O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar, em humanos, a associação entre polimorfismos genéticos no sistema RANK/RANKL/OPG com as dimensões craniofaciais. Foram incluídos neste estudo um total de 100 indivíduos caucasianos brasileiros não relacionados. O DNA foi extraído da saliva de cada um dos participantes e os polimorfismos rs3826620, rs9594738 e rs2073618 em RANK, RANKL e OPG, respectivamente, foram analisados por PCR em tempo real. Para avaliação das dimensões craniofaciais foram avaliadas três medidas angulares (SNA, SNB e ANB) e quatro medidas lineares (Co-Gn, Go-Pg, Co-Go e PTM-A), obtidas de traçados cefalométricos. Para avaliar a distribuição dos genótipos de acordo com os padrões esqueléticos faciais (Classe I, Classe II e Classe III) foi utilizado o teste do qui-quadrado. Para comparar as médias das dimensões maxilares e mandibulares de acordo com os genótipos utilizou-se o teste de Kruskal-Wallis, com o pós-teste de Dunn para comparações múltiplas, ou ANOVA com pós-teste de Tukey. Foi utilizada a análise de regressão linear multivariada para ajustar a possível influência da idade e do gênero em cada medida. O equilíbrio de Hardy-Weinberg foi avaliado utilizando o teste do qui-quadrado para cada polimorfismo. O nível de significância adotado para todas as análises foi 5%. Os resultados obtidos evidenciaram que não houve associação estatisticamente significante entre a distribuição genotípica de RANK, RANKL e OPG com as médias dos ângulos SNA e SNB, nem com a distribuição fenotípica (padrão esquelético Classe I, II ou III) (p>0,05). Observou-se diferença estatisticamente significante entre a distribuição das medidas do comprimento da base mandibular, de acordo com os genótipos de RANK, onde o genótipo GG apresentou maior medida de Go-Pg (p=0,039). Na análise multivariada, observou-se associação significante para os polimorfismos em RANK e medidas mandibulares (Go-Pg e Co-Gn) (p<0,05). A medida da maxila não foi associada a nenhum polimorfismo. Conclui-se que houve associação entre o polimorfismo genético rs3826620 em RANK com maiores dimensões mandibulares, onde o comprimento da mandíbula (Co-Gn) e o comprimento da base da mandíbula (Go-Pg) estavam aumentados. / The objective of the present study was to evaluate, in humans, the association between genetic polymorphisms in the RANK/ RANKL/OPG system with alterations in craniofacial dimensions. A total of 100 unrelated Brazilian Caucasians were included in this study. DNA was extracted from the saliva of each of the participants and the polymorphisms rs3826620, rs9594738 and rs2073618 in RANK, RANKL and OPG, respectively, were analyzed by real-time PCR. To evaluate the craniofacial dimensions, three angular measurements (SNA, SNB and ANB) and four linear measurements (Co-Gn, Go-Pg, Co-Go and PTM-A) were obtained from cephalometric tracings. To compare the difference between the means of the linear and angular measurements according to the genotype, Kruskal-Wallis followed by Dunn post test or ANOVA followed by the Tukey post test was used. Linear regression analysis was also used to adjust the possible influence of age and gender on each linear maxillary and mandibular measure. The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was also evaluated using the chi-square test within each polymorphism. The level of significance was 5%. The results demonstrated that there were no statistically significant association between the genotypic distribution of RANK, RANKL, OPG, and the angules SNA, SNB and according to the phenotypic distribution (Class I, Class II or Class III of skeletal pattern) (p> 0.05). A statistically significant difference was observed between the distribution of mandibular base length measurements according to the RANK genotypes, where the GG genotype showed a higher Go-Pg measurement (p=0.039). In the multivariate analysis, a statistically significant association was found for RANK and mandibular (Go-Pg and Co-Gn) polymorphisms (p<0.05). Measurement of the maxilla was not associated with any polymorphism. It was concluded that there was an association between genetic polymorphism rs3826620 in RANK with a greater mandibular dimension, in which the length of the mandible (Co-Gn) and the length of the base of the mandible (Go-Pg) were increased.

Le polyomavirus BK (ou BKPyV) est un virus ubiquitaire qui infecte plus de 80% de la population adulte. Asymptomatique chez le sujet immunocompétent, il peut être la cause de cystites hémorragiques chez les greffés de cellules souches hématopoïétiques ou de néphropathies interstitielles après transplantation rénale. Parmi les facteurs de risques impliqués dans le développement des néphropathies à BKPyV, nous nous sommes intéressés à l’étude de la variabilité de la région régulatrice non codante (NCCR) du génome viral et à la réponse immunitaire cellulaire spécifique anti- BKPyV en post-greffe. La région NCCR du BKPyV est caractérisée par l’apparition de réarrangements (rrNCCR) chez certains patients présentant une virémie intense et prolongée. Ces réarrangements sont également observés in vitro au cours de la multiplication virale sur cellules permissives. Dans le but de caractériser les rrNCCR et d’étudier leur impact sur la réplication virale, nous avons étudié l’émergence de ces réarrangements in vitro et in vivo sur des échantillons cliniques d’une cohorte de transplantés du rein du CHU de Nantes. Par ailleurs, nous avons étudié la réponse spécifique anti-BKPyV dans les premiers mois postgreffe dans une cohorte prospective de patients adultes transplantés de rein. Nos résultats montrent une augmentation du taux des anticorps au cours de l’infection, et l’absence de valeur prédictive de la réponse médiée par les lymphocytes T sur la survenue d’une infection active à BKPyV. L’ensemble de ces résultats contribue à une meilleure compréhension des mécanismes en jeu au cours des infections à BKPyV en transplantation rénale. / The BK polyomavirus is ubiquitous and infects the majority of the adult population. It is not associated with any specific disease in immunocompetent individuals, but can be responsible for hemorrhagic cystitis after stem cell transplantation or interstitial nephropathy after kidney transplantation. Among the different risk factors involved in the development of such opportunistic diseases, we focused on the genetic polymorphism of the non coding control region of the viral genome (NCCR) and on the specific immune responses directed against BKPyV after kidney transplantation. The NCCR region is characterized by the emergence of rearrangements in vitro on permissive cells, and in vivo in case of prolonged infection and high viral loads. We described the emergence of such rearranged strains in vitro, correlated them with increased viral replication and transcription, and compared these sequences with clinical strains obtained from kidney transplanted patients. Our second objective was to study the specific immune responses in the first months following kidney transplantation. We showed that the active infection was associated with an increase in the anti-BKPyV IgG levels, and that the detection of a CD4+ or CD8+ mediated response was not predictive of a protection toward viral reactivation. Our results contribute to a better understanding of the different factors involved in the pathogenesis of BKPyV infections.

INTRODUÇÃO: Os fatores genéticos que influenciam o início da puberdade precoce ainda não são totalmente conhecidos. Assim, investigar os mecanismos gênicos que estariam envolvidos na sua gênese é muito importante, pois, além de possibilitar o diagnóstico em fases iniciais, pode contribuir para o desenvolvimento de novas terapias, com melhora do prognóstico. Para alguns investigadores, o estradiol também seria um fator contribuinte no determinismo da puberdade. OBJETIVOS: Estudar três genes que codificam enzimas relacionadas à esteroidogênese (CYP1A1, CYP1B1 e CYP17) em meninas com puberdade precoce central. Avaliar a associação entre variações na sequência desses genes e a puberdade precoce central. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídas 177 pacientes, divididas em dois grupos: Grupo Controle - formado por 104 meninas sem puberdade precoce, acompanhadas no Setor de Ginecologia da Infância e da Adolescência da Divisão de Clínica Ginecológica do HC-FMUSP por outros diagnósticos; Grupo Caso - composto por 73 meninas com diagnóstico de puberdade precoce central, acompanhadas no mesmo setor. Foi avaliada a presença de mutação em genes envolvidos no metabolismo do estrogênio (CYP1A1, CYP1B1 e CYP17) pela técnica de RFLP (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism), utilizando DNA obtido a partir de sangue periférico. RESULTADOS: A distribuição dos genótipos de CYP1A1 MspI (p=0,86) e CYP17 (p=0,12) não apresentou diferença significante entre os grupos. Para o CYP1B1 Eco571, o genótipo mutado C/C foi mais frequente no Grupo Controle que no Grupo Caso (p=0,03). CONCLUSÃO: Nossos dados sugerem que a variação do gene CYP1B1 Eco571 poderia estar associada ao determinismo da puberdade / INTRODUCTION: The genetic factors influencing onset of precocious puberty are not as yet fully known. Therefore, it is very important to investigate the genetic mechanisms involved in its genesis, for the resulting knowledge would not only enable diagnosis in the early stages but also contribute to the development of new therapies for improvement in prognosis. According to some researchers, estradiol would also be a contributory factor in puberty timing. OBJECTIVES: To investigate three genes which codify enzymes associated with steroidogenesis (CYP1A1, CYP1B1, and CYP17) in girls with central precocious puberty by focusing on the association between the sequence variation of these genes and central precocious puberty. METHODS: A total of 177 patients was included and divided into two groups: Control Group with 104 girls without precocious puberty who were being treated for other diagnoses at the Sector of Gynecology of Childhood and Adolescence, Division of Gynecology Clinic, HC-FMUSP; Case Group with 73 girls diagnosed with central precocious puberty. Mutations in genes involved in estrogen metabolism (CYP1A1, CYP1B1, and CYP17) were assessed by the RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism) technique using DNA obtained from peripheral blood. RESULTS: No significant difference in the distribution of the CYP1A1 MspI (p=0.86) and CYP17 (p=0.12) genotypes was detected between the two study groups. As for CYP1B1 Eco571, the mutated C/C genotype was found to be more frequent in the Control Group than in the Case Group (p=0.03). CONCLUSION: Our data suggest the CYP1B1 Eco571 gene variation is associated with puberty timing

No description available.

Diss. (sammanfattning) Uppsala : Sveriges lantbruksuniv., 2004. / Härtill 4 uppsatser.

nÃo hà / IntroduÃÃo. A intolerÃncia à lactose à uma sÃndrome clÃnica composta por um ou mais cortejos sintomatolÃgicos associados à ingestÃo de lÃcteos (fenÃtipo clÃnico intolerante) e tolerÃncia à lactose na ausÃncia desses sintomas (fenÃtipo clÃnico tolerante). Assim, na prÃtica clÃnica, deve-se estar atento aos casos semelhantes a essa sintomatologia disabsortiva, pois as convergÃncias e diferenÃas entre esses distÃrbios sÃo tÃnues e os diagnÃsticos muitas vezes sÃo imprecisos, tornando o tratamento e a conduta insatisfatÃrios. Portanto, sÃo necessÃrios estudos que utilizem diferentes mÃtodos diagnÃsticos, assim como comparar os diferentes mÃtodos utilizados na prÃtica clÃnica e averiguar o mais apropriado para dar o diagnÃstico conclusivo, uma vez que nem sempre à fÃcil, haja vista que os sintomas sugerem outras doenÃas. Objetivo. Avaliar as caracterÃsticas fenotÃpicas, a resposta ao teste quÃmico de tolerÃncia à lactose e genÃtipo de pacientes com hipÃtese diagnÃstica de intolerÃncia à lactose e a correlaÃÃo entre eles. Material e mÃtodos. Foi realizado um estudo transversal no Hospital UniversitÃrio Walter CantÃdio (HUWC), com 173 pacientes que apresentavam fenÃtipo positivo e foram atendidos no serviÃo do ambulatÃrio dos servidores do HUWC, no perÃodo de janeiro a agosto de 2010. A amostra final foi composta por 119 pacientes que realizaram o teste de tolerÃncia à lactose e genotipagem do gene da florizina-lactase hidrolase (LPH). Resultados. Dentre os participantes, a maioria era: do sexo feminino, 54,6% (65 casos); da faixa etÃria de 46-55 anos, 26,5% (32 casos); casada, 65,6% (78 casos); de cor parda, 53,8% (65 casos); de nÃvel superior, 42,9% (51 casos). A prevalÃncia de intolerÃncia à lactose foi de 45,4% e a de intolerÃncia quÃmica foi de 73,9%. Os sintomas investigados que apresentaram maior prevalÃncia no intolerante à lactose foram: flatulÃncia, 81,4% (44 casos); empachamento, 68,5% (37casos); borborigmo, 59,3% (32 casos); e diarreia, 46,3% (25 casos). A presenÃa dospolimorfismos C>T-13910 e polimorfismos G>A-22018 no gene da LPH foi identificada nos indivÃduos autorreferidos como intolerantes à lactose, sendo, portanto, um excelente exame para o diagnÃstico. O diagnÃstico de intolerÃncia à lactose que mais se apresentou adequado foi a diferenÃa basal <15 com a curva de ROC maior que 80,3%, com boa sensibilidade e especificidade. ConclusÃes. Observa-se uma correlaÃÃo genotÃpica e quÃmica entre os indivÃduos intolerantes, sugerindo que o teste molecular poderia ser proposto para o diagnÃstico laboratorial de intolerÃncia à lactose, e, no teste quÃmico, a diferenÃa basal <15 foi a mais adequada. / Introduction. Intolerance to lactose is a clinical syndrome comprising one or more corteges symptomatology associated with the ingestion of milk (clinical phenotype intolerant) and lactose tolerance in the absence of symptoms (clinical phenotype tolerant). Thus, in practice, must be attentive to cases similar to these badly absorptive symptoms because the convergences and differences between these disorders are tenuous and diagnoses are often inaccurate, making treatment and unsatisfactory conduct. Therefore, studies are needed using different diagnostic methods, and compare the different methods used in clinical practice and determine the most appropriate to give a conclusive diagnosis, since it is not always easy, given that the symptoms suggest other diseases. Objective.To evaluate the phenotypic characteristics, the response to chemical test for lactose tolerance and the genotype of patients with diagnostic hypothesis of intolerance to lactose and the correlation between them.Material and methods. We conducted a cross-sectional study at the University Hospital Walter Cantidio (HUWC), with 173 patients who had positive phenotype and were seen at the outpatient service of servers HUWC, from January to August 2010. The final sample consisted of 119 patients who underwent the lactose tolerance test and genotyping of the gene for lactase-phlorizin hydrolase (LPH). Results. Among the participants, most were: female, 54.6% (65 cases), the age group of 46-55 years old, 26.5% (32 cases); married, 65.6% (78 cases); dun-colored, 53.8% (65 cases); higher level, 42.9% (51 cases). The prevalence of intolerance to lactose was 45.4% and chemical intolerance was 73.9%. Symptoms investigated more prevalent in lactose intolerant were flatulence 81.4% (44 cases); bloating, 68.5% (37casos); borborygmus, 59.3% (32 cases) and diarrhea, 46, 3% (25 cases). The presence of the polymorphisms C> T polymorphisms and 13 910-G> A-22018 in LPH gene was identified in individuals selfreferred as lactose intolerant, and is therefore an excellent test for the diagnosis. The diagnosis of lactose intolerance that most had adequate baseline the difference was <15 with ROC curve greater than 80.3%, with good sensitivity and specificity. Conclusions. There is a correlation between genotype and chemical intolerant individuals, suggesting that the molecular test could be proposed for the laboratory diagnosis of lactose intolerance, and the chemical test, the difference basal <15 was more appropriate.

CoordenaÃÃo de AperfeiÃoamento de Pessoal de NÃvel Superior / O papel carcinogÃnico de Helicobacter pylori està relacionado à sua capacidade de promover a inflamaÃÃo e, como conseqÃÃncia, a metilaÃÃo do DNA, caracterÃstica epigenÃtica frequentemente associada à carcinogÃnese gÃstrica. Por sua vez, o processo inflamatÃrio pode ser modulado pela presenÃa de alguns dos polimorfismos presentes em genes de interleucinas, bem como pelo genÃtipo bacteriano. Assim, os objetivos desse estudo foram: a) associar o perfil genotÃpico de virulÃncia de H. pylori (quanto aos genes cagA, cagE, vacA e virB11) e o perfil genotÃpico dos polimorfismos de interleucinas prÃ-inflamatÃrias, IL1&#946; -511 C/T, IL1RN, IL6 -174 G/C e TNF -308 G/A com a metilaÃÃo de promotores gÃnicos de CDKN2A, MLH1 e COX-2; b) verificar a associaÃÃo dos polimorfismos da IL6 -174 G/C e TNF -308 G/A com genÃtipo bacteriano no desenvolvimento do cÃncer gÃstrico, considerando os aspectos clinico-patolÃgicos. Para isso, foi extraÃdo DNA a partir de 125 amostras tumorais, coletadas de pacientes submetidos à gastrectomia em hospitais de Fortaleza â Cearà â Brasil. A genotipagem dos polimorfismos foi feita por PCR-RFLP e a anÃlise de metilaÃÃo, por MS-PCR. Os genes de virulÃncia de H. pylori foram analisados por PCR. Em algumas anÃlises, os genÃtipos bacterianos foram agrupados de acordo com os alelos de vacA e a integridade de cag-PAI. Neste estudo, foi verificado que nos tumores da cÃrdia a metilaÃÃo na regiÃo promotora de COX-2 estava associada ao alelo IL1RN*2 (p= 0,015), e o genÃtipo IL-1B -511 T + IL1RN*2 se mostrou importante para a metilaÃÃo desse gene (p=0,013), principalmente na presenÃa de cepas de H. pylori cagA+ (p=0,026) e vacA s1 (p=0,025). A combinaÃÃo genotÃpica IL6 CC+TNFGG parece estar envolvida na nÃo-metilaÃÃo dos promotores dos genes CDKN2A (p=0,046) e MLH1 (p=0,031), mesmo na presenÃa da infecÃÃo por cepa H. pylori cagA+. Considerando os aspectos clinico-patÃlogicos, uma correlaÃÃo positiva foi encontrada entre o gÃnero masculino e pacientes da faixa etÃria >65 anos (r=0,198; p=0,037), na qual esse gÃnero foi predominante (77,5%; p= 0.022). AlÃm disso, tambÃm foi encontrada correlaÃÃo positiva entre o gÃnero feminino e a faixa etÃria de 55-64 (r=+0,217; p=0,021). Quanto ao subtipo histolÃgico, foi visto que tumores difusos estavam correlacionados a pacientes mais jovens (15-44 anos, r=+0,207; p=0,033), enquanto o subtipo intestinal, a pacientes de mais idade (> 65 anos, r=+0,296; p=0,017). Tumores do subtipo difuso foram correlacionados com o gÃnero feminino e aqueles do subtipo intestinal, com o gÃnero masculino (r=+0,226; p=0,019). Quanto aos polimorfismos de interleucinas, o alelo C do polimorfismo IL6 -174G/C foi correlacionado negativamente com pacientes de menor faixa etÃria (r=â0,193; p=0,041), sendo o que pacientes com genÃtipo CC de IL6 foi associado com a infecÃÃo por cepas virulentas (grupo 1c) (r=+0,225; p=0,017); enquanto que pacientes portadores do genÃtipo heterozigoto IL6 -174 GC, com cepas virulentas (grupo 1c) (r=â0,215; p=0,023) e de menor virulÃncia (grupo 2c) (r=+0,204; p=0,031). Os achados desse estudo contribuem com o estabelecimento de um perfil genotÃpico envolvido na metilaÃÃo de alguns genes, no qual pacientes com genÃtipo mais inflamatÃrio e infectados por cepas de H. pylori mais virulentas estÃo associadas a uma maior taxa de metilaÃÃo de alguns genes envolvidos na carcinogÃnese gÃstrica, podendo tambÃm variar de acordo com a localizaÃÃo e o subtipo do tumor. Esse estudo, portanto, oferece uma contribuiÃÃo relevante no que diz respeito à associaÃÃo da cepa de H. pylori com polimorfismos de interleucinas, no qual cepas de maior virulÃncia parecem estar relacionadas com a infecÃÃo de pacientes com genÃtipos menos inflamatÃrios, sendo o contrÃrio tambÃm verdadeiro. / The carcinogenic role of Helicobacter pylori is related to its ability to promote inflammation and, consequently, DNA methylation, epigenetic trait often associated with gastric carcinogenesis. In turn, the inflammation can be modulated by the presence of polymorphisms in some interleukin genes, as well as the bacterial genotype. The objectives of this study were: a) link the genotypic profile of H. pylori virulence (cagA, cagE, vacA and virB11 genes) and genotypic profile of pro-inflammatory interleukins polymorphisms, IL1&#946; -511 C/T, IL1RN, IL6 -174 G/C and TNF-308 G/A with gene promoter methylation of CDKN2A, MLH1, and COX-2 b) verify the association of polymorphisms of IL6 -174 G/C and TNF -308 G/A with bacterial genotype in the gastric cancer development, considering the clinical and pathological aspects. For this, DNA was extracted from 125 tumor samples, collected from patients who underwent gastrectomy at hospitals in Fortaleza â Cearà â Brazil. Polymorphisms genotyping were identified by PCR-RFLP and methylation analysis by MS-PCR. Virulence genes of H. pylori were analyzed by PCR. In some analyzes, the bacterial genotypes were grouped according to the alleles of vacA and integrity of cag-PAI. In this study, we observed that in cardia tumors the methylation of COX-2 promoter region was associated with IL1RN*2 allele (p=0.015), and genotype IL-1B -511T+IL1RN*2 was important to methylation of this gene (p=0.013), especially in the presence of H. pylori cagA+strains (p=0.020) and vacA s1 (p=0.032). The genotype combination IL6 CC+TNFGG seems to be involved in non-methylation of promoters of genes CDKN2A (p=0.046) and MLH1 (p=0.031), even in the presence of infection by strain H. pylori cagA+. Considering the clinical and pathological aspects, a positive correlation was found between males and patients aged >65 years (r=0.198, p=0.037), in which this gender was predominant (77.5%, p=0.022) . In addition, positive correlation was found between female and patients aged 55-64 years (r=+0.217, p=0.021). Regarding the histologic subtype, we found that diffuse tumors were correlated with younger patients (15-44 years, r=+0.207, p=0.033), while the intestinal subtype, with the older patients (>65 years, r=+ 0.296, p=0.017). Tumors of the diffuse subtype were correlated with female gender and those of the intestinal subtype, with males (r=+0.226, p=0.019). Regarding polymorphisms of interleukins, the C allele of IL6 polymorphism -174G/C was negatively correlated with the younger group (r=-0.193, p=0.041), and the patients with CC genotype of IL6 was associated with infection by virulent strains (group 1c) (r=+0.225, p=0.017), whereas patients with the genotype IL6 -174 GC, with virulent strains (group 1c) (r=-0.215, p=0.023) and less virulent (group 2c) (r=+0.204, p=0.031). Our findings contribute to the establishment of a genotypic profile involved in methylation of some genes in which patients with genotype more inflammatory and infected with strains of H. pylori more virulent are associated with a higher rate of methylation of some genes involved in gastric carcinogenesis and may also vary according to location and tumor subtype. This study thus provides an important contribution with regard to the association of the strain of H. pylori polymorphisms interleukins, in which most virulent strains appear to be related to infection of patients with inflammatory genotypes less, and the converse is also true.

Abstract The cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) is a plasma protein that transfers cholesteryl esters and triglycerides between plasma lipoproteins. Humans with a genetic CETP deficiency have high plasma high density lipopoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels, whereas the CETP transgene lowers plasma HDL-C levels in mice. The role of CETP in the development of atherosclerosis is unclear due to the controversial results of many human and animal studies. The present research was designed to investigate the CETP gene as a candidate gene in the regulation of plasma HDL-C levels and the development of atherosclerosis in humans. The CETP gene was screened for mutations and polymorphisms associated with these traits in a well-characterized, homogenous population sample of 515 men and women and in a sample of 115 men with low HDL-C levels and coronary heart disease (CHD). Using polymerase chain reaction and single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis (PCR-SSCP), three polymorphic sites were found (A373P, I405V, R451Q) in the exons of the CETP gene, one in intron 9 and one in the 3'untranslated region of the CETP gene. In addition, the genotypes of a functional promoter polymorphism were determined. The V405 allele was associated with lower plasma CETP activity in the whole population sample, and the Q451 allele and the P373 allele were associated with higher plasma CETP activity in men, whereas the genotypes of the promoter polymorphism were not significantly associated with plasma CETP activity. The genotypes of the CETP gene explained about 20 % of the variation of plasma CETP activity in men. The CETP gene polymorphisms were found to be a minor regulator of plasma HDL-C levels, and these associations interacted with alcohol consumption, sex and triglyceride levels. The strongest association was detected between the promoter polymorphism and HDL-C levels in women. The variation at the CETP gene locus explained about 8 % of the variation in plasma HDL-C levels in women, but less than 1 % in men. CETP gene polymorphisms (A373P, I405V and R451Q) were associated with carotid intima-media thickness, explaining about 6 % of the variation in men and 4 % in women. However, none of the polymorphisms were associated significantly with the CHD risk. In conclusion, the CETP gene was found to be polymorphic and a minor regulator of plasma HDL-C levels and the development of atherosclerosis.

Abstract Successful pregnancy is characterized by a shift toward Th2 type immune response and suppression of adaptive immune responses to ensure acceptance of the semi-allogenic fetal graft. Also the innate immune system plays a major role during pregnancy. Recurrent miscarriage is defined as three or more consecutive pregnancy losses. About 1% of all women will suffer recurrent miscarriage. The causes of recurrent miscarriage remain unexplained in half (50%) of the cases. Susceptibility to recurrent miscarriage is probably mediated by Th1 type immune response with pronounced expression and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g. TNFα and IFNγ) paralleled with decreased production of anti-inflammatory cytokines (e.g. IL-10). Factors that regulate immune response during pregnancy include hormonal factors (e.g. hCG and progesterone). Immunogenetic factors also contribute to this regulation. Several functionally important polymorphisms in various immunomodulatory genes have been identified during recent years. Some of these polymorphisms may be important in regulating the Th1/Th2 balance during pregnancy. Putative immune dysregulation caused by these polymorphisms has been researched intensively. Conflicting results have been published about associations between several of these polymorphisms and recurrent miscarriage. In this study, HLA-G (exon 2 and 3), IL-10 (-1082A/G), IL-1RA (intron 2 VNTR) and CD14 (-159C/T) polymorphisms were studied in 38 Finnish women with RM. All of these polymorphisms have been associated with altered gene expression. Distribution of HLA-G*I, II, III and IV were 0.577, 0.375, 0 and 0.048 respectively in the studied Finnish population. According to the present classification the G*I allele group mostly consists of the allele 010101, while G*II covers the combination of 010102, 010401 and 0105N, as well as some other rare alleles. There were no associations between recurrent miscarriage and the HLA-G, IL-10 and CD14 polymorphisms. However, in IL-1RA polymorphism, the rare IL1RN*3 allele was increased in women with recurrent miscarriage. It is not known, if this particular allele is associated with differences in IL-1RA or IL-1 production. Although the study population was small, it may be supposed that quantitative differences in the production of single immunomodulatory molecules due to normal genetic variation may not be grossly harmful to the fetal allograft. This indicates the robustness and flexibility of the reproduction system. For survival, it is essential that minor variations are tolerated. Thus, large-scale studies focusing on the effect of a pro-inflammatory genetic profile based on the presence of several pro/anti-inflammatory genetic markers are needed to discover if immunogenetic factors predispose women to recurrent miscarriage.

A depressão tem sido considerada uma das principais causas de incapacidade e caracteriza-se pela a presença de humor triste e perda de interesse ou prazer, acompanhada de alterações somáticas e cognitivas que afetam significativamente a capacidade de funcionamento do indivíduo. Evidências sugerem que o hormônio relacionado ao estresse, o cortisol, está envolvido na fisiopatologia da depressão em adultos. Isso pode estar relacionado com estresse precoce durante o desenvolvimento inicial, o que poderia levar a uma maior vulnerabilidade para desenvolver depressão e risco de tentativa de suicídio na fase adulta. O cortisol tem sua liberação mediada pelo eixo hipotálamo-hipófise-adrenal (HPA) e a alteração deste eixo pode afetar significativamente a biodisponibilidade do cortisol circulante. É comprovado também que fatores ambientais e genéticos permeiam a causa da depressão e o eixo HPA tem sido implicado na fisiopatologia de transtornos depressivos. O gene HSD11B1 que codifica a enzima 11?-hidroxiesteróide desidrogenase tipo1 que é a responsável por converter cortisona em cortisol permeia a função do eixo HPA. Com isso, polimorfismos genéticos no gene HSD11B1 podem afetar o risco para desenvolver depressão e o risco de suicídio. O objeto foi avaliar se genótipos e haplótipos do gene HSD11B1 estão associados com risco de depressão, com a gravidade dos sintomas e com o comportamento suicida, considerando o estresse precoce como um fator ambiental. Foram incluídos 107 pacientes depressivos e 67 pacientes saudáveis incluídos como controles. Todos os sujeitos foram submetidos a uma avaliação psicométrica com a Escala MINI, escala GRID-HAMD21, Questionário de Traumas Infantis CTQ e Escala Beck de Ideação Suicida. Foi encontrada associação significativa com o polimorfismo rs11119328 nos genótipos para risco aumentado de pelo menos uma tentativa de suicídio (OR: 12,53, p = 0,045) E uma associação de genótipos variantes do polimorfismo rs11811440 com humor eutímico para tratamento farmacológico otimizado (OR: 0,05, P = 0,027). Concluímos que os polimorfismos do gene HSD11B1 podem ser biomarcadores relevantes para detectar indivíduos geneticamente vulneráveis a desenvolver depressão e a cometer suicídio. / Depression has been considered one of the main cause of disability and is characterized by the presence of sad mood and loss of interest or pleasure, accompanied by somatic and cognitive changes that significantly affect the ability of the individual to function. Evidence suggests that the stress-related hormone, cortisol, is involved in the pathophysiology of depression in adults. This may be related to adverse experiences in childhood during early development, which could lead to increased vulnerability to developing depression and suicide attempt risk in adulthood. Cortisol has its release mediated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) and the alteration of this axis can significantly affect the bioavailability of the circulating cortisol. It is also proven that environmental and genetic factors permeate the cause of depression and the HPA axis has been implicated in the pathophysiology of depressive disorders. The HSD11B1 gene encoding the 11?-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 enzyme that is responsible for converting cortisone to cortisol permeates HPA axis function. Thus, genetic polymorphisms in the HSD11B1 gene may affect the risk of developing depression and the risk of suicide. The objective was to evaluate if genotypes and haplotypes of the HSD11B1 gene are associated with risk of depression, with severity of symptoms and with suicidal behavior, considering early stress as an environmental factor. We included 107 depressive patients and 67 healthy patients included as controls. All subjects underwent a psychometric evaluation with the MINI Scale, GRID-HAMD21 Scale, Child Trauma Questionnaire CTQ and Beck Scale of Suicidal Ideation. It was found a significant association with rs11119328 polymorphism in genotypes at increased risk of at least one suicide attempt (OR: 12.53, p = 0.045) and an association of rs11811440 polymorphism genotypes with euthymic humor for optimized pharmacological treatment (OR: 0.05, P = 0.027). We conclude that HSD11B1 gene polymorphisms may be relevant biomarkers for detecting genetically vulnerable individuals to develop depression and commit suicide.