Genome-wide association study for single nucleotide polymorphism associated with mural and cumulus granulosa cells of PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) and non-PCOS patients

Background

The genetic make-up of local granulosa cells and their function in the pathophysiology of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is crucial to a full comprehension of the disorder. The major purpose of this study was to compare the Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) of cumulus granulosa cells (CGCs) and mural granulosa cells (MGCs) between healthy individuals and women with PCOS using genome-wide association analysis (GWA). A case–control study was conducted in a total of 24 women diagnosed with PCOS and 24 healthy non-PCOS women of reproductive age aggregated into 4 samples of 6 patients each. GWA studies entail several processes, such as cell separation, cellular DNA extraction, library preparation followed by interpretation using bioinformatics databases. SNP locations were identified by reference gene also involves the use of Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) (MALDI-TOF-MS) for the first sorting. Hybridization with the gene chip was followed by reading the SNP genotypes according to the publications in the literature. TASSEL (Trait Analysis by aSSociation, Evolution and Linkage) program and methods were used for GWA studies.

Results

An aggregate of 21,039 SNP calls were obtained from our samples. Genes of autoimmune illnesses, obesity, inflammatory illnesses, nervous system diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa, autism, neural tube defects, and Alzheimer's disease; and various malignancies such as lung cancer, colorectal cancer, breast cancer were also identified in these cells. Gene ranking score reveals that granulosa cells carry key genes of neurological system and reproductive systems especially in brain and testis, respectively.

Conclusions

Mural and Cumulus Granulosa cells were shown to have the PCOS directly and indirectly related genes MMP9, PRKAA2, COMT and HP. We found that the expression of ARID4B, MUC5AC, NID2, CREBBP, GNB1, KIF2C, COL18A1, and HNRNPC by these cells may contribute to PCOS.

Graphical abstract

Genetic determinants of circulating galectin-3 levels in patients with coronary artery disease

Background

Galectin‐3 plays a crucial role in the regulation of inflammation. The aim of this study was to elucidate the association between LGALS3 genotypes, galectin‐3 levels, and inflammatory marker levels in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).

Results

A total of 474 patients with CAD were enrolled. Significant correlations were discerned between galectin‐3 levels and leukocyte counts, C‐reactive protein, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule‐1, and matrix metalloproteinase 9 levels (all p < .05). The LGALS3 rs2274273, rs4644, rs4652 genotypes, and haplotypes CAC, CCC, and ACT exhibited a significant association with galectin‐3 levels (for genotypes, p = 1.05 × 10⁻²⁵, 3.54 × 10⁻²⁵, and 2.74 × 10⁻⁷, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed LGALS3 rs2274273 and rs4644 genotypes contributing to 20.8% variation of galectin‐3 levels. However, there was no association between LGALS3 genotypes and other inflammatory marker levels.

Conclusions

Our data showed strong genetic determinants of galectin‐3 levels in patients with CAD. The galectin‐3 levels, but not LGALS3 genotypes, were associated with multiple inflammatory marker levels. Further study may be necessary to elucidate the molecular mechanism of galectin‐3 in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory disorders.

Pleiotropic Associations of RARRES2 Gene Variants and Circulating Chemerin Levels: Potential Roles of Chemerin Involved in the Metabolic and Inflammation-Related Diseases

Chemerin, an adipokine and inflammatory mediator, is associated with metabolic, inflammation- and immune-mediated diseases. The genetic, clinical, and biomarker correlates of circulating chemerin levels have not been completely elucidated. We analyzed the determinants and correlates of retinoic acid receptor responder 2 (RARRES2; encoding chemerin) gene variants and chemerin levels in the Taiwanese population. In total, 612 individuals were recruited. Clinical and metabolic phenotypes, 13 inflammatory markers, 5 adipokines, and 6 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) covering the RARRES2 region were analyzed. High chemerin levels and chemerin level tertiles were positively associated with multiple metabolic phenotypes and circulating inflammatory marker and adipokine levels and negatively associated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and adiponectin levels and estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFRs). Genotype and haplotype analyses showed that RARRES2 SNPs were significantly associated with chemerin, fibrinogen, interleukin 6, and lipocalin 2 levels. Stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that C-reactive protein level, leptin level, triglyceride level, eGFR, rs3735167 genotypes, sex, and soluble P-selectin level were independently associated with chemerin levels. In conclusion, pleiotropic associations were noted between RARRES2 variants, circulating chemerin levels and multiple metabolic phenotypes and inflammatory marker levels. This study provides further evidence for the potential roles of chemerin in metabolic and inflammation-related diseases.

A translational approach to the genetics of anxiety disorders

There have been important advances in our understanding of the genetic architecture of anxiety disorders. At the same time, relatively few genes have reached genome wide significance in anxiety disorders, and there is relatively little work on how exposure to an adverse environment impacts on gene expression in either animal models or human clinical populations. Here we assessed differential expression of genes of the dorsal striatum involved in synaptic transmission in an animal models of early adversity (maternal separation followed by restraint stress), and investigated whether variants in these genes were associated with risk for anxiety disorders, particularly in the presence of environmental stressors. Fifty-two male Sprague Dawley rats underwent maternal separation, and gene expression was studied using array technology. The human homologues of the differentially expressed genes were screened and analysed in a DSM-IV anxiety disorders cohort, and healthy controls (patients, n = 92; controls, n = 194), using blood. Two candidate genes (Mmp9 and Bdnf) were aberrantly expressed in the experimental rodent group relative to controls. Four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the human homologues of these genes were significantly associated with susceptibility for anxiety disorders (MMP9: rs3918242 and BDNF: rs6265, rs10835210 and rs11030107). Three of these (BDNF: rs6265, rs10835210, rs11030107) were found to interact significantly with childhood trauma severity resulting in increased likelihood of an anxiety disorder diagnosis. This study provides insights into the utility of rat models for identifying molecular candidates for anxiety disorders in humans.

Association between NF-κB Pathway Gene Variants and sICAM1 Levels in Taiwanese

Intercellular adhesion molecule–1 (ICAM1) is crucial to the development and progression of atherosclerosis. Recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have revealed that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in two of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway genes, NFKBIK and RELA, are associated with soluble ICAM1 (sICAM1) levels. However, neither of these two gene variants is found in the Asian populations. This study aimed to elucidate whether other candidate gene variants involved in the NF-κB pathway may be associated with sICAM1 levels in Taiwanese. After excluding carriers of the ICAM1 rs5491-T allele, three SNPs in the ICAM1 gene and eight SNPs in six of the NF-κB pathway genes (NFKB1, PDCD11, TNFAIP3, NKAPL, IKBKE, and PRKCB) were analyzed for their association with sICAM1 levels in 480 individuals. Our data showed that two SNPs, rs5498 of ICAM1 and rs1635 of NKAPL, were significantly associated with sICAM1 levels (P = 0.002 and 0.004, respectively) in the Taiwanese population. Using a multivariate analysis, rs5498 and rs1635 as well as the previously reported ABO genotypes and rs12051272 of the CDH13 gene were independently associated with sICAM1 levels (P = 0.001, 0.001, 0.006 and 0.031, respectively). An analysis with combined risk alleles of four candidate SNPs in the ICAM1, NKAPL, ABO, and CDH13 genes showed an increase in sICAM1 levels with added numbers of risk alleles and weighted genetic risk score. Our findings thus expanded the repertoire of gene variants responsible for the regulation of sICAM1 levels in the Asian populations.

MMP9 Rs3918242 Polymorphism Affects Tachycardia-Induced MMP9 Expression in Cultured Atrial-Derived Myocytes but Is Not a Risk Factor for Atrial Fibrillation among the Taiwanese

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation (AF). The MMP9 promoter has a functional polymorphism rs3918242 that can regulate the level of gene transcription. This study recruited 200 AF patients and 240 controls. The MMP9 rs3918242 was examined by polymerase chain reactions. HL-1 atrial myocytes were cultured and electrically stimulated. Right atrial appendages were obtained from six patients with AF and three controls with sinus rhythm undergoing open heart surgery. The MMP9 expression and activity were determined using immunohistochemical analysis and gelatin zymography, respectively. Rapid pacing induces MMP9 secretion from HL-1 myocytes in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The responsiveness of MMP9 transcriptional activity to tachypacing was significantly enhanced by rs3918242. The expression of MMP9 was increased in fibrillating atrial tissue than in sinus rhythm. However, the distribution of rs3918242 genotypes and allele frequencies did not significantly differ between the control and AF groups. HL-1 myocyte may secrete MMP9 in response to rapid pacing, and the secretion could be modulated by rs3918242. Although the MMP9 expression of human atrial myocyte is associated with AF, our study did not support the association of susceptibility to AF among Taiwanese subjects with the MMP9 rs3918242 polymorphism.

Association of genetic polymorphisms in matrix metalloproteinase-9 and coronary artery disease in the Chinese Han population: a case-control study

OBJECTIVE

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) plays an important role in inflammation and matrix degradation involved in atherosclerosis and plaque rupture. The T allele of rs3918242 has been reported to lead to a high promoter activity and associate with the extent of coronary artery disease (CAD). And some studies have reported that the G allele of rs17576 might be associated with CAD. The aim of this study was to assess the association between the polymorphisms of the MMP-9 gene and CAD in the Chinese Han population.

METHODS

This case-control study comprised 258 CAD cases and 153 controls from the Chinese Han Population. The genomic DNA of MMP-9 was isolated from whole blood. Polymerase chain reaction-based restriction fragment length polymorphism was used to determine the rs3918242 and rs17576 genotypes in the MMP-9 gene and the total serum levels of MMP-9 were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in both case and control groups.

RESULTS

Analysis of MMP-9 gene polymorphisms showed that the frequencies of the T allele and CT+TT genotypes of rs3918242 were significantly higher in the case group than in the control group (p<0.05). However, the distribution of variant genotypes of rs17576 did not differ between the case and control groups (p>0.05). The total serum level of MMP-9 was significantly higher in the case group than in the control group (p<0.05). The subjects carrying T alleles in the CAD group had higher average serum MMP-9 levels compared with CC genotypes (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that the single-nucleotide polymorphism of rs3918242 in the MMP-9 gene is associated with CAD and high serum levels of MMP-9 are also associated with CAD in the Chinese Han population. Therefore, genetic variation of rs3918242 may participate in the development of CAD through influencing MMP-9 expression.

Polymorphisms in metalloproteinase-9 are associated with the risk for asthma in Mexican pediatric patients

Asthma is characterized by chronic airway inflammation, which induces airway remodelling of the extracellular matrix over time. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in this process, and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in MMP genes may influence their mRNA expression levels or abilities to bind substrates and inhibitors, thereby contributing to asthma predisposition and severity. MMP-9 is highly expressed in airways and many studies support its involvement in asthma pathogenesis; however the contribution of MMP-9 SNPs is controversial. To investigate whether MMP-9 SNPs are associated with childhood-onset asthma in Mexican patients we conducted a case-control study including 403 children with clinical asthma diagnoses and 426 healthy controls from Mexico. The cases and controls were matched by ethnicity and gender. We found that the SNPs rs2274755, rs17577, and rs3918249 were associated with asthma risk. The most significant associations were with rs2274755 (OR=2.10, 95% CI 1.31-3.39, P=0.001) and rs17577 (OR=2.07, 95% CI 1.29-3.30, P=0.001); which were in strong linkage disequilibrium. Both SNPs were also associated with atopic asthma (OR=2.38, 95% CI 1.44-3 · 96, P=0.0005). The SNP rs3918249 exhibited a female gender-dependent association with asthma (OR=1.66, 95% CI 1.14-2.43, P=0.007). Our results suggest that MMP-9 polymorphisms could play a role in the susceptibility to childhood-onset asthma.

Genetic variants associated with circulating MMP1 levels near matrix metalloproteinase genes on chromosome 11q21-22 in Taiwanese: interaction with obesity

BACKGROUND

MMP1 is implicated in the pathogenesis of atherothrombotic cardiovascular disease. We aimed to elucidate genetic determinants of inflammatory marker levels, including circulating MMP1, in Taiwanese, and their association with obesity.

METHODS

Five genetic polymorphisms around matrix metalloproteinase genes on chromosome 11q21-22 region were genotyped in 519 subjects.

RESULTS

After adjusting for clinical covariates, two polymorphisms were significantly associated with MMP1 levels, rs1799750 and rs495366, using an additive inheritance model (P = 1.5x10-4 and P = 2.57x10-5, respectively). Using dominant model, minor alleles of rs1799750 and rs495366 were associated with higher MMP1 levels (P = 1.3x10-4 and P = 1.95x10-5, respectively). In haplotype analysis, two haplotypes inferred from five SNPs (A2GATA and A1GATG) were associated with MMP1 levels (P = 5x10-4 and P = 8.47x10-5, respectively). Subgroup and interaction analysis revealed an association of rs1799750 and rs495366 with MMP1 levels only in non-obese subjects (P = 6.66x10-6 and P = 4.38x10-5, respectively, and interaction P = 0.008 for rs1799750). Haplotype interaction analysis also showed significant interaction for haplotype A1GATG (interaction P = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

Genotypes/haplotypes around MMP1 locus are associated with MMP1 levels in Taiwanese. Further, since genotypes/haplotypes near MMP1 locus interact with obesity to set MMP1 levels, genetic determinants for MMP1 level may be different between obese and non-obese individuals.

Association of SELE genotypes/haplotypes with sE-selectin levels in Taiwanese individuals: interactive effect of MMP9 level

Background

E-selectin is implicated in various inflammatory processes and related disorders. We aimed to investigate the role of SELE-gene genotypes/haplotypes on plasma levels of MMP9 and sE-selectin in Taiwanese individuals.

Methods

Five hundred twenty individuals were enrolled. Seven tagging SELE single nucleotide polymorphisms were analyzed.

Results

SELE genotypes were found associated with MMP9 and sE-selectin levels. Multivariate analysis identified that the most significant genetic polymorphism (rs5368 genotype) was independently associated with MMP9 levels (P < 0.001). One haplotype (GGAGAGT) was marginally associated with MMP9 levels (P = 0.0490). One SELE SNP, (rs3917406, P = 0.031) was associated with sE-selectin levels after adjusting for MMP9 and sICAM1 levels. Subgroup and interaction analysis revealed association of SELE SNP rs10800469 with sE-selectin levels only in the highest quartile of MMP9 level (P = 0.002, interaction P = 0.023). Haplotype analysis showed one haplotype (AAAAAGC) borderline associated with sE-selectin level (P = 0.0511).

Conclusion

SELE genotypes/haplotypes are independently associated with MMP9 and E-selectin levels in Taiwanese individuals. The associations of SELE genotypes/haplotypes with sE-selectin levels are affected by MMP9 levels.

Genetic variation, gene-expression and circulating levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9 in patients with stable coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND

Mediators involved in atherosclerosis and plaque rupture may have importance as risk markers for coronary artery disease (CAD). We have investigated the influence of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 genetic variations on gene- and protein expression in stable CAD patients.

METHODS

The promoter -1562C/T and exon 6 R279Q A/G polymorphisms were determined in 1001 patients with angiographically verified stable CAD and in 204 healthy controls. Genotype and gene-expression were determined by real-time PCR. Serum levels of MMP-9 and its inhibitor TIMP-1were measured immunologically and by zymography (MMP-9 activity).

RESULTS

None of the polymorphisms associated with the presence of CAD, myocardial infarction or type 2 diabetes, whereas the variant allele of the R279Q polymorphism associated with hypertension (adjusted p=0.015). The T- and G alleles associated with lower and higher mRNA levels, respectively (p<0.005 both), also shown in an experimental ex-vivo LPS stimulated model. T-allele carriers had higher concentrations of MMP-9 (adjusted p=0.032) and the GG genotype induced lower MMP-9 gelatinolytic activity (p=0.01). Higher MMP-9 gene-expression and TIMP-1 levels were observed in patients with previous myocardial infarction, the latter also was elevated in diabetics (<0.05, all).

CONCLUSION

The investigated MMP-9 polymorphisms influenced gene- and protein expression differently and the R279Q polymorphism associated significantly with hypertension.