DNA methylation changes in association with trauma-focused psychotherapy efficacy in treatment-resistant depression patients: a prospective longitudinal study.

Background: Stressful events increase the risk for treatment-resistant depression (TRD), and trauma-focused psychotherapy can be useful for TRD patients exposed to early life stress (ELS). Epigenetic processes are known to be related to depression and ELS, but there is no evidence of the effects of trauma-focused psychotherapy on methylation alterations.Objective: We performed the first epigenome-wide association study to investigate methylation changes related to trauma-focused psychotherapies effects in TRD patients.Method: Thirty TRD patients assessed for ELS underwent trauma-focused psychotherapy, of those, 12 received trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy, and 18 Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). DNA methylation was profiled with Illumina Infinium EPIC array at T0 (baseline), after 8 weeks (T8, end of psychotherapy) and after 12 weeks (T12 - follow-up). We examined differentially methylated CpG sites and regions, as well as pathways analysis in association with the treatment.Results: Main results obtained have shown 110 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) with a significant adjusted p-value area associated with the effects of trauma-focused psychotherapies in the entire cohort. Several annotated genes are related to inflammatory processes and psychiatric disorders, such as LTA, GFI1, ARID5B, TNFSF13, and LST1. Gene enrichment analyses revealed statistically significant processes related to tumour necrosis factor (TNF) receptor and TNF signalling pathway. Stratified analyses by type of trauma-focused psychotherapy showed statistically significant adjusted p-value area in 141 DMRs only for the group of patients receiving EMDR, with annotated genes related to inflammation and psychiatric disorders, including LTA, GFI1, and S100A8. Gene set enrichment analyses in the EMDR group indicated biological processes related to inflammatory response, particularly the TNF signalling pathway.Conclusion: We provide preliminary valuable insights into global DNA methylation changes associated with trauma-focused psychotherapies effects, in particular with EMDR treatment.

Stressful events increase treatment-resistant depression, and trauma-focused psychotherapy can be useful for these patients.Epigenome-wide data shows changes associated with trauma-focused psychotherapies, especially eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy, in treatment-resistant depression patients.Genes and biological pathways related to inflammatory and immune systems are among the most statistically significant results.

Juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus and MEFV polymorphism: A case–control association study among Iranian children / Lupus eritematoso sistémico de inicio juvenil y polimorfismo MEFV: un estudio de asociación de casos y controles entre niños iraníes

Introduction and objectives: This study is designed to evaluate the potential influences of Mediterranean fever gene (MEFV) gene polymorphism on systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in a cohort of juvenile patients. A case–control study was performed on Iranian patients with a mixed ethnicity population. Patients and methods: Genotypes of 50 juvenile cases, and 85 healthy controls were investigated for identifying M694V and R202Q polymorphism. Genotyping was done utilizing amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR) and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) to detect M694V and R202Q mutations, respectively. Main findings: Our study indicates significant differences in the alleles and genotypes frequencies of MEFV polymorphism between SLE patients and healthy controls (P<0.05). Also, an association was found between renal involvement (50% vs. 8.3%, P=0.000, OR=0.91, 95% CI=0.30–0.278) in juvenile SLE patients and M694V polymorphism incident; But there was no association with other clinical manifestations. Principal conclusion: We found a significant association between R202Q and M694V polymorphism of the MEFV gene and susceptibility to SLE in the studied population; However, further studies on detailed characterization of these polymorphisms’ impacts on the key elements responsible for SLE pathogenesis is of great importance.(AU)

Introducción y objetivos: Este estudio está diseñado para evaluar las posibles influencias del polimorfismo del gen de la fiebre mediterránea (MEFV) en el lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES) en una cohorte de pacientes jóvenes. Se realizó un estudio de casos y controles en pacientes iraníes con una población de origen étnico mixto. Pacientes y métodos: Se investigaron los genotipos de 50 casos juveniles y 85 controles sanos para identificar el polimorfismo M694V y R202Q. El genotipado se realizó utilizando amplificación refractaria sistema de mutación-reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (ARMS-PCR) y reacción en cadena de la polimerasa-polimorfismo de longitud de fragmentos de restricción (PCR-RFLP) para detectar mutaciones M694V y R202Q, respectivamente. Hallazgos principales: Nuestro estudio indica diferencias significativas en las frecuencias de alelos y genotipos del polimorfismo MEFV entre pacientes con LES y controles sanos (p<0,05). Además, se encontró asociación entre compromiso renal (50% vs. 8.3%, p=0,000, OR=0.91, IC 95%=0,30–0,278) en pacientes con LES juvenil e incidente de polimorfismo M694V; pero no hubo asociación con otras manifestaciones clínicas. Conclusión principal: Encontramos una asociación significativa entre el polimorfismo R202Q y M694V del gen MEFV y la susceptibilidad a LES en la población estudiada; sin embargo, es de gran importancia realizar más estudios sobre la caracterización detallada de los impactos de estos polimorfismos en los elementos clave responsables de la patogénesis del LES.(AU)

Juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus and MEFV polymorphism: A case-control association study among Iranian children.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: This study is designed to evaluate the potential influences of Mediterranean fever gene (MEFV) gene polymorphism on systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in a cohort of juvenile patients. A case-control study was performed on Iranian patients with a mixed ethnicity population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Genotypes of 50 juvenile cases, and 85 healthy controls were investigated for identifying M694V and R202Q polymorphism. Genotyping was done utilizing amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR) and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) to detect M694V and R202Q mutations, respectively. MAIN FINDINGS: Our study indicates significant differences in the alleles and genotypes frequencies of MEFV polymorphism between SLE patients and healthy controls (P<0.05). Also, an association was found between renal involvement (50% vs. 8.3%, P=0.000, OR=0.91, 95% CI=0.30-0.278) in juvenile SLE patients and M694V polymorphism incident; But there was no association with other clinical manifestations. PRINCIPAL CONCLUSION: We found a significant association between R202Q and M694V polymorphism of the MEFV gene and susceptibility to SLE in the studied population; However, further studies on detailed characterization of these polymorphisms' impacts on the key elements responsible for SLE pathogenesis is of great importance.

Estudio preliminar de correlación fenotipo-genotipo en miocardiopatías de pacientes derivados a un centro de alta complejidad del conurbano bonaerense / A Preliminary Study of the Phenotype-Genotype Correlation in Cardiomyopathies in Patients Referred to a Tertiary Healthcare Center in the Suburbs of Buenos Aires

RESUMEN Introducción : Las miocardiopatías se definen como un trastorno del miocardio en el que el músculo cardíaco es estructural y funcionalmente anormal, en ausencia de enfermedad arterial coronaria, hipertensión arterial (HTA), enfermedad valvular y enfermedad cardíaca congénita. Estas enfermedades son relativamente frecuentes, y suponen una importante causa de morbimortalidad a nivel global. Aunque el estudio genético se recomienda para el cribado familiar, la falta de datos robustos sobre asociaciones genotipo-fenotipo específicas ha reducido su impacto en el manejo clínico. Objetivos : El objetivo de este estudio es analizar la frecuencia de mutaciones en una población de pacientes con miocardiopatía derivados a un centro de alta complejidad y el análisis de la correlación genotipo-fenotipo en las mutaciones identificadas. Material y métodos: Se estudiaron en forma prospectiva 102 pacientes con sospecha de miocardiopatía hipertrófica (MCH) familiar, de los cuales 70 constituían casos índices, de una cohorte ambispectiva de pacientes con miocardiopatías controladas en un hos pital público de alta complejidad de tercer nivel de atención de la provincia de Buenos Aires, desde enero 2012 al 30 agosto 2022. Resultados : De 102 pacientes 83 fueron considerados afectados. De eelos, 31 eran MCH y 52 fenocopias, sin diferencia en el pronóstico. Se realizó estudio genético en 77 pacientes, de los cuales 57 presentaron mutaciones reconocibles, en el 80% de los casos coincidentes con un Score de Mayo ≥3. Se detectaron 28 variantes de significado incierto. Conclusiones : Se comprobó que realizar estudio molecular guiado por el Score de Mayo permitió obtener un alto grado de probabilidad de detectar mutaciones. Se evidenció la importancia del estudio molecular debido a la existencia de solapamiento fenotípico y genotípico de las miocardiopatías. El conocimiento de la variante genética causal actualmente no afecta el manejo clínico de la mayoría de los pacientes con MCH, pero es de ayuda ante un pequeño grupo de genes que tienen opciones de tratamiento.

ABSTRACT Background : Cardiomyopathies are defined as a disorder of the myocardium in which the heart muscle is structurally and functionally abnormal, in the absence of coronary artery disease, hypertension (HT), valvular heart disease and congenital heart disease. These diseases are relatively common and a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although genetic testing is recommended for family screening, lack of solid data on specific genotype-phenotype associations has reduced its impact on clinical management. Objectives : This study aims to analyze the frequency of mutations in a population of patients with cardiomyopathy referred to a tertiary healthcare center and to analyze the genotype-phenotype correlation of the identified mutations. Methods : We prospectively included 102 patients with suspected familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), 70 of which were index cases, from an ambispective cohort of patients with cardiomyopathies treated in a tertiary healthcare public hos pital in the province of Buenos Aires, from January 2012 to August 30, 2022. Results : Of 102 patients, 83 were considered affected. Of these, 31 were HCM and 52 were phenocopies, with no difference in prognosis. A genetic study was carried out in 77 patients, of whom 57 presented recognizable mutations, in 80% of the cases coinciding with a Mayo Score ≥3. Twenty-eight variants of uncertain significance were detected. Conclusions : It was confirmed that molecular testing guided by the Mayo Score provided high probability of detecting mutations. Molecular testing proved to be important due to the phenotypic and genotypic overlap in cardiomyopathies. Understanding the causative genetic variant, nowadays, does not affect the clinical management of most HCM patients, but is helpful in a small group of genes with treatment options.

Estudios de asociación de genoma completo (GWAS) versus validación funcional: reto de la era post-GWAS / Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) versus functional validation: challenge of the post-GWAS era

En los últimos años se han dedicado muchos esfuerzos a la determinación de variantes y genes que pueden ser impor-tantes en la determinación de la densidad mineral ósea (DMO) y, a su vez, en diversas patologías óseas. Para conseguiresto, la aproximación que ha presentado mayores éxitos ha sido la de los estudios de asociación de genoma completo(GWAS). En particular, en la investigación sobre la biología ósea, se han publicado más de 50 grandes GWAS o metaa-nálisis de GWAS identificando más de 500 loci genéticos asociados con diferentes parámetros óseos como son la DMO,la resistencia ósea y el riesgo de fractura. Si bien el descubrimiento de las variantes asociadas es un aspecto esencial,es igualmente importante la validación funcional de dichas variantes para dilucidar su efecto y la relación causal quetienen con la enfermedad genética. Al tratarse de un aspecto mucho más lento y tedioso, se ha convertido en el nuevoreto de esta era post-GWAS. Entre los genes que ya se han abordado se incluyen varios de la vía de WNT y en especialel gen SOST, que juega un papel muy importante tanto en la determinación de la DMO poblacional como en enferme-dades monogénicas con elevada masa ósea y que ha dado lugar a un nuevo tratamiento contra la osteoporosis. En estarevisión recogemos los principales estudios GWAS con relación a fenotipos del hueso, así como algunos ejemplos devalidaciones funcionales para analizar las asociaciones encontradas en los mismos.(AU)

Cáncer colorrectal. Variantes génicas en la vía de señalización BMP y ancestría en población mexicana / Colorectal cancer. Genetic variants in BMP signaling pathway and ancestry in the Mexican population

Resumen Introducción: Variantes génicas relacionadas con la vía de señalización de las proteínas morfogenéticas óseas (BMP2, BMP4, GREM1, SMAD7) se han asociado a cáncer colorrectal, principalmente en poblaciones caucásicas. Objetivo: Describir la asociación de variantes en miembros de la vía BMP en población mexicana, caracterizada por su ancestría indoamericana y caucásica. Métodos: Se realizó el genotipado de 1000 casos de cáncer colorrectal y 1043 individuos de control reclutados en la Ciudad de México, Monterrey y Torreón mediante la plataforma Sequenom. Con análisis univariados y multivariados se estudiaron las asociaciones entre cáncer colorrectal y variantes. Resultados: Las variantes rs4444235, rs12953717 y rs4939827 replicaron la asociación con la neoplasia (p ≤ 0.05). La ascendencia caucásica mostró asociación con el tumor. Conclusiones: El estudio mostró las asociaciones entre cáncer colorrectal y las variantes SMAD7 y BMP4, así como con el componente caucásico de la mezcla étnica.

Abstract Introduction: Genetic variants related to bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP2, BMP4, GREM1, SMAD7) signaling pathway have been associated with colorectal cancer, mainly in Caucasian populations. Objective: To describe the association of variants in members of the BMP signaling pathway in a Mexican population, characterized by its indigenous American and Caucasian ancestry. Methods: Genotyping of 1,000 colorectal cancer cases and 1,043 control individuals recruited in Mexico City, Monterrey, and Torreón was carried out using the Sequenom platform. Associations between colorectal cancer and variants were studied with univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: Variants rs4444235, rs12953717 and rs4939827 replicated the association with the neoplasm (p ≤ 0.05). Caucasian ancestry showed association with the tumor. Conclusions: The study replicated the associations between colorectal cancer and SMAD7 and BMP4 variants, with an association being observed with the Caucasian component of the ethnic mix.

Colorectal cancer. Genetic variants in BMP signaling pathway and ancestry in the Mexican population.

INTRODUCTION: Genetic variants related to bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP2, BMP4, GREM1, SMAD7) signaling pathway have been associated with colorectal cancer, mainly in Caucasian populations. OBJECTIVE: To describe the association of variants in members of the BMP signaling pathway in a Mexican population, characterized by its indigenous American and Caucasian ancestry. METHODS: Genotyping of 1,000 colorectal cancer cases and 1,043 control individuals recruited in Mexico City, Monterrey, and Torreón was carried out using the Sequenom platform. Associations between colorectal cancer and variants were studied with univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Variants rs4444235, rs12953717 and rs4939827 replicated the association with the neoplasm (p ≤ 0.05). Caucasian ancestry showed association with the tumor. CONCLUSIONS: The study replicated the associations between colorectal cancer and SMAD7 and BMP4 variants, with an association being observed with the Caucasian component of the ethnic mix.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Variantes génicas relacionadas con la vía de señalización de las proteínas morfogenéticas óseas (BMP2, BMP4, GREM1, SMAD7) se han asociado a cáncer colorrectal, principalmente en poblaciones caucásicas. OBJETIVO: Describir la asociación de variantes en miembros de la vía BMP en población mexicana, caracterizada por su ancestría indoamericana y caucásica. MÉTODOS: Se realizó el genotipado de 1000 casos de cáncer colorrectal y 1043 individuos de control reclutados en la Ciudad de México, Monterrey y Torreón mediante la plataforma Sequenom. Con análisis univariados y multivariados se estudiaron las asociaciones entre cáncer colorrectal y variantes. RESULTADOS: Las variantes rs4444235, rs12953717 y rs4939827 replicaron la asociación con la neoplasia (p ≤ 0.05). La ascendencia caucásica mostró asociación con el tumor. CONCLUSIONES: El estudio mostró las asociaciones entre cáncer colorrectal y las variantes SMAD7 y BMP4, así como con el componente caucásico de la mezcla étnica.

Bayesian network analysis of plasma microRNA sequencing data in patients with venous thrombosis.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small regulatory RNAs participating to several biological processes and known to be involved in various pathologies. Measurable in body fluids, miRNAs have been proposed to serve as efficient biomarkers for diseases and/or associated traits. Here, we performed a next-generation-sequencing based profiling of plasma miRNAs in 344 patients with venous thrombosis (VT) and assessed the association of plasma miRNA levels with several haemostatic traits and the risk of VT recurrence. Among the most significant findings, we detected an association between hsa-miR-199b-3p and haematocrit levels (P = 0.0016), these two markers having both been independently reported to associate with VT risk. We also observed suggestive evidence for association of hsa-miR-370-3p (P = 0.019), hsa-miR-27b-3p (P = 0.016) and hsa-miR-222-3p (P = 0.049) with VT recurrence, the observations at the latter two miRNAs confirming the recent findings of Wang et al. Besides, by conducting Genome-Wide Association Studies on miRNA levels and meta-analyzing our results with some publicly available, we identified 21 new associations of single nucleotide polymorphisms with plasma miRNA levels at the statistical significance threshold of P < 5 × 10-8, some of these associations pertaining to thrombosis associated mechanisms. In conclusion, this study provides novel data about the impact of miRNAs' variability in haemostasis and new arguments supporting the association of few miRNAs with the risk of recurrence in patients with venous thrombosis.

Los micro-ARN (miARN) son pequeñas moléculas de ARN reguladoras que participan en varios procesos biológicos y están implicados en diversas patologías. Mensurables en los líquidos corporales, se ha planteado que los miARN pueden ser biomarcadores eficaces para el diagnóstico de enfermedades y/o características asociadas. Aquí hemos llevado a cabo un análisis de miARN plasmático con tecnología de secuenciación de última generación en 344 pacientes con trombosis venosa (TV) y hemos evaluado la asociación de los niveles de miARN con distintas características hemostáticas y el riesgo de recidiva de TV. Entre los hallazgos más significativos, hemos detectado una asociación entre hsa-miR-199b-3p y los niveles de hematocritos (p = 0,0016); dos marcadores que se habían asociado de forma independiente con el riesgo de sufrir TV. Asimismo, hemos observado una evidencia indicativa de asociación entre hsa-miR-370-3p (p = 0,019), hsa-miR-27b-3p (p = 0,016) y hsa-miR-222-3p (p = 0,049) y la recidiva de TV; los resultados los dos últimos miARN confirman los hallazgos recientes de Wang et al. (Clin Epigenetics, 2019). Además, al efectuar estudios de asociación del genoma completo sobre los niveles de miARN y al metaanalizar nuestros resultados con otros disponibles públicamente, hemos identificado 21 asociaciones nuevas de polimorfismos de un solo nucleótido (PSN) con niveles de miARN plasmático con un umbral de significación estadística de p < 5 × 10−8; algunas de estas asociaciones pertenecen a los mecanismos patogénicos de la trombosis.Como conclusión, en este estudio se proporcionan nuevos datos sobre el impacto de la variabilidad de miARN en la hemostasia y nuevos argumentos que apoyan la asociación de algunas secuencias de miARN con el riesgo de recidiva en pacientes con trombosis venosa.

Asociación del gen ELMO1 (snp rs1345365) con el desarrollo de diabetes mellitus tipo 2 en población mestiza Mexicana / Association of the ELMO1 gene (snp rs1345365) with development of type 2 diabetes mellitus in the Mexican mestizo population

El locus g.37190613 en 7p14.2-14.1 del gen ELMO1 presenta un polimorfismo el cual consiste en un cambio G>A(rs1345365). Esta variante, entre otras, de ELMO1, ha sido asociada con nefropatía diabética en diferentes poblaciones. En México son limitados los estudios de asociación de diabetes mellitus con genes candidatos. Por ello, el objetivo del presente trabajo fue determinar la asociación del SNP rs1345365 del gen ELMO1 con el desarrollo de diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2). Para ello se analizaron 148 pacientes con DM2, 156 individuos sin diabetes pero con factores de riesgo cardiovascular y 269 personas sanas sin DM2. El polimorfismo se identificó por PASA (PCR AMPLIFICATION ALLELE SPECIFIC) y PAGE teñida con nitrato de plata. La asociación se estableció por diferentes modelos de epidemiología genética; el modelo dominante mostró una asociación positiva (p=0,0006) como factor protector y el para-dominante mostró al estado heterocigoto como factor de riesgo. En conclusión el estudio reveló la asociación del SNP rs1345365 del gen ELMO1 con DM2 en una población mestiza Mexicana.

The g.37190613 locus on 7p14.2-14.1 in the ELMO1 gene has a G>A polymorphism (SNP rs1345365) that has been associated with diabetic nephropathy in different populations. The genetic-association studies in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) on the Mexican population are limited. The aim of this study was to estimate whether the polymorphism G>A of ELMO1 gene is associated with the development of DM2. We included 148 DM2 individuals, 156 individuals with cardiovascular risk factors without diabetes and 269 healthy proband without DM2. The polymorphism was identified by PCR amplification specific allele (PASA), PAGE and silver staining. The association was established by genetic epidemiological models; the dominant model showed a positive association (p=0.0006) as a protective factor, and the para-dominant model to heterozygous, as risk factor. In conclusion, this study revealed the association of the SNP rs1345365 of the ELMO1 gene in a Mexican population.

[Genetic predisposition and Pediatric Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: New tools for genetic study]. / Predisposición genética y síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo pediátrico: nuevas herramientas de estudio genético.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is the most severe form of respiratory failure. Theoretically, any acute lung condition can lead to ARDS, but only a small percentage of individuals actually develop the disease. On this basis, genetic factors have been implicated in the risk of developing ARDS. Based on the pathophysiology of this disease, many candidate genes have been evaluated as potential modifiers in patient, as well as in animal models, of ARDS. Recent experimental data and clinical studies suggest that variations of genes involved in key processes of tissue, cellular and molecular lung damage may influence susceptibility and prognosis of ARDS. However, the pathogenesis of pediatric ARDS is complex, and therefore, it can be expected that many genes might contribute. Genetic variations such as single nucleotide polymorphisms and copy-number variations are likely associated with susceptibility to ARDS in children with primary lung injury. Genome-wide association (GWA) studies can objectively examine these variations, and help identify important new genes and pathogenetic pathways for future analysis. This approach might also have diagnostic and therapeutic implications, such as predicting patient risk or developing a personalized therapeutic approach to this serious syndrome.

Predisposición genética y síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo pediátrico: nuevas herramientas de estudio genético / Genetic predisposition and Pediatric Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: New tools for genetic study

El síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo (SDRA) es la forma más grave de falla respiratoria. Teóricamente, cualquier noxa pulmonar aguda puede resultar en un SDRA, pero solo un pequeño porcentaje de individuos desarrolla la enfermedad. Sobre este fundamento, factores genéticos han sido implicados en el riesgo de desarrollar SDRA. Basado en la fisiopatología de esta enfermedad, múltiples genes candidatos han sido evaluados como potenciales modificadores, tanto en pacientes como en modelos animales de SDRA. Datos experimentales y estudios clínicos recientes sugieren que variantes de genes implicados en procesos clave de daño tisular, celular y molecular pulmonar pueden influir en la predisposición y el pronóstico del SDRA. Sin embargo, la patogénesis del SDRA pediátrico es compleja y, en consecuencia, es posible anticipar que muchos genes pueden contribuir a ella. Variantes genéticas, tales como polimorfismos de nucleótido simple y variantes del número de copias, están probablemente asociadas con la predisposición al SDRA en niños con lesión pulmonar primaria. El estudio de asociación del genoma completo (GWAS, del inglés Genome-Wide Association Study) puede examinar estas variantes sin sesgos y ayudar a identificar nuevos genes fundamentales y vías patogénicas clave para futuros análisis. Esta aproximación también puede tener implicancias clínicas diagnósticas y terapéuticas, como predecir el riesgo del paciente o desarrollar un enfoque terapéutico personalizado para este grave síndrome.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is the most severe form of respiratory failure. Theoretically, any acute lung condition can lead to ARDS, but only a small percentage of individuals actually develop the disease. On this basis, genetic factors have been implicated in the risk of developing ARDS. Based on the pathophysiology of this disease, many candidate genes have been evaluated as potential modifiers in patient, as well as in animal models, of ARDS. Recent experimental data and clinical studies suggest that variations of genes involved in key processes of tissue, cellular and molecular lung damage may influence susceptibility and prognosis of ARDS. However, the pathogenesis of pediatric ARDS is complex, and therefore, it can be expected that many genes might contribute. Genetic variations such as single nucleotide polymorphisms and copy-number variations are likely associated with susceptibility to ARDS in children with primary lung injury. Genome-wide association (GWA) studies can objectively examine these variations, and help identify important new genes and pathogenetic pathways for future analysis. This approach might also have diagnostic and therapeutic implications, such as predicting patient risk or developing a personalized therapeutic approach to this serious syndrome.

The PLAU P141L single nucleotide polymorphism is associated with collateral circulation in patients with coronary artery disease.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Urokinase-type plasminogen activator, which is encoded by the PLAU gene, plays a prominent role during collateral arterial growth. We investigated whether the PLAU P141L (C > T) polymorphism, which causes a mutation in the kringle domain of the protein, is associated with coronary collateral circulation in a cohort of 676 patients with coronary artery disease. METHODS: The polymorphism was genotyped in blood samples using a TaqMan-based genotyping assay, and collateral circulation was assessed by the Rentrop method. Multivariate logistic regression models adjusted by clinically relevant variables to estimate odds ratios were used to examine associations of PLAU P141L allelic variants and genotypes with collateral circulation. RESULTS: Patients with poor collateral circulation (Rentrop 0-1; n = 547) showed a higher frequency of the TT genotype than those with good collateral circulation (Rentrop 2-3; n = 129; P = .020). The T allele variant was also more common in patients with poor collateral circulation (P = .006). The odds ratio of having poorly developed collaterals in patients bearing the T allele (adjusted for clinically relevant variables) was statistically significant under the dominant model (odds ratio = 1.83 [95% confidence interval, 1.16-2.90]; P = .010) and the additive model (odds ratio = 1.73 [95% confidence interval, 1.14-2.62]; P = .009). CONCLUSIONS: An association was found between coronary collateral circulation and the PLAU P141L polymorphism. Patients with the 141L variant are at greater risk of developing poor coronary collateral circulation.