The Structure, Expression, and Function Prediction of DAZAP2, A Down-Regulated Gene in Multiple Myeloma

In our previous studies, DAZAP2 gene expression was down-regulated in untreated patients of multiple myeloma (MM). For better studying the structure and function of DAZAP2, a full-length cDNA was isolated from mononuclear cells of a normal human bone marrow, sequenced and deposited to Genbank (AY430097). This sequence has an identical ORF (open reading frame) as the NM_014764 from human testis and the D31767 from human cell line KG-1. Phylogenetic analysis and structure prediction reveal that DAZAP2 homologues are highly conserved throughout evolution and share a polyproline region and several potential SH2/SH3 binding sites. DAZAP2 occurs as a single-copy gene with a four-exon organization. We further noticed that the functional DAZAP2 gene is located on Chromosome 12 and its pseudogene gene is on Chromosome 2 with electronic location of human chromosome in Genbank, though no genetic abnormalities of MM have been reported on Chromosome 12. The ORF of human DAZAP2 encodes a 17-kDa protein, which is highly similar to mouse Prtb. The DAZAP2 protein is mainly localized in cytoplasm with a discrete pattern of punctuated distribution. DAZAP2 may associate with carcinogenesis of MM and participate in yet-to-be identified signaling pathways to regulate proliferation and differentiation of plasma cells

Hyperhomocysteinemia Associated with Multiple Organ Failure in Acute Pancreatitis Patients

Objective. This study aimed to evaluate the potential effect of hyperhomocysteinemia on multiple organ failure (MOF) in patients with acute pancreatitis (AP). Method. In this cohort study, a total of 1880 AP patients were enrolled and divided into the hyperhomocysteinemia group (study group) and the control group based on serum homocysteine (HCY) levels. Clinical data including demographics, clinical outcomes, and characteristics were collected for analysis. Risk factors of MOF in AP patients were determined by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results. The hyperhomocysteinemia group showed higher multiple organ failure rates (31.83% vs 20.77%, P<0.001), compared with the control group. A positive correlation between homocysteine level and APACHE II score was obtained by Pearson correlation analysis (r = 0.420, P<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis disclosed that the hyperhomocysteinemia was independently associated with MOF (hazard ratio, 1.103; 95% CI, 1.010–1.189; P=0.012). Conclusion. A high serum homocysteine level may be an independent risk factor of multiple organ failure in patients with acute pancreatitis