Meta-analysis of the association between PADI4 -92C/G polymorphism and rheumatoid arthritis in the Chinese population

Many studies have evaluated the correlation between peptidylarginine deiminase 4 (PADI4) -92C/G polymorphism and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but the results remain inconclusive. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis in the Chinese population to provide comprehensive data on the association between PADI4 -92C/G polymorphism and RA. Eligible studies published before May 2016 were identified in PubMed and Chinese databases. The strengths of these associations were assessed by pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Eight studies documenting a total of 1351 RA cases and 1585 controls were included in this meta-analysis. In the overall analysis, a significant association between the PADI4 -92C/G polymorphism and RA was found in the Chinese population (G vs C: OR=1.32, 95%CI=1.02-1.71; GG+CG vs CC: OR=1.75, 95%CI=1.20-2.53). The subgroup analyses stratified by geographic area(s) and source of controls revealed significant results in South China, in hospital-based studies and population-based studies. In summary, this meta-analysis suggested that PADI4 -92C/G polymorphism may be associated with the RA incidence in the Chinese population, especially for South China. Further studies conducted on other ethnic groups are required for definite conclusions.

Effect of increased levels of adiponectin by administration of the adenovector rAAV2/1-Acrp30 on glucose, lipid metabolism and ultrastructure of the aorta in Goto–Kakizaki rats with arteriosclerosis.

Background. We used recombinant adeno-associated virus vector of adiponectin (AAV2/1-Acrp30) to study the effects of increased levels of adioponectin (by the administration of rAAV2/1-Acrp30) on arteriosclerosis, glucose and lipid metabolism in Goto–Kakizaki (GK) rats with arteriosclerosis. Methods. Thirty GK rats with arteriosclerosis were divided into 3 equal groups: control group 1, control group 2 and the rAAV2/1-Acrp30-administered group. Saline, virus vector or rAAV2/1-Acrp30 (1012 ng/ml) vector genomes administered to the rats in the corresponding group by intramuscular injection to the posterior limb by single administration, respectively. After 8 weeks, fasting blood glucose, 2-hour postprandial blood glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin, serum insulin, serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein were measured in each group, and the ultrastructure of the aorta was seen by light and electron microscopy. Results. Compared with control groups 1 and 2, in the rAAV2/1-Acrp30 group, there was a decrease in urine volume, fasting blood glucose, 2-hour postprandial blood glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin, serum total cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein, and an increase in body weight and high-density lipoprotein (p<0.05), while the level of serum insulin was not changed (p>0.05). Ultrastructure studies of the aorta showed that aortosclerosis in the rAAV2/1-Acrp30-administered group was less, and fewer lipid droplet vacuoles were seen in the vascular endothelial cytoplasm. Also various cell organelles and internal elastic lamina were seen, and there was no formation of lipid droplet and foam cells in the cytoplasm of the media of the smooth muscle. Conclusion. Adiponectin could improve blood glucose and lipid parameters and decrease atherosclerosis in the aorta of GK rats.