Association of OXTR, AVPR1a, LNPEP, and CD38 Genes' Expression with the Clinical Presentation of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that affects social interactions, communication, and behavior. Although the predominant genetic predisposition to ASD seems beyond doubt, its exact nature remains unclear. In the context of social cognition disorders and the basis of ASD, the oxytocinergic and vasopresynergic systems arouse great interest among researchers. The aim of the present study was to analyze gene expression levels for oxytocin and vasopressin receptors, as well as CD38 protein and oxytocinase, in the context of the clinical picture of autism spectrum disorders. The study included 90 people, of whom 63 were diagnosed with ASD based on anamnesis, mental status testing, and the ADOS-2 protocol. The results obtained in the presented study indicate that the balance between the levels of expression of the CD38 gene and the oxytocinase gene plays a key role in the risk and clinical presentation of ASD. In a hypothetical scenario, an imbalance in the expression of CD38 and LNPEP could potentially lead to alterations in the concentrations of oxytocin and vasopressin. At the same time, the most frequently studied genes-AVPR1a and OXTR-seem to be at best of marginal importance for the risk of ASD.

Analysis of miRNAs in Osteogenesis imperfecta Caused by Mutations in COL1A1 and COL1A2: Insights into Molecular Mechanisms and Potential Therapeutic Targets

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a group of connective tissue disorders leading to abnormal bone formation, mainly due to mutations in genes encoding collagen type I (Col I). Osteogenesis is regulated by a number of molecules, including microRNAs (miRNAs), indicating their potential as targets for OI therapy. The goal of this study was to identify and analyze the expression profiles of miRNAs involved in bone extracellular matrix (ECM) regulation in patients diagnosed with OI type I caused by mutations in COL1A1 or COL1A2. Primary skin fibroblast cultures were used for DNA purification and sequence analysis, followed by analysis of miRNA expression. Sequencing analysis revealed mutations of the COL1A1 or COL1A2 genes in all OI patients, including four previously unreported. Amongst the 40 miRNAs analyzed, 9 were identified exclusively in OI cells and 26 in both OI patients and the controls. In the latter case, the expression of six miRNAs (hsa-miR-10b-5p, hsa-miR-19a-3p, hsa-miR-19b-3p, has-miR-204-5p, has-miR-216a-5p, and hsa-miR-449a) increased, while four (hsa-miR-129-5p, hsa-miR-199b-5p, hsa-miR-664a-5p, and hsa-miR-30a-5p) decreased significantly in OI cells in comparison to their expression in the control cells. The identified mutations and miRNA expression profiles shed light on the intricate processes governing bone formation and ECM regulation, paving the way for further research and potential therapeutic advancements in OI and other genetic diseases related to bone abnormality management.

The role of selected polymorphisms in regulation of gene CD38 expression and their effect on the clinical picture of autism spectrum disorders - preliminary study

OBJECTIVES

Clinical effects observed in cases of oxytocin deficiency can also manifest themselves in disorders of mechanisms responsible, for example, for its secretion. For oxytocin, this function is played by - among others - the cluster of differentiation antigen 38 (CD38). Existing literature along with the correlation between protein CD38 and oxytocin secretion raise interest in the context of their possible relation to the clinical picture and development of the autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The aim of the study was to analyze the correlations between polymorphisms rs3796863 and rs6449197 in gene CD38, the level of gene expression and the clinical picture and the risk of ASD diagnosis.

METHODS

The study included 59 individuals with the mean age of 15.05 years with IQ > 90. The participants were divided into two groups: the studied group consisting of 37 persons with confirmed ASD diagnoses and the control group including 22 neurotypical individuals. Diagnosis verification was carried out via the ADOS-2 protocol.

RESULTS

The comparative analysis with the standardized population based on the 1000Genomes database with the presence of clinically significant intensification of ASD traits showed the correlation of alleles "T" of polymorphisms rs3796863 and rs6449197, which are more frequent in the general population and are treated as "wild". In the inter-group analysis, this type of dependency was weaker, and the genotype of the control group was somehow intermediate between the studied group and the standardized population. In the ΔΔCt analysis, the normalized value of the relative expression level of gene CD38 showed that in the studied group the expression level was around 1.1-1.2 times higher than in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

The obtained results show that a significant correlation with the severity of autism spectrum disorder traits is mainly observed in the carriers of wild variants of the studied polymorphisms, in which the related increase in the expression level of gene CD38 is also observed.

Polymorphisms in Oxytocin and Vasopressin Receptor Genes as a Factor Shaping the Clinical Picture and the Risk of ASD in Males

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a heterogeneous group of disorders affecting virtually every population, regardless of their ethnic or socioeconomic background. Their pathogenesis is multifactorial, based on interactions between genetic and environmental factors. The key symptom of ASD are deficits in social communication, which are the basis of many difficulties in everyday functioning. The aim of the presented study was to analyze the clinical picture of social cognition deficits in boys with autism spectrum disorders and to relate its elements with the frequency of alleles of selected polymorphisms within the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) and vasopressin receptor 1A (AVPR1A) genes. The study included 58 boys with IQ > 90, who were divided into two groups based on a confirmed or excluded ASD diagnosis based on the DSM-5 and ICD-10 criteria and then using the ADOS-2 protocol. The results indicated that polymorphism rs10877969 (T) within the AVPR1a gene was the only one to show a statistically significant association with a higher risk of autism spectrum disorders and has an impact on clinical presentation in the ADOS-2 study, primarily in terms of the social affect subscale. Polymorphisms in the OXTR gene showed no significant association with ASD risk and severity of autistic traits in the ADOS-2 study. In the group of people with ASD and those who are neurotypical, the rs53572 (A) genotype in the OXTR gene significantly increased the severity of the clinical picture of social cognition disorders in reading mind in the eyes test (RMiE) and empathy quotient (EQ) studies.

mRNA Expression of thrombospondin 1, 2 and 3 from proximal to distal in human abdominal aortic aneurysm - preliminary report

Abdominal aortic aneurysm is a process involving the disruption and reconstruction of the extracellular matrix and the apoptosis of smooth muscle cells under the strong influence of the immune system. Thrombospondins are proteins that influence a wide range of cell-matrix interactions. While THBS1 and THBS2 are widely studied, the effects of THBS3 on extracellular matrix and vascular cells are poorly understood. Additionally, it is not known whether expression of these genes' changes along the aneurysm tissue. Here we analyzed the expression of THBSs mRNA isolated from the harvested tissues along the aneurysm divided into three zones based on their morphology. Total mRNA was isolated from 13 male patients undergoing scheduled open aortic repair, with each aneurysm divided into a proximal part, an aneurysm bag, and a distal part with border tissue as a control. Two step real-time PCR analysis with random hexamers was performed, which allowed the detection of significantly increased expression of all analyzed thrombospondins, especially THBS3, at the control tissue. Overexpression of THBSs may have a destabilizing effect on the structure of the extracellular matrix by affecting both the matrix producing cells and by inhibiting the activity of matrix proteins.

Association between single nucleotide polymorphisms in oxytocin and vasopressin receptor genes and symptom severity of autism spectrum disorder– preliminary study

Introduction

One of the defining features of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are deficits in social interaction and communication. Although their etiology is poorly understood, several lines of evidence from studies on humans and rodents suggest that two nonapeptides – oxytocin and vasopressin – might play a pivotal role in their development.

Objectives

To evaluate if single nucleotide polimorphisms in OXTR and AVPR1A genes are linked to the severity of symptoms in autism spectrum disorder.

Methods

The study was conducted on the group of 40 Caucasian males with average age of 14,22 (SD: 1,71) years. ADOS-2 examination was utilized for confirmation of ASD diagnosis as well as evaluation of symptoms severity in each patient. The genotyping of preselected SNPs for each gene (rs10877969; rs7294536; rs2254298; rs53576) was conducted.

Results

“CC” genotype at rs7294536 (p=0,033) was significantly associated with higher outcomes of ADOS-2 especially in terms of social affect. In case of oxytocin receptor gene, frequency of “AA”/”AG” genotype at rs2254298 equaled 100% and of “AA”/”AG” genotype at rs53576 equaled 85% of the study group (expected “A” allele frequency in neurotypical European population was respectively 11% and 35% according to 1000Genomes database). For rs10877969 prevalence of “CC”/”CT” genotype equaled 95% while expected frequency of “C” allele in neurotypical European population was 13%.

Conclusions

Overrepresentation of minor alleles at rs2254298, rs53576 and rs10877969 in patients with ASD might indicate their link to development of ASD. Furthermore, significant association between minor allele at rs7294536 and symptoms severity suggest potential role of arginine-vasopressin receptor deficiency in clinical picture of ASD.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Comparison of cultures and 16S rRNA sequencing for identification of bacteria in two-stage revision arthroplasties: preliminary report

Background

The use of a prefabricated spacer in two-stage revision arthroplasty remains one of the few surgery strategies for infected-joint arthroplasty treatment, despite the many unidentified microorganisms in the infected joint replacements reported in some recent studies. The aim of this prospective survey was to investigate if the sonication followed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can improve bacterial identification on the surfaces of prefabricated spacers and if the systemic laboratory mediators of infection and positive microbiological results can take a role of predictive factors of infection and clinical failures in 2-years follow-up.

Methods

Thirteen patients with prosthetic joint infection were investigated. Bacterial culture and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequencing were used to detect bacteria on the surface of prefabricated spacers removed during the second stage of revision arthroplasty. The results of pre- and intraoperative culture and DNA sequencing were compared. Minimum follow-up was 2 years.

Results

The result of tissue cultures in second-stage revision arthroplasties revealed positive results in 15 % of patients with Coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CNS) growth. Bacterial DNA was found in over 90 % of patients with negative synovial fluid culture. Positive PCR results revealed potential pathogenic bacteria and species of human and environmental microflora with low virulence. Clinical failures at final follow-up were recorded in 2 (16.6 %) patients.

Conclusion

The lack of clinical signs of infection, negative culture of preoperative joint aspirate, and intraoperative specimens do not exclude the presence of bacteria on the surfaces of spacers. The positive results of sonication and molecular tests should be interpreted as real pathogenicity factors in the light of the clinical and laboratory data, especially for patients with immunodeficiency. We confirmed our previous results that sonication followed by PCR and sequencing improved bacterial identification.

Expression of the tumor suppressor gene hypermethylated in cancer 1 in laryngeal carcinoma

Hypermethylated in cancer 1 (HIC1) is a putative suppressor gene, cooperating with TP53 in the regulation of apoptosis. The promoter site of this gene contains CpG islands susceptible to methylation. Altered methylation leads to the silencing of HIC1. Persistent loss of HIC1 function reflects the attenuation of proapoptotic characteristics of TP53 and may constitute the background for carcinogenesis. Altered methylation profiles along with diminished expression of HIC1 were documented in a number of solid neoplasms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of the HIC1 gene in laryngeal carcinoma. RNA was extracted from samples of laryngeal cancer and corresponding healthy tissues of 21 patients with advanced laryngeal cancer (T3-T4). The amount of RNA (cDNA) was evaluated using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction with GADPH as the reference gene. Data demonstrated that HIC1 expression was significantly reduced in laryngeal cancer tissues. The relative expression of HIC1 was found to be ~40% lower in tumor samples compared to that in healthy controls. The median tumor/normal tissue ratio for HIC1 was 0.615. These results suggest that low HIC1 expression may be associated with neoplastic transformation in the larynx.

Serologic investigations in children with inflammatory bowel disease and food allergy

The aim of the study was the evaluation of frequency and titre of IgA ASCA and IgG ASCA and p-ANCA, c-ANCA in children with IBD and occurrence of ASCA antibodies in relation to coexistence of FA. Patients and methods. The study comprised 95 children at the ages of 2 to 18 years. The diagnosis of IBD was established on the basis of Porto criteria. Tests of blood serum were performed in all children: IgA and IgG ASCA, p-ANCA, c-ANCA using ELISA method. Results. IgE-dependent FA was found in 32.5% children with UC and in 21% with CD. We did not observe any relation between the occurrence of FA and the frequency and ASCA titre. p-ANCA were significantly more frequent in the group of children with UC. The occurrence of ASCA antibodies was observed in 73.7% of children with CD, 17.5% with UC and almost 30% with allergic colitis. Conclusions. Patients with CD and the presence of ASCA revealed a significantly more frequent localization of lesions within the small bowel and a tendency towards older age. We observed a connection between the occurrence of antibodies and the examined mutations of gene NOD2/CARD15.

Blocking angiogenesis with peptides that inhibit the activity of procollagen C-endopeptidase

Procollagen C-endopeptidase (BMP-1) is one of two key enzymes crucial for conversion of fibrillar procollagens to self-assembling collagen monomers. Recently, we have reported inhibition of the largest variant of BMP-1, a recombinant mammalian tolloid (mTld) in vitro, on procollagen type I using peptides with amino acid sequences in chordin conserved across different species. Here, we tested the same peptides as potent blockers of angiogenesis ex vivo in cultured rings of rat aorta, in vivo in chick embryos, and in vitro in cell cultures. Our results revealed that the peptides inhibited the angiogenic activity in rat aorta explants at micromolar concentrations; they also blocked blood vessel growth in chick embryos. The peptides were also tested on three types of human cells, e.g., umbilical vein endothelium, skin fibroblasts, and tumor HT-1080 cells. Since the three types of cells proliferated at a significantly lower rate or did not proliferate at all, we conclude that the anti-angiogenic effect observed in rat aorta ring explants and in chick embryos was related to inhibition of cell proliferation. In conclusion, we showed the ability to inhibit angiogenesis by blocking the activity of procollagen C-endopeptidase. The results strongly indicate crucial role(s) of this metalloproteinase in the formation of new blood vessels and maintenance of their growth.

[Changes of mRNAs encoding alternatively spliced variants of procollagen C-endopeptidase in leiomyomas uteri depending on the phase of menstrual cycle and in postmenopausal women]

Leiomyoma uteri is a monoclonal tumour of the uterus muscle layer. It is characterized by excessive, abnormal growth of extracellular matrix. The collagen types I and III are the major components of extracellular matrix. Removal of the C-propeptides in procollagens type I, II, and III by procollagen C-endopeptidase leads to spontaneous self-assembly of collagen fibrils. Thus, the procollagen C-endopeptidase is a key regulator of extracellular matrix production, its quality, and other developmental processes including angiogenesis.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to analyze the three alternatively spliced variants of the BMP1 gene product including the procollagen C-endopeptidase, in leiomyoma uteri tumors in comparison to normal myometrium in women being in first or second menstrual phase or in time of climacterium.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In the study we analyzed samples from the control and cancerous tissues from 52 women. Expression of the three alternatively spliced variants of BMP1 gene transcript were assayed by RT-PCR, following densytometric analysis. Statistical significance (p < or = 0,05) of the observed differences was assessed with the use of Anova test, Least Significance Different Test, and Student's T-test.

RESULTS

Analysis of RT-PCR products revealed the presence of all alternatively spliced variants of BMP-1 mRNA and the changes in their alternative splicing intensity, depending on the phase of menstrual cycle or postmenopausal state. In the second phase of the cycle, in control tissue, the expression level of BMP-1 variant decreased when compared to women in I phase of the cycle or postmenopausal women. In the tumour, postmenopausal women showed increased expression of BMP-1at, when compared with women in the second phase of the cycle. The presence of mTLD in the tumour tissue at II phase of the cycle and in postmenopausal state was less strong when compared to women at I phase of the cycle. In control tissue this type of change was not observed. The BMP-1/HIS was present at higher level in control tissue, during II phase of the menstrual cycle and in postmenopausal state, whereas in the tumour tissue its lowest level was at II phase of the cycle.

CONCLUSIONS

Regulation of alternative splicing of mRNA for procollagen C-endopeptidase in leiomyomas and myometrium depends mainly on the hormonal status of women.

[Parenteral symptoms and intestinal complications in children with inflammatory bowel diseases in relation to card15 mutation]

THE AIM OF THE STUDY

Was evaluation of the incidence of parenteral symptoms and complications in children with inflammatory bowel disease and their analysis in relation to the examined mutations of CARD15 gene.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study involved 38 children with Crohn's disease, aged from 5 to18 years (median14) and 40 children with ulcerative colitis, aged from 6 to18 years (median14). The control group included 23 children, aged from 4 to 18 years (median15), with functional disorders of the alimentary tract resulting from lactose intolerance. In all the examined patients as well as in the control group, mutations R702W, G908R and L1007fs of the CARD15 gene were determined, according to the protocol described by Tukel et al.

RESULTS

Parenteral symptoms, in the group of children with Crohn's disease, manifested as arthritis and erythema nodosum, were observed in 7 patients (18.4%), whereas in the group with ulcerative colitis they presented - in 4 children (10%). Intestinal complications in the form of stenosis, fistula, abscess and gastrointestinal bleeding were the most frequently observed changes in children with Crohn's disease (n=15; 39,5%). Parenteral symptoms were statistically significantly more frequent in children with Crohn's disease and with at least one mutation of CARD15 gene. Intestinal complications statistically appeared more often in children with Crohn's disease and mutation L1007fs.

CONCLUSIONS

1. Parenteral symptoms and intestinal complications occurred more frequently in the group of children with Crohn's disease, in comparison with the children with ulcerative colitis. 2. We observed a relation between parenteral symptoms and at least one mutation of CARD15 gene and a relation between intestinal complications and L1007fs mutation.

[Molecular characteristics of leiomyoma uteri based on selected compounds of the extracellular matrix]

Leiomyoma is a monoclonal benign tumor. It is often located in the muscle layer of the uterus in women of reproductive age. Its growth is accelerated by pregnancy and hormonal therapy. Its growth also depends on the concentration of sex hormones. Growth factors and cytokines may also participate in the formation of leiomyomas. The modulation of mitotic activity and abnormal extracellular matrix production are key elements of tumor growth. Elements of the TGFbeta superfamily are crucial factors in the proliferation of neoplasmic cells. TGF-beta1 and -beta3 stimulate the synthesis of various components of the extracellular matrix, but they also down-regulate the synthesis of proteinases which degrade the matrix, often leading to excessive overdeposition of connective tissue. Collagen types 1 and 3 are the main structural components of the extracellular matrix. The biosynthesis of collagens requires, among others, the action of procollagen C-endopeptidase, a protein of the BMP-1/mTLD subfamily. BMP-1/mTLD-like proteinases remove the carboxyl propeptides of procollagens 1, 2, and 3. Removal of the C-propeptides decreases the solubility of procollagens about 1000-fold to a concentration critical for their spontaneous self-assembly to collagen fibrils. Different substrates of BMP-1/mTLD are prolysyl oxidase, gamma2 chain of prolaminin, procollagen type VII, miostatin, dentin matrix protein 1, and perlekan. Due to the activation of various substrates by BMP-1/mTLDs, they are important regulators of the production of the extracellular matrix and its quality as well as of antiangiogenic responses by producing a factor from the basal membrane compound called perlekan. The BMP-1/mTLDs influence the formation of dorsal ventral patterning in embryos by releasing BMP-2/4 from the inhibitory protein chordin. Another aspect is induction of the development of muscle and neural tissue by activation of GDF8 and GDF11 as well as the regulation of growth and cell proliferation by releasing TGF-beta1 and -beta3 from latent complexes. Another yet poorly understood aspect is the evolution of neoplastic cells based on other than molecular genetic mechanisms. The detectable karyotype anomalies in tumor cells constitute just 40%. Therefore in this review the possible roles of extracellular matrix compounds and regulatory factors in the pathology of leiomyoma are discussed.