Meta-Analysis of Microsomal Epoxide Hydrolase Gene Polymorphism and Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background

Hepatocarcinogenesis is a complex process that may be influenced by many factors, including polymorphism in microsomal epoxide hydrolase (mEH). Previous work suggests an association between the Tyr113His and His139Arg mEH polymorphisms and susceptibility to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the results have been inconsistent.

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar and the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure databases were systematically searched to identify relevant studies. A meta-analysis was performed to examine the association between Tyr113His and His139Arg mEH polymorphism and susceptibility to HCC. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated.

Results

Eleven studies were included in the meta-analysis, involving 1,696 HCC cases and 3,600 controls. The 113His- mEH allele was significantly associated with increased risk of HCC based on allelic contrast (OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.04–1.75, p = 0.02), homozygote comparison (OR = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.07–2.54, p = 0.02) and a recessive genetic model (OR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.21–1.96, p<0.001), while individuals carrying the Arg139Arg mEH genotype had no association with increased or decreased risk of HCC.

Conclusion

The 113His- allele polymorphism in mEH may be a risk factor for hepatocarcinogenesis, while the mEH 139Arg- allele may not be a risk or protective factor. There is substantial evidence that mEH polymorphisms interact synergistically with other genes and the environment to modulate risk of HCC. Further large and well-designed studies are needed to confirm these conclusions.     

Distribution of Microsomal Epoxide Hydrolase and Glutathione S-transferase in the Rat Olfactory Mucosa: Relevance to Distribution of Lesions Caused by Systemically-administered Olfactory Toxicants

This study represents part an of ongoing effort to understandthe mechanism underlying the distribution of the olfactory mucosallesion resulting from the systemic administration of compoundssuch as 2,6-dichlorobenzonitrile (dichlobenil) and ß,ß'-iminodipropionitrile(IDPN). Immunohistochemistry was performed to localize the microsomalform of epoxide hydrolase (mEH) and glutathione S-transferase(GST) isozymes     

Comparative Evaluation of Trace Metal Distribution and Correlation in Human Malignant and Benign Breast Tissues

Selected trace metals were analyzed in human malignant and nonmalignant (benign) breast tissue samples by the flame atomic absorption spectrophotometric method. In malignant tissues, dominant mean concentrations were revealed by Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, and Al at 927, 552, 231, 61.7, 36.5, 18.3, and 8.94 microg/g, respectively, while the mean metal levels in benign tissues were 903, 435, 183, 63.3, 24.7, 14.5, and 10.1 microg/g, respectively. Average concentrations of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, K, Ca, and Zn were noted to be significantly higher in the malignant tissues compared with the benign tissues. Significantly strong correlations (r > 0.50) in malignant tissues were observed between Mn and Co, Mn and Cd, Cd and Cr, Fe and Mn, Cd and Co, Fe and Co, Mg and Pb, Cd and Fe, Mg and Ni, Pb and Ni, Ni and Sr, and Fe and Pb, whereas, Cd and Co, Cd and Mn, Co and Mg, Co and Mn, Cu and Mn, Co and Ni, Mg and Ni, Cd and Cu, Cd and Ni, Ca and Mg, Mn and Pb, Cu and Ni, Fe and Ni, Cd and Mg, Co and Cu, Cr and Na, and Cd and Cr revealed strong and significant relationships in benign tissues at p < 0.001. Principal component analysis of the metals data yielded six principal components for malignant tissues and five principal components for benign tissues, with considerably different loadings, duly supported by cluster analysis. The study revealed a considerably different pattern of distribution and mutual correlations of trace metals in the breast tissues of benign and cancerous patients.     

环氧化物水解酶1基因(EPHXl)多态性与新生儿出生体重间关系分析

为研究母亲环氧化物水解酶1基因(EPHXl)多态性与新生儿出生体重间关系.收集了某纺织厂342名女工的资料,用PCR-限制性片段长度多态性法分析母亲EPHXl基因型,采用多元线性逐步回归模型分析母亲EPHXl多态性与新生儿出生体重关系.结果发现调整主要混杂因素后EPHXl的His139Arg/AG139Arg基因型与新生儿出生体重有显著性相关(β±SE＝-149g±56,P＝0.0083).经被动吸烟分层分析,结果显示仅在有被动吸烟史人群中EPHXl的Hus139Arg/Arg139Arg基因型与新生儿出生体重有显著性相关,(β±SE=-234g±88,P＝0.0088);而根据工作紧张程度分层分析后发现,仅在有工作紧张史人群中发现EPHXI的His139Arg/Arg139Arg基因型与新生儿出生体重有显著性相关(β±SE＝-157g±59,P＝0.0079).我们的结果显示母亲EPHXl多态性与新生儿出生体重有显著性相关,并存在基因-环境的交互作用.     

环氧化物水解酶1基因（EPHX1）多态性与新生儿出生体重间关系分析

为研究母亲环氧化物水解酶１基因（ＥＰＨＸ１）多态性与新生儿出生体重间关系。收集了某纺织厂３４２名女工的资料,用ＰＣＲ－限制性片段长度多态性法分析母亲ＥＰＨＸ１基因型,采用多元线性逐步回归模型分析母亲ＥＰＨＸ１多态性与新生儿出生体重关系。结果发现调整主要混杂因素后ＥＰＨＸ１的Ｈｉｓ１３９Ａｒｇ／Ａｒｇ１３９Ａｒｇ基因型与新生儿出生体重有显著性相关（β±ＳＥ＝－１４９ｇ ± ５６,Ｐ＝— ０．００８３）。经被动吸烟分层分析,结果显示：仅在有被动吸烟史人群中ＥＰＨＸ１的Ｈｉｓ１３９Ａｒｇ／Ａｒｇ１３９Ａｒｇ基因型与新生儿出生体重有显著性相关,（β±ＳＥ＝－ ２３４ｇ ± ８８,Ｐ＝ ０．００８８）;而根据工作紧张程度分层分析后发现,仅在有工作紧张史人群中发现ＥＰＨＸ１的Ｈｉｓ１３９Ａｒｇ／Ａｒｇ１３９Ａｒｇ基因型与新生儿出生体重有显著性相关（β±ＳＥ＝－ １５７ｇ ±ｔ ５９, Ｐ＝ ０．００７９）。我们的结果显示母亲 ＥＰＨＸ１多态性与新生儿出生体重有显著性相关,并存在基因－环境的交互作用。     

Immunohistochemical Study of Expression of Sohlh1 and Sohlh2 in Normal Adult Human Tissues

The expression pattern of Sohlh1 (spermatogenesis and oogenesis specific basic helix-loop-helix 1) and Sohlh2 in mice has been reported in previous studies. Sohlh1 and Sohlh2 are specifically expressed in spermatogonia, prespermatogonia in male mice and oocytes of primordial and primary follicles in female mice. In this report, we studied the expression pattern of Sohlh1 and Sohlh2 in human adult tissues. Immunohistochemical staining of Sohlh1 and Sohlh2 was performed in 5 samples of normal ovaries and testes, respectively. The results revealed that Sohlh genes are not only expressed in oocytes and spermatogonia, but also in granular cells, theca cells, Sertoli cells and Leydig cells, and in smooth muscles of blood vessel walls. To further investigate the expression of Sohlh genes in other adult human tissues, we collected representative normal adult tissues developed from three embryonic germ layers. Compared with the expression in mice, Sohlhs exhibited a much more extensive expression pattern in human tissues. Sohlhs were detected in testis, ovary and epithelia developed from embryonic endoderm, ectoderm and tissues developed from embryonic mesoderm. Sohlh signals were found in spermatogonia, Sertoli cells and also Leydig cells in testis, while in ovary, the expression was mainly in oocytes of primordial and primary follicles, granular cells and theca cells of secondary follicles. Compared with Sohlh2, the expression of Sohlh1 was stronger and more extensive. Our study explored the expression of Sohlh genes in human tissues and might provide insights for functional studies of Sohlh genes.     

Folate Receptors in Malignant and Benign Tissues of Human Female Genital Tract

We have characterized the folate receptor in malignant and benign tissues of human female genital tract (Fallopian tube and benign and malignant tissues of uterus). Radioligand binding displayed characteristics similar to those of other folate binding proteins. Those include a high-affinity type of binding (K=10¹⁰M^–1), apparent positive cooperativity, a slow dissociation at pH 7.4 becoming rapid at pH 3.5, and inhibition of binding by folate analogues. The gel filtration profile of Triton X-100 solubilized tissue contained two large peaks of ³H-folate labelled protein (>=130 and 100kDa) as well as a 25 kDa peak. Only a single band of 70 kDa was seen on SDS-PAGE immunoblotting. The large molecular size forms on gel filtration appear to represent folate receptors having a hydrophobic membrane anchor inserted into Triton X-100 micelles. The folate receptor of female genital tract showed cross-reactivity in ELISA and positive immunostaining with rabbit antibodies against human milk folate binding protein. Variations in the ratio of immunoresponse to total high affinity folic acid binding suggests the presence of multiple isoforms of the receptor in different types of malignant and benign tissues.     

Expression and Regulation of Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase in Adipose Tissue

Obesity is an increasingly important public health issue reaching epidemic proportions. Visceral obesity has been defined as an important element of the metabolic syndrome and expansion of the visceral fat mass has been shown to contribute to the development of insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease. To identify novel contributors to cardiovascular and metabolic abnormalities in obesity, we analyzed the adipose proteome and identified soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) in the epididymal fat pad from C57BL/6J mice that received either a regular diet or a “western diet.” sEH was synthesized in adipocytes and expression levels increased upon differentiation of 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes. Although normalized sEH mRNA and protein levels did not differ in the fat pads from mice receiving a regular or a “western diet,” total adipose sEH activity was higher in the obese mice, even after normalization for body weight. Furthermore, peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ (PPARγ) agonists increased the expression of sEH in mature 3T3‐L1 adipocytes in vitro and in adipose tissue in vivo. Considering the established role for sEH in inflammation, cardiovascular diseases, and lipid metabolism, and the suggested involvement of sEH in the development of type 2 diabetes, our study has identified adipose sEH as a potential novel therapeutic target that might affect the development of metabolic and cardiovascular abnormalities in obesity.     

环氧化物水解酶2在肝细胞癌中的表达水平与功能作用

本研究通过公共数据和实验数据,全面分析环氧化物水解酶2(epoxide hydrolase 2, EPHX2)在肝细胞癌中的表达情况、功能作用以及预后意义。利用GEO和MitoCarta数据集,筛选肝细胞癌中呈差异表达的线粒体相关基因;利用TCGA数据库分析EPHX2及其相关基因在肝细胞癌中的表达水平;运行R包绘制Kaplan-Meier生存曲线和功能富集分析;基于STRING和GSEA构建蛋白质互作网络和基因集富集分析;荧光定量PCR和GEO数据集验证EPHX2在肝细胞癌中的表达水平。本研究共筛选得到15个在肝细胞癌中呈差异表达的线粒体相关基因。EPHX2在肝细胞癌组织中的表达水平显著降低(P<0.01)。EPHX2表达水平与肝癌患者性别、分期和级别有关,而与年龄、T分期等因素无关。与EPHX2低表达组肝癌患者相比,EPHX2高表达组肝癌患者预后较好。功能富集结果显示,EPHX2与补体途径、脂肪酸降解等信号通路有关。蛋白质互作网络结果显示,EPHX2与HAO1、AGXT、ACOX1、GSTκ1、SCP-2、CAT、CYP2C8,CYP2C9,CYP2B6,和CYP2J2等密切相关。GSEA结果显示,EPHX2低表达组与肝癌细胞增殖、肝癌复发等基因集正相关。荧光定量PCR和GEO数据集验证结果显示,EPHX2在肝细胞癌组织和肝癌细胞株中呈显著低表达。EPHX2在肝细胞癌中呈显著低表达,提示其可能在肝细胞癌发生发展过程中发挥抑癌基因作用,但具体作用机制还需进一步验证。     

Role of Endothelial Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase in Cerebrovascular Function and Ischemic Injury

Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase (sEH) is a key enzyme in the metabolism and termination of action of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids, derivatives of arachidonic acid, which are protective against ischemic stroke. Mice lacking sEH globally are protected from injury following stroke; however, little is known about the role of endothelial sEH in brain ischemia. We generated transgenic mice with endothelial-specific expression of human sEH (Tie2-hsEH), and assessed the effect of transgenic overexpression of endothelial sEH on endothelium-dependent vascular reactivity and ischemic injury following middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Compared to wild-type, male Tie2-hsEH mice exhibited impaired vasodilation in response to stimulation with 1 µM acetylcholine as assessed by laser-Doppler perfusion monitoring in an in-vivo cranial window preparation. No difference in infarct size was observed between wild-type and Tie2-hsEH male mice. In females, however, Tie2-hsEH mice sustained larger infarcts in striatum, but not cortex, compared to wild-type mice. Sex difference in ischemic injury was maintained in the cortex of Tie2-hsEH mice. In the striatum, expression of Tie2-hsEH resulted in a sex difference, with larger infarct in females than males. These findings demonstrate that transgenic expression of sEH in endothelium results in impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilation in the cerebral circulation, and that females are more susceptible to enhanced ischemic damage as a result of increased endothelial sEH than males, especially in end-arteriolar striatal region.     

Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 3B1 (ALDH3B1): Immunohistochemical Tissue Distribution and Cellular-specific Localization in Normal and Cancerous Human Tissues

Aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) enzymes are critical in the detoxification of endogenous and exogenous aldehydes. Our previous findings indicate that the ALDH3B1 enzyme is expressed in several mouse tissues and is catalytically active toward aldehydes derived from lipid peroxidation, suggesting a potential role against oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to elucidate by immunohistochemistry the tissue, cellular, and subcellular distribution of ALDH3B1 in normal human tissues and in tumors of human lung, colon, breast, and ovary. Our results indicate that ALDH3B1 is expressed in a tissue-specific manner and in a limited number of cell types, including hepatocytes, proximal convoluted tubule cells, cerebellar astrocytes, bronchiole ciliated cells, testis efferent ductule ciliated cells, and histiocytes. ALDH3B1 expression was upregulated in a high percentage of human tumors (lung > breast = ovarian > colon). Increased ALDH3B1 expression in tumor cells may confer a growth advantage or be the result of an induction mechanism mediated by increased oxidative stress. Subcellular localization of ALDH3B1 was predominantly cytosolic in tissues, with the exception of normal human lung and testis, in which localization appeared membrane-bound or membrane-associated. The specificity of ALDH3B1 distribution may prove to be directly related to the functional role of this enzyme in human tissues. (J Histochem Cytochem 58:765–783, 2010)     

Differential Nucleolar Staining of Malignant and Benign Tissues with Pontacyl Dark Green B1

Eighteen acid textile dyes were evaluated as histological stains with emphasis on nucleolar staining. A solution composed of 1 ml of 2 N HCI added to 100 ml of 2% Pontacyl dark green B stained the nucleolus of bronchiogenic, prostatic and squamous cell carcinoma, of melanoma, and of osteogenic and chondrosarcoma cells intensely. In benign hyperplasia, epithelial cell nucleoli were stained lightly. The epithelial cells of normal tissue adjacent to squamous cell carcinoma, and those of leukoplakia, showed deeply stained nucleoli.     

大鼠肝及脑组织中微粒体血红素加氧酶同工酶研究

采用离子交换层析和免疫印迹法分离、纯化和分析血红素和苯肼诱导后大鼠肝脏、脑组织.结果显示：纯化诱导后的大鼠肝脏,获得 HO-1和 HO-2,前者活性高于后者为2∶1.未诱导的大鼠肝脏仅获得HO-2,但诱导剂作用后,HO-1活性明显增加,而HO-2未见改变.HO-1和HO-2表观分子质量分别为30 ku和36 ku.诱导剂未作用的肝脏及作用的脑层析后仅获得HO-2活性的洗脱峰.免疫印迹法检测发现大鼠肝脏HO-2抗体与脑HO-2间有交叉反应,与肝脏HO-1无反应.实验表明在诱导剂作用的大鼠肝脏内含HO-1和HO-2同工酶,其中HO-1为诱导型酶.诱导剂作用的脑仅含HO-2.两种构型在表观分子质量,诱导性和免疫化学特性方面明显不同.     

Polymorphisms of the Cytochrome P450 (CYP1A1, CYP2E1) and Microsomal Epoxide Hydrolase (mEPHX) Genes in Cystic Fibrosis and Chronic Respiratory Disease

Frequencies of CYP1A1, CYP2E1, and mEPHX polymorphic variants were analyzed in cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive lung disease, bronchiectatic disease, chronic nonobstructive bronchitis, and recurring bronchitis. Mutations in CYP1A1 and mEPHX were shown to modify the severity of respiratory disorders in cystic fibrosis, the combination of CYP1A1 genotype Val/Val with the very slow mEPHX phenotype being most unfavorable (odds ratio OR = 12.30). Heterozygosity at both CYP1A1 and CYP2E1 was associated with chronic obstructive lung disease and recurring bronchitis (OR = 4.08 and 11.72, respectively). The very slow phenotype of mEPHX was predisposing to chronic respiratory disorders regardless of the CYP1A1 or CYP2E1 alleles (OR = 4.06). Basing on the above correlations, a combination of the very slow mEPHX phenotype with elevated cytochrome P450 (CYP1A1 and CYP2E1) activities was assumed to expedite severe respiratory disorders.     

Tissue-Specific Lipoprotein Lipase: Relationships to Body Composition and Body Fat Distribution in Normal Weight Humans

Twenty-six normal weight subjects (22 female, 4 male) were studied to determine the relationships of fasting levels of lipoprotein lipase in gluteal adipose tissue (ATLPL) and skeletal muscle (SMLPL) to body composition and body fat distribution. No relationship was found between fasting gluteal ATLPL and percent (%) body fat There was, however, an inverse relationship between fasting SMLPL (from the vastus lateralis) and %body fat (p=0.005). A strong inverse correlation was also seen between fasting ATLPL and waist/hip ratio (p=0.0006), a measurement of body fat distribution. These relationships existed with or without the male subjects included. The tissue-specific relationships of lipoprotein lipase to body composition and body fat distribution could relate to the development of obesity or the maintenance of normal body weight by the effects of the lipase on the partitioning of lipoprotein triglyceride fatty acids.     

卵巢良、恶组织中mPGES-1的表达及其与COX2的相关性分析

目的:探讨卵巢良、恶性组织中mPGES-1的表达及其与病理类型和细胞分化的关系,并分析mPGES-1和COX2的相关性.方法:采用实时荧光定量PCR的方法,分别检测我院手术切除卵巢癌组织和良性卵巢囊肿组织中mPGES-1和COX2的mRNA表达,分析mPGES-1和COX2的相关性以及与病理类型、分级的关系.结果:卵巢恶性组织中mPGES-1和COX2的表达量显著增高,分别是良性囊肿组织的27倍和113倍,两者的mRNA表达量和肿瘤的病理类型或分级相关,分化低和恶性度高的肿瘤组织表达量高.在卵巢癌组织中mPGES-1和COX2的表达呈直线正相关.结论.mPGIES-1的mRNA在卵巢癌组织中显著高于良性囊肿组织,并且和卵巢肿瘤的病理类型、分级有关,和COX2表达呈直线正相关.     

Benign and Malignant Breast Disease in South Wales: A Study of Urinary Steroids

The levels of aetiocholanolone, androsterone, and 17-hydroxycorticosteroids were measured in women without known disease of the breast, in women with benign breast disease, and in women with primary and advanced breast cancer. Statistical analysis showed there was no difference in the excretion of urinary 17-hydroxycorticosteroids in the various groups of patients. Detailed analysis of the aetiocholanolone and androsterone levels, however, indicated that patients with advanced localized disease excreted significantly less of these 11-deoxy-17-oxosteroids than those in the other groups.