Tumor necrosis factor-alpha g308α gene polymorphism and essential hypertension: a meta-analysis involving 2244 participants

Immune and inflammatory mechanisms in hypertension

Hypertension is a global health problem, with >1.3 billion individuals with high blood pressure worldwide. In this Review, we present an inflammatory paradigm for hypertension, emphasizing the crucial roles of immune cells, cytokines and chemokines in disease initiation and progression. T cells, monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, B cells and natural killer cells are all implicated in hypertension. Neoantigens, the NLRP3 inflammasome and increased sympathetic outflow, as well as cytokines (including IL-6, IL-7, IL-15, IL-18 and IL-21) and a high-salt environment, can contribute to immune activation in hypertension. The activated immune cells migrate to target organs such as arteries (especially the perivascular fat and adventitia), kidneys, the heart and the brain, where they release effector cytokines that elevate blood pressure and cause vascular remodelling, renal damage, cardiac hypertrophy, cognitive impairment and dementia. IL-17 secreted by CD4+ T helper 17 cells and γδ T cells, and interferon-γ and tumour necrosis factor secreted by immunosenescent CD8+ T cells, exert crucial effector roles in hypertension, whereas IL-10 and regulatory T cells are protective. Effector mediators impair nitric oxide bioavailability, leading to endothelial dysfunction and increased vascular contractility. Inflammatory effector mediators also alter renal sodium and water balance and promote renal fibrosis. These mechanisms link hypertension with obesity, autoimmunity, periodontitis and COVID-19. A comprehensive understanding of the immune and inflammatory mechanisms of hypertension is crucial for safely and effectively translating the findings to clinical practice.

Uterine leiomyomata and keloids fibrosis origins: a mini-review of fibroproliferative diseases

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.

Summary of Known Genetic and Epigenetic Modification Contributed to Hypertension

Hypertension is a multifactorial disease due to a complex interaction among genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. Characterized by raised blood pressure (BP), it is responsible for more than 7 million deaths per annum by acting as a leading preventable risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Reports suggest that genetic factors are estimated to be involved in approximately 30 to 50% of BP variation, and epigenetic marks are known to contribute to the initiation of the disease by influencing gene expression. Consequently, elucidating the genetic and epigenetic mediators associated with hypertension is essential for better discernment of its pathophysiology. By deciphering the unprecedented molecular hypertension basis, it could help to unravel an individual's inclination towards hypertension which eventually could result in an arrangement of potential strategies for prevention and therapy. In the present review, we discuss known genetic and epigenetic drivers that contributed to the hypertension development and summarize the novel variants that have currently been identified. The effect of these molecular alterations on endothelial function was also presented.

Association of TNF-α-308 G>A (rs1800629) polymorphism with susceptibility of metabolic syndrome

Background

Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) mainly comprises hyperglycemia, hypertension and dyslipidemia, and has been proven to increase the risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease. Studies have suggested that many factors may be involved in the pathogenesis of MetS, but tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF- α) may play a strong role as its gene polymorphism was associated with insulin resistance and obesity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible association of TNF-α-308 G > A (rs1800629) polymorphism with susceptibility of metabolic syndrome.

Methods

a case-control study was conducted upon 128 participants recruited from Suez Canal University Hospital (Ismailia, Egypt), divided into the MetS group (n = 64) and the control group (n = 64). Genotyping of the TNF-α-308 G > A (rs1800629) polymorphism was performed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP).

Results

The A allele was significantly higher among MetS patients (40%) than controls (11%) (p < 0.0001). A significant association was observed between the healthy and MetS groups under the influence of co-dominant, dominant and over-dominant genetic models (p < 0.05). Also, there were positive correlations between TNF-α-308 (G/A) polymorphism and risk factors of metabolic syndrome like body mass index (BMI); fasting blood sugar; cholesterol and low density lipoprotein (LDL) (p < 0.05). Regression analysis was done for predictors of MetS and the A allele was found to be a strong predictor (OR 2.752; 95% CI = 1.106 to 6.847; p = 0.03), as well as, BMI; triglyceride (TG); high density lipoprotein (HDL); LDL and cholesterol (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

TNF-α-308 G > A (rs1800629) polymorphism may be play an important role in the development of metabolic syndrome and A allele is a strong predictor in Egyptians.

The Roles of Genetic and Early-Life Environmental Factors in the Association Between Overweight or Obesity and Hypertension: A Population-Based Twin Study

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

We aimed to explore whether and to what extent overweight or obesity could increase the risk of hypertension, and further to estimate the roles of genetic and early-life familial environmental factors in their association.

METHODS

This prospective twin study was based on the Chinese National Twin Registry (CNTR), which collected information from self-report questionnaires. We conducted unmatched case-control analysis to examine the association between overweight or obesity and hypertension. And further to explore whether genetics and familiar environments shared within a twin pair, accounted for their association via co-twin matched case-control design. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) models and conditional logistic regressions were used in the unmatched and matched analyses, respectively. Then, we used logistic regressions to test the difference in odds ratios (ORs) between the unmatched and matched analyses. Finally, through bivariate twin model, the roles of genetic and environmental factors in the body mass index (BMI)- hypertension association were estimated.

RESULTS

Overall, we included a total of 30,617 twin individuals, of which 7533 (24.6%) twin participants were overweight or obesity and 757 (2.5%) developed hypertension during a median follow-up time of 4.4 years. In the GEE model, overweight or obesity was associated with a 94% increased risk of hypertension (OR=1.94, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.64~2.30). In the conditional logistic regression, the multi-adjusted OR was 1.80 (95% CI: 1.18~2.74). The difference in OR between unmatched and matched analyses was significant (P=0.016). Specifically, overweight or obesity was not associated with hypertension risk in the co-twin design when we full controlled genetic and familiar environmental factors (OR=0.89, 95 CI: 0.46~1.72). After controlling for age and sex, we found the positive BMI-hypertension association was mainly explained by a genetic correlation between them (r_A= 0.59, 95% CI: 0.44~1.00).

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Genetics and early-life environments shared by participants within a twin pair appear to account for the association between overweight or obesity and hypertension risk.

Polimorfismo de genes de citocinas: ¿factores de riesgo cardiovascular en la población venezolana?

Objective

To examine whether the polymorphisms of the IL6, TNFA and IL10 genes represent a risk marker for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and to analyze their correlation with risk factors, age of occurrence and type of AMI.

Method

Association study that included 310 unrelated Venezuelan individuals, grouped in 190 patients with AMI and 120 controls with or without cardiovascular risk factors. The IL6-174 G/C (rs1800795), TNFA -308 G/A (rs1800629), and IL10-1082 A/G (rs1800896), -819 C/T (rs1800871) and -592 C/A (rs1800872) polymorphisms were determined using the polymerase chain reaction technique with sequence-specific primers.

Results

Comparison of genotypic and allelic frequencies, using adjusted logistic regression analysis for risk factors, showed a significantly increased frequency of the genotype combination G/G-A/A of TNFA-308 G/A (odds ratio [OR]: 3.8; p = 0.00007), GG/-C/C of IL6-174 G/C (OR: 2.3; p = 0.009), A/G-G/G of IL10-1082 A/G (OR: 3.8; p = 0.00001) and the GCC haplotype of IL10 (OR: 3.71; p = 0.0053) in infarcted patients compared to controls. Interactions between the IL10-1082 A/G and TNFA-308 G/A polymorphisms and hypertension were observed.

Conclusions

The association of the variants of the TNFA, IL6 and IL10 genes with AMI suggest that the imbalance in the production of cytokines promotes an exacerbated inflammatory process, supporting the fundamental role of inflammation in all stages of the atherosclerotic process.

TNFA -308G>A and -238G>A polymorphisms and risk to systemic sclerosis: impact on TNF-α serum levels, TNFA mRNA expression, and autoantibodies

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune disease with high mortality, characterized by chronic inflammation and fibrosis, which are processes associated with higher serum tumor necrosis factor-α (sTNF-α) levels. TNFA -308G>A and -238G>A polymorphisms have been associated with higher sTNF-α levels. In this study, we genotyped the TNFA -308G>A and -238G>A polymorphisms in 53 SSc patients and 115 unrelated control subjects (CS) from southern Mexico. The TNFA mRNA expression and sTNF-α levels were also quantified by qPCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, respectively. TNFA -308GA genotype was associated with disease susceptibility according to a codominant genetic model (OR = 3.2, 95% CI 1.05-9.75, p = 0.03), and with higher anti-fibrillarin antibodies (p = 0.01), and higher skin thickening (p = 0.006). TNFA -238GA was not associated with SSc risk. TNFA mRNA expression and sTNF-α levels were similar between SSc patients and CS and were not statistically associated with the TNFA polymorphisms; however, a correlation (rho = 0.362, p = 0.009) between sTNF-α levels with anti-RNA polymerase III antibodies was observed in the SSc patients. In conclusion, the -308G>A polymorphism is a genetic marker of SSc susceptibility in population from southern Mexico, and it is associated with skin thickening and anti-fibrillarin antibodies. In addition, sTNF-α levels correlate positively with the anti-RNA pol III antibodies levels.

Association between TNF-a promoter -308G/A polymorphism and essential hypertension in the Asian population: A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The results of studies on the association between tumor necrosis factor-a -308G/A (TNF-a -308G/A) polymorphism, and susceptibility to essential hypertension are controversial. To derive a more precise estimation, we conducted a meta-analysis of all similar articles.

METHODS

The summary effect odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were obtained. Funnel plots and Egger's test were used to estimate publication bias, and heterogeneity was assessed by the chi-square-based Q-test and I² test.

RESULTS

Nine studies (with 1437 cases and 1487 controls) were included. In the overall analysis, the combined results showed that there were significant differences in genotype distribution between essential hypertension cases and controls, AA+GA versus GG (OR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.25-1.88, p < 0.00001). In the stratified analysis by country, we found that essential hypertension cases had a significantly higher frequency of AA+GA versus GG (OR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.18-1.81, p = 0.0004) than control in the Asian population.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis supports previous findings that TNF-a -308G/A polymorphism may increase the risk of essential hypertension, at least in the Asian population.

ADRB3 Gene Trp64Arg Polymorphism and Essential Hypertension: A Meta-Analysis Including 9,555 Subjects

Background: Presence of the β3-Adrenergic receptor (ADRB3) gene Trp64Arg (T64A) polymorphism may be associated with an increased susceptibility for essential hypertension (EH). A clear consensus, however, has yet to be reached.

Objective and methods: To further elucidate the relationship between the ADRB3 gene Trp64Arg polymorphism and EH, a meta-analysis of 9,555 subjects aggregated from 16 individual studies was performed. The combined odds ratios (ORs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were evaluated using either a random or fixed effect model.

Results: We found a marginally significant association between ADRB3 gene Trp64Arg polymorphism and EH in the whole population under the additive genetic model (OR: 1.200, 95% CI: 1.00–1.43, P = 0.049). Association within the Chinese subgroup, however, was significant under allelic (OR: 1.150, 95% CI: 1.002–1.320, P = 0.046), dominant (OR: 1.213, 95% CI: 1.005–1.464, P = 0.044), heterozygous (OR: 1.430, 95% CI:1.040–1.970, P = 0.03), and additive genetic models (OR: 1.280, 95% CI: 1.030–1.580, P = 0.02). A significant association was also found in the Caucasian subgroup under allelic (OR: 1.850, 95% CI: 1. 260–2.720, P = 0.002), dominant (OR: 2.004, 95% CI: 1.316–3.052, P = 0.001), heterozygous (OR: 2.220, 95% CI: 1.450–3.400, P = 0.0002), and additive genetic models (OR: 2.000, 95% CI: 1. 330–3.010, P = 0.0009).

Conclusions: The presence of the ADRB3 gene Trp64Arg polymorphism is positively associated with EH, especially in the Chinese and Caucasian population. The Arg allele carriers of ADRB3 gene Trp64Arg polymorphism may be at an increased risk for developing EH.

Novel Immune Mechanisms in Hypertension and Cardiovascular Risk

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Hypertension is a common disorder with substantial impact on public health due to highly elevated cardiovascular risk. The mechanisms still remain unclear and treatments are not sufficient to reduce risk in majority of patients. Inflammatory mechanisms may provide an important mechanism linking hypertension and cardiovascular risk. We aim to review newly identified immune and inflammatory mechanisms of hypertension with focus on their potential therapeutic impact.

RECENT FINDINGS

In addition to the established role of the vasculature, kidneys and central nervous system in pathogenesis of hypertension, low-grade inflammation contributes to this disorder as indicated by experimental models and GWAS studies pointing to SH2B3 immune gene as top key driver of hypertension. Immune responses in hypertension are greatly driven by neoantigens generated by oxidative stress and modulated by chemokines such as RANTES, IP-10 and microRNAs including miR-21 and miR-155 with other molecules under investigation. Cells of both innate and adoptive immune system infiltrate vasculature and kidneys, affecting their function by releasing pro-inflammatory mediators and reactive oxygen species.

SUMMARY

Immune and inflammatory mechanisms of hypertension provide a link between high blood pressure and increased cardiovascular risk, and reduction of blood pressure without attention to these underlying mechanisms is not sufficient to reduce risk.

Association of tumor necrosis factor-α -308 G/A gene polymorphism with coronary artery diseases: An evidence-based study

BACKGROUND

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death worldwide and remains a major health problem, providing the rationale for identification of molecular markers for detection of individuals at high risk of developing CAD. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of CAD. We have therefore explored the association of TNF-α 308 (G/A) gene polymorphism in 903 individuals with/without CAD.

METHODS

TNF-α 308 gene polymorphism was analyzed in 903 subjects of whom 222 were healthy controls. Among the 681 patients who were investigated angiographically, 468 had ≧50% stenosis and 213 patients had <50% stenosis. Biochemical profiles (eg, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, and CRP) were evaluated. Associations between TNF-α genotypes with biochemical and anthropometric characteristics were determined.

RESULTS

The frequencies of TNF-α-AA or AG genotypes were significantly lower in patients classified as CAD patients with ≥ or <50% obstruction in at least one coronary artery, compared to the control group. We observed that CAD patients with ≥50% stenosis and with AA genotype were associated with higher risk of CAD with OR of 3.56 (95%CI: 1.02-12.41; P=.046) using multivariate analysis. Moreover, we found that TNF-α-308-AA genotype was associated with blood pressure and CRP level in CAD patients, compared to the wild type-genotype.

CONCLUSION

Our data showed an association of TNF-α-308G/A polymorphism with CAD patients with ≥50% obstruction, supporting the need for further investigations on the role of TNF-α-308G/A polymorphism with hypertension.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha G-238A polymorphism and coronary artery disease risk: a meta-analysis of 4,222 patients and 4,832 controls

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) gene G-238A polymorphism and risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) using a meta-analytical approach.

METHODS

The PubMed and Embase databases were searched for relevant publications up to January 13, 2015. Four authors (XPH, XDZ, XTZ, and ZJZ) independently selected the studies, extracted, and analyzed the data using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software. The sensitivity and subgroups analyses were also performed. Either a fixed effects or a random effects model was used to estimate pooled odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Finally, ten articles including eleven case-control studies involving 4,222 patients and 4,832 controls were yielded. The results indicated no significant association between G-238A polymorphism and CAD risk (A vs G: OR =1.08, 95% CI =0.89-1.30; AA vs GG: OR =1.15, 95% CI =0.59-2.25; GA vs GG: OR =1.14, 95% CI =0.88-1.48; AA vs [GG + GA]: OR =1.09, 95% CI =0.56-2.14; (GA + AA) vs GG: OR =1.11, 95% CI =0.90-1.38). In the subgroup analyses, similar results were obtained with overall populations. The sensitivity analyses showed that the overall results were robust. No publication bias was detected.

CONCLUSION

Based on current evidence, we can conclude that TNF-α G-238A polymorphism might not be associated with CAD risk.

Glutathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1) and T1 (GSTT1) null polymorphisms and the risk of hypertension: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Some studies have recently focused on the association between glutathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1) and glutathione S-transferase T1 (GSTT1) null polymorphisms and hypertension; however, results have been inconsistent.

OBJECTIVE

In order to drive a more precise estimation, the present systematic review and meta-analysis is performed to investigate the relationship between the GSTM1 and GSTT1 null polymorphisms and hypertension.

METHODS

Eligible articles were identified by a search of several bibliographic databases for the period up to August 17, 2013. Odds ratios were pooled using either fixed-effects or random-effects models.

RESULTS

Regarding the GSTM1 null/present genotype, 14 case-control studies were eligible (2773 hypertension cases and 3189 controls). The meta-analysis revealed that it might present a small increased risk for hypertension, although the effect was not statistically significant (odd ratio (OR) = 1.16, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.96, 1.40; P = 0.002, I2 = 59.8%). Further subgroup analysis by ethnicity and control source suggested that the association was still not significant. Thirteen case-control studies were eligible for GSTT1 (2497 hypertension cases and 3078 controls). No statistically significant association was observed between the GSTT1 null genotype and hypertension risk (OR = 1.14, 95% CI: 0.85, 1.53; P = 0.000, I2 = 80.3%). Furthermore, stratification by ethnicity and control source indicated no association between the GSTT1 null genotype and hypertension risk. We further confirmed the association by sensitivity analysis. No publication bias was detected.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis suggests that the GSTM1 and GSTT1 null polymorphisms are not associated with the risk of hypertension. Future large well-designed epidemiological studies with individual information, lifestyle factors, and environmental factors are warranted to validate the present findings.

TNF-alpha-308G>A polymorphism and the risk of familial CAD in a Pakistani population

A case-control and trio-families study was performed to establish a potential association between TNF-alpha gene promoter SNPs at -308 and -238, and occurrence of CAD in a Pakistani population. In the first phase, 150 patients and 150 controls were enrolled in the case-control association study. In the second phase, heritability of susceptible alleles was investigated from 88 trio-families with CAD affected offspring. Biochemical analysis of lipids and hs-CRP was carried out spectrophotometrically, while serum TNF-alpha concentrations were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Genotyping of the TNF-alpha SNPs were determined by PCR-RFLP method. Elevated serum TNF-alpha and hs-CRP were observed from CAD vs. controls (P<0.0001; for both). The evaluation of TNF-alpha-308G>A polymorphism in case-control study revealed that the said SNP was significantly associated with the increased risk of CAD. The findings demonstrated a significant link between the TNF-alpha variant allele A at -308 and CAD (P=0.0035), whereas the -238 SNP was not associated with the disease. Haplotype A-G of the TNF-alpha gene at -308G>A and -238G>A showed higher frequency in the patient group compared with controls (P<0.05). Moreover, data showed preferential transmission of the disease susceptible allele A at TNF-alpha-308 from parent to affected offspring in a trio-family study (P<0.0001). The current research leads to conclusion that the TNF-alpha-308G>A polymorphism is associated with CAD in the study population. Furthermore, for the first time, we showed that the TNF-alpha-308A allele was significantly associated with the familial CAD in our high risk population.

Association of polymorphisms in stress-related TNFα and NPY genes with the metabolic syndrome in Han and Hui ethnic groups

BACKGROUND

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a cluster of complicated disorders caused by the interactive influencing factors of heredity and environment, which predisposes to many cnacers. RESULTS from epidemic research indicate that stress is tightly related to the pathogenesis of MS and neoplasia. This paper aims to investigate the association between psychological stress and MS with respect to the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) genes in the Han and Hui ethnic groups.

METHODS

All subjects for this case-control study matched strict enrollment criteria (nationality, gender and age) and lived in the city of Wu Zhong of Ningxia Province in China. The enrolled group contained 102 matched pairs of Hui ethnic individuals and 98 matched pairs of Han ethnic individuals. Enrolled subjects completed the general Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90). The TNFα-308G/A variant and NPYrs16147 polymorphism were detected in case (81 males, 119 females) and control (81 males, 119 females) groups by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification.

RESULTS

Nine factors of the SCL-90 were found to be statistically different (p<0.05) between case and control groups. The homozygous mutant genotype (AA) and the mutant allele (A) of the TNFα-308G/A gene were less frequently observed in the control population compared to the case group. The odds ratio (95% confidence interval) in "Allele" for MS was 2.28 (1.47-3.53), p=0.0001, while "OR" was 1.11 (0.83-1.47), p=0.15, for the NPYrs16147 gene polymorphism.

CONCLUSIONS

Psychological stress has been positively associated with MS. A previous study from our group suggested there were differences in the level of psychological stress between Hui and Han ethnic groups. Furthermore, we found that the stress-related TNFα gene was associated with MS for both Han and Hui ethnic groups. In contrast, NPY may be a possible contributor to MS and associated cancer for the Han ethnic group.

IL-24 gene polymorphisms are associated with cardiometabolic parameters and cardiovascular risk factors but not with premature coronary artery disease: the genetics of atherosclerotic disease Mexican study

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a multifactorial and polygenic disorder that results from an excessive inflammatory response. We analyzed whether interleukin-24 (IL-24) gene polymorphisms are associated with premature CAD in a case-control association study. Four polymorphisms (rs1150253, rs1150256, rs1150258, and rs3762344) of the IL-24 gene were analyzed by 5' exonuclease TaqMan genotyping assays in a group of 952 patients with premature CAD, 284 individuals with subclinical atherosclerosis (SA), and 912 controls. The studied polymorphisms were not associated with the risk of premature CAD or SA (P>0.05). Under dominant models adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, and medication, the polymorphisms were associated with cardiometabolic parameters and cardiovascular risk factors. Three polymorphisms (rs1150253, rs1150256, and rs3762344) were associated with hypertension and increased levels of systolic blood pressure in controls. In SA, 2 polymorphisms (rs1150256 and rs3762344) were associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), and alkaline phosphatase, whereas rs1150253 was associated with GGT and type 2 diabetes mellitus and rs1150258 with GGT and alkaline phosphatase. In premature CAD, the 4 polymorphisms were associated with total cholesterol >200 mg/dL, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and GGT, whereas rs1150256 was associated also with ApoA. On the other hand, rs1150258 was associated with ApoA, LDL-C >100 mg/dL, and apoB/apoA ratio, and rs3762344 with ApoA, apoB/apoA ratio, LDL-C >100 mg/dL, and total cholesterol. On the basis of single-nucleotide polymorphism functional prediction software, rs1150253 and rs1150258 polymorphisms seem to be functional. The 4 studied polymorphisms were in linkage disequilibrium and had a similar haplotype distribution in patients and controls. Our study demonstrates the association of IL-24 polymorphisms with metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors in individuals with premature CAD, SA, and controls.

Serum Levels of the Adipokine Zinc- α 2-glycoprotein Are Decreased in Patients with Hypertension

Objective. Zinc-α2-glycoprotein (ZAG) has recently been proposed as a new adipokine involved in body weight regulation. The purpose of this study is to investigate serum levels of ZAG in patients with hypertension and its association with related characteristics. Methods. 32 hypertension patients and 42 normal controls were recruited and the relationship between serum ZAG, total and high molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and metabolic-related parameters was investigated. Results. Serum ZAG concentrations were significantly lowered in patients with hypertension compared with healthy controls (61.4 ± 32 versus 78.3 ± 42 μg/mL, P < 0.05). The further statistical analysis demonstrated that serum ZAG levels were negatively correlated with waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) (r = −0.241, P < 0.05) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (r = −0.243, P < 0.05). Additionally, serum HMW adiponectin significantly decreased, while TNFα greatly increased in hypertension patients as compared with healthy controls (2.32 ± 0.41 versus 5.24 ± 1.02 μg/mL, 3.30 ± 1.56 versus 2.34 ± 0.99 pg/mL, P < 0.05). Conclusions. Serum ZAG levels are significantly lowered in hypertension patients and negatively correlated with obesity-related item WHR, suggesting ZAG is a factor associated with hypertension.

The mosaic theory revisited: common molecular mechanisms coordinating diverse organ and cellular events in hypertension

More than 60 years ago, Dr. Irvine Page proposed the Mosaic Theory of hypertension, which states that many factors, including genetics, environment, adaptive, neural, mechanical, and hormonal perturbations interdigitate to raise blood pressure. In the past two decades, it has become clear that common molecular and cellular events in various organs underlie many features of the Mosaic Theory. Two of these are the production of reactive oxygen species and inflammation. These factors increase neuronal firing in specific brain centers, increase sympathetic outflow, alter vascular tone and morphology, and promote sodium retention in the kidney. Moreover, factors such as genetics and environment contribute to oxidant generation and inflammation. Other common cellular signals, including calcium signaling and endoplasmic reticulum stress are similarly perturbed in different cells in hypertension and contribute to components of Page's theory. Thus, Page's Mosaic Theory formed a framework for future studies of molecular and cellular signals in the context of hypertension, and has greatly aided our understanding of this complex disease.

The TNF-α -308 Promoter Gene Polymorphism and Chronic HBV Infection

Background and Aims. TNF-α -308 allele promoter polymorphism has been known to be a potential prognostic factor in patients with chronic HBV infection. We tried to determine how TNF-α -308 allele promoter polymorphism would affect the prognosis in patients with chronic HBV infection. Methods. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and reference lists of relevant review articles related to the association between “TNF-α G-308A promoter polymorphism” with “chronic HBV infection”. We only focused on searching -308 locus in published studies. We reviewed 21 original articles about TNF-α -308 allele polymorphism and its effect on prognosis in patients with chronic HBV infection and discussed the results. Results. conflicting results were observed. The results were divided into 3 groups including neutral, negative, and positive associations between TNF-α -308 allele polymorphism and prognosis in patients with chronic HBV infection. We summarized the primary data as a table. Conclusions. Authors concluded that although there is an upward trend in evidence to claim that there is a positive relation between TNF-α G-308A promoter polymorphisms and resolution of chronic HBV infection, due to many biases and limitations observed in reviewed studies, an organized well-designed study is needed for clarifying the real association.