RANTES gene polymorphisms (-403G>A and -28C>G) associated with hepatitis B virus infection in a Saudi population

Besides the host immune response, genetic and environmental factors play crucial roles in the manifestation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. "Regulated on activation normal T-cell expressed and secreted" factor (RANTES) plays a vital role in CD4(+), CD8(+) T-lymphocyte and dendritic cell activation and proliferation in inflammation. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the RANTES gene are associated with several viral and non-viral diseases. Association studies have invariably indicated a lack of association between RANTES gene SNPs and HBV infection in ethnic populations, even though RANTES gene SNPs exhibit distinct ethnic distributions. Despite the high prevalence of HBV infections in Saudi Arabia, no studies have been made concerning a possible relationship between RANTES gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to and progression of HBV infection. We examined -403G>A and -28C>G RANTES gene variants in 473 healthy controls and 484 HBV patients in ethnic Saudi populations. Significant differences were found in the genotype and allele distributions of the SNPs between the controls and the HBV patients. Both SNPs were significantly linked to viral clearance in these subjects. Our data demonstrate for the first time in a Saudi population, a relationship between the RANTES gene polymorphisms and the clinical course of HBV infection and underscore the importance of evaluating the genetic background of the affected individual to determine how it may affect disease progression.     

Effects of glutamine supplementation on the immune status in weaning piglets with intrauterine growth retardation

Neonates with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) often suffer from impaired cellular immunity, and weaning may further aggravate adverse effects of IUGR on development and function of the immune system. In this study, we investigated effects of glutamine supplementation on immune status in the intestines of weaning pigs with IUGR, focusing on molecular mechanisms underlying altered immune response. Piglets with IUGR were weaned at 21 days of age and received orally 1.22 g alanine or 1 g glutamine per kg body weight every 12?h. Weight gain and intestinal weight of weaning piglets were increased by glutamine supplementation. Levels of serum IgG in piglets supplemented with glutamine were increased compared with Control piglets. The production of IL-1 and IL-8 in the serum and jejunum was decreased by glutamine supplementation, whereas the levels of IL-4 in the serum and the concentrations of IL-4 and IL-10 in the jejunum were increased. The expression of heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) in the jejunum was increased by glutamine supplementation, but the degradation of inhibitor?κB and the activity of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) were decreased. In conclusion, glutamine supplementation enhanced immune response in weaning piglets with IUGR. The effects of glutamine in IUGR are associated with increased Hsp70 expression and suppression of NF-κB activation.     

Beryllium in the environment: Whether fatal for plant growth?

Beryllium could be a threatening heavy metal pollutant in the agro-ecosystem that may severely affect the performance of crops. Beryllium is used in various industries to make nuclear weapons and reactors, aircraft and space vehicle structures, instruments, and X-ray machines, and its entry into the environment is alarming for the productivity and sustainability of the ecosystem. In this review, we present a contemporary synthesis of the existing data regarding the toxic effects of beryllium on toxicity on biochemical and physiological processes in plants. Moreover, uptake, translocation, and assimilation of beryllium and its interaction with some essential mineral elements are also discussed. Although limited data are available regarding biochemical responses of plants to beryllium toxicity, we tried to clarify some basic physiological and biochemical steps that can be hampered by beryllium in plants. We linked our hypothetical concepts with previous evidence and provide a comprehensive summary of all possible remediation strategies that can be used for plants. Overall, we hope this review will be beneficial due to its practical implications and research directions.     

Association of MicroRNA-196a2 Variant with Response to Short-Acting β2-Agonist in COPD: An Egyptian Pilot Study

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a multifactorial chronic respiratory disease, characterized by an obstructive pattern. Understanding the genetic predisposition of COPD is essential to develop personalized treatment regimens. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, endogenous, non-coding RNAs that modulate the expression levels of specific proteins based on sequence complementarity with their target mRNA molecules. Emerging evidences demonstrated the potential use of miRNAs as a disease biomarker. This pilot study aimed to investigate the association of the MIR-196a2 rs11614913 (C/T) polymorphism with COPD susceptibility, the clinical outcome and bronchodilator response to short-acting β₂-agonist. Genotyping of rs11614913 polymorphism was determined in 108 COPD male patients and 116 unrelated controls using real-time polymerase chain reaction technology. In silico target prediction and network core analysis were performed. COPD patients did not show significant differences in the genotype distribution (p = 0.415) and allele frequencies (p = 0.306) of the studied miRNA when compared with controls. There were also no associations with GOLD stage, dyspnea grade, disease exacerbations, COPD assessment test for estimating impact on health status score, or the frequency of intensive care unit admission. However, COPD patients with CC genotype corresponded to the smallest bronchodilator response after Salbutamol inhalation, the heterozygotes (CT) had an intermediate response, while those with the TT genotype showed the highest response (p < 0.001). In conclusion MIR-196a2 rs11614913 polymorphism is associated with the bronchodilator response of COPD in our sample of the Egyptian population, generating hypothesis of the potential use of MIR-196a2 variant as a pharmacogenetic marker for COPD.     

Evaluation of Antioxidant Activities of Ampelopsin and Its Protective Effect in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Oxidative Stress Piglets

The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant potential of ampelopsin (APS) by using various methods in vitro, as well as to determine effects of APS on LPS-induced oxidative stress in piglets. The results showed that APS exhibited excellent free radical scavenging by DPPH, ABTS, O₂•⁻, H₂O₂ and ferric reducing antioxidant power. Ampelopsin also protected pig erythrocytes against AAPH-induced apoptosis and hemolysis, decreased total superoxide dismutase activity, and increased lipid peroxidation. Furthermore the results demonstrated that APS enhanced the total antioxidant capacity and decreased the malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl contents in LPS-treated piglets. The results of the present investigation suggest that APS possesses a strong antioxidant activity and alleviates LPS-induced oxidative stress, possibly due to its ability to prevent reactive oxygen species.