Biochemical association between the prevalence of genetic polymorphism and myocardial infarction

Genetic polymorphism has a vital role in the pathogenesis and development of myocardial infarction(MI).Single nucleotide polymorphism at any one of the amino acid sequences can result in a diseased state.A single gene can exhibit genetic polymorphism at more than one position giving rise to different variants.Genetic polymorphism of angiotensinogen(AGT)M235T,AGT T174M,and angiotensin-1-converting enzyme(ACE)I/D,endothelial nitric oxide synthase(eNOS),and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase(MTHFR)can be a risk factor for MI.However,it is important to study the prevalence of genetic polymorphisms of these genes among different populations.MI is influenced by genetic polymorphism of various genes,including AGT,ACE,eNOS,MTHFR,etc.However,the association of genetic polymorphism of these genes varies among different populations,but different ethnic groups could show contradictory results.These genes have shown a positive association with risks of MI in some populations,whereas the results have not been consistent with every ethnic group.In this article,we have summarized the genetic variations in the aforementioned genes and their association with MI.

Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist:From synthesis to therapeutic applications

The cytokine channel’s mechanism for self-regulation involves the application of antagonistic cytokines that are synthesized to connect to the receptors and release soluble cytokine receptors.The very first receptor antagonist of cytokine that was naturally present was interleukin-1 receptor antagonist(IL-1Ra).The IL-1Ra protein forms are disinfected from supernatants of cultured monocytes on stacked IgG.The family of IL-1 consists of IL-1α,IL-1βand IL-1Ra.Human monocytes regulate the production of IL-Ra.IL-Ra takes part in normal physiological functions by using specific antibodies,and acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.IL-Ra is synthesized in the tissues during the period of active disease and can be systematically measured and/or estimated.Maintenance of the levels of IL-Ra and IL-1 is the main factor for host resistance in patients during diseased conditions,as IL-Ra acts as an inherent regulator of various inflammatory responses.In this article,we focuse on how IL-Ra is synthesized and performs its functions once the inflammatory responses are activated.

Morin attenuates L-arginine induced acute pancreatitis in rats by downregulating myeloperoxidase and lipid peroxidation

Objective:To explore the therapeutic role of morin against L-arginine-induced acute pancreatitis in rats.Methods:The group 1 received two intraperitoneal injections of normal saline,and groups 2-4 were given two intraperitoneal injections of L-arginine(250 mg/100 g body weight)at 1 h interval to induce acute pancreatitis.Subsequently,group 2 received no further treatment while groups 3 and 4 were treated with morin(30 mg/kg)and diclofenac sodium(30 mg/kg),respectively.Blood glucose and serum levels of insulin,α-amylase,malondialdehyde,myeloperoxidase,alanine aminotransferase,aspartate aminotransferase and cholesterol were measured.Moreover,histopathological study was carried out to investigate the effect of morin treatment on physiology of the pancreas.Results:L-arginine significantly altered the level of blood glucose and serum levels of insulin,α-amylase,malondialdehyde,myeloperoxidase,alanine aminotransferase,aspartate aminotransferase and cholesterol.Treatment with morin or diclofenac sodium significantly improved the levels of these biomarkers.Furthermore,morin showed more significant effect than diclofenac sodium.Histopathological analysis verified that morin protected the pancreas from deleterious effects of L-arginine.Conclusions:Morin plays a protective role against L-arginineinduced acute pancreatitis via reducing lipid peroxidation and tissue inflammation,and attenuating acute pancreatitis-associated alteration in insulin secretion and glucose metabolism.

Assessment of urinary concentration of cotinine in Chinese pregnant women exposed to environmental tobacco smoke

Environmental tobacco smoke(ETS)is a wellknown reason of many adverse health consequences in pregnant women.Exposure of ETS during pregnancy may increase the risk of some fetal diseases in pregnant women and/or birth defects in neonates.Many countries have implemented laws to control smoking and free of second hand smoke in all enclosed workplaces.In China,antismoking law was enforced in March 2010.We aimed to assess the exposure of pregnant women to cotinine after anti-smoking law was implemented in China.The urine samples were collected from 2,100 volunteers from Zhejiang Province,China and urinary concentration of cotinine was measured using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry.Cotinine was detected in 87%of the pregnant women.The GM and 95th percentile concentration inpregnant women were 4.28 and 44.00 lg/L,respectively.Similarly,the GM and 95th concentration of cotinine were significantly higher in smoking group than in non-smoking group(P\0.0001).Our results indicate that pregnant women in China are at the high risk of exposure ETS.Further attempts are required to make strategies to find out the sources of ETS exposure and prevent smoking at public places especially during pregnancy.