1
|
Urb M, Anier K, Matsalu T, Aonurm-Helm A, Tasa G, Koppel I, Zharkovsky A, Timmusk T, Kalda A. Glucocorticoid Receptor Stimulation Resulting from Early Life Stress Affects Expression of DNA Methyltransferases in Rat Prefrontal Cortex. J Mol Neurosci 2019; 68:99-110. [PMID: 30852742 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-019-01286-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Early life stress initiates long-term neurobiological changes that affect stress resilience and increased susceptibility to psychopathology. Maternal separation (MS) is used to cause early life stress and it induces profound neurochemical and behavioral changes that last until adulthood. The molecular pathways of how MS affects the regulation of DNA methyltransferases (Dnmt) in brain have not been entirely characterized. We evaluated MS effects on Dnmt1, Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b expression, DNMT enzyme activity and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) recruitment to different Dnmt loci in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of Wistar rats. We found increased plasma corticosterone levels after MS that were associated with induced Dnmt expression and enzyme activity in rat PFC at post-natal day 15 (PND15). Chromatin immunoprecipitation showed increased binding of GR at the Dnmt3b promoter after MS, suggesting that genomic signaling of GR is an important regulatory mechanism for the induced Dnmt3b expression and DNMT activity. Although GR also binds to Dnmt3a promoter and a putative regulatory region in intron 3 in rat PFC, its expression after maternal separation may be influenced by other mechanisms. Therefore, GR could be a link between early life stress experience and long-term gene expression changes induced by aberrant DNA methylation.
Collapse
|
2
|
Škiljić D, Nilsson S, Seibt Palmér M, Tasa G, Juronen E, Behndig A, Karlsson JO, Petersen A, Zetterberg H, Zetterberg M. Estrogen-related Polymorphisms in Estonian Patients with Age-related Cataract. Ophthalmic Genet 2015; 36:188-91. [PMID: 25626180 DOI: 10.3109/13816810.2015.1005316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
|
3
|
Sadam M, Tasa G, Tiidla A, Lang A, Axelsson EP, Pajnič IZ. Population data for 22 autosomal STR loci from Estonia. Int J Legal Med 2014; 129:1219-20. [PMID: 25286872 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-014-1089-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2014] [Accepted: 09/26/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Allele frequencies and forensically relevant population statistics of 22 short tandem repeat (STR) loci were determined from 303 unrelated Estonian individuals. The samples were amplified with three kits: the AmpFlSTR(®) Identifiler, the PowerPlex(®) ESI 16 and the PowerPlex(®) 16. No significant deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was detected, except for locus D22S1045. Investigated loci are very discriminating in Estonian population, with a combined discrimination power of 0.9999999999999999999999999877. Furthermore, a comparison with previously published frequency data from other nearby populations is presented.
Collapse
|
4
|
Celojevic D, Abramsson A, Seibt Palmér M, Tasa G, Juronen E, Zetterberg H, Zetterberg M. EPHA2 Polymorphisms in Estonian Patients with Age-Related Cataract. Ophthalmic Genet 2014; 37:14-8. [PMID: 24673449 DOI: 10.3109/13816810.2014.902080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ephrin receptors (Ephs) are tyrosine kinases that together with their ligands, ephrins, are considered important in cell-cell communication, especially during embryogenesis but also for epithelium homeostasis. Studies have demonstrated the involvement of mutations or common variants of the gene encoding Eph receptor A2 (EPHA2), in congenital cataract and in age-related cataract. This study investigated a number of disease-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in EPHA2 in patients with age-related cataract. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study included 491 Estonian patients who had surgery for age-related cataract, classified as nuclear, cortical, posterior subcapsular and mixed lens opacities, and 185 controls of the same ethnical origin. Seven SNPs in EPHA2 (rs7543472, rs11260867, rs7548209, rs3768293, rs6603867, rs6678616, rs477558) were genotyped using TaqMan Allelic Discrimination. Statistical analyses for single factor associations used χ(2)-test and logistic regression was performed including relevant covariates (age, sex and smoking). RESULTS In single-SNP allele analysis, only the rs7543472 showed a borderline significant association with risk of cataract (p = 0.048). Regression analysis with known risk factors for cataract showed no significant associations of the studied SNPs with cataract. Stratification by cataract subtype did not alter the results. Adjusted odds ratios were between 0.82 and 1.16 (95% confidence interval 0.61-1.60). CONCLUSIONS The present study does not support a major role of EphA2 in cataractogenesis in an Estonian population.
Collapse
|
5
|
Celojevic D, Nilsson S, Kalaboukhova L, Tasa G, Juronen E, Sjölander A, Zetterberg H, Zetterberg M. Genetic Variation of Superoxide Dismutases in Patients with Primary Open-angle Glaucoma. Ophthalmic Genet 2013; 35:79-84. [DOI: 10.3109/13816810.2013.793364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
|
6
|
Celojevic D, Nilsson S, Behndig A, Tasa G, Juronen E, Karlsson JO, Zetterberg H, Petersen A, Zetterberg M. Superoxide dismutase gene polymorphisms in patients with age-related cataract. Ophthalmic Genet 2013; 34:140-5. [PMID: 23289810 DOI: 10.3109/13816810.2012.746377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Functional polymorphisms in genes encoding antioxidant enzymes may result in reduced enzyme activity and increased levels of reactive oxygen species, such as superoxide radicals, which in turn may contribute to increased risk of age-related disorders. Copper-zinc superoxide dismutases, SOD-1 and SOD-3, and manganese superoxide dismutase, SOD-2, are enzymes involved in the protection against oxidative stress and detoxification of superoxide. In this study, we investigated a number of disease-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of SOD1, SOD2 and SOD3, in patients with age-related cataract. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study included an Estonian sample of 492 patients with age-related cataract, subgrouped into nuclear, cortical, posterior subcapsular and mixed cataract, and 185 controls. Twelve SNPs in SOD1, SOD2 and SOD3 were genotyped using TaqMan Allelic Discrimination. Haplotype analysis was performed on the SNPs in SOD2. RESULTS None of the studied SNPs showed an association with risk of cataract. These results were consistent after adding known risk factors (age, sex and smoking) as covariates in the multivariate analyses and after stratification by cataract subtype. Analysis of SOD2 haplotypes did not show any associations with risk of cataract. CONCLUSIONS If genetic variation in genes encoding SOD-1, SOD-2 and SOD-3 contributes to cataract formation, there is no major contribution of the SNPs analyzed in the present study.
Collapse
|
7
|
Rudolph T, Sjölander A, Palmér MS, Minthon L, Wallin A, Andreasen N, Tasa G, Juronen E, Blennow K, Zetterberg H, Zetterberg M. Ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal esterase L1 (UCHL1) S18Y polymorphism in patients with cataracts. Ophthalmic Genet 2011; 32:75-9. [PMID: 21268678 PMCID: PMC3116718 DOI: 10.3109/13816810.2010.544360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Background: Cataract is characterized by light-scattering protein aggregates. The ubiquitin-proteasome system has been proposed a role in proteolytic removal of these protein aggregates. Ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal esterase L1 (UCHL1) is a de-ubiquitinating enzyme with important functions in recycling of ubiquitin. A protective role of the p.S18Y polymorphism of the UCHL1 gene has been shown in Parkinson's disease. The current study aimed to examine possible effects on cataract formation. Methods: Patients with cataract (n = 493) and controls (n = 142) were analyzed for the UCHL1 p.S18Y polymorphism using dynamic allele-specific hybridization. Results: Significant differences were observed in allele and genotype frequencies of the p.S18Y polymorphism between controls and cataract patients, where a positive UCHL1 allele A carrier status was associated with the cataract diagnosis (adjusted OR 1.7 [95% CI = 1.1-2.6] p = 0.02). No significant differences were seen in genotype distribution when stratifying for type of cataract. Nor did the mean age at cataract surgery differ between genotypes. Conclusion: The current study does not support a protective role for the UCHL1 S18Y polymorphism in cataract development, but may instead suggest a disease-promoting effect.
Collapse
|
8
|
von Otter M, Landgren S, Nilsson S, Zetterberg M, Celojevic D, Bergström P, Minthon L, Bogdanovic N, Andreasen N, Gustafson DR, Skoog I, Wallin A, Tasa G, Blennow K, Nilsson M, Hammarsten O, Zetterberg H. Nrf2-encoding NFE2L2 haplotypes influence disease progression but not risk in Alzheimer's disease and age-related cataract. Mech Ageing Dev 2010; 131:105-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2009.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2009] [Revised: 12/15/2009] [Accepted: 12/24/2009] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
|
9
|
Zetterberg M, Tasa G, Palmér MS, Juronen E, Toover E, Blennow K, Zetterberg H. Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Genetic Polymorphisms in Patients with Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma. Ophthalmic Genet 2009; 28:47-50. [PMID: 17558844 DOI: 10.1080/13816810701329046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Hyperhomocysteinemia has been found in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma. The purpose of the present study was to determine if hyperhomocysteinemia-associated polymorphisms of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene (MTHFR) are overrepresented in primary open-angle glaucoma. METHODS Patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (n = 243) and controls (n = 187) were analyzed for the MTHFR 677 C > T and 1298 A > C polymorphisms using minisequencing technique. RESULTS No significant differences were observed in allele and genotype frequencies of the MTHFR 677C > T and 1298A > C polymorphisms between controls and the primary open-angle glaucoma group. CONCLUSIONS If hyperhomocysteinemia is important in the pathogenesis of glaucoma, this study does not support a role for MTHFR polymorphisms in this context.
Collapse
|
10
|
Must A, Kõks S, Vasar E, Tasa G, Lang A, Maron E, Väli M. Common Variations in 4p Locus are Related to Male Completed Suicide. Neuromolecular Med 2008; 11:13-9. [DOI: 10.1007/s12017-008-8056-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2008] [Accepted: 11/25/2008] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
|
11
|
Maron E, Tõru I, Tasa G, Must A, Toover E, Lang A, Vasar V, Shlik J. Association testing of panic disorder candidate genes using CCK-4 challenge in healthy volunteers. Neurosci Lett 2008; 446:88-92. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2008.09.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2008] [Revised: 09/18/2008] [Accepted: 09/20/2008] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
|
12
|
Must A, Tasa G, Lang A, Vasar E, Kõks S, Maron E, Väli M. Association of limbic system-associated membrane protein (LSAMP) to male completed suicide. BMC MEDICAL GENETICS 2008; 9:34. [PMID: 18433483 PMCID: PMC2386445 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2350-9-34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2007] [Accepted: 04/23/2008] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Background Neuroimaging studies have demonstrated volumetric abnormalities in limbic structures of suicide victims. The morphological changes might be caused by some inherited neurodevelopmental defect, such as failure to form proper axonal connections due to genetically determined dysfunction of neurite guidance molecules. Limbic system-associated membrane protein (LSAMP) is a neuronal adhesive molecule, preferentially expressed in developing limbic system neuronal dendrites and somata. Some evidence for the association between LSAMP gene and behavior has come from both animal as well as human studies but further investigation is required. In current study, polymorphic loci in human LSAMP gene were examined in order to reveal any associations between genetic variation in LSAMP and suicidal behaviour. Methods DNA was obtained from 288 male suicide victims and 327 healthy male volunteers. Thirty SNPs from LSAMP gene and adjacent region were selected by Tagger algorithm implemented in Haploview 3.32. Genotyping was performed using the SNPlex™ (Applied Biosystems) platform. Data was analyzed by Genemapper 3.7, Haploview 3.32 and SPSS 13.0. Results Chi square test revealed four allelic variants (rs2918215, rs2918213, rs9874470 and rs4821129) located in the intronic region of the gene to be associated with suicide, major alleles being overrepresented in suicide group. However, the associations did not survive multiple correction test. Defining the haplotype blocks using confidence interval algorithm implemented in Haploview 3.32, we failed to detect any associated haplotypes. Conclusion Despite a considerable amount of investigation on the nature of suicidal behaviour, its aetiology and pathogenesis remain unknown. This study examined the variability in LSAMP gene in relation to completed suicide. Our results indicate that LSAMP might play a role in pathoaetiology of suicidal behaviour but further studies are needed to understand its exact contribution.
Collapse
|
13
|
Andersson ME, Zetterberg M, Tasa G, Seibt-Palmér M, Juronen E, Teesalu P, Blennow K, Zetterberg H. Variability in the kinesin light chain 1 gene may influence risk of age-related cataract. Mol Vis 2007; 13:993-6. [PMID: 17653041 PMCID: PMC2776535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Kinesin-mediated cargo vesicle transport is fundamental to the maintenance of a proper lens fiber structure, which is essential for the transparency of the lens. Here, we test the hypothesis that the rs8702 polymorphism in the kinesin light chain 1 gene (KLC1), previously linked to Alzheimer disease (AD), may play a role in cataractogenesis. METHODS Patients with nuclear (n=76), cortical (n=154), posterior subcapsular (n=117), and mixed (n=148) cataract as well as 183 controls were analyzed for the KLC1 rs8702 polymorphism using the dynamic allele-specific hybridization (DASH) technique. RESULTS The GG genotype of rs8702 was significantly over-represented among cataract patients as compared to controls (63% versus 52%, respectively, p=0.008) and associated with an age-adjusted odds ratio for cataract development of 1.61 (95% confidence interval 1.12-2.31). This association was not confined to any particular cataract type. CONCLUSIONS The KLC1 gene may be a novel susceptibility gene for age-related cataract.
Collapse
|
14
|
Zetterberg M, Tasa G, Palmér MS, Juronen E, Teesalu P, Blennow K, Zetterberg H. Apolipoprotein E polymorphisms in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma. Am J Ophthalmol 2007; 143:1059-60. [PMID: 17524782 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2007.01.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2006] [Revised: 01/15/2007] [Accepted: 01/17/2007] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate apolipoprotein E (APOE) polymorphisms, which are known to influence the risk of Alzheimer disease (AD), in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). DESIGN Retrospective case-control association study. METHODS Patients with POAG (n = 242) and controls (n = 187) were analyzed for the APOE epsilon 2/epsilon 3/epsilon 4 polymorphisms using minisequencing technique. RESULTS The Alzheimer-associated APOE epsilon 4 allele had similar frequencies in the POAG group and in the control group. There was no difference between cases and controls with regard to APOE genotypes. CONCLUSIONS If a common pathogenic mechanism exists for the two age-related neurodegenerative diseases, POAG and AD, it does not involve APOE polymorphisms.
Collapse
|
15
|
Lukka M, Tasa G, Ellonen P, Moilanen K, Vassiljev V, Ulmanen I. Triallelic patterns in STR loci used for paternity analysis: Evidence for a duplication in chromosome 2 containing the TPOX STR locus. Forensic Sci Int 2006; 164:3-9. [PMID: 16337759 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2005.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2005] [Revised: 10/17/2005] [Accepted: 11/01/2005] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
We report triallelic patterns in several short tandem repeat (STR) loci revealed by routine paternity testing using the commercial AMPFlSTR Profiler and AMPFlSTR SGMplus kits. One case where the TPOX-locus (2p25.3) produced three peaks from the blood sample of a child was analysed further. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (QPCR) and STR typing of the DNAs of the family trio revealed a large (>1.59 Mb) duplication flanking the TPOX-locus in chromosome 2 in both the mother and child. The implications of such genetic anomalies for paternity testing are discussed.
Collapse
|
16
|
Maron E, Tõru I, Must A, Tasa G, Toover E, Vasar V, Lang A, Shlik J. Association study of tryptophan hydroxylase 2 gene polymorphisms in panic disorder. Neurosci Lett 2006; 411:180-4. [PMID: 17123728 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2006.09.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2006] [Revised: 09/21/2006] [Accepted: 09/23/2006] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Experimental studies on serotonin (5-HT) availability suggest a role for 5-HT synthesis rate in panicogenesis. Recently, it has been discovered that the tryptophan hydroxylase gene isoform 2 (TPH2), rather than TPH1, is preferentially expressed in the neuronal tissue and, therefore, is primarily responsible for the regulation of brain 5-HT synthesis. In the present case-control genetic association study we investigated whether panic disorder (PD) phenotypes are related to two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of TPH2, rs1386494 A/G and rs1386483 C/T. The study sample consisted of 213 (163 females and 50 males) PD patients with or without affective comorbidity and 303 (212 females and 91 males) matched healthy control subjects. The allelic and genotypic analyses in the total sample did not demonstrate significant association of PD with the studied SNPs, suggesting that these polymorphisms may not play a robust role in predisposition to PD. However, an association with rs1386494 SNP was observed in the subgroup of female patients with pure PD phenotype, indicating a possible gender-specific effect of TPH2 gene variants in PD.
Collapse
|
17
|
Oiglane-Shlik E, Zordania R, Varendi H, Antson A, Mägi ML, Tasa G, Bartsch O, Talvik T, Ounap K. The neonatal phenotype of Prader-Willi syndrome. Am J Med Genet A 2006; 140:1241-4. [PMID: 16642508 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.31223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
|
18
|
Oiglane-Shlik E, Talvik T, Zordania R, Põder H, Kahre T, Raukas E, Ilus T, Tasa G, Bartsch O, Väisänen ML, Ounap K. Prevalence of Angelman syndrome and Prader–Willi syndrome in Estonian children: Sister syndromes not equally represented. Am J Med Genet A 2006; 140:1936-43. [PMID: 16906556 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.31423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
In 2000-2004, we performed a focused search for individuals with Angelman syndrome (AS) and Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) aiming to establish the prevalence data for the individuals born between 1984 and 2004 in Estonia. All persons with probable AS or PWS (n = 184) were studied using the DNA methylation test. Individuals with abnormal methylation were all further tested by chromosomal and FISH analysis, and if necessary for uniparental disomy and UBE3A gene mutation. Nineteen cases with abnormal methylation test result were identified. Seven of them had AS, including six (85.7%) due to 15q11-13 deletion and one paternal UPD15. Twelve subjects had PWS: 4 (33%) 15q11-13 deletions, 6 (50%) maternal UPD15, 1 unbalanced chromosome 14;15 translocation resulting in a chromosome 15pter-q13 deletion, and 1 Robertsonian 15q;15q translocation. The minimum livebirth prevalence in 1984-2004 for AS was 1:52,181 (95% CI 1:25,326-1:1,29,785) and for PWS 1:30,439 (95% CI 1:17,425-1:58,908). The livebirth prevalence of AS and PWS increased within this period, but the change was statistically significant only for PWS (P = 0.032), from expected 1:88,495 (95% CI 1:24,390-1:3,22,580) to expected 1:12,547 (95% CI 1:540-1:29,154). Six individuals with AS and 11 with PWS were alive on the prevalence day (January 1, 2005), indicating the point prevalence proportion of 1:56,112 (95% CI 1:25,780-1:1,52,899) and 1:30,606 (95% CI 1:17,105-1:61,311), respectively. Our results showing the birth prevalence of AS 1.7 times less than PWS challenge the opinion that both syndromes are equally represented, and are in line with the view that mutations in sperm and oocytes occur at different frequencies.
Collapse
|
19
|
Zetterberg M, Tasa G, Prince JA, Palmér M, Juronen E, Veromann S, Teesalu P, Karlsson JO, Blennow K, Zetterberg H. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase genetic polymorphisms in patients with cataract. Am J Ophthalmol 2005; 140:932-4. [PMID: 16310481 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2005.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2005] [Revised: 05/10/2005] [Accepted: 05/10/2005] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Hyperhomocysteinemia is commonly associated with polymorphisms in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene. The level of homocysteine can be lowered by dietary intake of folate. A protective effect of folate supplementation has been reported against cataract. Here we investigate MTHFR polymorphisms in human cataract. DESIGN Retrospective case-control association study. METHODS Patients with nuclear (n = 77), cortical (n = 155), posterior subcapsular (n = 119), and mixed (n = 151) cataract, and 187 controls were analyzed for the MTHFR 677C-->T and 1298A-->C polymorphisms using minisequencing technique. RESULTS The wild-type MTHFR 677CC/1298AA genotype was strongly overrepresented among cataract cases (P = .003). This effect was most pronounced in the mixed cataract group (P < .001). Hyperhomocysteinemia-associated genotypes had similar frequencies in cataract and control groups. CONCLUSIONS The previously reported protective effect of folate against cataract is not due to overrepresentation of hyperhomocysteinemia-associated MTHFR genotypes. Instead, the strong predominance of wild-type MTHFR in cataract may suggest impaired DNA synthesis as a cataractogenic factor.
Collapse
|
20
|
Maron E, Lang A, Tasa G, Liivlaid L, Tõru I, Must A, Vasar V, Shlik J. Associations between serotonin-related gene polymorphisms and panic disorder. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2005; 8:261-6. [PMID: 15670397 DOI: 10.1017/s1461145704004985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2004] [Revised: 09/26/2004] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies suggest that vulnerability to panic attacks and panic disorder (PD) may be related to a deficient serotonin (5-HT) neurotransmission. In the present case-control study we investigated possible associations between PD phenotype and five candidate polymorphisms including 5-HT transporter (5-HTTLPR and VNTR), monoamine oxidase A (MAOA promoter region), tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1 218A/C) and 5-HT1B receptor (5-HT1BR 861G/C) genes. The study sample consisted of 158 patients with PD and 215 healthy control subjects. The analysis showed higher frequencies of LL genotype (p = 0.016) and L allele variant (p = 0.007) of 5-HTTLPR in the patients. No significant associations were observed between PD and other candidate gene polymorphisms. However, a higher frequency of longer allele genotypes of the MAOA promoter region was observed in female PD patients with agoraphobia than in female controls (p = 0.016). These findings indicate that genetic variants conceivably related to lower 5-HT neurotransmission may be involved in the development of PD.
Collapse
|
21
|
Maron E, Tasa G, Tõru I, Lang A, Vasar V, Shlik J. Association between serotonin-related genetic polymorphisms and CCK-4-induced panic attacks with or without 5-hydroxytryptophan pretreatment in healthy volunteers. World J Biol Psychiatry 2005; 5:149-54. [PMID: 15346539 DOI: 10.1080/15622970410029927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Genetic regulation of the function of serotonin (5-HT) may be important for the neurobiology of panic disorder. In order to evaluate the influence of 5-HT-related gene variants on the vulnerability to panic attacks, we genotyped 32 healthy volunteers who participated in the study of the effect of 5-hydroxytryptophan on panic attacks induced with cholecystokinin tetrapeptide (CCK-4). The polymorphisms of interest included those of 5-HT transporter (5-HTTLPR) and monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A promoter region) genes. The results showed significant associations between certain genotypes and panic rate in females but not in male volunteers. Specifically, there was a significantly lower rate of CCK-4-induced panic attacks in female subjects who had MAO-A longer alleles or 5-HTTLPR short allele gene variants. These data suggest that functional genetic polymorphisms of the 5-HT system may influence the vulnerability to panic attacks and add to the growing evidence of inhibitory function of 5-HT in the neuronal circuitry of panic.
Collapse
|
22
|
Zetterberg M, Zetterberg H, Palmér M, Rymo L, Blennow K, Tasa G, Juronen E, Veromann S, Teesalu P, Karlsson JO, Höglund K. Apolipoprotein E polymorphism in patients with cataract. Br J Ophthalmol 2004; 88:716-8. [PMID: 15090431 PMCID: PMC1772157 DOI: 10.1136/bjo.2003.032698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
|
23
|
Veromann S, Sünter A, Juronen E, Tasa G, Panov A. Eye Lens Crystallins: A Component of Intraocular Pseudoexfoliative Material. Ophthalmic Res 2004; 36:51-4. [PMID: 15007240 DOI: 10.1159/000076110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2003] [Accepted: 10/15/2003] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Feeding experimental animals (19 pigs) with surplus sucrose and salt (NaCl) caused cataractous changes in lens tissue and triggered the formation of pseudoexfoliative material on the lens capsule. In the control animals (15 pigs) pseudoexfoliative material was absent. The avidin-biotin complex immunohistochemical method was applied to the pseudoexfoliative material obtained from 15 porcine experimental precataractous lenses and 1 spontaneously cataractous eye and revealed crystallins as a component of the intraocular pseudoexfoliative material. To prevent the development of both intraocular pseudoexfoliative material and crystallin-dependent glaucomatous changes in the trabecular meshwork of the eye, it is important to avoid any cataractogenic insult, including surplus sucrose and salt consumption, causing crystallin leakage from the lens.
Collapse
|
24
|
Veromann S, Sünter A, Tasa G, Juronen E, Panov A, Pastak M, Kaljurand K. Dietary sugar and salt represent real risk factors for cataract development. Ophthalmologica 2003; 217:302-7. [PMID: 12792139 DOI: 10.1159/000070640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2002] [Accepted: 12/13/2002] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Dietary sugar and salt represent etiological risk factors of human cataract. To verify etiological data on the basis of histological findings, 9 pigs with a body weight of 40 kg, 3 months of age, in groups of 3 were continuously fed with 5% of refined dietary sugar (sucrose - C(12)H(22)O(11)), 0.5% of salt (NaCl) and a sugar-salt mixture (2.5 + 0.25% accordingly) in their crude (unboiled) meal food during 3 months, which resulted in minor cataractous changes in the lens. In the second experiment, 10 weight- and age-matched animals were fed a chronic sugar and intermittent salt diet during 6 months; the other 10 animals served as controls. During the second experiment, crystallin leakage into the aqueous humor of the lens was detected, and a marked swelling of the lens fibers and fiber tips was noticed, indicating that excessive amounts of dietary sugar and salt are risk factors for the development of cataract in normal (nondiabetic) animals.
Collapse
|
25
|
Alexandrie AK, Rannug A, Juronen E, Tasa G, Warholm M. Detection and characterization of a novel functional polymorphism in the GSTT1 gene. PHARMACOGENETICS 2002; 12:613-9. [PMID: 12439221 DOI: 10.1097/00008571-200211000-00005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
A novel functional polymorphism in the GSTT1 gene associated with the non-conjugator phenotype has been identified. Sequencing of GSTT1 cDNA revealed a single nucleotide substitution, 310A>C, that altered the amino acid residue 104 from threonine to proline (T104P). Modelling studies of GSTT1 have suggested that residue 104 is located in the middle of alpha-helix 4. Introduction of an alpha-helix-disrupting proline most likely distorts the conformation of the protein. Individuals that lacked GSTT1 activity and carried the variant allele, tentatively denoted GSTT1*B, had no detectable GSTT1 immunoreactive protein. An allele-specific polymerase chain reaction method was developed to determine the frequency of the GSTT1*B allele. In 497 ethnic Swedes, the frequency of the active GSTT1*A allele was 0.65 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.62-0.68] whereas the frequencies of the non-functional alleles GSTT1*O and the novel GSTT1*B allele were 0.34 (CI 0.31-0.37) and 0.01 (CI 0.01-0.02), respectively. In 100 Swedish Saamis, the GSTT1*B allele appeared to be slightly more common with a frequency of 0.03 (CI 0.01-0.07). The GSTT1 enzyme activity was measured in erythrocytes using methyl chloride as substrate. Individuals with the GSTT1*A/*A genotype had a two-fold higher GSTT1 activity compared to individuals with the GSTT1*A/*B genotype and subjects with the GSTT1*O/*B genotype totally lacked GSTT1 activity, indicating a strict gene-dose effect. By combining the analyses for the novel single nucleotide polymorphism with analyses for the deletion polymorphism, the accuracy in predicting all three GSTT1 conjugator phenotypes was improved from 96% to 99%.
Collapse
|