Relationship between major depressive disorder and ACE gene I/D polymorphism in a Turkish population

Background Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a complex disease and a significant health problem that is prevalent across the world. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) has an important role in renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and converts inactive angiotensin I to a potent vasopressor and aldosterone-stimulating peptide angiotensin II. Levels of ACE in plasma vary according to the insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of ACE gene. Objective The aim of the current study was to examine the influence ACE gene I/D variations on the risk of MDD. Methods In the present case-control study, we analyzed ACE I/D polymorphism in 346 MDD patients and 210 healthy subjects using polymerase chain reaction technique. Results Comparing the two groups, no significant difference was observed with regard to either genotype distributions or allele frequencies of the I/D polymorphism of ACE gene. Discussion Our findings suggest that the ACE I/D polymorphism is not associated with MDD in Turkish case-control study. Further studies are still needed

Angiotensin converting enzyme and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene variations in fibromyalgia syndrome

WOS: 000355043100010PubMed ID: 25824380Objective: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FM) is a common disease characterized by generalized body pain, sensitivity in certain physical areas (sensitive points), lowered pain threshold, sleep disorder, and fatigue. The study aimed to determine the effects ACE I/D and MTHFR C677T gene polymorphisms in Turkish patients with FM and evaluate if there was an association with clinical features. Methods: This study included 200 FM patients and 190 healthy controls recruited from the department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Gaziosmanpasa University in Tokat, Turkey. ACE I/D polymorphism genotypes were determined by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) by specific primers. The MTHFR C677T mutation was analyzed by PCR-based restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) methods. Results: We found a statistically significant relation between ACE polymorphism and FM (p 0.05, OR: 1.20,95% CI: 0.82-1.78), but dry eye and feeling of stiffness which are among the clinical characteristics of FMS were significantly related with MTHFR C677T mutation (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our findings showed that there are associations of ACE I/D polymorphism with susceptibility of a person for development of fibromyalgia syndrome. Also, it is determined an association between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and feeling of stiffness and dry eye which are among the clinical characteristics of FM. Our study is the first report of ACE I/D and MTHFR C677T polymorphisms in fibromyalgia syndrome. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved

Antipsychotic Like Effects of Atorvastatin and Melatonin in a Psychosis Model in Rats

WOS: 000421366700004Objective: In recent years besides dopaminergic imbalance exhibition of other possible mechanisms like inflammation and serotonergic abnormalities have pointed out the need for new antipsychotic drugs. In this study our aim was investigating the effects of atorvastatin and melatonin in experimental psychosis model in rats. Materyal and Methods: Apomorphine-induced stereotypy has been used as a convenient method for in vivo screening of dopamine agonists or antagonists, and assessment of dopaminergic activity. All rats were observed and assessed singly in the Plexiglas cage, 7 (n= 6) groups of rat were administered atorvastatin (10, 20 mg/kg, i.p.), melatonin (10, 20 mg/kg, i.p.), 1% ethanol sham (1 ml/kg, i.p.) chlorpromazine (1 mg/kg; i.p.) or isotonic NaCl (1 ml/kg, i.p.). After apomorphine administration, the rats were immediately placed back into the metal cages and observed for stereotypic and rearing behaviors for 15 minutes. Results: Whereas 20 mg/kg of atorvastatin and 20 mg/kg of melatonin decreased rearing behavior scores compared to saline group significantly (p<0.05). 10 mg/kg of atorvastatin and 20 mg/kg of melatonin groups had decreased stereotypy scores (p<0.05), but 20 mg/kg of atorvastatin caused a stronger decrease (p<0.001). Conclusions: In the clinical practice when antipsychotic's side effects and non-satisfactory treatment options are regarded, it is obvious that new drugs like atorvastatin and melatonin with different mechanisms (like antiinflammatory, neuroprotective effects) of actions will enlighten the future studies

Relationship between major depressive disorder and ACE gene I/D polymorphism in a Turkish population

Rustemoglu, Aydin/0000-0002-1354-4598;WOS: 000377717000002Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a complex disease and a significant health problem that is prevalent across the world. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) has an important role in renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and converts inactive angiotensin I to a potent vasopressor and aldosterone-stimulating peptide angiotensin II. Levels of ACE in plasma vary according to the insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of ACE gene. Objective: The aim of the current study was to examine the influence ACE gene I/D variations on the risk of MDD. Methods: In the present case-control study, we analyzed ACE I/D polymorphism in 346 MDD patients and 210 healthy subjects using polymerase chain reaction technique. Results: Comparing the two groups, no significant difference was observed with regard to either genotype distributions or allele frequencies of the I/D polymorphism of ACE gene. Discussion: Our findings suggest that the ACE I/D polymorphism is not associated with MDD in Turkish case-control study. Further studies are still needed