Sonic hedgehog elevates N-myc gene expression in neural stem cells

Proliferation of neural stem cells is regulated by the secreted signaling molecule sonic hedgehog. In this study, neural stem cells were infected with recombinant adeno-associated virus expressing sonic hedgehog-N-enhanced green fluorescent protein. The results showed that overexpression of sonic hedgehog in neural stem cells induced the increased expression of Gill and N-myc, a target gene of sonic hedgehog. These findings suggest that N-myc is a direct downstream target of the sonic hedgehog signal pathway in neural stem cells. Sonic hedgehog and N-myc are important mediators of sonic hedgehog-induced proliferation of neural stem cells.

Expressions of myc and ras gene in human hepatocellular carcinoma by applying the double hybridization in situ

Objective: To establish a method of non-isotope double in situ hybridization in order to detect the expression of two kinds of oncogenes at single cell level simultaneously, and confirm the hypothesis of 'model of stepwise carcinogenesis'. Methods: The method of non-isotope double in situ hybridization was established with the digoxigenin (Dig) and biotin(Bio) labelled probes. The expression of two members of oncogenes of the myc and/or ras gene families (myc and N-ras, myc and K-ras, myc and H-ras, N-ras and K-ras , N-ras and H-ras, K-ras and H-ras) was further studied with the method in 10 cases of Chinese Hepatocellular Carcinomas (HCC). Results : Co-expression of two kinds of oncogenes was detected only in a few cases, reflected by coshowing two different hybridization signals ,i. e. , co-showing of Dig-myc and Bio-H-ras, Dig-myc and Bio-N-ras, Dig-myc and Bio-K-ras was observed in 2 cases, 2 cases and one case, respectively. The common characteristics were that positive cells of myc distributed diffusely, while positive cells of ras diatributed sporadically or locally among the positive cells of myc, and only a few cells exhibited co-showing of two oncogenes at single cell level. There were only 2 cases representing co-showing of two oncogenes in ras gene family (Dig-N-ras and bio-H-ras, Dig-N-ras and Bio-K-ras , respectively). The two kinds of positive cells of different ras gene represented mixed local and sporadical distribution, and co-showing of two signals was found in a few cells at single cell level. Conclusion: There are multiple oncogenes involving in tumorigenesis by their ordered activation. The activation of the ras gene family plays a role in promotion, while the activation of myc is an important event in late stage of tumorigenesis

Identification of key genes involved in axon regeneration and Wallerian degeneration by weighted gene co-expression network analysis

Peripheral nerve injury repair requires a certain degree of cooperation between axon regeneration and Wallerian degeneration.Therefore,investigating how axon regeneration and degeneration work together to repair peripheral nerve injury may uncover the molecular mechanisms and signal cascades underlying peripheral nerve repair and provide potential strategies for improving the low axon regeneration capacity of the central nervous system.In this study,we applied weighted gene co-expression network analysis to identify differentially expressed genes in proximal and distal sciatic nerve segments from rats with sciatic nerve injury.We identified 31 and 15 co-expression modules from the proximal and distal sciatic nerve segments,respectively.Functional enrichment analysis revealed that the differentially expressed genes in proximal modules promoted regeneration,while the differentially expressed genes in distal modules promoted neurodegeneration.Next,we constructed hub gene networks for selected modules and identified a key hub gene,Kif22,which was up-regulated in both nerve segments.In vitro experiments confirmed that Kif22 knockdown inhibited proliferation and migration of Schwann cells by modulating the activity of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling pathway.Collectively,our findings provide a comparative framework of gene modules that are co-expressed in injured proximal and distal sciatic nerve segments,and identify Kif22 as a potential therapeutic target for promoting peripheral nerve injury repair via Schwann cell proliferation and migration.All animal experiments were approved by the Institutional Animal Ethics Committee of Nantong University,China(approval No.S20210322-008)on March 22,2021.

Gene expression profiling of MYC-driven tumor signatures in porcine liver stem cells by transcriptome sequencing

AIM:To identify the genes induced and regulated by the MYC protein in generating tumors from liver stem cells.METHODS:In this study,we have used an immortal porcine liver stem cell line,PICM-19,to study the role of c-MYC in hepatocarcinogenesis.PICM-19 cells were converted into cancer cells(PICM-19-CSCs)by overexpressing human MYC.To identify MYC-driven differential gene expression,transcriptome sequencing was carried out by RNA sequencing,and genes identified by this method were validated using real-time PCR.In vivo tumorigenicity studies were then conducted by injecting PICM-19-CSCs into the flanks of immunodeficient mice.RESULTS:Our results showed that MYC-overexpressing PICM-19 stem cells formed tumors in immunodeficient mice demonstrating that a single oncogene was sufficient to convert them into cancer cells(PICM-19-CSCs).By using comparative bioinformatics analyses,we have determined that>1000 genes were differentially expressed between PICM-19 and PICM-19-CSCs.Gene ontology analysis further showed that the MYCinduced,altered gene expression was primarily associated with various cellular processes,such as metabolism,cell adhesion,growth and proliferation,cell cycle,inflammation and tumorigenesis.Interestingly,six genes expressed by PICM-19 cells(CDO1,C22orf39,DKK2,ENPEP,GPX6,SRPX2)were completely silenced after MYC-induction in PICM-19-CSCs,suggesting that the absence of these genes may be critical for inducingtumorigenesis.CONCLUSION:MYC-driven genes may serve as promising candidates for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma therapeutics that would not have deleterious effects on other cell types in the liver.

Gene therapy with antisense c-myc adenovirus for human gastric carcino-ma cell line in vitro and for implanted carcinoma in nude mice

Objective:To study the effects of recombinant antisense c-myc adenovirus (rAS-c-myc-Ad) on SGG 7901 human gastric carcinoma cell line in for and in nude mice. Methods:The effects of rAS-c-myc-Ad and LacZ-Ad on SGG 7901 gastric carcinoma cells were observed with X-galstaining, MTT, DNA gradient degradation test, TUNEL, flow cytometry, PCR and western blot. The therapeutic effects of rAS-c-myc-Ad on the implanted ax 7901 cells in nude mice were also ob served.Results: rAS-c-myc-Ad significantly inhibited the growth of SGG 7901 cells and induced their apoptosis. After the treatment of rAS-c-myc-Ad, the prolifetion rate of the cells was decreased by 44’ l% in de and SGC 7901 cells failed to form caxcinoma ther they were implanted into nude mice. Injection of rAS-c-myc-Ad into the carcinoma subcutaneously implanted to the nude mice significantly inhibited the growth of the implanted carcinoma with an inhibition rate of 68. 9%. Conclusion: rAS-c- myc- Ad significantly inhibits the growth of SGG 7901 human gastric carcinoma cells in vitro and in nude

Expressions of oncogenes c-fos and c-myc in skin lesion of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

Objective:To explore the expressions of c-fos and c-myc in skin lesion of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma(CSCC).Methods:Using retrospective analysis.73 cases of CSCC were selected from Department of Dermatology,the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University.which were removed between January 2000 and January 2012.It was considered as experimental group.Meanwhile.11 cases of normal skin specimens of non tumor patients were selected as control group.The expression level of c-fos and c-myc was compared in the two groups.Results:The expressions of c-fos[72.60%(53/73)]and c-myc[83.56%(61/73)]in experimental group were statistically significant(P≤0.05)compared with control group(0%).Expression of c-myc protein was negatively related to differentiation of CSCC.The difference was statistically significant(X^2=7.26.P=0.001<0.05).While expression of c-fos protein was positively related to differentiation of CSCC.which was statistically significant(X^2=7.47,P=0.0012<0.025).Conclusions:The expression level of c-fos and c-myc can be used as an importan indicator of CSCC differentiation,and it has closely connection with the differentiated degree,which can guide clinical prognosis.

AGTR1 A1166C gene polymorphism is associated with the effectiveness of valsartan monotherapy in Chinese patients with essential hypertension:A retrospective analysis

Objective:To investigate whether angiotensinⅡtype 1 receptor(AGTR1 A1166C)gene polymorphism was associated with the effectiveness of valsartan monotherapy in Chinese patients with essential hypertension.Methods:This retrospective analysis included 198 patients(≥18 years of age)who received valsartan monotherapy(80 mg/day)for newly developed essential hypertension at the authors’center between January 1,2020 and December 31,2023.Genotyping for AGTR1 A1166C gene polymorphism was done by polymerase chain reaction(PCR)-melting curve analysis of genomic DNA from peripheral blood samples.A dominant genetic model for AGTR1 A1166C(AA genotype versus AC+CC genotype)was used.Multivariate regression analysis of baseline variables and AGTR1 polymorphism was conducted to identify predictors of target blood pressure attainment(<140/90 mmHg)at the 4-week follow-up.Results:The median age of the 198 patients was(53.7±13.5)years,and 58%were men.Genotyping assays showed that 164 patients had the AA genotype,and 34 patients were of the AC/CC genotype,including 30 with the AC genotype and 4 with the CC genotype.Allele distribution was consistent with Hardy Weinberg equilibrium.109 Patients(55.1%)attained the blood pressure target.Multivariate analysis showed that smoking(versus no smoking,HR 0.314,95%CI 0.159-0.619,P=0.001)and AGTR1 A1166C AA genotype(versus AC/CC,HR 2.927,95%CI 1.296-6.611,P=0.023)were significant and independent predictors of target attainment.25 Patients(73.5%)with AGTR1 A1166C AC/CC genotype attained the target versus 51.2%(51/164)of patients with AGTR1 A1166C AA genotype(P=0.017).Patients with AGTR1 A1166C AC/CC genotype had a significantly greater reduction in systolic blood pressure[(33.1±10.8)mmHg versus(29.2±11.7)mmHg in AA carriers;(P=0.029)].Conclusions:Hypertensive patients carrying one or two C alleles of the AGTR1 A1166C gene were more responsive to valsartan treatment.

Expression and Biological Function of N-myc Down-regulated Gene 1 in Human Cervical Cancer

The expression of N-myc down-regulated gene 1 (NDRG1) has previously been reported to be involved in the proliferation,differentiation,invasion and metastasis of cancer cells,but its role in cervical cancer is still unclear.This study aimed to investigate the expression of NDRG1gene in human cervical cancer and its effect on aggressive tumor behaviors.The NDRG1 expression in cervical tissues and cells was detected by RT-PCR.Specific expression plasmid pEGFP-N1-NDRG1-GFP was used to enhance the expression of NDRG1 in human cervical cancer cell lines.The mRNA and protein level of NDRG1 was assessed by RT-PCR and Western blotting,respectively.Its effects on cell proliferation,migration,invasion,cell cycle and apoptosis were detected by MTT,transwell migration assay and flow cytometry (FCM),respectively.The results showed that the expression of NDRG1 in cervical cancer tissues and cells was significantly lower than in normal cervical tissues (P【0.001).After transfection with pEGFP-N1-NDRG1-GFP,the mRNA and protein expression of NDRG1 was up-regulated in Siha cells,which suppressed cell proliferation (P【0.001),induced cell cycle arrest (P【0.05),reduced invasion and migration of Siha cells (P【0.05),but caused no cell apoptosis.Moreover,vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF),a tumor-induced angiogenesis factor,was markedly reduced and E-cadherin,a cell adhesion molecule,was increased in the cells transfected with pEGFP-N1-NDRG1-GFP.It was concluded that up-regulated NDRG1 may play a role in the suppression of malignant cell growth,invasion and metastasis of human cervical cancer.

EXPRESSION OF c－myc GENE AND BIOSYNTHESIS OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES IN ANTISENSE TRANSFECTANT HL_（60）~R－9

The recombinant plasmid PGC was constructed for transcription unit of c-myc gene with diorientation in vitro, to make RNA probes for detection of c-myc mRNA and antisence RNA expression of tranfectant HL-9,which was obtained from HL60 cells transfected with inducible c-myc antisense RNA expression plasmid. The results from HL-9 cells induced by Cd2+ indicated that expression of c-myc antisense RNA increased with Cd2+ concentration and exposure time, while c-myc mRNA expression progressively reduced. Using immunohistochemical technique no c-myc P62 protein expression was detected. The incorporation of 3H-TdR, 3H-UR and 3H-Leu revealed significant suppression of DNA, RNA and protein biosynthesis. It is suggested that the reversion changes previously reported in malignant Phenotypes of HL-9 cells and the inhibition of macromolecular biosynthesis mentioned above were associated with the blockade of c-myc gene expression by its antisense RNA.

c-Myc Knockout as a Model for Gene Editing for Training Healthcare Professional Students

Correction of genetic errors, commonly known as gene editing, holds promise to treat diseases with unmet medical needs. However, gene therapy trials do encounter unwanted outcomes, because of an incomplete understanding of the disease states, and gene therapy processes, among others. This situation encourages a concept that healthcare professionals receiving laboratory research training will not only identify inadequacies in basic biomedical knowledge of gene therapies but also provide tangible refinements. To this end, we have undertaken the PharmD student training in gene editing in a basic research laboratory setting. As a model, MYC gene was chosen for knockout using CRISPR-Cas9 method in HT29 and OVCAR8 cells. Students were involved in the design of MYC-specific gRNAs, subcloning into Cas9-carrying plasmid, and selection of knockout clones from the transfected cells. Subsequently, genomic DNA isolation and sequencing, analysis of clonal DNA sequences using online bioinformatics tools, western blotting, cell proliferation and cell division cycle experiments, were performed to characterize the MYC knockout clones. Results presented in this communication suggest that healthcare professionals who received laboratory training gain a better understanding of the disease states and mechanisms, gene therapy protocols, limitations of gene therapies, ability to critically evaluate the literature and confidence in the oversight of gene therapies in the clinic.

INCREASED EXPRESSION OF PDGF AND C-MYC GENES IN LUNGS AND PULMONARY ARTERIES OF PULMONARY HYPERTENSIVE RATS INDUCED BY HYPOXIA

The role of growth factors and proto-oncogene in pulmonary vascular structural remodelling is not well known.The present study examined gene expression of platelet-derived growth factor(PDGF)-A and -B chain and proto-oncogene,c-myc,in lung tissue and pulmonary artery of rats exposed to hypoxia and compared to those levels of gene expression in normal rats.Normal lungs and pulmonary artery expressed PDGF-A chain transcript of 1.7 kb and PDGF-B chain transcript of 3.5 Kb.The c-myc transcript of 2.2 kb was expressed as well. After hypoxic exposure for 7 and 14 days mRNA levels of PDGF-B chain and cmyc were elevated significantly compared with those of control rats.PDGF-A chain mRNA increased after hypoxia for 7 days,and then declined.These results suggest that activation of autocrine and/or paracrine is important in proliferation mechanism of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells in hypoxic pulmonary hypertensive rats.

Effect of hepatitis C virus infection on expression of several cancer-associated gene products in hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM To study hepatocarcinogenesis of hepatitis C virus (HCV). METHODS Expression of HCV antigens (CP10, NS3 and NS5) and several cancer associated gene products (ras p21, c myc, c erbB 2, mutated p53 and p16 protein) in the tissues of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC, n =46) and its surrounding liver tissue were studied by the ABC (avidin biotin complex) immunohistochemical method. The effect of HCV infection on expression of those gene products in HCC was analyzed by comparing HCV antigen positive group with HCV antigen negative group. RESULTS Positive immunostaining with one, two or three HCV antigens was found in 20 (43 5%) cases, with either of two or three HCV antigens in 16 (34 8%) cases, and with three HCV antigens in 9 (19 6%) cases. Deletion rate of p16 protein expression in HCC with positive HCV antigen (80%, 16/20) was significantly higher than that in HCC with negative HCV antigen. Whereas no significant difference of the other gene product expression was observed between the two groups. CONCLUSION HCV appears related to about one third of cases of HCC in Chongqing, the southwest of China, and it may be involved in hepatocarcinogenesis by inhibiting the function of p16 gene, which acts as a negative regulator of cell cycle.

Effect of Antisense Oligodeoxynucleotide of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C on Lymphangiogenesis and Angiogenesis of Pancreatic Cancer

In order to investigate the effect of antisense oligonucleotide （ASODN） of vascular endothelial growth factor C （VEGF-C） on lymphangiogenesis and angiogenesis of pancreatic cancer, antisense and scamble-sense oligonucleotide of VEGF-C were constructed, and the model of nude mice with orthotopically xenografied human pancreatic cancer cells （Panc-1） was established. Thirty nude mice were randomly divided into 3 groups： PBS control group （group A）, scramble-sense control group （group B） and antisense group （group C）. All nude mice were treated once every 2 days as 3 times per week, for 3 weeks （oligonucleotide 10 mg/kg every time）. After treatments were completed, ELISA method was used to examine the concentration of VEGF-C in plasma and immunohistochemical method to examine microvessel density （MVD）, lymphtic vessel density （LVD） of pancreatic cancer. The results showed that the expression of VEGF-C was inhibited significantly in group C. The concentrations were 237.5±41.5, 221.5±52.3 and 108.6±14.9 pg/mL in groups A, B and C respectively （P〈0.01）. LVD in groups A, B and C was 13.8±2.1, 12.4±1.9 and 4.2±1.6 respectively （P〈0.01）. MVD in groups A, B and C was 27.5±8.7, 25.9±4.2 and 19.4±5.6 respectively with no significant difference among the groups （P〉0.05）. It was suggested that VEGF-C ASODN decreased the expression levels of VEGF-C in nude mice with orthotopically xenografted human pancreatic cancer, and it could inhibit lymphangiogenesis, but had no significant effect on angiogenesis.

Inhibition of N-Myc down regulated gene 1 in in vitro cultured human glioblastoma cells

AIM: To study short ds RNA oligonucleotides(si RNA)as a potent tool for artificially modulating gene expression of N-Myc down regulated gene 1(NDRG1) gene induced under different physiological conditions(Normoxia and hypoxia) modulating NDRG1 transcription, m RNA stability and translation. METHODS: A cell line established from a patient with glioblastoma multiforme. Plasmid DNA for transfections was prepared with the Endofree Plasmid Maxi kit. From plates containing 5 × 107 cells, nuclear extracts were prepared according to previous protocols. The p SUPERNDRG1 vectors were designed, two sequences were selected from the human NDRG1 c DNA(5'-GCATTATTGGCATGGGAAC-3' and 5'-ATGCAGAGTAACGTGGAAG-3'. reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was performed using primers designed using published information on β-actin and hypoxia-inducible factor(HIF)-1α m RNA sequences in Gen Bank. NDRG1 m RNA and protein level expression results under different conditions of hypoxia or reoxygenation were compared to aerobic control conditions using the Mann-Whitney U test. Reoxygenation values were also compared to the NDRG1 levels after 24 h of hypoxia(P < 0.05 was considered significant).RESULTS: si RNA- and iodoacetate(IAA)-mediated downregulation of NDRG1 m RNA and protein expression in vitro in human glioblastoma cell lines showed a nearly complete inhibition of NDRG1 expression when compared to the results obtained due to the inhibitory role of glycolysis inhibitor IAA. Hypoxia responsive elements bound by nuclear HIF-1 in human glioblastoma cells in vitro under different oxygenation conditions and the clearly enhanced binding of nuclear extracts from glioblastoma cell samples exposed to extreme hypoxic conditions confirmed the HIF-1 Western blotting results. CONCLUSION: NDRG1 represents an additional diagnostic marker for brain tumor detection, due to the role of hypoxia in regulating this gene, and it canrepresent a potential target for tumor treatment in human glioblastoma. The si RNA method can represent an elegant alternative to modulate the expression of the hypoxia induced NDRG1 gene and can help to monitor the development of the cancer disease treatment outcome through monitoring the expression of this gene in the patients undergoing the different therapeutic treatment alternatives available nowadays.

Proliferation and C-myc Gene Expression of Smooth Muscle Cells in Rabbit Carotid Artery after Stenting

Objectives To investigate theproliferation of smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and theexpression of c-myc gene in rabbit carotid arieries af-ter stenting. Methods Platinium-Iridium stent wereimplanted into the right carotid arteries of 16 rabbitsunder vision. 7,14,30 and 90 days after the stentingprocedure, morphological changes of VSMCs were ob-served under light and transmission electron micro-scope. The c-myc gene expression was detected by insitu hybridization (ISH) and immunohistochemicalstaining. Results 7 days afer stenting, the pheno-type of VSMCs changed from contractile to syntheticphenotype; there were a number of proliferative VSM-Cs in the neointima. At 14 and 30 days, there weresynthetic and transitive VSMCs. At 90 days, the phe-notype of VSMCs recovered to contractile phenotype.The ultrastructure of typical synthetic phenotype ofVSMCs were round, containing a large amount ofrough endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria. C-myc expression were positive both by ISH and im-munohistochemical staining. Conclusions C - mycgene expression increases and closely relates to VSM-Cs proliferation afer stenting. It may play an impor-tant role in the in-stent restenosis.

Regulation of HIF-1 α to Expression of N-myc Downstream Regulated Gene 1 in Colorectal Carcinoma

Plasmid expressing small interfering RNA （siRNA） against HIF-1α （pSilence-2.1-U6-siRNA） was constructed and transfected into LS174T cells in hypoxia condition.After expression of siRNA against HIF-1 α in LS174T cells, expressions of HIF-1 α and N-myc downstream regulated gene 1 （NDRG1） gene were inhibited significantly. HIF-1 cta transcripts were positive in 67.7% （42/62） and 44.4% （8/18） of colorectal adenocarcinoma and adenoma, re- spectively. The mean percentage of cells with positive hybridization of HIF-1 α mRNA increases with the development from Duke stage A to stage C＋D （p〈 0.05）. The positive staining rate of NDRG1 protein was significant higher in than that in colorectal adenoma colorectal adenocarcinoma group group （p〈 0.05）. The level of HIF-1 a transcripts was positively correlated with the level of NDRG1 protein （p 〈 0.05） during colorectal tumor progression. HIF-1α and its down stream gene NDRG1 may play roles in tumor progression of human colorectal carcinoma.

A STUDY OF C-MYC ONCOGENE EXPRESSION AND AMPLIFICATION IN COLORECTAL CANCER

Expression of c-myc oncogene transcripts in colorectal neoplasia was studied in paraffin embedded tissue sections from 25 patients undergoing surgery and from the rectal carcinoma cell line HR-8348 by using in situ hybridization,and its amplification was investigated in tumor and normal mucosa tissue from 25 coloproctomy samples by slot blot hybridization. Overexpression of this gene was seen in 78% (7/9) of the benign adenomas and 91% (20/22) of the malignancies sampled. There was no significant correlation between overexpression and the histologic type or grade, and no significant relationship between the level of expression and clinical stage was found, although overexpression was apparently more common in tumors with metastasis. Amplification of the gene was found in 0 of 4 benign adenomas and 7 of 22 malignancies. No obvious correlation was found between amplification and histological type or grade, though amplification was more frequent in tumors with metastasis. Amplification was also found in 2 adenomas with malignant change. The results suggest that multiple factors are involved in the progression of colorectal cancer , and in situ hybridization with a nonradiolabeled probe is useful in the detection of gene expression.

EFFECT OF HYPOXIA ON DNA SYNTHESIS AND C－MYC GENE EXPRESSION OF PULMONARY ARTERY SMOOTH MUSCLE CELLS

The neonate is particularly susceptible to the development of hypoxic pulmonary hypertension. The present study was undertaken to observe the effect of hypoxia on DNA synthesis and c-myc gene expression between newborn calf and adult bovine PASMC in vilro. DNA synthesis measured by 3H- TdR incorporation was increased after hypoxic challenge for 24h. Hypoxia enhanced the increment in 3H-TdR incorporation induced by EGF. Northern blot analysis revealed that PASMC cultured in both normoxia and hypoxia expressed c- myc gene transcript of 2. 2Kb ,but there is a higher 2. 2Kb mRNA expression in hypoxic PASMC than that in normoxia. We speculate that newborn calf PASMC exhibited potential response to hypoxia than adult,which was augmented by EGF. Enhanced c-myc gene expression may lead to a great understanding of the mechanism of PASMC growth in the development of pulmonary hypertension.

Induction of Rat Prolactinoma by β－Estradiol and Its Relation to Expression of c－myc Oncogene

Sprague-Dawley rats were implanted with silastic capsules containing β-estradiol. After 60 days, their pituitary weights, serum prolactin contentsand transcription level of c-myc proto-oncogene were found increasedsignificantly. It was also found that the anterior pituitary cells proliferatedsignificantly, but their differentiation was suppressed.

Ischemic stroke susceptibility gene in a Northern Han Chinese population

Interleukin-18 gene promoter polymorphisms are potential risk factors for ischemic cerebrovascular disease, and the –607C allele may increase ischemic stroke risk in the Han Chinese population. In the present study, we recruited 291 patients with ischemic cerebrovascular disease from the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University Medical College, China, and 226 healthy controls. Both patients and controls were from the Han population in northern China. Immunoresonance scattering assays detected increased serum amyloid A protein, C-reactive protein, and interleukin-18 levels in ischemic cerebrovascular disease patients compared with healthy controls. Analysis of the –607C/A （rs1946518） polymorphism in the interleukin-18 gene promoter showed ischemic cerebrovascular disease patients exhibited increased frequencies of the CC genotype and C alleles than healthy controls. Genotype and allele frequencies of the interleukin-18 –137G/C （rs187238） polymorphism and the –13T/C （rs11024595） polymorphism in the 5＇-flanking region of serum amyloid A, showed no significant difference between the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis on the interleukin-18 promoter A/C genetic locus, for correction of age, gender, history of smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesteremia, and an ischemic stroke family history, showed ischemic cerebrovascular disease risk in individuals without the A allele （C homozygotes） was 2.2-fold greater than in A allele carriers. Overall, our findings suggest that the –13T/C （rs11024595） polymorphism in the 5′-flanking region of serum amyloid A has no correlation with ischemic cerebrovascular disease, but the C allele of the –607C/A （rs1946518） polymorphism in the interleukin-18 promoter is a high-risk factor for ischemic cerebrovascular disease in the Han population of northern China. In addition, the A allele is likely a protective gene for ischemic cerebrovascular disease.