Made available in DSpace on 2016-01-26T12:51:31Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 gustavohenriquemarucci_dissert.pdf: 2122770 bytes, checksum: 2efb8990fe737368548a02b38fdef073 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-12-12 / Down syndrome (DS) is a complex genetic disease resulting mainly from the presence of three copies of chromosome 21. It is the most frequent human chromosomal abnormality and, in most cases (about 95%) results from maternal chromosome nondisjunction, which occurs during meiosis I. Recent studies suggest that the etiology of maternal risk for DS in young mothers is associated with polymorphisms in genes of folate/homocysteine metabolism. The proper function of folate metabolism is essential for the synthesis of methyl groups necessary for DNA methylation. The deficiency of this metabolite has resulted in DNA hypomethylation, chromosomal breakage and aneuploidies. Objectives: Evaluate the influence of the C1420T polymorphism in serine hidroximetiltransferase (SHMT) gene on the maternal risk for DS, and investigate the association between this polymorphism and variation in the concentration of serum folate, plasma Hcy and methylmalonic acid (MMA); investigate the impact of 19 base pairs (pb) deletion polymorphism of the dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) gene and the C1420T polymorphism of the SHMT gene on serum folate concentrations, plasma Hcy and MMA in individuals with DS. Material and methods: 105 mothers of individuals with free trisomy of chromosome 21 and 185 mothers of individuals without the syndrome (no history of miscarriage), and 85 individuals with free trisomy of 21 chromosome were included in this study. The polymorphism of DHFR gene was evaluated by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) by fragment size difference, and the polymorphism of SHMT gene was analyzed by real-time PCR allelic discrimination. Results: The SHMT CC and CT genotypes were associated with decreased maternal risk for DS (CC: P= 0.0002; 95% CI: 0.20 0.60; OR: 0.35. CT: P < 0.0001; 95% IC: 0.11 - 0.39; OR: 0.21). The different genotypes did not influence the concentrations of metabolites studied. In individuals with DS, the combined genotypes DHFR II/ SHMT TT and DHFR DD/ SHMT TT were associated, respectively, with increased concentrations of Hcy (P<0.001) and folate (P<0.001). Moreover, individuals with DHFR II/ SHMT CT genotypes presented a reduction of folate concentration (P= 0.01). Conclusion: The CC and CT genotypes of SHMT C1020T polymorphism has a protector effect for maternal risk for DS. This polymorphism does not seem to influence the folate, Hcy and MMA concentrations. The del 19pb DHFR and SHMT C1420T polymorphisms present a synergic effect in modulating folate and Hcy concentrations in individuals with DS. / A síndrome de Down (SD) é uma doença genética complexa resultante, principalmente, da presença de três cópias do cromossomo 21. É a cromossomopatia humana mais frequente e, na maioria dos casos (cerca de 95%), decorrente da não disjunção cromossômica materna, ocorridas durante a meiose I. Recentes estudos sugerem que a etiologia do risco materno para a SD em mães jovens está relacionada com polimorfismos em genes do metabolismo do folato/homocisteína (Hcy). O funcionamento adequado do metabolismo do folato é essencial para a síntese de grupos metil necessários para a metilação do DNA. A deficiência deste metabólito tem como resultado, a hipometilação do DNA, quebras cromossômicas e aneuploidias. Objetivos: Avaliar a influência do polimorfismo C1420T do gene serina hidroximetiltransferase (SHMT) no risco materno para a SD e nas concentrações de folato sérico, Hcy e ácido metilmalônico (MMA) plasmáticos ; investigar o impacto dos polimorfismos de deleção de 19 pares de base (pb) do gene dihidrofolato redutase (DHFR) e de transição C1420T do gene SHMT nas concentrações de folato sérico, Hcy e MMA plasmáticos em indivíduos com SD. Casuística e métodos: Foram incluídas no estudo 105 mães de indivíduos com trissomia livre do cromossomo 21 e 185 mães de indivíduos sem a síndrome (sem história prévia de aborto espontâneo), e 85 indivíduos com trissomia livre do cromossomo 21. O polimorfismo do gene DHFR foi avaliado por meio da Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase (PCR) por diferença de tamanho de fragmentos, e o polimorfismo SHMT C1420T foi analisado por PCR em tempo real. Resultados: Os genótipos CC e CT do polimorfismo SHMT C1420T foram associados à redução do risco materno para SD (CC: P = 0,0002; 95% IC: 0,20 0,60; OR: 0,35. CT: P < 0,0001; 95% IC: 0,11 0,39; OR: 0,21). Os diferentes genótipos não influenciaram as concentrações dos metabólitos estudados. No grupo de indivíduos com SD, os genótipos combinados DHFR II/SHMT TT e DHFR DD/SHMT TT foram associados, respectivamente, com concentrações aumentadas de Hcy (P < 0,001) e de folato (P < 0,001). Além disso, indivíduos com os genótipos DHFR II/SHMT CT apresentaram concentração reduzida de folato (P = 0,01). Conclusão: Os genótipos CC e CT do polimorfismo SHMT C1420T conferem um efeito materno protetor para SD. Este polimorfismo parece não influenciar as concentrações de folato, Hcy e MMA. Os polimorfismos del 19pb DHFR e C1420T SHMT apresentam um efeito sinérgico na modulação das concentrações de folato e Hcy de indivíduos com SD.

O ácido gama-aminobutírico (GABA), principal neurotransmissor inibitório, está envolvido no mecanismo intrínseco do início da puberdade. Os efeitos inibitórios do GABA sobre a secreção de GnRH (hormônio hipotalâmico estimulador da secreção das gonadotrofinas) são mediados pelo receptor tipo A (GABAA) que é composto por diferentes subunidades organizadas de forma heteropentamérica. A subunidade a1, codificada pelo gene GABRA1 localizado no locus 5q34-35, é a mais implicada na atividade inibitória do GABA. A puberdade precoce dependente de gonadotrofinas (PPDG) predomina no sexo feminino, sendo na maioria dos casos idiopática. Recentemente, defeitos moleculares das subunidades dos receptores de GABA têm sido identificados em pacientes com anormalidades eletroencefalográficas específicas. Neste estudo, investigamos a presença de mutações funcionais ou polimorfismos do GABRA1 em meninas com a forma idiopática de PPDG e avaliamos as anormalidades EEG neste grupo. Trinta e uma meninas com diagnóstico clínico e hormonal da forma idiopática da PPDG, sendo 6 casos familiais (19,4%) e 25 casos esporádicos (80,6%), e 73 controles não relacionados foram selecionados. Todas as pacientes com PPDG apresentaram ressonância magnética de sistema nervoso central normal. Vinte e três meninas foram submetidas a estudo eletroencefalográfico (EEG). O DNA genômico foi extraído do sangue periférico de todas as pacientes e controles. A região codificadora do GABRA1 foi amplificada utilizando-se oligonucleotídeos intrônicos específicos, seguida por purificação enzimática e seqüenciamento automático. Dois polimorfismos conhecidos do GABRA1 foram também estudados pelo programa GeneScan e pela técnica de digestão enzimática (enzima TaiI). O seqüenciamento automático do GABRA1 não revelou mutações funcionais. Identificamos 7 polimorfismos no GABRA1: duas variantes exônicas 156T>C e 1323G>A, localizados no éxons 4 e 11, respectivamente, e 5 polimorfismos intrônicos - IVS2-712(GT)n, no íntron 2, caracterizado por número variável de repetições GT; IVS3+12A>T, no íntron 3; IVS8+45T>G no íntron 8; IVS9+76T>G no íntron 9 e IVS10+15G>A, no íntron 10. Estes polimorfismos não alteram o uso do sítio de splice original. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre a distribuição genotípica e a freqüência alélica dos 2 polimorfismos exônicos e do polimorfismo IVS2-712(GT) encontrados no grupo de pacientes e no grupo controle. O EEG revelou anormalidades em 6 de 23 meninas (4 sem epilepsia). A distribuição genotípica e a freqüência alélica dos polimorfismos do GABRA1 não difereriram significativamente entre as pacientes com PPDG sem e com anormalidades eletroencefalográficas. Nós concluímos que mutações funcionais ou polimorfismos no GABRA1 não estão envolvidos na etiologia da forma idiopática da PPDG e não estão associadas às anormalidades eletroencefalográficas encontradas. Adicionalmente, a presença de alterações eletroencefalográficas em pacientes com PPDG sem epilepsia sugere que a análise eletroencefalográfica deva ser incluída na investigação da PPDG / The gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a dominant inhibitory neurotransmitter, is involved in the intrinsic mechanism of the onset of the puberty. Their inhibitory effects on the GnRH (hypothalamic gonadotropin release hormone) secretion are mediated by type A receptor (GABAA), composed by different subunits which are organized in a heteropentameric form. The alpha-1 subunit, encode by GABRA1 gene located at locus 5q34- 35, is the most implicated in the inhibitory activity of GABA. The gonadotropin-dependent precocious puberty (GDPP) is predominant in females, being idiopathic in the majority of the cases. Recently, molecular defects of the GABA receptor subunits have been identified in patients with specific electroencephalographic (EEG) abnormalities. In this study, we investigated the presence of functional mutations or polymorphisms of the GABRA1 in girls with the idiopathic form of the GDPP and evaluated EEG abnormalities in this group. Thirty-one girls with clinical and hormonal diagnosis of GDPP idiopathic form, being 6 familial cases (19.4%) and 25 sporadic cases (80.6%), and 73 unrelated controls were selected. All patients with GDPP had normal magnetic resonance of central nervous system. Twenty-three girls were submitted to electroencephalographic study. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood of all patients and controls. The entire coding region of the GABRA1 was amplified using specific intronic oligonucleotides, followed by enzymatic purification and automatic sequencing. Two known polymorphisms of the GABRA1 were also studied by GeneScan software and digestion with restriction endonuclease TaiI. The automatic sequencing of the GABRA1 did not reveal any functional mutations. We identified 7 polymorphisms in the GABRA1: two silent exonic variants 156T>C e 1323G>A, located at exons 4 e 11, respectively, e 5 polymorphisms - IVS2-712(GT)n, at intron 2, characterized by a variable number of repeat GT; IVS3+12A>T, at intron 3; IVS8+45T>G at intron 8; IVS9+76T>G at intron 9 and IVS10+15G>A, at íntron 10. These polymorphisms did not alter the use of original splicing site. No significant statistical difference of the genotypic distribution and allele frequency of the exonic polymorphisms (156T>C and 1323G>A) and IVS2-712(GT)n between unrelated patients and control group was obtained. Electroencephalographic tracings were abnormal in 6 of 23 girls (4 without epilepsy). No significant statistical difference of the genotype distribution and allele frequence were found between patients without and with EEG abnormalities. We conclude that functional mutations or polymorphisms in the GABRA1 are not involved in the etiology of idiopathic GDPP in this study, and they are not associated with electroencephalografic abnormalities. In addition, EEG abnormalities present in girls with GDPP without epilepsy, suggest that EEG analysis should be included in the investigation of the precocious puberty.

A doença cardiovascular (DCV) é a principal causa de mortalidade e morbidade em pacientes portadores de diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM 2), estando associada com mais de 80% das mortes nesses pacientes. Portadores de DM 2 têm um risco três vezes maior em relação à indivíduos não diabéticos de desenvolver aterosclerose e suas complicações clínicas como infarto agudo do miocárdio (IAM), acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) e doença vascular periférica. O sistema endócrino da vitamina D regula a diferenciação e a proliferação de vários tipos celulares, além de possuir propriedades antiinflamatórias e antiangiogênicas. Assim, a vitamina D poderia ter um papel protetor contra as doenças degenerativas crônicas como a DCV. Estudos epidemiológicos sugerem que a deficiência de vitamina D está associada com doença arterial coronariana (DAC). As ações da 1,25(OH)2D3 são mediadas pela sua ligação ao seu receptor nuclear (VDR). O objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar as associações de polimorfismos de um único nucleotídeo (SNPs) no gene VDR com DAC em duas coortes de pacientes portadores de DM 2. Um total de 3.137 pacientes provenientes do estudo prospectivo DIABHYCAR (14,8% de incidência de DAC no seguimento) foi estudado. Uma outra coorte (NECKER - COCHIN) independente composta de 713 indivíduos portadores de DM 2 (32,3% dos quais tinham DAC) também foi avaliada. Três SNPs no gene VDR foram genotipados: rs1544410 (BsmI), rs7975232 (ApaI) e rs731236 (TaqI). Uma associação do alelo A de BsmI com casos incidentes de DAC (Hazard Ratio = 1,16; IC 95% = 1,05-1,29; p = 0,002) foi observada, assim como associações do alelo A de BsmI (p = 0,01) e do alelo C de TaqI (p = 0,04) com casos de DAC no início do estudo. O haplótipo AAC (BsmI / ApaI / TaqI) foi significantemente associado com aumento da prevalência de DAC no final do estudo, em comparação com o haplótipo GCT (Odds Ratio = 1,12; IC 95% = 1,02-1,28; p = 0,04). Associações do alelo A de ApaI (p = 0,009) e do alelo C de TaqI (p = 0,05) com DAC foram observadas no estudo transversal da coorte Necker - Cochin. Os resultados obtidos com os haplótipos também foram replicados nessa coorte (Odds Ratio = 1,33; IC 95% = 1,03-1,73; p = 0,03). Em conclusão, o haplótipo composto pelo alelo raro de BsmI, pelo alelo frequente de ApaI e pelo alelo raro de TaqI (AAC) foi associado a um maior risco de DAC em pacientes portadores de DM 2. Este efeito foi independente dos efeitos de outros fatores de risco cardiovasculares / Cardiovascular (CVD) disease is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in patients with type 2 diabetes being associated with up to 80% of the deaths in these patients. Diabetic patients have a 3-fold higher risk than non diabetic individuals for developing atherosclerosis and its clinical complications such as myocardial infarction, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease. The vitamin D endocrine system regulates the differentiation and replication of several cell types and has antiangiogenic and antiinflammatory properties. Thus, it could have a protective role against chronic degenerative disorders such as CVD. Epidemiological studies suggested that vitamin D deficiency is associated with coronary heart disease. Actions of vitamin D are mediated by the binding of 1,25-(OH)2D3 to a specific cytosolic/nuclear vitamin D receptor (VDR). The present study investigated associations of VDR gene variants with coronary artery disease (CAD) in two cohorts of type 2 diabetic subjects. A total of 3,137 subjects participating in the 6-year prospective DIABHYCAR study (14.8% of CAD incidence at follow-up) were evaluated. An independent, hospital-based cohort (NECKER-COCHIN) of 713 diabetic subjects, 32.3% of whom had CAD, was also studied. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the VDR gene were genotyped: rs1544410 (BsmI), rs7975232 (ApaI) and rs731236 (TaqI). In the DIABHYCAR cohort, an association of the A-allele of BsmI with incident cases of CAD was found (Hazard Risk = 1.16; 95% C.I = 1.05-1.29; p = 0.002). Associations were also observed for the A- allele of BsmI (p=0.01) and C-allele of TaqI (p = 0.04) polymorphic variants with baseline cases of CAD. The AAC haplotype (BsmI/ApaI/TaqI) was significantly associated with increased CAD prevalence at the end of the study as compared with the GCT haplotype (Odds Ratio = 1.12; 95% C.I. = 1.02-1.28; p = 0.04). Associations of ApaI (p = 0.009) and TaqI (p = 0.05) alleles with CAD were observed in a cross-sectional study of the NECKER-COCHIN cohort. The haplotype results were also replicated (Odds ratio = 1.33; 95% C.I. = 1.03 - 1.73; p = 0.03). In conclusion, the haplotype composed by the minor allele of BsmI, the major allele of ApaI and the minor allele of TaqI (AAC) was associated with increased risk of CAD in type 2 diabetic patients. This effect was independent from effects of other known cardiovascular risk factors

Submitted by Fabíola Silva (fabiola.silva@famerp.br) on 2016-10-03T18:49:30Z No. of bitstreams: 1 daniellabalduinovictorino_dissert.pdf: 2037812 bytes, checksum: ec4892555795968e4470a593baca8ebc (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-10-03T18:49:30Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 daniellabalduinovictorino_dissert.pdf: 2037812 bytes, checksum: ec4892555795968e4470a593baca8ebc (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-10-06 / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo - FAPESP / Introduction Down syndrome (DS) is caused by the presence of three copies of chromosome 21 in consequence to chromosome nondisjunction in maternal meiosis observed in about 95% of cases. Genetic polymorphisms involved in folate metabolism were associated with the maternal risk for DS. However, the results are contradictories. Objectives To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis in order to evaluate the association between Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T and A1298C, Methionine synthase reductase (MTRR) A66G, Methionine synthase (MTR) A2756G, Reduced folate carrier 1 (RFC1) A80G, Cystathionine β-synthase (CβS) 844ins68, Methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase 1 (MTHFD1) G1958A and Transcobalamin 2 (TC2) C776G genetic polymorphisms and the maternal risk for DS. Methods Studies were searched up to May 2014 on MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, hand searched reference lists of published articles and conference meetings and personal communication. Case-control studies that evaluated the association between genetic polymorphisms in case mothers (DSM) and controls mothers (CM) were included. DSM are considered mothers that have gave birth to children with free trisomy of 21 chromosome and CM are considered mothers that have gave birth to children without chromosomal abnormality, syndrome or malformation. Studies with mothers of DS individuals with translocation or mosaicism, case reports, editorials and review articles were excluded. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by two investigators. Meta-analysis assesses the associations between each genetic polymorphism and maternal risk for DS by dominant, recessive, codominant and allelic genetic models. Dichotomous outcome measures were pooled using fixed and random effects models and the results were expressed by odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Heterogeneity between studies was evaluated using Q test and the I2 and subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed in order to investigate the potential sources of heterogeneity. Publication bias was estimated using funnel plot and linear regression test. Results Collectively, 30 case-control studies including 3,101 DSM and 3,967 CM were included. Significant association between MTHFR C677T and MTRR A66G polymorphisms and maternal risk for DS was found when all population is considered. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses according ethnicity showed significant associations for the MTHFR C677T polymorphism in Caucasians, Brazilians and Asians and for the MTRR A66G polymorphism in Caucasians. Additionally, the results of the RFC1 A80G polymorphism demonstrated significant association, it was also found in Asians and maternal age less than 35 years at conception subgroups analyses. Finally, MTHFD1 1958GA genotype was revealed as maternal risk factor for DS when only studies with control group in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were considered. No association among MTHFR A1298C, MTR A2756G, CβS 844ins68 and TC2 C776G polymorphisms and maternal risk for DS was found. Conclusions MTHFR C677T, MTRR A66G, RFC1 A80G and MTHFD1 1958GA polymorphisms are associated with maternal risk for DS. / Introdução Síndrome de Down (SD) é atribuída à presença de três cópias do cromossomo 21, decorrente da não-disjunção cromossômica meiótica materna em 95% dos casos. Polimorfismos genéticos maternos envolvidos no metabolismo do folato foram associados ao nascimento de indivíduos com a SD, porém os resultados dos estudos são contraditórios. Objetivos Avaliar, por meio de revisão sistemática e metanálise, a associação entre os polimorfismos genéticos maternos Metilenotetrahidrofolato redutase (MTHFR) C677T e A1298C, Metionina sintase redutase (MTRR) A66G, Metionina sintase (MTR) A2756G, Carreador de folato reduzido 1 (RFC1) A80G, Cistationina β-sintase (CβS) 844ins68, Metilenotetrahidrofolato desidrogenase 1 (MTHFD1) G1958A e Transcobalamina 2 (TC2) C776G e o nascimento de indivíduos com a SD. Métodos As buscas bibliográficas foram realizadas anteriormente a maio de 2014 e os bancos de dados utilizados foram: PUBMED, EMBASE, LILACS, lista de referências bibliográficas dos artigos selecionados, busca manual em anais de congressos e comunicação pessoal. Foram incluídos estudos caso-controle que avaliaram a presença dos polimorfismos genéticos em mães de crianças com SD por trissomia livre do cromossomo 21 (mães-caso) e em mães de crianças sem histórico de anormalidades cromossômicas, síndromes ou malformações (mães-controle). Os critérios de exclusão consistiram em estudos que incluíram mães de crianças com SD por translocação ou mosaicismo, relatos de caso, editoriais e artigos de revisão. A extração dos dados e a avaliação da qualidade dos estudos foram feitas por dois investigadores. A metanálise avaliou a associação entre cada polimorfismo e o risco materno para a SD por meio dos modelos genéticos dominante, recessivo, codominante e alélico. Medidas de desfecho dicotômicas foram sumarizadas utilizando-se modelos de efeito fixo e randômico e os resultados foram expressos em odds ratio (OR) com intervalo de confiança de 95% (IC 95%). A heterogeneidade entre estudos foi calculada pelo teste Q e pela estatística I2 e suas potenciais fontes foram investigadas pelas análises de sensibilidade e subgrupo. O viés de publicação foi estimado pelos funnel plot e teste de regressão linear. Resultados Coletivamente, 30 estudos caso-controle preencheram os critérios de elegibilidade, o que totalizou 3.101 mães-caso e 3.967 mães-controle. Foi verificada associação significativa entre os polimorfismos MTHFR C677T e MTRR A66G e o risco materno para SD. As análises de subgrupo de acordo com a etnia revelaram associações significativas para o polimorfismo MTHFR C677T e o risco materno para a SD em caucasianos, brasileiros e asiáticos e para o polimorfismo MTRR A66G em caucasianos. Adicionalmente, foi encontrada associação significativa para o polimorfismo RFC1 A80G e o risco materno para a SD e também nas análises de subgrupo de asiáticos e de mães com idade materna inferior a 35 anos no momento da concepção. Finalmente, o genótipo MTHFD1 1958GA revelou-se fator de risco materno para o nascimento de indivíduos com SD quando a análise foi restringida aos estudos cujo grupo controle estava em equilíbrio de Hardy-Weinberg. Nenhuma associação foi verificada para os polimorfismos MTHFR A1298C, MTR A2756G, CβS 844ins68 e TC2 C776G. Conclusões Os polimorfismos MTHFR C677T, MTRR A66G, RFC1 A80G e MTHFD1 G1958A são fatores de risco materno para a SD.

Submitted by Fabíola Silva (fabiola.silva@famerp.br) on 2018-02-27T13:37:32Z No. of bitstreams: 1 mariaclarajcalastri_dissert.pdf: 1722484 bytes, checksum: 2401a4cd41d772b6af93c5b9f425ce1e (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-02-27T13:37:32Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 mariaclarajcalastri_dissert.pdf: 1722484 bytes, checksum: 2401a4cd41d772b6af93c5b9f425ce1e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-11-22 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / Introduction - Gliomas stand out as the most aggressive malignant tumors of the central nervous system. The identification of candidate genes as biomarkers helps to clarify the pathophysiology of gliomas, supports in early diagnosis of the disease, in addition to new therapeutic interventions. Objectives – To evaluate the association of genetic variants related to cell cycle regulation (CCND1), DNA repair (XRCC1) and DNA integrity (RTEL1), intracellular signaling (EGFR), and angiogenesis (VEGF) with gliomas, as well as anatomic-morphological and functional profiles and response to the treatment. Patients and Methods – A total of 303 individuals were studied: 100 patients with gliomas (SG=Study Group), regardless of the degree of malignancy; and 203 individuals without the disease (CG=Control Group). Genotyping of the polymorphisms CCND1-rs9344, XRCC1-rs25487, RTEL1-rs6010620, EGFR-rs1468727 and VEGF-rs2010963 was analyzed by real-time PCR (TaqMan® SNP Genotyping). Anatomic/morphological and functional profiles were obtained through magnetic resonance imaging; whereas clinical data, lifestyle habits and comorbidities from medical records and questionnaire. Significance level set at 5%. Results - Smoking, alcohol consumption, systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) and diabetes mellitus (DM) prevailed in patients compared to controls (P<0.05). The heterozygous genotype stood out in both groups, as well as the wild-type homozygous of XRCC1- rs25487 (T/T) and VEGF- rs2010963 (G/G), and their respective alleles G, G, T, T and G (P> 0.05). Genotypes with mutant alleles prevailed in patients with gliomas, smoking (CCND1, XRCC1, RTEL1, EGFR e VEGF) and drinking habits (RTEL1 e EGFR) and comorbidities, such as SAH (RTEL1 e EGFR) and DM (CCND1, RTEL1, EGFR e VEGF), compared to controls (P<0.05). There was no relationship between these polymorphisms and the histological classifying of the gliomas (P>0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed alcohol consumption, SAH and DM as independent risk factors for the disease (P<0.0001, P=0.0069, P=0.0394, respectively). Patients with low-grade gliomas (II) showed survival of 80.0±1.7% in three years, compared to patients with high-grade gliomas (III-IV; P=0.2689), but without statistical difference. While the total sample showed 16.7±5.0% in three years, with no relation with the genetic variants in both analyses (P>0.05). The combination of radiation therapy (RT) and Temozolamide (TMZ + RT) was emphasized, with survival rate of 78.7±7.6% in 20 months, compared to TMZ (21.9±5.1%), although with no significant difference (P=0.8711). Conclusion - Genetic variants of CCND1, XRCC1, RTEL1, EGFR and VEGF are not associated with gliomas. However, lifestyle habits and comorbidities stand out in patients, mainly alcohol consumption and SAH and DM, which are independent risk factors for the disease. There is a relationship between the presence of mutant alleles, lifestyle and comorbidities, which can increase the risk for gliomas; however, this does not occur for the anatomic/morphological and functional profiles. Notably, low-grade gliomas show increased survival in patients, as well as the TMZ + RT treatment which should be further confirmed in wide studies. / Introdução – Gliomas destacam-se como os tumores malignos mais agressivos do sistema nervoso central. A identificação de genes candidatos a biomarcadores contribui para esclarecer a fisiopatologia dos gliomas e auxiliar no diagnóstico precoce da doença, além de novas intervenções terapêuticas. Objetivos - Avaliar a associação de variantes genéticas relacionadas à regulação do ciclo celular (CCND1), reparo (XRCC1) e integridade do DNA (RTEL1), sinalização intracellular (EGFR), e angiogênese (VEGF) com gliomas, além do perfil anato-morfológico/funcional e resposta ao tratamento. Casuística e Métodos – Foram estudados 303 indivíduos, sendo 100 com gliomas (GE=Grupo de Estudo), independente do grau de malignidade e 203 controles (GC=Grupo Controle) para análise dos polimorfismos CCND1-rs9344, XRCC1-rs25487, RTEL1-rs6010620, EGFR-rs1468727 e VEGF-rs2010963. As genotipagens foram realizadas por PCR em tempo real (TaqMan SNP Getotyping). Perfil anato-morfológico/funcional foi obtido por ressonância magnética, enquanto dados clínicos, hábitos de vida e comorbidades em prontuário médico e questionário. Admitiu-se erro α de 5%. Resultados - Tabagismo, etilismo, hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS) e diabetes mellitus (DM) prevaleceram nos pacientes, comparado aos controles (P<0,05). Destacaram-se em ambos os grupos o genótipo heterozigoto de CCND1-rs9344 (G/A), RTEL1- rs6010620 (A/G) e EGFR- rs1468727 (T/C), e o homozigoto selvagem de XRCC1- rs25487 (T/T) e VEGF- rs2010963 (G/G), assim como os respectivos alelos G, G, T, T e G (P>0,05). Genótipos com alelos mutantes prevaleceram em pacientes com gliomas e hábito tabagista (CCND1, XRCC1, RTEL1, EGFR e VEGF) ou etilista (RTEL1 e EGFR) e comorbidades como HAS (RTEL1 e EGFR) e DM (CCND1, RTEL1, EGFR e VEGF), comparado aos controles (P<0,05). Não houve relação entre os referidos polimorfismos e o grau histológico dos gliomas (P>0,05). A análise de regressão logística mostrou etilismo, HAS e DM como fatores de risco independentes para a doença (P<0,0001; P=0,0069; P=0,0394, respectivamente). Pacientes com gliomas de baixo grau (II) apresentaram sobrevida de 80,0±1,7% em três anos, comparados àqueles com alto grau (III-IV; P=0,2689), porém sem diferença estatística. Enquanto a casuística total mostrou 16,7±5,0% de pacientes livres do evento/óbito em três anos, sem relação com as variantes genéticas em ambas as análises (P>0,05). Destacou-se a combinação de radioterapia (RT) e Temozolamide (TMZ + RT), com sobrevida de 78,7±7,6% em 20 meses, comparado a TMZ (21,9±5,1%), porém sem diferença significante (P=0,8711). Conclusão – Variantes genéticas de CCND1, XRCC1, RTEL1, EGFR e VEGF não se associam com gliomas, no entanto, hábitos de vida e comorbidades destacam-se nos pacientes, particularmente etilismo, HAS e DM, fatores de risco independentes para a doença. Há relação entre presença de alelos mutantes, hábitos de vida e comorbidades, o que pode potencializar o risco para gliomas, no entanto, isso não ocorre para o perfil anatomorfológico/funcional. Ressalta-se que gliomas de baixo grau conferem acréscimo à sobrevida dos pacientes, assim como, o tratamento TMZ+RT o que deve ser, no entanto, confirmado em amplos estudos.

As complicações hepáticas secundárias à infecção crônica pelo vírus da hepatite C (HCV) são uma importante causa de morte em portadores da infecção pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV). Pacientes com coinfecção HIV/HCV apresentam progressão acelerada da fibrose hepática, na qual há participação da resposta inflamatória do sistema imunológico, e requerem maior atenção no tratamento da hepatite C e de suas reações adversas. Assim, os objetivos principais do estudo foram tipificar e comparar os polimorfismos -607 e -137 da interleucina-18 (IL-18), +874 do interferon gama (IFN-?? e -308 e -238 do fator de necrose tumoral alfa (TNF- ?? em quatro grupos (coinfecção HIV/HCV, monoinfecção pelo HIV, monoinfecção pelo HCV e controles saudáveis); investigar a associação dos alelos e genótipos desses polimorfismos com a resposta ao tratamento da hepatite C (respondedor e não respondedor), graus de atividade necroinflamatória (METAVIR A0A1 vs. A2A3) e de fibrose hepática (METAVIR F0-F2 vs. F3F4) em portadores do HCV e identificar os sinais e sintomas relacionados às reações adversas do tratamento da hepatite C. Os dados foram coletados nos prontuários médicos e no sistema informatizado do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto e os polimorfismos tipificados pela técnica de reação em cadeia da polimerase com iniciadores de sequência específica. Participaram do estudo 400 indivíduos, distribuídos em quatro grupos de 100, predominantemente constituídos por homens com idade média entre 33 e 50 anos. Na avaliação geral, os genótipos -238 G/G (TNF-?? e +874 A/A (IFN-?? foram mais frequentes no grupo coinfecção HIV/HCV em relação ao monoinfecção pelo HCV. O genótipo -308 G/A e o alelo -308 A (TNF-?? foram associados com a susceptibilidade à coinfecção HIV/HCV e o genótipo -308 G/G e o alelo -308 G (TNF-?), com proteção. No grupo coinfecção HIV/HCV, a frequência do genótipo - 137 G/C (IL-18) foi maior nos sujeitos com atividade necroinflamatória A0A1 que nos com A2A3. Nos pacientes com fibrose F3F4, o genótipo -238 G/G (TNF-?? foi mais frequente no grupo coinfecção HIV/HCV que no monoinfecção pelo HCV e naqueles com F0-F2, o genótipo +874 A/A (IFN-?? também foi mais frequente no grupo coinfecção HIV/HCV. A frequência do genótipo +874 T/T (IFN-??, dentre os pacientes do grupo coinfecção HIV/HCV, foi maior naqueles com fibrose F3F4 que nos com F0-F2. Não foram encontradas associações estatisticamente significantes entre as frequências alélicas e genotípicas e os tipos de resposta ao tratamento da hepatite C nos pacientes do grupo coinfecção HIV/HCV; nos do monoinfecção pelo HCV, houve diferenças nas frequências alélicas e genotípicas (posição -238 do TNF-?) entre pacientes respondedores e não respondedores. Os principais sinais e sintomas relacionados às reações adversas do tratamento da hepatite C foram mialgia, febre, fraqueza, cefaleia e hiporexia. Anemia, hiporexia e vômito foram mais frequentes no grupo coinfecção HIV/HCV. Conclui-se que há relação dos alelos e genótipos de citocinas com a gravidade da doença hepática e resposta ao tratamento da hepatite C. Adicionalmente, algumas reações adversas ao tratamento foram mais pronunciadas em coinfectados HIV/HCV / Hepatic complications secondary to chronic infection by hepatitis C virus (HCV) are a major cause of death in people infected by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Patients with HIV/HCV coinfection present rapid progression of liver fibrosis, with involvement of the immune system\'s inflammatory response, and require more attention in hepatitis C treatment and its adverse reactions. The main goals of this study were to typify and compare the polymorphisms -607 and -137 of the interleukin-18 (IL-18), +874 of the interferon gamma (IFN-?? and -308 and -238 of the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-?? in four groups (HIV/HCV coinfection, HIV monoinfection, HCV monoinfection and healthy controls), to investigate the association of the alleles and genotypes of these polymorphisms with response to hepatitis C treatment (responder and non-responder), degrees of necroinflammatory activity (METAVIR A0A1 vs. A2A3) and of liver fibrosis (METAVIR F0-F2 vs. F3F4) in HCV patients and to identify the signs and symptoms related to adverse reactions of hepatitis C treatment. Data were collected on medical records and on the computerized system of the Hospital das Clínicas of the University of São Paulo Ribeirão Preto Medical School and the polymorphisms were typified using the polymerase chain reaction technique with sequence specific primers. The study included 400 individuals, distributed in four groups of 100, predominantly consisting of men with an average age between 33 and 50 years. In the overall evaluation, genotypes -238 G/G (TNF-?? and +874 A/A (IFN-?? were more frequent in the HIV/HCV coinfection group compared to HCV monoinfection. The genotype -308 G/A and allele -308 A (TNF-?? were associated with susceptibility to HIV/HCV coinfection and the genotype -308 G/G and allele -308 G (TNF-?), with protection. In the HIV/HCV coinfection group, the frequency of genotype -137 G/C (IL-18) was greater in subjects with necroinflammatory activity A0A1 than in the ones with A2A3. In patients with fibrosis F3F4, genotype -238 G/G (TNF-?? was more frequent in the HIV/HCV coinfection than in the HCV monoinfection group and in those with fibrosis F0-F2, genotype +874 A/A (IFN-?? was also more frequent in the HIV/HCV coinfection group. The frequency of genotype +874 T/T (IFN-??, among patients of the HIV/HCV coinfection group, was higher in those with fibrosis F3F4 compared to the ones with F0-F2. No statistically significant associations were found between the allele and genotype frequencies and the types of answer to hepatitis C treatment in patients of the HIV/HCV coinfection group. On the ones of the HCV monoinfection group, there were differences on the allele and genotype frequencies (position -238 of TNF-?? among responder and non-responder patients. The main signs and symptoms related to adverse reactions to hepatitis C treatment were myalgia, fever, weakness, headache and loss of appetite. Anemia, loss of appetite and vomiting were more frequent in the HIV/HCV coinfection group. It is concluded that there is relationship of the alleles and genotypes of cytokines with the severity of liver disease and response to hepatitis C treatment. Additionally, some adverse reactions to treatment were more frequent in HIV/HCV coinfected patients

A candidíase vulvovaginal corresponde a uma das mais frequentes infecções do trato reprodutivo. Estima-se que 75% das mulheres na idade reprodutiva experimentarão pelo menos um episódio de candidíase vulvovaginal durante suas vidas, a maioria evoluirá com episódios infrequentes, entretanto, 5% sofrerão recorrência, ou seja, quatro ou mais episódios de candidíase vulvovaginal comprovadas clínica e laboratorialmente no período de 1ano. Os mecanismos pelos quais as recorrências ocorrem ainda são pouco conhecidos, estando provavelmente relacionados à alterações na imunidade local. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar as associações entre os polimorfismos nos genes que codificam a lecitina ligadora de manose (MBL) e do antagonista do receptor da interleucina 1 (IL1-Ra) com a candidíase vulvovaginal recorrente (CVVR) em mulheres brasileiras. Foram estudadas 100 mulheres portadoras de CVVR atendidas no Serviço de Imunologia Genética e Infecções do Trato Reprodutivo da Disciplina de Ginecologia da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo. Para a análise dos polimorfismos nos genes que codificam para a MBL e o IL1-Ra realizou-se coleta de células bucais que foram enviadas para Division of Immunology and Infectious Diseases of Weill Medical College of Cornell University Resultados: Mulheres com candidíase vulvovaginal recorrente apresentaram maior frequência de polimorfismo no códon 54 do gene que codifica a MBL quando comparadas a mulheres saudáveis. Não foram observadas diferenças estatisticamente significativas na frequência do polimorfismo do gene que codifica o IL1-Ra entre os grupos estudados / Vulvovaginal candidiasis is the most common genital infection in women during their childbearing years. About 75% of women suffer at least one syntomatic episode during their lives. Most of them will have infrequent episodes, but 5% will suffer recurrent episode of vulvovaginal candidiasis. The mechanisms responsible for recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVCC) remain a matter of speculation, although an alteration in local immunity appears to be a major factor. The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between polymorphisms in the genes coding for mannose-binding lectin (MBL) and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL1-Ra) and RVCC in women from São Paulo, Brazil. The study population consisted of 100 women with RVCC, who were seen at Serviço de Infecções do Trato Reprodutivo da Disciplina de Ginecologia da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo. To analyse for the MBL códon 54 gene polymorphism and for IL1-Ra, buccal cells were obtained with a cotton swabs and shipped to New York at ambient temperature. The polymorphisms were identified in the Division of Immunology and Infectious Diseases of Weill Medical College of Cornell University. Results: Women with RVVC present a high frequency of polymorphisms at codon 54 in the gene coding for MBL; on the other hand there were no differences in polymorphism frequency in the gene coding for IL1-Ra when compared to control women

A etiologia da síndrome do desconforto respiratório (SDR) é considerada multifatorial e multigênica. A proteína B do surfactante (SP-B) é essencial para a função pulmonar normal. O gene responsável pela produção da SP-B está localizado no braço curto do cromossomo 2 (2p12->p11.2), estendendo-se por aproximadamente por 9.5 Kilobases e contém 11 exons. A presença de polimorfismos e mutações em genes dos componentes do surfactante, particularmente no gene da SP-B, parece estar associada à SDR. Objetivos: Determinar a freqüência de polimorfismos do gene que codifica a proteína B do surfactante no DNA de recém nascidos pré-termo portadores de SDR e de recémnascidos de termo sadios, comparar as freqüências desses polimorfismos entre os dois grupos e avaliar se existe alguma relação entre sexo, raça e SDR. Casuística e Métodos: Foram incluídos no estudo 150 RN, sendo 50 pré-termo portadores de SDR com idades gestacionais variando entre 28 e 33 semanas e 6 dias, e 100 RN de termo clinicamente sadios com idades gestacionais variando de 37 a 41 semanas e seis dias, no período de junho de 2001 a julho de 2004. Foram analisados quatro polimorfismos: A/C no nucleotídeo - 18; C/T no nucleotídeo 1580; A/G no nucleotídeo 9306 e G/C no nucleotídeo 8714. Os polimorfismos foram determinados através da amplificação dos segmentos de DNA genômico por reação em cadeia da polimerase e posterior genotipagem. Os genótipos foram definidos através da análise dos produtos obtidos a partir de reações com enzimas de S . 22 restrição [PCR-based converted restriction fragment length polymorphism (cRFLP)]. Resultados: O grupo controle foi constituído por 100 RN de termo aparentemente saudáveis; 42(42%) do sexo feminino e 58(58%) do sexo masculino; 39(39%) da raça branca e 61(61%) da raça não branca. O peso variou de 2280g a 4.740g (média de 3.239,9g), e a idade gestacional variou de 37 a 41 semanas e seis dias (média de 39 semanas e 3 dias). O grupo SDR foi composto por 50 RNPT, sendo 21(42%) do sexo feminino e 29(58%) do sexo masculino; 28(56%) eram da raça branca e 22(44%), não brancos. O peso variou de 640g a 2.080g (média de 1273g); a idade gestacional média foi de 31 semanas e dois dias, tendo variado de 28 semanas a 33 semanas e seis dias. Foi encontrada uma diferença estatisticamente significante quando comparados os dois grupos e a variável raça isoladamente no polimorfismo G/C 8714 (p=0,028). Quando a variável sexo foi analisada isoladamente, não houve diferença estatisticamente significante dos polimorfismos entre os dois grupos. As freqüências dos genótipos dos outros três polimorfismos estudados foram muito similares nos dois grupos, não tendo sido encontrada diferença estatisticamente significante quando as variáveis sexo e raça foram avaliadas conjuntamente. Conclusão: A análise do polimorfismo G/C 8714 mostrou que em indivíduos da raça branca, o genótipo GG foi apenas encontrado no grupo SDR, sugerindo que a sua presença possa se constituir em um possível fator de risco para a doença, enquanto que o genótipo GC foi mais prevalente no grupo controle indicando a possibilidade desse genótipo ser um fator protetor / The etiology of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is multifactorial and multigenic. Surfactant protein B (SP-B) is essential for normal lung function. The human SP-B gene is located on the short arm of chromosome 2 (2p12->p11.2), encompasses approximately 9.5 kilobases and have 11 exons. Polymorphisms and mutations in the genes that encode the surfactant components, particularly the SP-B gene, have been associated to the pathogenesis of RDS. Aims: To analyze SP-B gene polimorfisms frequencies in preterm babies with RDS and healthy term newborns, to compare the polymorphisms frequencies between both groups and to evaluate if there are differences related to sex, race and RDS. Material and Methods: We included 150 neonates, 50 preterm with RDS and gestational ages ranging from 28 weeks to 33 weeks and 6 days, and 100 healthy term newborns with gestational ages ranging from 37 weeks to 41 weeks and 6 days, during June 2001 to July 2004. Four SP-B gene polymorphisms were analyzed: A/C at - 18, C/T at 1580; A/G at 9306 and G/C at nucleotide 8714. The polymorphisms were detected by PCR amplification of genomic DNA and genotyping. The genotypes were determined using PCR-based converted restriction fragment length polymorphism (cRFLP). Results: The control group comprised 100 apparently healthy term newborns; 42(42%) were female and 58(58%) male; 39(39%) were Whites and 61(61%) non-Whites. Weight ranged from 2280g to 4.740g (mean 3.239,9g); gestational age ranged from 37 weeks to 41 weeks and six days (mean 39 weeks and 3 days). The RDS group comprised 50 preterm neonates, 21(42%) female and 29(58%) male; 28(56%) were Whites and 22(44%) non-Whites. Weight ranged from 640g to 2.080g (mean 1273g); mean gestational age was 31 weeks and two days (range, 28-33 weeks and six days). All genotypes frequencies were similar among both groups when sex and race were analyzed together. When race was analyzed separately, there was a statistically significant difference between both groups in the polymorphism G/C at 8714 (p=0,028). There was no difference between both groups in all polymorphisms when sex was analyzed separately. Conclusions: The analysis of the SP-B polymophism G/C 8714 showed that in white neonates the genotype GG was only found in the RDS group and the genotype GC was more frequently found in controls. This suggests that genotype GG could be a risk factor while GC might be a protective genotype for the development of the disease

Estudos clínicos nos pacientes com epilepsia mostram a importância da neurotransmissão modulada pela dopamina na epilepsia. Múltiplos fatores genéticos predispõem à epilepsia e há evidências de uma relação direta entre a epilepsia e as variações nos genes que codificam proteínas envolvidas na neurotransmissão dopaminérgica. O objetivo do nosso estudo foi investigar se os polimorfismos da via dopaminérgica e o Val66Met do BDNF estavam associados à ocorrência de epilepsia do lobo temporal causada por esclerose hipocampal. Para este fim, avaliamos 119 pacientes com epilepsia do lobo temporal causada por esclerose hipocampal e 113 voluntários saudáveis. Os participantes foram genotipados para os polimorfismos do gene DAT (3\'UTR e Intron 8), receptores dopaminérgicos (DRD2 e DRD4), COMT, MAO e BDNF (Val66Met). Não houve diferença entre pacientes e controles para os polimorfismos relacionados ao DAT, Íntron 8 VNTR (p 0,395) e 3\'UTR VNTR (p 0,614) e para a análise dos haplótipos (3\'UTR e Intron 8) (p 0.205). Não houve diferença entre pacientes e controles para os polimorfismos dos receptores dopaminérgicos DRD2 rs1800497 (p 0.440), DRD4 rs1800955 (p 0.548) e DRD4 VNTR (p 0.318). Não observamos diferença entre pacientes e controles quanto aos polimorfismos COMT rs4680 (p 0.482) e MAOA_uVNTR (p 0.753), metabolizadores de DA. Não observamos diferença na distribuição genotípica do polimorfismo Val66Met (rs6265) do BDNF (p 0,636) e a distribuição alélica (p 0.471) no grupo de pacientes com epilepsia do lobo temporal causada por esclerose do hipocampo. Nossos achados demonstraram que os polimorfismos da via dopaminérgica e BDNF Val66Met analisados neste estudo não parecem estar associados à epilepsia de lobo temporal causada por esclerose de hipocampo / Clinical studies in patients with epilepsy showed the role of neurotransmission modulated by dopamine in epilepsy. Multiple genetic factors predispose to epilepsy; there is evidence for a direct relationship between epilepsy and variations in genes encoding proteins involved in dopaminergic neurotransmission. The aim of our study was to investigate if the polymorphism related to the dopaminergic pathway and BDNF polymorphism Val66Met were associated with the occurrence of temporal lobe epilepsy caused by hippocampal sclerosis. We assessed 119 patients with unequivocal temporal lobe epilepsy caused by hippocampal sclerosis and 113 healthy volunteers. Individuals were genotyped for DAT gene polymorphisms (3\'UTR and Intron 8), dopaminergic receptors (DRD2 and DRD4), COMT, MAO and BDNF. There was no difference between patients and controls considering the polymorphisms related to DAT, Intron 8 VNTR (p 0,395) and 3\'UTR VNTR (p 0.614) and for the analysis of haplotypes (3\'UTR and Intron 8) (p 0.205). There was no difference between patients and controls considering the dopaminergic receptor polymorphisms DRD2 rs1800497 (p 0.440), DRD4 rs1800955 (p 0.548) and DRD4 VNTR (p 0.318). We observed no difference between patients and controls regarding COMT polymorphisms rs4680 (p 0.482) and MAOA_uVNTR (p 0.753), of dopaminergic metabolizers. We did not observe difference in the genotypic distribution of BDNF Val66Met polymorphism (rs6265) (p 0.636) and in the allelic distribution (p 0.4711) in the group with temporal lobe epilepsy caused by hippocampal sclerosis. Our findings suggest that the polymorphisms of the dopaminergic pathway evaluated in this study and BDNF Val66Me do not appear to be associated with temporal lobe epilepsy caused by hippocampal sclerosis

Lui, Ming Yin. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 117-129). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Acknowledgement --- p.I / Abstract --- p.III / Abstract in Chinese --- p.V / List of Abbreviations --- p.VII / List of Figures --- p.X / List of Tables --- p.XII / Table of Contents --- p.XIII / Chapter Chapter 1: --- Introduction / Chapter 1.1 --- Overview on type 2 diabetes --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.1 --- Definition of diabetes --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.2 --- Diagnostic criteria --- p.2 / Chapter 1.1.3 --- Prevalence and societal impact --- p.2 / Chapter 1.1.4 --- Risks factors for type 2 diabetes --- p.4 / Chapter 1.1.4.1 --- Metabolic syndrome --- p.4 / Chapter 1.1.4.2 --- Genetics of type 2 diabetes --- p.6 / Chapter 1.1.4.3 --- "Environmental risk factors, lifestyle and energy imbalance" --- p.8 / Chapter 1.1.5 --- Pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes --- p.9 / Chapter 1.1.5.1 --- Insulin secretion and signaling --- p.9 / Chapter 1.1.5.1.1 --- Insulin Secretion --- p.9 / Chapter 1.1.5.1.2 --- Insulin signaling --- p.11 / Chapter 1.1.5.2 --- Natural history of type 2 diabetes --- p.12 / Chapter 1.1.5.3 --- Insulin resistance --- p.13 / Chapter 1.1.5.4 --- Impairment in insulin secretion --- p.15 / Chapter 1.1.5.5 --- Endocannabinoid system: A new target for energy balance and metabolism --- p.16 / Chapter 1.1.5.6 --- Effects of diabetes mellitus and its complications --- p.16 / Chapter 1.2 --- Biology of prostacyclin synthase (PTGIS) --- p.18 / Chapter 1.2.1 --- Molecular information of PTGIS --- p.18 / Chapter 1.2.2 --- Transcriptional control of PTGIS --- p.19 / Chapter 1.2.3 --- Protein structure of PGIS --- p.21 / Chapter 1.2.4 --- Sub-cellular localization and tissue distribution --- p.22 / Chapter 1.2.5 --- Function of PGIS --- p.25 / Chapter 1.2.5.1 --- Function of PGI2 in blood vessels --- p.26 / Chapter 1.2.5.2 --- Role of PGh in embryo development --- p.26 / Chapter 1.2.5.3 --- Role of PGI2 in apoptosis --- p.27 / Chapter 1.2.5.4 --- Targeted knock-out mice phenotype --- p.27 / Chapter 1.2.6 --- Relationship between PTGIS and diseases --- p.28 / Chapter 1.2.6.1 --- Genetic association --- p.28 / Chapter 1.2.6.2 --- Inactivation and tyrosine nitration of PGIS by peroxynitrite --- p.29 / Chapter 1.3 --- Biology of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta (PPARD) --- p.30 / Chapter 1.3.1 --- Molecular information of PPARD --- p.30 / Chapter 1.3.2 --- Transcriptional control of PPARD --- p.31 / Chapter 1.3.3 --- Translational control and protein structure --- p.32 / Chapter 1.3.4 --- Sub-cellular localization and tissue expression --- p.35 / Chapter 1.3.5 --- Function of PPARδ --- p.37 / Chapter 1.3.5.1 --- Mechanisms of action --- p.37 / Chapter 1.3.5.2 --- Ligands for PPARδ --- p.38 / Chapter 1.3.5.3 --- PPARδ in lipoprotein metabolism --- p.39 / Chapter 1.3.5.4 --- PPARδ action in adipose tissue --- p.39 / Chapter 1.3.5.5 --- PPARδ action in skeletal and cardiac muscle --- p.40 / Chapter 1.3.5.6 --- PPARδ action in liver --- p.42 / Chapter 1.3.5.7 --- PPARδ and endocannabinoid system --- p.42 / Chapter 1.3.5.8 --- PPARδ action in inflammation --- p.43 / Chapter 1.3.5.9 --- Targeted knock-out mice phenotype --- p.44 / Chapter 1.3.5.10 --- Disease association --- p.44 / Chapter 1.4 --- Functional relationship of PGIS and PPARδ: possible role in energy metabolism --- p.46 / Chapter 1.5 --- Methods for studying genetics of type 2 diabetes and linkage analysis results --- p.47 / Chapter 1.5.1 --- Genome-wide scan --- p.47 / Chapter 1.5.2 --- Candidate gene approach --- p.48 / Chapter 1.6 --- Hypothesis and objectives --- p.49 / Chapter 1.7 --- Long-term significance --- p.49 / Chapter Chapter 2: --- Association Study of Prostacyclin Synthase and Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Delta Gene Polymorphisms with Type2 Diabetes and Related Metabolic Traits / Chapter 2.1 --- Introduction and research design --- p.50 / Chapter 2.2 --- Study population --- p.52 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Ethics approval --- p.52 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Subjects --- p.52 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- Clinical assessments --- p.52 / Chapter 2.3 --- Materials and methods --- p.55 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- DNA samples --- p.55 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Marker selection --- p.55 / Chapter 2.3.3 --- Genotyping --- p.57 / Chapter 2.3.4 --- Statistical analysis --- p.59 / Chapter 2.4 --- Results and Discussion --- p.60 / Chapter 2.4.1 --- Clinical characteristics of the study population --- p.60 / Chapter 2.4.2 --- Genotyping and LD analysis --- p.60 / Chapter 2.4.3 --- Association with type 2 diabetes and related metabolic traits --- p.61 / Chapter 2.4.3.1 --- Single SNP association with type 2 diabetes --- p.61 / Chapter 2.4.3.2 --- Single SNP association with metabolic traits --- p.64 / Chapter 2.4.3.3 --- Gene-gene interaction on type 2 diabetes --- p.74 / Chapter 2.4.3.4 --- Gene-gene interaction on metabolic traits --- p.74 / Chapter 2.5 --- Limitation and improvement --- p.79 / Chapter 2.6 --- Conclusions --- p.79 / Chapter Chapter 3: --- Functional Studies of Prostacyclin Synthase rs508757-A/G Intronic Polymorphism / Chapter 3.1 --- Introduction and research design --- p.80 / Chapter 3.2 --- Materials and methods --- p.81 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Bioinformatics --- p.81 / Chapter 3.2.1.1 --- Cross-species alignment --- p.81 / Chapter 3.2.1.2 --- BLAST search and open reading frame prediction --- p.81 / Chapter 3.2.1.3 --- Transcription factor binding sites prediction --- p.82 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- PCR amplification from cDNA --- p.82 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- Culture of mammalian cell --- p.83 / Chapter 3.2.3.1 --- Cell line --- p.83 / Chapter 3.2.3.2 --- Medium and supplement --- p.83 / Chapter 3.2.3.3 --- Cell culture wares --- p.83 / Chapter 3.2.3.4 --- Cell culture conditions --- p.84 / Chapter 3.2.4 --- Construction of reporter vectors with rs508757 flanking sequence --- p.84 / Chapter 3.2.4.1 --- Cloning and vector preparation --- p.84 / Chapter 3.2.4.2 --- Site-directed mutagenesis --- p.84 / Chapter 3.2.5 --- Dual-luciferase reporter assay --- p.85 / Chapter 3.2.5.1 --- Transfection of VSMC --- p.85 / Chapter 3.2.5.2 --- Cell lysis and luminescence measurement --- p.86 / Chapter 3.2.6 --- Circular Dichroism --- p.87 / Chapter 3.2.6.1 --- Introduction to DNA quardruplex structure and circular dichroism --- p.87 / Chapter 3.2.6.1.1 --- DNA quardruplex --- p.87 / Chapter 3.2.6.1.2 --- Circular dichroism --- p.88 / Chapter 3.2.6.2 --- Circular dichroism measurement --- p.89 / Chapter 3.2.6.2.1 --- DNA samples --- p.89 / Chapter 3.2.6.2.2 --- CD spectroscopy --- p.89 / Chapter 3.2.7 --- Statistical analysis --- p.90 / Chapter 3.3 --- Results and Discussion --- p.91 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- Cross-species alignment --- p.91 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- BLAST search and ORF prediction --- p.92 / Chapter 3.3.3 --- PCR results on testing the presence of a new transcript --- p.93 / Chapter 3.3.4 --- Effect of rs508757 flanking sequence on SV40 promoter activity --- p.94 / Chapter 3.3.5 --- Circular dichroism experiment on rs508757 flanking sequence --- p.96 / Chapter 3.3.6 --- DNA slipping model --- p.98 / Chapter 3.3.7 --- Transcription factor binding site prediction --- p.99 / Chapter 3.4 --- Limitation and improvement --- p.107 / Chapter 3.5 --- Conclusions --- p.107 / Chapter Chapter 4: --- "General Discussion, Conclusion and Future Perspectives" / Chapter 4.1 --- General discussion --- p.108 / Chapter 4.2 --- Future perspectives --- p.115 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- "Association on type 2 diabetes and molecular interaction between transcription factors, PTGIS and PPARD" --- p.115 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- Association with diabetic nephropathy --- p.115 / Chapter 4.2.3 --- Study tissue or cell type specific actions of PGIS and PPARδ --- p.116 / Chapter 4.3 --- Conclusions to my project --- p.116 / Chapter Chapter 5: --- Bibliography --- p.117 / Appendix --- p.130