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Effects of polymorphisms in chemokine ligands and receptors on susceptibility to coronary artery disease.

INTRODUCTION: Atherosclerosis, the underlying disorder of coronary artery disease (CAD), is an inflammatory process involving multiple molecular pathways. Chemokine-mediated mechanisms are potent regulators of atherosclerosis. Genetic variations that alter such signaling pathways could affect susceptibility to CAD. We investigated the effect of 5 common variations of chemokine and chemokine receptor genes (SDF1-3'A, CCR5-delta32, CCR2-64I, CX3CR1-V249I and CX3CR1-T280M) on predisposition to CAD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The hypothesis was tested by screening the prevalence of the above polymorphisms in 210 angiographically diagnosed CAD patients (152 with history of acute coronary syndromes, 58 with stable disease) in comparison to 165 selected controls with negative coronary angiography. Genotyping was performed by PCR/RFLP analysis. RESULTS: There were no significant differences among cases and controls concerning allelic and genotypic frequencies of SDF1-3'A, CCR5-delta32, CCR2-64I and CX3CR1-V249I variations. A borderline higher allelic frequency of the M280 variant was observed in controls compared to CAD group (adjusted OR=0.65, 95% CI: 0.35-0.99, p=0.05). Subjects carrying at least one copy of the M280 allele were significantly more common in the control group, suggesting an atheroprotective effect of this variant (adjusted OR=0.58, 95% CI: 0.35-0.97, p=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: The study confers additional data in the field of genetic predisposition to CAD: it confirms the atheroprotective effect of the M280 variant in a completely different population and supports the role of the fractalkine-CX3CR1 pathway in atherosclerosis.

Aged↗

Treatment interruption of highly active antiretroviral therapy in patients with nadir CD4 cell counts >200 cells/mm3.

BACKGROUND: The goal of the present study was to characterize outcome and predictors of outcome of treatment interruption (TI) in highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)-treated patients. METHODS: A systematic chart/database review was conducted to identify patients with nadir CD4 cell counts >200 cells/mm(3) and without acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-defining illnesses who underwent a TI. Collected data included duration and reason for TI, demographic characteristics, CD4 cell count, and plasma viral load. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) envelope (V3) loop genotyping was performed on plasma HIV RNA. The presence of basic residues at aa 11 and/or 25 (the "11/25" genotype) was a further possible prognostic variable of interest. Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess characteristics associated with time to HAART reinitiation after TI. RESULTS: A total of 208 of 4461 (4.7%) patients underwent TI. The study group consisted of 197 (94.7%) of 208 participants for whom V3 genotyping was successful. The median CD4 cell count at time of the initiation of TI was 620 cells/mm(3). A total of 59 (29.9%) patients reinitiated HAART after a median of 15 months. At the time of the reinitiation of HAART, the median plasma viral load was >100,000 copies/mL, and the median CD4 cell count was 260 cells/mm(3). Among the 197 study patients, there were 6 deaths, none of which was attributable to the TI. A total of 81% had plasma viral loads <50 copies/mL by 15 months of follow-up after reinitiation of HAART. In multivariate analysis, a nadir CD4 cell count < or =250 cells/mm(3) (risk ratio [RR], 2.79 [95% confidence interval [CI], 1.60-4.86]; P < .001) and the presence of the 11/25 genotype (RR, 2.07 [95% CI, 1.07-4.02]; P = .031) were positively and independently associated with faster time to HAART reinitiation, after adjusting for age and plasma virus load at the start of TI. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that TI is a viable option for HIV-positive adults with nadir CD4 cell counts >250 cells/mm(3). A nadir CD4 cell count of 200-250 cells/mm(3) and the 11/25 viral genotype were found to be associated with a faster HAART reinitiation.

Adult↗

The CD14 -159C-to-T promoter polymorphism in periodontal disease.

BACKGROUND: A single-nucleotide promoter polymorphism in the CD14 gene was associated with various inflammatory conditions. The present study sought to determine the frequency of the CD14 -159C-to-T polymorphism among subjects with periodontitis and healthy control individuals. METHODS: A total of 70 patients with periodontal disease and 75 healthy controls were genotyped for the CD14 -159C-to-T polymorphism. Genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. The allele frequencies and distribution of genotypes within both study groups were compared using Fisher's exact test at a level of significance of 5% (p<0.05). RESULTS: Overall, the frequency for the CD14 -159T allele in patients with periodontitis was 39.3% (55/140) and 48.0% (72/150) for the controls (p=0.135). The CD14 -159C allele was significantly more prevalent (p=0.013) among females with periodontitis (33.3%; 24/72) as compared with healthy control subjects (55.6%; 30/54). In contrast, the distribution of the CD14 -159C-to-T polymorphism showed no significant difference among males with and without periodontitis (p=0.816). CONCLUSION: Herein, the C -159T promoter polymorphism of the CD14 gene was associated in female but not in male patients with periodontal disease.

Adult↗

Magnetic resonance imaging of the wrist in early rheumatoid arthritis reveals progression of erosions despite clinical improvement.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the progression of joint damage in early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the wrist and determine whether this technique can be used to predict prognosis. METHODS: An inception cohort of 42 early patients has been followed up prospectively for one year. Gadolinium enhanced MRI scans of the dominant wrist were obtained at baseline and one year and scored for synovitis, tendonitis, bone marrow oedema, and erosions. Plain radiographs were performed concurrently and scored for erosions. Patients were assessed clinically for disease activity and HLA-DRB1 genotyping was performed. RESULTS: At one year, MRI erosions were found in 74% of patients (31 of 42) compared with 45% at baseline. Twelve patients (28.6%) had radiographic erosions at one year. The total MRI score and MRI erosion score increased significantly from baseline to one year despite falls in clinical measures of inflammation including erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C reactive protein (CRP), and swollen joint count (p < 0.01 for all). Baseline findings that predicted carpal MRI erosions at one year included a total MRI score of 6 or greater (sensitivity: 93.3%, specificity 81.8%, positive predictive value 93.3%, p = 0.000007), MRI bone oedema (OR = 6.47, p < 0.001), MRI synovitis (OR = 2.14, p = 0.003), and pain score (p = 0.01). Radiological erosions at one year were predicted by a total MRI score at baseline of greater than 13 (OR = 12.4, p = 0.002), the presence of MRI erosions (OR = 11.6, p = 0.005), and the ESR (p = 0.02). If MRI erosions were absent at baseline and the total MRI score was low, radiological erosions were highly unlikely to develop by one year (negative predictive value 0.91 and 0.92 respectively). No association was found between the shared epitope and erosions on MRI (p = 0.4) or radiography (p = 1.0) at one year. CONCLUSIONS: MRI scans of the dominant wrist are useful in predicting MRI and radiological erosions in early RA and may indicate the patients that should be managed aggressively. Discordance has been demonstrated between clinical improvement and progression of MRI erosion scores.

Adult↗

Apolipoprotein(a) gene polymorphism in the Korean population: is there any relevance to essential hypertension?

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of the apolipoprotein(a) [Apo(a)] gene in predicting essential hypertension in the Korean population, we undertook a case-control study using the TTTTA repeat and the Met/Thr polymorphisms of the Apo(a) gene. METHODS: The study subjects consisted of 74 essential hypertensives and 211 normotensive individuals. For polymorphism analysis, DNA was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In the case of the Met/Thr polymorphism, amplified PCR products were digested with the restriction enzyme Kspl. Genotyping was performed by a 10% nondenaturing polyacrylamide gel. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the allele and genotype frequencies of these polymorphisms between normotensive and essential hypertensive subjects (p > 0.05). Furthermore, levels of lipoprotein(a) in the plasma were not significantly associated with the different genotypes of the APO(a) gene in either group (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The polymorphisms of these two loci on the Apo(a) gene are unlikely to contribute to the etiology of essential hypertension in the Korean population.

Apolipoproteins A↗

The relationship between ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) genotype and motor unit physiology: preliminary studies.

BACKGROUND: Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) is important for neuronal and muscle development, and genetic variation in the CNTF gene has been associated with muscle strength. The effect of CNTF on nerve development suggests that CNTF genotype may be associated with force production via its influence on motor unit size and firing patterns. The purpose of this study is to examine whether CNTF genotype differentially affects motor unit activation in the vastus medialis with increasing isometric force during knee extension. RESULTS: Sixty-nine healthy subjects were genotyped for the presence of the G and A (null) alleles in the CNTF gene (n = 57 G/G, 12 G/A). They were tested using a dynamometer during submaximal isometric knee extension contractions that were from 10-50% of their maximal strength. During the contractions, the vastus medialis was studied using surface and intramuscular electromyography with spiked triggered averaging to assess surface-detected motor unit potential (SMUP) area and mean firing rates (mFR) from identified motor units. CNTF genotyping was performed using standard PCR techniques from DNA obtained from leucocytes of whole blood samples. The CNTF G/A genotype was associated with smaller SMUP area motor units and lower mFR at higher force levels, and fewer but larger units at lower force levels than G/G homozygotes. The two groups used motor units with different size and activation characteristics with increasing force generation. While G/G subjects tended to utilize larger motor units with increasing force, G/A subjects showed relatively less increase in size by using relatively larger units at lower force levels. At higher force levels, G/A subjects were able to generate more force per motor unit size suggesting more efficient motor unit function with increasing muscle force. CONCLUSION: Differential motor unit responses were observed between CNTF genotypes at force levels utilized in daily activities.

Adult↗

Is there an association between angiotensin-converting enzyme gene variants and chronic nonproductive cough?

BACKGROUND: It is unclear why some patients develop a chronic nonproductive cough. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inactivates tussive peptides in the airways such as bradykinin and tachykinins. An insertion/deletion polymorphism in the ACE gene accounts for variation in ACE levels, and patients with the II genotype have lowest serum ACE levels compared with ID and DD genotypes. We hypothesized that the II genotype would be associated with increased risk of developing a chronic cough. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We recruited 47 patients (33 women), referred for evaluation of cough (median cough duration, 24 months; range, 2 to 240 months). Cough patients were evaluated using a comprehensive diagnostic protocol, and cough reflex sensitivity was measured using a capsaicin inhalation challenge. ACE genotyping was performed on DNA samples from patients using the polymerase chain reaction followed by agarose gel electrophoresis. ACE genotypes in patients with chronic cough were compared with those in 199 healthy control subjects. Serum ACE levels were determined using a colorimetric assay. RESULTS: Genotype frequencies for the ACE gene were similar between patients and control subjects. There was no correlation between capsaicin sensitivity and ACE genotypes or serum ACE levels. CONCLUSION: Susceptibility to develop chronic cough is not associated with ACE genotype.

Adolescent↗

Rapid and reliable method for cytochrome P450 2D6 genotyping.

BACKGROUND: Single-nucleotide polymorphisms and single-base deletions within the cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) gene have been associated with a poor metabolizer (PM) phenotype and display a frequency of 7-10% in the Caucasian population. METHODS: We developed a reliable and rapid procedure to identify five major PM-associated mutations (CYP2D6*4, *7, and *8) and deletions (CYP2D6*3 and *6) by real-time PCR with subsequent fluorometric melting point analysis of the PCR product. These polymorphisms within the CYP2D6 gene were detected by use of two primer pairs and five different pairs of hybridization probes. DNA extracted from whole blood of 323 individuals was analyzed, and results were compared with genotypes obtained by allele-specific multiplex PCR. In case of uncertain results, additional sequence analysis was performed. RESULTS: Genotyping results by real-time PCR were 100% reliable, whereas conventional allele-specific multiplex PCR produced uncertain results for 12.1% of samples, as confirmed by sequence analysis. Costs for reagents and consumables were considerably higher for the real-time PCR technology, but labor time was reduced by 2 h compared with allele-specific PCR. The allele frequencies in the population investigated were 0.186 for allele *4, 0.026 for allele *5, 0.009 for allele *3, 0.031 for allele *6, and 0.002 for allele *8. The defective CYP2D6*7 allele was not found. In addition, three additional mutations were detected, one of them displaying a PM genotype. CONCLUSION: Genotyping of CYP2D6 by real-time PCR with fluorometric melting point analysis is a rapid and reliable method.

Cytochrome P-450 CYP2D6↗

High prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 2 in Italian patients with chronic liver disease.

The prevalence of different genotypes of Hepatitis C virus may vary between geographic areas and it is possible that various genotypes have different pathogenic characteristics. Therefore, 90 consecutive Italian patients anti-Hepatitis C Virus positive with a broad spectrum of chronic liver disease, have been analysed to observe prevalence of various genotypes of Hepatitis C Virus. Genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction with a set of nested biotinylated primers, located in 5'UTR region. Genotype 1b and genotype 2a were the most commonly encountered (respectively, 50% and 37%) whereas other genotypes were rare. The unexpected high prevalence of genotype 2a allowed direct comparison of clinical characteristics and response to therapy between patients with genotype 2a and those with 1b. Genotype 1b was more prevalent than 2a in patients over 60 years (29 vs 12) and in those with more severe liver disease (34 vs 16). In a univariate analysis, genotype 2a was associated with less severe liver disease (p = 0.02) and younger age (p = 0.018), in comparison with genotype 1b. Patients with genotype 2a responded to interferon alpha therapy better than those with 1b (p = 0.007). In a multivariate analysis, only younger age was associated with genotype 2a. Genotype 2a (in comparison with 1b) and absence of cirrhosis were independent predictors of response to interferon alpha. In conclusion, genotype 2a is playing an emerging role in younger Italian patients and seems more sensitive than 1b to interferon alpha therapy.

Antiviral Agents↗

Parvovirus B19 infection in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in Taiwan.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of human parvovirus B19 infection in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Taiwan. METHODS: Seventy-eight patients with RA and 55 unrelated controls (51 trauma and 4 osteoarthritis) were enrolled. Anti-parvovirus B19 IgG and IgM antibodies were detected in plasma of patients with RA and controls by the enzyme immunoassay method. These antibodies were also detected in the synovial fluid of 18 RA patients and 52 controls. B19 DNA was measured in the plasma of 72 patients with RA and 45 controls by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). It was also measured in the synovial fluid of 14 RA patients and 39 controls. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect viral capsid protein VP1 of B19 in the synovial membrane of 7 RA patients and 32 controls. HLA-DR genotyping was performed by the sequence-specific primer PCR method. The interactions between B19 infection and HLA-DR genotype and susceptibility to RA were also analyzed. RESULTS: The prevalence of B19 infection was significantly increased in patients with RA compared with controls. The positive rates of B19 DNA in plasma and synovial fluid were significantly higher in RA patients than in controls. The odds ratio of DR4(+) B19 infection(+) was higher than that in DR4(+) B19 infection(-) or DR4(-) B19 infection(+) in comparison with DR4(-) B19 infection(-). A significant association was found between RA and DR4(+) B19 infection(+) in comparison with DR4(+) B19 infection(-). The odds ratio of DR4(+) plasma B19 DNA(+) was also higher than that of DR4(+) plasma B19 DNA(-) or DR4(-) plasma B19 DNA(+) in comparison with DR4(-) plasma B19 DNA(-). RA tended to be associated with DR4(+) plasma B19 DNA(+) compared with DR4(+) plasma B19 DNA(-). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of parvovirus B19 infection was significantly higher in patients with RA than in controls. Synergistic effects were present between HLA-DR4 and parvovirus B19 infection or plasma B19 DNA for susceptibility to RA. Parvovirus B19 infection may play a role in susceptibility to RA.

Adult↗

Trizygotic pregnancy consisting of two fetuses and a complete hydatidiform mole with dispermic androgenesis.

A triplet pregnancy in a 23-year-old woman was terminated at 15 weeks of gestation because of her severe hypertension, lung edema, and secondary hyperthyroidism. The pregnancy consisted of a hydatidiform mole with a 46,XY karyotype and two fetuses each with 46,XX and a 46,XY karyotype. To determine the zygosity and genetic origin of the mole and fetuses, PCR- and computer-assisted genotyping were performed at 27 CA-repeat marker loci that were distributed evenly over the genome. As a result, genotypes of the three pregnancy products were distinct from each other, indicating that the triplets were trizygotic. The mole lacked any maternal alleles but inherited both of the paternal alleles and/or one paternal allele in duplicate. This, along with the XY sex chromosome constitution, indicated that the mole resulted from dispermic androgenesis. The mother developed a persistent trophoblastic tumor thereafter.

Abortion, Therapeutic↗

Myeloperoxidase (MPO) genotype and lung cancer histologic types: the MPO -463 A allele is associated with reduced risk for small cell lung cancer in smokers.

MPO participates in the metabolic activation of tobacco carcinogens such as PAHs. A frequent MPO -463 G-->A polymorphism in the promoter region reduces MPO transcription and has been correlated with >4-fold lower benzo[a]pyrene-DNA adduct levels in the skin of coal tar-treated patients. Four of 7 case-control studies found significantly reduced lung cancer risk associated with the A allele. Due to their different etiologies, we examined whether the MPO genotype affects histologic lung cancer types differentially. A case-control study was conducted in 625 ever-smoking lung cancer patients, including 228 adenocarcinomas, 224 SCCs, 135 SCLCs and 340 ever-smoking hospital controls. MPO genotyping was performed by capillary PCR followed by fluorescence-based melting curve analysis. Combining the MPO -463 (G/A+A/A) genotypes, a protective effect approaching significance (OR = 0.75, 95% CI 0.55-1.01) was observed when comparing all lung cancer cases to controls. Among histologic types of lung cancer, a weak protective effect was found for both adenocarcinoma (OR = 0.81, CI 0.55-1.19) and SCC (OR = 0.82, CI 0.56-1.21); a stronger and significant effect was found for SCLC (OR = 0.58, CI 0.36-0.95; p = 0.029). Our results also suggest that the MPO genotype varies among inflammatory nonmalignant lung diseases. In conclusion, our results emphasize the need for a separate analysis of lung cancer histologic types and an adjustment for inflammatory nonmalignant lung diseases in future MPO-related studies. We confirm that the MPO -463 A variant affords a protective effect against lung cancer risk in smokers, which was strongest for SCLC patients.

Adenocarcinoma↗

The changing relative prevalence of hepatitis C virus genotypes: evidence in hemodialyzed patients and kidney recipients.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection by the genotype 1b is significantly associated with a lower rate of response to interferon alfa and with severe liver disease (cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma). This may reflect different intrinsic properties of this genotype 1b and/or chronological differences in the epidemiology of HCV genotypes. To address the issue of variations in genotypes prevalence, we studied in the present report the HCV genotypes of 60 hemodialyzed and kidney recipients according to the date of hemodialysis. METHODS: Anti-HCV antibodies were tested by a second-generation assay (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay 2 and recombinant immunoblot assay 2). HCV RNA was detected by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Genotyping was performed by hybridization of type-specific probes to the amplified product from the 5' untranslated region. RESULTS: Genotype 1b accounted for more than two thirds of HCV infection in patients who underwent dialysis before 1977 but less than one third in those hemodialyzed after 1985. In contrast, other genotypes (3a, 4a, 5a) appeared in the 1980s. CONCLUSIONS: These data, obtained in an homogenous group of patients, show a changing pattern of HCV genotype prevalence over time and should be considered when discussing the potential clinical implications of HCV genetic variability.

Female↗

CYP1A1 alleles in female genital cancers in the Polish population.

OBJECTIVE: Cytochrome P4501A1 (CYP1A1) plays an important role in the bioactivation processes that transform aromatic hydrocarbons into ultimate carcinogens. Genetically determined differences in activity of this enzyme could modulate individual susceptibility to develop cancers. The role of CYP1A1 in metabolic pathway of estrogens suggests an influence on carcinogenic events in genital tissues. The aim of our study was to elucidate the possible role of CYP1A1 alleles in the pathogenesis of endometrial and ovarian cancers. STUDY DESIGN: We have compared CYP1A1 genotype frequency between genital (endometrial and ovarian) cancer groups and 212 healthy women. Cancer patients were stratified using FIGO classification and diagnoses were confirmed histopathologically. The analysis of CYP1A1 genotypes was performed using polymerase chain reaction/restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR/RFLP) assay. RESULTS: We have observed higher frequency of heterozygotic genotypes containing mutation m4 (CYP1A1*1/*4) in cancer groups (5.1% in ovarian and 5.6% in endometrial cancer versus 1.9% in controls). CONCLUSION: The higher frequency of mutated CYP1A1*4 allele connected with lower frequency of CYP1A1*2A and CYP1A1*2B in endometrial and ovarian cancer groups indicates that differences in the metabolic activity of CYP1A1 could play a significant role in the pathogenesis of genital cancers.

Adult↗

Association between the Pl(A) platelet glycoprotein GPIIIa polymorphism and extent of coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: The Pl(A2) allele of the gene encoding for GPIIIa subunit of the platelet membrane receptor glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa has been suggested as a significant risk factor for thrombotic complications of coronary artery disease (CAD). The aim of the current investigation was to investigate the association between Pl(A) GPIIIa polymorphism and the extent of angiographically confirmed CAD in patients from the north region of Poland. METHODS: The study was performed in 397 male Caucasian patients. All subjects had significant coronary artery stenosis confirmed by elective coronary angiography. Screening for the Pl(A) GPIIIa genotypes was performed by polymerase chain reaction of genomic DNA, followed by NciI digestion and agarose gel electrophoresis. RESULTS: The genotype distribution of the Pl(A) GPIIIa polymorphism in our study group was Pl(A1/A1)-75%, Pl(A1/A2)-24% and Pl(A2/A2)-1% with Pl(A1) and Pl(A2) allele frequencies of 0.87 and 0.13, respectively. The prevalence of the homozygous Pl(A1/A1) genotype among subjects with multiple-vessel CAD (two or three vessels with at least 50% stenosis) was significantly higher than in patients with single-vessel disease; the odds ratio of Pl(A2/A2) or Pl(A1/A2) patients for having multiple-vessel CAD was 0.46 (95% CI 0.27-0.77, P<0.01). The mean CAD score for Pl(A1/A1) patients was significantly higher in comparison to Pl(A2/A2) and Pl(A1/A2) patients (7.58+/-2.20 and 6.98+/-2.37, respectively, P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest, that the Pl(A1/A1) genotype of Pl(A) GPIIIa polymorphism is associated with more severe CAD in male Caucasian patients from the north region of Poland.

Adult↗

Association of the -1087 IL 10 gene polymorphism with severe chronic periodontitis in Swedish Caucasians.

BACKGROUND: Severe forms of periodontitis are suggested to have a genetic basis. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present investigation was to study association of an IL10 gene polymorphism (G to A transition at the -1087 position) with severe chronic periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two groups of Swedish Caucasian subjects were included. One group consisted of 60 patients (aged 36-74 years; mean 54.5+/-8.5) with severe and generalized chronic periodontitis. The patients exhibited bone loss >50% at all teeth. Thirty-nine periodontally healthy subjects between 35-78 years of age (mean 51.0+/-10.9) were also recruited. DNA was isolated from peripheral blood cells and genotyping was performed by combination of PCR with restriction endonuclease mapping. RESULTS: The proportion of subjects that exhibited the GG genotype was significantly larger in the group with severe periodontitis than in the periodontally healthy group. The difference regarding the occurrence of the GG genotype between the two groups was more conspicuous in non-smokers and yielded an odds ratio of 6.1. The G allele carriage in non-smokers was >90 % in the periodontitis group and was significantly higher than in the healthy controls. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that the -1087 IL10 polymorphism in Caucasian subjects of a north European origin is associated with severe chronic periodontitis.

Adenine↗

Phenotypic plasticity and similarity of DNA among genotypes of an annual plant.

When measured directly, rather than inferred from pedigree analyses, the relationship between similarity in phenotype and similarity in DNA sequence was detectable at the level of members of a single population and strongly depended on the environmental context. Genetic divergence among 27 co-occurring genotypes of Abutilon theophrasti, a common annual plant, was less than 5 per cent as revealed by RAPD-PCR analysis based on over 400 bands per genotype. Nevertheless, within this narrow range, there was a positive correlation between genetic similarity and similarity in the performance of genotypes on temperature and moisture gradients, suggesting that plasticity itself has a genetic basis. No relationship was detected, however, when the phenotypic plasticity was expressed in response to gradients of light intensity or soil fertilization, indicating a weaker genetic basis, or suggesting possible involvement of a few genes of major effect.

DNA, Plant↗

Influence of an insertion variant in the 5'UTR of the endothelin-1 gene on orthostatic intolerance.

BACKGROUND: Orthostatic intolerance is a multifactorial disease in which the genetic contribution is probably the result of a number of genes acting in combination. Recent work has shown that orthostatic intolerance is influenced by endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene polymorphisms. Since endothelin-1 (ET-1) is one of the most important vasoconstrictor peptides, a frequent adenine insertion polymorphism within the 5'-untranslated region (5'UTR), which is of functional importance for ET-1 expression, could influence orthostatic intolerance. The aim of this study was therefore to ascertain whether this frequent variant of the endothelin-1 gene influences the risk for orthostatic intolerance. METHODS: We studied 257 white patients (120 cases with orthostatic intolerance and 137 controls) for genotyping of the 5'UTR I variant. From this cohort, 111 patients and 99 control subjects underwent a tilt-table test or an upright posture study, including monitoring of blood pressure, heart rate, and plasma catecholamines, in the supine position and during 30 minutes of standing. Genotyping was performed in all participants. Chi tests of independence were used to test for associations between orthostatic intolerance and genotype. In addition, an association of the insertion polymorphism with hemodynamic variables (heart rate, supine and upright blood pressure) was ascertained using one-way analysis of variance. RESULTS: The 5'UTR I variant was significantly less common in patients with orthostatic intolerance (allele frequency 0.36 and 0.28, in controls and cases, respectively). Additionally, we found a significant decrease in the risk of orthostatic intolerance among people who were homozygous for the 5'UTR variant (I/I) compared with the wild-type variant (D/D) (odds ratio, 0.41; 95% confidence interval, 0.17 to 0.97; P = 0.04). No association between the 5'UTR variant and heart rate or blood pressure regardless of diagnosis was found. CONCLUSIONS: Our current results suggest that the hereditary adenine insertion variant in the 5'-UTR of the endothelin-1 gene is protective for orthostatic intolerance. The increased ET-1 protein expression that has been linked with the I variant might be associated with a more efficient hemodynamic response to standing. This is likely one of several common genetic loci that may represent modifiers of orthostatic intolerance phenotypes.

5' Untranslated Regions↗