1
|
Meza-Alvarado JC, Page RA, Mallard B, Bromhead C, Palmer BR. VEGF-A related SNPs: a cardiovascular context. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1190513. [PMID: 37288254 PMCID: PMC10242119 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1190513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide. Currently, cardiovascular disease risk algorithms play a role in primary prevention. However, this is complicated by a lack of powerfully predictive biomarkers that could be observed in individuals before the onset of overt symptoms. A key potential biomarker for heart disease is the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A), a molecule that plays a pivotal role in blood vessel formation. This molecule has a complex biological role in the cardiovascular system due to the processes it influences, and its production is impacted by various CVD risk factors. Research in different populations has shown single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) may affect circulating VEGF-A plasma levels, with some variants associated with the development of CVDs, as well as CVD risk factors. This minireview aims to give an overview of the VEGF family, and of the SNPs reported to influence VEGF-A levels, cardiovascular disease, and other risk factors used in CVD risk assessments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - B. R. Palmer
- School of Health Sciences, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kafyra M, Kalafati IP, Gavra I, Siest S, Dedoussis GV. Associations of VEGF-A-Related Variants with Adolescent Cardiometabolic and Dietary Parameters. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15081884. [PMID: 37111103 PMCID: PMC10143198 DOI: 10.3390/nu15081884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous research has allowed the identification of variants related to the vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and their association with anthropometric, lipidemic and glycemic indices. The present study examined potential relations between key VEGF-A-related single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), cardiometabolic parameters and dietary habits in an adolescent cohort. Cross-sectional analyses were conducted using baseline data from 766 participants of the Greek TEENAGE study. Eleven VEGF-A-related SNPs were examined for associations with cardiometabolic indices through multivariate linear regressions after adjusting for confounding factors. A 9-SNP unweighted genetic risk score (uGRS) for increased VEGF-A levels was constructed to examine associations and the effect of its interactions with previously extracted dietary patterns for the cohort. Two variants (rs4416670, rs7043199) displayed significant associations (p-values < 0.005) with the logarithms of systolic and diastolic blood pressure (logSBP and logDBP). The uGRS was significantly associated with higher values of the logarithm of Body Mass Index (logBMI) and logSBP (p-values < 0.05). Interactions between the uGRS and specific dietary patterns were related to higher logDBP and logGlucose (p-values < 0.01). The present analyses constitute the first-ever attempt to investigate the influence of VEGF-A-related variants on teenage cardiometabolic determinants, unveiling several associations and the modifying effect of diet.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Kafyra
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Science and Education, Harokopio University, 17671 Athens, Greece
| | - Ioanna Panagiota Kalafati
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Science and Education, Harokopio University, 17671 Athens, Greece
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Physical Education, Sport Science and Dietetics, University of Thessaly, 42132 Trikala, Greece
| | - Ioanna Gavra
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Science and Education, Harokopio University, 17671 Athens, Greece
| | - Sophie Siest
- Interactions Gène-Environnement en Physiopathologie Cardio-Vasculaire (IGE-PCV), Université de Lorraine, 54000 Nancy, France
- Santorini Conferences (SCs) Association-For Research Innovation in Health, 54470 Bernecourt, France
| | - George V Dedoussis
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Science and Education, Harokopio University, 17671 Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Al-Homedi Z, Afify N, Memon M, Alsafar H, Tay G, Jelinek HF, Mousa M, Abu-Samra N, Osman W. Genetic Studies of Metabolic Syndrome in Arab Populations: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Genet 2021; 12:733746. [PMID: 34868209 PMCID: PMC8637276 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.733746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is prevalent in Arabian populations. Several small-scale studies have been performed to investigate the genetic basis of MetS. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to examine whether candidate gene polymorphisms are associated with MetS susceptibility among ethnic groups of the Arabian world and to suggest possible directions for future research regarding genetic markers and MetS. Methods: A search was conducted for peer-reviewed articles that examined the genetic association of MetS in Arabian populations in the following databases: Medline, Embase, Scopus, Direct Science, Web of Science, ProQuest, and Google Scholar until March 31, 2021. Articles were eligible if they were case-control studies, which investigated MetS as a dichotomous outcome (MetS vs no MetS). To assess the quality of the studies, the Q-Genie tool (Quality of Genetic Association Studies) was used. A non-central chi2 (random-effect) distribution was used to determine the heterogeneity (H) of Q and I (Galassi et al., The American journal of medicine, 2006, 119, 812–819) statistics. Results: Our search strategy identified 36 studies that met our inclusion criteria. In most cases, studies were excluded due to a lack of statistical information such as odds ratios, confidence intervals, and p-values. According to the Q-Genie tool, 12 studies scored poorly (a score of≤35), 13 studies scored moderately ( >35 and≤45), and 12 studies had good quality ( >45 or higher). The most frequently studied genes were FTO and VDR (both included in four studies). Three SNPs indicated increased risk for MetS after calculating the pooled odds ratios: FTO-rs9939609 (odds ratio 1.49, 95% CI: 0.96–2.32); LEP-rs7799039 (odds ratio 1.85, 95% CI: 1.37–2.5); and SERPINA12-rs2236242 (odds ratio 1.65, 95% CI: 1.21–2.24). Meta-analysis studies showed no significant heterogeneity. Conclusion: There were many sources of heterogeneity in the study settings. Most of the studies had low to moderate quality because of sample size and power issues, not considering all potential sources of bias, and not providing details about genotyping methods and results. As most studies were small-scale, aimed to replicate findings from other populations, we did not find any unique genetic association between MetS and Arabian populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zahrah Al-Homedi
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nariman Afify
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mashal Memon
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Habiba Alsafar
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.,Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Guan Tay
- Department of Psychiatry, UWA Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Herbert F Jelinek
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.,Health Innovation Engineering Center, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mira Mousa
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.,Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproduction Health, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nadia Abu-Samra
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Wael Osman
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.,Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Clinical Implications of MiR128, Angiotensin I Converting Enzyme and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Gene Abnormalities and Their Association with T2D. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2021; 43:1859-1875. [PMID: 34889890 PMCID: PMC8928978 DOI: 10.3390/cimb43030130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Type 2 DM (T2D) results from the interaction of the genetic and environmental risk factors. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE), and MicroRNAs (MiRNAs) are involved in important physiological processes. Gene variations in VEGF, ACE and MiRNA genes are associated with diseases. In this study we investigated the associations of the VEGF-2578 C/A (rs699947), VEGF-2549 insertion/deletion (I/D), and ACE I/D rs4646994 and Mir128a (rs11888095) gene variations with T2D using the amplification refractory mutation system PCR (ARMS-PCR) and mutation specific PCR (MSP). We screened 122 T2D cases and 126 healthy controls (HCs) for the rs699947, and 133 T2D cases and 133 HCs for the VEGF I/D polymorphism. For the ACE I/D we screened 152 cases and 150 HCs, and we screened 129 cases and 112 HCs for the Mir128a (rs11888095). The results showed that the CA genotype of the VEGF rs699947 and D allele of the VEGF I/D polymorphisms were associated with T2D with OR =2.01, p-value = 0.011, and OR = 2.42, p-value = 0.010, respectively. The result indicated the D allele of the ACE ID was protective against T2D with OR = 0.10, p-value = 0.0001, whereas the TC genotype and the T allele of the Mir128a (rs11888095) were associated with increased risk to T2D with OR = 3.16, p-value = 0.0001, and OR = 1.68, p-value = 0.01, respectively. We conclude that the VEGF (rs699947), VEGF I/D and Mir128a (rs11888095) are potential risk loci for T2D, and that the D allele of the ACE ID polymorphism may be protective against T2D. These results help in identification and stratification for the individuals that at risk for T2D. However, future well-designed studies in different populations and with larger sample sizes are required. Moreover, studies to examine the effects of these polymorphisms on VEGF and ACE proteins are recommended.
Collapse
|
5
|
Gutiérrez-Repiso C, Linares-Pineda TM, Gonzalez-Jimenez A, Aguilar-Lineros F, Valdés S, Soriguer F, Rojo-Martínez G, Tinahones FJ, Morcillo S. Epigenetic Biomarkers of Transition from Metabolically Healthy Obesity to Metabolically Unhealthy Obesity Phenotype: A Prospective Study. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910417. [PMID: 34638758 PMCID: PMC8508854 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Identifying those parameters that could potentially predict the deterioration of metabolically healthy phenotype is a matter of debate. In this field, epigenetics, in particular DNA methylation deserves special attention. Results: The aim of the present study was to analyze the long-term evolution of methylation patterns in a subset of metabolically healthy subjects in order to search for epigenetic markers that could predict the progression to an unhealthy state. Twenty-six CpG sites were significantly differentially methylated, both at baseline and 11-year follow-up. These sites were related to 19 genes or pseudogenes; a more in-depth analysis of the methylation sites of these genes showed that CYP2E1 had 50% of the collected CpG sites differently methylated between stable metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) and unstable MHO, followed by HLA-DRB1 (33%), ZBTB45 (16%), HOOK3 (14%), PLCZ1 (14%), SLC1A1 (12%), MUC2 (12%), ZFPM2 (12.5%) and HLA-DQB2 (8%). Pathway analysis of the selected 26 CpG sites showed enrichment in pathways linked to th1 and th2 activation, antigen presentation, allograft rejection signals and metabolic processes. Higher methylation levels in the cg20707527 (ZFPM2) could have a protective effect against the progression to unstable MHO (OR: 0.21, 95%CI (0.067–0.667), p < 0.0001), whilst higher methylation levels in cg11445109 (CYP2E1) would increase the progression to MUO; OR: 2.72, 95%CI (1.094–6.796), p < 0.0014; respectively). Conclusions: DNA methylation status is associated with the stability/worsening of MHO phenotype. Two potential biomarkers of the transition to an unhealthy state were identified and deserve further investigation (cg20707527 and cg11445109). Moreover, the described differences in methylation could alter immune system-related pathways, highlighting these pathways as therapeutic targets to prevent metabolic deterioration in MHO patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Gutiérrez-Repiso
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Endocrinología y Nutrición del Hospital Virgen de la Victoria, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), 29010 Málaga, Spain; (C.G.-R.); (T.M.L.-P.); (F.A.-L.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y la Nutrición (CIBERobn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Teresa María Linares-Pineda
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Endocrinología y Nutrición del Hospital Virgen de la Victoria, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), 29010 Málaga, Spain; (C.G.-R.); (T.M.L.-P.); (F.A.-L.)
| | - Andres Gonzalez-Jimenez
- ECAI Bioinformática Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), 29010 Málaga, Spain;
| | - Francisca Aguilar-Lineros
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Endocrinología y Nutrición del Hospital Virgen de la Victoria, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), 29010 Málaga, Spain; (C.G.-R.); (T.M.L.-P.); (F.A.-L.)
| | - Sergio Valdés
- Departamento de Endocrinología and Nutrición, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), 29009 Málaga, Spain; (S.V.); (F.S.); (G.R.-M.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Federico Soriguer
- Departamento de Endocrinología and Nutrición, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), 29009 Málaga, Spain; (S.V.); (F.S.); (G.R.-M.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Gemma Rojo-Martínez
- Departamento de Endocrinología and Nutrición, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), 29009 Málaga, Spain; (S.V.); (F.S.); (G.R.-M.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco J. Tinahones
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Endocrinología y Nutrición del Hospital Virgen de la Victoria, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), 29010 Málaga, Spain; (C.G.-R.); (T.M.L.-P.); (F.A.-L.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y la Nutrición (CIBERobn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Medicina y Dermatología, Universidad de Málaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain
- Correspondence: (F.J.T.); (S.M.)
| | - Sonsoles Morcillo
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Endocrinología y Nutrición del Hospital Virgen de la Victoria, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), 29010 Málaga, Spain; (C.G.-R.); (T.M.L.-P.); (F.A.-L.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y la Nutrición (CIBERobn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (F.J.T.); (S.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Luthert PJ, Kiel C. Combining Gene-Disease Associations with Single-Cell Gene Expression Data Provides Anatomy-Specific Subnetworks in Age-Related Macular Degeneration. NETWORK AND SYSTEMS MEDICINE 2020; 3:105-121. [PMID: 32789304 PMCID: PMC7416628 DOI: 10.1089/nsm.2020.0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of visual impairment in the developed world. Despite some treatment options for late AMD, there is no intervention that blocks early AMD proceeding to the late and blinding forms. This is partly due to the lack of precise drug targets, despite great advances in genetics, epidemiology, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks proposed to be driving the disease pathology. A systems approach to narrow down PPI networks to specific protein drug targets would provide new therapeutic options. Materials and Methods: In this study we analyzed single cell RNAseq (RNA sequencing) datasets of 17 cell types present in choroidal, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), and neural retina (NR) tissues to explore if a more granular analysis incorporating different cell types exposes more specific pathways and relationships. Furthermore, we developed a novel and systematic gene ontology database (SysGO) to explore if a subcellular classification of processes will further enhance the understanding of the pathogenesis of this complex disorder and its comorbidities with other age-related diseases. Results: We found that 57% of the AMD (risk) genes are among the top 25% expressed genes in ∼1 of the 17 choroidal/RPE/NR cell types, and 9% were among the top 1% of expressed genes. Using SysGO, we identified an enrichment of AMD genes in cell membrane and extracellular anatomical locations, and we found both functional enrichments (e.g., cell adhesion) and cell types (e.g., fibroblasts, microglia) not previously associated with AMD pathogenesis. We reconstructed PPI networks among the top expressed AMD genes for all 17 choroidal/RPE/NR cell types, which provides molecular and anatomical definitions of AMD phenotypes that can guide therapeutic approaches to target this complex disease. Conclusion: We provide mechanism-based AMD endophenotypes that can be exploited in vitro, using computational models and for drug discovery/repurposing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philip J. Luthert
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, and NIHR Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Christina Kiel
- Systems Biology Ireland and UCD Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
The Association of rs1898830 in Toll-Like Receptor 2 with Lipids and Blood Pressure. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2020; 7:jcdd7030024. [PMID: 32650372 PMCID: PMC7569770 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd7030024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are important components of the innate immune system, involved in establishing immunity to infections. Apart from being implicated in immunity, numerous studies have reported that many TLRs, including TLR2, are involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases and their risk factors. Since rs1898830 is associated with TLR2-mediated cellular activation, we aimed to study its association with CVD risk factors, such as lipid levels and hypertension. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted on 460 individuals free from chronic diseases. Clinical and biological data were collected and DNA was extracted and genotyped using Kompetitive allele specific PCR (KASP™). Multiple logistic regression models, adjusted for six covariates, were used. A power calculation analysis was also performed. RESULTS We found that rs1898830 in TLR2 was positively associated with hypertension (OR = 2.18, p = 0.03) and negatively associated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (OR = 0.66, p = 0.05). In contrast, no relation was found with total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. CONCLUSION The present results provide additional evidence supporting the implication of TLR2 in CVD risk factors.
Collapse
|