Vitamin D-binding protein gene polymorphisms and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease susceptibility: A meta-analysis

The causal association between genetically regulated 25OHD and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A meta-analysis and Mendelian randomization study

Backgrounds and objectives: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a multifactorial disease under genetic control. We present a meta-analysis to examine the associations of vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) gene rs7041 polymorphism with the risk of COPD and changes in circulating 25OHD concentrations.

Methods: A literature search, quality assessment, and data extraction were conducted independently by two investigators. Data are expressed as odds ratio (OR) or weighted mean difference (WMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). The inverse variance weighted method (IVW) in R (version 1.1.456) was applied to calculate the Mendelian randomization coefficient.

Results: A total of 13 articles with 3,667 participants were meta-analyzed. The rs7041-GT genotype was associated with a 49% reduced COPD risk (OR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.30 to 0.88, p = 0.014) compared to the rs7041-TT genotype. Carriers of the rs7041-GT genotype had significantly higher concentrations of circulating 25OHD than those with the rs7041-TT genotype (WMD: 0.32 ng/ml, 95% CI: 0.09 to 0.55, p = 0.006). Under the assumptions of Mendelian randomization, and assuming a linear logistic relationship between circulating 25OHD and COPD, an inverse association was noted after using VDBP gene rs7041 polymorphism as an instrument (WMD: −2.07, 95% CI: −3.72 to −0.41, p = 0.015). There was a low probability of publication bias.

Conclusion: We observed significant associations of VDBP gene rs7041 polymorphism with the risk of COPD and changes in circulating 25OHD concentrations. Importantly, we found a causal relationship between genetically regulated 25OHD concentrations and COPD risk.

Genetic Variants Associated with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Risk: Cumulative Epidemiological Evidence from Meta-Analyses and Genome-Wide Association Studies

Background

Last two decades, many association studies on genetic variants and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) risk have been published. But results from different studies are inconsistent. Therefore, we performed this article to systematically evaluate results from previous meta-analyses and genome-wide association studies (GWASs). Material and Methods. Firstly, we retrieved meta-analyses in PubMed, Embase, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure and GWASs in PubMed and GWAS catalog on or before April 7th, 2022. Then, data were extracted and screened. Finally, two main methods—Venice criteria and false-positive report probability test—were used to evaluate significant associations.

Results

As a result, eighty-eight meta-analyses and 5 GWASs were deemed eligible for inclusion. Fifty variants in 26 genes obtained from meta-analyses were significantly associated with COPD risk. Cumulative epidemiological evidence of an association was graded as strong for 10 variants in 8 genes (GSTM1, CHRNA, ADAM33, SP-D, TNF-α, VDBP, HMOX1, and HHIP), moderate for 6 variants in 5 genes (PI, GSTM1, ADAM33, TNF-α, and VDBP), and weak for 40 variants in 23 genes. Five variants in 4 genes showed convincing evidence of no association with COPD risk in meta-analyses. Additionally, 29 SNPs identified in GWASs were proved to be noteworthy based on the FPRP test.

Conclusion

In summary, more than half (52.38%) of genetic variants reported in previous meta-analyses showed no association with COPD risk. However, 13 variants in 9 genes had moderate to strong evidence for an association. This article can serve as a useful reference for further studies.

Sputum Vitamin D Binding Protein (VDBP) GC1S/1S Genotype Predicts Airway Obstruction: A Prospective Study in Smokers with COPD

Introduction

The vitamin D binding protein (VDBP, also known as GC-globulin) and vitamin D deficiency have been associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). rs7041 and rs4588 are two single nucleotide polymorphisms of the VDBP gene, including three common allelic variants (GC1S, GC1F and GC2). Previous studies primarily assessed the serum levels of vitamin D and VDBP in COPD. However, less is known regarding the impact of the local release of VDBP on COPD lung function. Thus, we examined the association of sputum and plasma VDBP with lung function at baseline and at four years, and examined potential genetic polymorphism interactions.

Methods

The baseline levels of sputum VDBP, plasma VDBP and plasma 25-OH vitamin D, as well as the GC rs4588 and rs7041 genotypes, were assessed in a 4-year Finnish follow-up cohort (n = 233) of non-smokers, and smokers with and without COPD. The associations between the VDBP levels and the longitudinal decline of lung function were further analysed.

Results

High frequencies of the haplotypes in rs7041/rs4588 were homozygous GC1S/1S (42.5%). Higher sputum VDBP levels in stage I and stage II COPD were observed only in carriers with GC1S/1S genotype when compared with non-smokers (p = 0.034 and p = 0.002, respectively). Genotype multivariate regression analysis indicated that the baseline sputum VDBP and FEV1/FVC ratio at baseline independently predicted FEV1% at follow-up.

Discussion and Conclusion

The baseline sputum VDBP expression was elevated in smokers with COPD among individuals with the GC1S/1S genotype, and predicted follow-up airway obstruction. Our results suggest that the GC polymorphism should be considered when exploring the potential of VDBP as a biomarker for COPD.

The Influence of Vitamin D on Neurodegeneration and Neurological Disorders: A Rationale for its Physio-pathological Actions

Vitamin D is a steroid hormone implicated in the regulation of neuronal integrity and many brain functions. Its influence, as a nutrient and a hormone, on the physiopathology of the most common neurodegenerative diseases is continuously emphasized by new studies. This review addresses what is currently known about the action of vitamin D on the nervous system and neurodegenerative diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Further vitamin D research is necessary to understand how the action of this "neuroactive" steroid can help to optimize the prevention and treatment of several neurological diseases.

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis to Establish the Association of Common Genetic Variations in Vitamin D Binding Protein With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Background: Vitamin-D binding protein (DBP) also known as GC protein, is a major determinant for vitamin- D metabolism and transport. GC1F, GC1S, and GC2 are the three allelic variants (denoted as rs4588 and rs7041) of GC, and known to be associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, contradictory reports and population specific risk attributed by these alleles warranted detailed genetic epidemiology study to establish the association between GC variants and COPD. In this study we performed a meta-analysis and investigated the genetic architecture of GC locus to establish the association and uncover the plausible reason for allelic heterogeneity. Methods: Published cross-sectional case control studies were screened and meta-analysis was performed between GC variants and COPD outcome. RevMan-v5.3 software was used to perform random and/or fixed models to calculate pooled odds ratio (Meta-OR). Linkage disequilibrium (LD) and haplotypes at GC locus were evaluated using 1000 Genomes genotype data. In silico functional implications of rs4588 and rs7041 was tested using publicly available tools. Results: GC1F allele and GC1F/1F genotype were found to confer COPD risk in overall meta-analysis. GC1S/1S was found to confer risk only among Europeans. In silico investigation of rs4588 and rs7041 identified strong eQTL effects and potential role in regulation of GC expression. Large differences in allele frequencies, linkage disequilibrium (LD) and haplotypes were identified at GC locus across different populations (Japanese, African, Europeans, and Indians), which may explain the variable association of different GC alleles in different populations. Conclusion: GC1F and GC1F/1F impose significant genetic risk for COPD, among Asians. Considerable differences in allele frequencies and LD structure in GC locus may impose population specific risk.

Relationship between vitamin D-binding protein polymorphisms and blood vitamin D level in Korean patients with COPD

Background

In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the blood vitamin D3 level is generally low, and genetic polymorphisms of vitamin D-binding protein encoded by the GC gene are associated with COPD development. In this study, we examined the relationship between GC polymorphisms and plasma vitamin D3 level in Korean patients with COPD.

Methods

The study included 175 COPD patients from the Korean Obstructive Lung Disease Cohort. Multivariate analysis was conducted with adjustment for age, body mass index (BMI), lung function, smoking status, smoking amount, and seasonal variation in blood vitamin D level. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as a plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ level lower than 20 ng/mL.

Results

The mean plasma vitamin D3 level was 17.5 ng/mL. The GC1F variant (44.3%) and genotype 1F-2 (27.4%) were the most common. The plasma vitamin D3 level was lower in patients with the GC2 variant (estimated =−3.73 ng/mL) and higher in those with genotype 1F-1S (estimated =4.08 ng/mL). The GC2 variant was a significant risk factor for vitamin D deficiency (odds ratio =2.41). Among COPD clinical parameters, vitamin D deficiency was associated with a lower ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 second to forced vital capacity (FEV₁/FVC) regardless of GC polymorphisms. FEV₁/FVC was higher in patients with genotype 1F-1F (estimated =3.61%) and lower in those with genotype 1F-2 (estimated =−3.31%). The 6-minute walking distance was shorter for patients with the GC1F variant (estimated =−38.91 m) and longer for those with the GC2 variant (estimated =26.98 m). The emphysema index was higher for patients with the GC1S variant (estimated =6.56%) and genotype 1F-1S (estimated =9.86%), regardless of the vitamin D level.

Conclusion

The GC2 variant is a risk factor for vitamin D deficiency, and genotype 1F-1S is a protective factor against vitamin D deficiency. GC polymorphisms and vitamin D deficiency correlate with clinical outcomes for Korean patients with COPD.

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with the severity of COPD: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose

To explore the association between host serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and the susceptibility and severity of COPD.

Methods

Previous studies on the association between host 25(OH)D and the susceptibility and severity of COPD were collected on the basis of a systematic literature search of PubMed and Web of Science up to June 2015. Continuous variable data were presented as standard mean difference (SMD) or weighted mean difference with 95% confidence interval (CI). The dichotomous variable data were analyzed as relative ratio (RR) or odds ratio with 95% CI for cohort and case-control studies. A systematic review was conducted to understand the curative and side effects of vitamin D intake.

Results

A total of 18 studies including eight cohort, five case-control, and five randomized studies met the inclusion criteria. The serum level of 25(OH)D in COPD patients was comparable with controls with a pooled SMD of 0.191 (95% CI: −0.126 to 0.508, P=0.237) based on pooled analyses of cohort studies. However, the serum level of 25(OH)D in COPD patients was lower with a pooled SMD of 0.961 (95% CI: 0.476–1.446, P<0.001) compared with controls based on pooled analyses of case-control studies. The deficiency rates of 25(OH)D were comparable between controls and COPD patients with a pooled RR of 0.955 (95% CI: 0.754–1.211, P=0.705) based on analyses of cohort studies, and the same results were observed based on pooled analyses of case-control studies. Interestingly, the deficiency rate of 25(OH)D was significantly lower in moderate or severe COPD patients with a pooled RR of 0.723 (95% CI: 0.632–0.828, P<0.001) compared with that in mild COPD patients. The same results were obtained from the pooled analysis between moderate and severe COPD patients. The four randomized studies showed that vitamin D intake provided benefit for COPD patients.

Conclusion

Low serum levels of 25(OH)D were not associated with COPD susceptibility, but the high deficiency rate of 25(OH)D was associated with COPD severity. Vitamin D supplementation may prevent COPD exacerbation.