Association of UGT1A1 gene variants, expression levels, and enzyme concentrations with 2,3,7,8-TCDD exposure in individuals exposed to Agent Orange/Dioxin

Among the congener of dioxin, 2,3,7,8-TCDD is the most toxic, having a serious long-term impact on the environment and human health. UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 (UGT1A1) plays a crucial role in the detoxification and excretion of endogenous and exogenous lipophilic compounds, primarily in the liver and gastrointestinal tract. This study aimed to investigate the association of UGT1A1 gene polymorphisms, expression levels, and enzyme concentration with Agent Orange/Dioxin exposure. The study included 100 individuals exposed to Agent Orange/Dioxin nearby Da Nang and Bien Hoa airports in Vietnam and 100 healthy controls. UGT1A1 SNP rs10929303, rs1042640 and rs8330 were determined by Sanger sequencing, mRNA expression was quantified by RT-qPCR and plasma UGT1A1 concentrations were measured by ELISA. The results showed that UGT1A1 polymorphisms at SNPs rs10929303, rs1042640 and rs8330 were associated with Agent Orange/Dioxin exposure (OR = 0.55, P = 0.018; OR = 0.55, P = 0.018 and OR = 0.57, P = 0.026, respectively). UGT1A1 mRNA expression levels and enzyme concentration were significantly elevated in individuals exposed to Agent Orange/Dioxin compared to controls (P < 0.0001). Benchmark dose (BMD) analyses showed that chronic exposure to 2,3,7,8-TCDD contamination affects the UGT1A1 mRNA and protein levels. Furthermore, UGT1A1 polymorphisms affected gene expression and enzyme concentrations in individuals exposed to Agent Orange/Dioxin. In conclusion, UGT1A1 gene polymorphisms, UGT1A gene expression levels and UGT1A1 enzyme concentrations were associated with Agent Orange/Dioxin exposure. The metabolism of 2,3,7,8-TCDD may influence UGT1A gene expression and enzyme concentrations.

Association of PKLR gene copy number, expression levels and enzyme activity with 2,3,7,8-TCDD exposure in individuals exposed to Agent Orange/Dioxin in Vietnam

2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD) is the most toxic congener of dioxin and has serious long-term effects on the environment and human health. Pyruvate Kinase L/R (PKLR) gene expression levels and gene variants are associated with pyruvate kinase enzyme deficiency, which has been identified as the cause of several diseases linked to dioxin exposure. In this study, we estimated PKLR gene copy number and gene expression levels using real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) assays, genotyped PKLR SNP rs3020781 by Sanger sequencing, and quantified plasma pyruvate kinase enzyme activity in 100 individuals exposed to Agent Orange/Dioxin near Bien Hoa and Da Nang airfields in Vietnam and 100 healthy controls. The means of PKLR copy numbers and PKLR gene expression levels were significantly higher, while pyruvate kinase enzyme activity was significantly decreased in Agent Orange/Dioxin-exposed individuals compared to healthy controls (P < 0.0001). Positive correlations of PKLR gene copy number and gene expression with 2,3,7,8-TCDD concentrations were observed (r = 0.2, P = 0.045 and r = 0.54, P < 0.0001, respectively). In contrast, pyruvate kinase enzyme activity was inversely correlated with 2,3,7,8-TCDD concentrations (r = -0.52, P < 0.0001). PKLR gene copy number and gene expression levels were also inversely correlated with pyruvate kinase enzyme activity. Additionally, PKLR SNP rs3020781 was found to be associated with 2,3,7,8-TCDD concentrations and PKLR gene expression. In conclusion, PKLR copy number, gene expression levels, and pyruvate kinase enzyme activity are associated with 2,3,7,8-TCDD exposure in individuals living in Agent Orange/Dioxin-contaminated areas.

Prognostic significance of the angiopoietin-2 for early prediction of septic shock in severe sepsis patients

Aim

The current study investigated the plasma levels of angiopoietin-1/-2 and their association with clinical outcomes of sepsis.

Methods

Angiopoietin-1 and -2 levels were quantified in plasma from 105 patients with severe sepsis by ELISA.

Results

Angiopoietin-2 levels elevated according to the severity of sepsis progression. Angiopoietin-2 levels were correlated with mean arterial pressure and platelets counts, total bilirubin, creatinine, procalcitonin, lactate levels and SOFA score. Angiopoietin-2 levels accurately discriminated for sepsis with an AUC = 0.97 and septic shock from severe sepsis patients (AUC = 0.778).

Conclusion

Plasma angiopoietin-2 levels may serve as an additional biomarker for severe sepsis and septic shock.