Analysis Of Genetic Polymorphisms Research Articles

Survey of Entamoeba infections in schoolchildren and macaques in Kathmandu, Nepal, and analysis of genetic polymorphisms of Entamoeba nuttalli and Entamoeba dispar isolates

Entamoeba species infect humans and non-human primates, raising concerns associated with potential zoonotic transmission. Therefore, the prevalence of human Entamoeba infections is crucial for its management in areas, where macaques exhibit high infection rates. Previously, we demonstrated prevalent E. nuttalli infections in rhesus macaques in Kathmandu, Nepal. In this study, we surveyed Entamoeba infection among 185 schoolchildren from two schools visited by wild rhesus macaques to assess the risk of transmission. PCR-based screening for Entamoeba species identified E. coli in 13 % and E. dispar in 0.5 % of the human stool samples. However, E. nuttalli and E. chattoni infections, prevalent in macaques, were not detected in human samples. This suggests that Entamoeba spp. are not transmitted through macaques in the school environment. We surveyed the rhesus macaques living in the temple near schools as well as the rhesus and Assam macaques inhabiting Shivapri Nagarjun National Park, Kathmandu. Among the 49 macaque stool samples, E. chattoni, E. coli, E. nuttalli, and E. dispar were detected in 92 %, 86 %, 41 %, and 18 % of the samples, respectively. Notably, E. dispar infections in macaques were mostly prevalent in the temple. A sample isolated from Nagarujun showed an identical genotype at two tRNA-linked short tandem repeat loci to that of E. dispar isolated from humans, suggesting potential transmission from humans to macaques. Genotypic analysis of cultured E. nuttalli strains obtained from the macaques colonizing three locations demonstrated that the geographical distance rather than differences in macaque species played a crucial role in the genetic diversity of the parasites. The phylogenetic tree of E. nuttalli strains, including the previously isolated strains, reflected the geographical distribution of the isolation sites. This study sheds light on the intricate dynamics of Entamoeba transmission and genetic diversity in macaques and humans.

Pre-gestational diabetes mellitus, gestational diabetes mellitus, and its association with the MTHFR C677T polymorphism.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common condition during pregnancy and is associated with an increased risk of pre-eclampsia. The methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene plays a crucial role in folate metabolism and has been implicated in GDM. To investigate the relationship between the MTHFR C677T gene polymorphism and the conditions of GDM and gestational prediabetes in pregnant women. A case-control study was conducted in 114 pregnant women with GDM and 96 pregnant women without GDM, from the first trimester to the prenatal examination at Can Tho Obstetrics Hospital. The pregnant women underwent a 1-hour (G1) and 2-hour (G2) oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and genetic polymorphism analysis based on real-time PCR technique. In pregnant women with GDM, weight, concentrations of G0, G1, G2, and folic acid were higher than those in the non-GDM group, with P < .05. When analyzing the subgroup without gestational diabetes, we found that the rate of prediabetes was 16.6% (16/96 pregnant women). In this group, blood glucose levels at 1 hour and 2 hours during the OGTT were higher compared to the normal glucose group (P < .05). A 2-hour post-OGTT glucose level of 7.78 mmol/L had a sensitivity of 93.8%, a specificity of 100%, and an area under the curve of 0.987 for diagnosing gestational prediabetes (P < .001). However, there were no statistically significant differences in the CC, CT, and TT polymorphisms of the MTHFR C677T gene among pregnant women with or without pre-gestational and GDM. Both fasting blood glucose and 2-hour glucose concentrations during the OGTT, as well as folic acid concentrations, were higher in both the pre-gestational and GDM groups compared to the non-gestational diabetes cohort. However, the analysis of MTHFR C677T polymorphisms revealed no statistically significant differences among the groups, highlighting the necessity for more extensive investigations to gain deeper insights into this relationship.

Vitamin D status and VDR gene polymorphisms in patients with growth hormone deficiency: A case control Tunisian study

IntroductionGrowth Hormone Deficiency (GHD) is a rare disease marked by a complete or partial reduction in the production of growth hormone. Vitamin D deficiency is frequent and may be associated with several pathologies. However, the association between GHD and vitamin D deficiency has not been extensively studied. This study aimed to analyse VDR gene polymorphisms related to vitamin D status to ensure better care for patients with GHD. Material and methodsA case-control study was conducted at the Children's Hospital of Tunis in collaboration with the Farhat Hached's Hospital of Sousse, including patients with GHD and healthy subjects. Genetic analysis of the VDR gene polymorphisms was performed using PCR-RFLP technique. Haplotypes were examined with Haploview software, while statistical analyses were carried out using SPSS and R programming language. ResultsOur study revealed significant differences in vitamin D (p = 0, 049) and calcium concentrations between patients and healthy subjects, which were lower in the GHD group (p = 0,018). A comparison of allelic and genotypic frequencies of the five polymorphisms indicated an association between the FokI polymorphism and GHD. Furthermore, significant difference was observed between the ApaI genotypes and PTH (p = 0,019) and ALP (p = 0,035). FokI genotypes were associated with phosphorus (p = 0,021). Additionally, One haplotype, CTAGT, exhibited a significant difference between the patients and healthy subjects (p = 0,002). ConclusionOur study findings indicate that hypovitaminosis D is common among patients with GHD, even when undergoing treatment with rhGH. This underscores the critical importance of vitamin D supplementation during treatment.

Genetic Polymorphisms in Exon 5 and Intron 5 and 7 of AIRE Are Associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis Risk in a Hungarian Population.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is chronically persistent synovitis and systemic inflammation. Although multiple contributors are detected, only one is pivotal in the neonatal period: the negative selection of autoimmune naïve T-cells by the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) transcriptional factor. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the DNA-binding site of AIRE may determine its function and expression. We intended to analyse site-specific allelic polymorphisms in two exon (rs878081 and rs1055311) and three intron (rs1003853, rs2075876, and rs1003854) loci with an RA risk. Our analytical case-control study analysed 270 RA patients and 322 control subjects in five different genetic models using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) with TaqMan® assays. Statistically significant differences were found between the odds of allelic polymorphisms in the loci of rs878081, rs1003854, and rs1003853 among the controls and RA patients, and the disease activity seemed to be significantly associated with the genotypic subgroups of rs878081 and rs1055311. Our in silico analysis supported this, suggesting that allele-specific alterations in the binding affinity of transcriptional factor families might determine RA activity. Our findings highlight the involvement of neonatal self-tolerance in RA pathogenesis, providing novel insights into disease development and paving the way for an analysis of further site-specific genetic polymorphisms in AIRE to expand the intervention time for RA.

Pattern of CYP3A5 and MDR-1 single nucleotide polymorphism and its impact on Tacrolimus levels and clinical outcomes in living renal allograft recipient

Abstract Introduction Renal transplant is best form of renal replacement therapy. Most favored immunosuppression includes Tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil and steroids. Tacrolimus has narrow therapeutic index and requires therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). However, there is wide variation in tacrolimus level with weight based fixed dosage regimens. This variability is due to polymorphism of major pathways of metabolism ie CYP3A5 and MDR1 genes. Fast metabolizer require higher dosage and slow metabolizer require lower dosage. Genotype based dosing strategy may be useful to achieve early therapeutic level and reduce infections and rejections. Methodology 160 transplant patients at tertiary care hospital in India were included in this study from 2016 to 2018. Genetic polymorphism analysis in CYP3A5 and MDR1 gene was carried out at time of transplant. All patients were given a fixed weight-based dosage of Tacrolimus. Data was analyzed in relation to genotype polymorphism. Results and discussion 69.2% of Wild variants of CYP 3A5 (Fast metabolizers) have low initial tacrolimus levels. 51.5% of Homo variants (Slow metabolizers) have high initial tac levels. However, all variants achieve optimum tacrolimus levels at same time (mean 12.4 days). There were higher number of infections among slow metabolizers. Conclusion A fixed dosing regimen with TDM result in high and low initial tacrolimus levels in slow and fast metabolizers respectively and more infections in slow metabolizers. However, graft rejections being fewer in number, were not different. A larger sample with genotype based dosing is required to test such a strategy.

Molecular Characterization and Potential Host-switching of Swine Farm associated Clostridioides difficile ST11

ObjectiveTo conduct molecular prevalence and genetic polymorphism analysis of 24 Swine Farm associated C. difficile ST11 strains, in addition to other representative sequenced ST strains. MethodsThe collected C. difficile strains underwent whole genome sequencing and bioinformatic analysis using the illumina NovaSeq platform, SPAdes, Prokka, MOB-suite, and FastTree. Virulence and antibiotic resistance genes were identified through NCBI Pathogen Database. Cytotoxicity tests were conducted on HT-29 cells and Vero cells to verify the function of toxin A and toxin B. ResultsThe most prevalent resistance genes in ST11 were found to be against β-lactamases, aminoglycosides, and tetracycline. A C. difficile isolate (strain 27) with tcdA deletion and high antibiotic resistance genes was far apart from other swine farm associated ST11 isolates in the phylogenetic branch. The remarkable genetic similarity between animal and human C. difficile strains suggests potential transmission of ST11 strains between animals and humans. The plasmid replicon sequences repUS43 were identified in all ST11 strains except one variant (strain 27), and 91.67% (22/24) of these were assessed by MOB-typer as having mobilizable plasmids. ConclusionSwine farm associated C. difficile ST11 carried fewer virulence genes than ST11 strains collected from NCBI database. It is critical to monitor the evolution of C. difficile strains to understand their changing characteristics, host-switching, and develop effective control and prevention strategies.

#1405 Salt sensitivity and hypertensive nephropathy: a link to be discovered

Abstract Background and Aims Sodium sensitivity (SS) is a change in blood pressure (BP) depending on Na+ intake, 30% of population has it. Either a salt load test or a sodium dietary protocol can be used to stratify the population into 3 groups based on BP variation: sodium sensitive (SS), sodium resistant (SR), inverse sodium sensitivity (ISS), based on an increase, a non-significant variation or a decrease in BP following the administration of Na+. SNPs located in genes related with Na+ metabolism, aldosterone synthesis and kidney tubular Na+ reabsorption are related to this phenotype. Method We analyzed data collected from the follow-up (FUP) of 127 subjects with a new diagnosis of hypertension, categorized by their profile through acute salt load test. We analyzed the kidney damage by annual decline of eGFR and development of microalbuminuria. Genetic polymorphism analysis has been executed. Results No differences in the decline of eGFR are observed among the groups (−1.3084 ml/min ± 0.16 p-Value 0.372). SR subjects seem to be more prone to develop earlier microalbuminuria (χ 2 10.682, p = 0.005) even with an adequate BP control (P-Anova SBP 0.766; P-Anova DBP 0.856). An inverse correlation exists between pressure-natriuresis ratio and decline in eGFR (R −0.194 p = 0.016). Polymorphism in CYP11B2 (0.72 OR p = 0.045) and NEDD4L (0.74 OR p = 0.027) are protective against eGFR decline. ADD3 polymorphism (3.73 OR p = 0.049) is a risk factor for development of microalbuminuria. KL (0.15 OR p = 0.034), PKD and TRPC6 (p-Value 0.037, p-Value 0.009) polymorphism are protective factor against microalbuminuria. Conclusion SR patients are more at risk of developing hypertensive nephropathy earlier than other groups; steeper pressure natriuresis ratio is involved in quicker decline in renal function possibly accelerating development of hypertensive nephropathy. Further studies with larger sample and standardization in salt sensitivity test are needed to translate this knowledges into clinical setting.

Genetic Analysis of TPM1 Gene Polymorphism (rs11071720) in Patients with Non-Syndromic Cleft Lip/Palate in the South Indian Population. A Case Control Study

The aim of this study was to find out if there was an association between TPM1 gene polymorphism (rs11071720) and non-syndromic cleft lip and palate in humans. Twenty five patients with non-syndromic cleft lip and palate (NSCL/P) and twenty five healthy patients as controls were enrolled in the study. Whole blood drawn from the participants was used to obtain genomic DNA. Sequence specific primers were used to amplify the region spanning the polymorphic site of the TPM1 gene using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The genotype of the subjects was identified employing the RFLP technique. The genotype and allele frequency distributions in the non-syndromic cleft lip and cleft palate patients and control groups were compared using Chi-square test. In the NSCL/P, the genotype in the order from highest to lowest frequency was TC (48%), followed by CC (32%) and TT (20%). Although the genotype frequency of the case and the control groups were found to be in agreement with Hardy Weinberg Equilibrium, the genotype frequencies TC, CC and TT of the polymorphism (rs11071720) among the two groups were not statistically significant which was evident from the p-value 0.8472. No significant association was found between TPM1 gene (rs11071720) polymorphism and NSCL/P.

Influence of UGT2B7, UGT1A4 and ABCG2 Polymorphisms on the Pharmacokinetics and Therapeutic Efficacy of Lamotrigine in Patients with Epilepsy.

A substantial inter-individual variability has been observed in the pharmacokinetics of lamotrigine. The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of genetic polymorphism of the metabolizing enzymes (UGT2B7, UGT1A4) and transporter (ABCG2) on the pharmacokinetics and therapeutic efficacy of lamotrigine in patients with epilepsy. The genetic analysis of single-nucleotide polymorphisms was conducted using polymerase chain reaction sequence. High-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry was employed to measure the plasma concentrations of lamotrigine. The efficacy of lamotrigine was assessed by evaluating the reduction rate of epileptic seizure frequency. This study included a cohort of 331 patients who were treated with lamotrigine as monotherapy. A linear correlation was observed between the lamotrigine concentration and daily dose taken (r = 0.58, p < 2.2e-16). Statistically significant differences were found in both the median plasma concentration and dose-adjusted concentration (C/D ratio) when comparing the ineffective to the effective group (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that UGT1A4 rs2011425, ABCG2 rs2231142 polymorphisms and age had a significant relationship with the lamotrigine concentrations (p < 0.05). Age was a predictive factor for C/D ratio (p < 0.001). Lamotrigine concentration and weight were good predictive factors for effective seizure outcomes (odds ratio [OR] = 0.715, 95% CI 0.658-0.776, p < 0.001; OR = 0.926, 95% CI 0.901-0.951, p < 0.001, respectively). The cut-off values of lamotrigine trough concentrations for clinical outcomes in the age-related groups were determined as 2.49μg/ml (area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve [AUC]: 0.828, 95% CI 0.690-0.966), 2.70μg/ml (AUC: 0.805, 95% CI 0.745-0.866) and 3.25μg/ml (AUC: 0.807, 95% CI 0.686-0.928) for the adult group, adolescent group, and toddler and school-age group, respectively. UGT1A4 rs2011425 and ABCG2 rs2231142 were correlated with lamotrigine concentrations. Lower lamotrigine trough concentration was found in the ineffective group and the troughs were associated with seizure outcomes.

Investigating the interplay of genetic variations, MCP-1 polymorphism, and docking with phytochemical inhibitors for combatting dengue virus pathogenicity through in silico analysis

Abstract Understanding ten significant of dengue virus a paramount due to its persistent threat across the globe causing numerous epidemic and millions of deaths every year. Despite advancement in healthcare, emerging outbreaks continue to claim millions of lives annually. The virus with its various serotype possesses a significant challenge to public health worldwide, its transmission through the arthropods which feed on the blood of higher animals further exacerbates its impact. This elucidating the mechanism and factor contributing to dengue virus pathogenicity is essential for developing strategies to combat its spreading. A systemic review is done while studying about Dengue virus serotypes to evaluate the relationship of dengue with other viral load and to develop an inhibitor in viral protein by using different bioinformatics tools in silico molecular docking. Phytochemicals were chosen to hit the target site of protein for inhibiting its active site in pathogenesis of Dengue virus. A phylogenetic lineage was observed of virus with other members of its family. Dengue virus has same similarities in some part of genomic structure with other viruses. Data bases were used to trace the genome of the virus. Different components of virus were analyzed and link was developed among those components within virus and other family members. Protein docking was performed by using the bioinformatics software auto docking. A pharmaceutical drug designing was developed to create inhibitor of protein structure in Dengue virus serotype-2. A comprehensive review of the methodology employed in our study including the experimental and computational techniques were utilized. Further we presented the results by analysis of genetic variation MCP-1 polymorphism and docking phytochemical inhibitors.

Prognostic significance of &lt;I&gt;TLR3&lt;/I&gt; and &lt;I&gt;TLR9&lt;/I&gt; gene polymorphism in assessing the severity of COVID-19

Objective: to study polymorphic variants of TLR3 (rs3775291) and TLR9 (rs352140) genes in patients with COVID-19 depending on the severity of the disease and their significance for determining the risk of severe course of COVID-19.Materials and Methods: genetic analysis of polymorphism of TLR3 (rs3775291) and TLR9 genes (rs352140) was performed in 164 patients with COVID-19, who were divided by degree of severity into three groups: Group 1 with mild, Group 2 with moderate and Group 3 with severe and extremely severe degrees of severity. The control group consisted of 40 healthy donors. Statistical processing of the obtained results was carried out using STATISTICA 12.0 programs (Stat Soft, USA). To assess the difference of groups by qualitative characteristics, the χ2 criterion with Yates correction was used, and in case of violation of its conditions, the χ2 criterion was applied. Yates correction, and if the conditions of its applicability were violated, the two-sided Fisher’s two-sided criterion (RF). The difference between the groups was considered statistically significant at р&lt;0,05. The strength of associations was evaluated in the values of the odds ratio index odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval.&gt; ˂ 0,05. The strength of associations was evaluated in the values of the odds ratio index odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval.Results: the frequency of the ST genotype was significantly higher and the frequency of the TT genotype of the rs3775291 allele of the TLR3 gene was significantly lower in patients with the manifest form of COVID-19 compared with the control group. Frequency analysis of TLR9 (rs352140) in COVID-19 patients showed significantly higher values of the ST genotype and lower values of the CC genotype compared to healthy individuals. Comparative analysis between groups of hospitalized patients depending on severity revealed higher frequency of ST genotype and lower frequency of TT genotype of TLR3 (rs3775291) and TLR9 (rs352140) genes in patients with severe and extremely severe condition.Conclusion: reliable differences in the frequency of occurrence of genotypes of TLR3 (rs3775291) and TLR9 (rs352140) genes in patients with the manifest form of COVID-19 compared to healthy people were revealed. The analysis of nucleotide sequence variants of the studied genes in hospitalized patients depending on the degree of severity also showed significant differences in the frequency of genotypes. Thus, in patients with severe and extremely severe COVID-19, a significant difference in the frequency of occurrence of ST and TT genotypes of TLR3 (rs3775291) and TLR9 (rs352140) genes was revealed compared to patients with mild and moderate COVID-19, which may further have prognostic value in assessing the severity of the disease.

Identification of immunological patterns characterizing immune-related psoriasis reactions in oncological patients in therapy with anti-PD-1 checkpoint inhibitors.

Immunotherapy with biologics targeting programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) is highly effective in the treatment of various malignancies. Nevertheless, it is frequently responsible for unexpected cutaneous manifestations, including psoriasis-like dermatitis. The pathogenesis of anti-PD-1-induced psoriasis has yet to be clarified, even though it is plausible that some innate and adaptive immunity processes are in common with canonical psoriasis. The genetic predisposition to psoriasis of patients could also be a contributing factor. Here, we investigated the immunological and genetic profiles of two patients with metastatic melanoma and one patient affected by lung cancer, who developed severe psoriasis after receiving anti-PD-1 nivolumab therapy. The immune patterns of the three patients were compared with those detectable in classical, chronic plaque-type psoriasis or paradoxical psoriasis induced by anti-TNF-α therapy, mostly sustained by adaptive and innate immunity processes, respectively. Therefore, immunohistochemistry and mRNA analyses of innate and adaptive immunity molecules were conducted on skin biopsy of patients. Genetic analysis of polymorphisms predisposing to psoriasis was carried out by NGS technology. We found that anti-PD-1-induced psoriasis showed immunological features similar to chronic psoriasis, characterized by the presence of cellular players of adaptive immunity, with abundant CD3+, CD8+ T cells and CD11c+ dendritic cells infiltrating skin lesions, and producing IL-23, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-17. On the contrary, a lower number of innate immunity cells (BDCA2+ plasmacytoid dendritic cells, CD15+ neutrophils, CD117+ mast cells) and reduced IFN-α/β, lymphotoxin (LT)-α/β, were observed in anti-PD-1-induced psoriasis lesions, as compared with anti-TNF-α-induced paradoxical psoriasis. Importantly, the disintegrin and metalloprotease domain containing thrombospondin type 1 motif-like 5 (ADAMTSL5) psoriasis autoantigen was significantly upregulated in psoriasis lesions of anti-PD-1-treated patients, at levels comparable with chronic plaque-type psoriasis. Finally, NGS analysis revealed that all patients carried several allelic variants in psoriasis susceptibility genes, such as HLA-C, ERAP1 and other genes of the major psoriasis susceptibility PSORS1 locus. Our study showed that adaptive immunity predominates over innate immunity in anti-PD-1-induced psoriasis lesions, consistently with the local ADAMTSL5 overexpression. The presence of numerous SNPs in psoriasis susceptibility genes of the three patients also suggested their strong predisposition to the disease.

The Association of M235T Genetic Polymorphism in Angiotensinogen Gene and Other Non-Genetic Factors with Essential Hypertension among Jordanian Patients.

Hypertension, characterized by elevated pressure, poses a significant health risk. Recent studies in Jordan highlight high hypertension rates, emphasizing the need for genetic investigations to comprehend essential hypertension determinants. The AGT gene, part of the Renin Angiotensin System, is linked to blood pressure regulation. Limited information exists on the frequency of this polymorphism among Jordanian hypertensive patients. This study explores the association between the AGT M235T polymorphism and essential hypertension in Jordan. A cross-sectional study with 435 participants (199 hypertensive, 236 non-hypertensive) was conducted at the University of Jordan Hospital. Blood pressure was measured, and genetic analysis of the AGT M235T polymorphism was completed using the PCR-RFLP technique. Chi-square and t-tests were used for comparisons using SPSS software. Hypertensive patients exhibited significantly higher weight, BMI, and blood pressure. Genotyping results showed no significant difference (p > 0.05, Chi-square) in AGT M235T polymorphism distribution between control and patient groups. In addition, allele frequencies showed comparable patterns (p > 0.05, Chi-square). All genotype frequencies showed no deviation from the Hardy-Weinberg equation (p > 0.05, Chi-square). The AGT M235T genetic polymorphism is not more prevalent among hypertensive patients in Jordan, although the average weight and BMI among hypertensive patients is higher than the non-hypertensive participants. Obesity can be addressed as a potential risk factor for essential hypertension in Jordan. In addition, it is recommended to find out the influence of the AGT M235T genetic polymorphism on the response of antihypertensive drugs among hypertensive patients in Jordan.

Polymorphic substitutions in folate cycle genes as predictors of hyperhomocysteinemia in children

Introduction. Mutant alleles of genes of folate cycle enzymes can lead to the significant deterioration of its function and varying severity of pathology. Several defects in these genes lead to severe hyperhomocysteinemia, the most common form of which is a deficiency of cystathionine beta-synthase B. &#x0D; Aim: to establish polymorphic substitutions in the genes of folate cycle enzymes that contribute to the formation of hyperhomocysteinemia in children.&#x0D; Materials and methods. Two hundred seventy one children aged of 13–18 years were examined. The analysis of genetic polymorphisms of the folate cycle was carried out using a molecular genetic method. Quantitative determination of the blood homocysteine and folic acid level was performed by chemiluminescent immunoassay on microparticles. Statistical data processing was carried out using Statistica 6.1 application programs (StatSoft Inc., USA). &#x0D; Results. The frequency of the T allele of the MTHFR 677 gene was revealed to be higher in adolescents of the main group compared with the control (p = 0.043). The frequency of the homozygous genotype 66 AA of the MTRR gene in children of the comparison group was significantly higher (p = 0.049), however, the heterozygous genotype 66 AG of the MTRR gene was significantly more often detected in adolescents of the main group (p = 0.008). The average concentrations of homocysteine in children of the main group were 11.6 mmol/L, in adolescents of the control group 9.3 mmol/L (p = 0.021). Hyperhomocysteinemia in children of the main group was detected in 217 (80.1%) adolescents, and in 57 (49.6%) children of the control group (p &lt; 0.001). The baseline serum folate level was determined in the children of the main group. The average amount of vitamin B9 in the blood of children of the main group was 3.7 ng/ml, and in 145 (53.5%) children this indicator was significantly reduced.&#x0D; Conclusion. Low levels of folic acid contribute to an increase in homocysteine in blood plasma. Taking vitamin B9 and vitamin folate complexes significantly reduces the level of homocysteine in blood plasma (p &lt; 0.001).

Differential Role of Factor XIII in Acute Myocardial Infarction and Ischemic Stroke.

Factor XIII is a transglutaminase enzyme that plays a crucial role in hemostasis and wound healing. It crosslinks fibrin strands, stabilizing clots and promoting clot resistance to fibrinolysis. Additionally, Factor XIII has been found to have multiple other functions that extend beyond coagulation, including the regulation of inflammation and tissue repair processes. Emerging evidence suggests that Factor XIII may also have differential roles in acute myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke, two common cardiovascular events with significant morbidity and mortality. In acute myocardial infarction, Factor XIII has been implicated in promoting clot stability and reducing the risk of re-occlusion. In ischemic stroke, Factor XIII may also contribute to the pathogenesis of cerebral ischemia by promoting clot formation and exacerbating neuronal damage. Several studies have investigated the association between Factor XIII and these cardiovascular events, using various approaches such as genetic polymorphism analysis, animal models, and clinical data analysis. These studies have provided important insights into the role of Factor XIII in acute myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target for interventions aimed at improving outcomes in these conditions. In this review, we will summarize the current understanding of Factor XIII's role in acute myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke.

Retraction: Genetic polymorphism and phylogenetic analyses of 21 non-CODIS STR loci in a Chinese Han population from Shanghai.

Zhou Z., Shao C., Xie J., Xu H., Liu Y., Zhou Y., Liu Z., Zhao Z., Tang Q., Sun K. (2020). Genetic polymorphism and phylogenetic analyses of 21 non-CODIS STR loci in a Chinese Han population from Shanghai. Molecular Genetics & Genomic Medicine, 8(2), e1083. https://doi.org/10.1002/mgg3.1083 The above article, published online on 8 December 2019 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been retracted by agreement between the journal Editor in Chief, Suzanne Hart, and Wiley Periodicals LLC. Following publication of this article, concerns were raised by a third party regarding consent and ethical approval for the research undertaken and reported in the article. The publisher and representatives of the journal's editorial board undertook a review of the consent documentation provided, against the research performed and reported in the article. The review uncovered inconsistencies between the consent documentation and the research reported; the documentation was not sufficiently detailed to resolve the concerns raised. As a result, the parties have made the decision to retract the article. In addition, consent documentation did not give approval for data associated with this article to be shared publicly. The associated data for this article has been withdrawn from the publication record following a concern that the data could be used to identify those who have participated in the research. Kuan Sun stated on behalf of all the co-authors that they do not agree to this retraction.

Genetic polymorphism analysis and forensic application evaluation of 57 insertion/deletion polymorphisms from Yi ethnic group in Yunnan

Background As a new kind of diallelic genetic marker, insertion/deletion (InDel) polymorphisms have recently been used in forensic science. However, there are relatively few studies on the forensic evaluation of InDel genetic polymorphisms from different populations. Aim The aim of the present work is to assess the genetic polymorphism and forensic applicability of 57 InDels from the Yi ethnic group and explore the genetic background of this group. Subjects and methods A total sample of 122 unrelated individuals of Yi group from the Yunnan province were genotyped by the AGCU indel 60 Kit. Multiplex population genetic analyses on the same 57 InDels were carried out among the Yunnan Yi group and 29 reference populations. Results The average allele frequency of these loci in the Yi ethnic group was 0.485. Heterozygosity, polymorphism information content, and the power of discrimination were 0.477, 0.362, and 0.612, respectively. The combined power of discrimination and the combined power of exclusion reached to 0.99999999999999999669 and 0.999962965, respectively. The results showed that 57 InDels polymorphisms have high genetic polymorphisms in the Yi ethnic group. Conclusions The 57 InDels could be used for forensic individual identification, paternity testing, and intercontinental population discrimination, with the potential for use in biogeographic ancestry inference.

Analysis of HIF-1α expression and genetic polymorphisms in human clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

Introduction: Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is mostly diagnosed incidentally and has relatively high recurrence rates. Alterations in VHL/HIF and mTOR pathways are commonly present in ccRCC. The present study attempted to identify potential diagnostic markers at the biochemical and molecular level. Methods: In total, 54 subjects (36 patients with ccRCC and 18 cancer-free controls) were enrolled. ELISA was used to measure the levels of HIF-1α in the tumor and healthy kidney tissue. The association between five selected SNPs (rs779805, rs11549465, rs2057482, rs2295080 and rs701848) located in genes of pathologically relevant pathways (VHL/HIF and mTOR) and the risk of ccRCC in the Slovak cohort was studied using real-time PCR. Results: Significant differences in HIF-1α tissue levels were observed between the tumor and healthy kidney tissue (p < 0.001). In the majority (69%) of cases, the levels of HIF-1α were higher in the kidney than in the tumor. Furthermore, the concentration of HIF-1α in the tumor showed a significant positive correlation with CCL3 and IL-1β (p (R2) 0.007 (0.47); p (R2) 0.011 (0.38). No relationship between intratumoral levels of HIF-1α and clinical tumor characteristics was observed. Rs11549465, rs2057482 in the HIF1A gene did not correlate with the expression of HIF-1α either in the tumor or in the normal kidney. None of the selected SNPs has influenced the susceptibility to ccRCC. Conclusion: More research is neccesary to elucidate the role of HIF-1α in the pathogenesis of ccRCC and the association between selected SNPs and susceptibility to this cancer.

Analysis of genetic polymorphisms and a novel tri-allelic cloning sequence for the D13S317 locus among an ethnic Han Chinese population

To study the genetic polymorphisms of short-tandem repeats (STR) for the D13S317 locus among an ethnic Han Chinese population and verify a novel tri-allelic pattern identified for the locus. A total of 378 paternity test cases from Guangdong Forensic Authentication Institute from October 17, 2017 to December 28, 2017 were selected as the study subjects. A GlobalFilerTM Express kit was used for the STR genotyping. Samples suspected for having a novel tri-allelic pattern were verified with a PowerPlex 21 kit. Potential variant of the primer-binding region and flanking sequences underlying the tri-allelic pattern was excluded by molecular cloning and sequencing. Six alleles were detected for the D13S317 locus, with the characteristic distribution frequencies being 8 (29.1%), 9 (13.1%), 10 (15.21%), 11 (24.21%), 12 (13.89%) and 13 (3.44%), respectively. In one of the families, the D13S317 locus of the proband was suspected to harbor a triband allele (8, 9, 10). A re-test has confirmed the result of initial test. Molecular cloning and sequencing analysis of the D13S317 locus in the proband and his daughter has failed to find allelic variants in the primer-binding region and flanking sequence, which has confirmed the novel tri-allelic pattern for the locus. A novel type 2 tri-allelic pattern (8, 9, 10) at the D13S317 locus has been identified among the ethnic Han Chinese population. The pattern has not been transmitted to the female offspring, and has been included in the international STRBase database for the first time.

Genetic Analysis of Cytochrome P450 Polymorphisms in Drug-responsive and Drug-refractory Epileptic patients in Telangana

Aim: The present study aimed to evaluate the role of CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 genetic variations in drug-responsive/drug-refractory epilepsy, thereby facilitating the development of personalised drug strategies for effective treatment. Background: Cytochrome p450 was found to metabolize the drugs either by stimulation or by inhibition of cytochrome enzyme activity. CYP 450 genetic polymorphisms were postulated to influence the patient response to epileptic drugs by means of altered cytochrome enzyme activity resulting in varied therapeutic responses from patient to patient. Objective: The aim of the study is to evaluate the significance of CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 genetic variations in drug-responsive/drug-refractory epilepsy. Methods: A total of 65 subjects, 31 drug-refractory epilepsy cases and 34 drug-responsive epilepsy cases were included in the present study. The genetic analysis of CYP 450 2C9*2 (rs1799853), 2C9*3 (rs1057910), 2C19*2 (rs4244285) and 2C19*3 (rs4986893) polymorphisms was done by Polymerase Chain Reaction followed by Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism. Statistical analysis was performed by online Medcalc software to evaluate the association of CYP polymorphisms with drug-responsive/drug-refractory epilepsy cases. Results and Discussion: In the present study, a total of 31 drug-refractory epilepsy and 34 drug-responsive epilepsy patients were enrolled. The clinical parameters like duration of seizures was significantly different in drug-refractory cases (P=0.0001) and the postictal features were significantly associated with drug-refractory cases (p=0.0124). Regarding the genetic analysis, our study results for CYP2C9*2 (rs1799853:C&gt;T) polymorphism did not show a significant association with the drug-refractory cases. The T allele frequency was 0.03 in epileptic drug-responsive cases and was found to be 0.0 in drug-refractory cases. Genotype distribution of CC, CT and TT was found to be 93.7%, 6.3% and 0% in drug-responsive cases and 100%, 0% and 0% in drug-refractory cases, respectively. The CYP2C9*3 (rs1057910) polymorphism C-allele was not observed in both drug-refractory and responsive cases in the present study. AA genotype (100%) was found in both drug-responsive and refractory cases. The study results for CYP2C19*2 (rs4244285) polymorphism did not show a significant association with the drug-refractory cases. The A allele frequency was 0.44 in epileptic drug-responsive cases and was found to be 0.45 in epileptic drug-refractory cases. Genotype distribution of GG, GA and AA was found to be 21.9%, 65.6% and 12.5% in drug-responsive cases and 20.83%, 70.84% and 8.33% in drug-refractory cases, respectively. The CYP2C19*3 (rs4986893) polymorphism did not show a significant association with the drug-refractory cases. The A allele frequency was 0.0 in epileptic drug-responsive cases and was found to be 0.0 in epileptic drug-refractory cases. Genotype distribution of GG, GA and AA was found to be 93.5%, 6.5% and 0% in drug-responsive cases and 100%, 0% and 0% in drug-refractory cases, respectively. Conclusion: In the present study, a significant difference was observed in the duration of seizures in the drug-refractory group and postictal features were significantly associated with the drug-refractory group. The genetic polymorphisms in CYP2C9*2, CYP2C9*3, CYP2C19*2, and CYP2C19*3 did not show any significant association with drug refractory epilepsy. However, the study has to be extended to a large sample for the establishment of the significance of the specified polymorphisms in drug-responsive/drug-refractory epilepsy.