Polymorphisms of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS3) gene in preeclampsia: a candidate-gene association study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene (<it>NOS3</it>) has been proposed as a candidate gene for preeclampsia. However, studies so far have produced conflicting results. This study examines the specific role of variants and haplotypes of the <it>NOS3 </it>gene in a population of Caucasian origin.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We examined the association of three common variants of the <it>NOS3 </it>gene (4b/a, T-786C and G894T) and their haplotypes in a case-control sample of 102 patients with preeclampsia and 176 women with a history of uncomplicated pregnancies. Genotyping for the <it>NOS3 </it>variants was performed and odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were obtained to evaluate the association between <it>NOS3 </it>polymorphisms and preeclampsia.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The single locus analysis for the three variants using various genetic models and a model-free approach revealed no significant association in relation to clinical status. The analysis of haplotypes also showed lack of significant association.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Given the limitations of the candidate-gene approach in investigating complex traits, the evidence of our study does not support the major contributory role of these common <it>NOS3 </it>variants in preeclampsia. Future larger studies may help in elucidating the genetics of preeclampsia further.</p

Angiotensin-converting enzyme I/D polymorphism and preeclampsia risk: evidence of small-study bias

BACKGROUND: Inappropriate activation of the renin-angiotensin system may play a part in the development of preeclampsia. An insertion/deletion polymorphism within the angiotensin-I converting enzyme gene (ACE-I/D) has shown to be reliably associated with differences in angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity. However, previous studies of the ACE-I/D variant and preeclampsia have been individually underpowered to detect plausible genotypic risks. METHODS AND FINDINGS: A prospective case-control study was conducted in 1,711 unrelated young pregnant women (665 preeclamptic and 1,046 healthy pregnant controls) recruited from five Colombian cities. Maternal blood was obtained to genotype for the ACE-I/D polymorphism. Crude and adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) using logistic regression models were obtained to evaluate the strength of the association between ACE-I/D variant and preeclampsia risk. A meta-analysis was then undertaken of all published studies to February 2006 evaluating the ACE-I/D variant in preeclampsia. An additive model (per-D-allele) revealed a null association between the ACE-I/D variant and preeclampsia risk (crude OR = 0.95 [95% CI, 0.81-1.10]) in the new case-control study. Similar results were obtained after adjusting for confounders (adjusted per-allele OR = 0.90 [95% CI, 0.77-1.06]) and using other genetic models of inheritance. A meta-analysis (2,596 cases and 3,828 controls from 22 studies) showed a per-allele OR of 1.26 (95% CI, 1.07-1.49). An analysis stratified by study size showed an attenuated OR toward the null as study size increased. CONCLUSIONS: It is highly likely that the observed small nominal increase in risk of preeclampsia associated with the ACE D-allele is due to small-study bias, similar to that observed in cardiovascular disease. Reliable assessment of the origins of preeclampsia using a genetic approach may require the establishment of a collaborating consortium to generate a dataset of adequate size

Muscle protein metabolism in neonatal alloxan-administered rats: effects of continuous and intermittent swimming training

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>This study aimed to examine the effects of intermittent and continuous swimming training on muscle protein metabolism in neonatal alloxan-administered rats.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Wistar rats were used and divided into six groups: sedentary alloxan (SA), sedentary control (SC), continuous trained alloxan (CA), intermittent trained alloxan (IA), continuous trained control (CC) and intermittent trained control (IC). Alloxan (250 mg/kg body weight) was injected into newborn rats at 6 days of age. The continuous training protocol consisted of 12 weeks of swimming training in individual cylinder tanks while supporting a load that was 5% of body weight; uninterrupted swimming for 1 h/day, five days a week. The intermittent training protocol consisted of 12 weeks of swimming training in individual cylinder tanks while supporting a load that was 15% of body weight; 30 s of activity interrupted by 30 s of rest for a total of 20 min/day, five days a week.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>At 28 days, the alloxan animals displayed higher glycemia after glucose overload than the control animals. No differences in insulinemia among the groups were detected. At 120 days, no differences in serum albumin and total protein among the groups were observed. Compared to the other groups, DNA concentrations were higher in the alloxan animals that were subjected to continuous training, whereas the DNA/protein ratio was higher in the alloxan animals that were subjected to intermittent training.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>It was concluded that continuous and intermittent training sessions were effective in altering muscle growth by hyperplasia and hypertrophy, respectively, in alloxan-administered animals.</p

Worldwide distribution of NAT2 diversity: Implications for NAT2 evolutionary history

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The N-acetyltransferase 2 (<it>NAT2</it>) gene plays a crucial role in the metabolism of many drugs and xenobiotics. As it represents a likely target of population-specific selection pressures, we fully sequenced the <it>NAT2 </it>coding region in 97 Mandenka individuals from Senegal, and compared these sequences to extant data on other African populations. The Mandenka data were further included in a worldwide dataset composed of 41 published population samples (6,727 individuals) from four continental regions that were adequately genotyped for all common <it>NAT2 </it>variants so as to provide further insights into the worldwide haplotype diversity and population structure at <it>NAT2</it>.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The sequencing analysis of the <it>NAT2 </it>gene in the Mandenka sample revealed twelve polymorphic sites in the coding exon (two of which are newly identified mutations, C345T and C638T), defining 16 haplotypes. High diversity and no molecular signal of departure from neutrality were observed in this West African sample. On the basis of the worldwide genotyping survey dataset, we found a strong genetic structure differentiating East Asians from both Europeans and sub-Saharan Africans. This pattern could result from region- or population-specific selective pressures acting at this locus, as further suggested in the HapMap data by extremely high values of <it>F</it>_STfor a few SNPs positions in the <it>NAT2 </it>coding exon (T341C, C481T and A803G) in comparison to the empirical distribution of <it>F</it>_STvalues accross the whole 400-kb region of the <it>NAT </it>gene family.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Patterns of sequence variation at <it>NAT2 </it>are consistent with selective neutrality in all sub-Saharan African populations investigated, whereas the high level of population differentiation between Europeans and East Asians inferred from SNPs could suggest population-specific selective pressures acting at this locus, probably caused by differences in diet or exposure to other environmental signals.</p

H2S biosynthesis and catabolism: new insights from molecular studies

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has profound biological effects within living organisms and is now increasingly being considered alongside other gaseous signalling molecules, such as nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO). Conventional use of pharmacological and molecular approaches has spawned a rapidly growing research field that has identified H2S as playing a functional role in cell-signalling and post-translational modifications. Recently, a number of laboratories have reported the use of siRNA methodologies and genetic mouse models to mimic the loss of function of genes involved in the biosynthesis and degradation of H2S within tissues. Studies utilising these systems are revealing new insights into the biology of H2S within the cardiovascular system, inflammatory disease, and in cell signalling. In light of this work, the current review will describe recent advances in H2S research made possible by the use of molecular approaches and genetic mouse models with perturbed capacities to generate or detoxify physiological levels of H2S gas within tissue

Wpływ ekstraktu z Camellia sinensis na poziom ekspresji czynników transkrypcyjnych i genów cytochromu P450 kodujących enzymy I fazy metabolizmu leków

Green tea (Camellia sinensis) is widely used as a popular beverage and dietary supplement that can significantly reduce the risk of many diseases. Despite the widespread use of green tea, the data regarding the safety as well as herb-drug interactions are limited. Therefore, the aim of our study was to assess the influence of standardized green tea extract (GTE) containing 61% catechins and 0.1% caffeine on the expression level of rat CYP genes and the corresponding transcription factors expression by realtime PCR. The findings showed that GTE resulted in a significant decrease of CYP2C6 expression level by 68% (p<0.001). In case of CYP3A1 and CYP3A2, the mRNA levels were also reduced by extract but in a lesser degree compared to CYP2C6. Simultaneously the significant increase in the mRNA level of CAR, RXR and GR factors was observed by 54% (p<0.05), 79% (p<0.001) and 23% (p<0.05), respectively after 10 days of green tea extract administration. In addition, there was noted a small increase of CYP1A1 expression level by 21% (p>0.05) was noted. No statistically significant differences were observed for CYP1A2 and CYP2D1/2. In the same study we observed an increase in amount of ARNT gene transcript by 27% (p<0.05) in the long-term use. However, green tea extract showed the ability to stimulate HNF-1α both after 3 and 10 days of treatment by 30% (p<0.05) and 80% (p<0.001), respectively. In contrast, no change was observed in the concentration of HNF-4α cDNA. These results suggest that GTE may change the expression of CYP enzymes, especially CYP2C6 (homologue to human CYP2C9) and may participate in clinically significant interactions with drugs metabolized by these enzymes.Zielona herbata (Camellia sinensis) jest powszechnie stosowana jako napój i suplement diety i może istotnie zmniejszać ryzyko wystąpienia wielu chorób. Pomimo powszechnego 59 Effect of Camellia sinensis extract on the expression level of transcription factors and cytochrome P450 genes coding... Vol. 59 No. 4 2013 zastosowania zielonej herbaty, dane dotyczące bezpieczeństwa jak i interakcji preparatu roślinnego i leku syntetycznego są bardzo ograniczone. Celem badania była ocena wpływu standaryzowanego ekstraktu z zielonej herbaty (GTE) zawierającego 61% katechin i 0,1% kofeiny na poziom ekspresji szczurzych genów CYP i czynników transkrypcyjnych stosując technikę real-time PCR. Wyniki wykazały, że GTE znacznie obniża poziom ekspresji CYP2C6 o 68% (p<0,001). W przypadku CYP3A1 i CYP3A2 poziom mRNA tych genów był również redukowany przez ekstrakt, ale w mniejszym stopniu w porównaniu do CYP2C6. Istotny wzrost w poziomie mRNA obserwowano dla czynników CAR, RXR i GR odpowiednio o 54% (p<0,05), 79% (p<0,001) i 23% (p<0,05) po 10 dniach stosowania ekstraktu. Dodatkowo, zanotowano niewielki wzrost poziomu ekspresji CYP1A1 o 21% (p>0,05). Brak istotnych różnic zaobserwowano dla CYP1A2 i CYP2D1/2. W badaniu wykazano również wzrost ilości transkryptu genu ARNT o 27% (p<0,05) podczas dłuższego stosowania. Ponadto, ekstrakt z zielonej herbaty wykazał zdolność do stymulacji HNF-1α zarówno po 3, jak i 10 dniach trwania eksperymentu odpowiednio o 30% (p<0,05) i 80% (p<0,001). Brak zmian obserwowano w przypadku stężenia cDNA dla HNF-4α. Wyniki te sugerują, że GTE może zmieniać ekspresję enzymów CYP, szczególnie w przypadku CYP2C6 (homolog ludzki CYP2C9) i może uczestniczyć w klinicznie istotnych reakcjach z lekami metabolizowanymi przez te enzymy

Effect of camellia sinensis extract on the expression level of transcription factors and cytochrome p450 genes coding phase i drug-metabolizing enzymes

Green tea (Camellia sinensis) is widely used as a popular beverage and dietary supplement that can significantly reduce the risk of many diseases. Despite the widespread use of green tea, the data regarding the safety as well as herb-drug interactions are limited. Therefore, the aim of our study was to assess the influence of standardized green tea extract (GTE) containing 61% catechins and 0.1% caffeine on the expression level of rat CYP genes and the corresponding transcription factors expression by realtime PCR. The findings showed that GTE resulted in a significant decrease of CYP2C6 expression level by 68% (p<0.001). In case of CYP3A1 and CYP3A2, the mRNA levels were also reduced by extract but in a lesser degree compared to CYP2C6. Simultaneously the significant increase in the mRNA level of CAR, RXR and GR factors was observed by 54% (p<0.05), 79% (p<0.001) and 23% (p<0.05), respectively after 10 days of green tea extract administration. In addition, there was noted a small increase of CYP1A1 expression level by 21% (p>0.05) was noted. No statistically significant differences were observed for CYP1A2 and CYP2D1/2. In the same study we observed an increase in amount of ARNT gene transcript by 27% (p<0.05) in the long-term use. However, green tea extract showed the ability to stimulate HNF-1α both after 3 and 10 days of treatment by 30% (p<0.05) and 80% (p<0.001), respectively. In contrast, no change was observed in the concentration of HNF-4α cDNA. These results suggest that GTE may change the expression of CYP enzymes, especially CYP2C6 (homologue to human CYP2C9) and may participate in clinically significant interactions with drugs metabolized by these enzymes.Zielona herbata (Camellia sinensis) jest powszechnie stosowana jako napój i suplement diety i może istotnie zmniejszać ryzyko wystąpienia wielu chorób. Pomimo powszechnego 59 Effect of Camellia sinensis extract on the expression level of transcription factors and cytochrome P450 genes coding... Vol. 59 No. 4 2013 zastosowania zielonej herbaty, dane dotyczące bezpieczeństwa jak i interakcji preparatu roślinnego i leku syntetycznego są bardzo ograniczone. Celem badania była ocena wpływu standaryzowanego ekstraktu z zielonej herbaty (GTE) zawierającego 61% katechin i 0,1% kofeiny na poziom ekspresji szczurzych genów CYP i czynników transkrypcyjnych stosując technikę real-time PCR. Wyniki wykazały, że GTE znacznie obniża poziom ekspresji CYP2C6 o 68% (p<0,001). W przypadku CYP3A1 i CYP3A2 poziom mRNA tych genów był również redukowany przez ekstrakt, ale w mniejszym stopniu w porównaniu do CYP2C6. Istotny wzrost w poziomie mRNA obserwowano dla czynników CAR, RXR i GR odpowiednio o 54% (p<0,05), 79% (p<0,001) i 23% (p<0,05) po 10 dniach stosowania ekstraktu. Dodatkowo, zanotowano niewielki wzrost poziomu ekspresji CYP1A1 o 21% (p>0,05). Brak istotnych różnic zaobserwowano dla CYP1A2 i CYP2D1/2. W badaniu wykazano również wzrost ilości transkryptu genu ARNT o 27% (p<0,05) podczas dłuższego stosowania. Ponadto, ekstrakt z zielonej herbaty wykazał zdolność do stymulacji HNF-1α zarówno po 3, jak i 10 dniach trwania eksperymentu odpowiednio o 30% (p<0,05) i 80% (p<0,001). Brak zmian obserwowano w przypadku stężenia cDNA dla HNF-4α. Wyniki te sugerują, że GTE może zmieniać ekspresję enzymów CYP, szczególnie w przypadku CYP2C6 (homolog ludzki CYP2C9) i może uczestniczyć w klinicznie istotnych reakcjach z lekami metabolizowanymi przez te enzymy