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Biomedical subjects

Q Yi

Publications and source records attributed to Q Yi.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Association between phosphodiesterase 4D gene and ischaemic stroke.

BACKGROUND: An association between the phosphodiesterase 4D (PDE4D) gene and risk of ischaemic stroke in an Icelandic population has been suggested by the deCODE group. METHODS: A case-control study of 151 hospitalised patients with first-ever ischaemic stroke and 164 randomly selected age-matched and sex-matched community controls was conducted. PDE4D genotypes for the six single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) previously reported to be independently associated with stroke were determined, common haplotypes were inferred using the expectation-maximisation algorithm, and SNP and haplotype associations with stroke were examined. A meta-analysis of published studies examining the association between PDE4D and stroke was also carried out. RESULTS: Our study of Australian patients with stroke showed an independent association between ischaemic stroke and PDE4D SNP 89 (CC: odds ratio (OR) 5.55, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02 to 30.19; CA: OR 1.68, 95% CI 0.96 to 2.96; AA: OR 1 (reference)), SNP 87 (CC: OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.08 to 4.20; TC: OR 1.64, 95% CI 0.89 to 3.00; TT: OR 1 (reference)) and SNP 83 (TT: OR 2.16, 95% CI 1.08 to 4.32; TC: OR 1.37, 95% CI 0.77 to 2.43; CC: OR 1 (reference)), and between ischaemic stroke and PDE4D haplotypes at SNP 89-87-83 (A-C-C: OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.15 to 3.96; C-C-T: OR 2.25, 95% CI 1.29 to 3.92), but no association between ischaemic stroke and PDE4D SNP 56, SNP 45 or SNP 41, or with PDE4D haplotypes at SNP 56-45-41. A meta-analysis of nine case-control studies (including our current results) of 3808 stroke cases and 4377 controls confirmed a significant association between stroke and PDE SNP 87 (pooled p = 0.002), SNP 83 (0.003) and SNP 41 (0.003). However, there was statistical heterogeneity (p < 0.1) among the studies in the direction of association for each of the individual SNPs tested. CONCLUSIONS: Our results and the pooled analyses from all the studies indicate a strong association between PDE4D and ischaemic stroke. This strengthens the evidence that PDE4D plays a key part in the pathogenesis of ischaemic stroke. Heterogeneity among the studies in the direction of association between individual SNPs and stroke suggests that the SNPs tested are in linkage disequilibrium with the causal allele(s).

3',5'-Cyclic-AMP Phosphodiesterases↗

Clinical-grade myeloma Ag pre-loaded DC vaccines retain potency after cryopreservation.

BACKGROUND: The use of myeloma Ag-loaded mature DC vaccines, cryopreserved in single-use aliquots, is an attractive immunotherapeutic strategy. In this study we investigated the retention of phenotype, viability and potency of DC vaccines after freezing and thawing. METHODS: Plastic-adherent monocytes, derived from a steady-state leukapheresis, were cultured in serum-free media containing GM-CSF and IL-4. DC were loaded on day 6 with myeloma lysate (ML) or idiotype (Id) Ag and keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH), induced to mature on day 7 with CD40-ligand and cryopreserved on day 9. Seventeen clinical-scale cultures were evaluated for DC yield, recovery and immunophenotype after potency was validated with allogeneic mixed lymphocyte culture and Ag presentation assays. RESULTS: We produced 88 individual vaccines from 17 clinical-scale cultures. Median DC yield at harvest was 131 x 10(6) (range 37-375 x 10(6)) and median recovery of viable DC after thawing was 69% (range 11-100%). We confirmed viability (7AAD-), phenotype (CD14-, CD83+/CD40+, CD83+/CD80+, CD83+/CD86+, CD83+/CD54+, HLA-DR++) and the ability of the DC to present Ag and stimulate allogeneic T cells post-thawing. DISCUSSION: We have validated a serum-free culture system for the production of DC. Cryopreservation did not interfere with DC activity, allowed time for rigorous quality control (QC) and flexible scheduling of intranodal vaccination, and reduced the time to prepare multiple vaccines.

Antigens, Neoplasm↗

Enhanced antiplatelet effect of clopidogrel in patients whose platelets are least inhibited by aspirin: a randomized crossover trial.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine whether adding clopidogrel to aspirin in patients at high risk of future cardiovascular events would suppress laboratory measures of the antiplatelet effects of aspirin; and have greater platelet inhibitory effects in patients with the least inhibition of platelets by aspirin. METHODS: We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial, comparing clopidogrel 75 mg day(-1) versus placebo, in 36 aspirin-treated patients with symptomatic objectively confirmed peripheral arterial disease. RESULTS: The addition of clopidogrel to aspirin did not suppress platelet aggregation induced by arachidonic acid, urinary 11 dehydro thromboxane B2 concentrations, or soluble markers of platelet activation markers (P-selectin, CD40-ligand) and inflammation (high sensitivity serum C-reactive protein, interleukin-6). Clopidogrel significantly inhibited platelet aggregation induced by ADP (reduction 26.2%; 95% CI: 21.3-31.1%, P < 0.0001) and collagen (reduction 6.2%; 95% CI: 3.2-9.3%, P = 0.0003). The greatest inhibition of collagen-induced platelet aggregation by clopidogrel was seen in patients with the least inhibition of arachidonic acid induced aggregation by aspirin [lower tertile of arachidonic acid-induced platelet aggregation: 2.8% (95% CI: -0.8 to 6.3%) reduction in mean collagen-induced aggregation by clopidogrel; middle tertile: 4.0% (95% CI: 0.4-7.6%); upper tertile 12.6% (95% CI: 4.5-20.8%); P-value for interaction 0.01]. CONCLUSIONS: The greatest platelet inhibitory effect of clopidogrel occurs in patients with the least inhibition of arachidonic acid-induced platelet aggregation by aspirin. This raises the possibility that the clinical benefits of adding clopidogrel to aspirin may be greatest in patients whose platelets are least inhibited by aspirin. Confirmation in clinical outcome studies may allow these patients to be targeted with antiplatelet drugs that inhibit the ADP receptor, thereby overcoming the problem of laboratory aspirin resistance.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

Sustained homocysteine-lowering effect over time of folic acid-based multivitamin therapy in stroke patients despite increasing folate status in the population.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: It is uncertain what impact increasing voluntary folate fortification may be having on the statistical power of randomized trials testing the homocysteine hypothesis of atherothrombosis. The objective of this study was to determine whether there has been a change in folate status between 1998 and 2002 in stroke patients randomized into the VITAmins TO Prevent Stroke (VITATOPS) Study at a single center in Perth, Australia, and what impact this may have had on the magnitude of the homocysteine-lowering effect achieved over time with folic acid-based multivitamin therapy. METHODS: We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 285 patients with stroke or transient ischemic attack who were recruited between 1998 and 2002 and randomized to long-term folic acid 2.0 mg/day, pyridoxine 25 mg/day and cobalamin 0.5 mg/day (active VITATOPS medication) or placebo. Fasting plasma total homocysteine, red cell folate, serum cobalamin and serum pyridoxine levels were measured at baseline and 6 months, and the change in blood levels over 4 time quartiles and differences in levels between the two randomized treatments were examined. RESULTS: Between 1998 and 2002, there was a significant rise in baseline mean red cell folate levels over 4 time quartiles among the entire stroke cohort (723.3, 780.1, 922.6 and 1,023.7 nmol/l in the first, second, third and fourth quartiles, respectively; p < 0.0001), but this was not associated with a spontaneous reduction in mean baseline total homocysteine levels during the same time period (12.7, 14.3, 12.1 and 12.8 micromol/l in the first, second, third and fourth quartiles, respectively; p = 0.55). The homocysteine-lowering effect of the active VITATOPS trial medication at 6 months after randomization also did not change significantly between 1998 and 2002 (difference between randomized groups: -4.1, -4.1, -3.1 and -3.6 micromol/l in the first, second, third and fourth quartiles, respectively; p = 0.56). CONCLUSIONS: The homocysteine-lowering effect of the active VITATOPS trial medication has not attenuated significantly in the past 5 years despite increasing voluntary fortification of foods with folic acid as reflected by a progressive rise in baseline folate status. These data suggest that in the continuing absence of a program of mandatory folate fortification of food in populations served by centers participating in the VITATOPS trial, the study will remain adequately powered to test the homocysteine-lowering hypothesis for which it was designed.

Aged↗

Homocysteine-lowering treatment with folic acid, cobalamin, and pyridoxine does not reduce blood markers of inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, or hypercoagulability in patients with previous transient ischemic attack or stroke: a randomized substudy of the VITATOPS trial.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Epidemiological and laboratory studies suggest that increasing concentrations of plasma homocysteine (total homocysteine [tHcy]) accelerate cardiovascular disease by promoting vascular inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and hypercoagulability. METHODS: We conducted a randomized controlled trial in 285 patients with recent transient ischemic attack or stroke to examine the effect of lowering tHcy with folic acid 2 mg, vitamin B12 0.5 mg, and vitamin B6 25 mg compared with placebo on laboratory markers of vascular inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and hypercoagulability. RESULTS: At 6 months after randomization, there was no significant difference in blood concentrations of markers of vascular inflammation (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [P=0.32]; soluble CD40L [P=0.33]; IL-6 [P=0.77]), endothelial dysfunction (vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 [P=0.27]; intercellular adhesion molecule-1 [P=0.08]; von Willebrand factor [P=0.92]), and hypercoagulability (P-selectin [P=0.33]; prothrombin fragment 1 and 2 [P=0.81]; D-dimer [P=0.88]) among patients assigned vitamin therapy compared with placebo despite a 3.7-micromol/L (95% CI, 2.7 to 4.7) reduction in total homocysteine (tHcy). CONCLUSIONS: Lowering tHcy by 3.7 micromol/L with folic acid-based multivitamin therapy does not significantly reduce blood concentrations of the biomarkers of inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, or hypercoagulability measured in our study. The possible explanations for our findings are: (1) these biomarkers are not sensitive to the effects of lowering tHcy (eg, multiple risk factor interventions may be required); (2) elevated tHcy causes cardiovascular disease by mechanisms other than the biomarkers measured; or (3) elevated tHcy is a noncausal marker of increased vascular risk.

Biomarkers↗

The autoimmune T and B cell repertoires in monozygotic twins discordant for myasthenia gravis.

Two pairs of monozygotic twins, discordant for myasthenia gravis (MG) for more than 30 years, were studied regarding T cell and antibody reactivity against disease related autoantigens, the acetylcholine receptor, one idiotypic and one anti-idiotypic human monoclonal antibody. The healthy and myasthenic twins had very similar autoantibody repertoires. IgG fractions from both healthy and myasthenic twins had the same capacity to decrease the free acetylcholine receptor content in mice after passive transfer. In comparison with their myasthenic sisters, the healthy twins had lower T cell responses against the acetylcholine receptor.

Adult↗

Improving the accuracy of long-term prognostic estimates in hepatitis C virus infection.

Obtaining unbiased estimates of HCV prognosis is difficult because of potential biases associated with study design and calculation methods. We propose a new method for estimating fibrosis progression rates. A Markov model with fibrosis health states (F0-F4) was created. The maximum likelihood method was used to estimate stage-specific progression rates. We compared the standard method to the new method using two well-known cohort studies. The known stage distribution at the end of follow-up was compared with stage predicted by the Markov model using both methods of calculating transition rates. We also compared rates obtained using both methods to known fibrosis rates in a series of Monte Carlo simulations. For Kenny-Walsh's study (1999), transition rates between F0-F1, F1-F2, F2-F3, and F3-F4 were 0.042, 0.045, 0.097 and 0.070 fibrosis units/year (new method) and 0.045 units/year (standard method). The new method predicted fibrosis stage and known transition rates in Monte Carlo simulations more accurately. The standard method underestimates 30-year cirrhosis rates by up to 40%. The new (Markov maximum likelihood or MML) method allows accurate estimation of stage-specific transition probabilities from the many studies in which only a single biopsy is available. Application of the method supports the hypothesis that rates of fibrosis vary between stages.

Biopsy↗

Cleavage of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) in platelets exposed to high shear stress.

Platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1, CD31) is a 130 kDa transmembrane glycoprotein that belongs to the immunoglobulin superfamily and is expressed on the surface of endothelial cells, platelets, and other blood cells. Although the importance of this adhesion molecule in various cell-cell interactions is established, its functional role in platelets remains to be elucidated. In this study, we examined whether PECAM-1 underwent changes in platelets exposed to high shear stress. Platelet PECAM-1 was cleaved under high shear stress and was released into the extracellular fluid as a fragment with an approximate molecular weight of 118 kDa. The cleavage was inhibited by an anti-VWF MoAb, but not by recombinant VWF A1 domains. These findings suggest that the GPIb-VWF interaction is involved in PECAM-1 cleavage under high shear stress, and that the cleavage is independent of GPIb clustering by VWF multimers. Furthermore, EGTA or calpeptin inhibited PECAM-1 cleavage. This finding provides evidence for the involvement of calpain in PECAM-1 cleavage. Flow-cytometric analysis revealed that PECAM-1 expression on the platelet surface was decreased under high shear stress. This reduction occurred exclusively in a specific population of platelets, which corresponded to platelet-derived microparticles (PMP). In conclusion, PECAM-1 cleavage under high shear stress is closely related to the activation of calpain and the process of PMP formation mediated by the GPIb-VWF interaction.

Blood Platelets↗

Collagen platelet receptor polymorphisms integrin alpha2beta1 C807T and GPVI Q317L and risk of ischemic stroke.

Several polymorphisms of integrin alpha2beta1 and glycoprotein (GP) VI that may modify platelet-collagen interactions or subsequent signaling have been described. We conducted a case-control study involving 180 stroke patients and 172 controls to determine whether the alpha2 C807T and GPVI Q317L polymorphisms were associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke. We found no statistically significant differences in the distribution of alpha2 C807T and GPVI Q317L in patients and controls overall or after stratification by etiological subtype. The GPVI 317QQ genotype was found to be over-represented in a subgroup of patients >/=60 years compared to corresponding controls. However, this association did not remain significant after adjustment for other cardiovascular risk factors. Our results do not support a role for the integrin alpha2 C807T and GPVI Q317L polymorphisms in the development of first-ever ischemic stroke. However, larger studies are required to confirm this.

Aged↗

The platelet-activating factor receptor protects epidermal cells from tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha and TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand-induced apoptosis through an NF-kappa B-dependent process.

A number of chemical mediators can induce human keratinocytes and epidermal-derived carcinomas to undergo apoptosis, or programmed cell death. Recent evidence suggests pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1 beta or transforming growth factor alpha, protects carcinomas from numerous pro-apoptotic stimuli. Platelet-activating factor (1-alkyl-2-acetyl-3-glycerophosphocholine; PAF) is a lipid mediator with pro-inflammatory effects on numerous cell types. Although PAF can be metabolized to other bioactive lipids, the majority of PAF effects occur through activation of a G protein-coupled receptor. Using a model system created by retroviral transduction of the PAF receptor (PAF-R) into the PAF-R-negative human epidermal cell line KB and the PAF-R-expressing keratinocyte cell line HaCaT, we now demonstrate that activation of the epidermal PAF-R results in protection from apoptosis induced by tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha or TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand. The PAF-mediated protection was inhibited by PAF-R antagonists, and protection did not occur in PAF-R-negative KB cells. Additionally, we show protection from TNFalpha- or TRAIL-induced apoptosis by PAF-R activation is dependent on the transcription factor nuclear factor (NF)-kappa B, because PAF-R activation-induced NF-kappa B and epidermal cells transduced with a super-repressor form of inhibitor kappa B were not protected by the PAF-R. These studies provide a mechanism whereby the epidermal PAF-R, and possibly other G protein-coupled receptors, can exert anti-apoptotic effects through an NF-kappa B-dependent process.

Apoptosis↗

Risk factors, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular disease among Aboriginal people in Canada: the Study of Health Assessment and Risk Evaluation in Aboriginal Peoples (SHARE-AP).

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD), atherosclerosis, and their risk factors among Canada's Aboriginal people. To establish the relative prevalence of risk factors, atherosclerosis, and CVD, we undertook a population-based study among people of Aboriginal and European ancestry in Canada. METHODS: We randomly recruited 301 Aboriginal people from the Six Nations Reservation, and 326 people of European origin from Hamilton, Toronto, and Edmonton, Canada. Clinical CVD was defined by history or electrocardiographic findings, atherosclerosis was measured by B-mode carotid ultrasonography, and conventional and new CVD risk factors were measured using standardised methods. FINDINGS: Aboriginal people had significantly more carotid atherosclerosis (mean of the maximum intimal-medial thickness 0.82 (SD 0.20) mm vs 0.78 (0.20) mm, p=0.027), and had a higher frequency of CVD (18.5% vs 7.6%, p=0.00002) compared with Europeans. Aboriginal people had significantly higher rates of smoking, glucose intolerance, obesity, abdominal obesity, and substantially higher concentrations of fibrinogen, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1. Aboriginal people had significantly higher rates of unemployment and a lower annual household income. For any given income level, Aboriginal people had higher rates of risk factors and CVD compared with the Europeans. INTERPRETATION: A significant proportion of Aboriginal people live in poverty which is associated with high rates of CVD and CVD risk factors. Improvement of the socioeconomic status of Aboriginal people might be a key to reduce CVD in this group.

Adult↗

Reduction of cardiovascular risk by regression of electrocardiographic markers of left ventricular hypertrophy by the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor ramipril.

BACKGROUND: Electrocardiographic markers of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) predict poor prognosis. We determined whether the ACE inhibitor ramipril prevents the development and causes regression of ECG-LVH and whether these changes are associated with improved prognosis independent of blood pressure reduction. METHODS AND RESULTS: In the Heart Outcomes Prevention Evaluation (HOPE) study, patients at high risk were randomly assigned to ramipril or placebo and followed for 4.5years. ECGs were recorded at baseline and at study end. We compared prevention/regression and development/persistence of ECG-LVH in the two groups and related these changes to outcomes. At baseline, 676 patients had LVH (321 in the ramipril group and 355 in the placebo group) and 7605 patients did not have LVH (3814 in the ramipril group and 3791 in the placebo group). By study end, 336 patients in the ramipril group (8.1%) compared with 406 in the placebo group (9.8%) had development/persistence of LVH; in contrast, 3799 patients in the ramipril group (91.9%) compared with 3740 in the placebo group (90.2%) had regression/prevention of LVH (P=0.007). The effect of ramipril on LVH was independent of blood pressure changes. Patients who had regression/prevention of LVH had a lower risk of the predefined primary outcome (cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke) compared with those who had development/persistence of LVH (12.3% versus 15.8%, P=0.006) and of congestive heart failure (9.3% versus 15.4%, P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The ACE inhibitor ramipril decreases the development and causes regression of ECG-LVH independent of blood pressure reduction, and these changes are associated with reduced risk of death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and congestive heart failure.

Aged↗

Effects of ramipril on coronary events in high-risk persons: results of the Heart Outcomes Prevention Evaluation Study.

BACKGROUND: In trials of patients with left ventricular dysfunction or heart failure, ACE inhibitor use was unexpectedly associated with reduced myocardial infarction (MI). Using the Heart Outcomes Prevention Evaluation (HOPE) trial data, we tested prospectively whether ramipril, an ACE inhibitor, could reduce coronary events and revascularization procedures among patients with normal left ventricular function. METHODS AND RESULTS: In the HOPE trial, 9297 high-risk men and women, >/=55 years of age with previous cardiovascular disease or diabetes plus 1 risk factor, were randomly assigned to ramipril (up to 10 mg/d), vitamin E (400 IU/d), their combination, or matching placebos. During the mean follow-up of 4.5 years, there were 482 (10.4%) patients with clinical MI and unexpected cardiovascular death in the ramipril group compared with 604 (12.9%) in the placebo group [relative risk reduction (RRR), 21% (95% CI) (11,30); P<0.0003]. Ramipril was associated with a trend toward less fatal MI and unexpected death [4.0% versus 4.7%; RRR, 16% (-3, 31)] and with a significant reduction in nonfatal MI [5.6% versus 7.2%; RRR, 23% (9,34)]. Risk reductions in MI were documented in participants taking or not taking beta-blockers, lipid lowering, and/or antiplatelet agents. Although ramipril had no impact on hospitalizations for unstable angina [11.9% versus 12.2%; RRR, 3% (-9,14)], it reduced the risk of worsening and new angina [27.2% versus 30.0%; RRR, 12% (5,18); P<0.0014] and coronary revascularizations [12.5% versus 14.8%; RRR, 18%; (8,26) P<0.0005]. CONCLUSIONS: In this high-risk cohort, ramipril reduced the risk of MI, worsening and new angina, and the occurrence of coronary revascularizations.

Aged↗

Albuminuria and risk of cardiovascular events, death, and heart failure in diabetic and nondiabetic individuals.

CONTEXT: Microalbuminuria is a risk factor for cardiovascular (CV) events. The relationship between the degree of albuminuria and CV risk is unclear. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the risk of CV events in high-risk individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM) and without DM who have microalbuminuria and to determine whether levels of albuminuria below the microalbuminuria threshold increase CV risk. DESIGN: The Heart Outcomes Prevention Evaluation study, a cohort study conducted between 1994 and 1999 with a median 4.5 years of follow-up. SETTING: Community and academic practices in North and South America and Europe. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals aged 55 years or more with a history of CV disease (n = 5545) or DM and at least 1 CV risk factor (n = 3498) and a baseline urine albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) measurement. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction, stroke, or CV death); all-cause death; and hospitalization for congestive heart failure. RESULTS: Microalbuminuria was detected in 1140 (32.6%) of those with DM and 823 (14.8%) of those without DM at baseline. Microalbuminuria increased the adjusted relative risk (RR) of major CV events (RR, 1.83; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.64-2.05), all-cause death (RR, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.84-2.38), and hospitalization for congestive heart failure (RR, 3.23; 95% CI, 2.54-4.10). Similar RRs were seen for participants with or without DM, even after adjusting for other CV risk factors (eg, the adjusted RR of the primary aggregate end point was 1.97 [95% CI, 1.68-2.31] in those with DM and 1.61 [95% CI, 1.36-1.90] in those without DM). Compared with the lowest quartile of ACR (<0.22 mg/mmol), the RRs of the primary aggregate end point in the second quartile (ie, ACR range, 0.22-0.57 mg/mmol) was 1.11 (95% CI, 0.95-1.30); third quartile, 1.38 (95% CI, 1.19-1.60; ACR range, 0.58-1.62 mg/mmol); and fourth quartile, 1.97 (95% CI, 1.73-2.25; ACR range, >1.62 mg/mmol) (P for trend <.001, even after excluding those with microalbuminuria). For every 0.4-mg/mmol increase in ACR level, the adjusted hazard of major CV events increased by 5.9% (95% CI, 4.9%-7.0%). CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that any degree of albuminuria is a risk factor for CV events in individuals with or without DM; the risk increases with the ACR, starting well below the microalbuminuria cutoff. Screening for albuminuria identifies people at high risk for CV events.

Aged↗

Interleukin-10 gene promoter polymorphisms in multiple myeloma.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a B-cell malignancy characterized by an accumulation of malignant plasma cells in the bone marrow. It is unclear whether genetic background could have an etiological impact on MM or influence the course of the disease. Interleukin-10 (IL-10) has been implicated in the growth and differentiation of normal B cells, and has also been shown to enhance the proliferation of MM cells. To address the putative involvement of IL-10 genetic variation in MM, we analyzed previously defined loci for bi-allelic polymorphism at position -1082 and two microsatellite loci (IL10.G and IL10.R) in the IL-10 promoter region. Seventy-three patients with MM, 27 with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, and 109 ethnically matched individuals as controls were included in the study. Significantly increased frequencies of the IL10.G genotype 136/136 and the IL10.R genotype 112/114, in addition to a decreased frequency of the IL10.R genotype 114/116, were found among the MM patients. Increased production of IL-10 was detected in the supernatants of lipopolysaccharide-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells from MM patients who were homozygotes (136/136) and heterozygotes (136/non-136) for the IL10.G allele 136, as compared with the other IL10.G genotype carriers (non-136/non-136). These results suggest that the genetic variation in the IL-10 promoter region may play a role in the development of MM.

Adult↗