白细胞介素23 受体基因rs6682925 多态与冠心病发病的相关关系

目的:本研究探讨白细胞介素23受体(Interleukin 23 Receptor,IL23R)基因单核苷酸多态位点(rs1884444与rs6682925)与中国北方汉族人群冠心病发病的相关关系。方法:本研究采用病例-对照的设计方法,收集568名冠心病患者以及45岁以上、年龄及性别匹配的524名正常对照个体为研究对象,采用测序法检测IL23R rs1884444与rs6682925单核苷酸多态性基因型,分析IL23R基因rs1884444与rs6682925单核苷酸多态位点的基因型及等位基因的分布情况。结果:IL23R rs6682925与rs1884444单核苷酸多态位点的基因型频率符合Hardy-Weinberg定律。IL23R基因rs6682925单核苷酸多态位点的三种基因型分布频率(CC型,TC型和TT型)在冠心病组为22.9%,39.6%和37.5%,在对照组分别为41.7%,47.2%和11.1%,IL23R基因rs6682925单核苷酸多态位点C等位基因是冠心病发病的一个独立的危险因素(P0.05);IL23R基因rs1884444单核苷酸位点的基因型和等位基因的频率在对照组和冠心病组之间不存在统计学差异(P0.05)。Logistic回归校正性别、年龄、体重指数、吸烟、高血压、高脂血症、糖尿病等冠心病的易患因素后,IL23R基因rs6682925 C等位基因仍是冠心病发病一个独立危险因素。结论:在中国北方汉族人群中,IL23R基因rs6682925 C等位基因可能是冠心病发病的独立危险因素。     

易感基因多态性与支气管哮喘的相关性研究

目的:探讨白介素-4(Interleukin-4,IL-4)基因589位点、白介素-4受体(interleukin-4 receptor,IL-4R)基因576位点多态性与内蒙古地区汉族支气管哮喘患者是否存在遗传易感性,是否与血清总IgE浓度相关.方法:采用聚合酶链式反应-限制性片段长度多态性(PCR-RFLP)方法检测内蒙古地区62例支气管哮喘患者和30例汉族正常人群IL-4基因的589位点、IL-4R基因的576位点多态性,进行基因型和基因频率分析,同时采用Elisa法检测患者血清总IgE浓度.结果:哮喘组IL-4基因启动子区-589(C/T)位点多态性分布频率与对照组比较,两组间基因型频率分析(X2=3.437,P=0.179),无显著性统计学差异(P＞0.05);两组基因频率分析(X2=9.405,P=0.002),有显著性差异(P＜0.05).哮喘组IL-4R基因启动子区-576(Q/R)位点多态性分布频率与对照组比较,两组间基因型频率分析(X2=0.815,P=0.665),无显著性统计学差异(P＞0.05),两组基因频率分析(X2=0.245,P=0.621),无显著性差异(P＞0.05).哮喘组血清总IgE浓度高于对照组,有显著性差异(t=6.367,P=0.00,P＜0.05).结论:内蒙古地区汉族人群哮喘组中,IL-4基因启动子区-589(C/T)位点多态性与支气管哮喘的发病无显著性差异;IL-4R基因-576(Q/R)位点多态性与支气管哮喘的发病无显著性差异;患者组血清总IgE显著高于对照组,但是与IL-4基因启动子区-589(C/T)位点多态性和IL-4R基因-576(Q/R)位点多态性没有相关性.     

VKORC1基因rs9923231及GGCX基因rs2592551位点多态性与新疆维吾尔族、汉族人群心源性脑栓塞的相关性研究

目的:探讨维生素K环氧化物还原酶复合体亚单位1(VKORC1)基因rs9923231及γ-谷氨酰羧化酶(GGCX)基因rs2592551位点多态性同新疆维吾尔族和汉族人群发生心源性脑栓塞的关系。方法:选取2017年1月至2018年10月曾就诊于新疆医科大学第六附属医院神经内科的维吾尔族和汉族散发性房颤致脑栓塞患者各50例做为病例组,同时选取非心源性脑卒中维吾尔族患者50名及汉族患者150名为对照组,从外周静脉血中提取基因组DNA,采用PCR-RFLP技术检测VKORC1基因rs9923231及GGCX基因rs2592551多态性位点在不同人群中的分布。结果:维吾尔族脑栓塞组及对照组VKORC1基因rs9923231多态性位点基因型频率分布差异有统计学意义(P0.05);汉族脑栓塞组及对照组VKORC1基因rs9923231多态性位点基因型频率的分布比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。GGCX基因rs2592551多态位点在汉族、维吾尔族脑栓塞组及对照组的分布差异均无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:VKORC1基因rs9923231多态性可能与新疆维吾尔族人群心源性脑栓塞的发病有关,而与汉族人群无关;GGCX基因rs2592551多态性可能与维吾尔族及汉族人群心源性脑栓塞的发病均无关。     

LKB1基因多态性与2型糖尿病相关性研究

目的:探讨陕西汉族人群中LKB1基因位点rs741765(380CT)及rs6510599(459GA)单核苷酸多态性(SNPs)与2型糖尿病遗传易感性及相关临床代谢指标的关系。方法:采用等位基因特异性引物PCR(SASP-PCR)对2型糖尿病患者130例及健康对照组100例进行LKB1基因内含子6 rs741765(380CT)及内含子1 rs6510599(459GA)两个位点进行基因多态性筛查,并测序鉴定,分析其基因多态性位点与2型糖尿病临床代谢指标关系。结果:rs741765(380CT)基因突变情况:2型糖尿病患者TT基因型频率显著高于健康对照组(P=0.023);TT基因2型糖尿病组中糖化血红蛋白水平及低密度脂蛋白胆固醇水平在型中明显升高(P=0.030;P=0.002);健康对照组中,空腹血糖水平在TT基因型中明显升高(P=0.011)。rs6510599(459GA)基因突变情况:AA基因型频率在2型糖尿病组及健康对照组间无显著性差异(P0.05);该基因位点与临床指标亦无相关性(P0.05)。结论:陕西汉族人群中LKB1基因内含子6 rs741765(380CT)及内含子1 rs6510599(459GA)存在基因多态性。LKB1基因内含子6 rs741765(380CT)基因多态性与2型糖尿病的发病有相关性。LKB1基因内含子1 rs6510599(459GA)基因多态性与2型糖尿病的发病无相关性。     

白介素-18 基因多态性与黑龙江省汉族人群心房颤动相关性

目的:探讨白介素-18(IL-18)基因启动子区-137G/C(rs187238)位点和-607A/C(rs1946518)位点的等位基因、基因型、单体型与黑龙江省汉族人群心房颤动发病风险的相关性。方法:选取56例心房颤动患者和26例对照者,心房颤动患者按持续时间分为阵发房颤组和持续房颤组。采用聚合酶链式反应(PCR)和直接测序法(DS)对所选2个SNPs位点的基因型进行检测。结果:1黑龙江省地区汉族人群中IL-18基因启动子区-607A/C位点存在AA、AC、GG三种基因型,-137C/G位点存在CC、GC、GG三种基因型。2各心房颤动患者组与对照组间IL-18基因启动子区-137G/C(rs187238)位点和-607A/C(rs1946518)位点的基因型和等位基因频率比较均无显著性差异(P0.05)。3IL-18基因启动子区-137G/C(rs187238)位点和-607 A/C(rs1946518)位点有CA、CC、GA、GC四种单倍体型,各组单倍体型分布频率比较均无统计学差异(P0.05。4IL-18基因启动子区-137G/C(rs187238)位点和-607 A/C(rs1946518)位点的基因型和等位基因频率与AF患者的发病年龄均无统计学相关性(P0.05)。结论:IL-18基因启动子区-607A/C(rs1946518)位点和-137G/C(rs187238)位点不是黑龙江省汉族人群心房颤动的易感基因,可能与其心房颤动的发病风险无关。     

IL-23R基因rs17375018、rs11805303位点单核甘酸多态性分析

目的:分析白细胞介素-23受体(Interleukin-23 receptor,IL-23R)rs17375018、rs11805303位点广西人群单核苷酸多态性。方法:对251例研究对象采用聚合酶链反应-限制性片段长度多态性(polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism,PCR-RFLP)技术并结合HapMap中其他地区、人种多态性数据分析IL-23R基因单核甘酸多态性。结果:rs17375018位点基因型频率为:GG型37.5%,AG型45.8%和AA型16.7%,其多态性频率分布与北京、美国犹他州、尼日利亚人群均有差异(P0.05),与东京人群分布无差异(P0.05)。rs1180530位点则为CC型24.7%、TC型47.8%和TT型27.5%,其多态性频率分布与美国犹他州、尼日利亚人群有差异(P0.05),与北京及东京人群无差异(P0.05)。结论:rs17375018位点多态性频率分布与北京、美国犹他州、尼日利亚人群及rs11805303位点多态性频率分布与美国犹他州、尼日利亚人群均有差异。     

DDAH2启动子区-1150C/A多态性与中国汉族人群冠心病的遗传易感性研究

目的:研究DDAH2启动子区-1150 C/A rs805304多态性与中国汉族人群冠心病之间的相关性。方法:应用限制性片段长度多态性聚合酶链反应(PCR-RFLP)的分析方法,对381例冠心病患者和629例健康人群中DDAH2基因A-1150C rs805304多态进行基因分型。结果:病例组和对照组A-1150C rs805304位点基因型分布均符合Hardy-Wenberg平衡;两组间A-1150C位点基因型间无显著性的差异(P=0.34);病例组和对照组A-1150C位点的等位频率分布也无显著的差别,但是在冠心病病例中,A等位频率有低于C等位频率的趋势(P=0.069)。结论:DDAH2启动子区-1150 C/A rs805304多态性与中国汉族人群冠心病的发病不相关。     

新疆地区维吾尔族和汉族人群CaSR基因多态性与草酸钙肾结石关系的研究

目的:探讨新疆地区维吾尔族和汉族草酸钙结石与钙敏感受体(calcium sensitive receptor,Ca SR)基因多态性之间的关系。方法:选择398例临床确诊泌尿系草酸钙结石患者(200例维吾尔族,198例汉族)和399例正常对照者(200例维吾尔族,199例汉族),应用Sna Pshot方法对Ca SR基因两位点(rs1042636,rs1801726)的基因型及等位基因频率进行检测,并分析其与草酸钙结石发病的相关性以及对血钙、24 h尿钙水平的影响。结果:各组2个位点的基因型分布均符合Hardy-Weinberg平衡。汉族结石组与汉族对照组及维吾尔族结石族与维吾尔族对照组rs1042636、rs1801726位点基因型分布及基因频率差异均无统计学意义(P0.05)。维吾尔和汉族rs1042636基因型及等位基因频率比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05),且维吾尔族人群携带rs1042636等位基因A的风险高于汉族人群(病例组中OR值=2.145,%95CI=[1.602~2.866],P0.01;对照组中OR值=1.773,%95CI=[1.332~2.359],P0.01),其中维/汉病例组中等位基因频率分别为A=278(69.5%)/204(51.5%),G=122(30.5%)/192(48.5%);维/汉对照组中等位基因频率分别为A=264(66.0%)/208(52.3%),G=136(34.0%)/190(47.7%)。而病例组和对照组rs1801726基因型频率差异无统计学意义(P0.05);汉族病例组、对照组发现GG+AG基因型较AA基因型有较高的尿钙水平(病例组:P=0.007和对照组:P=0.006),维吾尔族人群该位点与两项指标无相关性。结论:Ca SR基因2个基因位点rs1042636、rs1801726可能不是新疆地区维吾尔族和汉族草酸钙结石发病的危险因子,两族rs1042636基因多态性分布存在差异,rs1042636位点基因多态性能影响汉族人群尿钙排泄,可能汉族调节钙排泄的遗传因素之一。     

COL1A1及IGF-1基因与中国北方汉族人群高度近视相关性研究

目的:探讨I型胶原α1链(collagen I alpha-1,COL1A1)基因和类胰岛素生长因子-1 (insulin-like growth factors-1, IGF-1)基因与中国北方汉族人群高度近视的相关性。方法:收集2011年10月~2017年1月经我院眼科视光学中心诊疗的高度近视眼患者286例(病例组)及正常对照者201例(对照组),病例组按照眼球中轴长度分为A组(眼轴长度≥27 mm)126例和B组(眼轴长度27 mm)160例。用血液基因组DNA提取试剂盒提取受试者外周静脉抗凝血中的基因组DNA,采用多重PCR反应和基因测序得到目标片段COL1A1基因的多态位点rs2075555、rs2075554、rs2269336、rs1107946、rs1007086,IGF-1基因的多态位点rs12423791、rs10860860、rs2946834、rs6214的碱基序列,用卡方检验和Logistic回归分析的方法分析病例组和对照组之间各基因分布的差异。结果:病例组和正常对照组COL1A1基因的单核苷酸多态性位点的基因型频率和等位基因频率均无显著性差异(P0.05)。病例组和正常对照组IGF-1基因的rs12423791位点的基因型频率和等位基因频率有统计学差异(P=0.016),其他3个位点的单核苷酸多态性位点均无显著性差异(P0.05)。病例A组和对照组及A组和B组之间COL1A1基因的5个单核苷酸多态性位点分布均无显著性差异(P0.05),IGF-1基因的rs12423791位点有统计学差异(P=0.033)。结论:胶原类基因COL1A1的多态性与中国北方汉族人群高度近视的发生无显著相关性,IGF-1基因的rs12423791位点的多态性与中国北方汉族人群高度近视的发生有显著相关性。     

PRKAA1和UNC5CL基因位点多态性与胃癌的相关性研究

目的:研究PRKAA1和UNC5CL基因位点多态性与胃癌发病的关系。方法:以我院2014年1月~2016年12月收治的90例胃癌患者为观察组,选择同期在我院进行治疗的90例胃炎患者作为对照组。提取分析患者的全血DNA样品,对其PRKAA1和UNC5CL基因位点基因分型进行检测,并进行组间比较。结果:(1)与对照组比较,观察组PRKAA1基因的rs13361707位点的CC型基因出现频率、rs10074991位点的GG基因出现频率、rs10036575位点的TT基因出现频率均显著高于对照组,rs10036575位点的CT+CC基因出现频率显著低于对照组,差异均具有统计学意义(P0.05)。(2)观察组UNC5CL基因的rs2294693、rs742494位点的各基因分型的出现频率与对照组间比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:胃癌患者的发病与PRKAA1基因多态性表达有一定的相关性,当rs13361707位点为CC型、rs10074991位点为GG型、rs10036575位点为TT型时,胃癌的发病率增加,当rs10036575位点为CT+CC型时,胃癌发病率降低。而胃癌患者的发病与UNC5CL基因位点多态性表达无明显相关性。     

Correlations of IL-23R gene polymorphism with clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma patients after interventional therapy

In this study, we summarized the association of IL-23R gene polymorphisms with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A total of 270 HCC patients were selected as HCC group, and 251 healthy individuals served as the control group. PCR-RFLP was performed to detect IL-23R gene polymorphism, including rs17375018 and rs11805303. Survival rate and risk factors of HCC were identified. The findings suggested that IL-23R rs17375018 was correlated with genetic susceptibility to HCC, and GC haplotype was closely linked with the risk factors of HCC. Moreover, rs17375018 polymorphism was related to portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) and alcohol consumption in HCC patients, while prognosis was better in HCC patients with AA genotype of rs17375018 polymorphism. Lastly, GG genotype in rs17375018, PVTT and TNM stage III and IV were identified as independent risk factors for HCC. In conclusion, IL-23R rs17375018 polymorphism might serve as a prognostic factor in patients with HCC after interventional therapy.     

Cutting edge: a variant of the IL-23R gene associated with inflammatory bowel disease induces loss of microRNA regulation and enhanced protein production

IL-23R gene variants have been identified as risk factors for two major inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, but how they contribute to disease is poorly understood. In this study, we show that the rs10889677 variant in the 3'-untranslated region of the IL-23R gene displays enhanced levels of both mRNA and protein production of IL-23R. This can be attributed to a loss of binding capacity for the microRNAs (miRNAs) Let-7e and Let-7f by the variant allele. Indeed, inhibition and overexpression of these miRNAs influenced the expression of the wild type but not the variant allele. Our data clearly demonstrate a role for miRNA-mediated dysregulation of IL-23R signaling, correlated with a single nucleotide polymorphism in the IL-23R strongly associated with IBD susceptibility. This implies that this mutation, in combination with other genetic risk factors, can lead to disease through sustained IL-23R signaling, contributing to the chronicity of IBD.     

血清白介素8基因多态性与食管鳞癌根治术后的相关性分析

摘要 目的：探讨与分析血清白细胞介素8（IL-8）基因多态性与食管鳞癌（ESCC）根治术后的相关性。方法：2017年8月到2020年6月选择在本院诊治的食管鳞癌患者98例作为研究对象,检测血清IL-8表达水平。所有患者都给予根治手术治疗,随访患者的预后并进行相关性分析。结果：所有患者术后随访到2021年7月,平均随访时间为25.69±2.58个月,死亡28例,死亡率为28.6 %（死亡组）。两组血清IL-8表达水平表达具有差异（P<0.05）。所有患者的基因型频率均符合Hardy-Weinberg这一平衡法则,表明本文所选取的样本均具有群体代表性。IL-8基因启动子rs4073A/T的AA基因型较死亡组高,TT基因型较死亡组低,两组A、T等位基因频率分布对比有差异（P<0.05）。直线相关性分析显示：IL-8基因启动子rs4073A/T的AA基因型、A等位基因、血清IL-8表达水平与预后死亡率存在相关性（P<0.05）。多因素logistic回归分析显示：IL-8基因启动子rs4073A/T的AA基因型、A等位基因、血清IL-8表达水平为导致患者随访死亡的主要因素（OR=2.051,3.094,P<0.05）。结论：食管鳞癌根治术后患者依然存在一定的死亡率,患者死亡与血清IL-8基因多态性存在相关性,同时多伴随有IL-8的高表达。IL-8基因启动子rs4073A/T的AA基因型、A等位基因、血清IL-8表达水平为导致患者死亡的主要因素。     

Clock gene PERIOD3 polymorphism is associated with susceptibility to Graves’ disease but not to Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

ABSTRACT

Circadian disruption has been linked with immune-related morbidities including autoimmune diseases. PERIOD3 (PER3) clock gene is a key player in the mammalian circadian system. This study evaluated the possible association of PER3 rs2797685 (G/A) polymorphism and susceptibility of autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD) and assessed if this SNP contributes to disease characteristics and serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). The PER3 rs2797685 (G/A) polymorphism was assessed in 125 patients with AITD [Graves’ disease (GD), 69; Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT), 56] and 115 unrelated healthy controls. Subjects carrying at least one variant allele of PER3 rs2797685 (GA+AA) had increased risk for GD (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1–3.61, p= .05). There were no differences in the frequencies of genotypes and alleles of the PER3 rs2797685 polymorphism between HT patients and control subjects. No association was observed between genotypes of the studied SNP and any of the disease characteristics in GD and HT patients. The GA+AA genotype of PER3 rs2797685 was associated with lower levels of IL-6 in patients with Graves’ disease. There were no differences between genotypes of the studied SNP regarding TNF-α levels in GD, HT or control groups. In conclusion, this study provides the first evidence for a genetic association between GD and the PER3 gene, highlighting the possible relevance of polymorphisms in clock genes in the etiopathogenesis of AITD. However, functional studies to identify the underlying molecular mechanisms of this association are needed to translate these findings to clinical applications.     

Associations between interleukin-23 receptor polymorphisms and susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis: a meta-analysis

The aim of this study was to determine whether interleukin-23 receptor (IL-23R) polymorphisms confer susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A meta-analysis was conducted on the associations between the IL-23R rs1343151, rs10489629, rs7517847, rs11209026, rs1004819, and rs2201841 polymorphisms and RA using (1) allele contrast, (2) the recessive model, (3) the dominant model, and (4) the additive model. A total of 13 studies from eight articles involving 10,016 RA patients and 11,967 controls were considered in the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis identified a significant association between RA and the A allele of the rs1343151 polymorphism in the overall population (OR?=?1.110, 95?% CI?=?1.056–1.168, p?=?4.7?×?10^?6). Stratification by ethnicity identified a significant association between this polymorphism and RA in Europeans (OR?=?1.105, 95?% CI?=?1.049–1.163, p?=?1.4?×?10^?5). An association was also found between RA and the A allele carrier of the rs1343151 polymorphism in Europeans (OR?=?1.135, 95?% CI?=?1.058–1.217, p?=?4.0?×?10^?5). Meta-analysis revealed a significant association between RA and the A allele of the rs10489629 polymorphism in the overall population (OR?=?1.079, 95?% CI?=?1.029–1.131, p?=?0.002) and in Europeans (OR?=?1.092, 95?% CI?=?1.038–1.149, p?=?0.001). Meta-analyses of recessive, dominant, and additive models showed the same pattern as the meta-analysis of the A allele of the rs10489629 polymorphism, that is, a significant association with RA in Europeans. However, no association was found between the IL-23R rs7517847, rs11209026, rs1004819, and rs2201841 polymorphisms and RA susceptibility. This meta-analysis shows that the IL-23R rs1343151 and rs10489629 polymorphisms are associated with the development of RA in Europeans. These findings suggest that the IL-23R genes confer susceptibility to RA in the European population, but further study of this association is required in other ethnic groups.     

The relationship between SNPS in the genes of TLR signal transduction pathway downstream elements and rheumatoid arthritis susceptibility

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play an important role in the induction and regulation of the innate immune system or adaptive immune responses. Genetic variations within human TLRs have been reported to be associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study was conducted to investigate correlation between SNP of downstream mononucleotide in signal transduction of Toll-like receptors and predisposing genes of RA. There was obviously correlative between single nucleotide polymorphism and predisposing genes of RA. G-type of IL-1RAP rs766442 may be protecting genes of RA, while T-type alleles of IL-6R rs11265618 and IL-1RAP rs766442 may be susceptible genes of RA. In conclusion, the studies on the nucleis acid polymorphism in TLRs signal pathway contribute to disclose genes’ influence on the attack mechanism of RA, early diagnosis and treatment of RA.     

白细胞介素23受体、白细胞介素17A在炎症性肠病患者中的表达及临床意义

目的：通过检测白细胞介素23受体（1L-23R）及白细胞介素17A（IL-17A）在炎症性肠病（IBD）患者肠黏膜及血清中的表达水平,探讨其在IBD发病过程中的作用及意义。方法：收集32例克罗恩病（CD）患者、29例溃疡性结肠炎（UC）患者及27例对照者的内镜肠黏膜活检标本,采用荧光定量PCR技术检测肠黏膜内IL-23R、IL-17AmRNA的表达情况,免疫组化技术分析IL-23R、IL-17A在肠黏膜中的原位表达。结果：与健康对照组相比,CD及UC患者肠黏膜组织内IL-23RmRNA表达显著增高（P〈0．05）,CD及UC组间的表达量差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。CD及UC患者肠黏膜组织内IL-17AmRNA表达显著增高（P〈0．05）,CD组肠黏膜组织内IL．17AmRNA表达显著高于uc组（P〈0．05）。免疫组化分析显示IL-23R阳性细胞在CD与uc肠黏膜固有层内有较多表达,较正常黏膜内的肠上皮细胞相比,CD及UC患者肠黏膜IL-23R蛋白表达量最著增高（P〈0．05）,UC及CD组间的表达量差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。IL-17A阳性细胞在CD与UC肠黏膜固有层内有较多表达,较正常黏膜内的肠上皮细胞相比,CD及UC患者肠黏膜IL-17A蛋白表达量最著增高（P〈0．05）。结论：IL．23R及IL-17A在IBD患者肠黏膜中表达显著增高,提示IL-23R及IL-17A表达异常与IBD的发生发展密切相关,有可能成为IBD治疗的新靶点。     

The IL-7Rα pathway is quantitatively and functionally altered in CD8 T cells in multiple sclerosis

The IL-7Rα single nucleotide polymorphism rs6897932 is associated with an increased risk for multiple sclerosis (MS). IL-7Rα is a promising candidate to be involved in autoimmunity, because it regulates T cell homeostasis, proliferation, and antiapoptotic signaling. However, the exact underlying mechanisms in the pathogenesis of MS are poorly understood. We investigated whether CD4 and CD8 lymphocyte subsets differed in IL-7Rα expression and functionality in 78 MS patients compared with 59 healthy controls (HC). A significantly higher frequency of IL-7Rα(+) CD8 effector memory (CD8EM) was found in MS. Moreover, IL-7Rα membrane expression was significantly increased in MS in naive and memory CD8 (all p < 0.05) with a similar trend in CD8EM (p = 0.055). No correlation was found between the expression level or frequency of IL-7Rα(+)CD8(+) and rs6897932 risk allele carriership. Upon IL-7 stimulation, MS patients had stronger STAT5 activation in CD8EM compared with HC. IL-7 stimulation had a differential effect on both mRNA and protein expression of granzyme A and granzyme B between MS and HC. Stainings of different lesions in postmortem MS brain material showed expression of IL-7 and CD8(+)IL-7Rα(+) in preactive, but not in active, demyelinating MS lesions, indicating involvement of IL-7Rα(+) lymphocytes in lesion development. The intralesional production of IL-7 in combination with the lower threshold for IL-7-induced cytotoxicity in MS may enhance the pathogenicity of these CD8 T cells. This is of special interest in light of the established demyelinating and cytotoxic actions of granzyme A.     

Polymorphisms of CARD15/NOD2 and CD14 genes in New Zealand Crohn's disease patients

Polymorphisms in the CARD15/NOD2 gene, which encodes a cytosolic protein involved in bacterial recognition, are associated with development of Crohn's disease (CD). Other potential susceptibility genes such as CD14 may compound the risk of developing CD. We examined the frequency of the three major CARD15 risk alleles (3020insC/L1007fsinsC, G908R and R702W), and a functional polymorphism (-159C/T) in the promoter of the CD14 gene in 185 CD patients in New Zealand and 187 ethnically matched controls. The frequencies of the 3020insC (8.1 vs 0.8%, P < 0.0001), G908R (3.5 vs 2.4%, P = 0.37) and R702W (7.3 vs 5.1%, P = 0.21) alleles in CD patients and controls, respectively, were similar to those described in Australia, and the ancestral countries of Scotland, Ireland and the UK. Only the 3020insC polymorphism was found to be a significant risk factor for CD in our New Zealand cohort (odds ratio = 10.91 [95% confidence intervals 3.30-36.08]; P < 0.0001 for heterozygotes), but not a single patient was homozygous for the 3020insC polymorphism. The T allele (51 vs 50%, P = 0.77) and TT genotype (26 vs 24%, P = 0.84) frequencies of the -159C/T CD14 gene promoter polymorphism did not significantly differ between CD patients and controls. In summary, our findings provide evidence that the CARD15 3020insC risk allele influences disease susceptibility in a small proportion (<17%) of New Zealand CD patients, whereas there was no evidence that the CD14 -159C/T polymorphism is associated with CD.     

Variation in NOD2 augments Th2- and Th17 responses to myelin basic protein in multiple sclerosis

Variations in the gene for the nucleotide-binding oligomerisation domain (NOD) 2 have been associated with Crohn's disease but not multiple sclerosis (MS). Here we investigate the effect of three polymorphisms in the NOD2 gene (rs5743277, rs2066842 and rs5743291) on cytokine production and CD4+ T cell proliferation elicited by human myelin basic protein (MBP) in blood mononuclear cell (MNC) cultures from 29 patients with MS. No polymorphism was observed at rs5743277. No associations with the rs2066842 polymorphism were found. Concerning rs5743291, none were homozygous for the minor allele. Seven of 29 (24%) patients were heterozygous, and five of these (71%) exhibited increased MBP-induced CD4+ T cell proliferation versus four of 22 (18%), who were homozygous for the major allele (p<0.04). Interleukin (IL)-5 was induced by MBP in MNC from the same five carriers versus two (9%) homozygotes (p<0.004); four carriers (57%) versus three non-carriers (14%) exhibited IL-17 responses to MBP (p<0.04). By contrast, we found no association between the polymorphisms investigated and interferon-gamma-, tumor necrosis factor-alpha-, IL-2, -4- or IL-10 responses to MBP. These results indicate that the rs5743291 polymorphism influences T helper (Th) cell 2- and Th17 cell responses in MNC from MS patients.