 deficiency remains a major factor in the failure of MMP-2 inhibitor-based therapeutic approaches. This paucity of knowledge precludes our ability to effectively intervene in cardiovascular and noncardiovascular pathologies at the level of MMP-2.

Association of MMP-2 (⁻1306 C/T) Gene Polymorphism with Predisposition to Optic Neuritis and Optic Neuritis Together with Multiple Sclerosis

Background and objective: Optic neuritis (ON) is characterized by painful, usually monocular vision loss with decreased visual acuity and defects of the visual field and color vision. The etiology and pathophysiology of ON is not completely clear. It is thought that a matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) gene plays an essential role in this autoimmune inflammatory disease. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the MMP-2 (-1306 C/T)rs243865 gene polymorphism and ON, and that of ON with multiple sclerosis. Materials and methods: Patients with ON/ON and multiple sclerosis and a control group of healthy individuals were enrolled in this study. The genotyping test of the MMP-2 (-1306 C/T) was carried out using a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Results: Analysis revealed that T allele at the MMP-2 (-1306 C/T) was less frequent in the ON group compared to the control group (14.5% vs. 23.3%, p = 0.031), and was associated with decreased likelihood of ON development (OR = 0.566; 95% CI: 0.333-0.962; p = 0.036). No significant associations were revealed while comparing the subgroups of ON patients with and without multiple sclerosis. Conclusion: The MMP-2 (-1306 C/T) gene polymorphism was found to be associated with ON development.

Analysis of MMP2-1306C/T and TIMP2G-418C polymorphisms with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis

AIMS

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune, inflammatory disease characterized by loss of myelin forming oligodendrocytes and changes in the blood-brain barrier. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) -2 and -9 are known to cause disruption of the blood-brain barrier, remodeling of the basal lamina, regeneration of axons, and remyelination in MS. The imbalance between MMPs and tissue inhibitor metalloproteinases (TIMPs) may lead to the emergence of pathological processes such as MS. The roles of MMP2-1306 C/T and TIMP2-418 G/C genetic variants in MS have not been studied before. We aimed to investigate whether MMP2-1306C/T and TIMP2-418 G/C gene variants are risk factors for patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).

METHODS

The study included 102 RRMS and 102 healthy controls. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral leukocytes from ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid anticoagulated blood. Genotyping of the MMP2-1306C/T and TIMP2G-418C polymorphisms was performed using real-time PCR.

RESULTS

There were significant differences in terms of distribution of genotype (MMP2-1306- CT, TT) and T allele frequency between the patients with RRMS and the control group (p<0.0001; p<0.0001). The groups were not different in terms of TIMP2G-418C polymorphisms.

CONCLUSIONS

In the RRMS group, the genotype and allele frequencies of MMP2-1306C/T polymorphism showed significant differences from the controls. These results indicate that MMP2 might play a role in the pathogenesis of MS even during the inflammation stage.