Loss of the Y Chromosome: A Review of Molecular Mechanisms, Age Inference, and Implications for Men's Health.

Until a few years ago, it was believed that the gradual mosaic loss of the Y chromosome (mLOY) was a normal age-related process. However, it is now known that mLOY is associated with a wide variety of pathologies in men, such as cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and many types of cancer. Nevertheless, the mechanisms that generate mLOY in men have not been studied so far. This task is of great importance because it will allow focusing on possible methods of prophylaxis or therapy for diseases associated with mLOY. On the other hand, it would allow better understanding of mLOY as a possible marker for inferring the age of male samples in cases of human identification. Due to the above, in this work, a comprehensive review of the literature was conducted, presenting the most relevant information on the possible molecular mechanisms by which mLOY is generated, as well as its implications for men's health and its possible use as a marker to infer age.

Pharmacomicrobiomics and Drug-Infection Interactions: The Impact of Commensal, Symbiotic and Pathogenic Microorganisms on a Host Response to Drug Therapy.

Microorganisms have a close relationship with humans, whether it is commensal, symbiotic, or pathogenic. Recently, it has been documented that microorganisms may influence the response to drug therapy. Pharmacomicrobiomics is an emerging field that focuses on the study of how variations in the microbiome affect the disposition, action, and toxicity of drugs. Two additional sciences have been added to complement pharmacomicrobiomics, namely toxicomicrobiomics, which explores how the microbiome influences drug metabolism and toxicity, and pharmacoecology, which refers to modifications in the microbiome as a result of drug administration. In this context, we introduce the concept of "drug-infection interaction" to describe the influence of pathogenic microorganisms on drug response. This review analyzes the current state of knowledge regarding the relevance of microorganisms in the host's response to drugs. It also highlights promising areas for future research and proposes the term "drug-infection interaction" as an extension of pharmacomicrobiomics.

Association of intestinal dysbiosis with susceptibility to multiple sclerosis: Evidence from different population studies (Review).

Understanding the relationship between microorganisms that live in our intestines and neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative pathologies of the central nervous system (CNS) is essential, since they have been shown to have an immunomodulatory effect in neurological disorders, such as multiple sclerosis (MS). The gut microbiota can be affected by several environmental factors, including infections, physical and emotional stress and diet, the latter known as the main modulator of intestinal bacteria. An abrupt shift in the gut microbiota composition and function is known as dysbiosis, a state of local and systemic inflammation produced by pathogenic bacteria and its metabolites responsible for numerous neurological symptoms. It may also trigger neuronal damage in patients diagnosed with MS. Intestinal dysbiosis affects the permeability of the intestine, allowing chronic low-grade bacterial translocation from the intestine to the circulation, which may overstimulate immune cells and cells resident in the CNS, break immune tolerance and, in addition, alter the permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). This way, toxins, inflammatory molecules and oxidative stress molecules can pass freely into the CNS and cause extensive damage to the brain. However, commensal bacteria, such as the Lactobacillus genus and Bacteroides fragilis, and their metabolites (with anti-inflammatory potential), produce neurotransmitters such as γ-aminobutyric acid, histamine, dopamine, norepinephrine, acetylcholine and serotonin, which are important for neurological regulation. In addition, reprogramming the gut microbiota of patients with MS with a healthy gut microbiota may help improve the integrity of the gut and BBB, by providing clinically protective anti-inflammatory effects and reducing the disease's degenerative progression. The present review provides valuable information about the relationship between gut microbiota and neuroinflammatory processes of the CNS. Most importantly, it highlights the importance of intestinal bacteria as an environmental factor that may mediate the clinical course of MS, or even predispose to the outbreak of this disease.

Low 25-Hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] Levels as a Predictor of Depressive Symptoms: Evidence from Community-Dwelling Older Adults Population in Mexico City.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and depressive symptoms in Mexican older adults 70 years and older. METHODS: A total of 326 adults aged 70 or older from Coyoacán Cohort Study were included in this study. The depressive symptoms were assessing by Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels were measured by commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Overall, the prevalence of depressive symptoms was 36.5%. The mean age was 79 years, and 53.4% were women. The total serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels were lower in older adults with depressive symptoms when compared with older adults without depressive symptoms (p = .006). Logistic regression models showed a significant association between low serum 25(OH)D levels and depressive symptoms even after adjusting for potential confounders (OR = 2.453; 95% CI:1.218-4.939; p = .012). In addition, linear regression model to predict the effect of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels on the CES-D score as a continuous variable, was statistically significant [F(1,324) = 8.54, p = .004], and the R-squared value was .026, indicating that this regression model explains 2.6% of the change in the CES-D score. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that older Mexican adults with lower serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels are at higher risk of presenting depressive symptoms.

Advances in Genetics and Epigenetic Alterations in Alzheimer's Disease: A Notion for Therapeutic Treatment.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a disabling neurodegenerative disorder that leads to long-term functional and cognitive impairment and greatly reduces life expectancy. Early genetic studies focused on tracking variations in genome-wide DNA sequences discovered several polymorphisms and novel susceptibility genes associated with AD. However, despite the numerous risk factors already identified, there is still no fully satisfactory explanation for the mechanisms underlying the onset of the disease. Also, as with other complex human diseases, the causes of low heritability are unclear. Epigenetic mechanisms, in which changes in gene expression do not depend on changes in genotype, have attracted considerable attention in recent years and are key to understanding the processes that influence age-related changes and various neurological diseases. With the recent use of massive sequencing techniques, methods for studying epigenome variations in AD have also evolved tremendously, allowing the discovery of differentially expressed disease traits under different conditions and experimental settings. This is important for understanding disease development and for unlocking new potential AD therapies. In this work, we outline the genomic and epigenomic components involved in the initiation and development of AD and identify potentially effective therapeutic targets for disease control.

The Newcastle satisfaction with nursing scales in a Mexican Oncology Hospital.

OBJECTIVES: The principal aim of this study was to identify whether the Newcastle Satisfaction with Nursing Scales (NSNS) could be used on cancer patients. METHODS: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study carried out on cancer patients (n = 298). RESULTS: We found that a majority of cancer patients were around 50 years old (hospitalized patients [HP]: 49.5 ± 14.9; chemotherapy outpatients [COP]: 49.4 ± 12.7), were female (HP: 74%; COP: 63.5%), and had received education at least up to elementary level (HP: 70%; COP: 80%). Breast cancer was the principal type of cancer (>34%) in both groups (HP and COP). The groups were comparable in age, sex distribution, place of origin, educational qualification, and type of cancer. Among HP, the experience and satisfaction scales of the NSNS showed good internal consistency (n = 235, α >0.9, r > 0.7), while among COP, only the satisfaction scale showed good internal consistency (n = 62, α = 1.00). Most patients' perceptions (level of satisfaction) of hospitalization and chemotherapy services were positive (98% and 97%, respectively). CONCLUSION: An NSNS instrument specifically designed for ambulatory care cancer patients is necessary for it to be useful in assessing cancer patients' perception of nursing care. This will help improve the quality of care in Mexico.The presence of cancer by itself could modify the patients' satisfaction level. Further large-scale studies are required to investigate the patients' perceptions of nursing care using the NSNS on different cancer patient groups.

PTPN22 gene functional polymorphism (rs2476601) in older adults with frailty syndrome.

The frailty syndrome is a common clinical marker of vulnerability in older adults conducive to an overall decline in inflammatory stress responsiveness; yet little is known about the genetic risk factors for frailty in elderly. Our aim was to investigate the association between the rs2476601 polymorphism in PTPN22 gene and susceptibility to frailty in Mexican older adults. Data included 630 subjects 70 and older from The Coyoacán cohort, classified as frail, pre-frail, and non-frail following Fried's criteria. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were compared between groups at baseline and after a multivariate analysis. The rs2476601 polymorphism was genotyped by TaqMan genotyping assay using real-time PCR and genotype frequencies were determined for each frailty phenotype in all participants and subsets by age range. Genetic association was examined using stratified and interaction analyses adjusting for age, sex and variables selected in the multivariate analysis. Disability for day-life activities, depression and cognitive impairment were associated with the risk of pre-frailty and frailty at baseline and after adjustment. Carrying the T allele increased significantly the risk of frailty in patients 76 and older (OR 5.64, 95% CI 4.112-7.165) and decreased the risk of pre-frailty under no clinical signs of depression (OR 0.53; 95% CI 0.17-1.71). The PTPN22 polymorphism, rs2476601, could be a genetic risk factor for frailty as subject to quality of life. This is the first study analyzing such relationship in Mexican older adults. Confirming these findings requires additional association studies on wider age ranges in populations of older adults with frailty syndrome.

Association of low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels with the frailty syndrome in Mexican community-dwelling elderly.

OBJECTIVE: Since vitamin D is an important regulator of muscle function, the effect of vitamin D deficiency on frailty syndrome has been recently studied. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the association between 25(OH)-vitamin D levels and frailty status in Mexican community-dwelling elderly. METHODS: Sample of 331 community-dwelling elderly aged 70 or older, a subset of those included in the "Coyoacán cohort" were included. 25(OH)-vitamin D assay and frailty status were measured. RESULTS: Mean age was 79.3 years and 54.1% were women. Those classified as frail were more likely to have lower Mini-Mental State Examination score (p = 0.015), more disability for instrumental activities of daily living (p < 0.001) and for activities of daily living (p < 0.001). Serum 25(OH)-vitamin D levels were lower in the frail subgroup when compared with the non-frail one (p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed a significant association between intermediate tertile [odds ratios (OR) = 4.13; 95% confidence intervals (CI) 2.00-8.56] or insufficient tertile (OR = 8.95; 95% CI 2.41-33.30) of vitamin D levels and frailty even after adjusting for potential confounders. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that older adults with low 25(OH)-vitamin D levels are associated with the probability to being frail compared with those with sufficient vitamin D levels.

Interleukin-17A Levels Vary in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Patients in Association with Their Age, Treatment and the Time of Evolution of the Disease.

OBJECTIVE: The present study was specifically designed to discern the possible existence of subgroups of patients with the relapsing-remitting form of multiple sclerosis (RRMS) depending on their gender, age, disease stage (relapsing or remitting), time of disease evolution and response to different treatments. METHODS: We analyzed samples from patients with RRMS (50 females and 32 males) and healthy individuals (25 matched for age and gender) and determined serum concentrations of IFN-γ, IL-10 and IL-17A. We stratified patients by gender, age, treatment and disease evolution time, and subsequently correlated these independent variables with the concentrations of the previously mentioned cytokines. RESULTS: We provided initial evidence that treatment exerted possible differential effects depending on the time of disease duration. Results evidence the existence of different subgroups of patients with MS, who can be classified as follows: (a) male or female under or over 40 years of age; (b) disease duration according to treatment (under or over 8 years of disease); (c) classification according to fluctuating levels of IFN-γ, IL-10 and IL-17A in the following three stages of disease evolution: <5 years, between 5 and 10 years, and >10 years. CONCLUSION: These subgroups must be taken into account for the clinical follow-up of patients with MS in order to provide them with a better and more personalized treatment, and also for a deep and detailed analysis of progressive disease, in an attempt to comprehend fluctuations and clinical variability by means of a better understanding of intrinsically physiological variables of the disease.

VNTR polymorphisms of the IL-4 and IL-1RN genes and their relationship with frailty syndrome in Mexican community-dwelling elderly.

Inflammation is a key event that is closely associated with the pathophysiology of frailty. The relationship of genetic polymorphisms into inflammatory cytokines with frailty remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between VNTR polymorphisms of the IL-4 and IL-1RN genes with the risk of frailty. We included a sample of 630 community-dwelling elderly aged 70 and older. Both IL-4 and IL-1RN VNTR polymorphisms were genotyped by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Mean age was 77.7 years (SD = 6.0) and 52.5 % were women. The participants classified as frail were more likely to be older, had lower MMSE score (p < 0.001), and had more disability for IADL (p < 0.001) and ADL (p < 0.001). Genotypic and allelic frequencies for the IL-4 VNTR polymorphism did not show significant differences between study groups (p > 0.05). However, we just observed a significant difference in the allelic frequencies for the A2 allele of the IL-1RN VNTR polymorphism between frail and nonfrail groups (OR 1.84, 95 % CI 1.08-3.12, p = 0.02). In addition, we analyzed the combined effect of the IL-4 and IL-1RN VNTR polymorphisms and their possible association with frailty, where the combined IL-4 (low) -IL-1Ra (high) genotype was identified as a marker of risk to frailty syndrome (OR 7.86, 95 % CI 1.83-33.69, p = 0.006). Our results suggest that both A2 allele and the combined IL-4 (low) -IL-1Ra (high) genotype might be genetic markers of susceptibility to frailty in Mexican elderly.

Tumor necrosis factor alpha -238 G/A and -308 G/A polymorphisms and soluble TNF-α levels in chronic kidney disease: correlation with clinical variables.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by accumulation of proinflammatory cytokines, mainly tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of TNFA gene, including -238 G/A and -308 G/A, have been associated with alteration in the soluble TNF-α (sTNF-α) expression. The aim was to investigate the association of -238 y -308 TNFA gene SNPs with sTNF-α levels in CKD patients. We included 150 CKD patients and 192 control subjects (CS). Both SNPs were genotyped with polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism technique and sTNF-α levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The genotypic distribution of -238 and -308 SNPs was not significantly different between CKD patients and CS (p > 0.001). However, the sTNF-α levels were higher in CKD, compared to CS (p < 0.001). Also, sTNF-α correlated with creatinine (r = 0.279, p = 0.004), urea (r = 0.325, p = 0.001), phosphorus (r = 0.479, p = 0.001), glomerular filtration rate (r = -0.236, p = 0.019) and monocyte count (r = 0.276, p = 0.010). In conclusion, elevated sTNF-α levels are associated with CKD. However, the -238 and -308 TNFA gene SNPs were not associated with susceptibility to CKD and sTNF-α levels in a Mexican population.

The -319C/+49G/CT60G haplotype of CTLA-4 gene confers susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis in Mexican population.

Several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the CTLA-4 gene and elevated serum levels of soluble CTLA-4 (sCTLA-4) have been associated with autoimmunity including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In this case-control study, we evaluated the relationship between the -319C/T (rs5742909) and CT60 G/A (rs3087243) SNPs and sCTLA-4 levels in 200 RA patients and 200 control subjects (CS) from Western Mexico. Both SNPs were genotyped with the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism technique and the sCTLA-4 levels were quantified using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. In addition, we performed a haplotype analysis, including our previous data of the +49A/G (rs231775) SNP. The G/A genotype of the rs3087243 SNP was associated with a decreased risk of RA [odd ratio (OR) 0.61, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.38-0.96, p = 0.024]. This protection was also observed in the negative anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide group of RA carriers of the A allele (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.22-1.05, p = 0.042). On the contrary, we identified the -319C/+49G/CT60G haplotype of CTLA-4 gene as a risk factor for RA (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.13-2.52, p = 0.01). The sCTLA-4 levels were not associated with RA (p = 0.377), but were correlated with the functional disability of these patients (r = 0.282, p = 0.012). However, in CS the C/T genotype of the rs5742909 SNP, as well as the G/G and G/A genotypes of the rs3087243 SNP were associated with higher sCTLA-4 levels (p < 0.001). In conclusion, our results suggest that the -319C/+49G/CT60G haplotype of CTLA-4 gene is a genetic marker of susceptibility to RA in Western Mexico, whereas the rs3087243 SNP confers protection against this disease. Moreover, both SNPs showed an effect on the sCTLA-4 production in our control population. However, further studies are required to evaluate the role of sCTLA-4 in RA, as well as the molecular and functional basis of the association between both CTLA-4 gene SNPs and soluble levels of CTLA-4 in CS.

The +1858C/T PTPN22 gene polymorphism confers genetic susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis in Mexican population from the Western Mexico.

INTRODUCTION: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common autoimmune disease with a complex genetic background. The PTPN22 gene encodes lymphoid tyrosine phosphatase LYP, a potent negative regulator of T cell activation. Polymorphic variants of this gene have previously been associated with various autoimmune disorders. The +1858C/T single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (rs2476601), in the exon 14 of the PTPN22 gene has been associated with susceptibility to RA in several population. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work was to investigate whether the +1858C/T of the PTPN22 gene is associated with susceptibility to RA in Western Mexico population. METHODS: A total of 309 unrelated RA patients, classified according to American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 1987 criteria, as well as 347 controls residents from Western Mexico were recruited for this study. The DNA samples were genotyped for +1858C/T PTPN22 gene SNP using the PCR-RFLP technique. Antibodies to cyclic citrullinated peptides (anti-CCP) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: The frequency of +1858T risk allele was significantly increased in patients with RA compared with controls (p=0.001, OR=2.83, 95%CI=1.50-5.32). To confirm this results we established a comparison between subjects carrying of CT+TT genotypes versus those carrying CC genotype, between both groups (p=0.004, OR=2.65, 95%CI=1.33-5.36). Nevertheless, we not observed association of the +1858C/T PTPN22 gene SNP with clinical activity and functional disability in RA patients. Likewise, the +1858T variant in RA patients seropositive for anti-CCP antibodies, increased the risk for RA (p=0.008, OR=2.5, 95%CI=1.3-5.0) when we compared with controls; however, in the group of seronegative patients, no was found significant difference (p=0.1, OR=2.5, 95%CI=0.9-7.2). CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the association of the +1858T risk allele of the +1858C/T PTPN22 polymorphism with susceptibility to RA and confirm that, in combination with anti-CCP antibodies, this SNP influence the autoimmune processes towards a development of RA in Mexican population.

The functional class evaluated in rheumatoid arthritis is associated with soluble TGF-ß1 serum levels but not with G915C (Arg25Pro) TGF-ß1 polymorphism.

The influence of genetic factors in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been described, including several cytokine genes such as transforming growth factor ß (TGF-ß) with regulatory effects on lymphocytes, dendritic cells, macrophages, chondrocytes, and osteoblasts, which are important in the RA pathogenesis. The G915C TGF-ß1 polymorphism has been associated with soluble TGF-ß1 (sTGF-ß) serum levels. Thus, we studied the association of G915C (Arg25Pro) TGF-ß1 polymorphism with sTGF-ß1 serum levels in RA. We enrolled 120 RA patients and 120 control subjects (CS). The G915C TGF-ß1 polymorphism was determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method, and sTGF-ß1 serum levels were quantified using an ELISA kit. The genotype frequency of G915C TGF-ß1 polymorphism in RA and CS was G/G (91.7%), G/C (8.3%), C/C (0%) and G/G (85.8%), G/C (14.2%), C/C (0%), respectively, without significant differences. Moreover, the G/G TGF-ß1 genotype carriers presented the highest disability index evaluated for the Spanish HAQ-DI score (P < 0.001). In addition, the sTGF-ß1 serum levels were higher in RA (182.2 ng/mL) than CS (160.2 ng/mL), there was not significant difference. However, we found a positive correlation between the sTGF-ß1 serum levels and the functional class (r = 0.472, P = 0.023). In conclusion, the G915C (Arg25Pro) TGF-ß1 polymorphism is not associated with RA, but the sTGF-ß1 serum levels are related with the functional class in RA.

Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 C/G polymorphism in relation to plasma levels in rheumatoid arthritis.

Plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) is an inhibitor of plasmin production. Plasmin can directly or indirectly to degrade cartilage and bone matrix. The PAI-1 HindIII polymorphism has been associated with high PAI-1 plasma levels in myocardial infarction patients and control populations. Furthermore, it has been associated with the angiographic extent of coronary artery disease, but their involvement in other diseases is still uncertain. Here, we assessed the relationship between PAI-1 HindIII polymorphism and PAI-1 plasma levels in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). One hundred and twenty-five RA patients and 132 control subjects (CS) were included. Genotypes were identified by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism technique and PAI-1 plasma levels were quantified using an ELISA kit. Not significant differences in genotype and allele frequencies between both studied groups were observed (P > 0.05). RA patients showed lower PAI-1 plasma levels (18.92 +/- 12.94 ng/ml) than CS (23.68 +/- 23.38 ng/ml), without significant difference (P = 0.299). However, in RA patients the C/G genotype carriers showed higher PAI-1 plasma levels (23.00 +/- 13.81 ng/ml) with respect to C/C (16.77 +/- 11.97 ng/ml) and G/G (10.47 +/- 7.07 ng/ml) genotype carriers (P = 0.036). The PAI-1 HindIII polymorphism was not associated with RA susceptibility. However, the C/G genotype is associated with high PAI-1 plasma levels in RA patients.

A functional Ser(413)/Ser(413) PAI-2 polymorphism is associated with susceptibility and damage index score in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Systemic lupus erythematosus in some cases is characterized for development of thrombotic events with a significantly increased risk of mortality. The frequencies and clinical associations of Ser(413)/Cys(413) PAI-2 polymorphism in 40 systemic lupus erythematosus, 50 rheumatoid arthritis patients, and 100 healthy subjects were investigated. The Ser(413)/Ser(413) genotype frequency was 53% (lupus), 36% (rheumatoid arthritis), and 35% (healthy subjects). The Ser(413) allele was associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (P = .04, odds ratio = 1.76, 95% confidence interval = 1.01-3.06). In all, 4 patient carriers of Ser(413)/Ser(413) genotype, developed thrombotic events. The lupus patients identified with Ser( 413)/Ser(413) genotype showed an increased damage (57%), compared with Ser(413)/Cys(413) and Cys(413)/Cys(413) genotypes, with significant difference (P = .03). These findings suggest an association of Ser( 413) /Ser( 413) genotype with greater damage index score and Ser( 413) allele with systemic lupus erythematosus. Besides, PAI-2 polymorphism could be related with thrombotic phenomena in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Distribution of --844 G/A and Hind III C/G PAI-1 polymorphisms and plasma PAI-1 levels in Mexican subjects: comparison of frequencies between populations.

Several polymorphisms have been described in the PAI-1 gene including the -844 G/A and Hind III C/G polymorphisms. These polymorphisms have been associated with different diseases such as preeclampsia and cardiovascular diseases. The allele and genotype frequencies of both PAI-1 polymorphism where investigated in Mexican subjects and compared with other healthy worldwide populations. The hematological and biochemical parameters where classified according each genotype in our studied group. One hundred Mexican subjects were recruited. Demographic data and hematological and biochemical parameters were collected, and genomic DNA isolation was performed in all the participants. Screening of both polymorphisms studied was made by polymerase chain reaction and restriction analysis. Levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 in plasma were measured by ELIS-ARA plasminogen activator inhibitor antigen kit. The -844 and Hind III genotypes frequencies were as follows: 49% (G/G), 40% (G/A), 11% (A/A) and 50% (C/C), 44% (C/G), 6% (G/G), respectively. The wild-type genotypes (G/G and C/C) were significantly higher with respect to the compared populations. In addition, a significant increase of apolipoprotein A1 in the carriers of G/A -844 and C/G Hind III genotypes was observed. However, when the plasma plasminogen activator inhibitor levels were analyzed with respect to each genotype and haplotype, no significant differences were found.

The -844 G/A PAI-1 polymorphism is associated with mRNA expression in rheumatoid arthritis.

We assessed whether the -844 G/A polymorphism and mRNA expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) gene are associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Demographic data, hematological, biochemical parameters, disease activity-disability indexes, -844 G/A genotypes and mRNA expression levels of the PAI-1 gene were determined in 50 RA patients and 50 healthy subjects (HS). Non-significant differences in genotype and allele frequencies related to -844 G/A polymorphism in RA versus HS, were found. High mRNA expression of the PAI-1 gene, was demonstrated in RA versus HS (P < 0.05). In addition, A/A genotype carriers showed increase of PAI-1 mRNA expression (3.1-fold) respect to G/G and G/A genotypes in RA patients (P < 0.05). Our finding suggest an association of A/A -844 PAI-1 genotype with high PAI-1 mRNA expression in RA patients.

Tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 M196R polymorphism in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis: relationship with sTNFR2 levels and clinical features.

We investigate the clinical association of tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNFR2) M196R polymorphism with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and knee osteoarthritis (OA). Acute phase reactants, lipid profile, sTNFR2 levels, disease activity-disability indexes, and TNFR2 M196R polymorphism were analyzed in 50 RA, 50 knee OA patients, and 120 healthy subjects (HS). The M/M genotype frequency was 0.74 (RA), 0.80 (OA), and 0.64 (HS). The M/R genotype frequency was RA (0.26), OA (0.20), and HS (0.29). The R/R genotype was observed only in HS (0.07). The M allele was associated with OA (P = 0.0137, OR = 2.43). Total cholesterol, triglyceride levels, apolipoprotein A-I and B showed significant differences (P < 0.05). The highest sTNFR2 levels were observed in RA and OA (P = 0.001), however M/M and M/R carriers do not correlate with sTNFR2 production. Our findings suggest an association of the M allele with knee OA. In addition, high sTNFR2 levels in RA and OA were found.