Genetic variation at the CYP2C19 gene associated with metabolic syndrome susceptibility in a South Portuguese population: results from the pilot study of the European Health Examination Survey in Portugal

Differential Expression of Serum Proinflammatory Cytokine TNF-α and Genetic Determinants of TNF-α, CYP2C19*17, miR-423 Genes and Their Effect on Coronary Artery Disease Predisposition and Progression

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death and hospitalization worldwide and represents a problem for public health systems everywhere. In Saudi Arabia, the prevalence of CAD is estimated to be 5.5%. Risk factors for CAD include older age, male gender, obesity, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and genetic factors. Reducing the risk factors in susceptible individuals will decrease the prevalence of CAD. Genome wide association studies have helped to reveal the association of many loci with diseases like CAD. In this study, we examined the link between single nucleotide variations (SNVs) of TNF-α-rs1800629 G>A, CYP2C19*17 (rs12248560) C>T, and miR-423 rs6505162 C>A and the expression of TNF-α with CAD. We used the mutation specific PCR, ARMS-PCR, and ELISA. The results showed that the A allele of the TNF-α rs1800629 G>A SNP is linked to CAD with odd ratio (OR) (95% CI) = 2.10, p-value = 0.0013. The T allele of the CYP2C19*17 (rs12248560) C>T is linked to CAD with OR (95% CI) = 2.02, p-value = 0.003. In addition, the A allele of the miR-423 rs6505162 C>A SNV is linked to CAD with OR (95% CI) = 1.49, p-value = 0.036. The ELISA results indicated that the TNF-α serum levels are significantly increased in CAD patients compared to healthy controls. We conclude the TNF-α rs1800629 G>A, CYP2C19*17, and miR-423 rs6505162 C>A are potential genetic loci for CAD in the Saudi population. These findings require further verification in future studies. After being verified, our results might be utilized in genetic testing to identify individuals that are susceptible to CAD and, therefore, for whom reducing modifiable risk factors (e.g., poor diet, diabetes, obesity, and smoking) would result in prevention or delay of CAD.

Association of CYP2C19 Polymorphic Markers with Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Gas Industry Workers Undergoing Periodic Medical Examinations

INTRODUCTION

Human cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes have a wide range of endogenous substrates and play a crucial role in cardiovascular physiology as well as in metabolic processes, so the issue of cytochrome P450 genes investigation has received considerable critical attention in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).

AIM

Comprehensive assessment of relationship between CYP2C19*2, CYP2C19*3 polymorphisms and CVD risk factors in gas industry workers undergoing periodic medical examination (PME).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included 193 gas industry workers aged 30-55 years without acute diseases as well as exacerbations of chronic diseases, diabetes mellitus, and CVD history. CYP2C19 (rs4244285 and rs4986893) genotyping and analysis of the relationship between CYP2C19*2 and CYP2C19*3 and CVD risk factors were performed.

RESULTS

The CYP2C19*2 (A) and CYP2C19*3 (A) loss-of-function alleles frequencies were 20% and 2%, respectively. The frequency of high-normal blood pressure (BP) (130-139 and/or 85-89 mm Hg) detection was higher in the CYP2C19*2 (A) subgroup compared with wild-type GG allele carriers (26.7% vs. 5.2%, p = 0.03) in individuals without arterial hypertension (AH) and BP ≥ 140 and/or 90 mm Hg on PME. The median systolic BP levels were 5 mm Hg higher in CYP2C19*2 (A) group than in CYP2C19*2 (GG) group (125 vs. 120 mm Hg, p = 0.01). There was a similar trend for diastolic BP (85 vs. 80 mmHg, p = 0.08). CYP2C19*2 (A) was associated with higher mean levels of both systolic and diastolic BP (p = 0.015 and p = 0.044, respectively) in patients with AH. CYP2C19*2 was not associated with the other CVD risk factors analyzed.

CONCLUSION

The association of CYP2C19*2 with BP level suggests a possible role of this factor in AH development, which requires further research.

Pharmacogenetics of CYP2C19*17: Functional and Clinical Implications of CYP2C19*17 - rs12248560 (c.-806C>T) in the Development of Type 2 Diabetes

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is increasing worldwide including Saudi Arabia. DM increases mortality rate, morbidity and vascular complications, accompanied by poor general health status and low quality of life. CYP2C19*17 polymorphism in CYP2C19 gene is associated with the clinical outcome of drugs that are substrates of CYP2C19. CYP2C19*17 confers reduced susceptibility to certain illnesses. This research was conducted to develop a robust method to genotype the rs12248560 single nucleotide variation (SNV). We enrolled 206 subjects: 100 subjects were clinically confirmed cases of type 2 diabetes (T2D), and 106 subjects were healthy controls in this study. Samples from all subjects were screened for the CYP2C19 rs12248560 (c.-806C>T) by the amplification-refractory mutation system PCR (ARMS-PCR). The frequencies of CYP2C19*17 TT, CT, CC genotypes in T2D cases were 12%, 21%, and 67%, respectively whereas those in healthy controls were 70.75%, 26.41%, and 2.83%, respectively. The difference was significant (p < 0.035). T allele (fT) prevalence was found to be substantially greater in T2D cases compared to healthy controls (0.22 vs. 0.16). Results indicated that the CYP2C19*17 - TT genotype is associated with increased susceptibility to T2D with OR = 4.47, RR = 2.64, (p < 0.024). Moreover, the ARMS-based assay proved to be an easy method for the determination of CYP2C19*17 genotypes with reduced cost and good accuracy. In addition, this result helps in the detection and stratification of the individuals who are at risk for the development of T2D. Nevertheless, this finding needs to be validated in molecular genetic studies with increased specimen size and in different ethnicities.

Cross-sectional study of the association of 5 single nucleotide polymorphisms with enalapril treatment response among South African adults with hypertension

This study investigates the association of 5 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in selected genes (ABO, VEGFA, BDKRB2, NOS3, and ADRB2) with blood pressure (BP) response to enalapril. The study further assessed genetic interactions that exist within these genes and their implications in enalapril treatment response among South African adults with hypertension.A total of 284 participants belonging to the Nguni tribe of South Africa on continuous treatment for hypertension were recruited. Five SNPs in enalapril pharmacogenes were selected and genotyped using MassArray. Uncontrolled hypertension was defined as BP ≥140/90 mm Hg. The association between genotypes, alleles, and BP response to treatment was determined by fitting multivariate logistic regression model analysis, and genetic interactions between SNPs were assessed by multifactor dimensionality reduction.Majority of the study participants were female (75.00%), Xhosa (78.87%), and had uncontrolled hypertension (69.37%). All 5 SNPs were exclusively detected among Swati and Zulu participants. In the multivariate (adjusted) logistic model analysis, ADRB2 rs1042714 GC (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.31; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02-5.23; P = .044) and BDKRB2 rs1799722 CT (AOR = 2.74; 95% CI 1.19-6.28; P = .017) were independently associated with controlled hypertension in response to enalapril. While the C allele of VEGFA rs699947 (AOR = 0.37; 95% CI 0.15-0.94; P = .037) was significantly associated with uncontrolled hypertension. A significant interaction between rs699947, rs495828, and rs2070744 (cross-validation consistency = 10/10; P = .0005) in response to enalapril was observed.We confirmed the association of rs1042714 (ADRB2) and rs1799722 (BDKRB2) with controlled hypertension and established an interaction between rs699947 (VEGFA), rs495828 (ABO), and rs2070744 (NOS3) with BP response to enalapril. Our findings have provided substantial evidence for the use of SNPs as predictors for enalapril response among South Africans adults with hypertension.

Analysis of the Potential Association of Drug-Metabolizing Enzymes CYP2C9*3 and CYP2C19*3 Gene Variations With Type 2 Diabetes: A Case-Control Study

BACKGROUND

Cytochrome P450s (CYPs) are drug-metabolizing enzymes catalyzing the metabolism of about 75% of drug in clinical use. CYP2C9 represents 20% CYP proteins in liver cells and is a crucial member of CYPs superfamily. CYP2C19 metabolizes very important drugs such as antiulcer drug omeprazole, the antiplatelet drug clopidogrel and anticonvulsant mephenytoin. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of CYP genes have been associated with unexpected drug reactions and diseases in different populations.

OBJECTIVE

We examined the associations of CYP2C9*3 (rs1057910) and CYP2C19*3 (rs4986893) with T2D in Saudi population.

METHODS

We used the allele-specific PCR (AS-PCR) and DNA sequencing in 111 cases and 104 controls for rs1057910, and in 119 cases and 110 controls for rs4986893.

RESULTS

It is indicated that the genotype distribution of rs1057910 in cases and controls were not significantly different (P=0.0001). The genotypes of rs1057910 were not associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D) (P>0.05). Whereas the genotype distribution of rs4986893 in cases and controls was significantly different (P=0.049). The AA genotype of rs4986893 may be associated in increased risk to T2D with OR=17.25 (2.06-143.8), RR=6.14(0.96-39.20), P=0.008.

CONCLUSION

The CYP2C9*3 (rs1057910) may not be associated with T2D, while CYP2C19*3 (rs4986893) is probably associated with T2D. These findings need to be validated in follow-up studies with larger sample sizes and different populations.

Pharmacological Activities of Coumarin Compounds in Licorice: A Review

Licorice is a traditional medicine commonly used in China and many other countries. Over the last 50 years, the structure and pharmacological effects of coumarin compounds in licorice have been investigated. However, a comprehensive review of the literature summarizing current trends is currently lacking. Thus, the aim of the present review is to provide an up-to-date summary of the scientific literature regarding the pharmacological effects of coumarin compounds in licorice, thereby laying the foundation for further research and optimal utilization of licorice. We retrieved 111 articles on the coumarin components of licorice and their potential pharmacological effects, based on titles, keywords, and abstracts from databases (including PubMed and Web of Science). Glycycoumarin, isoglycycoumarin, licoarylcoumarin, licopyranocoumarin, glycyrin, isotrifoliol, glycyrol, and glycyrurol have been investigated for their anticancer, hepatoprotective, antispasmodic, immunosuppressive, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties, and use as therapeutic agents in metabolic syndrome, thereby demonstrating their potential for clinical applications. Future research should further explore the pharmacological mechanisms of action of coumarin compounds, including their antibacterial activities. Investigations into the pharmacological activities of different glycycoumarin isomers might open new research frontiers.

Valsartan inhibits RhoA-ROCK2-MYL pathway in rat model of alcoholic cardiomyopathy

The present study aimed to investigate variations in the Ras homolog gene family, member A (RhoA)-Rho-associated protein kinase 2 (ROCK2)-myosin light chain (MYL) pathway in a rat model of alcoholic cardiomyopathy (ACM) and the role of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor drugs. Rat models of ACM were established via alcoholic gavage + free access to alcohol. The structural and functional changes of the heart were analyzed by hematoxylin-eosin staining, Masson's trichrome staining, immunohistochemistry staining, western blotting and fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction. A total of 16 weeks later, a decreased ejection fraction and left ventricular fractional shortening in the alcohol group compared with the control group were demonstrated resulting in an increased left ventricular end diastolic diameter. These adverse effects were ameliorated following treatment with valsartan. In addition, the alcohol group revealed a disorganized arrangement of myocardial filaments, which was improved upon treatment with valsartan. RhoA and ROCK2 protein expression significantly increased in myocardial cells in the alcohol compared with the control group. Following drug intervention with valsartan, expression of RhoA and ROCK2 proteins were inhibited in the alcohol group. Furthermore, significantly elevated RhoA and ROCK2 and decreased MYL protein and mRNA expression in the alcohol group was demonstrated compared with the control group. Administration of valsartan reversed the expression profile of RhoA, ROCK and MYL in ACM. Expression of RhoA and ROCK were elevated with downregulation of MYL resulting in heart failure. However, the angiotensin receptor antagonist diminished the expression of RhoA and ROCK and enhanced the expression of MYL. The results of the present study suggest a curative effect of valsartan in ACM.

Neuroendocrinological and Epigenetic Mechanisms Subserving Autonomic Imbalance and HPA Dysfunction in the Metabolic Syndrome

Impact of environmental stress upon pathophysiology of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been substantiated by epidemiological, psychophysiological, and endocrinological studies. This review discusses recent advances in the understanding of causative roles of nutritional factors, sympathomedullo-adrenal (SMA) and hypothalamic-pituitary adrenocortical (HPA) axes, and adipose tissue chronic low-grade inflammation processes in MetS. Disturbances in the neuroendocrine systems for leptin, melanocortin, and neuropeptide Y (NPY)/agouti-related protein systems have been found resulting directly in MetS-like conditions. The review identifies candidate risk genes from factors shown critical for the functioning of each of these neuroendocrine signaling cascades. In its meta-analytic part, recent studies in epigenetic modification (histone methylation, acetylation, phosphorylation, ubiquitination) and posttranscriptional gene regulation by microRNAs are evaluated. Several studies suggest modification mechanisms of early life stress (ELS) and diet-induced obesity (DIO) programming in the hypothalamic regions with populations of POMC-expressing neurons. Epigenetic modifications were found in cortisol (here HSD11B1 expression), melanocortin, leptin, NPY, and adiponectin genes. With respect to adiposity genes, epigenetic modifications were documented for fat mass gene cluster APOA1/C3/A4/A5, and the lipolysis gene LIPE. With regard to inflammatory, immune and subcellular metabolism, PPARG, NKBF1, TNFA, TCF7C2, and those genes expressing cytochrome P450 family enzymes involved in steroidogenesis and in hepatic lipoproteins were documented for epigenetic modifications.