Showing papers in "Disease Markers in 2006"
TL;DR: Levels of GSH, GSSG, GPx, GSH and GR were assessed in the caudate region of postmortem brains from schizophrenic patients and control subjects and positive correlations suggest a dynamic state is kept in check during the redox coupling under normal conditions.
Abstract: Altered antioxidant status has been reported in schizophrenia. The glutathione (GSH) redox system is important for reducing oxidative stress. GSH, a radical scavenger, is converted to oxidized glutathione (GSSG) through glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and converted back to GSH by glutathione reductase (GR). Measurements of GSH, GSSG and its related enzymatic reactions are thus important for evaluating the redox and antioxidant status. In the present study, levels of GSH, GSSG, GPx and GR were assessed in the caudate region of postmortem brains from schizophrenic patients and control subjects (with and without other psychiatric disorders). Significantly lower levels of GSH, GPx, and GR were found in schizophrenic group than in control groups without any psychiatric disorders. Concomitantly, a decreased GSH:GSSG ratio was also found in schizophrenic group. Moreover, both GSSG and GR levels were significantly and inversely correlated to age of schizophrenic patients, but not control subjects. No significant differences were found in any GSH redox measures between control subjects and individuals with other types of psychiatric disorders. There were, however, positive correlations between GSH and GPx, GSH and GR, as well as GPx and GR levels in control subjects without psychiatric disorders. These positive correlations suggest a dynamic state is kept in check during the redox coupling under normal conditions. By contrast, lack of such correlations in schizophrenia point to a disturbance of redox coupling mechanisms in the antioxidant defense system, possibly resulting from a decreased level of GSH as well as age-related decreases of GSSG and GR activities.
305 citations
TL;DR: The current efforts and progress in CSF protein profiling measurements using conventional and current protein analysis tools are summarized and necessary development in methodology is discussed in order to have the highest impact on the study of the molecular composition of CSF proteins.
Abstract: The introduction of lumbar puncture into clinical medicine over 100 years ago marks the beginning of the study of central nervous system diseases using the human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Ever since, CSF has been analyzed extensively to elucidate the physiological and biochemical bases of neurological disease. The proximity of CSF to the brain makes it a good target for studying the pathophysiology of brain functions, but the barrier function of the CSF also impedes its diagnostic value. Today, measurements to determine alterations in the composition of CSF are central in the differential diagnosis of specific diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). In particular, the analysis of the CSF protein composition provides crucial information in the diagnosis of CNS diseases. This enables the assessment of the physiology of the blood-CSF barrier and of the immunology of intrathecial responses. Besides those routine measurements, protein compositional studies of CSF have been extended recently to many other proteins in the expectation that comprehensive analysis of lower abundance CSF proteins will lead to the discovery of new disease markers. Disease marker discovery by molecular profiling of the CSF tissue has the enormous potential of providing many new disease relevant molecules. New developments in protein profiling techniques hold promise for the discovery and validation of relevant disease markers. In this review, we summarize the current efforts and progress in CSF protein profiling measurements using conventional and current protein analysis tools. We also discuss necessary development in methodology in order to have the highest impact on the study of the molecular composition of CSF proteins.
147 citations
TL;DR: The structure of the major lipid classes in the brain is examined, methods used for their characterization are described, and several proteomic strategies for characterizing lipid-metabolizing proteins in human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are described.
Abstract: Lipids comprise the bulk of the dry mass of the brain. In addition to providing structural integrity to membranes, insulation to cells and acting as a source of energy, lipids can be rapidly converted to mediators of inflammation or to signaling molecules that control molecular and cellular events in the brain. The advent of soft ionization procedures such as electrospray ionization (ESI) and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) have made it possible for compositional studies of the diverse lipid structures that are present in brain. These include phospholipids, ceramides, sphingomyelin, cerebrosides, cholesterol and their oxidized derivatives. Lipid analyses have delineated metabolic defects in disease conditions including mental retardation, Parkinson's Disease (PD), schizophrenia, Alzheimer's Disease (AD), depression, brain development, and ischemic stroke. In this review, we examine the structure of the major lipid classes in the brain, describe methods used for their characterization, and evaluate their role in neurological diseases. The potential utility of characterizing lipid markers in the brain, with specific emphasis on disease mechanisms, will be discussed. Additionally, we describe several proteomic strategies for characterizing lipid-metabolizing proteins in human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). These proteins may be potential therapeutic targets since they transport lipids required for neuronal growth or convert lipids into molecules that control brain physiology. Combining lipidomics and proteomics will enhance existing knowledge of disease pathology and increase the likelihood of discovering specific markers and biochemical mechanisms of brain diseases.
109 citations
TL;DR: Developing new MS biomarkers that are sensitive and specific for BBB disruption could improve the monitoring of disease activity, improve theMonitoring of response to MS therapies which targetBBB disruption, and advance the understanding of dynamic MS processes participating in BBB disruptions.
Abstract: Blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption is one of the hallmarks of multiple sclerosis (MS). It is incompletely understood whether BBB disruption is the initial MS event leading to MS lesion formation or whether it is merely a consequence of cellular infiltration in the central nervous system (CNS). The presence of gadolinium enhancing (Gd+) lesions on serial brain MRI scans is frequently used to evaluate BBB disruption. The presence of Gd enhancement has therefore been used as a reference for most works evaluating promising biomarkers of BBB disruption that are reviewed here. These promising biomarkers include cytokines and chemokines, and their receptors, cell surface markers, and matrix metalloproteinases and their natural inhibitors. At this time, none of these markers have been shown as sensitive as the presence of Gd enhancement to reflect BBB disruption. However, MRI scanning is not only unpractical and expensive; it may also under represent the overall extent of BBB disruption. Developing new MS biomarkers that are sensitive and specific for BBB disruption could 1) improve the monitoring of disease activity; 2) improve the monitoring of response to MS therapies which target BBB disruption; and 3) advance our understanding of dynamic MS processes participating in BBB disruption.
105 citations
TL;DR: The results suggest that microglia activation increases with the progression of AD, with the increase varying depending on the involved brain region.
Abstract: The role of microglia-mediated inflammation in the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD) neuropathology remains unclear. In this study, postmortem brain sections from AD and control cases were subjected to Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA)-DR immunohistochemistry to examine microglia activation in the progression of AD assessed by pre-mortem clinical dementia rating (CDR) and postmortem pathological manifestations of neuritic plaque (NP) and neurofibrillary tangle (NT) according to the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD). In both gray and white matter of the entorhinal cortex (EC) and HLA-DR immunostaining increased with the progression of CDR or CERAD NP, and to a lesser degree with CERAD NT. Between CDR stages HLA-DR significance was found in moderate (CDR 2) to severe dementia (CDR 5) where as between CERAD NP stages staining increased significantly from NP 0 (no plaque) to NP 1 (sparse plaques), suggesting increased microglia activation begins with amyloid NP deposition. In the hippocampus, a significant increase in microglia immunostaining was found in the pyramidal cell layer of CA1 as early as CDR 1, and in the upper molecular layer of the dentate gyrus in CDR 0.5. This increase continues with the progression of CDR and reaches maximum in CDR 5. When assessed by CERAD NP stages however, a significant increase in microglia immunostaining was found only in mid-to-late stages (NP 3) and reduced staining was seen in NP 5. These results suggest that microglia activation increases with the progression of AD, with the increase varying depending on the involved brain region.
103 citations
TL;DR: The spectrum of diseases identified by NMO-IgG is broader than has previously been recognized clinically and includes incomplete forms of NMO, such as recurrent transverse myelitis without optic neuritis and recurrent optic neuronitis without myelopathy.
Abstract: Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease that principally targets the optic nerves and spinal cord and often leads to severe disability and occasionally life threatening respiratory failure. Although its clinical manifestations overlap with those of multiple sclerosis (MS), in established cases these two conditions can be distinguished on the basis of clinical, radiological, and routine spinal fluid studies. The diagnosis in early cases or limited forms of NMO is difficult. We recently discovered a unique IgG autoantibody (NMO-IgG) that is highly specific to patients with NMO and thus a valuable diagnostic aid. Its antigen, aquaporin-4 (AQP4), is the central nervous system's predominant water channel protein. This antibody has not yet been proven to be pathogenic, but several facts suggest that it might be, including the similarity of the immunohistochemical pattern of NMO-(AQP4) IgG binding to mouse CNS tissues to the pattern of immune complex deposition in autopsied patients' spinal cord tissue. The spectrum of diseases identified by NMO-IgG is broader than has previously been recognized clinically and includes incomplete forms of NMO, such as recurrent transverse myelitis without optic neuritis and recurrent optic neuritis without myelitis.
87 citations
TL;DR: It is concluded that TLR4 polymorphisms, and particularly the haplotypes, may influence the genetic predisposition to severe RSV infection.
Abstract: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common viral respiratory pathogen during infancy world wide. It induces innate and adaptive immune response in host cells. The toll like receptor 4 (TLR4)/CD14 complex is particularly important for the initiation of an innate immune response to RSV. Thus we were interested whether an association exists between severe RSV associated diseases and polymorphisms within TLR4 and CD14. We genotyped the CD14 promotor polymorphism -C159T and the two common TLR4 amino acid variants (D259G, and T359I) in 131 infants with severe RSV associated diseases and 270 controls. Statistical analyses of single polymorphisms made use of the Armitage's trend test, haplotypes were calculated by FAMHAP, FASTEHPLUS and Arlequin. All polymorphisms were in Hardy Weinberg Equilibrium. We found marginal association between amino acid exchange D259G in TLR4 with RSV infection (p = 0.0545). Furthermore, haplotypes analysis of the two TLR4 polymorphisms by three independent programs revealed association of haplotypes with severe RSV infection (p 0.0010). In contrast, the promotor polymorphism within CD14 was not associated with susceptibility to RSV disease. We conclude from our study, that TLR4 polymorphisms, and particularly the haplotypes, may influence the genetic predisposition to severe RSV infection.
83 citations
TL;DR: The relationship between the VDR polymorphisms and osteoporosis remains an unresolved issue and other probable genetic-environmental risk factors interacting with the above polymorphisms should be investigated.
Abstract: A meta-analysis regarding BsmI, TaqI, ApaI and FokI polymorphisms in the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene and their associations with osteoporosis in females is reported. The meta-analysis involved 14, seven, seven and three studies for BsmI, TaqI, ApaI and FokI polymorphisms, respectively. The studies were association studies with osteoporotic cases and controls free of osteoporosis that provided the genotype distribution of individual cases and controls. For the BsmI polymorphism, the allele contrast b vs. B showed heterogeneity among studies (p 50%) and the random effects (RE) pooled odds ratio (OR) was non-significant: 0.94 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.63–1.38]. Caucasians, postmenopausal cases and studies with WHO diagnostic criteria showed no association under any genetic contrast. However, in East Asians, the OR for the dominant model [fixed effects OR = 0.14 (95% CI 0.04–0.50) and RE OR = 0.16 (95% CI 0.03–0.84)] was significant, indicating prevention. Overall, for the TaqI, ApaI and FokI polymorphisms, the allele contrast showed heterogeneity and the pooled RE ORs were non-significant [OR = 1.06 (95% CI 0.71–1.60), OR = 0.99 (95% CI 0.72–1.37) and OR = 1.17 (95% CI 0.76–1.80), respectively]. The allele contrast for Caucasians, East Asians, postmenopausal cases and studies with WHO diagnostic criteria showed no association for TaqI, ApaI, and FokI. The allele contrast of homozygotes, and the recessive and dominant models the results followed the same pattern as the allele contrast. Therefore, the relationship between the VDR polymorphisms and osteoporosis remains an unresolved issue and other probable genetic-environmental risk factors interacting with the above polymorphisms should be investigated.
69 citations
TL;DR: The data indicate that SP loci are linked to BPD, and studies in different study groups and/or of larger sample size are warranted to confirm these observations and delineate genetic background of BPD subgroups.
Abstract: BPD_28D (O2 dependency at 28 days of life) and BPD_36W (O2 dependency at 36 wks post-menstrual age) are diseases of prematurely born infants exposed to mechanical ventilation and/or oxygen supplementation. In order to determine whether genetic variants of surfactant proteins (SPs-A, B, C, and D) and SP-B-linked microsatellite markers are risk factors in BPD, we performed a family based association study using a Greek study group of 71 neonates (<30 wks gestational age) from 60 families with, 52 BPD_28D and 19 BPD_36W, affected infants. Genotyping was performed using newly designed pyrosequencing assays and previously published methods. Associations between genetic variants of SPs and BPD subgroups were determined using Transmission Disequilibrium Test (TDT) and Family Based Association Test (FBAT). Significant associations (p ≤ 0.01) were observed for alleles of SP-B and SP-B-linked microsatellite markers, and haplotypes of SP-A, SP-D, and SP-B. Specifically, allele B-18_C associated with susceptibility in BPD_36W. Microsatellite marker AAGG_6 associated with susceptibility in BPD_28D/36W group. Haplotype analysis revealed ten susceptibility and one protective haplotypes for SP-B and SP-B-linked microsatellite markers and two SP-A-SP-D protective haplotypes. The data indicate that SP loci are linked to BPD. Studies in different study groups and/or of larger sample size are warranted to confirm these observations and delineate genetic background of BPD subgroups.
65 citations
TL;DR: A formal method for establishing whether or not a particular biomarker can be used as a surrogate end-point needs to be adopted and bulk biomarkers of the neurodegenerative process such as glial fibrillary acidic protein and neurofilaments have advantages over intermittent inflammatory markers.
Abstract: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is the body fluid closest to the pathology of multiple sclerosis (MS). For many candidate biomarkers CSF is the only fluid that can be investigated. Several factors need to be standardized when sampling CSF for biomarker research: time/volume of CSF collection, sample processing/storage, and the temporal relationship of sampling to clinical or MRI markers of disease activity. Assays used for biomarker detection must be validated so as to optimize the power of the studies. A formal method for establishing whether or not a particular biomarker can be used as a surrogate end-point needs to be adopted. This process is similar to that used in clinical trials, where the reporting of studies has to be done in a standardized way with sufficient detail to permit a critical review of the study and to enable others to reproduce the study design. A commitment must be made to report negative studies so as to prevent publication bias. Pre-defined consensus criteria need to be developed for MS-related prognostic biomarkers. Currently no candidate biomarker is suitable as a surrogate end-point. Bulk biomarkers of the neurodegenerative process such as glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and neurofilaments (NF) have advantages over intermittent inflammatory markers.
64 citations
TL;DR: It is suggested that CEA mRNA may be a more reliable marker than hTERT, CK-19 and CK-20 for the detection of circulating cancer cells in gastric cancer patients' peripheral blood.
Abstract: Early detection of disseminated tumor cells in the peripheral blood of patients with early stage gastric cancer could help to improve the outcome after tumor resection. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prognostic significance of tumor-related mRNA for the detection of circulating tumor cells in gastric cancer patients by a reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method. We simultaneously analyzed human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), cytokeratin-19 (CK-19), cytokeratin-20 (CK-20) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) mRNA (messenger RNA) expression in the peripheral blood of 42 gastric cancer patients and 30 healthy individuals. Additionally, analyses were carried out for the correlation of these four molecular markers with patients’ clinicopathologic features, as well as the occurrence of postoperative recurrence/metastasis. Among 42 gastric cancer patients, the prevalence of mRNA for hTERT, CK-19, CK-20, and CEA was 61.9% (26/42), 69% (29/42), 61.9% (26/42), and 78.6% (33/42), respectively. All 30 healthy individuals were negative for hTERT and CEA mRNA, while two were positive for either CK-19 mRNA or CK-20 mRNA. Positive CEA mRNA was significantly correlated with tumor size (p = 0.008), vessel invasion (p = 0.001), depth of tumor invasion (p = 0.007), lymph node metastasis (p < 0.001), and TNM stage (p < 0.001). In addition, the multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that CEA mRNA expression was an independent and significant predictor for postoperative recurrence/metastasis (p = 0.032). Our findings suggest that CEA mRNA may be a more reliable marker than hTERT, CK-19 and CK-20 for the detection of circulating cancer cells in gastric cancer patients' peripheral blood. Patients with positive CEA mRNA expression in peripheral blood have a significantly higher risk of postoperative recurrence/metastasis.
TL;DR: The results do not support the hypothesis that the –262C/T polymorphism is related to the development of DR, DN or IHD in patients with type 2 diabetes and further studies are necessary to elucidate the role of catalase gene polymorphisms in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications.
Abstract: Catalase is a central antioxidant enzyme constituting the primary defense against oxidative stress. In this study, we investigated whether the functional -262C/T polymorphism in the promoter of catalase gene is associated with the presence of diabetic retinopathy (DR), diabetic nephropathy (DN) and ischemic heart disease (IHD) in 520 Caucasian-Brazilians with type 2 diabetes. The -262C/T polymorphism was also examined in 100 Caucasian blood donors. Patients underwent a clinical and laboratory evaluation consisting of a questionnaire, physical examination, assessment of diabetic complications and laboratory tests. Genotype analysis was performed using the polymerase chain reaction followed by digestion with restriction enzyme. The genotype and allele frequencies of the -262C/T polymorphism in patients with type 2 diabetes were very similar to those of blood donors (T allele frequency = 0.20 and 0.18, respectively). Likewise, there were no differences in either genotype or allele frequencies between type 2 diabetic patients with or without DR, DN or IHD. Thus, our results do not support the hypothesis that the -262C/T polymorphism is related to the development of DR, DN or IHD in patients with type 2 diabetes. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the role of catalase gene polymorphisms in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications.
TL;DR: It might be very difficult to identify genetic risk profiles for the development of asthma and/or JIA that would be valid across different populations, however, this study adds further evidence that the common genetic background of asthmaand JIA is mainly based on polymorphisms in important TH1 and TH2 cytokines.
Abstract: Bronchial asthma and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) are complex genetic diseases. As both represent chronic inflammatory diseases it is likely that they are at least partially influenced by the same genetic variants. One goal in dissecting the genetics of complex diseases is to identify a genetic risk profile. Therefore it is necessary to genotype polymorphisms in many different pathways. Thus we investigated 48 polymorphisms in 24 genes for association with asthma and/or JIA. Genotpying was performed on 231 asthmatic children, 86 children with JIA and 270 controls. Association analysis was performed by the Armitage's trend test. Furthermore haplotypes were calculated by FAMHAP. We found association of polymorphisms within IL-4, CTLA4 and TNFalpha with asthma and/or JIA. Furthermore, the polymorphisms showed an inverse distribution between children with asthma and JIA. However, we were not able to confirm association of most of the previously described candidate genes. We conclude from our data that it might be very difficult to identify genetic risk profiles for the development of asthma and/or JIA that would be valid across different populations. However, this study adds further evidence that the common genetic background of asthma and JIA is mainly based on polymorphisms in important TH1 and TH2 cytokines.
TL;DR: It is concluded that qualitative and quantitative fluctuations of cerebrospinal fluid PTGDS isoforms reflect both major and subtle brain pathophysiology.
Abstract: Glutathione independent prostaglandin D synthase (Swissprot P41222, PTGDS) has been identified in human cerebrospinal fluid and some changes in PTGDS in relation to disease have been reported. However, little is known of the extent that PTGDS isoforms fluctuate across a large range of congenital and acquired diseases. The purpose of this study was to examine changes in PTGDS isoforms in such a population. Spinal fluid from 22 healthy study participants (normal controls) with no classifiable neurological or psychiatric diagnosis was obtained and PTGDS isoforms were identified by specific immunostaining and mass spectrometry after denaturing 2D gel electrophoresis. The PTGDS isoforms in controls consisted of five charge isoforms that were always present and a small number of occasional, low abundance isoforms. A qualitative survey of 98 different people with a wide range of congenital and acquired diseases revealed striking changes. Loss of the control isoforms occurred in congenital malformations of the nervous system. Gain of additional isoforms occurred in some degenerative, most demyelinating and vasculitic diseases, as well as in Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. A retrospective analysis of published data that quantified relative amounts of PTGDS in multiple sclerosis, schizophrenia and Parkinson's disease compared to controls revealed significant dysregulation. It is concluded that qualitative and quantitative fluctuations of cerebrospinal fluid PTGDS isoforms reflect both major and subtle brain pathophysiology.
TL;DR: A peptidomic technology platform addressing peptides was recently presented, developed by adaptation of the striving proteomic technologies as discussed by the authors, which has potential for improving clinical studies and has been discussed how the biological hypothesis and sample quality determine the result of the study.
Abstract: Over the last few years the interest in diagnostic markers for specific diseases has increased continuously. It is expected that they not only improve a patient's medical treatment but also contribute to accelerating the process of drug development. This demand for new biomarkers is caused by a lack of specific and sensitive diagnosis in many diseases. Moreover, diseases usually occur in different types or stages which may need different diagnostic and therapeutic measures. Their differentiation has to be considered in clinical studies as well. Therefore, it is important to translate a macroscopic pathological or physiological finding into a microscopic view of molecular processes and vice versa, though it is a difficult and tedious task. Peptides play a central role in many physiological processes and are of importance in several areas of drug research. Exploration of endogenous peptides in biologically relevant sources may directly lead to new drug substances, serve as key information on a new target and can as well result in relevant biomarker candidates. A comprehensive analysis of peptides and small proteins of a biological system corresponding to the respective genomic information (peptidomics®methods) was a missing link in proteomics. A new peptidomic technology platform addressing peptides was recently presented, developed by adaptation of the striving proteomic technologies. Here, concepts of using peptidomics technologies for biomarker discovery are presented and illustrated with examples. It is discussed how the biological hypothesis and sample quality determine the result of the study. A detailed study design, appropriate choice and application of technology as well as thorough data interpretation can lead to significant results which have to be interpreted in the context of the underlying disease. The identified biomarker candidates will be characterised in validation studies before use. This approach for discovery of peptide biomarkes has potential for improving clinical studies.
TL;DR: Wang et al. as discussed by the authors conducted a case-control study for analyzing the genetic polymorphisms of phase II metabolic enzymes in 97 patients with lung cancer and 197 healthy subjects from Han ethnic group located in Central South China.
Abstract: A case-control study was conducted for analyzing the genetic polymorphisms of phase II metabolic enzymes in 97 patients with lung cancer and 197 healthy subjects from Han ethnic group of Hunan Province located in Central South China. The results showed that the frequencies of glutathione S-transferase (GST) M1-null (GSTM1-) or GSTT1-null (GSTT1-) genotype alone, or combined form of both in lung cancer patients were significantly higher than those of the controls. Genotypes of combining GSTP1 mutant/GSTM1(-) or GSTP1 mutant/GSTT1(-) led to high risk of lung cancer. Individuals carrying any two or all three of GSTM1(-), GSTT1(-) and GSTP1 mutant genotypes have a distinctly increased risk of lung cancer when compared to those with GSTM1 present (GSTM1+: GSTM1+/+ or GSTM1+/−), GSTT1 present (GSTT1+: GSTT1+/+ or GSTT1+/−) and GSTP1 wild genotypes. Furthermore, individuals possessing combined genotypes of N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) rapid acetylator, GSTP1 mutant and both GSTT1(-) and GSTM1(-) have a remarkably higher lung cancer risk than those carrying combined NAT2 slow acetylator genotype, GSTP1 wild genotype and both GSTT1(+) and GSTM1(+) genotypes. All these findings suggest that the genetic polymorphisms of phase II metabolic enzymes affect the susceptibility of lung cancer in the Han ethnic group of Central South China.
TL;DR: The results support the increased risk of developing early CAD and of having rapid progression of coronary stenosis in subjects carrying the C242T nucleotide transition among the Italian population.
Abstract: Background: specific polymorphisms of genes regulating intracellular redox balance and oxidative stress are related to atherogenesis. Some studies have identified a relationship between progression of atherosclerosis and C242T mutation in CYBA gene coding for p22 phox , a subunit of the NADH /NADPH oxidase system. Design: we investigated whether the C242T nucleotide transition is associated with the presence of coronary artery disease (CAD) in a population of 494 Caucasian Italians undergoing coronary angiography to diagnose the cause of chest pain. Results: the frequency of the T mutant allele that we found in 276 patients with angiographically documented CAD was significantly higher compared to what we observed in 218 subjects with normal coronary arteries (Controls) (respectively: 0.400 and 0.332, p< 0.01). The prevalence of the T allele was even stronger when we compared: 1) early onset (age 55) vs late onset (age 65) single-vessel CAD patients (respectively: 0.75 and 0.48, p< 0.05), and 2) the subgroup of CAD patients with at least one 98% stenosis in a coronary vessel vs those with no 98% stenosis in a coronary vessel (respectively: 0.425 and 0.365, p< 0.05). Conclusions: these results support the increased risk of developing early CAD and of having rapid progression of coronary stenosis in subjects carrying the C242T nucleotide transition among the Italian population.
TL;DR: Surface enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry was used to screen for potential biomarkers indicative of skeletal involvement in patients with Multiple Myeloma and identified a set of four peaks that were the most discriminating between the two groups of patients.
Abstract: Multiple Myeloma (MM) is a severely debilitating neoplastic disease of B cell origin, with the primary source of morbidity and mortality associated with unrestrained bone destruction. Surface enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF MS) was used to screen for potential biomarkers indicative of skeletal involvement in patients with MM. Serum samples from 48 MM patients, 24 with more than three bone lesions and 24 with no evidence of bone lesions were fractionated and analyzed in duplicate using copper ion loaded immobilized metal affinity SELDI chip arrays. The spectra obtained were compiled, normalized, and mass peaks with mass-to-charge ratios (m/z) between 2000 and 20,000 Da identified. Peak information from all fractions was combined together and analyzed using univariate statistics, as well as a linear, partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), and a non-linear, random forest (RF), classification algorithm. The PLS-DA model resulted in prediction accuracy between 96–100%, while the RF model was able to achieve a specificity and sensitivity of 87.5% each. Both models as well as multiple comparison adjusted univariate analysis identified a set of four peaks that were the most discriminating between the two groups of patients and hold promise as potential biomarkers for future diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes.
TL;DR: This chapter summarizes important findings in the field of biomarkers related to diagnosis, prognosis, activity, and treatment effect in multiple sclerosis (MS).
Abstract: Publisher Summary This chapter summarizes important findings in the field of biomarkers related to diagnosis, prognosis, activity, and treatment effect in multiple sclerosis (MS). There is an urgent need for biomarkers that reflect the various contributors to disease. Such biomarkers would be invaluable for (1) the diagnosis and stratification of MS subcategories, (2) prediction of disease courses, (3) individually tailored therapeutic regimens and improved prognosis for treatment success, and (4) the evaluation of novel therapeutics. Biomarkers related to diagnosis and prognosis of MS is oligoclonal bands (OCB), anti-myelin antibodies, cytokines, chemokines, and their receptors. The only biomarker apart from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that is accepted in the diagnosis of MS is the detection of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) oligoclonal bands (OCB), which are immunoglobulins separated by isoelectric focusing (IEF). The potential environmental triggers, recent data indicate that Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) may play an important role Biomarkers related to MS-specific neurodegenerative processes include markers of demyelination, markers of axonal damage and regeneration and astrocyte activation. Numerous molecules and immunologic functions were monitored during standard treatments of MS, particularly with IFN-beta and glatiramer acetate. Both drugs represent current first-line therapies for MS.
TL;DR: Platelet derived sCD40L may be a key mediator among inflammation, thrombosis and atherosclerosis in patients with occlusive carotid artery disease.
Abstract: Objective: Soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) has been suggested as a key mediator between inflammation and atherosclerosis, and the CD40-CD40L interaction has a role in atherosclerotic lesion progression. We evaluated if platelet released serum sCD40L and sCD40 levels differ between patients with early onset occlusive carotid artery disease and age-matched controls.
Methods: sCD40L and sCD40 levels were measured in serum samples of 60 patients with occlusive carotid artery disease and 30 age-matched controls using ELISA. Degree of stenosis of the internal carotid artery (ICA), and intima-media thickness (IMT) in the common carotid artery were measured by high resolution ultrasound. Values are given as mean ± SD.
Results: Mean age was 50.9 ± 3.5 and 50.1 ± 3.5 years in the patient and control groups. IMT was significantly thicker in patients than in controls (0.89 ± 0.14 vs. 0.78 ±0.12 mm, p = 0.0003). Serum levels of sCD40L were significantly higher (6.9 ± 5 vs. 4.5 ± 3.0 ng/mL, p = 0.038) in patients, whereas sCD40 did not differ significantly between patients and controls (85 ± 56.9 vs. 79.3 ± 18.7 pg/mL, p = 0.34). IMT did not correlate with sCD40L or sCD40 levels (R = −0.03, p = 0.77; and R = 0.109, p = 0.308, respectively).
Conclusions: sCD40L but not sCD40 levels are significantly higher in patients with occlusive carotid artery disease. Platelet derived sCD40L may be a key mediator among inflammation, thrombosis and atherosclerosis.
TL;DR: The results suggest that detection of circulating melanoma cells may be especially relevant in stage III patients, in whom RT-PCR positivity defines a subpopulation at high risk of recurrence.
Abstract: Malignant melanoma (MM) prognosis has been related to tumour thickness and clinical stage and metastasis risk has been associated with presence of tumour cells in peripheral blood. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between presence of tyrosinase in peripheral blood of MM patients and their clinical prognosis. Blood samples from 58 MM patients (stage I-IV) were analysed, using RT-PCR assay to detect tyrosinase mRNA. The results showed that positive RT-PCR assay for tyrosinase were significantly associated with clinical status and tumour thickness. After a median follow-up of 24 months, RT-PCR results were found to be significant correlated with recurrence ( p< 0.05) and clinical stage III ( p< 0.05). Separate analysis of stage III tumours to determine the prognostic value of tyrosinase presence in peripheral blood showed an overall 24-month survival rate of 70% in the RT-PCR negative group versus 10% in the positive group ( p< 0.02). These results suggest that detection of circulating melanoma cells may be especially relevant in stage III patients, in whom RT-PCR positivity defines a subpopulation at high risk of recurrence.
TL;DR: Preliminary data suggests that several CSF proteins in MS are differentially expressed, and thus, represent putative biomarkers deserving of further evaluation, and include autoimmunity and neurodegeneration.
Abstract: Currently, there is no single test for multiple sclerosis (MS). Diagnosis is confirmed through clinical evaluation, abnormalities revealed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) chemistry. The early and accurate diagnosis of the disease, monitoring of progression, and gauging of therapeutic intervention are important but elusive elements of patient care. Moreover, a deeper understanding of the disease pathology is needed, including discovery of accurate biomarkers for MS. Herein we review putative biomarkers of MS relating to neurodegeneration and contributions to neuropathology, with particular focus on autoimmunity. In addition, novel assessments of biomarkers not driven by hypotheses are discussed, featuring our application of advanced proteomics and metabolomics for comprehensive phenotyping of CSF and blood. This strategy allows comparison of component expression levels in CSF and serum between MS and control groups. Examination of these preliminary data suggests that several CSF proteins in MS are differentially expressed, and thus, represent putative biomarkers deserving of further evaluation.
TL;DR: The data from this study support the notion that EGFR expression may up-regulate EMMPRIN expression, and are associated with clinicopathological parameters of advanced colorectal adenocarcinoma stages.
Abstract: Aim: Extracellular matrix metalloprotease inducer (EMMPRIN) expression was demonstrated in several cancers, but its expression profile in colorectal cancers remains unclear. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was reported to regulate EMMPRIN expression in human epithelial cancers. Our purpose was to determine EMMPRIN expression and its relationship with EGFR in colorectal cancers.
TL;DR: It is suggested that individual patients have a CKR set point, and this set point varies from one patient to another, and Evaluation of chemokines or chemokine receptors as biomarkers in MS will need to account for this individual variability in CKR expression.
Abstract: Leukocyte infiltrates characterize tissue inflammation and are thought to be integral in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) This attribute underlines the importance of understanding mechanisms of leukocyte migration Chemokines are secreted proteins which govern leukocyte trafficking into targeted organs Chemokine receptors (CKR) are differentially expressed on leukocytes and their modulation is a potential target for MS disease modifying therapies Chemokines and their receptors are also potential biomarkers of both disease activity and response to treatment We describe the fluctuations in CKR expression on peripheral leukocytes in a group of MS patients followed longitudinally for up to 36 months We observed little fluctuation in CKR expression within each patient over time, despite considerable variability in CKR expression between patients These observations suggest that individual patients have a CKR set point, and this set point varies from one patient to another Evaluation of chemokines or chemokine receptors as biomarkers in MS will need to account for this individual variability in CKR expression
TL;DR: The high incidence of new and individual A-T mutations in a cohort of patients demonstrates marked mutational heterogeneity of A- T in Italy and corroborate the efficiency of DHPLC as a method for the mutation screening of A -T patients.
Abstract: The gene for ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T:MIM:#208900), ATM, spans about 150 kb of genomic DNA and is composed of 62 coding exons. ATM mutations are found along the entire coding sequence of the gene, without evidence of mutational hot spots. Using DNA as the starting material, we used denaturing high performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC) technique to search for ATM gene mutations. Initially, DHPLC was validated in a retrospective study of 16 positive control samples that included 19 known mutations; 100% of mutations were detected. Subsequently, DHPLC was used to screen for mutations a cohort of 22 patients with the classical form of A-T. A total of 27 different mutations were identified on 38 of the 44 alleles, corresponding to a 86% detection rate. Fourteen of the mutations were novel. In addition, 15 different variants and polymorphisms of unknown functional significance were found. The high incidence of new and individual A-T mutations in our cohort of patients demonstrates marked mutational heterogeneity of A-T in Italy and corroborate the efficiency of DHPLC as a method for the mutation screening of A-T patients.
TL;DR: The findings of this case-control study suggest that apolipoprotein E may play an important role in epilepsy, and for the first time, high levels of plasma apoE are observed in epilepsy patients.
Abstract: Purpose: To investigate the relationship of apolipoprotein E (apoE) genotype, plasma levels of apoE and lipids in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) patients in Asian Indians. Status of plasma levels of Apo E in epilepsy patients has not been reported till date. Methods: ApoE gene polymorphism was analyzed in 58 patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and 57 age and sex approximated controls using Polymerase chain reaction- restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Levels of plasma apoE and lipids were measured using ELISA and enzymatic kits respectively. Results: The distribution of ApoE genotype in epilepsy patients and controls was comparable. Higher levels of plasma ApoE were observed in TLE patients as compared to controls (p = 0.0001). Individuals with plasma levels of apoE >190 mg/L were at 20 times higher odds (95%CI = 2.46-163.34, p = 0.005), while those with levels of apoE between 150-190 mg/L were at 4.9 times higher odds (95% CI = 1.85-13.9, p = 0.001), to develop TLE. Conclusions: We have observed for the first time, high levels of plasma apoE in epilepsy patients. The findings of this case-control study suggest that apolipoprotein E may play an important role in epilepsy.
TL;DR: The frequency of the CYP2E1 allele distribution was found to be markedly different between Chinese and South African populations; hence it is important to place racial differences into consideration when proposing allelic variants as genetic markers for cancer.
Abstract: Polymorphisms in the promoter region of the Cytochrome P4502E1 (CYP2E1) gene reportedly modify the metabolic activity of CYP2E1 enzyme, and have been associated with increased susceptibility to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the oesophagus in high prevalence areas such as China. To assess the frequency of these polymorphisms in Black South Africans, a population with a high incidence of oesophageal SCC, this study examined genomic DNA from 331 subjects for restriction fragment length polymorphisms in the CYP2E1 (RsaI and PstI digestion). The frequency of the CYP2E1 c1/c1 and c1/c3 genotypes was 95% and 5% respectively. The frequency of the CYP2E1 allele distribution was found to be markedly different between Chinese and South African populations; hence it is important to place racial differences into consideration when proposing allelic variants as genetic markers for cancer.
TL;DR: The present review summarizes the presentation on the potential role of antibodies as biomarkers for diagnosis, disease activity, classification and prediction of clinical courses in multiple sclerosis.
Abstract: The first international workshop on "Biomarkers in Multiple Sclerosis" was organized by B. Bielekova, R. Hohlfeld, R. Martin and U. Utz from April 14-16, 2004, in Washington, DC. The workshop intended to discuss the current status and potential applicability of biological markers for the understanding of the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and therapy of multiple sclerosis. The present review summarizes the presentation on the potential role of antibodies as biomarkers for diagnosis, disease activity, classification and prediction of clinical courses in multiple sclerosis.
TL;DR: Comparing the aorta and sera from DM and non-DM rats, a bundle of potential biomarkers with significant changes in peak intensities and high classification values were found, which may provide valuable insight on the pathogenesis of DM and macrovascular complications.
Abstract: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is an alarming threat to health of mankind, yet its pathogenesis is unclear. The purpose of this study was to find potential biomarkers to serve as indicators for the pathogenesis of DM in a time course manner. Based on our previous findings that oxidative stress occurred at week 8, aorta lysate and sera of 102 streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic and 85 control male Sprague-Dawley rats were obtained at the 4th, 8th and 12th week after STZ injection. The protein profiles were studied employing surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry technology in attomole sensitivity range. In the aorta, a multiple biomarker panel was discovered at the 4th week. At the 8th week, 4 biomarkers were found, while at the 12th week, 3 biomarkers were identified. In the sera, a triplet of 3 peaks and 2 biomarkers were all discovered to have 100% classification accuracy rate to differentiate the DM and control groups at all time intervals. Besides, 2 biomarkers were also found to have high classification value at week 12. Comparing the aorta and sera from DM and non-DM rats, a bundle of potential biomarkers with significant changes in peak intensities and high classification values were found. Two of the serum biomarkers matched with islet amyloid polypeptide and resistin in the SWISS-PROT knowledgebase. Validation has been conducted using immunoassay kits. These potential biomarkers may provide valuable insight on the pathogenesis of DM and macrovascular complications.
TL;DR: Results suggest that neither 677CT heterozygotes nor mutant homozygotes have either an increased or decreased risk for CAD compared to the 677CC genotype, and MTHFR polymorphisms did not contribute to the prediction of clinically defined CAD in Caucasians.
Abstract: Numerous studies have investigated the relationship between polymorphisms, in particular 677C-T and 1298A-C, of the methylene-tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene and coronary artery disease (CAD) with conflicting results. This study investigates the potential association of two point mutations in MTHFR, 677C-T and 1793G-A, along with other risk factors, with CAD. This is the first hospital-based study to investigate 1793G-A in this context. Genotype analysis was performed on 729 Caucasians and 66 African Americans undergoing coronary angiography using a novel PCR-based assay involving formation of Holliday junctions. Allelic frequencies for 677C-T were 66.2% C and 33.8% T for Caucasians and 90.9% C and 9.1% T for African Americans. With respect to the 1793G-A polymorphism, allelic frequencies were 94.7% G and 5.3% A for Caucasians and 99.2% G and 0.8% A for African Americans. Disease associations were examined in the Caucasian patients due to their greater genotype variability and larger number in the patient cohort. Results suggest that neither 677CT heterozygotes (OR-1.36; 95% CI 0.95 to 1.96) nor mutant homozygotes (OR-0.73; 95% CI 0.44 to 1.20) have either an increased or decreased risk for CAD compared to the 677CC genotype. Likewise, the 1793GA genotype did not demonstrate a statistically significant association with CAD compared to 1793GG patients (OR-0.79; 95% CI 0.47 to 1.33). Mean homocysteine levels (μmol/L) increased from normal to mutant for 677C-T (677CC: 10.2; 677CT: 11.0; 677TT: 11.6) and normal to heterozygous in 1793G-A (1793GG: 10.7; 1793GA: 11.5). These MTHFR polymorphisms did not contribute to the prediction of clinically defined CAD in Caucasians.