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Manti S, Galletta F, Bencivenga CL, Bettini I, Klain A, D’Addio E, Mori F, Licari A, Miraglia del Giudice M, Indolfi C. Food Allergy Risk: A Comprehensive Review of Maternal Interventions for Food Allergy Prevention. Nutrients 2024; 16:1087. [PMID: 38613120 PMCID: PMC11013058 DOI: 10.3390/nu16071087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Food allergy represents a global health problem impacting patients' and caregivers' quality of life and contributing to increased healthcare costs. Efforts to identify preventive measures starting from pregnancy have recently intensified. This review aims to provide an overview of the role of maternal factors in food allergy prevention. Several studies indicate that avoiding food allergens during pregnancy does not reduce the risk of developing food allergies. International guidelines unanimously discourage avoidance diets due to potential adverse effects on essential nutrient intake and overall health for both women and children. Research on probiotics and prebiotics during pregnancy as preventive measures is promising, though evidence remains limited. Consequently, guidelines lack specific recommendations for their use in preventing food allergies. Similarly, given the absence of conclusive evidence, it is not possible to formulate definitive conclusions on the supplementation of vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), and other antioxidant substances. A combination of maternal interventions, breastfeeding, and early introduction of foods to infants can reduce the risk of food allergies in the child. Further studies are needed to clarify the interaction between genetics, immunological pathways, and environmental factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Manti
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age ‘Gaetano Barresi’, University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy; (S.M.); (F.G.)
| | - Francesca Galletta
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age ‘Gaetano Barresi’, University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy; (S.M.); (F.G.)
| | - Chiara Lucia Bencivenga
- Department of Woman, Child and of General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’, 80138 Naples, Italy; (C.L.B.); (E.D.); (M.M.d.G.); (C.I.)
| | - Irene Bettini
- Pediatric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Angela Klain
- Department of Woman, Child and of General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’, 80138 Naples, Italy; (C.L.B.); (E.D.); (M.M.d.G.); (C.I.)
| | - Elisabetta D’Addio
- Department of Woman, Child and of General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’, 80138 Naples, Italy; (C.L.B.); (E.D.); (M.M.d.G.); (C.I.)
| | - Francesca Mori
- Allergy Unit, Meyer Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 50139 Florence, Italy;
| | - Amelia Licari
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic, and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
- Pediatric Clinic, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Michele Miraglia del Giudice
- Department of Woman, Child and of General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’, 80138 Naples, Italy; (C.L.B.); (E.D.); (M.M.d.G.); (C.I.)
| | - Cristiana Indolfi
- Department of Woman, Child and of General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’, 80138 Naples, Italy; (C.L.B.); (E.D.); (M.M.d.G.); (C.I.)
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Jia J, Zhou X, Chu Q. Mechanisms and therapeutic prospect of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway in liver cancer. Mol Cell Biochem 2024:10.1007/s11010-024-04983-5. [PMID: 38519710 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-024-04983-5] [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: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Liver cancer (LC) poses a significant global health challenge due to its high incidence and poor prognosis. Current systemic treatment options, such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiofrequency ablation, and immunotherapy, have shown limited effectiveness for advanced LC patients. Moreover, owing to the heterogeneous nature of LC, it is crucial to uncover more in-depth pathogenic mechanisms and develop effective treatments to address the limitations of the existing therapeutic modalities. Increasing evidence has revealed the crucial role of the Janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway in the pathogenesis of LC. The specific mechanisms driving the JAK-STAT pathway activation in LC, participate in a variety of malignant biological processes, including cell differentiation, evasion, anti-apoptosis, immune escape, and treatment resistance. Both preclinical and clinical investigations on the JAK-STAT pathway inhibitors have exhibited potential in LC treatment, thereby opening up avenues for the development of more targeted therapeutic strategies for LC. In this study, we provide an overview of the JAK-STAT pathway, delving into the composition, activation, and dynamic interplay within the pathway. Additionally, we focus on the molecular mechanisms driving the aberrant activation of the JAK-STAT pathway in LC. Furthermore, we summarize the latest advancements in targeting the JAK-STAT pathway for LC treatment. The insights presented in this review aim to underscore the necessity of research into the JAK-STAT signaling pathway as a promising avenue for LC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- JunJun Jia
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 79 Qingchun Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Xuelian Zhou
- Division of Endocrinology, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Qingfei Chu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
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Xu J, Chen H, Sun C, Wei S, Tao J, Jia Z, Chen X, Lv W, Lv H, Tang G, Jiang Y, Zhang M. Epigenome-wide methylation haplotype association analysis identified HLA-DRB1, HLA-DRB5 and HLA-DQB1 as risk factors for rheumatoid arthritis. Int J Immunogenet 2023; 50:291-298. [PMID: 37688529 DOI: 10.1111/iji.12637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare nonrandom associations between physically adjacent single methylation polymorphism loci among rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and normal subjects for investigating RA-risk methylation haplotypes (meplotype). With 354 ACPA-positive RA patients and 335 normal controls selected from a case-control study based on Swedish population, we conducted the first RA epigenome-wide meplotype association study using our software EWAS2.0, mainly including (i) converted the β value to methylation genotype (menotype) data, (ii) identified methylation disequilibrium (MD) block, (iii) calculated frequent of each meplotypes in MD block and performed case-control association test and (iv) screened for RA-risk meplotypes by odd ratio (OR) and p-values. Ultimately, 545 meplotypes on 334 MD blocks were identified significantly associated with RA (p-value < .05). These meplotypes were mapped to 329 candidate genes related to RA. Subsequently, combined with gene optimization, eight RA-risk meplotypes were identified on three risk genes: HLA-DRB1, HLA-DRB5 and HLA-DQB1. Our results reported the relationship between DNA methylation pattern on HLA-DQB1 and the risk of RA for the first time, demonstrating the co-demethylation of 'cg22984282' and 'cg13423887' on HLA-DQB1 gene (meplotype UU, p-value = 2.90E - 6, OR = 1.68, 95% CI = [1.35, 2.10]) may increase the risk of RA. Our results demonstrates the potential of methylation haplotype analysis to identify RA-related genes from a new perspective and its applicability to the study of other disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Xu
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Haiyan Chen
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Chen Sun
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Siyu Wei
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Junxian Tao
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Zhe Jia
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xingyu Chen
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Wenhua Lv
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Hongchao Lv
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Guoping Tang
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yongshuai Jiang
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Mingming Zhang
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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Núñez R, Rodríguez MJ, Lebrón-Martín C, Martín-Astorga MDC, Ramos-Soriano J, Rojo J, Torres MJ, Cañas JA, Mayorga C. A synthetic glycodendropeptide induces methylation changes on regulatory T cells linked to tolerant responses in anaphylactic-mice. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1165852. [PMID: 37334360 PMCID: PMC10272618 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1165852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Lipid transfer proteins (LTPs) are allergens found in a wide range of plant-foods. Specifically, Pru p 3, the major allergen of peach, is commonly responsible for severe allergic reactions. The need for new alternatives to conventional food allergy treatments, like restrictive diets, suggests allergen immunotherapy as a promising option. It has been demonstrated that sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) with synthetic glycodendropeptides, such as D1ManPrup3, containing mannose and Pru p 3 peptides induced tolerance in mice and that the persistence of this effect depends on treatment dose (2nM or 5nM). Moreover, it produces changes associated with differential gene expression and methylation profile of dendritic cells, as well as phenotypical changes in regulatory T cells (Treg). However, there are no works addressing the study of epigenetic changes in terms of methylation in the cell subsets that sustain tolerant responses, Treg. Therefore, in this work, DNA methylation changes in splenic-Treg from Pru p 3 anaphylactic mice were evaluated. Methods It was performed by whole genome bisulphite sequencing comparing SLIT-D1ManPrup3 treated mice: tolerant (2nM D1ManPrup3), desensitized (5nM D1ManPrup3), and sensitized but not treated (antigen-only), with anaphylactic mice. Results Most of the methylation changes were found in the gene promoters from both SLIT-treated groups, desensitized (1,580) and tolerant (1,576), followed by the antigen-only (1,151) group. Although tolerant and desensitized mice showed a similar number of methylation changes, only 445 genes were shared in both. Remarkably, interesting methylation changes were observed on the promoter regions of critical transcription factors for Treg function like Stat4, Stat5a, Stat5b, Foxp3, and Gata3. In fact, Foxp3 was observed exclusively as hypomethylated in tolerant group, whereas Gata3 was only hypomethylated in the desensitized mice. Discussion In conclusion, diverse D1ManPrup3 doses induce different responses (tolerance or desensitization) in mice, which are reflected by differential methylation changes in Tregs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Núñez
- Laboratory of Allergy, Allergy Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga-Plataforma BIONAND (IBIMA-BIONAND), Málaga, Spain
| | - María J. Rodríguez
- Laboratory of Allergy, Allergy Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga-Plataforma BIONAND (IBIMA-BIONAND), Málaga, Spain
| | - Clara Lebrón-Martín
- Laboratory of Allergy, Allergy Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga-Plataforma BIONAND (IBIMA-BIONAND), Málaga, Spain
| | - María del Carmen Martín-Astorga
- Laboratory of Allergy, Allergy Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga-Plataforma BIONAND (IBIMA-BIONAND), Málaga, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Universidad de Málaga (UMA), Málaga, Spain
| | - Javier Ramos-Soriano
- Laboratory of Glycosystems, Institute of Chemical Research (IIQ), Centro Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) - Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Javier Rojo
- Laboratory of Glycosystems, Institute of Chemical Research (IIQ), Centro Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) - Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - María J. Torres
- Laboratory of Allergy, Allergy Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga-Plataforma BIONAND (IBIMA-BIONAND), Málaga, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Universidad de Málaga (UMA), Málaga, Spain
- Clinical Unit of Allergy, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - José A. Cañas
- Laboratory of Allergy, Allergy Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga-Plataforma BIONAND (IBIMA-BIONAND), Málaga, Spain
| | - Cristobalina Mayorga
- Laboratory of Allergy, Allergy Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga-Plataforma BIONAND (IBIMA-BIONAND), Málaga, Spain
- Clinical Unit of Allergy, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
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Adgent MA, Vereen S, McCullough A, Jones SH, Torstenson E, Velez Edwards DR, Hartmann KE, Carroll KN. Periconceptional folic acid supplementation and child asthma: a Right From the Start follow-up study. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2022; 35:10232-10238. [PMID: 36117404 PMCID: PMC9810277 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2022.2122795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE High maternal folic acid exposure has been studied as a risk factor for child asthma with inconclusive results. Folic acid supplementation that begins before pregnancy may propagate high exposures during pregnancy, particularly in regions with fortified food supplies. We investigated whether folic acid supplementation initiated periconceptionally is associated with childhood asthma in a US cohort. MATERIALS AND METHODS We re-contacted mother-child dyads previously enrolled in a prospective pregnancy cohort and included children age 4 to 8 years at follow-up (n = 540). Using first trimester interviews, we assessed whether initial folic acid-containing supplement (FACS) use occurred near/before estimated conception ("periconceptional") or after (during the "first trimester"). Follow-up questionnaires were used to determine if a child ever had an asthma diagnosis ("ever asthma") or asthma diagnosis with prevalent symptoms or medication use ("current asthma"). We examined associations between FACS initiation and asthma outcomes using logistic regression, excluding preterm births and adjusting for child age, sex, maternal race, maternal education, and parental asthma. RESULTS Approximately half of women initiated FACS use periconceptionally (49%). Nine percent of children had "ever asthma" and 6% had "current asthma." Periconceptional initiation was associated with elevated odds of ever asthma [adjusted odds ratio (95% Confidence Interval): 1.65 (0.87, 3.14)] and current asthma [1.87 (0.88, 4.01)], relative to first trimester initiation. CONCLUSION We observed positive, but imprecisely estimated associations between periconceptional FACS initiation and child asthma. Folic acid prevents birth defects and is recommended. However, larger studies of folic acid dosing and timing, with consideration for childhood asthma, are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret A. Adgent
- Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Vanderbilt Epidemiology Center, Institute for Medicine and Public Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Department of Health Policy, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Shanda Vereen
- Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
| | - Alexis McCullough
- Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Sarah H. Jones
- Vanderbilt Epidemiology Center, Institute for Medicine and Public Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Women’s Health Research at Vanderbilt, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Eric Torstenson
- Department of Epidemiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Digna R. Velez Edwards
- Vanderbilt Epidemiology Center, Institute for Medicine and Public Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Women’s Health Research at Vanderbilt, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Katherine E. Hartmann
- Vanderbilt Epidemiology Center, Institute for Medicine and Public Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Women’s Health Research at Vanderbilt, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Kecia N. Carroll
- Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Kravis Children’s Hospital, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Institute for Exposomic Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
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Zhao J, Wei K, Chang C, Xu L, Jiang P, Guo S, Schrodi SJ, He D. DNA Methylation of T Lymphocytes as a Therapeutic Target: Implications for Rheumatoid Arthritis Etiology. Front Immunol 2022; 13:863703. [PMID: 35309322 PMCID: PMC8927780 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.863703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that can cause joint damage and disability. Epigenetic variation, especially DNA methylation, has been shown to be involved in almost all the stages of the pathology of RA, from autoantibody production to various self-effector T cells and the defects of protective T cells that can lead to chronic inflammation and erosion of bones and joints. Given the critical role of T cells in the pathology of RA, the regulatory functions of DNA methylation in T cell biology remain unclear. In this review, we elaborate on the relationship between RA pathogenesis and DNA methylation in the context of different T cell populations. We summarize the relevant methylation events in T cell development, differentiation, and T cell-related genes in disease prediction and drug efficacy. Understanding the epigenetic regulation of T cells has the potential to profoundly translate preclinical results into clinical practice and provide a framework for the development of novel, individualized RA therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianan Zhao
- Guanghua Clinical Medical College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Rheumatology, Shanghai Guanghua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Arthritis Research in Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Kai Wei
- Guanghua Clinical Medical College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Rheumatology, Shanghai Guanghua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Arthritis Research in Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Cen Chang
- Guanghua Clinical Medical College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Rheumatology, Shanghai Guanghua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Arthritis Research in Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lingxia Xu
- Guanghua Clinical Medical College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Rheumatology, Shanghai Guanghua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Arthritis Research in Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Jiang
- Guanghua Clinical Medical College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Rheumatology, Shanghai Guanghua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Arthritis Research in Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shicheng Guo
- Computation and Informatics in Biology and Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States.,Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Steven J Schrodi
- Computation and Informatics in Biology and Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States.,Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Dongyi He
- Guanghua Clinical Medical College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Rheumatology, Shanghai Guanghua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Arthritis Research in Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Arthritis Institute of Integrated Traditional and Western medicine, Shanghai Chinese Medicine Research Institute, Shanghai, China
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7
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Beetch M, Boycott C, Harandi-Zadeh S, Yang T, Martin BJE, Dixon-McDougall T, Ren K, Gacad A, Dupuis JH, Ullmer M, Lubecka K, Yada RY, Brown CJ, Howe LJ, Stefanska B. Pterostilbene leads to DNMT3B-mediated DNA methylation and silencing of OCT1-targeted oncogenes in breast cancer cells. J Nutr Biochem 2021; 98:108815. [PMID: 34242723 PMCID: PMC8819711 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2021.108815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Transcription factor (TF)-mediated regulation of genes is often disrupted during carcinogenesis. The DNA methylation state of TF-binding sites may dictate transcriptional activity of corresponding genes. Stilbenoid polyphenols, such as pterostilbene (PTS), have been shown to exert anticancer action by remodeling DNA methylation and gene expression. However, the mechanisms behind these effects still remain unclear. Here, the dynamics between oncogenic TF OCT1 binding and de novo DNA methyltransferase DNMT3B binding in PTS-treated MCF10CA1a invasive breast cancer cells has been explored. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) followed by next generation sequencing, we determined 47 gene regulatory regions with decreased OCT1 binding and enriched DNMT3B binding in response to PTS. Most of those genes were found to have oncogenic functions. We selected three candidates, PRKCA, TNNT2, and DANT2, for further mechanistic investigation taking into account PRKCA functional and regulatory connection with numerous cancer-driving processes and pathways, and some of the highest increase in DNMT3B occupancy within TNNT2 and DANT2 enhancers. PTS led to DNMT3B recruitment within PRKCA, TNNT2, and DANT2 at loci that also displayed reduced OCT1 binding. Substantial decrease in OCT1 with increased DNMT3B binding was accompanied by PRKCA promoter and TNNT2 and DANT2 enhancer hypermethylation, and gene silencing. Interestingly, DNA hypermethylation of the genes was not detected in response to PTS in DNMT3B-CRISPR knockout MCF10CA1a breast cancer cells. It indicates DNMT3B-dependent methylation of PRKCA, TNNT2, and DANT2 upon PTS. Our findings provide a better understanding of mechanistic players and their gene targets that possibly contribute to the anticancer action of stilbenoid polyphenols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Beetch
- Food, Nutrition and Health Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Cayla Boycott
- Food, Nutrition and Health Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sadaf Harandi-Zadeh
- Food, Nutrition and Health Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Tony Yang
- Food, Nutrition and Health Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Benjamin J E Martin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Thomas Dixon-McDougall
- Department of Medical Genetics, Molecular Epigenetics Group, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kevin Ren
- Food, Nutrition and Health Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Allison Gacad
- Food, Nutrition and Health Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - John H Dupuis
- Food, Nutrition and Health Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Melissa Ullmer
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Katarzyna Lubecka
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Rickey Y Yada
- Food, Nutrition and Health Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Carolyn J Brown
- Department of Medical Genetics, Molecular Epigenetics Group, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - LeAnn J Howe
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Barbara Stefanska
- Food, Nutrition and Health Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
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8
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Fike AJ, Chodisetti SB, Bricker KN, Choi NM, Chroneos ZC, Kaplan MH, Rahman ZSM. STAT4 Is Largely Dispensable for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus-like Autoimmune- and Foreign Antigen-Driven Antibody-Forming Cell, Germinal Center, and Follicular Th Cell Responses. Immunohorizons 2021; 5:2-15. [PMID: 33446493 DOI: 10.4049/immunohorizons.2000111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies identified variants in the transcription factor STAT4 gene and several other genes in the STAT4 signaling pathway, such as IL12A, IL12B, JAK2, and TYK2, which are associated with an increased risk of developing systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and other autoimmune diseases. Consistent with the genome-wide association studies data, STAT4 was shown to play an important role in autoimmune responses and autoimmunity development in SLE mouse models. Despite such important role for STAT4 in SLE development in mice and humans, little is known whether and how STAT4 may regulate extrafollicular Ab-forming cell (AFC) and follicular germinal center (GC) responses, two major pathways of autoreactive B cell development and autoantibody production. To our surprise, we found STAT4 to be largely dispensable for promoting autoimmune AFC and GC responses in various autoimmune- and SLE-prone mouse models, which strongly correlated with autoantibody production, and immune complex deposition and immune cell infiltration in the kidney. We further observed that STAT4 deficiency had no effects on AFC, GC, and Ag-specific Ab responses during protein Ag immunization or influenza virus infection. Additionally, CD4+ effector and follicular Th cell responses in autoimmune- and SLE-prone mice and protein Ag-immunized and influenza virus-infected mice were intact in the absence of STAT4. Together, our data demonstrate a largely dispensable role for STAT4 in AFC, GC, and Ab responses in SLE mouse models and in certain foreign Ag-driven responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J Fike
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033
| | - Sathi Babu Chodisetti
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033
| | - Kristen N Bricker
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033
| | - Nicholas M Choi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033
| | - Zissis C Chroneos
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033
- Department of Pediatrics, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033
- Pulmonary Immunology and Physiology Laboratory, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033; and
| | - Mark H Kaplan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202
| | - Ziaur S M Rahman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033;
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9
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Pite H, Aguiar L, Morello J, Monteiro EC, Alves AC, Bourbon M, Morais-Almeida M. Metabolic Dysfunction and Asthma: Current Perspectives. J Asthma Allergy 2020; 13:237-247. [PMID: 32801785 PMCID: PMC7394599 DOI: 10.2147/jaa.s208823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing knowledge of the mechanisms involved in metabolism is shifting the paradigms by which the pathophysiology of many pulmonary diseases is understood. Metabolic dysfunction is recognized in obesity-associated asthma, but other metabolic conditions have been shown to be independently related to asthma. Novel insights have also recently been brought by metabolomics in this filed. The purpose of this review is to discuss current perspectives regarding metabolic dysfunction in asthma, from obesity-related asthma to other metabolic conditions and the role of current pharmacological therapeutic strategies and lifestyle interventions. Obesity is a well-recognized risk factor for asthma across the lifespan, which is generally associated with poorer response to current available treatments, rendering a more severe, refractory disease status. Besides the epidemiological and clinical link, untargeted metabolomics studies have recently supported the obesity-associated asthma phenotype at the molecular level. Not only obesity-related, but also other aspects of metabolic dysregulation can be independently linked to asthma. These include hyperinsulinemia, dyslipidemia and hypertension, which need to be taken into account, even in the non-obese patient. Untargeted metabolomics studies have further highlighted several other metabolic pathways that can be altered in asthma, namely regarding oxidative stress and systemic inflammation, and also suggesting the importance of microbiota in asthma pathogenesis. Considering the reduced response to corticosteroids, other pharmacologic treatments have been shown to be effective regardless of body mass index. Non-pharmacologic treatments (namely weight reduction and dietary changes) may bring substantial benefit to the asthmatic patient. Taken together, this evidence points towards the need to improve our knowledge in this filed and, in particular, to address the influence of environmental factors in metabolic dysfunction and asthma development. Personalized medicine is definitely needed to optimize treatment, including a holistic view of the asthmatic patient in order to set accurate pharmacologic therapy together with dietary, physical exercise and lifestyle interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Pite
- Allergy Center, CUF Infante Santo Hospital/CUF Descobertas Hospital, Lisbon, Portugal.,CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Center, NOVA Medical School/Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Laura Aguiar
- Allergy Center, CUF Infante Santo Hospital/CUF Descobertas Hospital, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Judit Morello
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Center, NOVA Medical School/Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Emília C Monteiro
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Center, NOVA Medical School/Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Catarina Alves
- Department of Health Promotion and Chronic Diseases, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal.,Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute (BioISI), Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Mafalda Bourbon
- Department of Health Promotion and Chronic Diseases, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal.,Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute (BioISI), Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Mário Morais-Almeida
- Allergy Center, CUF Infante Santo Hospital/CUF Descobertas Hospital, Lisbon, Portugal
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10
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Upregulation of Complement Factor H by SOCS-1/3⁻STAT4 in Lung Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11040471. [PMID: 30987235 PMCID: PMC6520728 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11040471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Complement factor H (CFH) is a fluid phase regulator of complement proteins and functions to prevent complement attack and immune surveillance. CFH is known to inactivate therapeutic antibody-dependent complement-mediated cellular cytotoxicity. We found that CFH was highly expressed in human lung cancer cells and tissues. To investigate mechanisms of CFH upregulation, we searched for a CFH transcription factor and its regulatory factors. First, signal transducer and activator of transcription 4 (STAT4) expression patterns coincided with CFH expression patterns in lung cancer tissues. Knockdown of STAT4 led to decreased CFH secretion from lung cancer cells. STAT4 bound directly to the CFH promoter, as demonstrated by luciferase reporter assay, electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay, suggesting that STAT4 is a transcription factor for CFH. In addition, a low level of suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCS)-1/3, a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, was observed in lung cancer cells and its transfection decreased CFH protein levels and promoter activity. Unexpectedly, the low level of SOCS-1/3 was not due to epigenetic silencing. Instead, differential methylation was found on the regulatory region of STAT4 between normal and lung cancer cells. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that CFH is upregulated by constitutive activation of STAT4, which is accounted for by SOCS silencing in lung cancer cells.
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11
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Nabavi SM, Ahmed T, Nawaz M, Devi KP, Balan DJ, Pittalà V, Argüelles-Castilla S, Testai L, Khan H, Sureda A, de Oliveira MR, Vacca RA, Xu S, Yousefi B, Curti V, Daglia M, Sobarzo-Sánchez E, Filosa R, Nabavi SF, Majidinia M, Dehpour AR, Shirooie S. Targeting STATs in neuroinflammation: The road less traveled! Pharmacol Res 2018; 141:73-84. [PMID: 30550953 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2018.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Revised: 12/01/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
JAK/STAT transduction pathway is a highly conserved pathway implicated in regulating cellular proliferation, differentiation, survival and apoptosis. Dysregulation of this pathway is involved in the onset of autoimmune, haematological, oncological, metabolic and neurological diseases. Over the last few years, the research of anti-neuroinflammatory agents has gained considerable attention. The ability to diminish the STAT-induced transcription of inflammatory genes is documented for both natural compounds (such as polyphenols) and chemical drugs. Among polyphenols, quercetin and curcumin directly inhibit STAT, while Berberis vulgaris L. and Sophora alopecuroides L extracts act indirectly. Also, the Food and Drug Administration has approved several JAK/STAT inhibitors (direct or indirect) for treating inflammatory diseases, indicating STAT can be considered as a therapeutic target for neuroinflammatory pathologies. Considering the encouraging data obtained so far, clinical trials are warranted to demonstrate the effectiveness and potential use in the clinical practice of STAT inhibitors to treat inflammation-associated neurodegenerative pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Mohammad Nabavi
- Applied Biotechnology Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Touqeer Ahmed
- Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Healthcare Biotechnology, Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Sector H-12, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
| | - Maheen Nawaz
- Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Healthcare Biotechnology, Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Sector H-12, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
| | - Kasi Pandima Devi
- Department of Biotechnology, Alagappa University (Science Campus), Karaikudi 630 003, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Devasahayam Jaya Balan
- Department of Biotechnology, Alagappa University (Science Campus), Karaikudi 630 003, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Valeria Pittalà
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Lara Testai
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, via Bonanno 6 - 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Haroon Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan 23200, Pakistan
| | - Antoni Sureda
- Research Group on Community Nutrition and Oxidative Stress and CIBEROBN (Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition), University of Balearic Islands, E-07122 Palma de Mallorca, Spain.
| | - Marcos Roberto de Oliveira
- Department of Chemistry/ICET, Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT), Av. Fernando Corrêa da Costa, 2367, Cuiaba, MT, 78060-900, Brazil
| | - Rosa Anna Vacca
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies, National Council of Research, I-70126, Bari, Italy
| | - Suowen Xu
- University of Rochester, Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, Rochester, NY, 14623, USA
| | - Bahman Yousefi
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Valeria Curti
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Maria Daglia
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Eduardo Sobarzo-Sánchez
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Spain; Instituto de Investigación e Innovación en Salud, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Central de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Rosanna Filosa
- Consorzio Sannio Tech, Appia Str, Apollosa, BN 82030, Italy
| | - Seyed Fazel Nabavi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran; Applied Biotechnology Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Majidinia
- Solid Tumor Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Ahmad Reza Dehpour
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Experimental Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samira Shirooie
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
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12
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İscan B, Tuzun F, Eroglu Filibeli B, Cilekar Micili S, Ergur BU, Duman N, Ozkan H, Kumral A. Effects of maternal folic acid supplementation on airway remodeling and allergic airway disease development. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2018; 32:2970-2978. [PMID: 29587542 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2018.1452904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Objective: Maternal folic acid supplementation has been recommended prior to and during the first trimester of pregnancy to reduce the risk of infant neural tube defects. However, an uncertain relationship between folic acid supplementation during pregnancy and development of childhood asthma exists. Recent data show a methyl donor-rich diet could increase the risk of developing allergic airway disease through DNA methylation and aberrant gene transcription. This study evaluated the effect of folic acid supplementation during pregnancy on airway remodeling and allergic airway disease vulnerability in a mouse asthma model. Methods: BALB/c mice were divided into four groups according to gestational folic acid supplementation and postnatal ovalbumin (OVA) exposure: Group 1 (whole pregnancy folic acid supplementation + OVA-exposed group), Group 2 (first gestational week folic acid supplementation + OVA-exposed group), Group 3 (no folic acid supplementation + OVA-exposed group), and Group 4 (control group). Offspring were sacrificed on day 45 for immunohistological and ultrastructural tests. Results: In OVA challenged groups, folic acid supplementation led to a thicker epithelial and subepithelial smooth muscle layer than in the unsupplemented group. Moreover, folic acid supplementation during whole pregnancy (Group 1) was associated with a thicker epithelial and subepithelial smooth muscle layer than folic acid supplementation during the first week of pregnancy (Group 2), suggesting a duration-response relationship. Electron microscopic imaging revealed that structural changes including the loss of epithelial integrity, thickening of basement membrane, and subepithelial fibrosis were more prominent in the folic acid supplementation groups. Conclusions: This study suggested that maternal folic acid supplementation during pregnancy affects airway remodeling and increases the allergic responses induced by ovalbumin challenge in offspring. In addition, the effect size increased as the duration and cumulative dose increased.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burcin İscan
- a Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics , Dokuz Eylul University School of Medicine, Division of Neonatology , Izmir , Turkey
| | - Funda Tuzun
- a Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics , Dokuz Eylul University School of Medicine, Division of Neonatology , Izmir , Turkey
| | - Berna Eroglu Filibeli
- a Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics , Dokuz Eylul University School of Medicine, Division of Neonatology , Izmir , Turkey
| | - Serap Cilekar Micili
- b Department of Histology , Dokuz Eylul University School of Medicine , Izmir , Turkey
| | - Bekir Ugur Ergur
- b Department of Histology , Dokuz Eylul University School of Medicine , Izmir , Turkey
| | - Nuray Duman
- a Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics , Dokuz Eylul University School of Medicine, Division of Neonatology , Izmir , Turkey
| | - Hasan Ozkan
- a Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics , Dokuz Eylul University School of Medicine, Division of Neonatology , Izmir , Turkey
| | - Abdullah Kumral
- a Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics , Dokuz Eylul University School of Medicine, Division of Neonatology , Izmir , Turkey
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13
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Eyring KR, Pedersen BS, Maclean KN, Stabler SP, Yang IV, Schwartz DA. Methylene-tetrahydrofolate reductase contributes to allergic airway disease. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0190916. [PMID: 29329322 PMCID: PMC5766142 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0190916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale Environmental exposures strongly influence the development and progression of asthma. We have previously demonstrated that mice exposed to a diet enriched with methyl donors during vulnerable periods of fetal development can enhance the heritable risk of allergic airway disease through epigenetic changes. There is conflicting evidence on the role of folate (one of the primary methyl donors) in modifying allergic airway disease. Objectives We hypothesized that blocking folate metabolism through the loss of methylene-tetrahydrofolate reductase (Mthfr) activity would reduce the allergic airway disease phenotype through epigenetic mechanisms. Methods Allergic airway disease was induced in C57BL/6 and C57BL/6Mthfr-/- mice through house dust mite (HDM) exposure. Airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) were measured between the two groups. Gene expression and methylation profiles were generated for whole lung tissue. Disease and molecular outcomes were evaluated in C57BL/6 and C57BL/6Mthfr-/- mice supplemented with betaine. Measurements and main results Loss of Mthfr alters single carbon metabolite levels in the lung and serum including elevated homocysteine and cystathionine and reduced methionine. HDM-treated C57BL/6Mthfr-/- mice demonstrated significantly less airway hyperreactivity (AHR) compared to HDM-treated C57BL/6 mice. Furthermore, HDM-treated C57BL/6Mthfr-/- mice compared to HDM-treated C57BL/6 mice have reduced whole lung lavage (WLL) cellularity, eosinophilia, and Il-4/Il-5 cytokine concentrations. Betaine supplementation reversed parts of the HDM-induced allergic airway disease that are modified by Mthfr loss. 737 genes are differentially expressed and 146 regions are differentially methylated in lung tissue from HDM-treated C57BL/6Mthfr-/- mice and HDM-treated C57BL/6 mice. Additionally, analysis of methylation/expression relationships identified 503 significant correlations. Conclusion Collectively, these findings indicate that the loss of folate as a methyl donor is a modifier of allergic airway disease, and that epigenetic and expression changes correlate with this modification. Further investigation into the mechanisms that drive this observation is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth R. Eyring
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States of America
| | - Brent S. Pedersen
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States of America
| | - Kenneth N. Maclean
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States of America
| | - Sally P. Stabler
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States of America
| | - Ivana V. Yang
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States of America
| | - David A. Schwartz
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States of America
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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14
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Weinstein JS, Laidlaw BJ, Lu Y, Wang JK, Schulz VP, Li N, Herman EI, Kaech SM, Gallagher PG, Craft J. STAT4 and T-bet control follicular helper T cell development in viral infections. J Exp Med 2017; 215:337-355. [PMID: 29212666 PMCID: PMC5748849 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20170457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2017] [Revised: 09/10/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Follicular helper T (Tfh) cells promote germinal center (GC) B cell survival and proliferation and guide their differentiation and immunoglobulin isotype switching by delivering contact-dependent and soluble factors, including IL-21, IL-4, IL-9, and IFN-γ. IL-21 and IFN-γ are coexpressed by Tfh cells during viral infections, but transcriptional regulation of these cytokines is not completely understood. In this study, we show that the T helper type 1 cell (Th1 cell) transcriptional regulators T-bet and STAT4 are coexpressed with Bcl6 in Tfh cells after acute viral infection, with a temporal decline in T-bet in the waning response. T-bet is important for Tfh cell production of IFN-γ, but not IL-21, and for a robust GC reaction. STAT4, phosphorylated in Tfh cells upon infection, is required for expression of T-bet and Bcl6 and for IFN-γ and IL-21. These data indicate that T-bet is expressed with Bcl6 in Tfh cells and is required alongside STAT4 to coordinate Tfh cell IL-21 and IFN-γ production and for promotion of the GC response after acute viral challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason S Weinstein
- Department of Internal Medicine (Rheumatology), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Brian J Laidlaw
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Yisi Lu
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Jessica K Wang
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Vincent P Schulz
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Ningcheng Li
- Department of Internal Medicine (Rheumatology), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Edward I Herman
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Susan M Kaech
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Patrick G Gallagher
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT.,Department of Pathology and Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Joe Craft
- Department of Internal Medicine (Rheumatology), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT .,Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
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15
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Chen G, Mao W, Wu SQ, Wang Y, Ji GY, Zhang MM, Liu QQ, He JQ. Rs7574865 polymorphism of STAT4 and risk of anti-tuberculosis drug-induced hepatotoxicity in Chinese Han. Genes Genomics 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s13258-017-0592-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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16
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Sardecka I, Krogulska A, Toporowska-Kowalska E. The influence of dietary immunomodulatory factors on development of food allergy in children. Postepy Dermatol Alergol 2017; 34:89-96. [PMID: 28507485 PMCID: PMC5420598 DOI: 10.5114/pdia.2016.63955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2016] [Accepted: 04/20/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last few years many studies have been conducted on the role of dietary and environmental factors in the prevention of allergic diseases among children. Many studies have shown that the diet of pregnant women and children in their early postnatal life, rich in antioxidants, vitamin D, and fatty acids is beneficial as it reduces the risk of allergy in their future life. Moreover, there are many reports about the main role of gut microbiota and probiotics in the allergy prevention, what can indicate new ways of procedures in allergic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabela Sardecka
- Department of Paediatric Allergology, Gastroenterology and Nutrition, 3 Chair of Paediatrics, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Aneta Krogulska
- Department of Paediatry, Allergology and Gastroenterology, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Poland
| | - Ewa Toporowska-Kowalska
- Department of Paediatric Allergology, Gastroenterology and Nutrition, 3 Chair of Paediatrics, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
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17
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Tan L, Ou J, Tao Z, Kong Y, Xu Y. Neonatal Immune State Is Influenced by Maternal Allergic Rhinitis and Associated With Regulatory T cells. ALLERGY, ASTHMA & IMMUNOLOGY RESEARCH 2017; 9:133-141. [PMID: 28102058 PMCID: PMC5266115 DOI: 10.4168/aair.2017.9.2.133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2016] [Revised: 08/26/2016] [Accepted: 09/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Maternal influences contribute to the origin of allergic diseases, but the mechanisms are not clear. The current literature prompted the role of epigenetics in the development of allergic diseases. We sought to investigate the roles of regulatory T (Treg) cells and Forkhead box p3 (Foxp3) DNA methylation in the process of maternal transmission of allergic rhinitis (AR) susceptibility. Methods BALB/c female mice (AR mother) were sensitized by intraperitoneal injection of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p) 1 on day 1 and 7. Then they mated with normal male mice on day 8. From day 21 to 28, the female mice were intranasal challenged with Der p 1 continuously. The normal controls were given with normal saline in the same way. On postnatal day 3, Female mice and their offspring were sacrificed to detect their histopathology in nasal mucosae, cytokines in sera of mother and spleen homogenates of offspring, Treg cells count, Foxp3 mRNA expressions, and Foxp3 DNA methylation levels in spleens. Results Compared with the normal controls, neonatal offspring of Der p 1-stimulated female mice (AR offspring) showed the elevation of interleukin (IL)-4 (P<0.01) and IL-17 (P<0.01), the submission of IL-10 (P<0.01) in spleen homogenates. Further, Treg cells count in AR offspring decreased remarkably compared with the normal offspring (P<0.01). Though the difference of Foxp3 DNA methylation level between AR offspring and normal control offspring was not obvious, correlation analysis demonstrated that there was significantly positive correlation between Foxp3 DNA methylation level of mother and that of offspring (r=0.803, P<0.01). Conclusions Under the influence of Maternal AR, their neonatal offspring develop into T-helper type 2 (Th2) dominant immune state, which is closely associated with the recession of Treg cells. Foxp3 DNA methylation may be a mechanism responsible for that maternal effect but still need more studies to ensure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Tan
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Ou
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zezhang Tao
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Research Institute of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yonggang Kong
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Research Institute of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yu Xu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Research Institute of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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18
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Glossop JR, Emes RD, Nixon NB, Haworth KE, Packham JC, Dawes PT, Fryer AA, Mattey DL, Farrell WE. Genome-wide DNA methylation profiling in rheumatoid arthritis identifies disease-associated methylation changes that are distinct to individual T- and B-lymphocyte populations. Epigenetics 2014; 9:1228-37. [PMID: 25147922 DOI: 10.4161/epi.29718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes to the DNA methylome have been described in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In previous work, we reported genome-wide methylation differences in T-lymphocyte and B-lymphocyte populations from healthy individuals. Now, using HumanMethylation450 BeadChips to interrogate genome-wide DNA methylation, we have determined disease-associated methylation changes in blood-derived T- and B-lymphocyte populations from 12 female patients with seropositive established RA, relative to 12 matched healthy individuals. Array data were analyzed using NIMBL software and bisulfite pyrosequencing was used to validate array candidates. Genome-wide DNA methylation, determined by analysis of LINE-1 sequences, revealed higher methylation in B-lymphocytes compared with T-lymphocytes (P ≤ 0.01), which is consistent with our findings in healthy individuals. Moreover, loci-specific methylation differences that distinguished T-lymphocytes from B-lymphocytes in healthy individuals were also apparent in RA patients. However, disease-associated methylation differences were also identified in RA. In these cases, we identified 509 and 252 CpGs in RA-derived T- and B-lymphocytes, respectively, that showed significant changes in methylation compared with their cognate healthy counterparts. Moreover, this included a restricted set of 32 CpGs in T-lymphocytes and 20 CpGs in B-lymphocytes (representing 15 and 10 genes, respectively, and including two, MGMT and CCS, that were common to both cell types) that displayed more substantial changes in methylation. These changes, apparent as hyper- or hypo-methylation, were independently confirmed by pyrosequencing analysis. Validation by pyrosequencing also revealed additional sites in some candidate genes that also displayed altered methylation in RA. In this first study of genome-wide DNA methylation in individual T- and B-lymphocyte populations in RA patients, we report disease-associated methylation changes that are distinct to each cell type and which support a role for discrete epigenetic regulation in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R Glossop
- Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine; Keele University; Guy Hilton Research Centre; Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire UK; Haywood Rheumatology Centre; Haywood Hospital; Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire UK
| | - Richard D Emes
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science; University of Nottingham; Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire UK; Advanced Data Analysis Centre; University of Nottingham; Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire UK
| | - Nicola B Nixon
- Haywood Rheumatology Centre; Haywood Hospital; Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire UK
| | - Kim E Haworth
- Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine; Keele University; Guy Hilton Research Centre; Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire UK
| | - Jon C Packham
- Haywood Rheumatology Centre; Haywood Hospital; Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire UK
| | - Peter T Dawes
- Haywood Rheumatology Centre; Haywood Hospital; Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire UK
| | - Anthony A Fryer
- Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine; Keele University; Guy Hilton Research Centre; Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire UK
| | - Derek L Mattey
- Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine; Keele University; Guy Hilton Research Centre; Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire UK; Haywood Rheumatology Centre; Haywood Hospital; Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire UK
| | - William E Farrell
- Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine; Keele University; Guy Hilton Research Centre; Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire UK
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Wachowicz K, Hermann-Kleiter N, Meisel M, Siegmund K, Thuille N, Baier G. Protein kinase C θ regulates the phenotype of murine CD4+ Th17 cells. PLoS One 2014; 9:e96401. [PMID: 24788550 PMCID: PMC4008503 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0096401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2014] [Accepted: 04/06/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein kinase C θ (PKCθ) is involved in signaling downstream of the T cell antigen receptor (TCR) and is important for shaping effector T cell functions and inflammatory disease development. Acquisition of Th1-like effector features by Th17 cells has been linked to increased pathogenic potential. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying Th17/Th1 phenotypic instability remain largely unknown. In the current study, we address the role of PKCθ in differentiation and function of Th17 cells by using genetic knock-out mice. Implementing in vitro (polarizing T cell cultures) and in vivo (experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis model, EAE) techniques, we demonstrated that PKCθ-deficient CD4+ T cells show normal Th17 marker gene expression (interleukin 17A/F, RORγt), accompanied by enhanced production of the Th1-typical markers such as interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and transcription factor T-bet. Mechanistically, this phenotype was linked to aberrantly elevated Stat4 mRNA levels in PKCθ−/− CD4+ T cells during the priming phase of Th17 differentiation. In contrast, transcription of the Stat4 gene was suppressed in Th17-primed wild-type cells. This change in cellular effector phenotype was reflected in vivo by prolonged neurological impairment of PKCθ-deficient mice during the course of EAE. Taken together, our data provide genetic evidence that PKCθ is critical for stabilizing Th17 cell phenotype by selective suppression of the STAT4/IFN-γ/T-bet axis at the onset of differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Wachowicz
- Translational Cell Genetics, Department of Pharmacology and Genetics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Natascha Hermann-Kleiter
- Translational Cell Genetics, Department of Pharmacology and Genetics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Marlies Meisel
- Translational Cell Genetics, Department of Pharmacology and Genetics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Kerstin Siegmund
- Translational Cell Genetics, Department of Pharmacology and Genetics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Nikolaus Thuille
- Translational Cell Genetics, Department of Pharmacology and Genetics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Gottfried Baier
- Translational Cell Genetics, Department of Pharmacology and Genetics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- * E-mail:
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Jung J, Kim SH, Lee HS, Choi GS, Jung YS, Ryu DH, Park HS, Hwang GS. Serum metabolomics reveals pathways and biomarkers associated with asthma pathogenesis. Clin Exp Allergy 2013; 43:425-33. [PMID: 23517038 DOI: 10.1111/cea.12089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2012] [Revised: 12/03/2012] [Accepted: 12/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by complex interactions of genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. For this reason, new approaches are required to clarify the pathogenesis of asthma by systemic review. OBJECTIVE We applied a (1)H-NMR metabolomics approach to investigate the altered metabolic pattern in sera from patients with asthma and sought to identify the mechanism underlying asthma and potential biomarkers. METHOD A global profile of sera from patients with asthma (n = 39) and controls (n = 26) was generated using (1)H-NMR spectroscopy coupled with multivariate statistical analysis. Endogenous metabolites in serum were rapidly measured using the target-profiling procedure. RESULTS Multivariate statistical analysis showed a clear distinction between patients with asthma and healthy subjects. Sera of asthma patients were characterized by increased levels of methionine, glutamine, and histidine and by decreased levels of formate, methanol, acetate, choline, O-phosphocholine, arginine, and glucose. The metabolites detected in the sera of patients with asthma are involved in hypermethylation, response to hypoxia, and immune reaction. Furthermore, the levels of serum metabolites from patients with asthma correlated with asthma severity; in particular, lipid metabolism was altered in patients with lower forced expiratory volume in 1 s percentage (FEV(1)%) predicted values. In addition, potential biomarkers showed strong predictive power in ROC analysis, and the presence of asthma in external validation models was predicted with high accuracy (90.9% for asthma and 100% for control subjects). CONCLUSION & CLINICAL RELEVANCE These data showed that (1)H-NMR-based metabolite profiling of serum may be useful for the effective diagnosis of asthma and a further understanding of its pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Jung
- Integrated Metabolomics Research Group, Seoul Center, Korea Basic Science Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Ventham NT, Kennedy NA, Nimmo ER, Satsangi J. Beyond gene discovery in inflammatory bowel disease: the emerging role of epigenetics. Gastroenterology 2013; 145:293-308. [PMID: 23751777 PMCID: PMC3919211 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2013.05.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 213] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2013] [Revised: 05/16/2013] [Accepted: 05/26/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In the past decade, there have been fundamental advances in our understanding of genetic factors that contribute to the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The latest international collaborative studies have brought the number of IBD susceptibility gene loci to 163. However, genetic factors account for only a portion of overall disease variance, indicating a need to better explore gene-environment interactions in the development of IBD. Epigenetic factors can mediate interactions between the environment and the genome; their study could provide new insight into the pathogenesis of IBD. We review recent progress in identification of genetic factors associated with IBD and discuss epigenetic mechanisms that could affect development and progression of IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas T. Ventham
- Reprint requests Address requests for reprints to: Nicholas T. Ventham, Gastrointestinal Unit, Centre for Molecular Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, Scotland. fax: +44 131 651 1085.
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Abnormal genetic and epigenetic changes in signal transducer and activator of transcription 4 in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases. Dig Dis Sci 2012; 57:2600-7. [PMID: 22569826 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-012-2199-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2012] [Accepted: 04/14/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Changes in the expression of signal transducer and activator of transcription 4 (STAT4) contribute to the development of a variety of autoimmune diseases including inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). Moreover, epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation, are considered a basis for differentiation of T helper cells and regulation of cytokines. In this study, we investigated the methylation status of STAT4 gene in IBD patients and the associations between its genetic and epigenetic alterations in IBD patients. METHODS Blood and colonic mucosa samples were obtained from Korean patients with IBD and healthy controls. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated, and total RNA and genomic DNA were isolated from the PBMCs and colon mucosa tissues. The mRNA level and DNA methylation status of the promoter were determined by real-time RT-PCR and pyrosequencing, respectively. The chosen SNPs (rs11889341, rs7574865, rs8179673, rs6752770, rs925847, rs10168266, rs10181656, and rs11685878) were genotyped using the TaqMan nuclease assay. RESULTS Elevated expression of STAT4 was observed in the colonic mucosa and PBMCs of IBD patients. IBD patients showed a lower degree of methylation of the STAT4 promoter than did the healthy controls. Moreover, a significant correlation between risk alleles and methylation status at -172 of the STAT4 promoter was observed, and mRNA levels of STAT4 in IBD patients were correlated inversely with the T-risk allele (rs7574865). CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrated that the DNA methylation status of STAT4 is associated with genetic polymorphisms, providing insights into the interactions between genetic and epigenetic aberrances in STAT4 that contribute to the development of IBD.
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Kohli A, Garcia MA, Miller RL, Maher C, Humblet O, Hammond SK, Nadeau K. Secondhand smoke in combination with ambient air pollution exposure is associated with increasedx CpG methylation and decreased expression of IFN-γ in T effector cells and Foxp3 in T regulatory cells in children. Clin Epigenetics 2012; 4:17. [PMID: 23009259 PMCID: PMC3483214 DOI: 10.1186/1868-7083-4-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2012] [Accepted: 08/29/2012] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Secondhand smoke (SHS) and ambient air pollution (AAP) exposures have been associated with increased prevalence and severity of asthma and DNA modifications of immune cells. In the current study, we examined the association between SHS and AAP with DNA methylation and expression of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and forkhead box protein 3 (Foxp3) in T cell populations. METHODS Subjects 7-18 years old were recruited from Fresno (high AAP; n = 62) and Stanford, CA (low AAP; n = 40) and divided into SHS-exposed (Fresno: n = 31, Stanford: n = 6) and non-SHS-exposed (nSHS; Fresno: n = 31, Stanford: n = 34) groups. T cells purified from peripheral blood were assessed for levels of DNA methylation and expression of IFN-γ (in effector T cells) or Foxp3 (in regulatory T cells). RESULTS Analysis showed a significant increase in mean % CpG methylation of IFN-γ and Foxp3 associated with SHS exposure (IFN-γ: FSHS 62.10%, FnSHS 41.29%, p < 0.05; SSHS 46.67%, SnSHS 24.85%, p < 0.05; Foxp3: FSHS 74.60%, FnSHS 54.44%, p < 0.05; SSHS 62.40%, SnSHS 18.41%, p < 0.05) and a significant decrease in mean transcription levels of both genes (IFN-γ: FSHS 0.75, FnSHS 1.52, p < 0.05; SHS 2.25, nSHS 3.53, p < 0.05; Foxp3: FSHS 0.75, FnSHS 3.29, p < 0.05; SSHS 4.8, SnSHS 7.2, p < 0.05). AAP was also associated with hypermethylation (IFN-γ: FSHS vs. SSHS, p < 0.05; FnSHS vs. SnSHS, p < 0.05; Foxp3: FSHS vs. SSHS, p < 0.05; FnSHS vs. SnSHS, p < 0.05) and decreased transcription of both genes (IFN-γ: FSHS vs. SSHS, p < 0.05; FnSHS vs. SnSHS, p < 0.05; Foxp3: FSHS vs. SSHS, p < 0.05; FnSHS vs. SnSHS, p < 0.05). Average methylation between AAP- and SHS-only exposures was not significantly different (IFN-γ: p = 0.15; Foxp3: p = 0.27), nor was Foxp3 expression (p = 0.08); IFN-γ expression was significantly decreased in AAP-only subjects (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Exposures to SHS and AAP are associated with significant hypermethylation and decreased expression of IFN-γ in Teffs and Foxp3 in Tregs. Relative contributions of each exposure to DNA modification and asthma pathogenesis warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arunima Kohli
- Department of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, Stanford University, 269 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
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Kiefte-de Jong JC, Timmermans S, Jaddoe VWV, Hofman A, Tiemeier H, Steegers EA, de Jongste JC, Moll HA. High circulating folate and vitamin B-12 concentrations in women during pregnancy are associated with increased prevalence of atopic dermatitis in their offspring. J Nutr 2012; 142:731-8. [PMID: 22399526 DOI: 10.3945/jn.111.154948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies suggest that in utero exposure of methyl donors influences programming of the fetal immune system in favor of development of allergic disease. The aim of this study was to assess whether the MTHFR C677T polymorphism, folic acid supplementation, and circulating folate and vitamin B-12 concentrations during pregnancy were associated with wheezing, shortness of breath, and atopic dermatitis in offspring. The study was a population-based birth cohort from fetal life until 48 mo (n = 8742). The use of folic acid supplementation during pregnancy was assessed by questionnaire. Plasma folate and serum vitamin B-12 concentrations and the MTHFR C677T polymorphism were available from blood collected in early pregnancy. Atopic dermatitis, wheezing, and shortness of breath in the offspring were assessed by parental-derived questionnaires at 12, 24, 36, and 48 mo. Maternal folate >16.2 nmol/L and vitamin B-12 >178 pmol/L were positively associated with the development of atopic dermatitis [adjusted OR: 1.18 (95% CI: 1.05-1.33) and adjusted OR: 1.30 (95% CI: 1.06-1.60) for the highest quartiles of folate and vitamin B-12 concentrations, respectively] but not with wheezing and shortness of breath. Maternal MTHFR C677T polymorphism and folic acid supplementation were not associated with wheezing, shortness of breath, and atopic dermatitis. No interactions were found by age, family history of atopy, folic acid supplementation, MTHFR C677T polymorphism, or maternal smoking (P-interaction > 0.10). High folate and vitamin B-12 levels during pregnancy are associated with increased prevalence of atopic dermatitis in the offspring. Potential risks of high folate and vitamin B-12 concentrations on allergic outcomes should be evaluated when discussing mandatory fortification programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica C Kiefte-de Jong
- Generation R Study Group, Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Folic acid supplementation in early pregnancy and asthma in children aged 6 years. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2012; 206:72.e1-7. [PMID: 21982024 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2011.07.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2011] [Revised: 06/20/2011] [Accepted: 07/22/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to assess whether folic acid intake during the first trimester of pregnancy is related to asthma in the offspring by the age of 6 years. STUDY DESIGN This was a prospective cohort study of 1499 women who were followed up from the first trimester of pregnancy. Their children were followed up until they were 6 years old. RESULTS Fifty-one percent of the women used folic acid in the month before conception and 88% in the third month of pregnancy. The adjusted odds ratio for asthma per 100 μm increase in the average daily intake of folic acid was 0.98 (95% confidence interval, 0.93-1.04). For categories of daily folate intake, there was no evidence of associations with childhood asthma or evidence of any dose response relation for any time period (all P(trend) > .05). CONCLUSION Our results do not support any association of folic acid supplementation in pregnancy and asthma risk in offspring by age 6 years.
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Abstract
Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 4 (STAT4) is a transcription factor that is activated by IL-12 signaling and promotes Th1-cell differentiation and IFN-γ production. Defective IFN-γ production because of STAT4 mRNA and protein deficiency occurs after autologous stem cell transplantation for lymphoma. In the present study, we investigated the mechanisms of STAT4 deficiency in lymphoma patients. The tumor-bearing state is not responsible, because STAT4 levels were not significantly different in PBMCs obtained from healthy control subjects compared with those from lymphoma patients before treatment. STAT4 protein levels were significantly decreased in PBMCs and T cells obtained from lymphoma patients after standard-dose chemotherapy. Furthermore, treatment of control PBMC cultures or a natural killer cell line with chemotherapy drugs in vitro also resulted in reduced STAT4 protein and diminished, IL-12-induced IFN-γ production. Translation of STAT4 protein was not impaired in chemotherapy-treated cells, whereas the STAT4 protein half-life was significantly reduced. Chemotherapy drugs promoted the ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of STAT4. Treatment with the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib reversed chemotherapy-induced STAT4 deficiency and defective IFN-γ production. We conclude that acquired STAT4 deficiency in lymphoma patients is a consequence of treatment with chemotherapy, results that have important implications for the design of optimal immunotherapy for lymphoma.
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Gao Z, Rennie DC, Senthilselvan A. Allergic rhinitis and genetic components: focus on Toll-like receptors (TLRs) gene polymorphism. Appl Clin Genet 2010; 3:109-20. [PMID: 23776356 PMCID: PMC3681168 DOI: 10.2147/tacg.s8380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Allergic rhinitis represents a global health issue affecting 10% to 25% of the population worldwide. Over the years, studies have found that allergic diseases, including allergic rhinitis, are associated with immunological responses to antigens driven by a Th2-mediated immune response. Because Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are involved in both innate and adaptive immune responses to a broad variety of antigens, the association between polymorphisms of TLRs and allergic diseases has been the focus in many animal and human studies. Although the etiology of allergic rhinitis is still unknown, extensive research over the years has confirmed that the underlying causes of allergic diseases are due to many genetic and environmental factors, along with the interactions among them, which include gene-environment, gene-gene, and environment-environment interactions. Currently, there is great inconsistency among studies mainly due to differences in genetic background and unique gene-environment interactions. This paper reviews studies focusing on the association between TLR polymorphisms and allergic diseases, including allergic rhinitis, which would help researchers better understand the role of TLR polymorphisms in the development of allergic rhinitis, and ultimately lead to more efficient therapeutic interventions being developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Gao
- Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Donna C Rennie
- College of Nursing and Canadian Centre for Health and Agricultural Safety, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Ambikaipakan Senthilselvan
- Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Abstract
Events and exposures in pregnancy can have critical effects on fetal development with lasting implications for subsequent health and disease susceptibility. There is growing interest in how modern environmental changes influence fetal immune development and contribute to the recent epidemic of allergy and other immune disorders. Rising rates of allergic disease in early infancy, together with pre-symptomatic differences in immune function at birth, suggest that antenatal events play a predisposing role in the development of disease. A number of environmental exposures in pregnancy can modify neonatal immune function including diet, microbial exposure and maternal smoking, and there is emerging evidence from animal models that these factors may have epigenetic effects on immune gene expression and disease susceptibility. Furthermore, functional genetic polymorphisms also alter individual vulnerability to the effects of these environmental exposures, highlighting the complexity of gene-environmental interactions in this period. All these observations underscore the need for ongoing research to understand the pathogenesis and rising incidence of disease in the hope of better strategies to reverse this.
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Giambra IJ, Chianese L, Ferranti P, Erhardt G. Short communication: molecular genetic characterization of ovine alpha(S1)-casein allele H caused by alternative splicing. J Dairy Sci 2010; 93:792-5. [PMID: 20105551 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2009-2615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2009] [Accepted: 10/30/2009] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Sequencing of ovine CSN1S1*H cDNA showed an absence of exon 8 in comparison with GenBank sequences; the absence was confirmed by protein sequencing. We demonstrated that this allelic aberration is the result of a deletion of 4 nucleotides, the last 3 of exon 8 and the first 1 of intron 8, which are replaced by an insertion of 13 nucleotides in the DNA sequence. The insertion is a precise duplication of a part of the adjacent intronic sequence of CSN1S1*C''. These sequence differences result in an inactivation of the splice donor sequence distal to exon 8, leading to upstream exon skipping during the serial splice reactions of the ovine CSN1S1*H pre-mRNA, and may affect the specific casein expression as well as protein characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- I J Giambra
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Justus-Liebig-University, 35390 Giessen, Germany
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Giambra IJ, Chianese L, Ferranti P, Erhardt G. Genomics and proteomics of deleted ovine CSN1S1∗I. Int Dairy J 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.idairyj.2009.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Martino DJ, Prescott SL. Silent mysteries: epigenetic paradigms could hold the key to conquering the epidemic of allergy and immune disease. Allergy 2010; 65:7-15. [PMID: 19796189 DOI: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2009.02186.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms provide new insights into how environmental changes may mediate the increasing propensity for complex immune diseases such as allergic disease. There is now strong evidence that early environmental exposures play a key role in activating or silencing genes by altering DNA and histone methylation, histone acetylation and chromatin structure. These modifications determine the degree of DNA compaction and accessibility for gene transcription, altering gene expression, phenotype and disease susceptibility. While there is already evidence that a number of early environmental exposures are associated with an increased risk of allergic disease, several new studies indicate in utero microbial and dietary exposures can modify gene expression and allergic disease propensity through epigenetic modification. This review explores the evidence that immune development is under clear epigenetic regulation, including the pattern of T helper (Th)1 and Th2 cell differentiation, regulatory T cell differentiation, and more recently, Th17 development. It also considers the mechanisms of epigenetic regulation and early immune defects in allergy prone neonates. The inherent plasticity conferred by epigenetic mechanisms clearly also provides opportunities for environmental strategies that can re-programme gene expression for disease prevention. Identifying genes that are differentially silenced or activated in relation to subsequent disease will not only assist in identifying causal pathways, but may also help identify the contributing environmental factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- D J Martino
- School of Pediatrics and Child Health Research, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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DNA methylation and not allelic variation regulates STAT6 expression in human T cells. Clin Exp Med 2009; 10:143-52. [PMID: 19949830 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-009-0083-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2009] [Accepted: 11/16/2009] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
STAT6 transcription factor, which has been implicated in commitment to Th2, is known to be activated by IL-4 and IL-13. Accordingly, STAT6 is primarily responsible for the transcriptional effects of IL-4 and IL-13. STAT6-deficient mice are known to have defective IL-4-mediated functions, such as B cell proliferation, Th2 cell development and IgE secretion; therefore, they primarily contain the Th1 phenotype. However, the mechanism responsible for regulation of STAT6 expression transcriptionally and post-transcriptionally has yet to be elucidated. Here, we characterized the human STAT6 promoter gene and found that the transcriptional regulatory elements CCAAT and ATF were important for the STAT6 promoter activity. Direct sequencing analysis revealed that the 13 GT repeat allelic variation in noncoding exon 1 of the STAT6 gene appeared more frequently in 91 patients with asthma or rheumatoid arthritis than the 15 GT repeat variation, which is the dominant phenotype in healthy controls. However, it appears that this allelic variation did not affect the STAT6 transcriptional activity. Interestingly, treatment with a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor markedly increased the expression of STAT6 mRNA and protein in human primary T cells. In contrast, IFN-gamma treatment significantly repressed the STAT6 transcriptional activity. Therefore, the present study provides insight into the molecular basis of STAT6 expression, and in particular, demonstrates that STAT6 expression is associated with DNA hypermethylation rather than promoter polymorphisms or allelic variations.
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Gamper CJ, Agoston AT, Nelson WG, Powell JD. Identification of DNA methyltransferase 3a as a T cell receptor-induced regulator of Th1 and Th2 differentiation. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2009; 183:2267-76. [PMID: 19625655 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.0802960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Ag-specific T cell cytokine expression is dictated by the context in which TCR engagement occurs. Recently it has become clear that epigenetic changes play a role in this process. DNA methyltransferase 3a (DNMT3a) is a de novo methyltransferase important to the epigenetic control of cell fate. We have determined that DNMT3a expression is increased following TCR engagement and that costimulation mitigates DNMT3a protein expression. T cells lacking DNMT3a simultaneously express IFN-gamma and IL-4 after expansion under nonbiasing conditions. While global methylation of DNA from wild-type and knockout T cells is similar, DNMT3a-null T cells demonstrate selective hypomethylation of both the Il4 and Ifng loci after activation. Such hypomethylated knockout Th2 cells retain a greater capacity to express IFN-gamma protein when they are subsequently exposed to Th1-biasing conditions. Based on these findings we propose that DNMT3a is a key participant in regulating T cell polarization at the molecular level by promoting stable selection of a context-specific cell fate through methylation of selective targets in T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Gamper
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
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Lee YH, Woo JH, Choi SJ, Ji JD, Song GG. Association between the rs7574865 polymorphism of STAT4 and rheumatoid arthritis: a meta-analysis. Rheumatol Int 2009; 30:661-6. [PMID: 19588142 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-009-1051-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2009] [Accepted: 06/28/2009] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine whether the rs7574865 polymorphism of STAT4 (signal transducers and activators of transcription 4) confers susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in populations with different ethnicities. A meta-analysis was conducted on the T allele of the STAT4 rs7574865 polymorphism in 15 studies containing 16,088 RA patients and 16,509 normal control subjects. Meta-analysis revealed an association between RA and the STAT4 rs7574865 T allele in all subjects (OR = 1.271, 95% CI = 1.197-1.350, P < 0.001). Furthermore, the STAT4 rs7574865 T allele was found to be significantly associated with RA in Europeans and Asians (OR = 1.300, 95% CI = 1.195-1.414, P < 0.001; OR = 1.216, 95% CI = 1.135-1.303, P < 0.001). Stratification of RA patients according to the presence of anti-CCP antibody revealed a statistically significant association between the T allele and RA in both anti-CCP-positive and -negative RA patients versus controls. Europeans had the lowest (21.4%) and Asians had the highest (32.0%) prevalence of the T allele among the populations studied. In conclusion, this meta-analysis confirms that the STAT4 rs7574865 polymorphism is associated with RA susceptibility in different ethnic groups, and that its prevalence is ethnicity dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Ho Lee
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Anam Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, 126-1 5-ga, Anam-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 136-705, Korea.
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Håberg SE, London SJ, Stigum H, Nafstad P, Nystad W. Folic acid supplements in pregnancy and early childhood respiratory health. Arch Dis Child 2009; 94:180-4. [PMID: 19052032 PMCID: PMC3612898 DOI: 10.1136/adc.2008.142448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 181] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Folate supplementation is recommended for pregnant women to reduce the risk of congenital malformations. Maternal intake of folate supplements during pregnancy might also influence childhood immune phenotypes via epigenetic mechanisms. OBJECTIVE To investigate the relationship between folate supplements in pregnancy and risk of lower respiratory tract infections and wheeze in children up to 18 months of age. METHODS In the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study, questionnaire data collected at several time points during pregnancy and after birth on 32,077 children born between 2000 and 2005 were used to assess the effects of folate supplements during pregnancy on respiratory outcomes up to 18 months of age, while accounting for other supplements in pregnancy and supplementation in infancy. RESULTS Folate supplements in the first trimester were associated with increased risk of wheeze and respiratory tract infections up to 18 months of age. Adjusting for exposure later in pregnancy and in infancy, the relative risk for wheeze for children exposed to folic acid supplements in the first trimester was 1.06 (95% CI 1.03 to 1.10), the relative risk for lower respiratory tract infections was 1.09 (95% CI 1.02 to 1.15) and the relative risk for hospitalisations for lower respiratory tract infections was 1.24 (95% CI 1.09 to 1.41). CONCLUSIONS Folic acid supplements in pregnancy were associated with a slightly increased risk of wheeze and lower respiratory tract infections up to 18 months of age. The results suggest that methyl donors in the maternal diet during pregnancy may influence respiratory health in children consistent with epigenetic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- S E Håberg
- Division of Epidemiology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, PO Box 4404, Nydalen, NO-0403 Oslo, Norway.
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Pali-Schöll I, Renz H, Jensen-Jarolim E. Update on allergies in pregnancy, lactation, and early childhood. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2009; 123:1012-21. [PMID: 19249083 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2009.01.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2008] [Revised: 01/06/2009] [Accepted: 01/14/2009] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The factors responsible for the induction of allergic disease at an early age have not been completely identified. Therefore a major research focus is their identification to elaborate recommendations for prevention of sensitization in high-risk or atopic children. This review analyzes known or suspected reasons for sensitization in pregnant women and infants from both clinical and experimental animal studies. Recent studies and meta-analyses could not confirm the protective effect of an allergen-poor diet on the part of the mother during pregnancy and lactation. Likewise, the type of bottle feeding or the introduction of solid food into the child's diet might not significantly influence the development of atopy, allergy, or asthma in the child's life. Disappointingly, the few preventive measures remaining to reduce the risk of allergic sensitization and atopic diseases in mother and child are the avoidance of smoking and alcohol consumption during pregnancy and lactation and the avoidance of the impairment of gastric function. Further studies are urgently needed to address the influence of certain foods and nutrients, as well as environmental factors, for prevention of allergic diseases in the low- or high-risk infant.
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Hollingsworth JW, Maruoka S, Boon K, Garantziotis S, Li Z, Tomfohr J, Bailey N, Potts EN, Whitehead G, Brass DM, Schwartz DA. In utero supplementation with methyl donors enhances allergic airway disease in mice. J Clin Invest 2008; 118:3462-9. [PMID: 18802477 PMCID: PMC2542847 DOI: 10.1172/jci34378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 191] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2007] [Accepted: 07/30/2008] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Asthma is a complex heritable disease that is increasing in prevalence and severity, particularly in developed countries such as the United States, where 11% of the population is affected. The contribution of environmental and genetic factors to this growing epidemic is currently not well understood. We developed the hypothesis, based on previous literature, that changes in DNA methylation resulting in aberrant gene transcription may enhance the risk of developing allergic airway disease. Our findings indicate that in mice, a maternal diet supplemented with methyl donors enhanced the severity of allergic airway disease that was inherited transgenerationally. Using a genomic approach, we discovered 82 gene-associated loci that were differentially methylated after in utero supplementation with a methyl-rich diet. These methylation changes were associated with decreased transcriptional activity and increased disease severity. Runt-related transcription factor 3 (Runx3), a gene known to negatively regulate allergic airway disease, was found to be excessively methylated, and Runx3 mRNA and protein levels were suppressed in progeny exposed in utero to a high-methylation diet. Moreover, treatment with a demethylating agent increased Runx3 gene transcription, further supporting our claim that a methyl-rich diet can affect methylation status and consequent transcriptional regulation. Our findings indicate that dietary factors can modify the heritable risk of allergic airway disease through epigenetic mechanisms during a vulnerable period of fetal development in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- John W Hollingsworth
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA.
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Huber R, Hummert C, Gausmann U, Pohlers D, Koczan D, Guthke R, Kinne RW. Identification of intra-group, inter-individual, and gene-specific variances in mRNA expression profiles in the rheumatoid arthritis synovial membrane. Arthritis Res Ther 2008; 10:R98. [PMID: 18721452 PMCID: PMC2575612 DOI: 10.1186/ar2485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2007] [Revised: 07/16/2008] [Accepted: 08/22/2008] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory and destructive joint disease characterized by overexpression of pro-inflammatory/pro-destructive genes and other activating genes (for example, proto-oncogenes) in the synovial membrane (SM). The gene expression in disease is often characterized by significant inter-individual variances via specific synchronization/desynchronization of gene expression. To elucidate the contribution of the variance to the pathogenesis of disease, expression variances were tested in SM samples of RA patients, osteoarthritis (OA) patients, and normal controls (NCs). Method Analysis of gene expression in RA, OA, and NC samples was carried out using Affymetrix U133A/B oligonucleotide arrays, and the results were validated by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. For the comparison between RA and NC, 568 genes with significantly different variances in the two groups (P ≤ 0.05; Bonferroni/Holm corrected Brown-Forsythe version of the Levene test) were selected. For the comparison between RA and OA, 333 genes were selected. By means of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, the pathways/complexes significantly affected by higher gene expression variances were identified in each group. Results Ten pathways/complexes significantly affected by higher gene expression variances were identified in RA compared with NC, including cytokine–cytokine receptor interactions, the transforming growth factor-beta pathway, and anti-apoptosis. Compared with OA, three pathways with significantly higher variances were identified in RA (for example, B-cell receptor signaling and vascular endothelial growth factor signaling). Functionally, the majority of the identified pathways are involved in the regulation of inflammation, proliferation, cell survival, and angiogenesis. Conclusion In RA, a number of disease-relevant or even disease-specific pathways/complexes are characterized by broad intra-group inter-individual expression variances. Thus, RA pathogenesis in different individuals may depend to a lesser extent on common alterations of the expression of specific key genes, and rather on individual-specific alterations of different genes resulting in common disturbances of key pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- René Huber
- Department of Orthopedics, Experimental Rheumatology Unit, University Hospital Jena, Waldkrankenhaus Rudolf Elle, Eisenberg, Germany
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Perera FP. Children are likely to suffer most from our fossil fuel addiction. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2008; 116:987-90. [PMID: 18709169 PMCID: PMC2516589 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.11173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2007] [Accepted: 04/16/2008] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The periods of fetal and child development arguably represent the stages of greatest vulnerability to the dual impacts of fossil fuel combustion: the multiple toxic effects of emitted pollutants (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, particles, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, metals) and the broad health impacts of global climate change attributable in large part to carbon dioxide released by fossil fuel burning. OBJECTIVES In this commentary I highlight current scientific evidence indicating that the fetus and young child are at heightened risk of developmental impairment, asthma, and cancer from fossil fuel pollutants and from the predicted effects of climate disruption such as heat waves, flooding, infectious disease, malnutrition, and trauma. Increased risk during early development derives from the inherently greater biologic vulnerability of the developing fetus and child and from their long future lifetime, during which early insults can potentially manifest as adult as well as childhood disease. I cite recent reports concluding that reducing dependence on fossil fuel and promoting clean and sustainable energy is economically feasible. DISCUSSION Although much has been written separately about the toxicity of fossil fuel burning emissions and the effects of climate change on health, these two faces of the problem have not been viewed together with a focus on the developing fetus and child. Adolescence and old age are also periods of vulnerability, but the potential for both immediate and long-term adverse effects is greatest when exposure occurs prenatally or in the early years. CONCLUSIONS Consideration of the full spectrum of health risks to children from fossil fuel combustion underscores the urgent need for environmental and energy policies to reduce fossil fuel dependence and maximize the health benefits to this susceptible population. We do not have to leave our children a double legacy of ill health and ecologic disaster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederica P Perera
- Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA.
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Remoli ME, Ragimbeau J, Giacomini E, Gafa V, Severa M, Lande R, Pellegrini S, Coccia EM. NF-{kappa}B is required for STAT-4 expression during dendritic cell maturation. J Leukoc Biol 2006; 81:355-63. [PMID: 17046972 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.0506319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor STAT-4 plays a pivotal role in the IL-12-mediated development of naive CD4+ T cells into the Th1 phenotype. Initially thought to be restricted to the lymphoid lineage, STAT-4 was subsequently shown to be expressed in the myeloid compartment, mainly in activated monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells (DC). Here, we have studied STAT-4 in human monocyte-derived DC, and we demonstrated that its expression can be induced by multiple stimuli, such as the ligands for TLR-4, TLR-2, and TLR-3, different pathogens, CD40 ligand, and the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha and IL-1beta. It is interesting that we found that STAT-4 is tyrosine-phosphorylated in response to type I IFN but not IL-12 in human mature DC. Cloning and functional analysis of the STAT-4 promoter showed that a NF-kappaB binding site, localized at -969/-959 bp upstream of the transcriptional start site, is involved in the regulation of this gene in primary human DC. EMSAs using a probe containing this NF-kappaB binding sequence and chromatin immunoprecipitation indicated that p65/p50 and p50/p50 dimers were the main NF-kappaB/Rel proteins involved in STAT-4 gene expression in maturing DC. The mutation of this kappaB site or the overexpression of the repressor IkappaBalpha exerted an inhibitory effect on a STAT-4 promoter-driven reporter as well as on STAT-4 expression. Altogether, these results indicate that STAT-4 can be finely tuned along with DC maturation through NF-kappaB activation and that its induction may be involved in preparing the DC to be receptive to the cytokine environment present in lymphoid organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Elena Remoli
- Department of Infectious, Parasitic and Immune-Mediated Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
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