The role of single-nucleotide variants of the energy metabolism-linked genes SIRT3, PPARGC1A and APOE in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis risk

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a multifactorial disease, possibly with contributions from genetics and lifestyle. We examined variants in genes relevant to energy metabolism and physical activity in a case-control association study, with the aim of assessing genetics and physical activity as contributors to ALS risk. A well-characterized sample of Italian ALS patients (101) and controls (101) from the EURALS Consortium underwent a questionnaire interview on demographic, physical and other lifestyle habits, and venipuncture for DNA extraction. The genes selected were sirtuin 3 (SIRT3), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PPARGC1A) and apolipoprotein E (APOE). Genetic studies suggested, for the first time, a protective role of the SIRT3 single-nucleotide polymorphism rs4980329 in ALS risk, and a contribution of the APOE-e2 allele, which was more frequent in ALS patients than in controls. A joint analysis coupling genetic data and sporting activity revealed opposite roles of APOE-e2 and SIRT3 rs3825075, the former being more frequent in physically active ALS patients and the latter more frequent in physically inactive patients. These findings suggest a contribution to ALS risk of genetic and environmental factors involved in energy metabolism, and stress the importance of a multifactorial analysis for evaluating this risk

Collagen/hyaluronic acid-based hydrogels for brain applications: the role of hyaluronic acid molecular weight

Hydrogels made from a number of natural and synthetic polymers have been studied for their ability to deliver therapeutics directly into the central nervous system1. In particular, hyaluronic acid (HA)-based gels have been used to deliver trophic factors2 or cells into the injured spinal cord3. Type I collagen (COLL) is also an appealing candidate for neural tissue regeneration. In fact it self-assembles to form a fibrillar structure at physiological conditions and interacts with cells to guide their adhesion, migration, survival, proliferation, and differentiation4. The aim of the present work has been designing and characterizing injectable COLL/HA acid-based semi-interpenetrating polymer networks (semi-IPNs) for the delivery of neuroprotective proteins (e.g. 70 kDa-heat shock proteins, Hsp70) or cells in the treatment of Alzheimer\u2019s and Parkinson\u2019s diseases, focusing on the role of HA molecular weight

Genetics of psychotropic medication induced side effects in two independent samples of bipolar patients

The treatment of bipolar disorder (BD) usually requires combination therapies, with the critical issue of the emergence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and the possibility of low treatment adherence. Genetic polymorphisms are hypothesized to modulate the pharmacodynamics of psychotropic drugs, representing potential biological markers of ADRs. This study investigated genes involved in the regulation of neuroplasticity (BDNF, ST8SIA2), second messenger cascades (GSK3B, MAPK1, and CREB1), circadian rhythms (RORA), transcription (SP4, ZNF804A), and monoaminergic system (HTR2A and COMT) in the risk of neurological, psychic, autonomic, and other ADRs. Two independent samples of BD patients naturalistically treated were included (COPE-BD n = 147; STEP-BD n = 659). In the COPE-BD 34 SNPs were genotyped, while in the STEP-BD polymorphisms in the selected genes were extracted from the genome-wide dataset. Each ADRs group was categorized as absent-mild or moderate-severe and logistic regression with appropriate covariates was applied to identify possible risk genotypes/alleles. 58.5 and 93.5 % of patients were treated with mood stabilizers, 44.2 and 50.7 % were treated with antipsychotics, and 69.4 and 46.1 % were treated with antidepressants in the COPE-BD and STEP-BD, respectively. Our findings suggested that ST8SIA2 may be associated with psychic ADRs, as shown in the COPE-BD (rs4777989 p = 0.0017) and STEP-BD (rs56027313, rs13379489 and rs10852173). A cluster of RORA SNPs around rs2083074 showed an effect on psychic ADRs in the STEP-BD. Trends supporting the association between HTR2A and autonomic ADRs were found in both samples. Confirmations are needed particularly for ST8SIA2 and RORA since the few available data regarding their role in relation to psychotropic ADRs.SCOPUS: ar.jinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe

PPP3CC gene: A putative modulator of antidepressant response through the B-cell receptor signaling pathway

Antidepressant pharmacogenetics represents a stimulating, but often discouraging field. The present study proposes a combination of several methodologies across three independent samples. Genes belonging to monoamine, neuroplasticity, circadian rhythm and transcription factor pathways were investigated in two samples (n=369 and 88) with diagnosis of major depression who were treated with antidepressants. Phenotypes were response, remission and treatment-resistant depression. Logistic regression including appropriate covariates was performed. Genes associated with outcomes were investigated in the STAR∗D (Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression) genome-wide study (n=1861). Top genes were further studied through a pathway analysis. In both original samples, markers associated with outcomes were concentrated in the PPP3CC gene. Other interesting findings were particularly in the HTR2A gene in one original sample and the STAR∗D. The B-cell receptor signaling pathway proved to be the putative mediator of PPP3CC's effect on antidepressant response (P=0.03). Among innovative candidates, PPP3CC, involved in the regulation of immune system and synaptic plasticity, seems promising for further investigation.SCOPUS: ar.jinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe