ACE I/D gene polymorphism can't predict the steroid responsiveness in Asian children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome: a meta-analysis

Association of ACE*(Insertion/Deletion) Variant with the Elevated Risk of Preeclampsia Among Gestational Women

The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system has an indispensable function in the uteroplacental circulation, placental growth, and blood pressure optimization. The angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) gene is a critical integrator for electrolyte balance, and water retention, along with inhibiting preeclampsia. The main goal of this pertaining study is to assess the contribution of ACE*(Ins/Del) variant with the susceptibility for preeclampsia with focus on the severity of the disease among gestational hypertensive women. This retrospective study included 225 participants [125 PE gestational women, and 100 normotensive healthy controls] matching with age, and geographical region. PE women classified into 82 early-onset PE women, accompanied with 43 late-onset PE women. Additionally, PE women categorized into 59 mild PE women, together with 66 severe PE women. The genotyping and characterization of ACE*(Ins/Del) variant were applied using the PCR technique. Our findings indicated higher frequency of the ACE*(Del/Del) genotype and ACE*(D allele) with elevated risk of preeclampsia compared to normotensive controls under recessive (OR = 2.09, and p-value = 0.007), and allelic (OR = 1.75, and p-value = 0.012) models. In addition, testing logistic regression revealed that the levels of endothelin-1 and malondialdehyde exposed significant difference for the ACE*(Del/Del) genotype among early-onset and late-onset PE women (p-value = 0.024, and 0.23, respectively). Furthermore, carriers of the ACE*(Del/Del) genotype observed statistically significant with lower sodium concentrations among severe PE women (p-value = 0.034). The ACE*(Del/Del) genotype and ACE*(D allele) were associated with increased risk preeclampsia among gestational women. Furthermore, early-onset PE and late-onset PE were correlated with endothelin-1 and malondialdehyde concentrations among Egyptian women.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme and Hypertension: A Systemic Analysis of Various ACE Inhibitors, Their Side Effects, and Bioactive Peptides as a Putative Therapy for Hypertension

Hypertension is a major risk factor for heart attack, produce atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), congestive heart failure, stroke, kidney infection, blindness, end-stage renal infection, and cardiovascular diseases. Many mechanisms are involved in causing hypertension, i.e., via calcium channels, alpha and beta receptors, and the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). RAS has an important role in blood pressure control and is also involved in the metabolism of glucose, homeostasis, and balance of electrolytes in the body. The components of RAS that are involved in the regulation of blood pressure are angiotensinogen, Ang I (angiotensin I), Ang II (angiotensin II), ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme), and ACE 2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2). These components provide for relevant therapeutic targets for the treatment of hypertension, and various drugs are commercially available that target individual components of RAS. Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and ACE inhibitors are the most popular among these drugs. ACE is chosen in this review as it makes an important target for blood pressure control because it converts Ang I into Ang II and also acts on the vasodilator, bradykinin, to degrade it into inactive peptides. This review highlights various aspects of blood pressure regulation in the body with a focus on ACE, drugs targeting the components involved in regulation, their associated side effects, and a need to shift to alternative therapy for putative hypertension treatment in the form of bioactive peptides from food.

Genetic polymorphisms of ACE I/D, IL-1β G > A and IL-4 VNTR among Egyptian subjects with rheumatoid arthritis

BACKGROUND

Various reports examined the contribution of ACE I/D, IL-1β G > A and IL-4 VNTR with the susceptibility to RA but with conflicting findings. The goal of this study is to assess the impact of these three variants with the susceptibility, clinical and biochemical markers in addition to different composite indices of RA.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

This case-control survey enclosed 120 RA Egyptian patients who were emulated with 150 healthy controls from the same territory. Their genomic DNA was genotyped utilising the PCR approach.

RESULTS

RA patients with ACE allele (D) and IL-4 VNTR allele (2 R) were expressively higher emulated with healthy controls (p < .05). Nevertheless, RA patients with IL-1β (A allele) failed to achieve an apparent significant emulated with healthy controls (p > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

This work specifies a noteworthy association for ACE I/D and IL-4 VNTR but not IL-1β G > A polymorphisms with RA susceptibility among Egyptian subjects.

Association of angiotensin-converting enzyme insertion/deletion polymorphism with susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to determine whether the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) insertion/deletion (I/D) gene polymorphism confers susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)/lupus nephritis (LN).

METHODS

A meta-analysis was conducted on the association between the ACE I/D polymorphism and SLE/LN (when available) using: (i) the allelic contrast; (ii) the recessive; (iii) the dominant; and (iv) the additive models.

RESULTS

A total of 27 relevant comparisons meeting the inclusion criteria were identified, involving 2718 SLE patients and 3655 controls. Meta-analysis showed a significant association between SLE and the allele D in overall populations (odds ratio [OR] = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.07-1.48, P = 0.004). Stratification by ethnicity indicated a strong association between the allele D and SLE in Asians (OR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.05-1.75, P = 0.019). Meta-analysis also showed a significant association between SLE and the DD genotype in overall populations (additive model) (OR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.05-1.83, P = 0.022). In addition, we found significant associations between the recessive model and SLE in overall populations, Asians and Europeans (OR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.11-1.88, P = 0.007; OR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.07-2.68, P = 0.024; and OR = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.06-1.62, P = 0.013, respectively). With respect to the association between ACE I/D gene polymorphism and LN risk, there was no significant association in either the overall populations or subpopulations.

CONCLUSION

The present study might suggest that ACE I/D polymorphism may be a genetic molecular marker to predict SLE, while this polymorphism may not correlate with LN susceptibility.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme genotype is not a significant genetic risk factor for idiopathic nephrotic syndrome in Croatian children

AIM

The association of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) is controversial. Only scarce information on European populations is available. The aim of the study was to investigate the distribution of the ACE gene I/D polymorphism and its impact on INS in children from Croatia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ninety-five children with INS were investigated: 30 with minimal change disease (MCD), 35 with mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis (MesPGN) and 30 with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). The control group consisted of 73 healthy adults. ACE gene was analyzed using the PCR method. The results were correlated with clinical features, renal morphology and response to immunosuppresive therapy.

RESULTS

There was no correlation of ACE genotype with gender, age of the disease onset, level of proteinuria, presence of hematuria or hypertension, and GFR at onset of the disease. No statistically significant differences in ACE genotype or allele frequencies between the controls and whole group of patients, MCD group, MesPGN group, FSGS group, steroid sensitive (SS) patients, steroid resistant (SR) patients, as well as each other, were found, although DD genotype tended to be more frequent in FSGS patients, SR patients, and frequent relapsers. Among 11 children treated with cyclophosphamide the D allele was significantly higher among non-responders (p = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

DD genotype is not a genetic risk factor for acquiring INS nor significant phenotype modifier regarding to clinical and pathohistological picture and response to steroids in Croatian children. The potential application of ACE genotyping in predicting cyclophosphamide response deserves further investigation.

Assessment of the relationship between ACE I/D gene polymorphism and renal allograft survival

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The relationship between the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) insertion/deletion (I/D) gene polymorphism and renal allograft survival after renal transplantation from the published reports are still debatable. This study was performed to evaluate the relationship between the ACE I/D gene polymorphism and renal allograft survival after renal transplantation using meta-analysis.

METHOD

Eligible studies were identified from PubMed and Cochrane Library on 1 November 2014, and eligible studies were recruited and synthesized using a meta-analysis methodology.

RESULTS

Twelve investigations were included in this meta-analysis for the assessment of the relationship between the ACE I/D gene polymorphism and renal allograft survival. In this meta-analysis, the ACE I/D gene polymorphism was not associated with renal allograft survival after renal transplantation for overall populations, Caucasians, Brazilians and Africans. Interestingly, the ACE D allele and DD genotype were associated with renal allograft survival after renal transplantation in the Asian population.

CONCLUSIONS

ACE D allele and DD genotype were associated with renal allograft survival after renal transplantation in the Asian population. However, more studies should be performed to confirm this association.

GSTT1 polymorphism and the risk of developing prostate cancer

A possible association between glutathione S-transferase theta 1 gene (GSTT1) polymorphism and the risk of developing prostate cancer is currently hotly debated, but evidence from various epidemiologic studies remains unclear. This investigation was performed to assess whether an association between GSTT1 polymorphism and prostate cancer risk exists by using meta-analysis to combine comparable studies, thereby increasing sample size and statistical significance, as well as to identify patterns in various studies. The association reports were identified from the PubMed database and the Cochrane Library on March 1, 2013, and data from eligible studies (from 1999-2012) were synthesized. Thirty-eight reports were included in this meta-analysis on the association of the null genotype of GSTT1 with prostate cancer risk. No solid association between the GSTT1 null genotype and prostate cancer risk could be established for the overall population (odds ratio = 1.11, 95% confidence interval: 0.97, 1.27; P = 0.13). However, the GSTT1 null genotype was distinctly associated with prostate cancer risk in Caucasians (odds ratio = 1.24, 95% confidence interval: 1.03, 1.48, P = 0.02). In conclusion, the GSTT1 null genotype is associated with prostate cancer risk in Caucasians, but not in the overall population.

Association of vitamin D receptor BsmI gene polymorphism with the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Relationship between vitamin D receptor (VDR) BsmI (rs1544410) gene polymorphism and the type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) susceptibility is still conflicting at present. This meta-analysis was conducted to assess the association between VDR BsmI gene polymorphism and the risk of T2DM. The association studies were identified from PubMed, and Cochrane Library on 1 January 2014, and eligible investigations were included and synthesized using meta-analysis method. Eleven reports were recruited into this meta-analysis for the association of VDR BsmI gene polymorphism with T2DM susceptibility. In overall populations, B allele, BB genotype and bb genotype were not associated with T2DM risk. VDR BsmI gene polymorphism was also not associated with the T2DM risk in Asians and Caucasians. In conclusion, VDR BsmI gene polymorphism was also not associated with T2DM risk in overall populations, Asians and Caucasians. However, more studies should be conducted to confirm it.

Association of transforming growth factor-β1 T869C, G915C, and C509T gene polymorphisms with rheumatoid arthritis risk

The association of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFβ1) is an important signaling pathway factor involving extracellular matrix regulation, and its gene polymorphisms with the risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is currently still fiercely debated. Therefore, this meta-analysis was performed to determine if TGFβ1 T869C, G915C, and C509T gene polymorphisms correlate with the risk of developing RA. Association reports were identified from PubMed, Cochrane Library and CBM-disc (China Biological Medicine Database) on 1 May 2013, and eligible studies were recruited and synthesized to identifying patterns among study results. T869C TT genotype in the overall population was associated with increased RA risk (OR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.02-1.60, p = 0.03). In the sub-group analysis, T869C TT genotype was shown to be a risk factor for RA, and T869C C allele or CC genotype a protective factor against RA disease in Asians, but these associations were not found in Caucasians. Furthermore, TGFβ1 C509T TT genotype was distinctly associated with RA susceptibility, but the T allele and CC genotype were not. TGFβ1 G915C gene polymorphism was not associated with RA susceptibility. In conclusion, the TT genotype of TGFβ1 T869C was associated with RA risk in the overall population and Asians. Furthermore, CC genotype or C allele was determined to be protective factors with respect to the RA risk in the overall population and Asians. Nonetheless, additional studies are required to firmly establish a correlation between the aforementioned polymorphisms and RA risk.

A meta-analysis of association of vitamin D receptor BsmI gene polymorphism with the risk of type 1 diabetes mellitus

Association between vitamin D receptor (VDR) BsmI (rs1544410) gene polymorphism and the risk of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) from the published reports are still conflicting. This study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between VDR BsmI gene polymorphism and the risk of T1DM using meta-analysis method. The association studies were identified from PubMed, and Cochrane Library on 1 December 2013, and eligible investigations were included and synthesized using meta-analysis method. Twenty-three reports were recruited into this meta-analysis for the association of VDR BsmI gene polymorphism with T1DM susceptibility. In overall populations, bb genotype was associated with T1DM, but the B allele and BB genotype were not. In Asians and Latino population, B allele and bb genotype were associated with TIDM risk, but BB genotype was not. In Caucasians, VDR BsmI gene polymorphism was not associated with the T1DM risk. In Africans, B allele and BB genotype were associated with T1DM risk, but the bb genotype was not. However, the sample size for Latino population and Africans was small. In conclusion, VDR BsmI B allele, bb genotype was associated with T1DM risk in Asians, and bb genotype was associated with T1DM risk in overall populations. However, more studies should be conducted to confirm it.

A meta-analysis of the relationship between glutathione S-transferase T1 null/presence gene polymorphism and the risk of lung cancer including 31802 subjects

The relationship between glutathione S-transferase T1 (GSTT1) null/presence gene polymorphism and the risk of lung cancer from the published reports are still conflicting. This study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between GSTT1 null/presence gene polymorphism and the risk of lung cancer using meta-analysis method. The association studies were identified from PubMed, and Cochrane Library on July 1, 2012, and eligible investigations were included and synthesized using meta-analysis method. 51 reports were recruited into this meta-analysis for the association of null genotype of GSTT1 with lung cancer susceptibility, consisting of 15,140 patients with lung cancer and 16,662 controls. There was a marked association between GSTT1 null genotype and lung cancer risk in overall populations (OR = 1.15, 95 % CI 1.04-1.27, P = 0.007). Furthermore, GSTT1 null genotype was associated with the lung cancer risk in Asians (OR = 1.47, 95 % CI 1.23-1.76, P < 0.0001). However, GSTT1 null genotype was not associated with the risk of lung cancer in Caucasians, Brazilian population and Africans. In conclusion, GSTT1 null genotype is associated with the lung cancer in overall populations and in Asians.

A Meta-Analysis of the Efficacy of Acupuncture in Treating Dysphagia in Patients with a Stroke

Background

Dysphagia, or deglutition difficulty, is a common manifestation in patients with a stroke and its management is an important aspect of rehabilitation. Acupuncture, a complementary and alternative therapy, is the subject of growing public interest for treatment of stroke.

Objective

A meta-analysis was performed to study the effect of acupuncture for treatment of dysphagia in patients affected by a stroke.

Methods

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing acupuncture treatment with non-acupuncture treatment of dysphagia in patients with a stroke were identified from the databases of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and CBM disc (China Biological Medicine Database). Eligible investigations were included and data on the effectiveness of acupuncture were extracted and synthesised by meta-analysis using RevMan 5.1.4. Results were expressed as OR for dichotomous data; 95% CIs were also calculated.

Results

Seventy-two RCTs (3208 patients in the treatment group and 2926 patients in the control group) were identified. Details of randomisation and blinding were not reported and information on withdrawals and dropouts was missing in most of included reports. Meta-analysis showed that the effectiveness of treatment in the group receiving acupuncture was higher than that in the non-acupuncture group (OR=5.17, 95% CI 4.18 to 6.38; p<0.00001). However, the study quality was generally low and of insufficient quality to make recommendations about using acupuncture in the rehabilitation of patients with dysphagia due to stroke.

Conclusions

Acupuncture might be beneficial in the rehabilitation of patients with dysphagia caused by stroke, and the evidence justifies future high-quality studies.

Association of glutathione S-transferase P1 gene polymorphism with the histological types of lung cancer: a meta-analysis

The conclusions of the published reports on the relationship between glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) A/G gene polymorphism and the histological types of lung cancer are still debated. GSTP1 is one of the important mutant sites reported at present. This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the association between GSTP1 and histological types of lung cancer. The association investigations were identified from PubMed and Cochrane Library, and eligible studies were included and synthesized using meta-analysis method. Seventeen reports were included into this meta-analysis for the association of GSTP1 A/G gene polymorphism and histological types of lung cancer. The G allele and GG genotype were not associated with the susceptibility of risk of squamous cell carcinomas, adenocarcinomas, small cell carcinoma, non-small cell carcinoma or large cell carcinoma. However, in the sub-group analysis, there was an association between G allele/GG genotype with the risk of squamous cell carcinomas in East-Asians and GG genotype was associated with the risk of small cell carcinoma in Caucasians. In conclusion, GSTP1 A/G gene polymorphism is not associated with the susceptibility of squamous cell carcinomas, adenocarcinomas, small cell carcinoma, non-small cell carcinoma or large cell carcinoma.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between angiotensin II type 1 receptor A1166C gene polymorphism and myocardial infarction susceptibility

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Many reported studies have been conducted to investigate the association of angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) A1166C gene polymorphism with myocardial infarction (MI) susceptibility. However, the results from those reports are still conflicting. This meta-analysis was performed to study the relationship between AT1R A1166C gene polymorphism and MI risk.

METHOD

The databases of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched as of 1 March 2012, and eligible investigations were recruited into this meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Eighteen investigations were identified for the analysis of association between AT1R A1166C gene polymorphism and MI risk, 11 in Caucasians, three in Asians, two in Africans, one in the population of Brazil and one in the population of Durban, South Africa . There was a marked association between AT1R C allele and MI susceptibility for overall populations (odds ratio (OR)=1.12, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-1.25, p=0.03), and AT1R AA genotype was associated with a lower risk of MI in overall populations (OR=0.87, 95% CI: 0.78-0.98, p=0.02). However, AT1R A1166C gene polymorphism was not associated with MI risk in the sub-groups of Caucasians, Asians, Africans, Brazil and Durban populations.

CONCLUSIONS

C allele is a risk factor for the MI susceptibility in overall populations, and AA genotype might be a protective factor against the MI risk in overall populations. However, more case-control association investigations on larger, stratified populations are required in the future.

Meta-analysis of the relationship between ACE I/D gene polymorphism and end-stage renal disease in patients with diabetic nephropathy

AIMS

  Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the major cause for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and the pathogenesis for DN developing into ESRD is not clear at present. Results from published studies on the relationship between angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) insertion/deletion (I/D) gene polymorphism and ESRD risk in DN patients are still conflicting. This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the association between ACE I/D gene polymorphism and ESRD risk in DN patients.

METHODS

  Association studies were identified from the databases of PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library on 1 October 2011, and eligible investigations were identified and synthesized using the meta-analysis method. Results were expressed using odds ratios (OR) for dichotomous data and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were also calculated.

RESULTS

  Twelve studies reporting the relation between ACE I/D gene polymorphism and ESRD risk in DN patients were identified. In overall populations, there was a notable association between D allele or DD genotype and ESRD susceptibility (D: OR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.11-1.56, P = 0.002; DD: OR = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.25-2.21, P = 0.0004). In the sub-group analysis according to ethnicity, D allele or DD genotype was associated with ESRD risk in Asians. In Caucasians, the association of DD genotype with ESRD risk was observed, but the D allele was not. Furthermore, ACE I/D gene polymorphism was associated with ESRD risk in patients with DN due to diabetes mellitus type 2, but the association was not found for patients with DN due to diabetes mellitus type-1.

CONCLUSIONS

  Our results indicate that D allele or DD homozygous is associated with the ESRD susceptibility in DN patients. However, more investigations are required to further this association.

Association of glutathione S-transferase P1 gene polymorphism with the susceptibility of lung cancer

The conclusions of the published reports on the relationship between glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) gene polymorphism and the risk of lung cancer are still debated. GSTP1 is one of the important mutant sites reported at present. This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the association between GSTP1 and the risk of lung cancer. The association investigations were identified from PubMed and Cochrane Library, and eligible studies were included and synthesized using meta-analysis method. Forty-four reports were included into this meta-analysis for the association of GSTP1 A/G gene polymorphism and lung cancer susceptibility, consisting of 12,363 patients with lung cancer and 13,948 controls. The association between GSTPI G allele and lung cancer risk was found in this meta-analysis (OR 1.08, 95 % CI 1.02-1.15, P = 0.01). However, the GG genotype and AA genotype were not associated with the susceptibility of lung cancer. Furthermore, there was no association between GSTP1 A/G gene polymorphism and the risk of lung cancer in Caucasians, and East-Asians. In conclusion, GSTP1 G allele is associated with the lung cancer susceptibility. However, more studies on the relationship between GSTP1 A/G gene polymorphism and the risk of lung cancer should be performed in the future.

Association of angiotensinogen M235T gene polymorphism with end-stage renal disease risk: a meta-analysis

Association between angiotensinogen (AGT) M235T gene polymorphism and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) risk is still controversial. This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the association of AGT M235T gene polymorphism with ESRD susceptibility. A predefined literature search and selection of eligible relevant studies were performed to collect data from electronic databases of PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library. Sixteen literatures were identified for the analysis of association of AGT M235T gene polymorphism with ESRD risk. T allele and TT genotype were associated with ESRD susceptibility in Caucasians (T: OR = 1.13, 95 % CI: 1.02-1.25, P = 0.02; TT: OR = 1.22, 95 % CI: 1.03-1.45, P = 0.02). However, MM genotype might not play a protective role against ESRD risk in Caucasians. Furthermore, there was no a markedly positive association between AGT M235T gene polymorphism and ESRD susceptibility in overall populations, Asians and Africans. In conclusion, T allele or TT homozygote is associated with the onset of ESRD in Caucasians. However, more studies should be performed in the future.

Association of vitamin D receptor BsmI gene polymorphism with risk of osteoporosis: a meta-analysis of 41 studies

Vitamin D receptor (VDR) BsmI gene polymorphism has been reported to be strongly associated with osteoporosis risk in some studies. However, the results from those studies are still conflicting. We performed a meta-analysis of studies relating the VDR BsmI gene polymorphism to the risk of osteoporosis. The search was performed in the databases of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and CBM-disc (China Biological Medicine Database) as of October 1, 2011, and the eligible investigations were recruited for this meta-analysis. Forty-one investigations were identified for the meta-analysis of association between VDR BsmI gene polymorphism and osteoporosis risk. There lacked an association between VDR BsmI gene polymorphism and osteoporosis risk for overall populations, Caucasians and Asians (overall populations: B vs b: p = 0.65, BB vs (Bb + bb): p = 0.14, bb vs (BB + Bb): p = 0.86; Caucasians: B vs b: p = 0.65, BB vs (Bb + bb): p = 0.38, bb vs (BB + Bb): p = 0.83; Asians: B vs b: p = 0.87, BB vs (Bb + bb): p = 0.62, bb vs (BB + Bb): p = 0.66). In conclusion, VDR BsmI B/b gene polymorphism is not associated with the susceptibility of osteoporosis in overall populations, Caucasians, and Asians.

A meta-analysis of the relationship between glutathione S-transferases gene polymorphism and hepatocellular carcinoma in Asian population

The results from the published studies on the association between glutathione S-transferases (GST) gene polymorphism and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Asian population are still conflicting. GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1 are the mainly mutant sites reported at present. This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between GST gene polymorphism and HCC risk in Asians. Association studies were identified from the databases of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and CBM-disc (China Biological Medicine Database) on February 1, 2012, and eligible investigations were synthesized using meta-analysis method. Results were expressed with odds ratios (OR) for dichotomous data, and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) were also calculated. Twenty-five investigations were identified for the analysis of association between polymorphic deletion of GSTM1 and HCC, consisting of 3,547 patients with HCC and 6,132 controls. There was a marked association between GSTM1 null genotype and HCC susceptibility (OR 1.48, 95 % CI 1.19-1.85, P = 0.0004). GSTM1 null genotype was associated with HCC risk in Chinese. Furthermore, null genotype of GSTT1 was associated with HCC susceptibility in Asians. For the GSTM1-GSTT1 interaction analysis, the dual null genotype of GSTM1/GSTT1 was significantly associated with HCC susceptibility in Asian population. However, GSTP1 ile105 val gene polymorphism was not associated with HCC risk in Asian population. In conclusion, GSTM1/GSTT1 null genotype is associated with the HCC susceptibility. However, GSTP1 gene polymorphism is not associated with HCC risk.

GLCCI1 single nucleotide polymorphisms in pediatric nephrotic syndrome

BACKGROUND

Empiric steroid therapy is the first-line therapy for pediatric nephrotic syndrome, but treatment response is variable. There are few predictors of steroid-responsiveness, although evidence for genetic factors does exist. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been recently identified in the promoter region of glucocorticoid-induced transcript 1 gene (GLCCI1) which affect steroid-responsiveness in asthmatic patients. Independently, GLCCI1 was identified as a podocyte protein, the loss of which disrupts the function of the glomerular filtration barrier. We therefore examined whether SNPs associated with the steroid-responsive expression of GLCCI1 might predict steroid-responsiveness in nephrotic syndrome.

CASE-DIAGNOSIS/TREATMENT

A cohort of 211 pediatric patients with nephrotic syndrome and 102 controls were genotyped; among the cases, 117 were initial steroid responders, while 94 did not respond to oral steroids. No statistically significant differences were noted among the groups, although there was a trend based on the comparison of the small subgroups of steroid-responsive and non-responsive patients with biopsy-proven minimal change disease.

CONCLUSIONS

While larger cohorts are needed to ascertain the possibility of a small effect of GLCCI1 SNPs on the steroid-responsiveness of nephrotic syndrome, the GLCCI1 SNPs associated with steroid-responsiveness in asthmatic patients are unlikely to have a clinically actionable impact in pediatric nephrotic syndrome.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene insertion/deletion polymorphism and ACE inhibitor-related cough: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

An insertion/deletion (I/D) variant in the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene was associated with ACE inhibitor (ACEI)-related cough in previous studies. However, the results were inconsistent. Our objective was to assess the relationship between the ACE I/D polymorphism and ACEI-related cough by meta-analysis and to summarize all studies that are related to ACE I/D polymorphism and ACEI-cough and make a summary conclusion to provide reference for the researchers who attempt to conduct such a study.

METHODS

Databases including PubMed, EMbase, Cochrane Library, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure, were searched for genetic association studies. Data were extracted by two independent authors and pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated. Metaregression and subgroup analyses were performed to identify the source of heterogeneity.

RESULTS

Eleven trials, including 906 cases (ACEI-related cough) and 1,175 controls, were reviewed in the present meta-analysis. The random effects pooled OR was 1.16 (95%CI: 0.78-1.74, p=0.46) in the dominant model and 1.61 (95%CI: 1.18-2.20, p=0.003) in the recessive model. Heterogeneity was found among and within studies. Metaregression indicated that the effect size was positively associated with age and negatively associated with follow-up duration of ACEI treatment. Subgroup analysis revealed a significant association between ACE I/D polymorphism and ACEI-related cough in studies with mean age >60 y, but not in studies with mean age ≤ 60 y. No heterogeneity was found within each mean age subgroup. We also found no association between ACE I/D polymorphism and ACEI-related cough in studies with follow-up>2 mo or in studies in Caucasians. No heterogeneity was detected in these two subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS

Synthesis of the available evidence supports ACE I/D polymorphism as an age-dependent predictor for risk of ACEI-related cough.

Relationship between angiotensin-converting enzyme insertion/deletion gene polymorphism and systemic lupus erythematosus/lupus nephritis: a systematic review and metaanalysis

OBJECTIVE

Results from studies of the association between angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) insertion/deletion (I/D) gene polymorphism and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)/lupus nephritis (LN) are controversial. We performed this metaanalysis to evaluate the relationship between ACE I/D gene polymorphism and SLE/LN and to explore whether the ACE D allele or DD genotype could become a predictive marker for risk of SLE/LN.

METHODS

Association studies were identified from the databases of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and CBM-disc (China Biological Medicine Database) as of May 1, 2011, and eligible investigations were synthesized using a metaanalysis method. Results were expressed with OR for dichotomous data, and 95% CI were calculated.

RESULTS

Sixteen investigations were identified for the analysis of association between ACE I/D gene polymorphism and SLE, consisting of 1959 patients with SLE and 2078 controls. In the overall populations, there was a marked association between D allele or DD genotype and SLE susceptibility (D: OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.04-1.58, p = 0.02; DD: OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.17-2.19, p = 0.003), and DD homozygous was associated with LN risk (OR 2.78, 95% CI 1.26-6.11, p = 0.01). In the subgroup analysis, DD genotype associated with SLE risk was observed in Asians; no other association was found in Asians, whites, Africans, and Brazilians.

CONCLUSION

D allele and DD homozygous are significant genetic molecular markers to predict SLE susceptibility, and DD genotype is a valuable marker to predict the LN risk. More investigations are required to clarify the association of the D allele or DD homozygous with SLE/LN susceptibility.

A meta-analysis of the association between angiotensin-converting enzyme insertion/deletion gene polymorphism and steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome in children

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) insertion/deletion (I/D) gene polymorphism correlates with circulating and cellular ACE concentration. Association between ACE I/D gene polymorphism and steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) risk in children is still controversial. This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the relation between ACE I/D gene polymorphism and SSNS susceptibility in children.

METHODS

The relevant investigations were screened from the search engines of PubMed, Cochrane Library and CBM-disc (China Biological Medicine Database) as of 1 March 2011, and eligible studies were synthesized using meta-analysis methods.

RESULTS

Ten studies were identified for the analysis of association between ACE I/D gene polymorphism and SSNS risk in children, including seven in Asians, one for Caucasians and two in Africans. There was no markedly positive association between D allele or DD genotype and SSNS susceptibility in Asians, Caucasians and Africans (D: Asians OR = 1.24, p = 0.28; Caucasians OR = 1.61, p = 0.15; Africans OR = 1.61, p = 0.53; DD: Asians OR = 1.72, p = 0.15; Caucasians OR = 1.39, p = 0.48; Africans OR = 1.80, p = 0.56). Furthermore, II homozygous seemed not to play a protective role against SSNS onset for Asians, Caucasians and Africans (Asians OR = 0.95, p = 0.85; Caucasians OR = 0.30, p = 0.11; Africans OR = 0.60, p = 0.65).

CONCLUSIONS

There was no association between ACE I/D gene polymorphism and SSNS susceptibility in Asians, Caucasians and Africans. However, the conclusions for Caucasians and Africans were less powerful.