Association Between Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in PPARA and EPAS1 Genes and High-Altitude Appetite Loss in Chinese Young Men

ZnO nanomaterials target mitochondrial apoptosis and mitochondrial autophagy pathways in cancer cells

In recent years, the application of engineering nanomaterials has significantly contributed to the development of various biomedical fields. Zinc oxide nanomaterials (ZnO NMts) have gained wide popularity due to their biocompatibility, unique physical and chemical properties, stability, and cost-effectiveness for large-scale production. They have emerged as potential materials for anticancer applications. This article provides a comprehensive review of the synthesis methods of ZnO NMts and highlights the advantages of combining ZnO NMts with anticancer drugs as a nano platform for cancer treatment. Additionally, the article briefly explains the mechanism of action of ZnO NMts in tumor cells, focusing on the mitochondrial pathways that target cell apoptosis and autophagy. It is observed that these pathways are primarily influenced by reactive oxygen species generated through oxidative stress. The article discusses the promising prospects of ZnO NMts combined with anticancer drugs in the field of cancer medicine and emphasizes the need for further in-depth research on the mitochondrial apoptosis and mitochondrial autophagy pathways.

The role of EPAS1 polymorphisms on COPD susceptibility in southern Chinese

Objective

COPD is the most common chronic respiratory disease with complex environmental and genetic etiologies. It was reported that EPAS1 might participate in the occurrence and development of respiratory diseases. However, the association between EPAS1 and COPD was unclear.

Methods

First, a case-control study enrolling 1130 COPD patients and 1115 healthy controls in Guangzhou was conducted to clarify the association between EPAS1 polymorphisms and COPD susceptibility. Secondly, a prevalence study recruited 882 participants in Gansu to verify the effect of positive polymorphisms on lung function. Finally, the 10-year absolute risk considering environmental factors and genetic variations was calculated by the method of Gail and Bruzzi.

Results

EPAS1 rs13419896 AA genotype reduced COPD risk in southern Chinese (AA vs. GG: adjusted OR = 0.689, 95% CI = 0.498-0.955; AA vs. GG/GA: adjusted OR = 0.701, 95% CI = 0.511-0.962). Further, the rs13419896 A allele was significantly associated with higher pre-FEV1/pre-FVC in both the Guangzhou and Gansu populations (P < 0.05). Smoking status, coal as fuels, education level, and rs13419896 G > A were finally retained to develop a relative risk model for males. Smoking status, biomass as fuels, and rs13419896 G > A were retained in the female model. The population-attributable risk of the male or female model was 0.457 (0.283-0.632) and 0.421 (0.227-0.616), respectively.

Conclusions

This study first revealed that EPAS1 rs13419896 G > A decreased COPD susceptibility and could be a genetic marker to predict the 10-year absolute risk for COPD.

Novel MHC BLB2 gene polymorphism and its association with IgY concentration and Newcastle disease antibody titer in IPB-D2 chickens

This study aimed to identify the polymorphism of the B Locus Beta 2 (BLB2) gene and its association with immunoglobulin Y (IgY) concentration and Newcastle disease (ND) antibody titer; we analyzed BLB2 gene expression in different categories of ND antibody titers in IPB-D2 chickens. The total sample used was 100 IPB-D2 chickens. Blood samples were collected at 21 weeks old for an ELISA (enzyme-linked immunoassay) test, an HI (hemagglutination inhibition) test, and genotyping. The method for BLB2 polymorphism was Sanger sequencing. Analysis of BLB2 gene expression was performed using the cecal tonsil tissue of IPB-D2 chickens. Polymorphism data were analyzed using SNPstats and DNAsp (DNA Sequence Polymorphism) software. The association of the single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with IgY concentration and ND antibody titer was analyzed using SAS software (version 9.2). The genotype mean values were compared by means of a T test. The relative mRNA expression analysis was performed using a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The results showed that 13 SNPs were found in exon 2 and exon 3 in the BLB2 gene. As many as 4 out of the 13 SNPs were associated with IgY concentration. As many as 9 out the 13 SNPs may have changed amino acids. The Δ Ct value showed that the expression of the BLB2 gene in IPB-D2 chickens with high ND antibody titers is higher than IPB-D2 chickens with low ND antibody titers. In conclusion, the AA genotype of g.458 T >  A was associated with high IgY concentrations, and the BLB2 gene presented with a high expression in IPB-D2 chickens with high ND antibody titers.

The Influence of the Differentiation of Genes Encoding Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors and Their Coactivators on Nutrient and Energy Metabolism

Genetic components may play an important role in the regulation of nutrient and energy metabolism. In the presence of specific genetic variants, metabolic dysregulation may occur, especially in relation to the processes of digestion, assimilation, and the physiological utilization of nutrients supplied to the body, as well as the regulation of various metabolic pathways and the balance of metabolic changes, which may consequently affect the effectiveness of applied reduction diets and weight loss after training. There are many well-documented studies showing that the presence of certain polymorphic variants in some genes can be associated with specific changes in nutrient and energy metabolism, and consequently, with more or less desirable effects of applied caloric reduction and/or exercise intervention. This systematic review focused on the role of genes encoding peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) and their coactivators in nutrient and energy metabolism. The literature review prepared showed that there is a link between the presence of specific alleles described at different polymorphic points in PPAR genes and various human body characteristics that are crucial for the efficacy of nutritional and/or exercise interventions. Genetic analysis can be a valuable element that complements the work of a dietitian or trainer, allowing for the planning of a personalized diet or training that makes the best use of the innate metabolic characteristics of the person who is the subject of their interventions.

Whole genome re-sequencing identifies unique adaption of single nucleotide polymorphism, insertion/deletion and structure variation related to hypoxia in Tibetan chickens

BACKGROUND

The adaptation to hypoxia in high altitude areas has great research value in the field of biological sciences. Tibetan chicken has unique adaptability to high-altitude, low pressure and anoxic conditions, and served as a biological model to search for genetic diversity of hypoxia adaption.

METHODS

The whole genome re-sequencing technology was conducted to investigate the genetic diversity.

RESULTS

In this study, we obtained quantity genetic resource, contained 5164926 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), 237504 Insertion/Deletion (InDel), 55606 structural variation types in all chromosomes of Tibetan chicken. Moreover, 17154 non-synonymous mutations, 45763 synonymous mutations, 258 InDel mutations and 9468 structural mutations were detected in coding sequencing (CDS) region. Furthermore, SNPs occur in 591 genes, including HIF1A, VEGF, MAPK 8/9/10/11, PPARA/D/G, NOTCH2, and ABCs, which were involved in 14 hypoxia-related pathways, such as VEGF signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, PPAR signaling pathway and Notch signaling pathway. Among them, 19 genes with non-synonymous SNP variation in CDS were identified. Moreover, structure variation in CDS also occurred in the mentioned above genes with SNPs.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides useful targets for clarifying the hypoxia adaptability of the domestication of chickens in Tibetan and may help breeding efforts to develop improved breeds for the highlands.

Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors as Molecular Links between Caloric Restriction and Circadian Rhythm

The circadian rhythm plays a chief role in the adaptation of all bodily processes to internal and environmental changes on the daily basis. Next to light/dark phases, feeding patterns constitute the most essential element entraining daily oscillations, and therefore, timely and appropriate restrictive diets have a great capacity to restore the circadian rhythm. One of the restrictive nutritional approaches, caloric restriction (CR) achieves stunning results in extending health span and life span via coordinated changes in multiple biological functions from the molecular, cellular, to the whole-body levels. The main molecular pathways affected by CR include mTOR, insulin signaling, AMPK, and sirtuins. Members of the family of nuclear receptors, the three peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), PPARα, PPARβ/δ, and PPARγ take part in the modulation of these pathways. In this non-systematic review, we describe the molecular interconnection between circadian rhythm, CR-associated pathways, and PPARs. Further, we identify a link between circadian rhythm and the outcomes of CR on the whole-body level including oxidative stress, inflammation, and aging. Since PPARs contribute to many changes triggered by CR, we discuss the potential involvement of PPARs in bridging CR and circadian rhythm.

Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors and Caloric Restriction-Common Pathways Affecting Metabolism, Health, and Longevity

Caloric restriction (CR) is a traditional but scientifically verified approach to promoting health and increasing lifespan. CR exerts its effects through multiple molecular pathways that trigger major metabolic adaptations. It influences key nutrient and energy-sensing pathways including mammalian target of rapamycin, Sirtuin 1, AMP-activated protein kinase, and insulin signaling, ultimately resulting in reductions in basic metabolic rate, inflammation, and oxidative stress, as well as increased autophagy and mitochondrial efficiency. CR shares multiple overlapping pathways with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), particularly in energy metabolism and inflammation. Consequently, several lines of evidence suggest that PPARs might be indispensable for beneficial outcomes related to CR. In this review, we present the available evidence for the interconnection between CR and PPARs, highlighting their shared pathways and analyzing their interaction. We also discuss the possible contributions of PPARs to the effects of CR on whole organism outcomes.

Impact of PPAR-Alpha Polymorphisms-The Case of Metabolic Disorders and Atherosclerosis

Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor α (PPARα) has the most relevant biological functions among PPARs. Activation by drugs and dietary components lead to major metabolic changes, from reduced triglyceridemia to improvement in the metabolic syndrome. Polymorphisms of PPARα are of interest in order to improve our understanding of metabolic disorders associated with a raised or reduced risk of diseases. PPARα polymorphisms are mainly characterized by two sequence changes, L162V and V227A, with the latter occurring only in Eastern nations, and by numerous SNPs (Single nucleotide polymorphisms) with a less clear biological role. The minor allele of L162V associates with raised total cholesterol, LDL-C (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol), and triglycerides, reduced HDL-C (high-density lipoprotein metabolism), and elevated lipoprotein (a). An increased cardiovascular risk is not clear, whereas a raised risk of diabetes or of liver steatosis are not well supported. The minor allele of the V227A polymorphism is instead linked to a reduction of steatosis and raised γ-glutamyltranspeptidase levels in non-drinking Orientals, the latter being reduced in drinkers. Lastly, the minor allele of rs4353747 is associated with a raised high-altitude appetite loss. These and other associations indicate the predictive potential of PPARα polymorphisms for an improved understanding of human disease, which also explain variability in the clinical response to specific drug treatments or dietary approaches.