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Song Y, Xu J, Geng W, Yin L, Wang J, Zhao J. Association and causal impact of TERT genetic variants on peripheral blood leukocyte telomere length and cerebral small vessel disease risk in a Chinese Han population: a mendelian randomization analysis. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2024; 19:309. [PMID: 39180127 PMCID: PMC11342532 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-024-03316-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous observational studies have highlighted potential relationships between the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene, short leukocyte telomere length (LTL), and cerebrovascular disease. However, it remains to be established as to whether TERT gene variants are associated with an elevated risk of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD), and whether there is a causal relationship between LTL and CSVD. METHODS Five TERT single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were analyzed in 307 CSVD patients and 320 healthy controls in whom LTL values were quantified. Allele models and four genetic models were used to explore the relationship between these SNP genotypes and CSVD risk. A Mendelian randomization analysis of CSVD risk was then performed using LTL-related SNPs and the polygenic risk score (PRS) constructed from these SNPs as genetic instrumental variables to predict the causal relationship between LTL and CSVD risk. RESULTS Model association analyses identified two SNPs that were significantly associated with CSVD risk. LTL was significantly correlated with age (P < 0.001), and the MR analysis revealed an association between short LTL and an elevated risk of CSVD. PRS-based genetic prediction of short LTLs was also significantly related to an elevated CSVD risk. CONCLUSION Multiple genetic models and MR results indicate that TERT gene SNPs may be related to an elevated risk of CSVD, and that shorter LTL may be causally linked to such CSVD risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Song
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, 028000, China
| | - Jialiang Xu
- Department of Cerebrovascular Disease Treatment Center, The People's Hospital of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110002, China
| | - Wanru Geng
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, 028000, China
| | - Long Yin
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, 028000, China
| | - Jialu Wang
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110001, China.
| | - JiuHan Zhao
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110001, China.
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Chen Q, Wu M, Tang Q, Yan P, Zhu L. Age-Related Alterations in Immune Function and Inflammation: Focus on Ischemic Stroke. Aging Dis 2024; 15:1046-1074. [PMID: 37728582 PMCID: PMC11081165 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.0721-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The aging of the global population poses significant scientific challenges. Moreover, the biological process of aging is the most significant risk factor for most chronic illnesses; therefore, understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying these aging-related challenges is crucial for extending the healthy lifespan of older individuals. Preventing brain aging remains a priority public health goal, and integrative and comprehensive aging analyses have revealed that immunosenescence is a potential cause of age-related brain damage and disease (e.g., stroke). Importantly, the neuroinflammatory and immune systems present two-way contact and thus can affect each other. Emerging evidence supports the numerous effects of immunosenescence- and inflammation-mediated immunity in neurologically injured brains. In this study, we briefly outline how aging alters the pathophysiology and transcriptional amplitude in patients who experienced stroke and then discuss how the immune system and its cellular components and molecular mechanisms are affected by age after stroke. Finally, we highlight emerging interventions with the potential to slow down or reduce aging and prevent stroke onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuxin Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150000, China
| | - Minmin Wu
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150000, China
| | - Qiang Tang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150000, China
| | - Peiyu Yan
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau 999078, China
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau 999078, China
| | - Luwen Zhu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150000, China
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3
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Zhang R, Wu M, Ma M, Liu B, Zhang X, Wei N, Wang T, Lv Y, Xu C, Wang J, Zhang Y, Liu F. Genetic evidence for the causal linkage between telomere length and aortic aneurysm risk: A Mendelian randomisation study. Eur J Clin Invest 2023; 53:e14056. [PMID: 37392033 DOI: 10.1111/eci.14056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence of a clear causal relationship between telomere length and aortic aneurysms is limited by the potential for confounding or reverse causation effects. In this study, we used a Mendelian randomisation (MR) approach to investigate this putative causal association. METHODS In total, 118 telomere length-associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms, identified in 472,174 individuals of European ancestry, were used as the instrumental variables. Summary statistics for genome-wide association studies of aortic aneurysms were obtained from the FinnGen consortium. For the primary MR analyses, the inverse-variance weighted random-effects method was used and was supplemented with multivariable MR, weighted median and MR-Egger approaches. The MR-Egger intercept test, Cochran's Q test and 'leave-one-out' sensitivity analysis were performed to evaluate the horizontal pleiotropy, heterogeneity and stability of the genetic variants. Forward and reverse MR analyses were performed. RESULTS All forward univariable MR analyses showed that longer telomere lengths decreased aortic aneurysm risks (total aortic aneurysms: OR = 0.80, 95% CI 0.67-0.96, p = .015; thoracic aortic aneurysms: OR = 0.82, 95% CI 0.68-0.98, p = .026; abdominal aortic aneurysms: OR = 0.525, 95% CI 0.398-0.69, p < .001), whereas all reverse MR analyses suggested the absence of aortic aneurysm liability on telomere length. The sensitivity analysis results were robust, and no evidence of horizontal pleiotropy was observed. CONCLUSIONS Our results support a possible causal association between telomere length and aortic aneurysms, providing new insights into the involvement of telomere biology in this condition and offering a potential avenue for targeted therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronghuai Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, P. R. China
| | - Min Wu
- Department of Cardiology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, P. R. China
- Shaanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection and Immune Diseases, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, P. R. China
| | - Meijuan Ma
- Department of Cardiology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, P. R. China
| | - Bo Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, P. R. China
| | - Xuejun Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, P. R. China
| | - Na Wei
- Department of Cardiology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, P. R. China
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, P. R. China
| | - Ying Lv
- Department of Cardiology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, P. R. China
| | - Cuixiang Xu
- Shaanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection and Immune Diseases, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, P. R. China
| | - Junkui Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, P. R. China
| | - Yulian Zhang
- Shaanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection and Immune Diseases, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, P. R. China
- Department of Nursing, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, P. R. China
| | - Fuqiang Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, P. R. China
- Shaanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection and Immune Diseases, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, P. R. China
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Yang X, Benny PA, Cervera-Marzal E, Wu B, Lassiter CB, Astern J, Garmire LX. Placental telomere length shortening is not associated with severe preeclampsia but the gestational age. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 15:353-370. [PMID: 36575046 PMCID: PMC9925682 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Variations in telomere length (TL) have been associated with aging, stress, and many diseases. Placenta TL is an essential molecular component influencing the outcome of birth. Previous investigations into the relationship between placenta TL and preeclampsia (PE) have produced conflicting findings. We conducted a retrospective case-control analysis in this study to address the disparity. We used placenta samples from 224 births received from Hawaii Biorepository (HiBR) between 2006 and 2013, comprising 129 healthy full-term controls and 95 severe PE samples. The average absolute placental TL was calculated using the quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) technique. We utilized multiple linear regressions to associate placental TL with severe PE and other demographic, clinical and physiological data. The outcome demonstrates that the placental TL of severe PE cases did not significantly differ from that of healthy controls. Instead, there is a strong correlation between gestational age and placenta TL shortening. Placental TL also exhibits racial differences: (1) Latino moms' TL is significantly longer than non-Latino mothers' (p=0.009). (2) Caucasian patients with severe PE have shorter TL than non-Caucasian patients (p=0.0037). This work puts the long-standing question of whether severe PE influences placental TL to rest. Placental TL is not related to severe PE but is negatively associated with gestational age and is also affected by race.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotong Yang
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Paula A. Benny
- Epidemiology Program, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
| | - Elorri Cervera-Marzal
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Biyu Wu
- Department of Nutritional Science, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | - Cameron B. Lassiter
- Epidemiology Program, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
| | - Joshua Astern
- University of Hawai’i Biorepository John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
| | - Lana X. Garmire
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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Wang L, Li H, Hao J, Liu C, Wang J, Feng J, Guo Z, Zheng Y, Zhang Y, Li H, Zhang L, Hou H. Thirty-six months recurrence after acute ischemic stroke among patients with comorbid type 2 diabetes: A nested case-control study. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:999568. [PMID: 36248006 PMCID: PMC9562049 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.999568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Stroke patients have to face a high risk of recurrence, especially for those with comorbid T2DM, which usually lead to much more serious neurologic damage and an increased likelihood of death. This study aimed to explore determinants of stroke relapse among patients with comorbid T2DM. Materials and methods We conducted this case-control study nested a prospective cohort of ischemic stroke (IS) with comorbid T2DM. During 36-month follow-up, the second stroke occurred in 84 diabetic IS patients who were allocated into the case group, while 613 patients without recurrence were the controls. We collected the demographic data, behaviors and habits, therapies, and family history at baseline, and measured the variables during follow-up. LASSO and Logistic regression analyses were carried out to develop a prediction model of stroke recurrence. The receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was employed to evaluate the performance of the prediction model. Results Compared to participants without recurrence, the higher levels of pulse rate (78.29 ± 12.79 vs. 74.88 ± 10.93) and hypertension (72.6 vs. 61.2%) were recorded at baseline. Moreover, a lower level of physical activity (77.4 vs. 90.4%), as well as a higher proportion of hypoglycemic therapy (36.9 vs. 23.3%) was also observed during 36-month follow-up. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that higher pulse rate at admission (OR = 1.027, 95 %CI = 1.005–1.049), lacking physical activity (OR = 2.838, 95% CI = 1.418–5.620) and not receiving hypoglycemic therapy (OR = 1.697, 95% CI = 1.013–2.843) during follow-up increased the risk of stroke recurrence. We developed a prediction model using baseline pulse rate, hypoglycemic therapy, and physical activity, which produced an area under ROC curve (AUC) of 0.689. Conclusion Physical activity and hypoglycemic therapy play a protective role for IS patients with comorbid diabetes. In addition to targeted therapeutics, the improvement of daily-life habit contributes to slowing the progress of the IS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Wang
- School of Public Health, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, China
| | - Hongyun Li
- School of Public Health, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, China
| | - Jiheng Hao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Liaocheng People’s Hospital, Liaocheng, China
| | - Chao Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Liaocheng People’s Hospital, Liaocheng, China
| | - Jiyue Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Liaocheng People’s Hospital, Liaocheng, China
| | - Jingjun Feng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Liaocheng People’s Hospital, Liaocheng, China
| | - Zheng Guo
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Yulu Zheng
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Yanbo Zhang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Taian, China
- *Correspondence: Yanbo Zhang,
| | - Hongxiang Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Taian, China
- Hongxiang Li,
| | - Liyong Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Liaocheng People’s Hospital, Liaocheng, China
- Liyong Zhang,
| | - Haifeng Hou
- School of Public Health, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, China
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
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Liu P, Hao J, Zhang Y, Wang L, Liu C, Wang J, Feng J, Zhang Y, Hou H, Zhang L. Acute Ischemic Stroke Comorbid with Type 2 Diabetes: Long-Term Prognosis Determinants in a 36-Month Prospective Study for Personalized Medicine. OMICS : A JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE BIOLOGY 2022; 26:451-460. [PMID: 35917518 DOI: 10.1089/omi.2022.0071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Ischemic stroke (IS) is often comorbid with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) wherein the determinants of long-term outcomes, beyond the acute stroke phase, are not adequately known. This study identified the determinants of long-term outcomes for diabetic IS patients through a prospective nested case-control study in 624 patients treated with conservative measures (38.60% females, mean age: 63.85 years). After 36-month follow-up, 117 (18.8%) patients with poor outcome were enrolled in the case group. The poor outcome was defined with a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score ≥3. Meanwhile, 374 (59.9%) patients with good outcome, defined as (mRS score <3), were included in the control group. Patients who died (n = 32) or lost to follow-up (n = 101) were excluded in analysis. Poor prognostic outcome was positively associated with (1) the pulse rate at admission, (2) diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and (3) fasting blood glucose (FBG) during follow-up, whereas physical activity and lipid-lowering treatment during follow-up were negatively associated. Importantly, a forecasting model with these indicators distinguished the patients with good versus poor outcomes with 70.1% sensitivity and 73.5% specificity. Health care professionals and laboratory medicine scholars may want to monitor an increase in DBP and FBG during follow-up, as well as physical activity and lipid-lowering treatment, in relationship to the prognosis of IS with comorbid T2DM after conservative therapies. The proposed predictive model for personalized/precision medicine requires field testing in independent studies, and might help risk stratification with theranostic tests for patients with acute IS who also have a diagnosis of T2DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengcheng Liu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, China
| | - Jiheng Hao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, China
| | - Yichun Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, China
| | - Chao Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, China
| | - Jiyue Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, China
| | - Jingjun Feng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, China
| | - Yanbo Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Taian, China
| | - Haifeng Hou
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, China
| | - Liyong Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, China
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Tian C, Mahara G, Zhang H, Tan X. Association of immunoglobulin G N-glycosylation with carotid atherosclerotic plaque phenotypes and actual clinical cardiovascular events: a study protocol for a longitudinal prospective cohort study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e058922. [PMID: 35868824 PMCID: PMC9316026 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-058922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Immune-inflammatory response plays a key role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. IgG N-glycosylation is reported to be associated with the 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk score and subclinical atherosclerosis. However, the relationship of IgG glycosylation with actual clinical cardiovascular disease (CVD) events and plaque phenotypes has rarely been investigated. Therefore, this study aims to understand whether IgG glycosylation traits are correlated with actual clinical CVD events and plaque phenotypes. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Designed to verify the efficacy of IgG glycosylation as a risk for CVD events and screen potential biomarkers of CVD to prevent atherosclerosis occurrence, this longitudinal prospective cohort study will be conducted at the First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, China. In total, 2720 participants routinely examined by carotid ultrasound will be divided into different groups according to plaque phenotype characteristics. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography will be performed to separate and detect IgG N-glycans in serum collected at baseline and at the end of the first, second and third years. The primary outcome is the actual clinical CVD composite events, including non-fatal myocardial infarction, death due to coronary heart disease, and fatal or non-fatal stroke. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The Clinical Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College approved this study (number: B-2021-127). Findings of this study will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ChiCTR2100048740.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuihong Tian
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
- Centre for Precision Health, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Gehendra Mahara
- Clinical Research Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hongxia Zhang
- Health Care Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xuerui Tan
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
- Clinical Research Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
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Daios S, Anogeianaki A, Kaiafa G, Kontana A, Veneti S, Gogou C, Karlafti E, Pilalas D, Kanellos I, Savopoulos C. Telomere Length as a marker of biological aging: A critical review of recent literature. Curr Med Chem 2022; 29:5478-5495. [PMID: 35838223 DOI: 10.2174/0929867329666220713123750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Aging is characterized as a syndrome of deleterious, progressive, universal, and irreversible function changes affecting every structural and functional aspect of the organism and accompanied by a generalized increase in mortality. Although a substantial number of candidates for biomarkers of aging have been proposed, none has been validated or universally accepted. Human telomeres constitute hexameric repetitive DNA sequence nucleoprotein complexes that cap chromosome ends, regulating gene expression and modulating stress-related pathways. Telomere length (TL) shortening is observed both in cellular senescence and advanced age, leading to the investigation of TL as a biomarker for aging and a risk factor indicator for the development and progression of the most common age-related diseases. OBJECTIVE The present review underlines the connection between TL and the pathophysiology of the diseases associated with telomere attrition. METHODS We performed a structured search of the PubMed database for peer-reviewed research of the literature regarding leukocyte TL and cardiovascular diseases (CVD), more specifically stroke and heart disease, and focused on the relevant articles published during the last 5 years. We also applied Hill's criteria of causation to strengthen this association. RESULTS We analyzed the recent literature regarding TL length, stroke, and CVD. Although approximately one-third of the available studies support the connection, the results of different studies seem to be rather conflicting as a result of different study designs, divergent methods of TL determination, small study samples, and patient population heterogeneity. After applying Hill's criteria, we can observe that the literature conforms to them weakly, with chronology being the only Hill criterion of causality that probably cannot be contested. CONCLUSION The present review attempted to examine the purported relation between leukocyte TL and age-related diseases such as CVD and more specific stroke and heart disease in view of the best established, comprehensive, medical and epidemiological criteria that have characterized the focused recent relevant research. Although several recommendations have been made that may contribute significantly to the field, a call for novel technical approaches and studies is mandatory to further elucidate the possible association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stylianos Daios
- First Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Antonia Anogeianaki
- First Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Georgia Kaiafa
- First Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Anastasia Kontana
- First Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Stavroula Veneti
- First Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Christiana Gogou
- First Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eleni Karlafti
- First Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Pilalas
- First Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ilias Kanellos
- First Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Christos Savopoulos
- First Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Leukocyte Telomere Length as a Molecular Biomarker of Coronary Heart Disease. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13071234. [PMID: 35886017 PMCID: PMC9318544 DOI: 10.3390/genes13071234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background. This work is a review of preclinical and clinical studies of the role of telomeres and telomerase in the development and progression of coronary heart disease (CHD). Materials and methods. A search for full-text publications (articles, reviews, meta-analyses, Cochrane reviews, and clinical cases) in English and Russian was carried out in the databases PubMed, Oxford University Press, Scopus, Web of Science, Springer, and E-library electronic library using keywords and their combinations. The search depth is 11 years (2010–2021). Results. The review suggests that the relative leukocyte telomere length (LTL) is associated with the development of socially significant and widespread cardiovascular diseases such as CHD and essential hypertension. At the same time, the interests of researchers are mainly focused on the study of the relative LTL in CHD. Conclusions. Despite the scientific and clinical significance of the analyzed studies of the relative length of human LTL as a biological marker of cardiovascular diseases, their implementation in real clinical practice is difficult due to differences in the design and methodology of the analyzed studies, as well as differences in the samples by gender, age, race, and ethnicity. The authors believe that clinical studies of the role of the relative length of leukocyte telomeres in adult patients with coronary heart disease are the most promising and require large multicenter studies with a unified design and methodology.
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Gallego-Fabrega C, Muiño E, Cárcel-Márquez J, Llucià-Carol L, Lledós M, Martín-Campos JM, Cullell N, Fernández-Cadenas I. Genome-Wide Studies in Ischaemic Stroke: Are Genetics Only Useful for Finding Genes? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:6840. [PMID: 35743317 PMCID: PMC9224543 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ischaemic stroke is a complex disease with some degree of heritability. This means that heritability factors, such as genetics, could be risk factors for ischaemic stroke. The era of genome-wide studies has revealed some of these heritable risk factors, although the data generated by these studies may also be useful in other disciplines. Analysis of these data can be used to understand the biological mechanisms associated with stroke risk and stroke outcome, to determine the causality between stroke and other diseases without the need for expensive clinical trials, or to find potential drug targets with higher success rates than other strategies. In this review we will discuss several of the most relevant studies regarding the genetics of ischaemic stroke and the potential use of the data generated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Gallego-Fabrega
- Stroke Pharmacogenomics and Genetics Group, Institut de Recerca de l’Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08041 Barcelona, Spain; (C.G.-F.); (E.M.); (J.C.-M.); (L.L.-C.); (M.L.); (J.M.M.-C.); (N.C.)
| | - Elena Muiño
- Stroke Pharmacogenomics and Genetics Group, Institut de Recerca de l’Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08041 Barcelona, Spain; (C.G.-F.); (E.M.); (J.C.-M.); (L.L.-C.); (M.L.); (J.M.M.-C.); (N.C.)
| | - Jara Cárcel-Márquez
- Stroke Pharmacogenomics and Genetics Group, Institut de Recerca de l’Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08041 Barcelona, Spain; (C.G.-F.); (E.M.); (J.C.-M.); (L.L.-C.); (M.L.); (J.M.M.-C.); (N.C.)
| | - Laia Llucià-Carol
- Stroke Pharmacogenomics and Genetics Group, Institut de Recerca de l’Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08041 Barcelona, Spain; (C.G.-F.); (E.M.); (J.C.-M.); (L.L.-C.); (M.L.); (J.M.M.-C.); (N.C.)
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Barcelona (IIBB), National Spanish Research Council (CSIC), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Miquel Lledós
- Stroke Pharmacogenomics and Genetics Group, Institut de Recerca de l’Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08041 Barcelona, Spain; (C.G.-F.); (E.M.); (J.C.-M.); (L.L.-C.); (M.L.); (J.M.M.-C.); (N.C.)
| | - Jesús M. Martín-Campos
- Stroke Pharmacogenomics and Genetics Group, Institut de Recerca de l’Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08041 Barcelona, Spain; (C.G.-F.); (E.M.); (J.C.-M.); (L.L.-C.); (M.L.); (J.M.M.-C.); (N.C.)
| | - Natalia Cullell
- Stroke Pharmacogenomics and Genetics Group, Institut de Recerca de l’Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08041 Barcelona, Spain; (C.G.-F.); (E.M.); (J.C.-M.); (L.L.-C.); (M.L.); (J.M.M.-C.); (N.C.)
| | - Israel Fernández-Cadenas
- Stroke Pharmacogenomics and Genetics Group, Institut de Recerca de l’Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08041 Barcelona, Spain; (C.G.-F.); (E.M.); (J.C.-M.); (L.L.-C.); (M.L.); (J.M.M.-C.); (N.C.)
- Stroke Pharmacogenomics and Genetics Group, Fundació MútuaTerrassa per la Docència i la Recerca, 08221 Terrassa, Spain
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Mendelian Randomization Study of Causal Relationship between Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Risk of Lung Cancer. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:2786567. [PMID: 35686230 PMCID: PMC9173898 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2786567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Objective Evidence suggests that omega-3 fatty acid intake exerts a protective effect on lung cancer, but its causal association with risk of lung cancer remains uncertain. This study attempts to clarify the causal effect of omega-3 fatty acids on lung cancer utilizing genome-wide association study (GWAS) data with Mendelian randomization (MR) approach. Methods This study acquired omega-3 fatty acid data from the UK Biobank and data of lung cancer patients from the Consortium and International Lung Cancer Consortium (ILCCO). Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with omega-3 fatty acids were screened as instrumental variables (IVs) in line with the criteria of p < 5E - 8, linkage disequilibrium R 2 > 0.001 and distance < 10000 kb. Through inverse variance weighted (IVW), MR-Egger, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode, causal association between omega-3 fatty acids and risk of lung cancer was evaluated. Cochran's Q test was applied for a heterogeneity test. The pleiotropy and horizontal pleiotropy among IVs were evaluated via MR-Egger regression intercept analysis. Results Totally, 42 SNPs associated with omega-3 fatty acids were identified as IVs. According to the results of IVW (OR (95% CI): 0.899 (0.817, 0.990), p = 0.03), MR-Egger (OR (95% CI): 0.856 (0.750, 0.977), p = 0.026), weighted median (OR (95% CI): 0.899 (0.817, 0.990), p = 0.001), simple mode (OR (95% CI): 0.901 (-0.678, 1.199), p = 0.478), and weighted mode (OR (95% CI): 0.859 (0.782, 0.944), p = 0.003), omega-3 fatty acids showed a causal association with low risk of lung cancer. No genetic pleiotropy or horizontal pleiotropy was found according to MR-Egger regression intercept analysis. Conclusion Our findings provide sufficient evidence that omega-3 fatty acids are causal protective factors of lung cancer. Despite this, further work is required for elucidating the potential mechanisms.
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Wang Y, Jiao F, Zheng H, Kong Q, Li R, Zhang X, Yan L, Hao Y, Wu Y. Gender Difference in Associations Between Telomere Length and Risk Factors in Patients With Stroke. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:719538. [PMID: 34803652 PMCID: PMC8600313 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.719538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple risk factors of stroke are associated with telomere length shortening. Although leukocyte telomere length (LTL) is shorter in patients with stroke, the heterogeneity is high. Risk factors may be differentially associated with LTL in male and female patients contributing to the heterogeneity. However, the gender difference in associations between LTL and risk factors in stroke patients has not been investigated. In this study, we investigated the gender difference in associations between LTL and risk factors in 312 stroke patients. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to determine relative LTL, and multiple linear regression analysis was applied for association analyses. We found that LTL was negatively associated with triglyceride (TG) in all patients [β(95% CI) = −0.69 (−1.26, −0.11), P < 0.05] after adjusting confounders. Importantly, LTL was negatively associated with lack of exercise [β(95% CI) = −1.80 (−3.12, −0.49), P < 0.05] and LDL levels [β(95% CI) = −3.22 (−6.05, −0.390), P < 0.05] in male patients, while LTL was negatively associated with dyssomnia [β(95%CI) = −2.00 (−3.96, −0.07), P < 0.05] and diabetes [β(95%CI) = −2.13 (−4.10, −0.27), P < 0.01] in female patients. Our study showed that LTL is differently associated with risk factors in male and female patients with stroke, indicating that gender difference should be considered when LTL is potentially applied as an index of risk and prognosis for stroke. Our study also provides an insight into that gender differences should be considered when developing intervention strategies for stroke prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Wang
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Behavioral Interventions of Mental Disorders, Institute of Mental Health, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Fengjuan Jiao
- Shandong Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Behavioral Interventions of Mental Disorders, Institute of Mental Health, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Huancheng Zheng
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Behavioral Interventions of Mental Disorders, Institute of Mental Health, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Qingsheng Kong
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Birth Defect Research and Transformation of Shandong Province, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Ran Li
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaojie Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Changsha, China
| | - Li Yan
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yanlei Hao
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Yili Wu
- Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Aging, School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,The Affiliated Kangning Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Oujiang Laboratory, Wenzhou, China.,Shandong Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Behavioral Interventions of Mental Disorders, Institute of Mental Health, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
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Georgakis MK, Gill D. Mendelian Randomization Studies in Stroke: Exploration of Risk Factors and Drug Targets With Human Genetic Data. Stroke 2021; 52:2992-3003. [PMID: 34399585 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.120.032617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Elucidating the causes of stroke is key to developing effective preventive strategies. The Mendelian randomization approach leverages genetic variants related to an exposure of interest to investigate the effects of varying that exposure on disease risk. The random allocation of genetic variants at conception reduces confounding from environmental factors and thus strengthens causal inference, analogous to treatment allocation in a randomized controlled trial. With the recent explosion in the availability of human genetic data, Mendelian randomization has proven a valuable tool for studying risk factors for stroke. In this review, we provide an overview of recent developments in the application of Mendelian randomization to unravel the pathophysiology of stroke subtypes and identify therapeutic targets for clinical translation. The approach has offered novel insight into the differential effects of risk factors and antihypertensive, lipid-lowering, and anticoagulant drug classes on risk of stroke subtypes. Analyses have further facilitated the prioritization of novel drug targets, such as for inflammatory pathways underlying large artery atherosclerotic stroke and for the coagulation cascade that contributes to cardioembolic stroke. With continued methodological advances coupled with the rapidly increasing availability of genetic data related to a broad range of stroke phenotypes, the potential for Mendelian randomization in this context is expanding exponentially.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marios K Georgakis
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research (ISD) (M.K.G.), University Hospital of Ludwig Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany.,Department of Neurology (M.K.G.), University Hospital of Ludwig Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Dipender Gill
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, United Kingdom (D.G.).,Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics Section, Institute of Medical and Biomedical Education and Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, United Kingdom (D.G.).,Clinical Pharmacology Group, Pharmacy and Medicines Directorate, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom (D.G.).,Novo Nordisk Research Centre Oxford, Old Road Campus, United Kingdom (D.G.)
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