Genetic variations in E-selectin and ICAM-1: relation to atherosclerosis

Hepatocyte growth factor enhances the ability of dental pulp stem cells to ameliorate atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-knockout mice

BACKGROUND

Atherosclerosis (AS), a chronic inflammatory disease of blood vessels, is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease. Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are capable of exerting immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects by secreting cytokines and exosomes and are widely used to treat autoimmune and inflammation-related diseases. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a pleiotropic cytokine that plays a key role in many inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

AIM

To modify DPSCs with HGF (DPSC-HGF) and evaluate the therapeutic effect of DPSC-HGF on AS using an apolipoprotein E-knockout (ApoE-/-) mouse model and an in vitro cellular model.

METHODS

ApoE-/- mice were fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 wk and injected with DPSC-HGF or Ad-Null modified DPSCs (DPSC-Null) through tail vein at weeks 4, 7, and 11, respectively, and the therapeutic efficacy and mechanisms were analyzed by histopathology, flow cytometry, lipid and glucose measurements, real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at the different time points of the experiment. An in vitro inflammatory cell model was established by using RAW264.7 cells and human aortic endothelial cells (HAOECs), and indirect co-cultured with supernatant of DPSC-Null (DPSC-Null-CM) or DPSC-HGF-CM, and the effect and mechanisms were analyzed by flow cytometry, RT-PCR and western blot. Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activators and inhibitors were also used to validate the related signaling pathways.

RESULTS

DPSC-Null and DPSC-HGF treatments decreased the area of atherosclerotic plaques and reduced the expression of inflammatory factors, and the percentage of macrophages in the aorta, and DPSC-HGF treatment had more pronounced effects. DPSCs treatment had no effect on serum lipoprotein levels. The FACS results showed that DPSCs treatment reduced the percentages of monocytes, neutrophils, and M1 macrophages in the peripheral blood and spleen. DPSC-Null-CM and DPSC-HGF-CM reduced adhesion molecule expression in tumor necrosis factor-α stimulated HAOECs and regulated M1 polarization and inflammatory factor expression in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW264.7 cells by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

This study suggested that DPSC-HGF could more effectively ameliorate AS in ApoE-/- mice on a HFD, and could be of greater value in stem cell-based treatments for AS.

Causal relationship between inflammatory factors and cerebral small vessel disease: Univariate, multivariate, and summary-data-based mendelian randomization analysis

OBJECTIVE

To explore the impact of inflammatory factors on the incidence of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD), we performed a mendelian randomization (MR) study to analyze the causal relationship between multiple inflammatory factors and CSVD imaging markers and utilized summary-data-based mendelian randomization (SMR) analysis to infer whether the impact of instrumental variables (IVs) on disease is mediated by gene expression or DNA methylation.

METHODS

Using public databases such as UKB and IEU, and original genome-wide association studies, we obtained IVs related to exposure (inflammatory factors) and outcome (CSVD imaging markers). We performed the inverse variance weighted, weighted median, and MR-Egger methods to assess causal effects between exposure and outcome in univariate MR analysis. To evaluate their heterogeneity, a series of sensitivity analyses were conducted, including the Cochrane Q test, MR-Egger intercept test, MR-Presso, and leave-one-out analysis. We also applied mediation and multivariate MR analysis to explore the interactions between positive exposures on the same outcome. Additionally, we conducted the SMR, which utilizes instruments within or near relevant genes in blood or brain tissues, to elucidate the causal associations with CSVD markers.

RESULTS

ABO Univariate MR of multiple cohorts revealed that the risk of small vessel stroke (SVS) increases with elevated levels of TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL, OR, 1.23, 95% CI, 1.08-1.39) and interleukin-1 receptor-like 2, (IL-1RL2, OR, 1.29, 95% CI, 1.04-1.61). IL-18 was a potential risk factor for extensive basal ganglia perivascular space burden (BGPVS, OR, 1.02, 95% CI, 1.00-1.05). Moreover, the risk of extensive white matter perivascular space burden (WMPVS) decreased with rising levels of E-selectin (OR, .98, 95% CI, .97-1.00), IL-1RL2 (OR, .97, 95% CI, .95-1.00), IL-3 receptor subunit alpha (IL-3Ra, OR, .98, 95% CI, .97-1.00), and IL-5 receptor subunit alpha (IL-5Ra, OR, .98, 95% CI, .97-1.00). Mediation and multivariate MR analysis indicated that E-selectin and IL-3Ra might interact during the pathogenesis of WMPVS. SMR estimates showed that TRAIL-related IVs rs5030044 and rs2304456 increased the risk of SVS by increasing the expression of gene Kininogen-1 (KNG1) in the cerebral cortex, particularly in the frontal cortex (βsmr = .10, Psmr = .003, FDR = .04). Instruments (rs507666 and rs2519093) related to E-selectin and IL-3Ra could increase the risk of WMPVS by enhancing DNA methylation of the gene ABO in blood tissue (βsmr = .01-.02, Psmr = .001, FDR = .01-.03).

CONCLUSION

According to MR and SMR analysis, higher levels of TRAIL increased the risk of SVS by upregulating gene expression of KNG1 in brain cortex tissues. In addition, protective effects of E-selectin and IL-3a levels on WMPVS were regulated by increased DNA methylation of gene ABO in blood tissue.

Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1: More than a Leukocyte Adhesion Molecule

Intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) is a transmembrane protein in the immunoglobulin superfamily expressed on the surface of multiple cell populations and upregulated by inflammatory stimuli. It mediates cellular adhesive interactions by binding to the β2 integrins macrophage antigen 1 and leukocyte function-associated antigen 1, as well as other ligands. It has important roles in the immune system, including in leukocyte adhesion to the endothelium and transendothelial migration, and at the immunological synapse formed between lymphocytes and antigen-presenting cells. ICAM-1 has also been implicated in the pathophysiology of diverse diseases from cardiovascular diseases to autoimmune disorders, certain infections, and cancer. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the structure and regulation of the ICAM1 gene and the ICAM-1 protein. We discuss the roles of ICAM-1 in the normal immune system and a selection of diseases to highlight the breadth and often double-edged nature of its functions. Finally, we discuss current therapeutics and opportunities for advancements.

Safety assessment of drug combinations used in COVID-19 treatment: in silico toxicogenomic data-mining approach

Improvement of COVID-19 clinical condition was seen in studies where combination of antiretroviral drugs, lopinavir and ritonavir, as well as immunomodulant antimalaric, chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine together with the macrolide-type antibiotic, azithromycin, was used for patient's treatment. Although these drugs are "old", their pharmacological and toxicological profile in SARS-CoV-2 - infected patients are still unknown. Thus, by using in silico toxicogenomic data-mining approach, we aimed to assess both risks and benefits of the COVID-19 treatment with the most promising candidate drugs combinations: lopinavir/ritonavir and chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine + azithromycin. The Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD; http://CTD.mdibl.org), Cytoscape software (https://cytoscape.org) and ToppGene Suite portal (https://toppgene.cchmc.org) served as a foundation in our research. Our results have demonstrated that lopinavir/ritonavir increased the expression of the genes involved in immune response and lipid metabolism (IL6, ICAM1, CCL2, TNF, APOA1, etc.). Chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine + azithromycin interacted with 6 genes (CCL2, CTSB, CXCL8, IL1B, IL6 and TNF), whereas chloroquine and azithromycin affected two additional genes (BCL2L1 and CYP3A4), which might be a reason behind a greater number of consequential diseases. In contrast to lopinavir/ritonavir, chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine + azithromycin downregulated the expression of TNF and IL6. As expected, inflammation, cardiotoxicity, and dyslipidaemias were revealed as the main risks of lopinavir/ritonavir treatment, while chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine + azithromycin therapy was additionally linked to gastrointestinal and skin diseases. According to our results, these drug combinations should be administrated with caution to patients suffering from cardiovascular problems, autoimmune diseases, or acquired and hereditary lipid disorders.

Association of E-Selectin gene rs5361 polymorphism with ischemic stroke susceptibility: a systematic review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Over the years, a number of published studies showed that E-Selectin gene rs5361 (S128R, Ser128Arg, A561C) variants were associated with the risk of ischemic stroke (IS). However, the results of those case-control studies were still equivocal. Therefore, we performed this meta-analysis to clarify the relationship between E-Selectin gene rs5361 polymorphism and IS risk.

METHODS

We searched the Web of Science, PubMed, VIP, CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure) and Wanfang databases for obtainning the eligible studies according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Odds ratios (ORs) with its 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to evaluate the relationship of E-Selectin gene rs5361 polymorphism with IS susceptibility under the dominant and allelic model with fixed or random effects model.

RESULTS

Totally, 13 studies with 2888 cases and 2976 controls were selected in this systematic review and meta-analysis This meta-analysis obtained that E-Selectin gene rs5361variants contributed to increase the risk of IS (C vs. A: OR = 2.23, 95%CI = 1.70-2.92, p < 0.001). We also performed a sub-analysis by ethnicity, the results indicated that rs5361 variants were related to an increased risk of IS (East Asian population: C vs. A: OR = 1.97, 95%CI =1.58-2.45, p < 0.001; African population: C vs. A: OR = 5.52, 95%CI = 3.48-8.76, p < 0.001; Caucasian population: C vs. A: OR =1.67, 95%CI =1.32-2.10, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Therefore, our meta-analysis suggested that C allele, AA and AC genotypes of E-Selectin gene rs5361 variants were related to an increased risk of IS in overall populations.

Association between K469E polymorphism of ICAM‐1 gene and susceptibility of ischemic stroke: An updated meta‐analysis

Background

The intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1)/leukocyte function associated antigen‐1 (LFA‐1) adhesion system regulates leukocyte interactions, migration, and adhesion, and appears to play an important role in atherosclerosis and thrombosis. Therefore, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the ICAM‐1 gene may strongly influence the expression and biological activity of ICAM‐1 and play a potentially important role in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke. In the current meta‐analysis, we investigated the relationship between the ICAM‐1 gene K469E SNP and the risk of ischemic stroke.

Methods

Two investigators independently searched PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, WANFANG, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and J‐STAGE for studies published from January 2000 to February 2019 without language restriction. The association of K469E polymorphism and ischemic stroke in three genetic models (allelic, recessive, and dominant) were evaluated using Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Our study included 20 studies from four continents and four different countries, including 3,137 cases and 15,382 controls. Meta‐analysis results did not show a significant association between K469E polymorphism of ICAM‐1 gene and ischemic stroke when assuming allelic model (OR: 1.12; 95% CI: 0.8 to 1.55; p = 0.51; I² = 93%) or recessive model (OR: 1.28; 95% CI: 0.89 to 1.84; p = 0.18; I² = 82%) or dominant model (OR: 1.20; 95% CI: 0.92 to 1.56; p = 0.17; I² = 85%). However, in all three genetic models, subgroup analysis revealed that the K469E polymorphism of the ICAM‐1 gene is associated with ischemic stroke in the Caucasian population.

Conclusion

K469E polymorphism of ICAM‐1 gene might be a risk factor for ischemic stroke in Caucasians, which suggested that K469E polymorphism might help in early identification of those at risk and help in primary prevention of ischemic stroke.

Polymorphism rs5498 of the ICAM-1 gene affects the progression of carotid atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background

Adhesion molecules are involved in the development of atherosclerosis. An increased level of the ICAM 1 molecule is associated with numerous inflammatory diseases including atherosclerosis of carotid arteries. The rs5498 (K469E) polymorphism of the ICAM-1 gene leads to an increase in the level of serum ICAM. We investigated the association between the rs5498 (K469E) polymorphism of the ICAM-1 gene and the progression of carotid atherosclerosis in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

The study included 595 patients with T2DM and 200 subjects in the control group without T2DM. The control examination was made 3.8 years after the initial examination. Indicators of atherosclerosis (carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), total plaque sum and sum of the plaques thickness) were detected by ultrasound examination. Genetic analyses of the polymorphism rs5498 of the ICAM-1 gene were made by RT-PCR.

Results

The distribution of genotypes and frequencies of rs5498 polymorphism was not significantly different between the group with type 2 diabetes ( T2DM) and the control group. Genotype EE K469E polymorphism is associated with a statistically significant annual plaques growth.

Conclusion

The EE genotype of the rs5498 of the ICAM-1 gene was associated with a more rapid progression of carotid atherosclerosis in patients with T2DM in comparison with other genotypes.

Relationship of SELE A561C and G98T Variants With the Susceptibility to CAD

Published genetic association studies have produced controversial results regarding the association of SELE gene polymorphisms (A516C and G98T) and CAD susceptibility. We therefore chose to perform a meta-analysis to determine the association.Twenty-seven eligible articles were identified through electronic databases, providing 5170 CAD cases and 4996 controls. Fixed-effects or random-effects summary ORs were calculated to estimate the risk of CAD in relation to A516C and G98T. Forest plots and funnel plots were constructed by Stata software 12.0.A strong association was observed between A516C and susceptibility of CAD among 4757 cases and 4272 controls. The summary OR was greatest in individuals carrying the CC genotype (OR = 1.91, 95% CI, 1.12-3.25). A significantly increased risk was indicated in both Caucasians and Asians. The analyses by disease type showed a significant increase in the risk of AP and MI. We also noted a strong association in population-based studies. In the analyses of G98T, data were available for 1422 cases and 1625 controls. We saw a markedly increased risk of CAD associated with G98T. The highest risk was indicated in individuals with the TT genotype (OR = 2.82, 95% CI, 1.15-6.89). A similar trend was seen in Asians and population-based studies.These findings provide consistent evidence that A516C and G98T polymorphisms of the SELE gene may be associated with increased susceptibility of CAD.

Influence of phenotype conversion of epicardial adipocytes on the coronary atherosclerosis and its potential molecular mechanism

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the phenotype conversion of epicardial adipocytes and its potential molecular mechanism during the occurrence and development of coronary atherosclerosis.

METHODS

A total of 30 health male New Zealand white rabbits were used. In experiment group (n=15), rabbits were fed with high fat food to establish atherosclerosis animal model; rabbits in control group (n=15) were fed with normal food.

RESULTS

At week 0, UCP-1 and PPARγ mRNA expressions in EAT and sBAT were significantly higher than in eWAT, and leptin mRNA expression lower than (P<0.05). In experiment group, the mRNA expressions of UCP-1 and PPARγ reduced gradually, but leptin mRNA increased progressively in EAT (P<0.05). UCP-1 expression reduced gradually, the newly generated blood vessels reduced significantly, but leptin and RAM11 increased gradually (P<0.05). The adipocyte volume in EAT increased gradually, but the adipocyte number reduced progressively (P<0.05). The number of mitochondria with multiple crests reduced gradually in EAT; IL-6 reduced the mRNA expressions of UCP-1 and PPARγ in adipocytes of BAT in a dose dependent manner, but it increased the mRNA expressions of leptin and STAT3 (P<0.05). In the presence of IL-6, JSI-124 increased the mRNA expressions of UCP-1 and PPAR-γ in adipocytes of BAT in a dose dependent manner, but it reduced the mRNA expressions of leptin and STAT3 (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

During the progression of atherosclerosis, there is a phenotype conversion of EAT from BAT to WAT, which further promotes the focal occurrence and development of atherosclerosis; IL-6 may activate JAK-STAT3 pathway to induce this conversion.

Hyperhomocysteinemia in bipolar depression: clinical and biochemical correlates

BACKGROUND

Depression may be associated with elevated homocysteine (HCY) levels. Procedures aiming at its decrease, i.e. supplementation with folic acid or vitamin B12, have antidepressant effect. Both depression and elevated HCY can increase cardiovascular risk. In this study, clinical and biochemical factors, including markers of endothelial function, in relation to hyperhomocysteinemia, in patients with bipolar depression during acute episode were studied.

METHOD

One hundred and twelve patients (24 male, 88 female), aged 20-78 (mean 51 ± 14 years), with depressive episode in the course of bipolar mood disorder have been included. The assays were made of serum concentrations of HCY, vitamin B12, folic acid as well as markers of endothelial function such as E-selectin and intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1).

RESULTS

Hyperhomocysteinemia (>15 mM) was found in 50 patients (45%), significantly more frequently in male (67%) than in female subjects (39%). Female patients with hyperhomocysteinemia were significantly older than the remaining ones. A significant inverse correlation between HCY level and concentration of folic acid and vitamin B12 as well as with E-selectin and ICAM-1 was observed.

CONCLUSION

The results point to a significant prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia in bipolar depressed patients during an acute episode. They also corroborate the correlation between increased concentration of HCY and lower level of vitamin B12 and folic acid. An unexpected finding of negative correlation of HCY level with markers of endothelial functions in such patients is discussed in view of current concepts of the role of HCY in various conditions.

Adiponectin abates atherosclerosis by reducing oxidative stress

Background

We investigated whether the anti-atherosclerosis of adiponectin (APN) relates to the reduction of oxidative stress. We observed the overexpression of adiponectin gene with different titers on atherosclerosis (AS) models of high-fat apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE^−/−) mice.

Material/Methods

We divided 48 male ApoE^−/− mice into 4 groups: control group, high-fat diet group, low adiponectin group, and high adiponectin group. The low and high adiponectin group mice were treated with recombinant adenovirus expressing mice adiponectin (Ad-APN) with low-dose adiponectin 1.0×10⁸ p.f.u. and high-dose adiponectin 5.0×10⁸ p.f.u. via the tail every 2 weeks and given a high-fat diet for the last 8 weeks. On the 14^th day after injection, blood samples were obtained from the vena cava.

Results

Along with increased serum adiponectin, serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity increased (P<0.05) and concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) was decreased (P<0.05). Levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were decreased, especially TC and LDL-C (P<0.05). A real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction test was used to analyze levels of mRNA expression for endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and adiponectin in the aorta. Along with increased adiponectin, the mRNA expression of eNOS in the aorta was increased significantly (P<0.05). The lesion formation in the aortic sinus was inhibited by 25% and 31% in the low-APN group and high-APN group, respectively (P<0.05). Along with the increase of adiponectin doses, the damage of atherosclerosis gradually eased. However, the differences between the low-APN group and high-APN group had no statistical significance.

Conclusions

Adiponectin may protect the aorta from atherosclerosis injury by reducing oxidative stress, reducing lesion formation size in the aortic root and reducing TC, TG, and LDL-C in serum. The molecular mechanism may involve preservation of SOD, reducing MDA in serum, and increasing eNOS and adiponectin mRNA expression in the aorta.

Assessment of the E-selectin rs5361 (561A>C) polymorphism and soluble protein concentration in acute coronary syndrome: association with circulating levels

Introduction. The acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a complex disease where genetic and environmental factors are involved. E-selectin gene is a candidate for ACS progression due to its contribution in the inflammatory process and endothelial function. The rs5361 (561A>C) polymorphism in the E-selectin gene has been linked to changes in gene expression, affinity for its receptor, and plasmatic levels; therefore it is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to determine the association of the rs5361 polymorphism with ACS and to measure serum levels of soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin). Materials and Methods. 283 ACS patients and 205 healthy subjects (HS) from Western Mexico were included. The polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism was used to determine the rs5361 polymorphism. The sE-selectin levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results. Neither genotype nor allele frequencies of the rs5361 polymorphism showed statistical differences between groups. The sE-selectin levels were significantly higher in ACS patients compared to HS (54.58 versus 40.41 ng/ml, P = 0.02). The C allele had no effect on sE-selectin levels. Conclusions. The rs5361 E-selectin gene polymorphism is not a susceptibility marker for ACS in Western Mexico population. However, sE-selectin may be a biological marker of ACS.

Association between intercellular adhesion molecule-1 gene K469E polymorphism and the risk of stroke in a Chinese population: a meta-analysis

Several epidemiologic studies have evaluated the association between intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) gene K469E polymorphism and stroke, but the results were inconsistent. The present meta-analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between K469E polymorphism and stroke in the Chinese population. A comprehensive search for related studies from the electronic databases of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CBMdisc and CNKI as well as a manual search of the references of identified articles was performed. Data were extracted to calculate for allelic, additive, dominant and recessive models using pooled odds ratios (ORs) along with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) by Review Manager 5.0 and Stata 11.0. Different effect models, subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, publication bias and power calculations were used to improve the comprehensive analysis. Finally, a total of 12 studies containing 1593 cases and 1555 controls were included in the final meta-analysis. No evidence of significant association between ICAM-1 gene K469E polymorphism and stroke was found in all four models (allelic model: OR = 1.07, 95%CI = 0.78-1.47; additive model: OR = 1.21, 95% CI = 0.67-2.16 (EE vs. KK); OR = 1.04, 95%CI = 0.75-1.45 (EK vs. KK); dominant model: OR = 1.07, 95% CI = 0.73-1.56; and recessive model: OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 0.77-1.83, respectively) based on the overall population, as well as subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis. In conclusion, the present meta-analysis showed no evidence of significant association between ICAM-1 gene K469E polymorphism and stroke in the Chinese population. Nonetheless, this conclusion should be interpreted cautiously due to the low statistical power and considerable heterogeneity. Therefore, larger sample-size studies with homogeneous cases and well-matched controls are needed to further address this correlation.

SELP genetic polymorphisms may contribute to the pathogenesis of coronary heart disease and myocardial infarction: a meta-analysis

We conducted a meta-analysis of case-control studies to determine whether SELP genetic polymorphisms contribute to the pathogenesis of coronary heart disease (CHD) and myocardial infarction (MI). A range of electronic databases were searched: MEDLINE (1966-2013), the Cochrane Library Database (Issue 12, 2013), EMBASE (1980-2013), CINAHL (1982-2013), Web of Science (1945-2013) and the Chinese biomedical database (1982-2013) without language restrictions. Meta-analysis was performed with the use of the STATA statistical software. Nine case-control studies with a total of 3,154 CHD patients, 1,608 MI patients and 17,304 healthy controls were involved in this meta-analysis. Six common polymorphisms in the SELE gene were assessed, including -1969G/A (rs1800805 G>A), -1817T/C (rs1800808 T>C), -2123C/G (rs1800807 C>G), Thr715Pro (rs6136 A>C), Leu599Val (rs6133 G>T), and Ser290Asn (rs6131 C>T). Our findings illustrated significantly positive associations of SELE genetic polymorphisms with the development of CHD and MI. The results of subgroup analysis by SNP type indicated that -1969G/A, -1817T/C, -2123C/G, Thr715Pro and Ser290Asn in the SELP gene might be strongly correlated with CHD and MI risk, but no similar results were found in SELP Leu599Val polymorphism. In the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, our results indicated significant relationships between SELE genetic polymorphisms and the pathogenesis of CHD and MI among Asians and Caucasians. However, we observed no significant associations between SELP genetic polymorphisms and the risk of CHD and MI among Africans. Our findings provide empirical evidence that SELE genetic polymorphisms may contribute to the pathogenesis of CHD and MI, especially among Asians and Caucasians. Thus, SELP genetic polymorphisms could be potential and practical biomarkers for early diagnosis of CHD and MI.

Association of A561C and G98T polymorphisms in E-selectin gene with coronary artery disease: a meta-analysis

Objective

E-selectin (SELE) mediates the rolling and adhesion of leukocytes on activated endothelial cells and plays a critial role in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD). Associatons between the A561C and G98T polymorphisms of the SELE gene and CAD risk were investigated broadly, but the results were inconsistent. In the present study, we performed a meta-analysis to systematically evaluate the associations between the two polymorphisms and the risk of CAD.

Methods

Comprehensive research was conducted to identify relevant studies. The fixed or random effect model was selected based on the heterogeneity among studies, which was evaluated with Q-test and Ι². Meta-regression was used to explore the potential sources of between-study heterogeneity. Peters's linear regression test was used to estimate the publication bias.

Results

Overall, 24 articles involving 3694 cases and 3469 controls were included. After excluding articles deviating from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium in controls and sensitive analysis, our meta-analysis showed a significant association between the A561C ploymprphism and CAD in dominant (OR  = 1.84, 95% CI  = 1.56–2.16) and codominant (OR  = 1.74, 95% CI  = 1.49–2.03) models. As for the G98T polymorphism, significantly increased CAD risk was observed in dominant (OR  = 1.47, 95% CI  = 1.16–1.87) and codominant (OR  = 1.48, 95% CI  = 1.18–1.86) models, but after subgroup analysis, the association was not significant among Caucasians in dominant (OR  = 1.58, 95% CI  = 0.73–3.41) and codominant (OR  = 1.58, 95% CI  = 0.79–3.20) models.

Conclusions

Despite some limitations, our meta-analysis suggested that the SELE gene polymorphisms (A561C, G98T) were significantly associated with increased risk of CAD. However, after subgroup analysis no significant association was found among Caucasians for the G98T polymorphism, which may be due to the small sample size and other confounding factors. Future investigations with multicenter, large-scale, and multi-ethnic groups are needed.