SNP and mRNA expression for glutathione peroxidase 4 in Kashin-Beck disease

Association of SOX6 gene polymorphisms with Kashin-Beck disease risk in the Chinese Han population

Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) is an endemic osteochondropathy. A specific gene called SRY-box transcription factor 6 (SOX6) is important for forming cartilage. This study aims to explore the potential correlation between SOX6 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and KBD risk for the first time. In the case-control study, 735 unrelated Chinese Han individuals were enrolled. The four mutation sites of the SOX6 gene (rs4539287 G/A, rs3203295 C/A, rs7928675 C/A, and rs10832681 A/G) were screened and genotyped on the Agena MassARRAY platform. The correlation between SOX6 SNPs and KBD risk was explored based on logistic regression analysis. The interaction between SNP and SNP was analyzed based on the multi-factor dimensionality reduction (MDR) method. Overall analysis revealed a remarkable correlation between rs7928675 and rs10832681 and the reduction of KBD risk (p < 0.05). Subgroup analyses further indicated that these two SNPs have a significant protective effect on KBD risk among participants aged ≤65 years, males, and non-smokers (p < 0.05). MDR displayed a marked interaction between rs3203295 and rs10832681. Our study revealed that SOX6 rs7928675 and rs10832681 are markedly correlated with a reduced risk of KBD in the Chinese Han population, providing a new direction for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of KBD.

SELENOP rs3877899 Variant Affects the Risk of Developing Advanced Stages of Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)

The significance of selenoproteins for the incidence of prematurity and oxidative-damage-related diseases in premature newborns is poorly understood. The latter are at risk for ROP as well as BPD, IVH, PDA, RDS, and NEC, which is particularly high for newborns with extremely low gestational age (ELGA) and extremely low birth weight (ELBW). This study evaluates the hypothesis that variation in the selenoprotein-encoding genes SELENOP, SELENOS, and GPX4 affects the risk of ROP and other comorbidities. The study included infants born ≤ 32 GA, matched for onset and progression of ROP into three groups: no ROP, spontaneously remitting ROP, and ROP requiring treatment. SNPs were determined with predesigned TaqMan SNP genotyping assays. We found the association of the SELENOP rs3877899A allele with ELGA (defined as <28 GA), ROP requiring treatment, and ROP not responsive to treatment. The number of RBC transfusions, ELGA, surfactant treatment, and coexistence of the rs3877899A allele with ELGA were independent predictors of ROP onset and progression, accounting for 43.1% of the risk variation. In conclusion, the SELENOP rs3877899A allele associated with reduced selenium bioavailability may contribute to the risk of ROP and visual impairment in extremely preterm infants.

The Role of rs713041 Glutathione Peroxidase 4 (GPX4) Single Nucleotide Polymorphism on Disease Susceptibility in Humans: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Aim: The single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs713041, located in the regulatory region, is required to incorporate selenium into the selenoprotein glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and has been found to have functional consequences. This systematic review aimed to conduct a meta-analysis to determine whether there is an association between GPX4 (rs713041) SNP and the risk of diseases in humans and its correlation with selenium status. Material and methods: A systematic search for English-language manuscripts published between January 1990 and November 2022 was carried out using six databases: CINAHL, Cochrane, Medline, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were applied to assess a relationship between GPX4 (rs713041) SNP and the risk of different diseases based on three genetic models. Review Manager 5.4 and Comprehensive Meta-Analysis 4 software were used to perform the meta-analysis and carry out Egger’s test for publication bias. Results: Data from 21 articles were included in the systematic review. Diseases were clustered according to the physiological system affected to understand better the role of GPX4 (rs713041) SNP in developing different diseases. Carriers of the GPX4 (rs173041) T allele were associated with an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer in additive and dominant models (p = 0.02 and p = 0.004, respectively). In addition, carriers of the T allele were associated with an increased risk of developing stroke and hypertension in the additive, dominant and recessive models (p = 0.002, p = 0.004 and p = 0.01, respectively). On the other hand, the GPX4 (rs713041) T allele was associated with a decreased risk of developing pre-eclampsia in the additive, dominant and recessive models (p < 0.0001, p = 0.002 and p = 0.0005, respectively). Moreover, selenium levels presented lower mean values in cancer patients relative to control groups (SMD = −0.39 µg/L; 95% CI: −0.64, −0.14; p = 0.002, I2 = 85%). Conclusion: GPX4 (rs713041) T allele may influence colorectal cancer risk, stroke, hypertension and pre-eclampsia. In addition, low selenium levels may play a role in the increased risk of cancer.

Function and regulation of GPX4 in the development and progression of fibrotic disease

Fibrosis is a common feature of fibrotic diseases that poses a serious threat to global health due to high morbidity and mortality in developing countries. There exist some chemical compounds and biomolecules associated with the development of fibrosis, including cytokines, hormones, and enzymes. Among them, glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), as a selenoprotein antioxidant enzyme, is widely found in the embryo, testis, brain, liver, heart, and photoreceptor cells. Moreover, it is shown that GPX4 elicits diverse biological functions by suppressing phospholipid hydroperoxide at the expense of decreased glutathione (GSH), including loss of neurons, autophagy, cell repair, inflammation, ferroptosis, apoptosis, and oxidative stress. Interestingly, these processes are intimately related to the occurrence of fibrotic disease. Recently, GPX4 has been reported to exhibit a decline in fibrotic disease and inhibit fibrosis, suggesting that alterations of GPX4 can change the course or dictate the outcome of fibrotic disease. In this review, we summarize the role and underlying mechanisms of GPX4 in fibrosis diseases such as lung fibrosis, liver fibrosis, kidney fibrosis, cardiac fibrosis, and myelofibrosis.

CpG methylation of the GPX3 promoter in patients with Kashin-Beck Disease potentially promotes chondrocyte apoptosis

OBJECTIVE

To determine the methylation levels of CpGs in the GPX3 promoter region and explore their potential effects on the apoptosis of chondrocytes.

METHODS

Blood specimens were collected from 32 participants; 16 KBD patients and 16 healthy subjects. Twenty-five CpGs in the promoter region of GPX3 were identified and detected by MALDI-TOF-MS. Methylation levels of CpGs were compared between KBD patients and healthy subjects as well as among the KBD patients with different degrees. C28/I2 human chondrocytes were treated with tBHP and Na2SeO3. Apoptosis in chondrocytes was examined under a fluorescence microscope.

RESULTS

The methylation levels of GPX3-1_CpG_11 and GPX3-1_CpG_16 in KBD patients were significantly higher than those of healthy subjects (P < 0.05). The methylation levels of the other CpGs were not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05). The methylation level of GPX3-1_CpG_24 in KBD patients was significantly higher than those of healthy subjects (P < 0.05). MSP-PCR analysis indicated that the methylation rate of KBD group (9.41%) was significantly higher than that of healthy subjects (1.18%), and that GPX3 DNA methylation increased the risk of acquiring KBD 8 fold (OR = 8.000, 95% CI: 1.023-62.580); The mRNA expression of GPX3 in whole blood of KBD patients was lower than that of healthy subjects (P＜0.05); Compared with the control group, GPX3, GPX1 and GPX4 mRNA level of the tertbutyl hydroperoxide injury group decreased significantly (P < 0.05), after supplementation with Na2SeO3. The rate of chondrocytes apoptosis was decreased with the increasing of GPX3 and GPX4 mRNA levels (P＜0.05) and GPX3 mRNA showed a similar trend without statistically significant (P＞0.05).

CONCLUSION

The methylation patterns of CpGs in GPX3 varied in KBD patients. The experiments indicated that the increased methylation of CpGs within the GPX3 promoter may down-regulate the expression of GPX3, thereby reducing the antioxidant function of GPX3 and promoting chondrocyte apoptosis, both of which accelerates the occurrence of KBD. We therefore propose a new understanding of GPX3's potential epigenetic and genetic mechanisms that contribute to KBD.

Dysregulation of Transcription Profile of Selenoprotein in Patients with Kashin-Beck Disease and Its Effect on Se Deficiency-Induced Chondrocyte Apoptosis

Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) is a chronic, degenerative osteoarthropathy related to selenium (Se) deficiency. Se participates in the synthesis of selenoprotein in the form of selenocysteine. In total, 25 selenoproteins, encoded by 25 genes, are currently found in humans; however, the effects of selenoprotein genes on chondrocyte apoptosis, particularly in apoptosis-related genes, remain poorly elucidated. Therefore, in the current study, the expression of selenoprotein genes and apoptosis-related genes were determined by RT-qPCR in patients and chondrocytes and the correlations between them were analyzed using Pearson and Spearman's rank correlation, and the chondrocyte apoptosis rate was detected by Annexin V-FITC/PI. The results showed that the mRNA levels of 17 selenoprotein genes were downregulated, whereas two genes were upregulated in patients with KBD. The BAX/BCL2 ratio and the mRNA levels of BAX and P53 were increased, but the mRNA levels of BCL2 and NF-κB p65 were decreased in patients with KBD. The mRNA levels of GPX2, GPX3, DIO1, TXNRD1, TXNRD3, and SPS2 were most closely associated with apoptosis-related genes in patients with KBD. Moreover, in the Se deficiency group, the mRNA levels of GPX3, DIO1, and TXNRD1 were downregulated and GPX activity was decreased, but the late apoptosis rate, the mRNA levels of BAX and P53, and the BAX/BCL2 ratio were increased; the opposite trend was observed in the Se supplement group. Collectively, these results indicate that selenoprotein transcription profile is dysregulated in patients with KBD. Furthermore, the expression of GPX3, DIO1, and TXNRD1 genes might be involved in the development of chondrocyte apoptosis by affecting antioxidant capacity.

Meta-analysis of Association Studies of Selenoprotein Gene Polymorphism and Kashin-Beck Disease: an Updated Systematic Review

To evaluate the association between selenoprotein gene polymorphisms and Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) susceptibility through a systematic review and updated meta-analysis. PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane library, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) were electronically searched using the terms "selenoprotein" and "Kashin-Beck disease" or "KBD" with a search time from the establishment of the database to January 2021. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used for methodological quality evaluation of the included studies. Stata 14.0 software was used to pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval. There were a total of eight included case-control studies covering 2025 KBD patients and 1962 controls. Meta-analysis results show that the pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for DIO2 (rs225014) were 0.69 (0.52, 0.91), 0.69 (0.50, 0.96), and 0.72 (0.52, 0.99) in the allele, heterozygote, and dominant models, respectively. The OR and 95%CI for SEPS1 (-105G>A) were 2.47 (1.85, 3.29), 9.36 (4.58, 19.12), 2.17 (1.53, 3.08), and 8.60 (4.25, 17.38) in the allele, homozygote, dominant, and recessive models, respectively. In addition, the OR and 95%CI for Sep15 (rs5859) were 2.05 (1.06, 3.96) in the allele model. These results illustrate that there was a significant association between DIO2 (rs225014), SEPS1 (-105G>A), Sep15 (rs5859), and KBD. For GPX1 (rs1050450, rs1800668, rs3811699), DIO2 (rs225014, rs1352815, rs1388382), TrxR2 (rs1139793, rs5746841), GPX4 (rs713041, rs4807542), and SEPP1 (rs7579, 25191g/a), there was no significant statistical difference between the KBD and control groups (P>0.05). We conclude that the DIO2 (rs225014), SEPS1 (-105G>A), and Sep15 (rs5859) gene polymorphism are associated with susceptibility to KBD.

Multiple genetic variations of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps are associated with respiratory parameters in men with obstructive sleep apnea

Purpose

Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) have a higher risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, the relationship between CRSwNP and OSA remains unclear. The aim of this research study was to evaluate the association of multiple single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) variations in CRSwNP with sleep- and breath-related parameters in men with OSA.

Methods

We included eight CRSwNP SNPs in 2320 participants after strict screening. For each participant, the genetic risk score (GRS) was calculated based on the cumulative effect of multiple genetic variants of CRSwNP. A bivariate correlation analysis was used to assess the relationship between CRSwNP genetic polymorphisms and polysomnography parameters in men with OSA. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess the relationship between the risk of OSA and CRSwNP genetic polymorphisms.

Results

In moderate OSA, rs28383314 was related to the oxygen desaturation index, and rs4807532 was positively associated with the microarousal index (r = 0.09, P = 0.03 and r = 0.11, P = 0.01, respectively). The CRSwNP GRS was positively correlated with the oxygen desaturation index and cumulative time percentage with SpO₂ < 90% in moderate OSA (r = 0.13, P < 0.001 and r = 0.1, P = 0.01, respectively). There was no association between the CRSwNP GRS and the risk of OSA (OR = 1.007; 95% CI, 0.973–1.042; P = 0.702).

Conclusion

In men with moderate OSA, single CRSwNP genetic variations correlated with sleep-related parameters, and the cumulative effects of CRSwNP genetic variations were associated with the hypoxic index. CRSwNP may be a predisposing condition for sleep disorders in men with moderate OSA.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11325-021-02356-6.

Haplotype Analysis of Candidate Genes Involved in Inflammation and Oxidative Stress and the Susceptibility to Preeclampsia

Unbalanced inflammatory reactions and oxidative stress are inseparably interconnected, and both may play crucial roles in the pathophysiological mechanisms of preeclampsia (PE). In the published previous studies, we have genotyped for SNPs that related to inflammation (rs2227485, rs153109, rs17855750, rs2027432, rs2275913, rs763780, rs4819554, and rs13015714) and oxidative stress (rs1695, rs4680, rs1800566, rs4807542, rs713041, rs7579, rs230813, rs1004467, rs3824755, and rs9932581) to investigate whether these polymorphisms were associated with susceptibility to PE in a Chinese Han population. In this present study, we collected these data of experimental and clinical from above studies for haplotype analysis of inflammation-related SNPs in 631 PE patients and 720 normal pregnancy and oxidative stress-related SNPs in 342 PE patients and 457 normal pregnancies for susceptibility to PE. The data of genotype distribution and allele frequency comparisons after correction for multiple comparisons (P/8 or P/10) showed 2 among the 8 candidate inflammation-related SNPs have significant differences (rs2027432 genotype χ² = 407.377, p < 0.001, p < 0.00625). Moreover, the minor alleles of rs2027432 T (minor allele χ² = 450.923, p < 0.001, p < 0.00625; OR = 21.439, 95%CI = 15.181‐30.278) and rs4819554 G (minor allele χ² = 163.465, p < 0.001, p < 0.00625; OR = 5.814, 95%CI = 4.380‐7.719) were confirmed as risk allele of PE, respectively. Our analysis revealed rs2027432 (TT) of NLRP3 and rs4819554 (GG) of IL-17RA are risk factors for PE. However, no significant difference was found at the oxidative stress-related SNPs. In the candidate loci for oxidative stress, we also identified 3 SNP matches (rs4807542 and rs713041, rs230813 and rs75799, rs1004467 and rs3824755) that had high linkage disequilibrium (LD) with each other and were selected as a block (r² = 0.98, r² = 0.97, r² = 0.97, r² > 0.9), and the GT and GC haplotypes of rs4807542 and rs713041 in GPX4 showed significant differences between the PE and control groups (χ² = 5.143, p = 0.0233, p < 0.05; χ² = 6.373, p = 0.0116, p < 0.05). So, we inferred that polymorphisms of NLRP3 rs2027432 and IL-17RA rs4819554, which are related to inflammation, and the rs713041 variant of GPX4, which is related to oxidative stress, were associated with susceptibility to PE. The GT and GC haplotypes of rs4807542 and rs713041 in GPX4 may increase the risk of PE in the Chinese Han population.

Selenium and selenoproteins in prostanoid metabolism and immunity

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element that functions in the form of the 21st amino acid, selenocysteine (Sec) in a defined set of proteins. Se deficiency is associated with pathological conditions in humans and animals, where incorporation of Sec into selenoproteins is reduced along with their expression and catalytic activity. Supplementation of Se-deficient population with Se has shown health benefits suggesting the importance of Se in physiology. An interesting paradigm to explain, in part, the health benefits of Se stems from the observations that selenoprotein-dependent modulation of inflammation and efficient resolution of inflammation relies on mechanisms involving a group of bioactive lipid mediators, prostanoids, which orchestrate a concerted action toward maintenance and restoration of homeostatic immune responses. Such an effect involves the interaction of various immune cells with these lipid mediators where cellular redox gatekeeper functions of selenoproteins further aid in not only dampening inflammation, but also initiating an effective and active resolution process. Here we have summarized the current literature on the multifaceted roles of Se/selenoproteins in the regulation of these bioactive lipid mediators and their immunomodulatory effects.

Epitranscriptomic systems regulate the translation of reactive oxygen species detoxifying and disease linked selenoproteins

Here we highlight the role of epitranscriptomic systems in post-transcriptional regulation, with a specific focus on RNA modifying writers required for the incorporation of the 21st amino acid selenocysteine during translation, and the pathologies linked to epitranscriptomic and selenoprotein defects. Epitranscriptomic marks in the form of enzyme-catalyzed modifications to RNA have been shown to be important signals regulating translation, with defects linked to altered development, intellectual impairment, and cancer. Modifications to rRNA, mRNA and tRNA can affect their structure and function, while the levels of these dynamic tRNA-specific epitranscriptomic marks are stress-regulated to control translation. The tRNA for selenocysteine contains five distinct epitranscriptomic marks and the ALKBH8 writer for the wobble uridine (U) has been shown to be vital for the translation of the glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and thioredoxin reductase (TRXR) family of selenoproteins. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) detoxifying selenocysteine containing proteins are a prime examples of how specialized translation can be regulated by specific tRNA modifications working in conjunction with distinct codon usage patterns, RNA binding proteins and specific 3' untranslated region (UTR) signals. We highlight the important role of selenoproteins in detoxifying ROS and provide details on how epitranscriptomic marks and selenoproteins can play key roles in and maintaining mitochondrial function and preventing disease.

Genetic variants in the ITPR2 gene are associated with Kashin-Beck Disease in Tibetan

Background

Kashin‐Beck Disease (KBD) is a chronic, endemic osteoarthropathy. Inositol 1,4,5‐triphosphate receptor type 2 (ITPR2) gene is involved in chondrocytes. We speculated that single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ITPR2 gene may have an association with KBD in Tibetan.

Methods

To prove this hypothesis, a total of eight SNPs (rs1049376, rs11048526, rs11048556, rs11048585, rs16931011, rs10842759, rs2230372, and rs7134213) were selected, and genotyped in 316 KBD patients and 320 controls. The association between ITPR2 variants and KBD risk was assessed by logistic regression analysis.

Results

The study identified significant association (p = 0.019) between KBD and a novel locus, ITPR2 SNP rs11048526 (OR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.07–2.08). The variant A/G genotype frequency in rs11048526 had a significantly increased risk of KBD in co‐dominant model (OR = 3.70, 95% CI = 1.26–10.89, p = 0.018), dominant model (OR = 3.56, 95% CI = 1.22–10.40, p = 0.020), log‐additive model (OR = 3.00, 95% CI = 1.12–8.00, p = 0.029) after adjusted for age and gender.

Conclusion

The results indicate a potential association between ITPR2 and KBD risk in Tibetan. Further work is required to confirm these results and explore the mechanisms of these effects.

Pathway-based network analyses and candidate genes associated with Kashin-Beck disease

To perform a comprehensive analysis focusing on the biological functions and interactions of Kashin-Beck disease (KBD)-related genes to provide information towards understanding the pathogenesis of KBD.A retrospective, integrated bioinformatics analysis was designed and conducted. First, by reviewing the literature deposited in PubMed, we identified 922 genes genetically associated with KBD. Then, biological function and network analyses were conducted with Cytoscape software. Moreover, KBD specific molecular network analysis was conducted by Cytocluster using the Molecular Complex Detection Algorithm (MCODE).The biological function enrichment analysis suggested that collagen catabolic process, protein activation cascade, cellular response to growth factor stimulus, skeletal system development, and extrinsic apoptosis played important roles in KBD development. The apoptosis pathway, NF-kappa B signaling pathway, and the glutathione metabolism pathway were significantly enriched in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway network, suggesting that these pathways may play key roles in KBD occurrence and development. MCODE clusters showed that in top 3 clusters, 54 of KBD-related genes were included in the network and 110 candidate genes were discovered might be potentially related to KBD.The 110 candidate genes discovered in the current study may be related to the development of KBD. The expression changes of apoptosis and oxidative stress-related genes might serve as biomarkers for early diagnosis and treatment of KBD.

The Importance of Se-Related Genes in the Chondrocyte of Kashin-Beck Disease Revealed by Whole Genomic Microarray and Network Analysis

Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) is an endemic, chronic, and degenerative osteoarthropathy. Selenium (Se) deficiency plays important role in the pathogenesis of KBD. We aimed to screen Se-related gene from chondrocytes of patients with KBD. Whole-genome oligonucleotide microarrays were used to detect differentially expressed genes. qRT-PCR was used to confirm the microarray results. Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD) was used to screen Se-related genes from differentially expressed genes. Gene Ontology (GO) classifications and network analysis of Se-related genes were constituted by STRING online system. Three hundred ninety-nine differentially expressed genes were obtained from microarray. Among them, 54 Se-related genes were identified by CTD. The qRT-PCR validation showed that four genes expressed similarly with the ones in the microarray transcriptional profiles. The Se-related genes were categorized into 6 cellular components, 8 molecular functions, 44 biological processes, 10 pathways, and 1 network by STRING. The Se-related gene insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2 (IGFBP2), insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP3), interleukin 6 (IL6), BCL2, apoptosis regulator (BCL2), and BCL2-associated X, apoptosis regulator (BAX), which involved in many molecular functions, biological processes, and apoptosis pathway may play important roles in the pathogenesis of KBD.

Imbalance of dietary nutrients and the associated differentially expressed genes and pathways may play important roles in juvenile Kashin-Beck disease

BACKGROUND

Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) is a childhood-onset endemic osteoarthropathy in China. Nutrients including trace elements may play active roles in the development of KBD.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to estimate the nutrient intakes of children in endemic areas and to identify the imbalanced nutrients associated differentially expressed genes in the juvenile patients with KBD.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, a consecutive 3 day 24 h semi-quantitative dietary retrospect questionnaire was conducted to estimate the daily nutrient intakes of children using CDGSS 3.0 software. Gene profile analysis was employed to identify differentially expressed genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of children with KBD. GOC, CTD, KEGG, and REACTOME databases were used to establish the relationship between nutrients and nutrients-associated differentially expressed genes and pathways. Statistical analyses were accomplished by SPSS 18.0 software.

RESULTS

Daily Se intakes without supplementation of children were significantly lower in Se-supplemented (Se + ) KBD areas (29.3 ∼ 29.6 mg/d) and non-endemic area (27.8 ± 7.9 mg/d) compared to non-Se-supplemented (Se-) KBD area (32.9 ± 7.9 mg/d, c² = 20.24, P < .01). Children in Se+ KBD areas were suffering more serious insufficient intake of multiple nutrients, including vitamins-B₂/-C/-E, Ca, Fe, Zn and I. Gene profile analysis combined with bioinformatics technique identified 34 nutrients associated differentially expressed genes and 10 significant pathways which are related to the pathological changes in juvenile KBD.

CONCLUSIONS

Imbalance of dietary nutrients and nutrients-associated differentially expressed genes and pathways may play important roles in the development of juvenile KBD.

Associations and interactions between variants in selenoprotein genes, selenoprotein levels and the development of abdominal aortic aneurysm, peripheral arterial disease, and heart failure

Background

Little is known on the role of selenoprotein genes in cardiovascular disease. This study examines the associations of the SEPP1, SELENOS, TXNRD1, TXNRD2, GPX4, and SOD2 polymorphisms and selenoprotein P (SeP) and thioredoxin concentrations with the development of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and aortoiliac occlusive disease (AOID), as well as their influence on cardiac phenotype.

Methods

564 patients with AAA, 400 patients with AIOD, and 543 controls were enrolled and characterized for coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, and systolic heart failure (HF) occurrence. In AAA, the coexistence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) was examined. Genotypes were determined using TaqMan-based assays. Selenoprotein concentration was assessed using the ELISA method.

Results

The SELENOS rs34713741T, SEPP1 rs3877899A, and GPX4 rs713041T alleles were related to a 30–60% increase in the AIOD/PAD risk in the recessive or dominant model (all associations at P < .05). The SEPP1 rs3877899A allele was a protective factor for the development of AAA without concomitant PAD (OR = 0.68 for the dominant model, P = .014), but not AAA with concomitant PAD. The cumulative two-locus effects of selenoprotein genes on the AAA/AIOD risk were observed, including the multiplicative interaction between the SELENOS rs34713741T and GPX4 rs713041T alleles (both in the recessive model) affecting the AIOD risk (OR = 5.27, P = .001) and its clinical phenotype. Coexistence of HF in aortic diseases was related to both the SEPP1 rs7579A allele (OR = 1.83 for carriers, P = .013) and increased SeP concentrations; SeP level ≥8.5 mg/mL caused a 3.5-fold increase in the risk of HF. In AAA, SeP levels were correlated with BMI (r = -0.575, P < .0001).

Conclusions

Our results provide evidence that selenoprotein polymorphisms constitute a risk factor for HF and peripheral atherosclerosis, but prevent the development of AAA. Excessive weight might result in reduced antioxidant reserve efficiency in AAA. Validation studies are required to establish whether SeP concentration may be a marker for HF.

Genome-wide association study identifies COL2A1 locus involved in the hand development failure of Kashin-Beck disease

Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) is a chronic osteochondropathy. The pathogenesis of growth and development failure of hand of KBD remains elusive now. In this study, we conducted a two-stage genome-wide association study (GWAS) of palmar length-width ratio (LWR) of KBD, totally including 493 study subjects. Affymetrix Genome Wide Human SNP Array 6.0 was applied for genome-wide SNP genotyping of 90 KBD patients. Association analysis was conducted by PLINK. Imputation analysis was performed by IMPUTE against the reference panel of the 1000 genome project. Two SNPs were selected for replication in an independent validation sample of 403 KBD patients. In the discovery GWAS, significant association was observed between palmar LWR and rs2071358 of COL2A1 gene (P value = 4.68 × 10⁻⁸). In addition, GWAS detected suggestive association signal at rs4760608 of COL2A1 gene (P value = 1.76 × 10⁻⁴). Imputation analysis of COL2A1 further identified 2 SNPs with association evidence for palmar LWR. Replication study observed significant association signals at both rs2071358 (P value = 0.017) and rs4760608 (P value = 0.002) of COL2A1 gene. Based on previous and our study results, we suggest that COL2A1 was a likely susceptibility gene involved in the hand development failure of KBD.

Evaluation of Glutathione Peroxidase 4 role in Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-specific syndrome that may be lifethreatening to pregnancies and fetus. Glutathione Peroxidase 4 (GPx4) is a powerful antioxidant enzyme that can provide protection from oxidative stress damage which plays a pivotal role in the pathology of PE. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the association between Gpx4 polymorphisms and the susceptibility to PE in Chinese Han women. TaqMan allelic discrimination real-time PCR was used to perform the genotyping of rs713041 and rs4807542 in 1008 PE patients and 1386 normotensive pregnancies. Obviously statistical difference of genotypic and allelic frequencies were found of rs713041 in GPx4 between PE patients and controls and the C allele has the higher risk for pathogenesis of PE (χ² = 12.292, P = 0.002 by genotype; χ² = 11.035, P = 0.001, OR = 1.216, 95% CI 1.084–1.365 by allele). Additionally, when subdividing these samples into CC + CT and TT groups, we found a significant difference between the two groups (χ² = 11.241, P = 0.001, OR = 1.417, 95% CI 1.155–1.738). Furthermore, the genotype of rs713041 was found to be associated with the mild, severe and early-onset PE. Our results suggest that rs713041 in GPx4 may play a key role in the pathogenesis of PE.

PPARGC1B gene is associated with Kashin-Beck disease in Han Chinese

Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) is a chronic osteochondropathy. The genetic basis of KBD remains elusive now. To investigate the relationship between PPARGC1B gene polymorphism and KBD, we conducted a two-stage association study using 2743 unrelated Han Chinese subjects. In the first stage, three SNPs rs1078324, rs4705372, and rs11743128 of PPARGC1B gene were genotyped in 559 KBD patients and 467 health controls using Sequenom MassARRAY platform. In the second stage, the association analysis results of PPARGC1B with KBD were replicated using an independent sample of 1717 subjects. SNP association analysis was conducted by PLINK software. Genotype imputation was conducted by IMPUTE 2.0 against the reference panel of the 1000 genome project. Bonferroni multiple testing correction was performed. We observed a significant association signal at rs4705372 (P = 0.0160) and a suggestive association signal at rs11743128 (P = 0.0290). Further replication study confirmed the association signals of rs4705372 (P = 0.0026) and rs11743128 (P = 0.0387) in the independent validation sample. Our study results suggest that PPARGC1B is a novel susceptibility gene of KBD.

The roles of selenium, insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2 and suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 in the pathogenesis of Kashin-Beck disease

We aimed to verify the levels of IGFBP2 and SOCS3 in cartilage and chondrocytes of Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) patients and the effects of different selenium concentrations on the protein expression levels. Chondrocytes were cultured with sodium selenite in vitro. Immunohistochemistry and western blotting were used to verify the protein expressions. IGFBP2 and SOCS3 were up-regulated in KBD chondrocytes and decreased with increasing selenium concentrations. IGFBP2 expressed highest in the middle zone of KBD cartilage, SOCS3 expressed higher in the middle and deep zone. IGFBP2 and SOCS3 may be the biomarkers for KBD diagnosis and evaluating the effect of selenium supplement.

Exome sequencing identified FGF12 as a novel candidate gene for Kashin-Beck disease

The objective of this study was to identify novel causal genes involved in the pathogenesis of Kashin-Beck disease (KBD). A representative grade III KBD sib pair with serious skeletal growth and development failure was subjected to exome sequencing using the Illumina Hiseq2000 platform. The detected gene mutations were then filtered against the data of 1000 Genome Project, dbSNP database, and BGI inhouse database, and replicated by a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of KBD. Ninety grade II or III KBD patients with extreme KBD phenotypes and 1627 healthy controls were enrolled in the GWAS. Affymetrix Genome-Wide Human SNP Array 6.0 was applied for genotyping. PLINK software was used for association analysis. We identified a novel 106T>C at the 3'UTR of the FGF12 gene, which has not been reported by now. Sequence alignment observed high conversation at the mutated 3'UTR+106T>C locus across various vertebrates. In the GWAS of KBD, we detected nine SNPs of the FGF12 gene showing association evidence (P value < 0.05) with KBD. The most significant association signal was observed at rs1847340 (P value = 1.90 × 10(-5)). This study suggests that FGF12 was a susceptibility gene of KBD. Our results provide novel clues for revealing the pathogenesis of KBD and the biological function of FGF12.

Obesity in a model of gpx4 haploinsufficiency uncovers a causal role for lipid-derived aldehydes in human metabolic disease and cardiomyopathy

OBJECTIVE

Lipid peroxides and their reactive aldehyde derivatives (LPPs) have been linked to obesity-related pathologies, but whether they have a causal role has remained unclear. Glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4) is a selenoenzyme that selectively neutralizes lipid hydroperoxides, and human gpx4 gene variants have been associated with obesity and cardiovascular disease in epidemiological studies. This study tested the hypothesis that LPPs underlie cardio-metabolic derangements in obesity using a high fat, high sucrose (HFHS) diet in gpx4 haploinsufficient mice (GPx4(+/-)) and in samples of human myocardium.

METHODS

Wild-type (WT) and GPx4(+/-) mice were fed either a standard chow (CNTL) or HFHS diet for 24 weeks, with metabolic and cardiovascular parameters measured throughout. Biochemical and immuno-histological analysis was performed in heart and liver at termination of study, and mitochondrial function was analyzed in heart. Biochemical analysis was also performed on samples of human atrial myocardium from a cohort of 103 patients undergoing elective heart surgery.

RESULTS

Following HFHS diet, WT mice displayed moderate increases in 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE)-adducts and carbonyl stress, and a 1.5-fold increase in GPx4 enzyme in both liver and heart, while gpx4 haploinsufficient (GPx4(+/-)) mice had marked carbonyl stress in these organs accompanied by exacerbated glucose intolerance, dyslipidemia, and liver steatosis. Although normotensive, cardiac hypertrophy was evident with obesity, and cardiac fibrosis more pronounced in obese GPx4(+/-) mice. Mitochondrial dysfunction manifesting as decreased fat oxidation capacity and increased reactive oxygen species was also present in obese GPx4(+/-) but not WT hearts, along with up-regulation of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic genes. Patients with diabetes and hyperglycemia exhibited significantly less GPx4 enzyme and greater HNE-adducts in their hearts, compared with age-matched non-diabetic patients.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest LPPs are key factors underlying cardio-metabolic derangements that occur with obesity and that GPx4 serves a critical role as an adaptive countermeasure.

Selenium and chronic diseases: a nutritional genomics perspective

Mechanistic data have revealed a key role for selenium (Se) and selenoproteins in biological pathways known to be altered in multifactorial diseases, such as cellular maintenance, response to oxidative stress and correct protein folding. Although epidemiological studies indicate that low Se intake is linked to increased risk for various chronic diseases, supplementation trials have given confusing outcomes, suggesting that additional genetic factors could affect the relationship between Se and health. Genetic data support this hypothesis, as risk for several chronic diseases, in particular cancer, was linked to a number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) altering Se metabolism, selenoprotein synthesis or activity. Interactions between SNPs in selenoprotein genes, SNPs in related molecular pathways and biomarkers of Se status were found to further modulate the genetic risk carried by the SNPs. Taken together, nutritional genomics approaches uncovered the potential implication of some selenoproteins as well as the influence of complex interactions between genetic variants and Se status in the aetiology of several chronic diseases. This review discusses the results from these genetic associations in the context of selenoprotein functions and epidemiological investigations and emphasises the need to assess in future studies the combined contribution of Se status, environmental stress, and multiple or individual SNPs to disease risk.

Role of selenoprotein S (SEPS1) -105G>A polymorphisms and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in Kashin-Beck disease

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between SEPS1 polymorphism and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway in Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) and further explore the pathogenesis of KBD.

METHODS

Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was used to detect SEPS1 -105G>A polymorphism in 232 cases and 331 controls. The protein expressions of PI3K/Akt signaling molecules in whole blood and chondrocytes were detected by Western blot.

RESULTS

The frequencies of SEPS1 -105G>A genotype AA (21.1% vs 3.0%) and minor allele A (34.1% vs 16.0%) in KBD are significantly higher than those in controls (OR: 8.020, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 6.341-10.290, P < 0.0001; OR: 2.470, 95% CI 2.001-4.463, P < 0.0001, respectively). SEPS1 AA genotype was an independent risk factor for KBD (adjusted OR: 9.345, 95% CI 4.254-20.529; P < 0.0001). The expression of Gβγ, PI3Kp110, pAkt and pGSK3β in KBD group were higher than that in control group (all P < 0.05). Gβγ, pAkt and pGSK3β protein expression of AA and GA increased than GG (all P < 0.05). Cell apoptosis was increasing and molecule expression of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway were up-regulated in the tert-Butyl hydroperoxide (tBHP)-injured group, the cell apoptosis and expression levels of PI3K/Akt in Na2SeO3 group were decreased.

CONCLUSIONS

The SEPS1 -105G>A is associated with an increased risk of KBD and influences the expression of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in KBD patients. Apoptosis induced by tBHP in chondrocyte might be mediated via up-regulation of PI3K/Akt, Na2SeO3 has an effect of anti-apoptosis by down-regulating of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Recent advances in the research of an endemic osteochondropathy in China: Kashin-Beck disease

Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) is an endemic chronic osteochondral disease, which has a high prevalence and morbidity in the Eastern Siberia of Russia, and in the broad diagonal, northern-east to southern-west belt in China and North Korea. In 1990's, it was estimated that in China 1-3 million people had some degree of symptoms of the disease, although even higher estimates have been presented. In China, the extensive prevalence peaked in the late 1950's, but since then, in contrast to the global trend of the osteoarthritis (OA), the number of cases has been dramatically falling. Up to 2013, there are 0.64 millions patients with the KBD and 1.16 millions at risk in 377 counties of 13 provinces or autonomous regions. This is obviously thanks to the preventive efforts carried out, which include providing millions of people with dietary supplements and clean water, as well as relocation of whole villages in China. However, relatively little is known about the molecular mechanisms behind the cartilage damage, the genetic and the environmental risk factors, and the rationale of the preventive effects. During the last decade, new data on a cellular and molecular level has begun to accumulate, which hopefully will uncover the grounds of the disease.

Serum levels of M-CSF, RANKL and OPG in rats fed with Kashin-Beck disease-affected diet

Objective

There were no studies on the macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in the pathogenesis of Kashin-Beck disease (KBD). The objective of the present study was to investigate the serum M-CSF, RANKL and OPG in rats fed with KBD-affected diet.

Methods

Ninety Wistar rats were divided into five groups. The rats received standard commercial feed with or without T-2 toxin additive, low protein feed with or without or T-2 toxin additive and the KBD-affected feed. The serum bioactivity of M-CSF, RANKL and OPG was tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

The serum levels of M-CSF in E group rats were higher than those in the other groups in the five groups (P < 0.01). The serum levels of RANKL and OPG in E group rats were highest in the five groups and have significant difference compared to the other groups (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The molecule of M-CSF, RANKL and OPG may be involved in the regulation of epiphyseal plate injury and repair in KBD, and its participation in the pathogenesis of KBD should be studied in the future.