CTAG Research Articles

Role of SIRT1 Gene Polymorphisms and Serum Levels in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis.

The purpose of this work was to investigate the prevalence of SIRT1 rs3818292, rs3758391, and rs7895833 single nucleotide polymorphisms and SIRT1 serum levels associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) in the Lithuanian population. A total of 250 MS patients and 250 healthy controls were included in the study. Genotyping was performed using the RT-PCR method. Statistical analysis was performed using "IBM SPSS version 29.0". The serum SIRT1 level was determined by the ELISA method. We found that rs3818292 was associated with increased odds of developing MS under the dominant (p = 0.007) and allelic genetic (p = 0.004) models. rs3758391 was associated with increased odds of developing under the co-dominant (p < 0.001), overdominant (p < 0.001), dominant (p < 0.001), and allelic (p = 0.002) genetic models. rs7895833 was associated with increased odds of developing MS under co-dominant (p < 0.001), overdominant (p < 0.001), dominant (p < 0.001), and allelic (p < 0.001) genetic models. Additional sex-differentiated analysis within females revealed that the rs3758391 was associated with an increased odds ratio for the occurrence of MS among the co-dominant (p = 0.006), dominant (p = 0.002), and allelic (p = 0.001). rs7895833 was associated with an increased odds ratio for the development of MS under the co-dominant (p < 0.001), overdominant (p < 0.001), dominant (p < 0.001), and allelic (p < 0.001) genetic models. Age-differentiated analysis showed that rs3758391 was associated with an increased odds ratio for the development of MS in younger patients under the codominant (p = 0.002), overdominant (p = 0.003), and dominant (p = 0.004) genetic models. rs7895833 was associated with an increased odds ratio for the occurrence of MS under the overdominant genetic model (p = 0.013). In elderly patients, rs3818292 was associated with an increased odds ratio for the occurrence of MS under the dominant (p = 0.008) and allelic (p = 0.009) genetic models. rs7895833 was associated with an increased odds ratio for the occurrence of MS under the codominant (p = 0.011 and p = 0.012), dominant (p = 0.001), and allelic (p < 0.001) genetic models. We also found that serum SIRT1 levels were statistically significantly different between MS patients and control group subjects (p < 0.001). In addition, comparison of SIRT1 levels between study groups and genotypes showed that rs3818292 AA (p = 0.001), rs3758391 CT (p < 0.001), and rs7895833 AA (p = 0.002) and AG (p = 0.004) had higher SIRT1 levels in the control group than in the MS group. All results were provided after strict Bonferroni correction. Genetic variations in SIRT1 rs3818292, rs3758391, and rs7895833 are associated with multiple sclerosis, with possible differences in gender and age, as well as lower serum SIRT1 levels.

Association of CDK6 gene polymorphisms with Behcet's disease in a Han Chinese population

Cyclin-dependent kinases 4/6 (CDK4/6) and D1-type cyclins (CCND1) can regulate the pro-inflammatory functions of various cytokines during the inflammatory response. This study investigated the association between CDK4/6-CCND1 variants and susceptibility in patients with Behcet's disease (BD). This case-control study enrolled 542 patients with BD and 754 healthy controls. Fourteen tagged single nucleotide polymorphisms (tag SNPs) of the CDK4/6-CCND1 gene were genotyped using the Sequenom MassARRAY system and iPLEX® Pro assay. The results indicated that the frequency of the CDK6 rs2282983 TT genotype was higher in the BD group than the control group (Pc = 0.040, OR = 1.408, 95% CI = 1.124–1.765), and CDK6 rs2282983 CT and rs42034 AG were negatively associated with BD (Pc = 3.647 × 10−4, OR = 0.598, 95% CI = 0.471–0.758; Pc = 0.039, OR = 0.626, 95% CI = 0.459–0.852, respectively). Furthermore, statistical analysis showed that CDK6 rs2282983 TT and CT genotypes were significantly associated with skin lesions in patients with BD (Pc = 0.042, OR = 1.436, 95% CI = 1.130–1.824; Pc = 0.001, OR = 0.594, 95% CI = 0.461–0.764, respectively). This study suggests that the CDK6 loci rs2282983 and rs42034 might confer genetic susceptibility to BD in a Han Chinese population, which could provide new insights into the pathogenesis of BD.

Genetic Association between TNFA Polymorphisms (rs1799964 and rs361525) and Susceptibility to Cancer in Systemic Sclerosis.

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α is a proinflammatory cytokine that plays an important role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. The aim of the study was to establish an association between TNF-α promoter variability and systemic sclerosis (SSc). The study included 43 SSc patients and 74 controls. Four single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs361525, rs1800629, rs1799724, and rs1799964) located at the promoter of the TNFA gene were genotyped using commercially available TaqMan allelic discrimination assays with real-time PCR. The rs1799724 allele was associated with an increased SSc susceptibility (p = 0.028). In turn, none of the polymorphisms studied were related to the clinical and laboratory parameters of SSc patients, except for a higher prevalence of anti-Ro52 antibodies in the AG rs1800629 genotype in comparison to GG carriers (p = 0.04). Three of four cancer patients had both CT rs1799964 and AG rs361525 genotypes; thus, both of them were related to the increased risk of cancer, as compared to the TT (p = 0.03) and GG carriers (p = 0.0003), respectively. The TNFA C rs1799724 variant is associated with an increased risk of SSc, while the CT rs1799964 and AG rs361525 genotypes might enhance cancer susceptibility in SSc patients, although large observational and experimental studies are needed to verify the above hypothesis.

Lactose Intolerance Assessed by Analysis of Genetic Polymorphism, Breath Test and Symptoms in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Many patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) restrict dairy products to control their symptoms. The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of lactose intolerance assessed with hydrogen breath test (H-BT) in IBD patients in clinical remission compared to a sex, age and BMI matched control population. We further detected the prevalence of three single nucleotide polymorphisms of the lactase (LCT) gene: the lactase non persistence LCT-13910 CC (wildtype) and the intermediate phenotype LCT-22018 CT and LCT-13910 AG; finally, we assess the correlation between genotype and H-BT. A total of 54 IBD patients and 69 control who underwent clinical evaluation, H-BT and genetic test were enrolled. H-BT was positive in 64.8% IBD patients and 62.3% control (p = 0.3). The wild-type genotype was found in 85.2% IBD patients while CT-22018, AG-13910 and CT-22018/AG-13910 polymorphisms were found in 9.3%, 1.8% and 3.7%. In the control group, the wild-type genotype, CT-22018, AG-13910 and CT-22018/AG-13910 polymorphisms were found in 87%, 5.8%, 5.8% and 1.4% of cases, respectively. Therefore, the wild-type and polymorphisms’ prevalence did not differ between IBD population and control group (85.2% vs. 87%, p = 0.1) (14.8% vs. 13%, p = 0.7). The correlation between positive H-BT and genetic analysis showed that the wild-type genotype was associated with higher rate of lactose intolerance in the total population (OR 5.31, 95%CI 1.73–16.29, p = 0.003) and in the IBD (OR 7.61, 95%CI 1.36–42.7, p = 0.02). The prevalence of lactose intolerance in IBD patients did not differ from that of control. Despite suggestive symptoms, about 1/3 of IBD patients are not lactose intolerant, thus not needing “a priori” elimination diet. This may encourage a rationale and balanced dietary management in IBD.

Pilot study of MAGE-A3 protein vaccination and autologous stem cell transplantation (autoSCT) as consolidation therapy for multiple myeloma (MM).

TPS8111 Background: MAGE-A3 is a cancer-testis antigen (CT Ag) commonly expressed in MM but not in normal non-gonadal tissues. MAGE-A3 inhibited p53-dependent and independent apoptosis in MM cells (Clin Cancer Res 2011;17:4309), and spontaneous immunity against CT Ags in MM patients was associated with favorable clinical outcomes (Blood 2007;109:1103; Blood 2008;112:3362), making it a rational target for immunotherapy. In this study (NCT01380145), we are examining if a recombinant (rec) MAGE-A3 protein vaccine + adjuvant combined with vaccine-primed peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) can safely stimulate antigen-specific immunity in MM patients undergoing autoSCT for consolidation therapy. Methods: Patients meeting the following criteria are eligible: within 12 months of diagnosis; MAGE-A+ MM cells by immunohistochemistry; achieving at least a very good partial response with induction therapy; and meeting institutional criteria for autoSCT. One patient of a planned cohort of sixteen has been enrolled. Six weeks before SCT, subjects will receive their first vaccination (300 μg IM) and three weeks later undergo leukopheresis to collect vaccine-primed PBL. They then undergo stem cell mobilization followed by a standard melphalan-conditioned autoSCT. On day 3 after stem cell infusion, the unmanipulated, primed PBL will be re-infused followed by the second recMAGE-A3 vaccination on day 10. An additional six vaccinations will be administered on days 31, 52, 73, 94, 180, and 270 after autoSCT. The primary objectives are safety and tolerability. The secondary objectives of cellular and humoral immune responses and lymphocyte reconstitution will be assessed by a validated series of quantitative assays using established response criteria (PNAS 2008;105:1650). Success criteria based on immune response have not been specified for this pilot study, though induction of MAGE-A3 immunity in at least 50% of patients would merit consideration for further evaluation of clinical efficacy.

Three-tesla MRI biphasic angiography: a method for preoperative assessment of the vascular supply in renal tumours—a surgical perspective

The new generation of 3TMRI has improved spatial and time resolutions, which are favourable in imaging of the renal vasculature. In this study, we have compared the imaging findings of the renal blood vessels using 3TMRI and CT with intraoperative assessment of the renal vasculature as gold standard. This prospective study was approved by the local ethical committee. Between 4/2011 and 12/2011, 80 patients with renal tumours underwent 3TMRA (angiography) (Magnetom SKYRA 3T, Siemens). Twenty of the patients were also examined with CT AG. The results of the CTA- and MRA-imaging studies were correlated with the intraoperative assessment of the renal vessels. Seventy patients (87.5 %) had a detailed intraoperative assessment of the renal vessels. The sensitivities for CTA and MRA were 88.2 and 88.6 %, respectively. All discrepancies between imaging studies and intraoperative findings were due to inability to identify small polar vessels. The results of MRA were concordant with CTA in 85.0 % of cases. The (three) discrepancies between MRI and CT were due to failure of MRI in identifying small polar vessels. (1) 3TMRA gives detailed information about the renal vasculature including its topographical anatomy. (2) With MRI, small aberrant vessels are more frequently missed than with CTA. (3) CTA remains the gold standard. However, MRA may be used for planning of laparoscopic operations. (4) The quality of the 3D reconstruction is highly depending on the skills of the radiologist.

Association of BTLA gene polymorphisms with the risk of malignant breast cancer in Chinese women of Heilongjiang Province

B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA) is an immunoinhibitory receptor with the ability to deliver inhibitory signals for suppressing lymphocyte activation. To identify the influences of BTLA gene polymorphisms on the risk of sporadic breast cancer, a case-control study was conducted in women from northeast of China, Heilongjiang Province. We genotyped five SNPs (rs9288952, rs2931761, rs2633562, rs2705535 and rs1844089) in BTLA gene among exons and introns. Our research groups consist of 592 patients with breast cancer and 506 age/sex-matched healthy controls. Genotypes were determined by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and polymerase chain reaction with confronting two-pair primer (PCR-CTPP) methods. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test by EXCEL, SPSS and Haploview softwares. The frequencies of BTLA rs1844089 CT and rs2705535 AG were higher in patients than in controls (P = 0.0164; P = 0.0031), and rs1844089 CC, rs2705535 GG and rs9288952 CC genotypes had lower incidences in patients than in controls (P = 0.0483; P = 0.0098; P = 0.0400). The frequency of haplotype CAAAT was significantly higher in patients (P = 0.0112). Strong association was shown between five SNPs of BTLA gene and tumor size, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), C-erbB-2 and P53 statuses. Strong association was observed between tumor size, ER, PR, P53 and the CAGAT(P = 0.012), TAAGT(P = 0.0378), CAGAT(P = 0.0013), CAAGT(P = 0.0373) and CAAAT(P = 0.0306) haplotypes. These results primarily suggested that BTLA gene polymorphisms may affect the sporadic breast cancer risk and prognosis in Chinese women in northeast of Heilongjiang Province.

Gene Expression Profiling and Real-Time PCR Analyses Identify Novel Potential Cancer-Testis Antigens in Multiple Myeloma

Cancer-testis (CT) Ags are attractive targets for immunotherapeutic strategies since they are aberrantly expressed in malignant cells and not, or in limited number, in somatic tissues, except germ cells. To identify novel CT genes in multiple myeloma, we used Affymetrix HG-U133 gene expression profiles of 5 testis, 64 primary multiple myeloma cells (MMC), and 24 normal tissue samples. A 5-filter method was developed to keep known CT genes while deleting non-CT genes. Starting from 44,928 probe sets, including probe sets for 18 previously described CT genes, we have obtained 82 genes expressed in MMC and testis and not detected in more than 6 normal tissue samples. This list includes 14 of the 18 known CT genes and 68 novel putative CT genes. Real-time RT-PCR was performed for 34 genes in 12 normal tissue samples, 5 MMC samples, and one sample of five pooled testes. It has validated the CT status of 23 of 34 genes (67%). We found one novel "testis-restricted" gene (TEX14, expression in testis and tumor only), eight "tissue-restricted" (mRNA detected in one or two nongametogenic tissues), and seven "differentially expressed" (mRNA detected in three to six nongametogenic tissues) CT genes. Further studies are warranted to determine the immunogenicity of these novel CT Ag candidates.

Prognostic impact of cancer-testis antigen expression in primary cutaneous melanoma

9004 Background: Cancer-testis antigens (CTAg) are epigenetically regulated molecules expressed in many cancers including melanoma. Although functional studies are limited, they are often immunogenic making them attractive targets for immunotherapy. In normal tissues expression is restricted to germ cells and a small range of other tissues such as trophoblast. Previous studies have shown that CTAg expression increases with disease progression. We investigated whether the expression of three CTAgs, against which vaccines have been developed, may have prognostic significance in early stage melanoma. Methods: 233 AJCC Stage II melanomas were analyzed for expression of MAGE-A1, MAGE-A4 and NY-ESO-1 by immunohistochemistry. The relationship between CTAg expression, clinico-pathological features and relapse free survival (RFS) from initial diagnosis were correlated. Mutivariate analysis using known prognostic factors and CT Ag expression in the model were used to calculate hazard ratios. Results: All three CTAg were significantly co-expressed with each other (P=0.0001). RFS was reduced if tumors expressed any of these CTAgs (CTAg+ve). Median RFS for patients with CTAg+ve tumors was 45m versus 72m for those with CTAg-ve tumors (P=0.008, logrank test). Univariate analysis demonstrated that the impact of CTAg expression on RFS was comparable in magnitude to ulceration, Breslow thickness and mitotic rate, currently accepted prognostic factors. Multivariate analysis demonstrated CTAg expression, ulceration and thickness but not mitotic rate were independently associated with poorer RFS ( Table ). Conclusions: CTAg expression in cutaneous primary melanoma has impact on prognosis comparable to Breslow thickness ulceration and mitotic rate. Further study into their function and the impact of clinical targeting is warranted. [Table: see text] No significant financial relationships to disclose.

SERS of pyridine and picolines adsorbed on Ag island films — CT bands and Ag morphologies

The CT absorption bands were observed for pyridine and picolines adsorbed on annealed Ag island films, which consisted of homogeneous and well isolated Ag particles, when the SEM images showed no change in Ag morphology before and after the adsorption. The stronger the CT band, the stronger the SERS spectrum. The CT energies observed were 2.07, 2.10 and 2.16 ev for pyridine-Ag, γ-picoline-Ag and β-picoline-Ag, respectively. The larger the CT energy, the smaller the E a value of adsorbed molecule. The contributions of the EM effect, the coverage factor and the CT effect to the apparent SERS enhancement, ~10 6, are found to be 10–10 2, 10–30 and 10 3, respectively.