TLR and MBL gene polymorphisms in severe acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) and toll-like receptor (TLR)-4 gene polymorphisms have been implicated in inflammatory episodes in a number of studies. In view of the inflammatory nature of acute pancreatitis, we aimed to determine the predictive value of two point mutations in the promoter region at position -550 (H/L variants) and -221 (X/Y variants) of the MBL2 gene, and the Asp299Gly and 119C>A polymorphisms of the TLR4 gene on the occurrence of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). METHODS: The study included 132 patients with SAP, 106 with mild acute pancreatitis (MAP), and 121 healthy volunteers. Genotypes were determined using restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of PCR products and by allele-specific PCR. RESULTS: No significant difference in genotype frequency was noted between the patients with acute pancreatitis and controls for any of the gene loci studied. The distributions of the HY/HY, HY/LY, LY/LY, and LY/LX genotypes of MBL2 gene promoter and 119C>A genotype of the TLR4 gene were similar in patients with mild or severe acute pancreatitis. HY/LX genotype frequency was significantly higher in patients with SAP compared with MAP (26% vs 14%; p = 0.028). CONCLUSION: Results indicate that the MBL2 HY/LX genotype plays an important role in the determination of disease severity to acute pancreatitis.     

精神分裂症患者甘露糖结合凝集素基因启动子区多态性及血清浓度的研究

目的:探讨精神分裂症患者甘露糖结合凝集素(MBL)的血清浓度和启动子区基因多态性的相关性及在患者免疫病理机制中的作用。方法:选取2018年6月至2018年12月在我院就诊的精神分裂患者为54例为观察组,另选取同时期本院健康体检中心志愿者56例为正常对照组,采用合酶链反应-序列特异性引物(PCR-SSP)技术分析MBL基因启动子区H/L(-550bp G/C)和X/Y(-221bp C/G)的多态性,酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)检测血清MBL的浓度。结果:观察组血清MBL浓度(1367.218±1277.429)ng/mL低于正常对照组(1987.781±976.748)ng/mL,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。观察组HY/HY基因型频率低于对照组(P0.05),HY/LY型频率高于对照组(P0.05)。观察组HY/HY基因型血清MBL浓度明显高于HY/LX、LY/LX型(P0.05);观察组MBL基因启动子区突变型纯合子的血清MBL水平均与对照组差异无统计学意义(P0.05),而MBL基因型杂合子的MBL水平则差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:精神分裂症患者MBL水平低下与患者MBL基因启动子区各基因型的综合调控有关。MBL浓度低下是精神分裂症患者循环免疫复合物(CIC)滞留或清除障碍的分子机制之一。     

Mannose-binding lectin contributes to the severity of Guillain-Barré syndrome

In Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), complement activation plays a crucial role in the induction and extent of the postinfectious immune-mediated peripheral nerve damage. Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) activates the complement system via the lectin pathway after recognition of repetitive sugar groups on pathogens. We investigated whether the MBL2 genotype, serum MBL level, and MBL complex activity are associated with the development and severity of GBS. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the promoter region (-550 H/L and -221 X/Y) and exon 1 (A/O) of the MBL2 gene were determined in 271 GBS patients and 212 healthy controls. The frequencies of the H allele, HY promoter haplotype, and HYA haplotype, which are related to high MBL activity, were all increased in GBS patients compared with healthy controls (p < or = 0.03), particularly in severely affected GBS patients (MRC-sum score < 40) (p < or = 0.02). Severe weakness was also associated with high MBL concentrations and MBL complex activity in sera from GBS patients (p < 0.01). The MBL2 B allele was associated with functional deficiency and relatively mild weakness. These results support the hypothesis that complement activation mediated by MBL contributes to the extent of nerve damage in GBS, which is codetermined by the MBL2 haplotype.     

MBL在结肠直肠癌中的基因分型

目的：MBL是补体激活凝集素途径的关键因素。MBL基因多态性影响MBL血清水平。结肠直肠癌患者血清MBL水平升高。低水平的MBL则预示着术后肺炎的发生,目前还不清楚此相关性是否与遗传相关。本实验分析调查了结肠直肠癌患者和健康对照者的MBL基因分型,评估基因分析和复发率、生存率之间潜在的相关性。方法：使用TaqMan基因分型分析法和实时定量PCR分析MBL基因的4个SNP、启动子区2个SNP、非编码区1个SNP;ELISA测定标本血清MBL含量。结果：所有标本中发现了8种不同的MBL单体型,它们在患者和健康者中出现频率几乎是完全一样的;YA/YA基因型与高水平的MBL相关,YO／YO与低水平的MBL水平相关,6种不同基因型CRC患者的MBL水平存在着明显不同。结论：MBL基因型与血清MBL浓度显薯相关（P〈0．0001）;突变型B,C,D和启动子单体型Y,X对MBL含量的影响起主要作用;MBL基因型和术后感染并发症没有明显相关性（P=0．33）,与复发癌和存活时间也没有明显相关性（P=0．74）。因此,从基因水平还不能解释为何结肠直肠癌患者血清MBL水平增加。对比已经检测出的血清MBL水平,其基因型还不能预测结肠直肠癌患者的疾病进程。     

Variants of the mannose-binding lectin gene in the Benin population: heterozygosity for the p.G57E allele may confer a selective advantage

Human mannose-binding lectin (MBL) plays an important role in innate immunity. MBL deficiency is associated with mutations in the promoter region and in exon 1 of the MBL2 gene. Such deficiency has been correlated with elevated incidence of infections in infancy and in immunocompromised adults. We determined the distribution profile of the MBL2 gene variants in the general population of Benin (West Africa) and in a vulnerable subset of children with sickle cell disease (SCD) (SS homozygotes). Five hundred forty-two healthy individuals (274 newborns, 268 adults) and 128 patients with SCD (35 newborns, 93 children) were screened for the common variant alleles in the MBL2 secretor haplotype region (exon 1 and promoter). The p.G57E variant allele was the most frequent allele compared to p.G54D (27.5% vs. 1.6%, respectively). The p.R52C allele was not found in this population. There was no difference in allele or genotype frequencies between healthy newborns and newborns with SCD. Alleles associated with MBL deficiency were more frequent in adults than in newborns (69.8% vs. 57.3%, respectively; p = 0.002). This enrichment was exclusively due to an elevated proportion of heterozygotes for the p.G57E allele (47.0% vs. 35.3%, respectively; p = 0.004), supporting a potential selective advantage of this genotype. Our results, compared to those reported in other African countries, support the implication of the MBL2 gene in various major infections in Africa, such as meningitis and tuberculosis in HIV-positive patients.     

MMP-2和TIMP-2基因启动子区多态性与卵巢上皮性癌关系的研究

为探讨MMP-2和TIMP-2基因启动子区单核苷酸多态性(SNPs)与卵巢上皮性癌发病风险的关系, 采用聚合酶链反应-限制性片段长度多态性(PCR-RFLP)方法检测了246例卵巢上皮性癌患者和324例对照妇女的MMP-2 C-1306T、C-735T和TIMP-2 G-418C 3个SNPs的基因型。结果显示, MMP-2 C-1306T SNP的等位基因及基因型频率分布在卵巢癌与对照组间无显著差异(P=0.55和P=0.42); 但卵巢癌组MMP-2 C-735T SNP的C等位基因和C/C基因型频率(80.7%和66.7%)明显高于对照组(75.5%和55.9%), 与T/T+C/T基因型比较, 携带C/C基因型可以显著增加卵巢癌的发病风险(OR=1.58, 95% CI=1.12~2.23), 进一步分层分析显示, C/C基因型主要与宫内膜样癌和年龄≥50岁妇女的发病风险显著相关, OR值分别为1.69(95%CI=1.03~2.79)和1.71(95% CI=1.14~2.57); 对MMP-2 C-1306T、C-735T 2个SNPs的单体型分析显示, 4种单体型频率(T_-1306-T_-735、T_-1306-C_-735、C_-1306-T_-735和C_-1306-C_-735)在两组间分布无显著差异(P=0.24); 虽然TIMP-2 G-418C SNP的等位基因及基因型频率在卵巢癌组与对照组间分布无显著性差异(P=0.33和P=0.47), 但以病理类型分层分析显示, 携带TIMP-2 G-418G/G基因型有增加宫内膜样癌发病风险的趋势(OR=1.62, 95%CI=0.94~2.78)。以上结果提示, MMP-2基因启动子区C-735T SNP的C/C基因型可能是卵巢上皮性癌发病的潜在危险因素, 而C-1306T SNP可能与卵巢上皮性癌的发病风险无关; TIMP-2 G-418C SNP可能与不同病理类型的卵巢上皮性癌发病风险有关。     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">MBL2</Emphasis> gene polymorphisms in HHV-8 infection in people living with HIV/AIDS

Background

Host genetic factors such as MBL2 gene polymorphisms cause defects in the polymerization of MBL protein and result in a functional deficiency and/or in low serum levels that can influence susceptibility to various viral infections. The aim of this study was to estimate the frequency of alleles, genotypes and haplotypes related to -550, -221 and exon 1 polymorphisms of the MBL2 gene and investigate their association with HHV-8 in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), as well as the impacts on CD4 cell count and HIV viral load in HIV/HHV-8 coinfected and HIV monoinfected patients.

Results

A cross sectional study in PLWHA, with and without HHV-8 infection, exploring associations between different factors, was performed in the outpatient infectious and parasitic diseases clinic at a referral hospital. Genomic DNA extractions from leukocytes were performed using a commercial Wizard^® Genomic DNA Purification kit (Promega, Madison, WI). The promoter region (-550 and -221) was genotyped with the TaqMan system (Applied TaqMan Biosystems^® genotyping Assays), and the structural region (exon1) was genotyped with Express Sybr Greener Supermix kit (Invitrogen, USA). In total, 124 HIV/HHV-8 coinfected and 213 HIV monoinfected patients were analysed. Median TCD4 counts were significantly lower in HIV/HHV-8 coinfected patients, whereas the mean of the first and last viral load of HIV did not present significant difference. There was no difference in frequency between the LL, YY and AA genotypes between the HIV/HHV-8 coinfected or HIV monoinfected patients. However, in a multivariate analysis, coinfected patients with the intermediate expression haplotype of the MBL2 gene had an odds ratio of 3.1-fold (CI?=?1.2–7.6) of their last CD4 cell count being below 350 cells/mm³. Among the coinfected individuals, four developed KS and presented the intermediate expression MBL haplotype, with three being HYA/LXA and one being LYA/LYO.

Conclusions

Host genetic factors, such as -550, -221 and exon 1 polymorphisms, can be related to the may modify coinfections and/or to the development clinical manifestations caused by HHV-8, especially in HIV/HHV-8 coinfected patients who present the intermediate expression haplotypes of MBL.

     

Mannose binding lectin genotypes influence recovery from hepatitis B virus infection

Mannose binding lectin (MBL) is a central component of the innate immune response and thus may be important for determining hepatitis B virus (HBV) persistence. Since single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the gene encoding MBL (mbl2) alter the level of functional MBL, we hypothesized that mbl2 genotypes are a determinant of HBV persistence or recovery from viral infection. We tested this hypothesis by using a nested case control design with 189 persons with HBV persistence matched to 338 individuals who had naturally recovered from HBV infection. We determined genotypes of two promoter and three exon 1 SNPs in mbl2 and grouped these genotypes according to the amount of functional MBL production. We found that the promoter SNP -221C, which leads to deficient MBL production, was more common in those subjects with viral persistence (odds ratio [OR], 1.38; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01 to 1.89; P = 0.04). Those subjects homozygous for the combination of promoter and exon 1 genotypes associated with the highest amount of functional MBL had significantly increased odds of recovery from infection (OR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.37 to 0.84; P = 0.005). Conversely, those homozygous for the combination of promoter and exon 1 genotypes which produce the lowest amount of functional MBL were more likely to have viral persistence (OR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.02 to 3.01; P = 0.04). These data are consistent with the hypothesis that functional MBL plays a central role in the pathogenesis of acute hepatitis B.     

Mannose-binding lectin 1 haplotypes influence serum MBL-A concentration,complement activity,and milk production traits in Chinese Holstein cattle

Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is a member of the collectin protein family that binds a broad range of microorganisms and activates the lectin-complement pathway of innate immunity. MBL deficiency is associated with an increased risk for various infections and arises from five polymorphisms in the promoter and first exon of the MBL gene in humans. In this study, three novel single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the promoter region and two previously reported SNPs in exon 2 of the MBL1 gene were detected using PCR single-strand conformation polymorphism, restriction fragment length polymorphism, and DNA sequencing in 537 cattle from three Chinese breeds. Analysis of the genotypes and haplotypes was used to investigate the polymorphisms and their possible implications, especially their association with serum MBL-A levels, complement activity (CH50 and ACH50), and milk production traits was investigated. The g.2651G>A SNP in exon 2 affected the serum MBL-A concentrations and the serum CH50 values, whereas the g.−1330G>A SNP significantly affected CH50 and the somatic cell scores (SCSs). Statistical analysis revealed that cows with the ATGGC/ACAAC combined genotype and those with the AAGGT/ACGGT combined genotype exhibited the lowest and highest SCSs, respectively. Serum antibacterial activities were also conducted to verify the effect of the SNPs on resistance to mastitis pathogens. Results of real-time PCR showed that the liver of cows with clinical mastitis exhibited a higher MBL1 expression compared with healthy ones (P < 0.05). Findings of this study indicate that the MBL1 gene possibly contributes to bacterial infection resistance and can be used as a molecular marker of milk production traits to control mastitis.     

Mannose-binding lectin 2 polymorphisms do not influence frequency or type of infection in adults with chemotherapy induced neutropaenia

Background

Mannose-binding Lectin protein (MBL) has been suggested to be relevant in the defence against infections in immunosuppressed individuals. In a Swedish adult cohort immunosuppressed from both the underlying disease and from iatrogenic treatments for their underlying disease we investigated the role of MBL in susceptibility to infection.

Methods

In this cross sectional, prospective study, blood samples obtained from 96 neutropaenic febrile episodes, representing 82 individuals were analysed for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the MBL2 gene. Concurrent measurement of plasma MBL protein concentrations was also performed for observation of acute response during febrile episodes.

Findings

No association was observed between MBL2 genotype or plasma MBL concentrations, and the type or frequency of infection. Adding to the literature, we found no evidence that viral infections or co-infections with virus and bacteria would be predisposed by MBL deficiency. We further saw no correlation between MBL2 genotype and the risk of fever. However, fever duration in febrile neutropaenic episodes was negatively associated with MBL2 SNP mutations (p<0.05). Patients with MBL2 SNP mutations presented a median febrile duration of 1.8 days compared with 3 days amongst patients with wildtype MBL2 genotype.

Interpretation

We found no clear association between infection, or infection type to MBL2 genotypes or plasma MBL concentration, and add to the reports casting doubts on the benefit of recombinant MBL replacement therapy use during iatrogenic neutropaenia.     

68例维吾尔族IgA肾病患者MBL基因多态性与临床病理相关性分析

目的探讨甘露糖结合凝集素（mannose—binding lectin,MBL）基因第54位密码子多态性与维吾尔族IgA肾病患者临床和病理的关系。方法应用PCR—RFLP方法对68例维吾尔族IgAN患者进行MBL多态性检测,并与患者临床和病理特点进行相关性分析。结果①维吾尔族IgAN中表现为蛋白尿的患者突变型等位基因GAC的发生频率显著高于表现为单纯血尿的患者（P〈0．05）;②维吾尔族IgAN中表现为复合性免疫沉积的患者等位基因GAC的发生频率显著高于表现为单纯免疫沉积的患者（P〈0．05）。结论MBL突变型等位基因GAC与维吾尔族IgAN蛋白尿发生和免疫复合沉积相关。     

Association between promoter variants of interleukin-18 and schizophrenia in a Han Chinese population

An increasing amount of evidence suggests that interleukin-18 (IL-18) plays a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. However, association between single nucleotide polymorphism of IL-18 and the risk of schizophrenia has not been clarified. This study examined whether two promoter polymorphisms -137 G/C (rs187238) and -607 C/A (rs1946518) of IL-18 were associated with schizophrenia and six clinical symptoms (disorder of perception, thought disorder, disturbance of emotion, disorder of behavior and volition, suicide action, and aggressive action) to provide data for screening high-risk Han Chinese individuals. Three hundred seventy-two schizophrenic patients and 353 healthy controls from a Han Chinese population were examined to assess their genotype and allele frequencies of the two promoter polymorphisms of IL-18. The genotype distributions in both patients and controls were within Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. No significant differences were observed in the genotype or the allele frequencies of the two single-nucleotide polymorphisms between patients and controls. However, genotype frequencies of -607 C/A showed significant differences between patients and controls in the appearance of perception disorder (χ2 = 6.153, p = 0.046). A significant difference was detected in -137 G/C between patients and controls in the appearance of aggressive action (χ2 = 3.909, p = 0.048). In conclusion, IL-18 gene promoter polymorphisms may not contribute to the susceptibility of schizophrenia in a Han Chinese population, but two single-nucleotide polymorphisms, -137 G/C and -607 C/A, may play a role in the development of perception disorder and aggressive action, respectively.     

Role of Mannose-Binding Lectin Deficiency in HIV-1 and Schistosoma Infections in a Rural Adult Population in Zimbabwe

Background

Polymorphism in the MBL2 gene lead to MBL deficiency, which has been shown to increase susceptibility to various bacterial, viral and parasitic infections. We assessed role of MBL deficiency in HIV-1 and schistosoma infections in Zimbabwean adults enrolled in the Mupfure Schistosomiasis and HIV Cohort (MUSH Cohort).

Methods

HIV-1, S. haematobium and S. mansoni infections were determined at baseline. Plasma MBL concentration was measured by ELISA and MBL2 genotypes determined by PCR. We calculated and compared the proportions of plasma MBL deficiency, MBL2 structural variant alleles B (codon 54A>G), C (codon 57A>G), and D (codon 52T>C) as well as MBL2 promoter variants -550(H/L), -221(X/Y) and +4(P/Q) between HIV-1 and schistosoma co-infection and control groups using Chi Square test.

Results

We assessed 379 adults, 80% females, median age (IQR) 30 (17–41) years. HIV-1, S. haematobium and S. mansoni prevalence were 26%, 43% and 18% respectively in the MUSH baseline survey. Median (IQR) plasma MBL concentration was 800μg/L (192-1936μg/L). Prevalence of plasma MBL deficiency was 18% with high frequency of the C (codon 57G>A) mutant allele (20%). There was no significant difference in median plasma MBL levels between HIV negative (912μg/L) and HIV positive (688μg/L), p = 0.066. However plasma MBL levels at the assay detection limit of 20μg/L were more frequent among the HIV-1 infected (p = 0.007). S. haematobium and S. mansoni infected participants had significantly higher MBL levels than uninfected. All MBL2 variants were not associated with HIV-1 infection but promoter variants LY and LL were significantly associated with S. haematobium infection.

Conclusion

Our data indicate high prevalence of MBL deficiency, no evidence of association between MBL deficiency and HIV-1 infection. However, lower plasma MBL levels were protective against both S. haematobium and S. mansoni infections and MBL2 promoter and variants LY and LL increased susceptibility to S. haematobium infection.     

免疫基因多态性与衰老和增龄相关疾病关系

衰老是进行性的、多细胞普遍存在的、不可逆的功能减退状态。免疫衰老主要表现为造血干细胞再生和淋巴系分化能力下降、机体对感染和疫苗的反应减弱、对炎症反应的放大和自身的免疫反应增加, 与衰老和增龄相关疾病密切相关。免疫基因变异, 影响机体免疫反应, 可加速或延缓衰老和增龄相关疾病。获得性免疫基因, 如对自身免疫性疾病起保护性作用的HLA II 抗原基因DRB1*11和DRB*16相关的单倍型在长寿老人频率增加。抗炎因子IL-10-1082G等位基因频率和TGFβ1单倍型cnd10T/C、cnd25G/G、-988C/C、-800G/A频率的下降, 促炎因子TNFα低表达相关的扩展的TNF-A基因型-1031C/C、-863C/A、-857C/C、IL-6-174 CC基因型, 和IFN-γ+874 T等位基因频率减少与免疫炎症反应易感性, 衰老相关疾病的发病率和死亡率正相关。固有免疫基因, 如高频表达抗炎的+896 G KIR4等位基因、CCR5Δ32突变、-765 C Cox-2等位基因、-1708 G和21 C 5-Lox等位基因多见于长寿老人。KIR 单倍型 KIR2DS5、A1B10减少, MBL2表达缺乏的单倍型LYPB、LYQC 和HYPD增加的老年人常伴有较高血清CMV抗体滴度。高频出现的CRP ATG单倍型和CFH 402 His 等位基因预示老年人高死亡率风险。文章对固有和获得性免疫基因多态性、单倍体与衰老及衰老相关疾病关系进展进行综述。加强分析扩展的单倍型、表观遗传学和造血干细胞衰老的遗传学研究将有助于更好地理解衰老和长寿的免疫遗传学基础。     

Promoter variants of the human mannose-binding lectin gene show different binding

Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) levels in the plasma of humans are highly variable. The level is influenced by gene mutations in exon1 and the promoter. Here we describe the distribution of three point mutations linked with a deletion in the MBL gene promoter in populations of Central Africa, Thailand, and Papua New Guinea. Among African children we find 20% with the wild-type allele, 53% are heterozygous, and 27% are homozygous for the mutation. In Thailand we find 65% with the wild-type allele, 33% are heterozygous, and 2% are homozygous for the variant. In Papua New Guinea the polymorphism is not found. The occurrence of the mutation was associated with MBL levels in the plasma (P = 0.043). Oligonucleotides derived from the variant promoter regions bind proteins differently according to their DNA sequence. The binding of proteins can be influenced by induction with interleukin-6.     

Genetic polymorphism of interleukin-8 (IL-8) is associated with Helicobacter pylori-induced duodenal ulcer

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Helicobacter pylori infection almost invariably causes chronic gastritis, but only a proportion of the infected subjects develop peptic ulcers. The local inflammation associated with H. pylori infection is characterized by an increased production of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1-B, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-alpha. Since such cytokine production is often determined by the genetic polymorphism of regions regulating cytokine gene expression, we investigated the relationship between TNF-alpha and IL-8 polymorphisms and the development of duodenal ulcer disease. We also sought a correlation between the promoter polymorphism of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) receptor CD14 and the formation of peptic ulcer, because CD14 plays a crucial role in the initiation of the cytokine cascade. METHODS: Genomic DNA extracted from the peripheral blood of 69 patients with H. pylori-positive duodenal ulcer disease and 47 H. pylori-positive healthy controls was analyzed for TNF-alpha -308 promoter polymorphism by RFLP, and for IL-8 -251 polymorphism by ARMS. Genetic polymorphism within the promoter of the CD14 gene was identified using the LightCycler instrument via melting point analysis. RESULTS: No significant correlation could be revealed between the TNF-alpha and CD14 promoter polymorphisms and the clinical outcome of H. pylori infection. The IL-8 A/T heterozygote mutant variant was detected with a significantly higher frequency (65.22%) among the ulcer patients than among the healthy, H. pylori-positive blood donors (36.17%), while the frequency of the normal allelic genotype (TT) was significantly higher in the control group (44.6% vs 15.9%). CONCLUSION: Analysis of the genetic predisposition to enhanced cytokine production revealed a significant association only for the IL-8 polymorphism. This observation draws attention to the possible importance of IL-8 polymorphism as a genetic predisposing factor in the pathomechanism of H. pylori-induced duodenal ulcer disease, and to the relative protection from duodenal ulcer disease that is associated with the TT genotype.     

云南汉族人群5-羟色胺转运体基因启动子区多态性与酒精依赖的相关性

为了探讨云南汉族人群中5-羟色胺转运体基因启动子区多态性(5-HTTLPR)与酒精依赖的关联性, 文章采用PCR扩增和DNA测序技术, 对云南地区118例酒精依赖患者和214例健康对照个体进行了5-HTTLPR的基因多态性分析。结果表明: 酒精依赖患者组和正常对照组的5-HTTLPR的基因型分布存在显著性差异, L/L和L/S基因的携带者人群嗜酒发生率显著低于S/S基因型人群(OR: 0.581, P=0.026)。S和L等位基因频率在两组间无统计学差异(χ²=2.594, P=0.107), 但其分布存在种族差异性。因此, 云南地区人群中5-HTTLPR多态与酒精依赖存在相关性, L/L和L/S基因型可能是降低酒精依赖发病的影响因子之一。     

Populationwide Investigation of Two Indel Polymorphisms at the Prion Protein Gene in Polish Holstein�CFriesian Cattle

The allele, genotype, and haplotype frequencies among 837 Polish Holstein-Friesian cattle were determined at two regulatory indel polymorphisms of the PRNP gene. Allele frequencies at the 23 bp indel promoter polymorphism were 0.622 (del) and 0.378 (ins), with 0.613 and 0.387 in sires and 0.633 and 0.366 in dams. Allele frequencies at the 12 bp indel intron polymorphism were 0.527 (del) and 0.473 (ins), with 0.529 and 0.471 in sires and 0.543 and 0.456 in dams. Four haplotypes were identified in this population (23-12del, 23-12ins, 23del-12ins, and 23ins-12del). Haplotype 23-12del occurred most frequently in both sire and dam groups. Comparative analysis of Polish Holstein-Friesian and German Holstein populations revealed a similar genetic structure for the 23 bp indel polymorphism and a significantly different one for the 12 bp indel polymorphism. In allele and haplotype analysis, significant differences were observed between the Polish Holstein-Friesian population and a BSE-free German Holstein population.     

Interleukin-1beta and receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) gene polymorphisms and the prediction of the risk of end-stage renal disease.

Cytokines play an important role in the pathogenesis of kidney disease and its progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Inflammation is regulated by the genes of the interleukin 1 (IL-1) gene cluster. Therefore, it was hypothesized that a polymorphism in this gene cluster may be associated with the risk of ESRD. Polymorphisms in the IL-1 gene cluster were examined in a cohort of 222 ESRD patients and 206 controls of similar ethnicity. These individuals were genotyped for IL-1 beta (promoter -511 and exon-5 +3953) genes and a variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) in the IL-1 receptor antagonist gene (IL-1Ra). There was significant difference in genotype frequencies between ESRD patients and control group for IL-1beta (promoter region and exon-5) and IL-1Ra gene polymorphism (p < 0.001, 0.006 and < 0.001, respectively). A significant difference was observed in IL-1Ra for 1/1 (410/410) and 1/2 (410/240) genotypes, and the risk for ESRD was higher in those carrying the 1/1 genotype (p = 0.014, OR = 1.692, and p < 0.001, OR = 0.163). Also identified was a novel, rare allele of a single copy of 86 bp in ESRD patients as compared with the controls. The haplotype 'T-E2-1' frequency distribution between patients and controls revealed greater than threefold risk (p = 0.001, OR = 3.572, 95% CI = 1.589-8.032). Genetic linkage between the IL-1beta promoter region and exon-5 and between the IL-1beta promoter and IL-1Ra of IL-1 gene demonstrated a strong association among the variants in controls (D' = 0.42, p < 0.001, and D' = 0.39, p=0.001). Thus, the three polymorphisms within the IL-1 cluster are associated with ESRD. This finding is perhaps one of the strongest associations between genotype and ESRD reported, and it suggests that the IL-1 gene cluster affects the risk of development of ESRD.     

Restricted polymorphisms of the mannose-binding lectin gene in a population of Papua New Guinea

The human mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is an important protein of the innate immune system. MBL is able to eliminate potential pathogens by activating the complement cascade or by opsonisation. We investigated the gene and promoter region of MBL in a population from Papua New Guinea infected with Plasmodium falciparum parasites and measured the appropriate serum concentrations of these individuals. Their serum levels of MBL, detected by ELISA, showed a wide range with concentrations between 632 and 7325 microg/l MBL. A known polymorphism in exon 1 at codon 54 causing an amino acid exchange from Gly to Asp occurred with a low frequency of 3%. Additional to the previously reported polymorphisms in the gene and promoter region of MBL, two novel polymorphic sites were found in the promoter region. One site was in the untranslated region of the MBL gene at position +1 (G-->A, termed R/S), and the second was located upstream of the gene at position -4 (G-->A, termed T/U).