CCL2 single nucleotide polymorphism of rs1024611 implicates prominence of inflammatory cascade by univariate modeling in Indian AMD

Relationship between CCL2 gene 2518A/G (rs1024611) polymorphism and age-related macular degeneration susceptibility: meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the association between the CC-cytokine ligand-2 (CCL2) 2518A/G (rs1024611) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and susceptibility to age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and other databases were searched for articles published before August 24, 2023. After searching, data extraction, and quality assessment, meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis were conducted using RevMan 5.4, Stata 17.0, and TSA 0.9.5.10 Beta software. Combined OR, P values, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Sensitivity analysis, subgroup analysis and publication bias assessment were also performed.

RESULTS

Six articles, comprising 1186 cases and 1124 controls, were included. No significant statistical difference was found in six main outcomes. However, due to observed heterogeneity and high sensitivity, subgroup analysis was performed, revealing statistically significant differences across different regions. No significant publication bias was observed. Trial sequential analysis suggested the need for additional follow-up case-control studies to further validate the findings.

CONCLUSION

The CCL2 gene 2518A/G (rs1024611) polymorphism is associated with AMD susceptibility. Among Caucasian populations in West Asia and Europe, the G allele is protective against AMD, whereas in East and South Asia, it poses a risk factor.

CCL2, CCR2 Gene Variants and CCL2, CCR2 Serum Levels Association with Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Background: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of progressive and irreversible blindness in developed countries. Although the pathogenesis is not fully understood, AMD is a multifactorial pathology with an accumulation of inflammatory components and macrophages and a strong genetic predisposition. Our purpose was to investigate the association between early AMD and CCL2 (rs1024611, rs4586, rs2857656) and CCR2 (rs1799865) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and CCL2, CCR2 serum levels in a Lithuanian population. Methods: The study included 310 patients with early AMD and 384 healthy subjects. Genotyping of CCL2 rs1024611, rs4586, rs2857656, and CCR2 rs1799865 was performed using a real-time polymerase chain reaction method, while CCL2 and CCR2 chemokines serum concentrations were analyzed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: We found that the G allele at CCL2 rs1024611 was more prevalent in the early AMD group than in controls (29.2% vs. 24.1%, p = 0.032). Similarly, the C allele in CCL2 rs2857656 is more common in the early AMD group than in controls (29.2% vs. 24.2%, p = 0.037). Binomial logistic regression revealed that each G allele in rs1024611 was associated with 1.3-fold increased odds of developing early AMD under the additive model (OR = 1.322; 95% CI: 1.032–1.697, p = 0.027) as was each C allele in rs2857656 under the additive model (OR = 1.314; 95% CI: 1.025–1.684, p = 0.031). Haplotype analysis revealed that the C-A-G haplotype of CCL2 SNPs was associated with 35% decreased odds of early AMD development. Further analysis showed elevated CCL2 serum levels in the group with early AMD compared to controls (median (IQR): 1181.6 (522.6) pg/mL vs. 879.9 (494.4) pg/mL, p = 0.013); however, there were no differences between CCR2 serum levels within groups. Conclusions: We found the associations between minor alleles at CCL2 rs1024611 and rs2857656, elevated CCL2 serum levels, and early AMD development.

Genotyping of Clinical Parameters in Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Modulated anti-VEGF therapy under the influence of lipid metabolizing proteins in Age related macular degeneration: a pilot study

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a devastating retinal disease that results in irreversible vision loss in the aged population. The complex genetic nature and degree of genetic penetrance require a redefinition of the current therapeutic strategy for AMD. We aimed to investigate the role of modifiers for current anti-VEGF therapy especially for non-responder AMD patients. We recruited 78 wet AMD cases (out of 278 AMD patients) with their socio-demographic and treatment regimen. Serum protein levels were estimated by ELISA in AMD patients. Data pertaining to the number of anti-VEGF injections given (in 1 year) along with clinical images (FFA and OCT) of AMD patients were also included. Visual acuity data (logMAR) for 46 wet AMD cases out of a total of 78 patients were also retrieved to examine the response of anti-VEGF injections in wet AMD cases. Lipid metabolizing genes (LIPC and APOE) have been identified as chief biomarkers for anti-VEGF response in AMD patients. Both genotypes 'CC' and 'GC' of LIPC have found to be associated with a number of anti-VEGF injections in AMD patients which could influence the expression of B3GALTL,HTRA1, IER3, LIPC and SLC16A8 proteins in patients bearing both genotypes as compared to reference genotype. Elevated levels of APOE were also observed in group 2 wet AMD patients as compared to group 1 suggesting the significance of APOE levels in anti-VEGF response. The genotype of B3GALTL has also been shown to have a significant association with the number of anti-VEGF injections. Moreover, visual acuity of group 1 (≤ 4 anti-VEGF injections/year) AMD patients was found significantly improved after 3 doses of anti-VEGF injections and maintained longitudinally as compared to groups 2 and 3. Lipid metabolising genes may impact the outcome of anti-VEGF AMD treatment.

Integrative Approach to COVID-19: An Indian Facebook Recipe for Mental Health

The COVID-19 pandemic has given the world a big blow and has forced the entire world to develop a new thought process. To cope with the stress of lockdown, it was important for people to indulge in educational and health activities to save them from the threats being caused by the news and social media. A Facebook page named Yoga scholars Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) was created where three sessions were held per day for 225 days regularly. This activity resulted in people adopting an integrative approach towards alternative medicine. This also made possible a trial of Ashwagandha for COVID-19 treatment by the Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy (AYUSH) ministry.

Sleeping pattern and activities of daily living modulate protein expression in AMD

Degeneration of macular photoreceptors is a prominent characteristic of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) which leads to devastating and irreversible vision loss in the elderly population. In this exploratory study, the contribution of environmental factors on the progression of AMD pathology by probing the expression of candidate proteins was analyzed. Four hundred and sixty four participants were recruited in the study comprising of AMD (n = 277) and controls (n = 187). Genetics related data was analyzed to demonstrate the activities of daily living (ADL) by using regression analysis and statistical modeling, including contrast estimate, multinomial regression analysis in AMD progression. Regression analysis revealed contribution of smoking, alcohol, and sleeping hours on AMD by altered expression of IER-3, HTRA1, B3GALTL, LIPC and TIMP3 as compared to normal levels. Contrast estimate supports the gender polarization phenomenon in AMD by significant decreased expression of SLC16A8 and LIPC in control population which was found to be unaltered in AMD patients. The smoking, food habits and duration of night sleeping hours also contributed in AMD progression as evident from multinomial regression analysis. Predicted model (prediction estimate = 86.7%) also indicated the crucial role of night sleeping hours along with the decreased expression of TIMP-3, IER3 and SLC16A8. Results revealed an unambiguous role of environmental factors in AMD progression mediated by various regulatory proteins which might result in intermittent AMD phenotypes and possibly influence the outcome of anti-VEGF treatment.

Protective Effect of a Bispecific Fc-Fusion Protein on the Barrier of Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells

INTRODUCTION

The aim of the study was to evaluate the protective effects of IBI302, a bispecific Fc-fusion protein that theoretically can bind vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), complement C3b, and C4b in the barrier of the cultured human retinal pigment epithelial (hRPE) cells.

METHODS

Primary hRPE cells were isolated and cultured to monolayer barrier. hRPE monolayers were divided into the PBS control group, VEGF-Trap group, complement receptor 1 (CR1) group, and IBI302 group. Identification of hRPE cells, barrier function, inflammation factors, and immune response products was tested by immunofluorescent staining, transepithelial resistance (TER), and ELISA.

RESULTS

IBI302 treatment significantly improved the TER of the barrier of hRPE cells after complement-activated oxidative stress compared with the PBS control group, VEGF-Trap group, and CR1 group. The maximum effect of IBI302 on protecting hRPE cell viability was observed at the concentration of 1 μg/mL. The elevated expression of VEGF, chemokine (C-C Motif) ligand 2, C3a, C5a, and membrane attack complex was reduced by IBI302.

CONCLUSION

IBI302 could protect the barrier function of hRPE cells. IBI302 might be a potentially effective drug for the RPE barrier-associated ocular diseases.

The impact of ICAM-1, CCL2 and TGM2 gene polymorphisms on differentiation syndrome in acute promyelocytic leukemia

Background

Although arsenic trioxide (ATO) and all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) are well-tolerated and effective treatments for Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL), Differentiation Syndrome (DS) is a lethal side effect in some patients. The pathogenesis of DS is complex and not well understood; however, it is considered as an inflammatory response due to cytokines release of differentiated cells. Moreover, adhesion molecules that are widely expressed on the surface of differentiated cells and gene expression changes of transglutaminase2 (TGM2) are mechanisms involved in the development of DS. The purpose of this study was to assess the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 (ICAM-1), chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2) and TGM2 as inflammatory factors with differentiation syndrome susceptibility.

Methods

DNA was extracted from 133 APL patients and 100 normal controls. Assessment according to the PETHEMA criteria revealed that 13.5% of these patients experienced differentiation syndrome. Tetra-ARMS PCR and PCR-RFLP were done to amplify DNA fragments in APL patients with and without DS. Then DNA sequencing was done to validate the results. SNPStats, SPSS and Finch TV were used to analyze the results.

Results

A significant correlation was found between rs4811528 in the TGM2 gene and differentiation syndrome susceptibility (P = 0.002, 95% CI = 1.74–18.81, OR = 5.72) while rs5498 in ICAM-1, rs1024611 in CCL2, and rs7270785 in TGM2 genes showed no correlation with differentiation syndrome. The G allele of rs7270785 and rs4811528 showed a haplotypic association with differentiation syndrome (P = 0.03, 95% CI = 1.13–13.86, OR = 3.96).

Conclusions

AA genotype of the TGM2 SNP (rs4811528) may be a risk factor for development of DS in patients with APL following the use of ATRA/ATO.

In vitro stem cell modelling demonstrates a proof-of-concept for excess functional mutant TIMP3 as the cause of Sorsby fundus dystrophy

Sorsby fundus dystrophy (SFD) is a rare autosomal dominant disease of the macula that leads to bilateral loss of central vision and is caused by mutations in the TIMP3 gene. However, the mechanisms by which TIMP3 mutations cause SFD are poorly understood. Here, we generated human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived retinal pigmented epithelial (hiPSC-RPE) cells from three SFD patients carrying TIMP3 p.(Ser204Cys) and three non-affected controls to study disease-related structural and functional differences in the RPE. SFD-hiPSC-RPE exhibited characteristic RPE structure and physiology but showed significantly reduced transepithelial electrical resistance associated with enriched expression of cytoskeletal remodelling proteins. SFD-hiPSC-RPE exhibited basolateral accumulation of TIMP3 monomers, despite no change in TIMP3 gene expression. TIMP3 dimers were observed in both SFD and control hiPSC-RPE, suggesting that mutant TIMP3 dimerisation does not drive SFD pathology. Furthermore, mutant TIMP3 retained matrix metalloproteinase activity. Proteomic profiling showed increased expression of ECM proteins, endothelial cell interactions and angiogenesis-related pathways in SFD-hiPSC-RPE. By contrast, there were no changes in VEGF secretion. However, SFD-hiPSC-RPE secreted higher levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, PDGF and angiogenin. Our findings provide a proof-of-concept that SFD patient-derived hiPSC-RPE mimic mature RPE cells and support the hypothesis that excess accumulation of mutant TIMP3, rather than an absence or deficiency of functional TIMP3, drives ECM and angiogenesis-related changes in SFD. © 2020 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Microdose Lithium Treatment Reduced Inflammatory Factors and Neurodegeneration in Organotypic Hippocampal Culture of Old SAMP-8 Mice

It was already shown that microdoses of lithium carbonate (Li₂CO₃) promoted memory stabilization in humans and mice. Prolonged treatment also reduced neuronal loss and increased the density of the neurotrophin BDNF in transgenic mice for Alzheimer's disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether lithium ions affect inflammatory profiles and neuronal integrity in an animal model of accelerated senescence (SAMP-8). Organotypic hippocampal cultures obtained from 11 to 12-month-old SAMP-8 mice were treated with 2 µM, 20 µM and 200 µM Li₂CO₃. 2 µM Li₂CO₃ promoted a significant reduction in propidium iodide uptake in the CA2 area of hippocampus, whereas 20 µM promoted neuroprotection in the CA3 and GrDG areas. 200 µM caused an increase in cellular death, showing toxicity. Measured with quantitative PCR, IL-1α, IL-6 and MIP-1B/CCL-4 gene expression was significantly reduced with 20 µM Li₂CO₃, whereas IL-10 gene expression was significantly increased with the same concentration. In addition, 2 µM and 20 µM Li₂CO₃ were also effective in reducing the activation of NFkB and inflammatory cytokines densities, as evaluated by ELISA. It is concluded that very low doses of Li₂CO₃ can play an important role in neuroprotection as it can reduce neuronal loss and neuroinflammation in older individuals.

Association Between Monocyte Chemotactic Protein 1 Variants and Age-Related Macular Degeneration Onset Among Chinese People

Background

We assessed the potential association between monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) variants (rs1024611 and rs3760396) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) susceptibility among Chinese Han people.

Material/Methods

Our research included 129 AMD patients and 131 healthy controls. Genotyping for MCP-1 variants was performed in the 2 groups, and genotype and allele distributions were checked between groups by χ² analysis. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) reflected the potential association between MCP-1 variants and AMD risk. The linkage disequilibrium of polymorphisms was detected using Haploview.

Results

Significant differences in rs1024611 genotype distributions were detected between the 2 groups, and homozygous carriers with GG genotype had higher AMD incidence (P<0.05, OR=2.650, 95% CI=1.127–6.231). The rs1024611 G allele frequency was significantly higher in AMD patients, suggesting that the G allele promotes AMD onset (P<0.05, OR=1.447, 95% CI=1.013–2.068). Strong linkage disequilibrium was found between rs1024611 and rs3760396, and haplotype A_rs1024611–C_rs3760396 was significantly associated with decreased risk of AMD (P=0.001, OR=0.502, 95% CI=0.335–0.752).

Conclusions

MCP-1 rs1024611 variant appears to contribute to risk of AMD in the Chinese Han population, and the interaction of MCP-1 polymorphisms may also influence individual susceptibility to AMD.

Retinal and choroidal capillaries contribution to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) phenotypes in murine models of the disease

Mouse models of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) such as Ccl2^-/- and Ccl2^-/-/Cx3cr1^-/- have not yet been fully characterized ultrastructurally. Although we have previously shown extranuclear DNA (enDNA) leakage into the cytoplasm and damaged mitochondria in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) of these AMD mouse models, little is known about the state of their vascular capillaries of the retina and choroid. Our ultrastructural survey shows that the aberrations were not restricted to the RPE cells, but also extended to the vasculature of the retina and choroid. Their endothelial aberrations included cytoplasmic degeneration, pyknotic DNA, hypertrophic nuclei, and loss of fenestration in addition to duplication of basement membrane and loss of density in Bruch's membrane. Moreover, the state of the vasculature in the mutant mice models suggests that the capillaries could also be active contributors to the pathological findings seen in AMD. The goal of this study is to gain insights into the early events of AMD that may lead to a better understanding of AMD's pathogenesis, improve our preventative measures, and formulate designed therapeutic regimens that are tailored to target the initial pathological events.Abbreviations: AMD: age-related macular degeneration; BM: Bruch's membrane; DPC: degenerate pericyte; EN: endothelial nucleus; enDNA: extranuclear DNA; GCL: ganglion cell layer; HEN: hypertrophic endothelial nucleus; IPL: inner plexiform layer; NFL: nerve fiber layer; OPL: outer plexiform layer; RBC: red blood cell; RPE: retinal pigment epithelium; SNPs: Single nucleotide polymorphisms.

Development and implementation of ZED-YOG quality module: Niyantrita Madhumeha Bharata skill development initiatives

Background

Government initiatives and schemes for global healthcare improvement require efficient implementation which can transform the quality standards. We redefined the purview of Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) in the basic research investigations in order to create a benchmark of quality standards for conducting translational research.

Methods

We propose Zero effect-Zero defect Youth Oriented GLP (ZED-YOG) as a management tool for funding agencies to monitor data generated in labs funded by them.

Summary

This strategy can not only promote enhanced data scrutiny, validation but also health awareness.

Key message

YOG will ensure the communication of audited research data generated from publically funded national agencies.