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Bariani MV, Grimm SL, Coarfa C, Velez Edwards DR, Yang Q, Walker CL, Ali M, Al-Hendy A. Altered extracellular matrix-related pathways accelerate the transition from normal to prefibroid myometrium in Black women. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2024:S0002-9378(24)00657-4. [PMID: 38825029 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2024.05.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Black women experience a disproportionate impact of uterine fibroids compared to White women, including earlier diagnosis, higher frequency, and more severe symptoms. The etiology underlying this racial disparity remains elusive. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the molecular differences in normal myometrium (fibroid-free uteri) and at-risk myometrium (fibroid-containing uteri) tissues in Black and White women. STUDY DESIGN We conducted whole-genome RNA-seq on normal and at-risk myometrium tissues obtained from both self-identified Black and White women (not Hispanic or Latino) to determine global gene expression profiles and to conduct enriched pathway analyses (n=3 per group). We initially assessed the differences within the same type of tissue (normal or at-risk myometrium) between races. Subsequently, we analyzed the transcriptome of normal myometrium compared to at-risk myometrium in each race and determined the differences between them. We validated our findings through real-time PCR (sample size range=5-12), western blot (sample size range=5-6), and immunohistochemistry techniques (sample size range=9-16). RESULTS The transcriptomic analysis revealed distinct profiles between Black and White women in normal and at-risk myometrium tissues. Interestingly, genes and pathways related to extracellular matrix and mechanosensing were more enriched in normal myometrium from Black than White women. Transcription factor enrichment analysis detected greater activity of the serum response transcription factor positional motif in normal myometrium from Black compared to White women. Furthermore, we observed increased expression levels of myocardin-related transcription factor-serum response factor and the serum response factor in the same comparison. In addition, we noted increased expression of both mRNA and protein levels of vinculin, a target gene of the serum response factor, in normal myometrium tissues from Black women as compared to White women. Importantly, the transcriptomic profile of normal to at-risk myometrium conversion differs between Black and White women. Specifically, we observed that extracellular matrix-related pathways are involved in the transition from normal to at-risk myometrium and that these processes are exacerbated in Black women. We found increased levels of Tenascin C, type I collagen alpha 1 chain, fibronectin, and phospho-p38 MAPK (Thr180/Tyr182, active) protein levels in at-risk over normal myometrium tissues from Black women, whereas such differences were not observed in samples from White women. CONCLUSION These findings indicate that the racial disparities in uterine fibroids may be attributed to heightened production of extracellular matrix in the myometrium in Black women, even before the tumors appear. Future research is needed to understand early life determinants of the observed racial differences.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sandra L Grimm
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Department, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Center for Precision and Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Cristian Coarfa
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Department, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Center for Precision and Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Digna R Velez Edwards
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN; Division of Quantitative Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN; Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN; Institute for Medicine and Public Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Qiwei Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Cheryl L Walker
- Center for Precision and Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Mohamed Ali
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL.
| | - Ayman Al-Hendy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL.
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2
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Vilos GA, Vilos AG, Burbank F. Bipedalism and the dawn of uterine fibroids. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:454-463. [PMID: 38300232 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae005] [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: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The high prevalence and burden of uterine fibroids in women raises questions about the origin of these benign growths. Here, we propose that fibroids should be understood in the context of human evolution, specifically the advent of bipedal locomotion in the hominin lineage. Over the ≥7 million years since our arboreal ancestors left their trees, skeletal adaptations ensued, affecting the pelvis, limbs, hands, and feet. By 3.2 million years ago, our ancestors were fully bipedal. A key evolutionary advantage of bipedalism was the freedom to use hands to carry and prepare food and create and use tools which, in turn, led to further evolutionary changes such as brain enlargement (encephalization), including a dramatic increase in the size of the neocortex. Pelvic realignment resulted in narrowing and transformation of the birth canal from a simple cylinder to a convoluted structure with misaligned pelvic inlet, mid-pelvis, and pelvic outlet planes. Neonatal head circumference has increased, greatly complicating parturition in early and modern humans, up to and including our own species. To overcome the so-called obstetric dilemma provoked by bipedal locomotion and encephalization, various compensatory adaptations have occurred affecting human neonatal development. These include adaptations limiting neonatal size, namely altricial birth (delivery of infants at an early neurodevelopmental stage, relative to other primates) and mid-gestation skeletal growth deceleration. Another key adaptation was hyperplasia of the myometrium, specifically the neomyometrium (the outer two-thirds of the myometrium, corresponding to 90% of the uterine musculature), allowing the uterus to more forcefully push the baby through the pelvis during a lengthy parturition. We propose that this hyperplasia of smooth muscle tissue set the stage for highly prevalent uterine fibroids. These fibroids are therefore a consequence of the obstetric dilemma and, ultimately, of the evolution of bipedalism in our hominin ancestors.
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Affiliation(s)
- George A Vilos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Angelos G Vilos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Fred Burbank
- Salt Creek International Women's Health Foundation, San Clemente, CA, USA
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3
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Lunjani N, Kerbelker T, Mdletshe FB, Hlela C, O’Mahony L. Phenotypes, endotypes and genotypes of atopic dermatitis and allergy in populations of African ancestry on the continent and diaspora. FRONTIERS IN ALLERGY 2024; 4:1203304. [PMID: 38327736 PMCID: PMC10847302 DOI: 10.3389/falgy.2023.1203304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Atopic dermatitis is a complex inflammatory condition characterized by synergist interactions between epidermal and immune related genotypes, skin barrier defects and immune dysregulation as well as microbial dysbiosis. Ethnicity-specific variations in clinical presentation, immune endotypes and genetic susceptibility have been described in diverse populations. We summarize available data with specific consideration of AD in populations of African ancestry. Some highlights include the observation of AD lesions on extensor surfaces, lichen planus-like AD, prurigo type AD and follicular AD in African populations. In addition, a consistent absence of dominant filaggrin gene defects has been reported. The detection of normal filaggrin protein content in AD skin implicates the contribution of alternative mechanisms in the pathogenesis of AD in African patients. Markedly high IgE has been described in paediatric and adult African AD. While Th2, Th22 and Th17 activation in African AD skin shares the same direction as with other populations, it has been noted that the magnitude of activation is dissimilar. Reduced Th17 cytokines have been observed in the circulation of moderate to severe paediatric AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- N. Lunjani
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Division of Dermatology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - T. Kerbelker
- Department of Peadiatrics, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - F. B. Mdletshe
- Division of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - C. Hlela
- Division of Dermatology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - L. O’Mahony
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Department of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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4
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Hampton G, Kim J, Edwards TL, Hellwege JN, Velez Edwards DR. Uterine leiomyomata and keloids fibrosis origins: a mini-review of fibroproliferative diseases. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2023; 325:C817-C822. [PMID: 37642233 PMCID: PMC10635651 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00181.2023] [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: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Diseases such as uterine leiomyomata (fibroids and benign tumors of the uterus) and keloids (raised scars) may share common etiology. Fibroids and keloids can co-occur in individuals, and both are highly heritable, suggesting they may share common genetic risk factors. Fibroproliferative diseases are common and characterized by scarring and overgrowth of connective tissue, impacting multiple organ systems. These conditions both have racial disparities in prevalence, with the highest prevalence observed among individuals of African ancestry. Several fibroproliferative diseases are more severe and common in populations of sub-Saharan Africa. This mini-review aims to provide a broad overview of the current knowledge of the evolutionary origins and causes of fibroproliferative diseases. We also discuss current hypotheses proposing that the increased prevalence of these diseases in African-derived populations is due to the selection for profibrotic alleles that are protective against helminth infections and provide examples from knowledge of uterine fibroid and keloid research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Hampton
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
- Division of Quantitative Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Jeewoo Kim
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
- Division of Quantitative Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Todd L Edwards
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
- Vanderbilt Epidemiology Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Jacklyn N Hellwege
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
- Vanderbilt Epidemiology Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Digna R Velez Edwards
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
- Division of Quantitative Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
- Vanderbilt Epidemiology Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
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5
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Golec M, Kamdar M, Barteit S. Comprehensive Ontology of Fibroproliferative Diseases: Protocol for a Semantic Technology Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2023; 12:e48645. [PMID: 37566458 PMCID: PMC10457705 DOI: 10.2196/48645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fibroproliferative or fibrotic diseases (FDs), which represent a significant proportion of age-related pathologies and account for over 40% of mortality in developed nations, are often underrepresented in focused research. Typically, these conditions are studied individually, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), rather than as a collective entity, thereby limiting the holistic understanding and development of effective treatments. To address this, we propose creating and publicizing a comprehensive fibroproliferative disease ontology (FDO) to unify the understanding of FDs. OBJECTIVE This paper aims to delineate the study protocol for the creation of the FDO, foster transparency and high quality standards during its development, and subsequently promote its use once it becomes publicly available. METHODS We aim to establish an ontology encapsulating the broad spectrum of FDs, constructed in the Web Ontology Language format using the Protégé ontology editor, adhering to ontology development life cycle principles. The modeling process will leverage Protégé in accordance with a methodologically defined process, involving targeted scoping reviews of MEDLINE and PubMed information, expert knowledge, and an ontology development process. A hybrid top-down and bottom-up strategy will guide the identification of core concepts and relations, conducted by a team of domain experts based on systematic iterations of scientific literature reviews. RESULTS The result will be an exhaustive FDO accommodating a wide variety of crucial biomedical concepts, augmented with synonyms, definitions, and references. The FDO aims to encapsulate diverse perspectives on the FD domain, including those of clinicians, health informaticians, medical researchers, and public health experts. CONCLUSIONS The FDO is expected to stimulate broader and more in-depth FD research by enabling reasoning, inference, and the identification of relationships between concepts for application in multiple contexts, such as developing specialized software, fostering research communities, and enhancing domain comprehension. A common vocabulary and understanding of relationships among medical professionals could potentially expedite scientific progress and the discovery of innovative solutions. The publicly available FDO will form the foundation for future research, technological advancements, and public health initiatives. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/48645.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Golec
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Maulik Kamdar
- Center for Advanced Clinical Solutions, Optum Health, Eden Prairie, MN, United States
| | - Sandra Barteit
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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6
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Ali M, Bariani MV, Vafaei S, Omran MM, Yang Q, Madueke-Laveaux OS, Al-Hendy A. Prevention of Uterine Fibroids: molecular mechanisms and potential clinical application. JOURNAL OF ENDOMETRIOSIS AND UTERINE DISORDERS 2023; 1:100018. [PMID: 37637856 PMCID: PMC10451784 DOI: 10.1016/j.jeud.2023.100018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Uterine fibroids (UFs; leiomyoma) are the most common benign neoplastic threat to women worldwide, exacting an immense personal burden on female health and a monetary expense to the healthcare system estimated in the hundreds of billions of dollars every year globally. With no long-term non-invasive treatment option currently available to treat UFs, deeper insights regarding tumor etiology are the key for developing newer therapies. Accordingly, in this review, we discuss new mechanistic paradigm to explain UF tumor development through an exquisite model involving developmental reprogramming of myometrial stem cells due to early life endocrine disruptors exposure, inflammation, fibrosis, DNA damage, and eventually tissue stiffness. Further, we propose to utilize shear wave elastography as a potential screening tool for the early identification of women at risk for developing UFs who can benefit from several simple preventive strategies, including the consumption of natural compounds such as vitamin D and green tea as a safe fertility friendly non-hormonal modality to delay or even arrest or reverse UF progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Ali
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL 60637, USA Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Maria Victoria Bariani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL 60637, USA Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Somayeh Vafaei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL 60637, USA Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Mervat M. Omran
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL 60637, USA Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Cancer Biology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Qiwei Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL 60637, USA Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Obianuju Sandra Madueke-Laveaux
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL 60637, USA Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Ayman Al-Hendy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL 60637, USA Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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7
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Keaton JM, Jasper EA, Hellwege JN, Jones SH, Torstenson ES, Edwards TL, Velez Edwards DR. Evidence that geographic variation in genetic ancestry associates with uterine fibroids. Hum Genet 2021; 140:1433-1440. [PMID: 34302236 PMCID: PMC8463481 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-021-02322-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Uterine fibroids disproportionately impact Black women. Evidence suggests Black women have earlier onset and higher cumulative risk. This risk disparity may be due an imbalance of risk alleles in one parental geographic ancestry subgroup relative to others. We investigated ancestry proportions for the 1000 Genomes phase 3 populations clustered into 6 geographic groups for association with fibroid traits in Black women (n=583 cases, 797 controls) and White women (n=1,195 cases, 1,164 controls). Global ancestry proportions were estimated using ADMIXTURE. Dichotomous (fibroids status and multiple fibroid status) and continuous outcomes (volume and largest dimension) were modeled for association with ancestry proportions using logistic and linear regression adjusting for age. Effect estimates are reported per 10% increase in genetically inferred ancestry proportion. Among AAs, West African (WAFR) ancestry was associated with fibroid risk, East African ancestry was associated with risk of multiple fibroids, Northern European (NEUR) ancestry was protective for multiple fibroids, Southern European ancestry was protective for fibroids and multiple fibroids, and South Asian (SAS) ancestry was positively associated with volume and largest dimension. In EAs, NEUR ancestry was protective for fibroids, SAS ancestry was associated with fibroid risk, and WAFR ancestry was positively associated with volume and largest dimension. These results suggest that a proportion of fibroid risk and fibroid trait racial disparities are due to genetic differences between geographic groups. Further investigation at the local ancestry and single variant levels may yield novel insights about disease architecture and genetic mechanisms underlying ethnic disparities in fibroid risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob M Keaton
- Center for Precision Health Research, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.,Division of Epidemiology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Jasper
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.,Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37203, USA
| | - Jacklyn N Hellwege
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.,Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.,Vanderbilt Epidemiology Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Sarah H Jones
- Vanderbilt Epidemiology Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Eric S Torstenson
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.,Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Todd L Edwards
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.,Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.,Institute for Medicine and Public Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Digna R Velez Edwards
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA. .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA. .,Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37203, USA. .,Institute for Medicine and Public Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
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Myocardial Tissue Characterization in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction: From Histopathology and Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Findings to Therapeutic Targets. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147650. [PMID: 34299270 PMCID: PMC8304780 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a complex clinical syndrome responsible for high mortality and morbidity rates. It has an ever growing social and economic impact and a deeper knowledge of molecular and pathophysiological basis is essential for the ideal management of HFpEF patients. The association between HFpEF and traditional cardiovascular risk factors is known. However, myocardial alterations, as well as pathophysiological mechanisms involved are not completely defined. Under the definition of HFpEF there is a wide spectrum of different myocardial structural alterations. Myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis, coronary microvascular dysfunction, oxidative stress and inflammation are only some of the main pathological detectable processes. Furthermore, there is a lack of effective pharmacological targets to improve HFpEF patients' outcomes and risk factors control is the primary and unique approach to treat those patients. Myocardial tissue characterization, through invasive and non-invasive techniques, such as endomyocardial biopsy and cardiac magnetic resonance respectively, may represent the starting point to understand the genetic, molecular and pathophysiological mechanisms underlying this complex syndrome. The correlation between histopathological findings and imaging aspects may be the future challenge for the earlier and large-scale HFpEF diagnosis, in order to plan a specific and effective treatment able to modify the disease's natural course.
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9
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Hahn VS, Yanek LR, Vaishnav J, Ying W, Vaidya D, Lee YZJ, Riley SJ, Subramanya V, Brown EE, Hopkins CD, Ononogbu S, Perzel Mandell K, Halushka MK, Steenbergen C, Rosenberg AZ, Tedford RJ, Judge DP, Shah SJ, Russell SD, Kass DA, Sharma K. Endomyocardial Biopsy Characterization of Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction and Prevalence of Cardiac Amyloidosis. JACC-HEART FAILURE 2020; 8:712-724. [PMID: 32653448 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchf.2020.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study prospectively evaluated endomyocardial biopsies in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) to identify histopathologic phenotypes and their association with clinical characteristics. BACKGROUND Myocardial tissue analysis from a prospectively defined HFpEF cohort reflecting contemporary comorbidities is lacking. METHODS Patients with HFpEF (EF ≥50%) referred to the Johns Hopkins HFpEF Clinic between August 2014 and September 2018 were enrolled for right heart catheterization and endomyocardial biopsy. Clinical features, echocardiography, hemodynamics, and tissue histology were determined and compared with controls (unused donor hearts) and HF with reduced EF (HFrEF). RESULTS Of the 108 patients enrolled, median age was 66 years (25th to 75th percentile: 57 to 74 years), 61% were women, 57% were African American, 62% had a previous HF hospitalization, median systolic blood pressure was 141 mm Hg (25th to 75th percentile: 125 to 162 mm Hg), body mass index (BMI) was 37 kg/m2 (25th to 75th percentile: 32 to 45 kg/m2), and 97% were on a loop diuretic. Myocardial fibrosis and myocyte hypertrophy were often present (93% and 88%, respectively); however, mild in 71% with fibrosis and in 52% with hypertrophy. Monocyte infiltration (CD68+ cells/mm2) was greater in patients with HFpEF versus controls (60.4 cells/mm2 [25th to 75th percentile: 36.8 to 97.8] vs. 32.1 cells/mm2 [25th to 75th percentile: 22.3 to 59.2]; p = 0.02) and correlated with age and renal disease. Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) was diagnosed in 15 (14%) patients (HFpEF-CA: 7 patients with wild-type transthyretin amyloidosis [ATTR], 4 patients with hereditary ATTR, 3 patients with light-chain amyloidosis, and 1 patient with AA (secondary) amyloidosis), of which 7 cases were unsuspected. Patients with HFpEF-CA were older, with lower BMI, higher left ventricular mass index, and higher N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide and troponin I levels. CONCLUSIONS In this large, prospective myocardial tissue analysis of HFpEF, myocardial fibrosis and hypertrophy were common, CD68+ inflammation was increased, and CA prevalence was 14%. Tissue analysis in HFpEF might improve precision therapies by identifying relevant myocardial mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia S Hahn
- Division of Cardiology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Lisa R Yanek
- Division of General Internal Medicine, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Joban Vaishnav
- Division of Cardiology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Wendy Ying
- Division of Cardiology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Dhananjay Vaidya
- Division of General Internal Medicine, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Yi Zhen Joan Lee
- Division of Cardiology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Sarah J Riley
- Division of Cardiology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Vinita Subramanya
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Emily E Brown
- Division of Cardiology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - C Danielle Hopkins
- Division of Cardiology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Sandra Ononogbu
- Division of Cardiology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Kira Perzel Mandell
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Marc K Halushka
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Charles Steenbergen
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Avi Z Rosenberg
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Ryan J Tedford
- Division of Cardiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Daniel P Judge
- Division of Cardiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Sanjiv J Shah
- Division of Cardiology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | | | - David A Kass
- Division of Cardiology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Kavita Sharma
- Division of Cardiology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.
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10
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Platelet and hemoglobin count at diagnosis are associated with survival in African American and Caucasian patients with colorectal cancer. Cancer Epidemiol 2020; 67:101746. [PMID: 32521488 DOI: 10.1016/j.canep.2020.101746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND African Americans (AAs) compared to Caucasian Americans (CAs) with colorectal cancer (CRC) have lower stage-specific survival. CRC patients often present with several hematopathologies (such as thrombocytosis, thrombocytopenia, anemia) at diagnosis, which is associated with poorer survival. However, whether these measures impact the racial disparity in survival is not known. METHODS The study population was composed of 581 histologically confirmed CRCs at the Medical University of South Carolina (393 CA, 188 AA) diagnosed between 01/01/2000 and 06/30/2013. We used Cox proportional hazards regression to estimate the association between thrombocytosis, thrombocytopenia, or anemia at diagnosis and risk of death by race. This analysis was adjusted for age, sex, stage and first-line treatment. RESULTS In all patients combined, thrombocytosis, thrombocytopenia, and anemia (vs. the normal ranges) were associated with significantly higher risks of death. In the race-specific analyses, AAs (HR 2.51 [95 % CI: 1.52-4.15]) vs. CAs (HR 1.15 [95 % CI: 0.75-1.75]) with thrombocytosis compared to normal had a higher risk of death (p for difference = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS Abnormal thrombocyte and hemoglobin levels at diagnosis were associated with poorer survival. AAs compared to CAs with elevated platelets at diagnosis had a higher risk of death. Our study is the first to examine the role of race, hematologic measures at diagnosis, and risk of death in colorectal cancer patients. These results suggest that the racial differences in the immune response may contribute to the racial disparity in survival.
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11
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Ryu C, Brandsdorfer C, Adams T, Hu B, Kelleher DW, Yaggi M, Manning EP, Walia A, Reeves B, Pan H, Winkler J, Minasyan M, Dela Cruz CS, Kaminski N, Gulati M, Herzog EL. Plasma mitochondrial DNA is associated with extrapulmonary sarcoidosis. Eur Respir J 2019; 54:13993003.01762-2018. [PMID: 31273041 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01762-2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Sarcoidosis is an unpredictable granulomatous disease in which African Americans disproportionately experience aggressive phenotypes. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) released by cells in response to various stressors contributes to tissue remodelling and inflammation. While extracellular mtDNA has emerged as a biomarker in multiple diseases, its relevance to sarcoidosis remains unknown. We aimed to define an association between extracellular mtDNA and clinical features of sarcoidosis.Extracellular mtDNA concentrations were measured using quantitative PCR for the human MT-ATP6 gene in bronchoalveolar (BAL) and plasma samples from healthy controls and patients with sarcoidosis from The Yale Lung Repository; associations between MT-ATP6 concentrations and Scadding stage, extrapulmonary disease and demographics were sought. Results were validated in the Genomic Research in Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency and Sarcoidosis cohort.Relative to controls, MT-ATP6 concentrations in sarcoidosis subjects were robustly elevated in the BAL fluid and plasma, particularly in the plasma of patients with extrapulmonary disease. Relative to Caucasians, African Americans displayed excessive MT-ATP6 concentrations in the BAL fluid and plasma, for which the latter compartment correlated with significantly higher odds of extrapulmonary disease.Enrichments in extracellular mtDNA in sarcoidosis are associated with extrapulmonary disease and African American descent. Further study into the mechanistic basis of these clinical findings may lead to novel pathophysiologic and therapeutic insights.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changwan Ryu
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Caitlin Brandsdorfer
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Taylor Adams
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Buqu Hu
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Dylan W Kelleher
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Madeleine Yaggi
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Edward P Manning
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Anjali Walia
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Benjamin Reeves
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Hongyi Pan
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Julia Winkler
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Maksym Minasyan
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Charles S Dela Cruz
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Naftali Kaminski
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Mridu Gulati
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Equal contribution
| | - Erica L Herzog
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA .,Equal contribution
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12
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Puerta-Arias JD, Pino-Tamayo PA, Arango JC, Salazar-Peláez LM, González A. Itraconazole in combination with neutrophil depletion reduces the expression of genes related to pulmonary fibrosis in an experimental model of paracoccidioidomycosis. Med Mycol 2018; 56:579-590. [PMID: 29420794 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myx087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2017] [Accepted: 08/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Itraconazole (ITC) is the drug of choice for treating paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM); nonetheless, patients with the chronic form of this mycosis develop fibrosis, a residual pulmonary abnormality, even after treatment. Recently, we observed that the depletion of neutrophils with a specific monoclonal antibody (mAb-anti-Ly6G) during the chronic stages of PCM was associated with a decrease in the fungal burden, the inflammatory response and a reduction of fibrosis. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the effect of ITC in combination with the mAb-anti-Ly6G in an experimental model of pulmonary PCM. BALB/c male mice were challenged with Paracoccidioides brasiliensis yeasts and treated with the mAb-anti-Ly6G and/or ITC at 4th week post-infection (p.i.) and then sacrificed at 12th week p.i. to assess neutrophil subpopulations, fungal load, collagen, expression of fibrosis- and pro-inflammatory-related genes and histopathology. We observed that combination of ITC/mAb-anti-Ly6G favored the control of infection and diminished the inflammatory response. Of note, such therapeutic strategy reduced the expression of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17, IL-10, TNF-α, TGF-β1, TGF-β3, GATA-3, RORc, Ahr, MMP-1α, MMP-8 MMP-15, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 genes in an additive manner compared to those mice treated with the mAb or ITC alone. Interestingly, ITC induced an increase of type-II neutrophils even in those mice treated with the mAb-anti-Ly6G. These results indicate that combination ITC/mAb-anti-Ly6G reduced the infection and pulmonary fibrosis through down-regulation of inflammatory and pro-fibrotic genes. Additionally, we confirmed the immunomodulatory properties of this antifungal in vivo. This work emphasizes the importance of exploring new potential combination treatments to treat fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan David Puerta-Arias
- Medical and Experimental Mycology Group, Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB), Medellín, Colombia
| | | | - Julián Camilo Arango
- Medical and Experimental Mycology Group, Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB), Medellín, Colombia.,School of Microbiology, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | | | - Angel González
- School of Microbiology, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia.,Basic and Applied Microbiology Research Group (MICROBRA), Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
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13
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Bray MJ, Wellons MF, Jones SH, Torstenson ES, Edwards TL, Velez Edwards DR. Transethnic and race-stratified genome-wide association study of fibroid characteristics in African American and European American women. Fertil Steril 2018; 110:737-745.e34. [PMID: 30196971 PMCID: PMC6132266 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2018.04.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Revised: 04/02/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify, through genome-wide association studies, genetic loci that associate with differences in fibroid size and number in a population of African American and European American women. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING Not applicable. PATIENT(S) Using BioVU, a clinical population from the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults cohort, a prospective cohort, we identified 1520 women (609 African American and 911 European American) with documented fibroid characteristics. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Outcome measurements include volume of largest fibroid, largest fibroid dimension, and number of fibroids (single vs. multiple). RESULT(S) In race-stratified analyses we achieved genome-wide significance at a variant located between MAT2B and TENM2 (rs57542984, β = 0.13; 95% confidence interval 0.09, 0.17) for analyses of largest fibroid dimension in African Americans. The strongest signal for transethnic analyses was at a variant on 1q31.1 located between PLA2G4A and BRINP3 (rs6605005, β = 0.24; 95% confidence interval 0.15, 0.33) for fibroid volume. Results from MetaXcan identified an association between predicted expression of the gene ER degradation enhancing alpha-mannosidase like protein 2 (EDEM2) in the thyroid and number of fibroids (Z score = -4.51). CONCLUSION(S) This study identified many novel associations between genetic loci and fibroid size and number in both race-stratified and transethnic analyses. Future studies are necessary to further validate our study findings and to better understand the mechanisms underlying these associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Bray
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Melissa F Wellons
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Sarah H Jones
- Vanderbilt Epidemiology Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Eric S Torstenson
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Todd L Edwards
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; Vanderbilt Epidemiology Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; Institute for Medicine and Public Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; Division of Epidemiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Digna R Velez Edwards
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; Vanderbilt Epidemiology Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; Institute for Medicine and Public Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee.
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14
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Wallace K, Lewin DN, Sun S, Spiceland CM, Rockey DC, Alekseyenko AV, Wu JD, Baron JA, Alberg AJ, Hill EG. Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes and Colorectal Cancer Survival in African American and Caucasian Patients. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2018; 27:755-761. [PMID: 29769214 PMCID: PMC6449046 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-17-0870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Revised: 12/08/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Compared with Caucasian Americans (CAs), African Americans (AAs) with colorectal cancer have poorer survival, especially younger-age patients. A robust lymphocytic reaction within colorectal cancers is strongly associated with better survival, but whether immune response impacts the disparity in colorectal cancer survival is unknown.Methods: The study population was comprised of 211 histologically confirmed colorectal cancers at the Medical University of South Carolina (Charleston, SC; 159 CAs and 52 AAs) diagnosed between Jan 01, 2000, and June 30, 2013. We constructed a lymphocyte score based on blinded pathologic assessment of the four different types of lymphocytic reactions. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to evaluate the association between the lymphocyte score and risk of death by race.Results: Colorectal cancers in AAs (vs. CAs) had a stronger lymphocytic reaction at diagnosis. A high lymphocyte score (vs. the lowest) was associated with better survival in AAs [HR 0.19; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.04-0.99] and CAs (HR 0.47; 95% CI, 0.15-1.45). AAs with no lymphocytic reaction (vs. other categories) had poor survival HR 4.48 (1.58-12.7) whereas no difference was observed in CAs. The risk of death in AAs (vs. CA) was more pronounced in younger patients (HR 2.92; 95% CI, 1.18-7.22) compared with older (HR 1.20; 95% CI, 0.54-2.67), especially those with lymphocytic poor colorectal cancers.Conclusions: The lymphocytic reaction in tumor impacted the racial disparity in survival.Impact: Our results confirm the importance of the lymphocytic score on survival and highlight the need to fully characterize the immune environment of colorectal cancers by race. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(7); 755-61. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Wallace
- Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina.
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - David N Lewin
- Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Shaoli Sun
- Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Clayton M Spiceland
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Don C Rockey
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Alexander V Alekseyenko
- Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Jennifer D Wu
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - John A Baron
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Anthony J Alberg
- Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Elizabeth G Hill
- Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
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15
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Population genetic evidence for positive and purifying selection acting at the human IFN-γ locus in Africa. Genes Immun 2018; 20:143-157. [PMID: 29599512 DOI: 10.1038/s41435-018-0016-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Revised: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 01/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Despite its critical role in the defense against microbial infection and tumor development, little is known about the range of nucleotide and haplotype variation at IFN-γ, or the evolutionary forces that have shaped patterns of diversity at this locus. To address this gap in knowledge, we examined sequence data from the IFN-γ gene in 1461 individuals from 15 worldwide populations. Our analyses uncovered novel patterns of variation in distinct African populations, including an excess of high frequency-derived alleles, unusually long haplotype structure surrounding the IFN-γ gene, and a "star-like" genealogy of African-specific haplotypes carrying variants previously associated with infectious disease. We also inferred a deep time to coalescence of variation at IFN-γ (~ 0.8 million years ago) and ancient ages for common polymorphisms predating the evolution of modern humans. Taken together, these results are congruent with a model of positive selection on standing variation in African populations. Furthermore, we inferred that common variants in intron 3 of IFN-γ are the likely targets of selection. In addition, we observed a paucity of non-synonymous substitutions relative to synonymous changes in the exons of IFN-γ in African and non-African populations, suggestive of strong purifying selection. Therefore, we contend that positive and purifying selection have influenced levels of diversity in different regions of IFN-γ, implying that these distinct genic regions are, or have been, functionally important. Overall, this study provides additional insights into the evolutionary events that have contributed to the frequency and distribution of alleles having a role in human health and disease.
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16
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Hellwege JN, Torstenson ES, Russell SB, Edwards TL, Velez Edwards DR. Evidence of selection as a cause for racial disparities in fibroproliferative disease. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0182791. [PMID: 28792542 PMCID: PMC5549739 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0182791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibroproliferative diseases are common complex traits featuring scarring and overgrowth of connective tissue which vary widely in presentation because they affect many organ systems. Most fibroproliferative diseases are more prevalent in African-derived populations than in European populations, leading to pronounced health disparities. It is hypothesized that the increased prevalence of these diseases in African-derived populations is due to selection for pro-fibrotic alleles that are protective against helminth infections. We constructed a genetic risk score (GRS) of fibroproliferative disease risk-increasing alleles using 147 linkage disequilibrium-pruned variants identified through genome-wide association studies of seven fibroproliferative diseases with large African-European prevalence disparities. A comparison of the fibroproliferative disease GRS between 1000 Genomes Phase 3 populations detected a higher mean GRS in AFR (mean = 148 risk alleles) than EUR (mean = 136 risk alleles; T-test p-value = 1.75x10-123). To test whether differences in GRS burden are systematic and may be due to selection, we employed the quantitative trait loci (QTL) sign test. The QTL sign test result indicates that population differences in risk-increasing allele burdens at these fibroproliferative disease variants are systematic and support a model featuring selective pressure (p-value = 0.011). These observations were replicated in an independent sample and were more statistically significant (T-test p-value = 7.26x10-237, sign test p-value = 0.015). This evidence supports the role of selective pressure acting to increase frequency of fibroproliferative alleles in populations of African relative to European ancestry populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacklyn N. Hellwege
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States of America
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - Eric S. Torstenson
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States of America
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - Shirley B. Russell
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - Todd L. Edwards
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States of America
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States of America
- * E-mail: (TLE); (DRVE)
| | - Digna R. Velez Edwards
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States of America
- * E-mail: (TLE); (DRVE)
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