Phylogenetic Relationship and Molecular Divergence Dating Using SRY Gene Polymorphism about Four Ladoum Sheep Lineages in Senegal

Animal genetic resources are playing a vital role in livestock production and are essential to food security. The present study aims to contribute to a better understanding genetic local sheep breeds and to elucidate the phylogenetic relationships through the evolution of the SRY gene in four different lineages of Ladoum sheep raised in Senegal. After a brief analysis of genetic diversity, the phylogenetic relationships and molecular dating were inferred through haplotype networks and four phylogenetic reconstruction methods. The different haplotype networks are constructed with NETWORK ver. 5.0.0.0 using the Median-Joining method. Phylogenetic trees were reconstructed using neighbor-joining, maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference. The robustness of the nodes in phylogenetic trees of the three first methods was assessed by 1000 bootstraps. For Bayesian inference, the posterior probability distribution of the trees was estimated by 4 MCMC chains. 5,000,000 generations were performed for each of the chains by sampling the different parameters every 1000 generations. Results show a low polymorphism. Haplotypic diversity is much higher than the average nucleotide divergence between all pairs of haplotypes. The majority and central haplotype indicates a close relationship between “Batling” and “Tyson” individuals. “Birahim” lineage is very distinct from the rest. Phylogenetic trees confirm two genetically separate clades between “Birahim” and the other lineages. The period of divergence between “Birahim” lineage versus the common ancestor of the other three lineages was 2504 years ago. The polyphyly revealed in “Birahim” lindicates that this lineage does not contain the common ancestor of all individuals who compose it. It could therefore be derived from two or more sheep breeds with a common ancestor, Ovis aries. The monophyletic clade appears to be a group including a common ancestor and all of its genetic descendants. This group, bringing together the other three lineages, is in the process of being structured into sub-lineages. This study is the first to show that there are only two genetic lines within ladoum sheep in Senegal.

A Novel Genetic Polymorphism and Its Genetic Effects of Porcine Heart Fatty Acid-Binding(H-FABP)Gene in Intron 1

[Objective] The aim was to provide basic reference for the use of H-FABP gene in marker-assisted selection of the breeding process of pig.[Method] Single-nucleotide polymorphisms of the H-FABP gene in Shanxi White pig,Mashen pig,Large White pig,Landrace and Duroc were tested by PCR-SSCP,and the correlation between genotype and intramuscular fat content in pigs were analyzed.[Result] One polymorphism was found in the amplified region of intron 1 of porcine H-FABP gene,in which two alleles（A and B）and three genotypes（AA,AB,and BB）were examined.C→T transition was detected by sequencing the homozygotes.The multiple comparison of the distribution of genotype in different pig varieties revealed that Mashen pig showed extremely significant difference（P0.01）in genotype distribution with Shanxi White,Landrace,Large White and Duroc breeds;whereas no significant differences（P0.05）were found in genotype distribution between other breeds.Based on the fixed effect model,extremely significant differences（P 0.01）were found in the intramuscular fat content among different H-FABP genotypes.Using least square analysis,it was found that there was significant differences（P 0.05）in the intramuscular fat content between the individuals of the BB genotypes and those of the AA genotypes.[Conclusion] The H-FABP genotype had significant effects on the meat quality.

Genetic Polymorphism of Eighteen Lycium barbarum Resources Based on nrDNA ITS Sequence

[Objective] The study aimed to investigate the genetic polymorphism of eighteen Lycium barbarum resources via nrDNA ITS sequencing. [Method] The genomic DNAs from Lycium barbarum leaves were isolated by modified CTAB method for PCR amplification on the nrDNA ITS region using specifically synthesized primers; the amplified fragments were cloned and sequenced, then the sequencing results were clustered. [Result] nrDNA ITS sequences of the tested eighteen Lycium barbarum were firstly obtained in the present study. For all eighteen tested materials, the variation range of whole ITS region was 559-634 bp, with an average of 612 bp; alignment analyses showed that the whole length of internal transcribed spacer (ITS1+ITS2) was 480 bp, within which there are 194 variation sites (accounting for 40.4%) and 286 conserved sites (accounting for 59.6%). The cluster results showed that the eighteen tested materials could be grouped into three classes. [Conclusion] Analysis of nrDNA ITS sequence may avail to identify the Lycium barbarum germplasm resources.

Cytochrome P450 2E1 genetic polymorphism and gastric cancer in Changle,Fujian Province

AIM: Genetic polymorphism in enzymes of carcinogen metabolism has been found to have the influence on the susceptibility to cancer. Cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) is considered to play an important role in the metabolic activation of procarcinogens such as N-nitrosoamines and low molecular weight organic compounds. The purpose of this study is to determine whether CYP450 2E1 polymorphisms are associated with risks of gastric cancer. METHODS: We conducted a population based case-control study in Changle county, Fujian Province, a high-risk region of gastric cancer in China. Ninety-one incident gastric cancer patients and ninety-four healthy controls were included in our study. Datas including demographic characteristics, diet intake, and alcohol and tobacco consumption of individuals in our study were completed by a standardized questionnaire.PCR-RFLP revealed three genotypes:heterozygote (C1/C2) and two homozygotes (C1/C1 and C2/C2) in CYP2E1. RESULTS: The frequency of variant genotypes (C1/C2 and C2/C2) in gastric cancer cases and controls was 36.3% and 24.5%, respectively. The rare homozygous C2/C2 genotype was found in 6 individuals in gastric cancer group(6.6%), whereas there was only one in the control group (1.1%). However, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (two-tailed Fisher's exact test P=0.066). Individuals in gastric cancer group were more likely to carry genotype C1/C2 (odds ratio, OR=1.50) and C2/C2 (OR=7.34) than individuals in control group (chi(2) =4.597, for trend P=0.032). The frequencies of genotypes with the C2 allele (C1/C2 and C2/C2 genotypes) were compared with those of genotypes without C2 allele (C1/C1 genotype) among individuals in gastric cancer group and control group according to the pattern of gastric cancer risk factors. The results show that individuals who exposed to these gastric cancer risk factors and carry the C2 allele seemed to have a higher risk of developing gastric cancer. CONCLUSION: Polymorphism of CYP2E1 gene may have some effect in the development of gastric cancer in Changle county, Fujian Province.

Characterization of Genetic Polymorphism of Novel MHC B-LBⅡ Alleles in Chinese Indigenous Chickens

Genetic polymorphism of the major histocompatibility complex （MHC） B-LBⅡ gene was studied by amplification of exon 2 using PCR, followed by cloning and DNA sequencing in eight indigenous Chinese chicken populations. To reveal the genetic variation of the B-LB Ⅱ gene, 37 types of patterns detected by PCR-SSCP were investigated first, which would be used to screen novel B-LB Ⅱsequences within the breeds. The types of PCR-SSCP patterns and final sequencing allowed for the identification of 31 novel MHC B-LBⅡ alleles from 30 unrelated individuals of Chinese chickens that were sampled. These are the first designators for the alleles of chicken MHC B-LBⅡ gene based on the rule of assignment for novel mammalian alleles. Sequence alignment of the 31 B-LB Ⅱ alleles revealed a total of 68 variable sites in the fragment of exon 2, of which 51 parsimony informative and 17 singleton variable sites were observed. Among the polymorphic sites, the nucleotide substitutions in the first and second positions of the codons accounted for 36.76% and 35.29%, respectively. The sequence similarities between the alleles were estimated to be 90.6%-99.5%. The relative frequencies of synonymous and nonsynonymous nucleotide substitutions within the region were 2.92%±0.94% and 14.64%±2.67%, respectively. These results indicated that the genetic variation within exon 2 appeared to have largely arisen by gene recombination and balancing selection. Alignment of the deduced amino acid sequences of the β1 domain coded by exon 2 revealed 6 synonymous mutations and 27 nonsynonymous substitutions at the 33 disparate sites. In particular, the nonsynonymous substitutions at the putative peptide-binding sites are considered to be associated with immunological specificity of MHC B-LB Ⅱ molecule in Chinese native chickens. These results can provide a molecular biological basis for the study of disease resistance in chicken breeding.

Genetic Polymorphism of Wheat by IRAP Analysis Based on Retrotransposon Wis2-1 A

[Objective] To analyze genetic polymorphism of different species of wheat. [Method] The DNA of young seedlings from 21 species of wheat was isolated,and their genetic polymorphism was analyzed by inter-retrotransposon amplified polymorphism （IRAP） using a molecule marker technology based on wheat retrotransposon Wis2-1 A. [Result] As shown by clustering map of the electrophoresis results,19 species of wheat assembled as cluster with different genetic distance. Most of the wheat species were distinguished. The genetic polymorphism among different species of wheat could be evaluated by this method objectively. [Conclusion] The analysis of IRAP based on wheat retrotransposon Wis2-1A could give a basis for breeding of wheat.

Genetic Polymorphism of Ten Microsatellites in Two Goat Breeds and Its Relationship with Heterosis

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the genetic diversity of Macheng black goat and its correlation with heterosis.[Method] Ten microsatellite markers were selected for polymorphism investigation and statistical analysis of Boer goat and Macheng black goat populations.[Result] The results showed that totally 175 alleles were found in 10 microsatellite loci; to be specific,the maximum number of detected alleles was 23,and the minimum number was 10; the effective number of alleles （Ne） was 6.4-18.1,with absolute difference value of 1.6-8.1 from the observed number of alleles.The highest gene frequency was 0.239 1 and the lowest was 0.002 7.The polymorphic information contents of all the ten microsatellite markers were above 0.95.The observed heterozygosity （Ho） ranged from 0.616 7 to 0.984 4 and the expected heterozygosity （He） ranged from 0.844 1 to 0.944 6.The average expected heterozygosity of Boer goat and Macheng black goat was respectively 0.894 0 and 0.906 7.Various body weight and body size indices of Boer goatxMacheng black goat hybrids were improved in varying degrees compared with Macheng black goat （with an increase range of 0.32％-30.06％）.The average heterosis rates of body height and chest girth were relatively high,while average heterosis rate of body weight was relatively low.[Conclusion] The genetic distance between Boer goat and Macheng black goat was 0.379 5,which is consistent with the geographical distribution of Boer goat and Macheng black goat populations and is fully relevant to the heterosis of Boer goat × Macheng black goat hybrids,indicating that investigating polymorphism via microsatellite loci is one of the feasible means to predict and analyze heterosis between varieties.

Studies on Genetic Polymorphism of Different Biotypeswith RAPD Analysis1

In the present paper, RAPD was used to study the genetic polymorphism of fisheswith different genome combinations. Our results indicated that four of the 26 random primersproduced distinct and reproducible electrophoretic patterns which were genome-specific andcould distinguish different biotypes. This enabled us to derive a diagnostic profile, from whichwe constructed a molecular marker key for different biotypes. By the analysis of the data ofRAPD patterns, the genetic relationship was constructed with UPGMA (unweighted pair-groupmethod with arithmetical averages). Our experiments also concluded that RAPD was moresuccessful in variety identification than protein polymorphism analysis and serohematology for itstechnological simplicity and sensitivity.

Genetic screening of liver cancer:State of the art

Liver cancer,primarily hepatocellular carcinoma,remains a global health challenge with rising incidence and limited therapeutic options.Genetic factors play a pivotal role in the development and progression of liver cancer.This state-of-the-art paper provides a comprehensive review of the current landscape of genetic screening strategies for liver cancer.We discuss the genetic underpinnings of liver cancer,emphasizing the critical role of risk-associated genetic variants,somatic mutations,and epigenetic alterations.We also explore the intricate interplay between environmental factors and genetics,highlighting how genetic screening can aid in risk stratification and early detection via using liquid biopsy,and advancements in high-throughput sequencing technologies.By synthesizing the latest research findings,we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art genetic screening methods for liver cancer,shedding light on their potential to revolutionize early detection,risk assessment,and targeted therapies in the fight against this devastating disease.

Genetic polymorphism of CYP2A6 is one of the potential factors determining tobacco-related cancer risk

While we studied pharmacokinetics of SM-12502 which was under development as an anti-PAF agent, we found three subjects showing a slow metabolic phenotype in its pharmacokinetics. Analyzing the genes for CYP2A6 from the three subjects, we discovered that the three subjects possessed the whole CYP2A6 gene deletion (CYP2A6*4C), a novel genetic polymorphism of the CYP2A6 gene. Genetically engineered Salmonella YG7108 cells expressing human CYP2A6 or CYP2E1 together with the NADPH-CYP reductase were established in our laboratory to compare the mutagen-producing capacity of these enzymes for various N-nitrosamines. We found that CYP2E1 was responsible for the metabolic activation of N-nitrosamines with relatively short alkyl chains, whereas CYP2A6 was involved in the metabolic activation of N-nitrosamines possessing relatively bulky alkyl chains such as a tobacco-specific nitrosamine, NNK, which has been known to cause lung tumor in rodents. Thus, to examine a hypothesis that individuals possessing the CYP2A6*4C have the reduced risk of lung cancer due to the lack of the capacity of the metabolic activation of certain carcinogens in tobacco smoke, a case-control study was performed.

Genetic polymorphism of glutathione S-transferase T1 gene and susceptibility to idiopathic azoospermia or oligospermia in northwestern China

Aim： To investigate the association of glutathione S-transferase T1 （GSTT1） gene polymorphism in patients with idiopathic azoospermia or oligospermia in the northwestern China population. Methods： In the case-control study, GSTT1 genotypes were identified by multiplex polymerase chain reaction （PCR） with peripheral blood DNA samples from 78 patients with idiopathic azoospermia, 103 patients with idiopathic oligospermia and 156 age-matched controls with normal sperm concentration and motility, according to the criteria adapted from World Health Organization guidelines. All of the patients and controls were from northwestern China. Results： There is a significant association between GSTT1 null genotype with idiopathic azoospermia risk （odds ratio [OR]： 2.36, 95% confidence interval [CI]： 1.33-4.20, P = 0.003） or idiopathic oligospermia risk （OR： 2.00, 95% CI： 1.17-3.27, P = 0.010）. Conclusion： GSTT1 null genotype is a predisposing risk factor for sporadic idiopathic azoospermia or oligospermia in northwestern China. （Asian J Androl 2008 Mar; 10： 266-270）

Genetic polymorphism in pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a complex symptom-based disorder without established biomarkers or putative pathophysiology. IBS is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder which is defined as recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort that has at least two of the following symptoms for 3 d per month in the past 3 mo according to ROME III: relief by defecation, onset associated with a change in stool frequency or onset with change in appearance or form of stool. Recent discoveries revealed genetic polymorphisms in specific cytokines and neuropeptides may possibly influence the frequencies and severity of symptoms, as well as the therapeutic responses in treating IBS patients. This review gives new insights on how genetic determinations influence in clinical manifestations, treatment responses and potential biomarkers of IBS.

Genetic polymorphism and mRNA levels of cytochrome P450ⅡE1 and glutathione S-transferase P1 in patients with alcoholic liver disease in different nationalities

BACKGROUND:Alcohol abuse and dependence are major factors in the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver disease(ALD).Alcohol abuse is becoming an increasingly severe problem among the Han,Mongol,and Korean nationalities in northeast China.This study aimed to investigate the relationship between ALD and the genetic polymorphism and expression levels of two enzymes,cytochrome P450ⅡE1(CYPⅡE1)and glutathione S-transferase P1(GSTP1)in patients of three nationalities.METHODS:Peripheral blood was collected from 353 Chinese patients with ALD,300 alcohol dependent patients without liver disease(alcoholic),and 360 healthy controls.Each group included patients from the Han,Mongol and Korean nationalities.Real-time polymerase chain reaction(PCR)and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism(PCR-RFLP)were used.RESULTS:Regardless of nationality,patients who carried the rare CYPⅡE1 C2 and GSTP1 Val alleles were at higher risk of ALD.The frequency of C2 and Val in patients with ALD was respectively 50.00%and 26.98%in the Han,31.36%and 22.87%in the Mongol,and 45.87%and 22.02% in the Korean nationality.No significant differences were seen in the frequency of either C2 or Val alleles in ALD patients among the three nationalities.In each nationality,the frequency of both C2 and Val alleles was significantly higher in ALD compared to alcoholic and healthy controls.Except for nationality,the average mRNA levels of CYPⅡ E1 in ALD patients and healthy controls were 10.05%and 2.21%,respectively.The average mRNA levels of GSTP1 in ALD patients and healthy controls were 0.53%and 2.12%,respectively.The mRNA level of CYPⅡE1 was higher,and that of GSTP1 was lower in patients with ALD compared to the controls.CONCLUSIONS:Except for nationality,patients with ALD in this series tended to have a higher mRNA expression of CYPⅡE1 and to carry the C2 allele,and tended to have a lower mRNA expression of GSTP1 and to carry the Val allele.There is a causal relationship between the polymorphic alleles,which leads to different mRNA levels and the development of ALD.

Ethnic differences in genetic polymorphism associated with irritable bowel syndrome

Genetic polymorphism is associated with irritable bowel syndrome(IBS)in terms of susceptibility and clinical manifestations.Previous studies have shown that genetic polymorphism might play a key role in the onset and progression of IBS by modulating components of its pathogenesis such as the gut-brain axis,gastrointestinal motility,inflammatory activity,and immune status.Although underlying pathophysiological mechanisms have not been fully clarified,the potential ethnic differences that are present in worldwide genetic studies of IBS deserve attention.This review surveyed numerous studies focusing on IBSassociated single nucleotide polymorphisms,and investigated the ethnic disparities revealed by them.The results demonstrate the need for more attention on ethnic factors in IBS-related genetic studies.Taking ethnic backgrounds into accounts and placing emphasis on disparities potentially ascribed to ethnicity could help lay a solid and generalized foundation for transcultural,multi-ethnic,or secondary analyses in IBS,for example,a meta-analysis.Broader genetic studies considering ethnic factors are greatly needed to obtain a better understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms of IBS and to improve the prevention,intervention,and treatment of this disease.

Low-density lipoprotein receptor genetic polymorphism in chronic hepatitis C virus Egyptian patients affects treatment response

AIM: To correlate a genetic polymorphism of the low-density lipoprotein(LDL) receptor with antiviral responses in Egyptian chronic hepatitis C virus(HCV) patients.METHODS: Our study included 657 HCV-infected patients with genotype 4 who received interferonbased combination therapy. Patients were divided into two groups based on their response to therapy: 356 were responders, and 301 were non-responders. Patients were compared to 160 healthy controls. All patients and controls underwent a thorough physical examination, measurement of body mass index(BMI) and the following laboratory tests: serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, albumin, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, prothrombin time, prothrombin concentration, INR, complete blood count, serum creatinine, fasting blood sugar, HCV antibody, and hepatitis B surface antigen. All HCV patients were further subjected to the following laboratory tests: HCV-RNA using quantitative polymerase chain reaction(PCR), antinuclear antibodies, thyroid-stimulating hormone, an LDL receptor(LDLR) genotype study of LDLR exon8 c.1171G>A and exon-10 c.1413G>A using real-time PCR-based assays, abdominal ultrasonography, ultrasonographic-guided liver biopsy, and histopathological examination of liver biopsies. Correlations of LDL receptor polymorphisms with HAI, METAVIR score, presence of steatosis, and BMI were performed in all cases.RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in response rates between the different types of interferon used or LDLR exon10 c.1413G>A. However, there was a significant difference in the frequency of the LDL receptor exon8 c.1171G>A genotype between cases(AA: 25.9%, GA: 22.2%, GG: 51.9%) and controls(AA: 3.8%, GA: 53.1% and GG: 43.1%)(P < 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference in the frequency of the LDLR exon 8C:1171 G>A polymorphism between responders(AA: 3.6%, GA: 15.2%, GG: 81.2%) and nonresponders(AA: 52.2%, GA: 30.6%, GG: 17.2%)(P < 0.001). The G allele of LDL receptor exon8 c.1171G>A predominated in cases and controls over the A allele, and a statistically significant association with response to interferon was observed. The frequency of the LDLR exon8 c.1171G>A allele in non-responders was: A: 67.4% and G: 32.6 vs A: 11.2% and G: 88.8% in responders(P < 0.001). Therefore, carriers of the A allele exhibited a 16.4 times greater risk for nonresponse. There was a significant association between LDL receptors exon8 c.1171G>A and HAI(P < 0.011). There was a significant association between LDL receptors exon8 c.1171G>A and BMI. The mean BMI level was highest in patients carrying the AA genotype(28.7 ± 4.7 kg/m2) followed by the GA genotype(28.1 ± 4.8 kg/m2). The lowest BMI was the GG genotype(26.6 ± 4.3 kg/m2)(P < 0.001). The only significant associations were found between LDL receptors exon8 c.1171G>A and METAVIR score or steatosis(P < 0.001).CONCLUSION: LDL receptor gene polymorphisms play a role in the treatment response of HCV and the modulation of disease progression in Egyptiansinfected with chronic HCV.

Genetic Polymorphism of Milk Protein and Their Relationships with Milking Performances in Chinese Yak

The milk protein polymorphisms were typed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE)from 109 Maiwa and 100 Jiulong yaks, and the relationships among milk protein polymorphisms,milking traits and milk protein compositions were studied. The results showed thatβ-CN,κ-CN andα-La were monomorphic,αs1-CN andβ-Lg were polymorphic, the dominantgenes were αs1-CN D and β-Lg E,respectively. The frequencies of αs1-CN D were 0.8073and 0.6000 and β-Lg E were 0.9770 and 0.9700 in two populations respectively.The meanheterozygosities were 0.1021 and 0.1867 in two populations. No significant effects onmilking traits and milk protein compositions were observed except for αs1-CN locus onfat percentage in Jiulong yak.

CETP polymorphism confer genetic contribution to centenarians of Hainan,south of China

Objective:In this paper,we will discuss if the CETP polymorphism contributes to the centenarians in Hainan island.Methods:We tested the Taq IB and I405 V polymorphisms of CETP gene among 276 centenarians and 301 matched healthy individuals by AS-PCR and analyzed the data with SPSS software package(Version 19.0).Results:Our data indicated that allele B1 and V have the significant differences between centenarians and healthy control groups with P<0.001.Further analysis implied that genotypes B1B1(P<0.001,OR=0.148,95% CI=0.095-0.230) and VV(P<0.001 and OR=0.353,95% CI=0.237-0.525) were significantly different between centenarians and matched controls.The combination of B and V,such as B1B1-II(P<0.001,OR=0.128,95% CI=0.049-0.329),B1B1-IV(P<0.001,OR=0.115,95% CI=0.056-0.237),B1B2-VV(P<0.05,OR=0.534,95% CI=0.310-0.920),and B2B2-VV(P<0.001,OR=0.198,95% CI=0.086-0.453) have significant differences between centenarians and matched healthy individuals from Hainan.Conclusion:Our results implied that allele B1B1 and VV,as well as the combination B1B1-II,B1B1-IV,B1B2-VV and B2B2-VV may contribute to the longevity in centenarians of Hainan,south of China.

The genetic polymorphism of Plasmodium vivax genes in endemic regions of Thailand

Objective:To investigate the genetic polymorphism of Plasmodium vivax(P.vivax) PvCSP and PvMSP1 genes from field isolates at four endemic regions(North,East,West and South) of Thailand.Methods:The 152 P.vivax injected cases from dried blood spots were DMA extracted and confirmed by species-specific primer sets using multiplex PCR method.PvMSPI fragments F2 and F3:PvCSP were gcnotvped using RFLP-PCR method.Resuits:Totally amplified DNA which was multiple genotypes for PvMSP1 F2 and PvMSP1 F3 were 12.50%and 8.55%.respectively while PvCSP was 3.95%.The overall frequency of multiple genotypes was 25%.There were 12 allele tvpes of PvMSP1 F2 using AluI enzyme digestion and 8 size variations were found in P\MSP1 F3.The isolates from western region was highly genetic diverse when compare among all isolates.The predominant variant type of PvCSP gene was \ K2I0 type.Conclusions:The niulliple genotypes are common found in Thailand and it might hide the real genotype.PvCSP does not have extensive genetic diversity in this study.However.PvMSPI marker due to multiple genotypes is difficult In be analyzed.The multiple genotypes findings might stem from population migration and vector species findings.

POLYMORPHISM OF ANGIOTENSIN CONVERTING ENZYME GENE AND GENETIC SUSCEPTIBILITY TO ASTHMA WITH FAMILIAL AGGREGATION

Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) plays a key role in the metabolism of angiotensin Ⅱ (AT Ⅱ) and inactivation of bradykinins and tachykinins, which are potent bronchialconstrictors and mediators of inflammation asthma, and ACE is heavily expressed in the lungs. An insertion deletion (D/I) polymorphism of ACE gene has been shown to be associated with levels of ACE. We investigate whether the polymorphism of ACE gene is associated with asthma and bronchial responsiveness. Methods. A case control study was carried out in 50 asthmatics, 7 families with at least 2 asthmatic individuals, and 50 healthy subjects. The insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of ACE gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Methacholine brocho provocation and pulmonary function tests were performed in all asthmatics. Results. There was an higher gene frequency of DD genotype of ACE gene in asthmatic subjects and families individuals compared with healthy subjects (46%, 53% vs 16%, P<0 05; odd ratio 4 98). Anhigher prevalence of DD genotype of ACE was in patients with bronchial hyperresposiveness (BHR) (67%vs 33%, P<0 05; odd ratio 3 8). Accordingly, the mean values of FEV 1% and FEV 1/FVC were higher in asthmatics carrying non DD alleles than patients with DD genotype (73 78% vs 56 56%, P<0 05; 79 19% vs 69 29%, P<0 05, respectively). Conclusion. These results suggested that DD allele of ACE genotype was significantly involved in genetic susceptibility to asthma. DD genotype of ACE might be a risk factor for the degree of airway obstruction, it could also be implicated in pathogenesis of bronchial hyperresponsiveness.

Expression of multidrug resistance 1 gene and C3435T genetic polymorphism in peripheral blood of patients with intractable epilepsy

BACKGROUND： Increased expression of multidrug resistance 1 （MDR1） mRNA in peripheral blood of patients with intractable epilepsy is not due to epilepsy drugs, but epilepsy behavior. Monitoring MDR1 expression in peripheral blood is a target for MDR1 gene evaluation. OBJECTIVE： To investigate the influence of antiepileptic drugs and seizures on MDR expression in intractable epilepsy, and to analyze the genetic polymorphisms of C3435T in the MDRl gene. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： Factorial designs and comparative observations at the experimental center of the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University between October 2003 and October 2004. PARTICIPANTS： A total of 120 subjects were recruited from the epilepsy clinical department of the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao Medical College. Four groups （n = 30） were classified according to statistical factorial design： intractable epilepsy, treatment response, no treatment, and normal control groups. METHODS： One-step semi-quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction technology was used to test expressions of the MDR1 gene in 120 subjects. C3435T polymorphisms in intractable epilepsy group and normal control groups were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Expression of MDR1 mRNA in the four groups, and C3435T genetic polymorphisms in intractable epilepsy and normal control groups. RESULTS： MDRl gene expression was increased in the intractable epilepsy group, due to the factor seizures, but not the antiepileptic drugs. However, the interaction between the two factors was not statistically significant. Of the 30 subjects in the intractable epilepsy group, the following genotypes were exhibited： 3 （10%） C/C genotype, 9 （30%） C/T genotype, and 18 （60%） T/T genotype at the site of C3435T, while 4 （13%）, 10 （33%）, and 16 （53%） subjects were determined to express these genotypes in the normal control group, respectively. C and T allele frequency were 25% and 75% in the intractable epilepsy group, and 30% and 70% in the normal control group, respectively. However, there was no statistical difference between the groups. CONCLUSION： Results demonstrated that seizures, not antiepileptic drugs, induced MDR1 gene expression in intractable epilepsy. Genetic polymorphisms of C3435T in the MDR1 gene did not contribute to the development of multidrug resistance in patients with intractable epilepsy.