Genetic Variation in NFKB1 and NFKBIA and Susceptibility to Coronary Artery Disease in a Chinese Uygur Population

A common NFKB1 variant detected through antibody analysis in UK Biobank predicts risk of infection and allergy

Infectious agents contribute significantly to the global burden of diseases through both acute infection and their chronic sequelae. We leveraged the UK Biobank to identify genetic loci that influence humoral immune response to multiple infections. From 45 genome-wide association studies in 9,611 participants from UK Biobank, we identified NFKB1 as a locus associated with quantitative antibody responses to multiple pathogens, including those from the herpes, retro-, and polyoma-virus families. An insertion-deletion variant thought to affect NFKB1 expression (rs28362491), was mapped as the likely causal variant and could play a key role in regulation of the immune response. Using 121 infection- and inflammation-related traits in 487,297 UK Biobank participants, we show that the deletion allele was associated with an increased risk of infection from diverse pathogens but had a protective effect against allergic disease. We propose that altered expression of NFKB1, as a result of the deletion, modulates hematopoietic pathways and likely impacts cell survival, antibody production, and inflammation. Taken together, we show that disruptions to the tightly regulated immune processes may tip the balance between exacerbated immune responses and allergy, or increased risk of infection and impaired resolution of inflammation.

Elevated circulating inflammatory biomarker levels in the SIRT1-NF-κB-sCD40L pathway in patients with acute myocardial infarction: a case-control study

BACKGROUND

Inflammation plays a key role in atherosclerosis development and progression. However, the role of novel inflammatory biomarker pathways, namely the SIRT1-NF-κB-sCD40L, in the etiopathogenesis of human atherosclerosis remains undefined. This study was designed to evaluate the changes and clinical implications of these inflammatory mediators in the plasma of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

METHODS

The peripheral arterial blood of 88 participants (68 patients with AMI and 20 age-matched controls), was drawn prior to performing coronary angiography (CAG). The SIRT1, NF-κB, and sCD40L plasma levels were quantified using ELISA. Spearman's analysis was used to evaluate the correlation between the three inflammatory markers, while Pearson's test assessed their potential correlation with cardiac troponin T (TNT) levels. Sensitivity, specificity, and area under the ROC curve (AUC) were calculated as measures of diagnostic accuracy.

RESULTS

Patients with AMI showed higher levels of circulating SIRT1, NF-κB, and sCD40L compared to the age-matched controls (p < 0.05). However, the plasma concentrations of these three inflammatory mediators did not differ between the ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-STEMI (NSTEMI) patients. Additionally, in patients with AMI, the SIRT1 level was positively correlated with NF-κB and sCD40L levels (p < 0.001). Likewise, the levels of SIRT1, NF-κB and sCD40L were positively correlated with TNT levels (p < 0.001). More importantly, the ROC analysis showed that the diagnostic accuracy of AMI was significantly higher when NF-κB or sCD40L level was used in combination with TNT levels (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The levels of the circulating inflammatory biomarkers, including SIRT1, NF-κB, and sCD40L, were significantly elevated in patients with AMI. These novel biomarkers can improve the diagnostic accuracy of AMI when combined with TNT.KEY MESSAGESAMI is a potentially lethal CAD and is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Inflammation plays a key role in atherosclerosis development and progression. The levels of the circulating novel inflammatory biomarkers, including SIRT1, NF-κB, and sCD40L, were significantly elevated in patients with AMI.The SIRT1 level was positively correlated with NF-κB and sCD40L levels in patients with AMI.The levels of SIRT1, NF-κB and sCD40L were positively correlated with TNT levels.The ROC analysis showed that the diagnostic accuracy of AMI was significantly higher when NF-κB or sCD40L level was used in combination with TNT levels.SIRT1/NF-κB/sCD40L axis inhibition is a potential new target for AMI treatment.

Association of NFKB1 gene polymorphism (rs28362491) with cardiometabolic risk factor in patients undergoing coronary angiography

Introduction

Genetic and environmental factors are involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The aim of the study was to investigate between the genotype of the NFKB1 gene and the cardiometabolic risk factor in patients undergoing coronary angiography.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 462 adults (male and women) aged between 35 and 75 years who referred to Afshar Hospital for coronary angiography in 2021- 2022. The polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism method was used to detect the genotype of rs28362491. Biochemical parameters were measured using commercial kits. Gensini and Syntax scores were calculated using the angiography result to assess the extent of coronary artery stenosis. We used multivariate logistic regression analysis to examine the relationship between genotype variants and cardiometabolic risk factors.

Results

There was no association between variant genotypes and abnormally levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (P value=0.51), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (P value=0.99), triglyceride (TG) (P value=0.48), total cholesterol (P value=0.79), low density lipoprotein-cholestero (LDL-C) (P value=0.31), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) (P value=0.53), fast blood sugar (FBS) (P value=0.39), systolic blood pressure (P value=0.14), diastolic blood pressure (P value=0.64), Gensini score (P value=0.48) and syntax score (P value=0.74) in the crude model even after adjustment for confounding factors.

Conclusion

We found no association between the ATTG polymorphism and cardiometabolic risk factors in patients who had coronary angiography. Further investigations are needed to assess the association between variants of 28362491 and cardiometabolic markers.

Giant Coronary Aneurysms with Multiple Large Resistant Thromboses in an 8-Month-Old Boy with IVIg-Resistant Kawasaki Disease: A Case Report

Kawasaki disease is an acute self-limiting systemic vasculitis in childhood, resulting in arterial swelling or inflammation and eventually leading to cardiovascular problems, such as coronary artery aneurysms. Based on previous studies, serum sodium ≤133 mmol/L, albumin ≤3.2 g/dL, alanine transaminase ≥80 U/L, and neutrophil percentage ≥80% at diagnosis are risk factors for intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg). However, the prevalence of resistance to Ig among children with Kawasaki disease varies among different countries due to diversity in evaluation, treatment, and diagnosis. Approximately, 10% to 20% of patients have IVIg-resistant Kawasaki disease. As the probability of coronary artery damage associated with IVIg-resistant Kawasaki disease is higher than that with IVIg-sensitive Kawasaki disease, the early detection and appropriate treatment of IVIg-resistant Kawasaki disease can decrease the probability of damage to coronary arteries and hospital lengths of stay and cost. Kawasaki disease in early infancy is uncommon, and sometimes it occurs with thrombosis and peripheral gangrene. A positive genetic background may play a role in susceptibility to thrombosis. We herein describe a patient suffering from an IVIg-resistant Kawasaki disease with severe coronary artery thrombosis and positive genetic mutation. Medical treatment resolved the thrombosis, but the coronary arteries remained dilated.

Development and External Validation of Nomogram to Identify Risk Factors for CHD in T2DM in the Population of Northwestern China

Purpose

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study aimed to develop and validate a nomogram for predicting the risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD) in T2DM in the population of northwestern China.

Patients and Methods

The records of 2357 T2DM patients who were treated in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from July 2021 to July 2022 were reviewed. After some data (n =239) were excluded, 2118 participants were included in the study and randomly divided into a training set (n =1483) and a validation set (n = 635) at a ratio of 3:1. Univariate and stepwise regression analysis was performed to screen risk factors and develop predictive models. The results of logistic regression are presented through a nomogram. The C-index, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration plot, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were employed to verify the distinction, calibration, and clinical practicality of the model.

Results

The stepwise logistic regression analysis suggested that independent factors in patients with T2DM combined with CHD were age, gender, hypertension (HTN), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and Uygur, which were associated with the occurrence of CHD. The nomogram demonstrated good discrimination with a C-index of 0.771 (95% CI, 0.741, 0.800) in the training set and 0.785 (95% CI, 0.743, 0.828) in the validation set. The area under curve (AUC) of the ROC curves were 0.771 (95% CI, 0.741, 0.800) and 0.785 (95% CI, 0.743, 0.828) in the training and validation sets, respectively. The nomogram was well-calibrated. The DCA revealed that the nomogram was clinically valuable.

Conclusion

A nomogram based on 7 clinical characteristics was developed to predict CHD in patients with T2DM.

Association of NFKB1 gene rs28362491 mutation with the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events

BACKGROUND

Several studies have reported that NFKB1 gene rs28362491 polymorphism was associated with susceptibility to coronary heart disease in populations of different genetic backgrounds. To date, there have been no studies on the association between NFKB1 gene rs28362491 polymorphism and the occurrence of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular event (MACCE). The present study was to explore the relationship between NFKB1 gene rs28362491 polymorphism and MACCEs to investigate whether identifying NFKB1 gene polymorphism is beneficial to evaluating MACCE risks and patients' prognoses.

METHODS

We recruited 257 high-risk of cardiovascular disease patients with chest pain or precordial discomfort. The SNPscan™ were used to analyze the NFKB1 gene rs28362491 polymorphism. All patients were followed up in the clinic or by telephone interview for MACCEs.

RESULTS

During the followed-up time (mean: 30.1 months) 49 patients had MACCEs (19.1%). Patients with the different genotypes of NFKB1 rs28362491 had different incidence rate of MACCE. The incidence of MACCE in patients carried II, ID and DD genotype was 16.5%, 15.9%, 32.6%, respectively. Log-rank analysis showed that the survival rate in patients with NFKB1 rs28362491 DD genotype was much lower than that in II or ID genotype carriers (P = 0.034). After excluding the influence of traditional risk factors of MACCEs, Cox regression showed that the DD genotype carriers had 2.294-fold relative risk of MACCEs comparing with patients carried II or ID genotype.

CONCLUSION

The NFKB1 gene rs28362491 mutant was an independent predictor of worse long-term prognosis for MACCEs. Therefore, identifying NFKB1 gene rs28362491 mutant may be used as a good way for guiding the standardized management of patients with high-risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Influence of Polymorphism on the NFkB1 Gene (rs28362491) on the Susceptibility to Sarcopenia in the Elderly of the Brazilian Amazon

BACKGROUND

Sarcopenia is a disease characterized by progressive reduction in muscle mass and strength or function. Although it is known that sarcopenia may be associated with environmental factors, studies suggest the identification of genes related to skeletal muscle maintenance that explain the susceptibility to the disease.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the influence of NFkB1 gene polymorphism on susceptibility to sarcopenia in the elderly.

METHODS

This is a case-control study, which included 219 elderly people, 74 elderly people with sarcopenia, and 145 without sarcopenia. Samples were analyzed for NFkB1 gene polymorphism (rs28362491), genotyped in PCR, and followed by fragment analysis. To avoid misinterpretation due to population substructure, we applied a previously developed set of 61 informative ancestral markers that were genotyped by multiplex PCR. We used logistic regression to identify differences in genotypic frequencies between elderly people with and without sarcopenia.

RESULTS

It was observed that the NFkB1 gene polymorphism presented frequencies of 24%, 50%, and 26% for the genotype DEL/DEL, DEL/INS, and INS/INS, respectively. Furthermore, elderly individuals with the INS/INS genotype had increased chances (p = 0.010; OR:2.943; 95%CI:1.301-6.654) for the development of sarcopenia.

CONCLUSION

The INDEL polymorphism of the NFkB1 gene (rs28362491) may influence the susceptibility to sarcopenia in the elderly in elderly people in the Amazon.

Association of NFKB1, NKX2-5, GATA4 and RANKL Gene Polymorphisms with Sporadic Congenital Heart Disease in Greek Patients

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a group of structural defects of the heart and the great vessels, and one of the leading causes of death among infants and young adults. Several gene variants are involved in diverse mechanisms of cardiac and vessel development and could thus be considered candidate mutated genes for a congenital heart defect or a specific variant could predispose a person to CHD. In the present study, variants in four such genes are investigated for the first time in a group of young Greek CHD patients: the NFKB1 gene polymorphism (-94ins/ delATTG), rs28362491, NKX2-5 gene polymorphism rs2277923, GATA4 gene polymorphism rs11785481 and RANKL gene polymorphism rs4531631. A total of 43 CHD patients and 100 healthy adults were included in the study. The polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PRC-RFLP) method was used to genotype the aforementioned polymorphisms of NFKB1, NKX2-5, GATA4 and RANKL. The association analysis identified that there was a protective association between CHD and the A allele of rs2277923 polymorphism (p = 0.004). The D allele of the rs28362491 polymorphism is also a likely risk factor for causing CHD (p = 0.006). The differences of the rs4531631 and rs11785481 variant contribution had no statistical significance between the groups (p >0.05). In conclusion, our results revealed that the rs28362491 and rs2277923 gene polymorphisms, but not the rs4531631 and rs11785481 polymorphisms, may contribute to CHD risk in a cohort of Greek CHD patients.

Germline Genetic Variants of Viral Entry and Innate Immunity May Influence Susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Toward a Polygenic Risk Score for Risk Stratification

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 has affected all aspects of human society with a special focus on healthcare. Although older patients with preexisting chronic illnesses are more prone to develop severe complications, younger, healthy individuals might also exhibit serious manifestations. Previous studies directed to detect genetic susceptibility factors for earlier epidemics have provided evidence of certain protective variations. Following SARS-CoV-2 exposure, viral entry into cells followed by recognition and response by the innate immunity are key determinants of COVID-19 development. In the present review our aim was to conduct a thorough review of the literature on the role of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as key agents affecting the viral entry of SARS-CoV-2 and innate immunity. Several SNPs within the scope of our approach were found to alter susceptibility to various bacterial and viral infections. Additionally, a multitude of studies confirmed genetic associations between the analyzed genes and autoimmune diseases, underlining the versatile immune consequences of these variants. Based on confirmed associations it is highly plausible that the SNPs affecting viral entry and innate immunity might confer altered susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection and its complex clinical consequences. Anticipating several COVID-19 genomic susceptibility loci based on the ongoing genome wide association studies, our review also proposes that a well-established polygenic risk score would be able to clinically leverage the acquired knowledge.

NFKB1 promoter -94 insertion/deletion ATTG polymorphism (rs28362491) is associated with severity and disease progression of rheumatoid arthritis through interleukin-6 levels modulation in Egyptian patients

OBJECTIVE

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory autoimmune disorder, which can cause progressive and functional disability. Previous data suggests that some inflammatory cytokines are dysregulated in patients with RA. Polymorphisms in the NFKB1 gene were studied in different populations with RA. Specific studies showed that the NFKB1 promoter -94ins/delATTG (rs28362491) polymorphism appears to be correlated with alterations in the IL-6 expression and may lead to disease development. We aimed to evaluate the association between the NFKB1 -94ins/delATTG polymorphism and biochemical, and clinical markers for severity of RA in Egyptian patients.

METHODS

Study subjects included 196 RA patients from the Egyptian population. NFKB1 -94ins/delATTG polymorphism was genotyped by real-time PCR using the TaqMan assay. Concentrations of plasma IL-6 were assessed using the ELISA method.

RESULTS

The frequencies of (del/del + ins/del) genotype in cases with erosive arthritis were significantly increased as compared to cases with non-erosive arthritis (63.0% vs. 47.7%, OR = 1.86, 95% CI: 1.05-3.30, p: 0.043). Carriers of del allele had high activity and severity markers compared with those of ins/ins genotype. The del allele was significantly associated with higher IL-6 levels in a dose-dependent manner. Plasma levels of IL-6 were significantly higher in the del/del (41.4 ± 16.2 pg/ml) and ins/del (19.1 ± 12.4 pg/ml) genotype when compared with the ins/ins genotype (11.4 ± 4.21 pg/ml). In a multivariate analysis of variance, including confounding factors associated with higher IL-6 levels (RF, disease duration, and DAS28), the NFKB1 -94ins/delATTG polymorphism retained its role. Logistic regression analyses revealed that high IL-6 plasma levels independently associated with an increased risk of presenting erosive RA, while -94ins/delATTG polymorphism has no direct association with the progression of erosive arthritis.

CONCLUSION

Our data indicate that the NFKB1 -94ins/delATTG polymorphism contributes to the severity and progression of RA through IL-6 levels modulation in Egyptian patients. Key Points • Carriers of del allele had high activity and severity markers compared with those of ins/ins genotype. • In RA patients, the del allele was significantly associated with higher IL-6 levels in a dose-dependent manner. • IL-6 plasma levels are independently associated with an increased risk of presenting erosive arthritis. • The NFKB1 -94ins/delATTG polymorphism contributes to the severity and progression of RA through IL-6 levels modulation in Egyptian patients.

NFKB1 gene rs28362491 ins/del variation is associated with higher susceptibility to myocardial infarction in a Chinese Han population

Myocardial infarction (MI), the leading cause of mortality and disability worldwide, is a disease in which multiple environmental and genetic factors are involved. Recently, researches suggested that insertion/deletion (ins/del) variation of NFKB1 gene rs28362491 is a functional polymorphism. In the present study, we aimed to explore the relation between variation of NFKB1 gene rs28362491 and MI by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) in 359 MI patients and 1085 control participants. Gensini score was used to evaluate the degree of coronary artery stenosis in MI patients. The plasma levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, malonaldehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were randomly measured by ELISA both in MI patients and control participants. We found that the detected frequencies of D allele (41.2% vs. 36.4%, P = 0.021) and DD genotype (17.5% vs. 12.0%, P = 0.022) were significantly higher in MI patients than in control participants. Compared with II or ID genotype carriers, the Gensini score in MI patients with DD genotype was 32-43% higher (both P < 0.001). Moreover, DD genotype carries had more diseased coronary arteries (P = 0.001 vs. II or ID genotype). Of note, IL-6 levels in MI patients carrying DD genotype were significantly higher than that in control participants and other genotype carriers in MI patients (both P < 0.05). In conclusion, NFKB1 gene rs28362491 DD genotype was associated with a higher risk of MI and more severe coronary artery lesion, which also had a potential influence on the level of inflammatory cytokine IL-6.

Nuclear factor NF-κB1 functional promoter polymorphism and its expression conferring the risk of Type 2 diabetes-associated dyslipidemia

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) accompanied by hyperlipidemia confers higher risk for diabetes as well as cardiovascular diseases. NF-κB is actively involved in generating low-grade inflammation and oxidative stress triggering the development of diabetic complications. In this study, we have attempted to investigate the association between NF-κB1 functional promoter polymorphism-94 ATTG insertion/deletion (rs28362491) with inflammatory markers in developing diabetes-linked dyslipidemia. We performed a case-control study in a total of 401 individuals belonging to three categories such as Type 2 diabetes with dyslipidemia, Type 2 diabetes without dyslipidemia, and normal healthy controls. Experiments were carried out using genotyping, real-time PCR, and western blot. Pearson's correlation, analysis of variance, and logistic regression were utilized for statistical analysis. As per genetic association conducted in this study the SNP rs28362491 showed significant allelic and genotypic associations (Allelic: OR = 1.374, CI 0.9797-1.927, p = 0.003, and Genotypic in dominant model: OR = 1.77, CI 1.04-2.99, p = 0.002) with the risk of diabetes and associated dyslipidemia. The -94 ATTG insertion/insertion (ins/ins) genotype was associated with significantly increased level of serum TNF-α (p = 0.002), serum IL-6 (p = 0.067) in diabetes-induced dyslipidemia. Multiple linear regression analysis identifies independent correlation of Total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, TNF-α, and rs28362491 ATTG ins/ins with triglyceride in diabetic dyslipidemic condition. T2DM with dyslipidemia having ins/ins genotype showed significant increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6, and activation of NF-κB. Our study reports that individuals with ATTG insertion allele and ATTG ins/ins genotype at NF-κB1 promoter regulatory gene predicts the risk and severity of T2DM-linked dyslipidemia.

Functional variations of NFKB1 and NFKB1A in inflammatory disorders and their implication for therapeutic approaches

Nuclear factor κ-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) is a sophisticated transcription factor that is particularly important in the inflammatory response, but it regulates more than 400 individual and dependent genes for parts of the apoptotic, angiogenic, and proliferative, differentiative, and cell adhesion pathways. NF-κB function is directly inhibited by the binding of inhibitor of κB (IκB), and the imbalance between NF-κB and IκB has been linked to the development and progression of cancer and a variety of inflammatory disorders. These observations might broaden the horizon of current knowledge, particularly on the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases considering the roles of NF-κB and IκB. In this context, we focus this narrative review on a comparative discussion of our findings with other literature regarding variations of NFKB1 and NFKB1A and their association with susceptibility to widespread inflammatory disorders (such as atherosclerosis, morbid obesity, Behçet syndrome, Graves disease, Hashimoto disease) and common cancers (such as gliomas).

Significant association between rs28362491 polymorphism in NF-κB1 gene and coronary artery disease: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The association of rs28362491 polymorphism in NF-κB1 gene and coronary artery disease (CAD) risk was reported in several studies with inconsistent outcomes. This study aimed to comprehensively collect and synthesize the existing evidence to appraise whether rs28362491 was correlated to CAD susceptibility.

METHODS

Databases of Web of Science, EMBASE, PubMed, Wanfang, and CNKI were retrieved from inception to August 1, 2019 without any restriction on language. The strengths of association between rs28362491 polymorphism and CAD were presented as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Thirteen case-control studies with 17 individual cohorts containing 9378 cases and 10,738 controls were incorporated into this meta-analysis. The findings indicated that rs28362491 polymorphism was significantly correlated to CAD risk in five genetic models: D vs. I, OR = 1.16, 95%CI 1.11-1.21, P<0.01; DD vs. II, OR = 1.37, 95%CI 1.25-1.49, P<0.01; DI vs. II, OR = 1.11, 95%CI 1.05-1.18, P<0.01; DD + DI vs. II, OR = 1.17, 95%CI 1.11-1.24, P<0.01; DD vs. DI + II, OR = 1.29, 95%CI 1.15-1.43, P<0.01. After stratification by ethnicity and gender, significant association still existed between rs28362491 and CAD, especially in the dominant model.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that the mutant D allele in rs28362491 locus may increase the risk of CAD, and carriers of D allele appear to be more susceptible to CAD.

Bioinformatics analysis of the regulatory lncRNA‑miRNA‑mRNA network and drug prediction in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a complex inherited cardiovascular disease. The present study investigated the long noncoding (lnc)RNA/microRNA (mi)RNA/mRNA expression pattern of patients with HCM and aimed to identify key molecules involved in the development of this condition. An integrated strategy was conducted to identify differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRs), differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncs) and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) based on the GSE36961 (mRNA), GSE36946 (miRNA), GSE68316 (lncRNA/mRNA) and GSE32453 (mRNA) expression profiles downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus datasets. Bioinformatics tools were employed to perform function and pathway enrichment analysis, protein-protein interaction, lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA and hub gene networks. Subsequently, DEGs were used as targets to predict drugs. The results indicated that a total of 2,234 DElncs (1,120 upregulated and 1,114 downregulated), 5 DEmiRs (2 upregulated and 3 downregulated) and 42 DEGs (35 upregulated and 7 downregulated) were identified in 4 microarray profiles. Gene ontology analysis revealed that DEGs were mainly involved in actin filament and stress fiber formation and in calcium ion binding, whereas Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis identified the hypoxia inducible factor-1, transforming growth factor-β and tumor necrosis factor signaling pathways as the main pathways involved in these processes. The hub genes were screened using cytoHubba. A total of 1,086 lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA interactions including 67 lncRNAs, 5 miRNAs and 25 mRNAs were mined in the present study based on prediction websites. Drug prediction indicated that the targeted drugs mainly included angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors or β-blockers. A comprehensive bioinformatics analysis of the molecular regulatory lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network was performed and potential therapeutic applications of drugs were predicted in HCM patients. The data may unravel the future molecular mechanism of HCM.

NFKB1 gene rs28362491 polymorphism is associated with the susceptibility of acute coronary syndrome

The acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a complex disease where genetic and environmental factors are involved. NF-κB, a central regulator of inflammation, is involved in various inflammatory diseases. The aim of the present study was to explore the association between NFKB1 gene rs28362491 (-94ATTGins/del) polymorphism and ACS. A total of 778 ACS patients and 1112 healthy subjects were included in our study. The TaqMan SNP genotyping assays was used to analyze the rs28362491 polymorphism. The lesion extent of coronary artery was assessed by Gensini Score and lesion vessel number in ACS patients. For total and males, the frequencies of the mutant DD genotype and D allele were significantly higher in ACS patients than that in control subjects (total: DD genotype: 18.0 vs 14.1%, P=0.009, D allele: 43.0 vs 37.9%, P=0.002, males: DD genotype: 20.6 vs 15.3%, P=0.042, D allele: 44.2 vs 38.8%, P=0.013). After multivariate logistic regression analysis, we found that individuals with mutant DD genotype had 1.329-fold higher risk of ACS compared with individuals with ID and II genotypes. Moreover, ACS patients with DD genotype were worse stenosis of coronary artery compared with patients carrying II or ID genotype. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that the mutant DD genotype of NFKB1 gene was associated with the risk and severity of ACS in Han population in Xinjiang, northwest of China.

The association between NFKB1 -94ATTG ins/del and NFKB1A 826C/T genetic variations and coronary artery disease risk

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is considered as a chronic inflammatory disease initiated from early childhood. Nuclear factor κB (NF κB) and κB1A (NF κB1A) are the key regulators of inflammatory responses. The NFKB1 -94ATTG ins/del and NFKB1A -826C/T polymorphisms may contribute to the development of CAD. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association of these polymorphisms with the risk of CAD. The study population included 120 patients with angiographically confirmed CAD and 100 matched controls. Genotyping of NFKB1 -94ATTG ins/del and NFKB1A -826C/T polymorphism was performed using PCR-RFLP method. Lipid level was determined by routine colorimetric methods. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS 16 software. Results indicated that the genotypic (P=0.041) and allelic (P=0.009) distribution of the NFKB1-94ATTG ins/del polymorphism was significantly different between the two groups. In the univariate analysis (ins/ins genotype as reference), the del/del genotype (OR=2.88, 95% CI=1.21-6.84, P=0.015) but not ins/del genotype (OR=1.48, 95% CI=0.83-2.64, P=0.191) was significantly associated with the increased risk of CAD. In the multiple binary logistic regression analysis, diabetes, hypertension, smoking, LDL-cholesterol, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and NFKB1 -94ATTG del/del genotype were identified as significant and independent risk factors for CAD development. The distribution of genotypes and alleles of NFKB1A -826C/T polymorphism was not significantly different between the two groups. In conclusion the present study identified NFKB1 -94ATTG ins/del polymorphism but not NFKB1A -826C/T polymorphism as a significant and independent risk factor for development and severity of CAD.

Association between serum osteocalcin and glucose/lipid metabolism in Chinese Han and Uygur populations with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Xinjiang: two cross-sectional studies

Background

Recent studies have shown osteocalcin (OC) plays an important role in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the association of OC with glucose and lipid metabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the Chinese Han and Uygur population.

Methods

A total of 1397 T2DM patients (705 Han and 692 Uygur T2DM patients) were enrolled in the present study. Lipid profile, glucose metabolic indices and total OC (TOC) were measured. Homeostasis model assessment of β-cells function (HOMA-β), insulin sensitivity (HOMA-IS) and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were also calculated in all participants. Pearson/Spearman correlation analysis and multivariate stepwise regression analysis were adopted to test the relationships between OC and those parameters.

Results

Uygur T2DM patients had significantly higher body mass index (BMI), hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) and lower TOC compared with their Han counterparts (all P < 0.05). HbA1C was negatively associated with TOC in all Uygur and Han T2DM patients (Total: Uygur: t = −3.468, P = 0.001; Han: t = −4.169, P < 0.001). BMI was inversely associated with TOC in all Uygur T2DM patients (Males: t = −2.893, P = 0.014; Females: t = −2.250, P = 0.027, respectively). Multivariate stepwise regression analysis showed that TOC was positively correlated with HOMA-β in the Uygur male group (β = 2.101, P = 0.040) and negatively associated with BMI in all Uygur T2DM patients (Males: β = −1.563, P = 0.011; Females: β = −1.284, P = 0.016, respectively). No significant differences were observed between TOC and lipid profiles in all participants (all P > 0.05).

Conclusion

There were differences in the associations between TOC and glucose metabolism in Han and Uygur T2DM patients, indicating genetic factors may play a role in modulating OC and glucose metabolism in different ethnic population.

Mutant DD genotype of NFKB1 gene is associated with the susceptibility and severity of coronary artery disease

Nuclear factor κappa B (NF-κB) is an important transcription factor in the development and progression of coronary artery disease (CAD). Recent evidence suggests that -94 ATTG ins/del mutant in the promoter of NFKB1 gene is an essential functional mutant. The present study demonstrated the frequencies of the del/del (DD) genotype and del (D) allele were significantly higher in CAD patients than in controls. CAD patients carrying mutant DD genotype had worse stenosis of diseased coronary arteries compared to those carrying ins/ins (II) or ins/del (ID) genotype. Plasma levels of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) were lower, while inflammatory cytokine incnterlukin-6 (IL-6) was higher in CAD patients with DD genotype than those with II or ID genotype (both P<0.05). In vitro study showed that mutant human umbilical vein endothelial cells (DD genotype HUVECs) were more susceptible to H₂O₂-induced apoptosis, which was accompanied with a decreased Bcl-2 expression. Further, mutant HUVECs had lower eNOS but higher IL-6 mRNA levels and decreased phosphorylation of eNOS under H₂O₂-stimulation (both P<0.05). Compared to wild type cells (II genotype), significantly downregulated protein expression of total NF-κB p50 subunit were observed in mutant HUVECs with or without oxidative stress, and a lower expression of unclear p50 was associated with a decreased p50 nuclear translocation in mutant HUVECs versus wild type cells under H₂O₂-stimulation (both P<0.05). In conclusion, mutant DD genotype of NFKB1 gene is associated with the risk and severity of CAD. Dwonregulation of NF-κB p50 subunit leads to exacerbated endothelial dysfunction and apoptosis and enhanced inflammatory response that is the potential underlying mechanism.

Association of six CpG-SNPs in the inflammation-related genes with coronary heart disease

Background

Chronic inflammation has been widely considered to be the major risk factor of coronary heart disease (CHD). The goal of our study was to explore the possible association with CHD for inflammation-related single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) involved in cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) dinucleotides. A total of 784 CHD patients and 739 non-CHD controls were recruited from Zhejiang Province, China. Using the Sequenom MassARRAY platform, we measured the genotypes of six inflammation-related CpG-SNPs, including IL1B rs16944, IL1R2 rs2071008, PLA2G7 rs9395208, FAM5C rs12732361, CD40 rs1800686, and CD36 rs2065666). Allele and genotype frequencies were compared between CHD and non-CHD individuals using the CLUMP22 software with 10,000 Monte Carlo simulations.

Results

Allelic tests showed that PLA2G7 rs9395208 and CD40 rs1800686 were significantly associated with CHD. Moreover, IL1B rs16944, PLA2G7 rs9395208, and CD40 rs1800686 were shown to be associated with CHD under the dominant model. Further gender-based subgroup tests showed that one SNP (CD40 rs1800686) and two SNPs (FAM5C rs12732361 and CD36 rs2065666) were associated with CHD in females and males, respectively. And the age-based subgroup tests indicated that PLA2G7 rs9395208, IL1B rs16944, and CD40 rs1800686 were associated with CHD among individuals younger than 55, younger than 65, and over 65, respectively.

Conclusions

In conclusion, all the six inflammation-related CpG-SNPs (rs16944, rs2071008, rs12732361, rs2065666, rs9395208, and rs1800686) were associated with CHD in the combined or subgroup tests, suggesting an important role of inflammation in the risk of CHD.

Appropriate LDL-C-to-HDL-C Ratio Cutoffs for Categorization of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors among Uygur Adults in Xinjiang, China

Elevated LDL-C/HDL-C ratio has been shown to be a marker of lipid metabolism as well as a good predictor of coronary artery disease (CAD). Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate whether the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio is useful for detecting cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in general healthy Uygur adults in Xinjiang. A total of 4047 Uygur subjects aged ≥35 years were selected from the Cardiovascular Risk Survey (CRS) study which was carried out from October 2007 to March 2010. Anthropometric data, blood pressure, lipid profile and fasting glucose were measured in all participants. The prevalence, sensitivity, specificity and distance on the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of each LDL-C/HDL-C ratio were calculated. The prevalence of high LDL-C and low HDL-C cholesterol was high and positively correlated with higher LDL-C/HDL-C ratio in the Uygur population. In both men and women, we detected a slight apparent trend of high prevalence of hypertension and hypercholesterolemia with higher LDL-C/HDL-C ratio. Our study also demonstrated that the discriminatory power of the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio for CVD risk factors was slightly stronger in men than in women. Analysis of the shortest distance in the ROC curves for hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, or ≥two of these risk factors suggested a LDL-C/HDL-C ratio cutoff of 2.5 for both men and women. The results of this study showed that a LDL-C/HDL-C ratio cut-off of 2.5 might be used as the predictive marker to detect CVD risk factors among Uygur adults in Xinjiang.

A Bioinformatics Approach to Prioritize Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in TLRs Signaling Pathway Genes

It has been suggested that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes involved in Toll-like receptors (TLRs) pathway may exhibit broad effects on function of this network and might contribute to a range of human diseases. However, the extent to which these variations affect TLR signaling is not well understood. In this study, we adopted a bioinformatics approach to predict the consequences of SNPs in TLRs network. The consequences of non-synonymous coding SNPs (nsSNPs) were predicted by SIFT, PolyPhen, PANTHER, SNPs&GO, I-Mutant, ConSurf and NetSurf tools. Structural visualization of wild type and mutant protein was performed using the project HOPE and Swiss PDB viewer. The influence of 5'-UTR and 3'- UTR SNPs were analyzed by appropriate computational approaches. Nineteen nsSNPs in TLRs pathway genes were found to have deleterious consequences as predicted by the combination of different algorithms. Moreover, our results suggested that SNPs located at UTRs of TLRs pathway genes may potentially influence binding of transcription factors or microRNAs. By applying a pathway-based bioinformatics analysis of genetic variations, we provided a prioritized list of potentially deleterious variants. These findings may facilitate the selection of proper variants for future functional and/or association studies.