1
|
Rao SW, Liu CJ, Liang D, Duan YY, Chen ZH, Li JJ, Pang HQ, Zhang FX, Shi W. Multi-omics and chemical profiling approaches to understand the material foundation and pharmacological mechanism of sophorae tonkinensis radix et rhizome-induced liver injury in mice. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 330:118224. [PMID: 38642623 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Sophorae tonkinensis Radix et Rhizoma (STR) is an extensively applied traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in southwest China. However, its clinical application is relatively limited due to its hepatotoxicity effects. AIM OF THE STUDY To understand the material foundation and liver injury mechanism of STR. MATERIALS AND METHODS Chemical compositions in STR and its prototypes in mice were profiled by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q/TOF MS). STR-induced liver injury (SILI) was comprehensively evaluated by STR-treated mice mode. The histopathologic and biochemical analyses were performed to evaluate liver injury levels. Subsequently, network pharmacology and multi-omics were used to analyze the potential mechanism of SILI in vivo. And the target genes were further verified by Western blot. RESULTS A total of 152 compounds were identified or tentatively characterized in STR, including 29 alkaloids, 21 organic acids, 75 flavonoids, 1 quinone, and 26 other types. Among them, 19 components were presented in STR-medicated serum. The histopathologic and biochemical analysis revealed that hepatic injury occurred after 4 weeks of intragastric administration of STR. Network pharmacology analysis revealed that IL6, TNF, STAT3, etc. were the main core targets, and the bile secretion might play a key role in SILI. The metabolic pathways such as taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, purine metabolism, and vitamin B6 metabolism were identified in the STR exposed groups. Among them, taurine, hypotaurine, hypoxanthine, pyridoxal, and 4-pyridoxate were selected based on their high impact value and potential biological function in the process of liver injury post STR treatment. CONCLUSIONS The mechanism and material foundation of SILI were revealed and profiled by a multi-omics strategy combined with network pharmacology and chemical profiling. Meanwhile, new insights were taken into understand the pathological mechanism of SILI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Si-Wei Rao
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources (Ministry of Education of China), Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Science, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541004, PR China; College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Cheng-Jun Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources (Ministry of Education of China), Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Science, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541004, PR China
| | - Dong Liang
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources (Ministry of Education of China), Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Science, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541004, PR China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Duan
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources (Ministry of Education of China), Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Science, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541004, PR China
| | - Zi-Hao Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources (Ministry of Education of China), Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Science, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541004, PR China
| | - Jin-Jin Li
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources (Ministry of Education of China), Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Science, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541004, PR China
| | - Han-Qing Pang
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Senile Diseases, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, PR China
| | - Feng-Xiang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources (Ministry of Education of China), Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Science, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541004, PR China.
| | - Wei Shi
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources (Ministry of Education of China), Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Science, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541004, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Jiao M, Yan S, Shi Q, Liu Y, Li Y, Lv J, Ding S, Li A. Alcohol-Related Elevation of Liver Transaminase Is Associated With Gut Microbiota in Male. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:823898. [PMID: 35280887 PMCID: PMC8904186 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.823898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcoholic liver damage has become a widespread health problem as alcohol consumption increases and is usually identified by elevated liver transaminase. We conducted this study to investigate the role of the gut microbiome in the individual susceptibility to alcoholic liver injury. We divided the participants into four groups based on alcohol consumption and liver transaminase elevation, which were drinking case group, drinking control group, non-drinking case group, and non-drinking control group. The drinking case group meant participants who were alcohol consumers with elevated liver transaminase. We found that alpha and beta diversities of the drinking case group differed from the other three groups. Species Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Roseburia hominis were significantly in lower abundance in the drinking case group and were proved the protective effect against inflammatory liver damage in the former study. Ruminococcus gnavus exhibited the most positive association to alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and contributed to liver inflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengfan Jiao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Gene Hospital of Henan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Su Yan
- Health Management Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qingmiao Shi
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Gene Hospital of Henan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yaoguang Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Gene Hospital of Henan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jun Lv
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Suying Ding
- Health Management Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ang Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Gene Hospital of Henan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Laine S, Sjöros T, Vähä-Ypyä H, Garthwaite T, Löyttyniemi E, Sievänen H, Vasankari T, Knuuti J, Heinonen IHA. Body Adiposity, But Not Elements of Objectively Measured Sedentary Behavior or Physical Activity, Is Associated With Circulating Liver Enzymes in Adults With Overweight and Obesity. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:655756. [PMID: 33959099 PMCID: PMC8095079 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.655756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We studied the associations between accelerometer-measured sedentary behavior (SB) and habitual physical activity (PA) as well as markers of body adiposity and other cardiometabolic risk factors with liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT). METHODS A total of 144 middle-aged adults (mean age 57 (SD 6.5) years) with overweight or obesity (mean body mass index [BMI] 31.8 [SD 3.9] kg/m2) participated. Different components of SB (sitting, lying) and PA (standing, breaks in SB, daily steps, light PA, moderate-to-vigorous PA and total PA) were measured with validated hip-worn accelerometers for four consecutive weeks (mean 25 days, [SD 4]). Fasting venous blood samples were analysed using standard assays. The associations were examined with Pearson's partial correlation coefficient test and linear mixed model. RESULTS Among 102 women and 42 men accelerometer measured SB or the elements of PA were not associated with circulating liver enzymes. When adjusted for age and sex, liver enzymes correlated positively with BMI and waist circumference (WC) (ALT r=0.34, p<0.0001, r=0.41, < 0.0001, AST r=0.17, p=0.049, r=0.26, p=0.002, GGT r=0.29, p=0.0005, r=0.32, p < 0.0001, respectively). SB proportion associated positively with BMI (r=0.21, p=0.008) and WC (r=0.27, p=0.001). Components of PA associated negatively with BMI (MVPA r=-0.23, p=0.005, daily steps r=-0.30, p<0.0001 and breaks in sedentary time r=-0.32, p<0.0001), as well as with WC (breaks in SB r=-0.35, p<0.0001, MVPA r=-0.26, p=0.002, daily steps r=-0.31, p<0.0001, standing time r=-0.27, p=0.001). Liver enzymes associated positively with common cardiometabolic markers such as resting heart rate (ALT; β=0.17, p=0.03, AST; β=0.25, p=0.002, GGT; β=0.23, p=0.004) and systolic/diastolic blood pressure (ALT β=0.20, p=0.01, β=0.22, p=0.005, AST (only diastolic) β=0.23, p=0.006, GGT β=0.19, p=0.02, = 0.23, p=0.004, respectively), fasting insulin (ALT β=0.41, p<0.0001, AST β=0.36, p=0.0003, GGT β=0.20, p=0.04) and insulin resistance index (ALT β=0.42, p<0.0001, AST β=0.36, p=0.0003, GGT β=0.21, p=0.03), even after adjustment with BMI. CONCLUSIONS Liver enzymes correlate with body adiposity and appear to cluster with other common cardiometabolic risk factors, even independently of body adiposity. SB and PA appear not to be essential in modulating the levels of circulating liver enzymes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saara Laine
- Turku PET Centre, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
- *Correspondence: Saara Laine,
| | - Tanja Sjöros
- Turku PET Centre, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Henri Vähä-Ypyä
- The UKK-Institute for Health Promotion Research, Tampere, Finland
| | - Taru Garthwaite
- Turku PET Centre, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | | | - Harri Sievänen
- The UKK-Institute for Health Promotion Research, Tampere, Finland
| | - Tommi Vasankari
- The UKK-Institute for Health Promotion Research, Tampere, Finland
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Juhani Knuuti
- Turku PET Centre, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Ilkka H. A. Heinonen
- Turku PET Centre, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
- Rydberg Laboratory of Applied Sciences, University of Halmstad, Halmstad, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Shi W, Jiang Y, Zhao DS, Jiang LL, Liu FJ, Wu ZT, Li ZQ, Wang LL, Zhou J, Li P, Li HJ. Metabolomic-transcriptomic landscape of 8-epidiosbulbin E acetate -a major diterpenoid lactone from Dioscorea bulbifera tuber induces hepatotoxicity. Food Chem Toxicol 2019; 135:110887. [PMID: 31626840 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2019.110887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Studies have shown that 8-epidiosbulbin E acetate (EEA), a major diterpenoid lactone in the tuber of Dioscorea bulbifera, can induce hepatotoxicity in vivo. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Using the integrated transcriptomic and metabolomics method, in this study we investigated the global effect of EEA exposure on the transcriptomic and metabolomic profiles in mice. The abundance of 7131 genes and 42 metabolites in the liver, as well as 43 metabolites in the serum were altered. It should be noted that EEA mainly damaged hepatic cells through the aberrant regulation of multiple systems primarily including bile acid metabolism, and taurine and hypotaurine metabolism. In addition, an imbalance of bile acid metabolism was found to play a key pat in response to EEA-triggered hepatotoxicity. In summary, these findings contributed to understanding the underlying mechanisms of EEA hepatotoxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yan Jiang
- Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China.
| | - Dong-Sheng Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Li-Long Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Feng-Jie Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Zi-Tian Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Zhuo-Qing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Ling-Li Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Ping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Hui-Jun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Cheng SQ. Influence of non-pathological factors on ALT measurements. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2017; 25:3005-3020. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v25.i34.3005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Alanine transaminase (ALT) is still the most sensitive marker for evaluating the damage of liver cells. ALT measurements may be affected by common non-pathological factors such as gender, age, pregnancy, different physiological conditions, circadian rhythm, diet, drinking, smoking, strenuous exercise, metabolic factors, drugs, blood collection methods, and specimen collection, transmission, and preservation. It is important to emphasize the definition of limits of normal ALT and the influence of the above-mentioned non-pathological factors on its test results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Quan Cheng
- Department of Hepatology, the Third People's Hospital of Guilin, Guilin 541002, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
The association of alcohol intake with γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels: evidence for correlated genetic effects. Drug Alcohol Depend 2014; 134:99-105. [PMID: 24120856 PMCID: PMC3909645 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2013.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2013] [Revised: 08/24/2013] [Accepted: 09/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blood levels of gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) are used as a marker for (heavy) alcohol use. The role of GGT in the anti-oxidant defense mechanism that is part of normal metabolism supposes a causal effect of alcohol intake on GGT. However, there is variability in the response of GGT to alcohol use, which may result from genetic differences between individuals. This study aimed to determine whether the epidemiological association between alcohol intake and GGT at the population level is necessarily a causal one or may also reflect effects of genetic pleiotropy (genes influencing multiple traits). METHODS Data on alcohol intake (grams alcohol/day) and GGT, originating from twins, their siblings and parents (N=6465) were analyzed with structural equation models. Bivariate genetic models tested whether genetic and environmental factors influencing alcohol intake and GGT correlated significantly. Significant genetic and environmental correlations are consistent with a causal model. If only the genetic correlation is significant, this is evidence for genetic pleiotropy. RESULTS Phenotypic correlations between alcohol intake and GGT were significant in men (r=.17) and women (r=.09). The genetic factors underlying alcohol intake correlated significantly with those for GGT, whereas the environmental factors were weakly correlated (explaining 4-7% vs. 1-2% of the variance in GGT respectively). CONCLUSIONS In this healthy population sample, the epidemiological association of alcohol intake with GGT is at least partly explained by genetic pleiotropy. Future longitudinal twin studies should determine whether a causal mechanism underlying this association might be confined to heavy drinking populations.
Collapse
|
7
|
The genetic architecture of liver enzyme levels: GGT, ALT and AST. Behav Genet 2013; 43:329-39. [PMID: 23580007 DOI: 10.1007/s10519-013-9593-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2012] [Accepted: 04/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
High levels of liver enzymes GGT, ALT and AST are predictive of disease and all-cause mortality and can reflect liver injury, fatty liver and/or oxidative stress. Variation in GGT, ALT and AST levels is heritable. Moderation of the heritability of these liver enzymes by age and sex has not often been explored, and it is not clear to what extent non-additive genetic and shared environmental factors may play a role. To examine the genetic architecture of GGT, ALT and AST, plasma levels were assessed in a large sample of twins, their siblings, parents and spouses (N = 8,371; age range 18-90). For GGT and ALT, but not for AST, genetic structural equation modeling showed evidence for quantitative sex differences in the genetic architecture. There was no evidence for qualitative sex differences, i.e. the same genes were expressed in males and females. Both additive and non-additive genetic factors were important for GGT in females (total heritability h(2) 60 %) and AST in both sexes (total h(2) 43 %). The heritability of GGT in males and ALT for both sexes was due to additive effects only (GGT males 30 %; ALT males 40 %, females 22 %). Evidence emerged for shared environmental factors influencing GGT in the male offspring generation (variance explained 28 %). Thus, the same genes influence liver enzyme levels across sex and age, but their relative contribution to the variation in GGT and ALT differs in males and females and for GGT across age. Given adequate sample sizes these results suggest that genome-wide association studies may result in the detection of new susceptibility loci for liver enzyme levels when pooling results over sex and age.
Collapse
|
8
|
Hansell NK, Agrawal A, Whitfield JB, Morley KI, Zhu G, Lind PA, Pergadia ML, Madden PAF, Todd RD, Heath AC, Martin NG. Long-term stability and heritability of telephone interview measures of alcohol consumption and dependence. Twin Res Hum Genet 2008; 11:287-305. [PMID: 18498207 DOI: 10.1375/twin.11.3.287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol dependence symptoms and consumption measures were examined for stability and heritability. Data were collected from 12,045 individuals (5376 twin pairs, 1293 single twins) aged 19 to 90 years in telephone interviews conducted in three collection phases. Phases 1 and 2 were independent samples, but Phase 3 targeted families of smokers and drinkers from the Phase 1 and 2 samples. The stability of dependence symptoms and consumption was examined for 1158 individuals interviewed in both Phases 1 and 3 (mean interval = 11.0 years). For 1818 individuals interviewed in Phases 2 and 3 (mean interval = 5.5 years) the stability of consumption was examined. Heritability was examined for each collection phase and retest samples from the selected Phase 3 collection. The measures examined were a dependence score, based on DSM-IIIR and DSM-IV criteria for substance dependence, and a quantity x frequency measure. Measures were moderately stable, with test-retest correlations ranging from .58 to .61 for dependence and from .55 to .64 for consumption. However, the pattern of changes over time for dependence suggested that the measure may more strongly reflect recent than lifetime experience. Similar to previous findings, heritabilities ranged from .42 to .51 for dependence and from .31 to .51 for consumption. Consumption was significantly less heritable in the younger Phase 2 cohort (23-39 years) compared to the older Phase 1 cohort (28-90 years).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Narelle K Hansell
- Genetic Epidemiology Unit, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Post Office Royal Brisbane Hospital, Queensland, 4029, Australia.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Whitfield JB, Zhu G, Nestler JE, Heath AC, Martin NG. Genetic Covariation between Serum γ-Glutamyltransferase Activity and Cardiovascular Risk Factors. Clin Chem 2002. [DOI: 10.1093/clinchem/48.9.1426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Several studies have shown that variation in serum γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT) in the population is associated with risk of death or development of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, or hypertension. This association is only partly explained by associations between GGT and recognized risk factors. Our aim was to estimate the relative importance of genetic and environmental sources of variation in GGT as well as genetic and environmental sources of covariation between GGT and other liver enzymes and markers of cardiovascular risk in adult twin pairs.
Methods: We recruited 1134 men and 2241 women through the Australian Twin Registry. Data were collected through mailed questionnaires, telephone interviews, and by analysis of blood samples. Sources of variation in GGT, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and of covariation between GGT and cardiovascular risk factors were assessed by maximum-likelihood model-fitting.
Results: Serum GGT, ALT, and AST were affected by additive genetic and nonshared environmental factors, with heritabilities estimated at 0.52, 0.48, and 0.32, respectively. One-half of the genetic variance in GGT was shared with ALT, AST, or both. There were highly significant correlations between GGT and body mass index; serum lipids, lipoproteins, glucose, and insulin; and blood pressure. These correlations were more attributable to genes that affect both GGT and known cardiovascular risk factors than to environmental factors.
Conclusions: Variation in serum enzymes that reflect liver function showed significant genetic effects, and there was evidence that both genetic and environmental factors that affect these enzymes can also affect cardiovascular risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John B Whitfield
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown NSW 2050, Australia, and University of Sydney, Sydney NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Gu Zhu
- The Queensland Institute of Medical Research and the Joint Genetics Program, University of Queensland, Brisbane QLD 4029, Australia
| | - John E Nestler
- Division of Endocrinology, Medical College of Virginia, Richmond, VA 23398
| | - Andrew C Heath
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63108
| | - Nicholas G Martin
- The Queensland Institute of Medical Research and the Joint Genetics Program, University of Queensland, Brisbane QLD 4029, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Whitfield JB, Zhu G, Heath AC, Powell LW, Martin NG. Effects of alcohol consumption on indices of iron stores and of iron stores on alcohol intake markers. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2001. [PMID: 11505030 DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2001.tb02314.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol increases body iron stores. Alcohol and iron may increase oxidative stress and the risk of alcohol-related liver disease. The relationship between low or "safe" levels of alcohol use and indices of body iron stores, and the factors that affect the alcohol-iron relationship, have not been fully characterized. Other aspects of the biological response to alcohol use have been reported to depend on iron status. METHODS We have measured serum iron, transferrin, and ferritin as indices of iron stores in 3375 adult twin subjects recruited through the Australian Twin Registry. Information on alcohol use and dependence and smoking was obtained from questionnaires and interviews. RESULTS Serum iron and ferritin increased progressively across classes of alcohol intake. The effects of beer consumption were greater than those of wine or spirits. Ferritin concentration was significantly higher in subjects who had ever been alcohol dependent. There was no evidence of interactions between HFE genotype or body mass index and alcohol. Alcohol intake-adjusted carbohydrate-deficient transferrin was increased in women in the lowest quartile of ferritin results, whereas adjusted gamma-glutamyltransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase values were increased in subjects with high ferritin. CONCLUSIONS Alcohol intake at low level increases ferritin and, by inference, body iron stores. This may be either beneficial or harmful, depending on circumstances. The response of biological markers of alcohol intake can be affected by body iron stores; this has implications for test sensitivity and specificity and for variation in biological responses to alcohol use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J B Whitfield
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, and University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Abstract
Serum gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) has been widely used as an index of liver dysfunction and marker of alcohol intake. The last few years have seen improvements in these areas and advances in understanding of its physiological role in counteracting oxidative stress by breaking down extracellular glutathione and making its component amino acids available to the cells. Conditions that increase serum GGT, such as obstructive liver disease, high alcohol consumption, and use of enzyme-inducing drugs, lead to increased free radical production and the threat of glutathione depletion. However, the products of the GGT reaction may themselves lead to increased free radical production, particularly in the presence of iron. There have also been important advances in the definition of the associations between serum GGT and risk of coronary heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and stroke. People with high serum GGT have higher mortality, partly because of the association between GGT and other risk factors and partly because GGT is an independent predictor of risk. This review aims to summarize the knowledge about GGT's clinical applications, to present information on its physiological roles, consider the results of epidemiological studies, and assess how far these separate areas can be combined into an integrated view.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J B Whitfield
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, and University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Duffy DL, Martin NG. Inferring the direction of causation in cross-sectional twin data: theoretical and empirical considerations. Genet Epidemiol 1994; 11:483-502. [PMID: 7713391 DOI: 10.1002/gepi.1370110606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
A recent multivariate extension of the classical twin study in theory allows the inference of the direction of causation between correlated traits solely using cross-sectional data. In this paper we briefly review this model and assess its usefulness by applying it to a number of pairs of biological and psychological variables between which the nature of the causative relationship is already known. We conclude that the method has a number of biases and limitations. If a causative relationship at the phenotypic level exists between two traits, the correct direction of causation is usually identifiable, providing the reliability and validity of the measures are known. Failure to correctly specify a measurement model can lead to incorrect tests of hypotheses. Difficulties can also occur when discriminating between a direct causative relationship and a correlation due to common genetic or environmental determinants, but these occur in predictable situations. If these considerations are taken into account in interpretation of results, the true nature of the association between traits can often be correctly identified, or at least included in a subgroup of best fitting models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D L Duffy
- Genetic Epidemiology Laboratory, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
|
14
|
Whitfield JB, Martin NG. Genetic and environmental influences on the size and number of cells in the blood. Genet Epidemiol 1985; 2:133-44. [PMID: 4054596 DOI: 10.1002/gepi.1370020204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The heritabilities of human blood cell characteristics were estimated in a study of 206 pairs of young adult twins, male and female. White cell numbers, indices related to circulating red cell mass (haemoglobin, red cell count, and haematocrit), and platelet numbers and size all appeared to be accounted for by genetic and nonshared environmental influences only. Mean cell volume (of the erythrocytes) appeared to be influenced by environmental factors shared by siblings as well as the other two sources of variation. Correlation between red cell count and haemoglobin is modulated by both genetic and environmental factors, but the negative correlation between red cell numbers and size is due mainly to genetic factors independent of those influencing haemoglobin. A significant negative correlation also exists between platelet numbers and size. In males, alcohol consumption increased mean cell volume, and genetic factors influencing alcohol consumption are partly responsible for the correlation between them.
Collapse
|