Potential role of membrane-bound COMT gene polymorphisms in female depression vulnerability

Infection by the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of a new disease (COVID-19). The risk of severe COVID-19 is increased by certain underlying comorbidities, including asthma, cancer, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. Notably, exposure to hormonally active chemicals called endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can promote such cardio-metabolic diseases, endocrine-related cancers, and immune system dysregulation and thus, may also be linked to higher risk of severe COVID-19. Bisphenol A (BPA) is among the most common EDCs and exerts its effects via receptors which are widely distributed in human tissues, including nuclear oestrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ), membrane-bound oestrogen receptor (G protein-coupled receptor 30; GPR30), and human nuclear receptor oestrogen-related receptor gamma. As such, this paper focuses on the potential role of BPA in promoting comorbidities associated with severe COVID-19, as well as on potential BPA-induced effects on key SARS-CoV-2 infection mediators, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2). Interestingly, GPR30 appears to exhibit greater co-localisation with TMPRSS2 in key tissues like lung and prostate, suggesting that BPA exposure may impact on the local expression of these SARS-CoV-2 infection mediators. Overall, the potential role of BPA on the risk and severity of COVID-19 merits further investigation.

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A potential role of TNFR gene polymorphisms in autoimmune thyroid diseases in the Tunisian population

Cytokine ◽

10.1016/j.cyto.2008.01.018 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 43 (2) ◽

pp. 110-113 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Maha Kammoun-Krichen ◽

Noura Bougacha-Elleuch ◽

Kaouthar Makni ◽

Mouna Mnif ◽

Joumaa Jouida ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gene Polymorphisms ◽

Potential Role ◽

Thyroid Diseases ◽

Tunisian Population ◽

Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases ◽

Autoimmune Thyroid

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Role of polymorphism of the interleukin-1B gene and other genetic polymorphisms in the aetiology of root resorption in patients receiving orthodontic treatment

Forum Ortodontyczne ◽

10.5604/01.3001.0010.2604 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

pp. 36-42

Author(s):

Marzena Makowska-Kaczmarska ◽

Anna Okoń ◽

Elżbieta Olszewska

Keyword(s):

Genetic Polymorphisms ◽

Gene Polymorphisms ◽

Orthodontic Treatment ◽

Potential Role ◽

Root Resorption ◽

Interleukin 1 ◽

Dna Testing ◽

Individual Gene ◽

Global Population

Aim. The aim of the work was to present the latest directions in the research on gene polymorphisms in the global population and to discuss their potential role in the pathogenesis of root resorption during orthodontic treatment. Material and methods. A review of the literature in Polish and English from the years 1990–2015 was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE databases and the results of studies kept in the database of the National Centre for Biotechnology Information were used. Key words used: genetics of root resorption, genetic polymorphism, interleukin-1B. Results. 19 articles were analysed. Special attention was placed on the latest studies on the human genome, especially focused on gene polymorphisms in the global population. Summary. Pathogenesis of root resorption during orthodontic treatment is complex. Its background is undoubtedly genetic. Gene polymorphism is important. The role of polymorphism of the interleukin-1B gene and other genes in the interleukin-1 cluster draws special attention. Identification of genetic factors that play an important role in the aetiology of root resorption may in the future help to identify patients susceptible to such complications even before the beginning of orthodontic treatment. Potential possibilities of DNA testing in clinical practice are enormous. The role of individual gene polymorphisms in the pathogenesis of root resorption has not been yet explained in detail and further multicentre studies are necessary. At this stage of studies no reliable markers have been detected in order to predict which patients would develop this complication. (Makowska- Kaczmarska M, Okoń A, Olszewska E. Role of polymorphism of the interleukin-1B gene and other genetic polymorphisms in the aetiology of root resorption in patients receiving orthodontic treatment. Orthod Forum 2017; 13: 36-42).

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Activity and Function of the PRMT8 Protein Arginine Methyltransferase in Neurons

Life ◽

10.3390/life11111132 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (11) ◽

pp. 1132

Author(s):

Rui Dong ◽

Xuejun Li ◽

Kwok-On Lai

Keyword(s):

Potential Role ◽

Neurological Diseases ◽

Structural Features ◽

Protein Arginine Methyltransferases ◽

Synapse Maturation ◽

Membrane Bound ◽

And Function ◽

Neuronal Functions ◽

Mammalian Protein

Among the nine mammalian protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs), PRMT8 is unusual because it has restricted expression in the nervous system and is the only membrane-bound PRMT. Emerging studies have demonstrated that this enzyme plays multifaceted roles in diverse processes in neurons. Here we will summarize the unique structural features of PRMT8 and describe how it participates in various neuronal functions such as dendritic growth, synapse maturation, and synaptic plasticity. Recent evidence suggesting the potential role of PRMT8 function in neurological diseases will also be discussed.

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Exosomes in Food: Health Benefits and Clinical Relevance in Diseases

Advances in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/advances/nmz123 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (3) ◽

pp. 687-696 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Javaria Munir ◽

Mihye Lee ◽

Seongho Ryu

Keyword(s):

Potential Role ◽

Underlying Mechanism ◽

Therapeutic Agents ◽

Eukaryotic Cells ◽

Intestinal Cells ◽

Adult Health ◽

Anti Cancer ◽

Membrane Bound ◽

Potential Use

ABSTRACT Exosomes are membrane-bound organelles generally secreted by eukaryotic cells that contain mRNAs, microRNAs, and/or proteins. However, recent studies have reported the isolation of these particles from foods such as lemon, ginger, and milk. Owing to their absorption by intestinal cells and further travel via the bloodstream, exosomes can reach distant organs and affect overall health in both infants and adults. The potential role of food-derived exosomes (FDEs) in alleviating diseases, as well as in modulating the gut microbiota has been shown, but the underlying mechanism is still unknown. Moreover, exosomes may provide biocompatible vehicles for the delivery of anti-cancer drugs, such as doxorubicin. Thus, exosomes may allow medical nutritionists and clinicians to develop safe and targeted therapies for the treatment of various pathologies. The present review introduces FDEs and their contents, highlights their role in disease and infant/adult health, and explores their potential use as therapeutic agents.

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Partial purification and characterization of a peroxidase activity from human placenta

Biochemical Journal ◽

10.1042/bj2680739 ◽

1990 ◽

Vol 268 (3) ◽

pp. 739-743 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

J L Nelson ◽

A P Kulkarni

Keyword(s):

Peroxidase Activity ◽

Potential Role ◽

Gel Filtration ◽

Partial Purification ◽

Human Haemoglobin ◽

Prostaglandin Synthase ◽

Membrane Bound ◽

Cytochrome P 450

Peroxidases can metabolize a variety of xenobiotics to reactive intermediates capable of binding to protein or DNA. The potential role of these enzymes in fetotoxicity has not been explored. In this study, the presence of peroxidase activity was observed in human term and pre-term placenta. Human term placental peroxidase activity (HTPP) was partially purified by concanavalin A affinity chromatography from CaCl2 extracts of the particulate fraction. HTPP appears to be a membrane-bound glycoprotein. Arachidonic acid-dependent oxidation of guaiacol was not observed, suggesting that the peroxidase activity was not due to prostaglandin synthase. Moreover, HTPP preparations were devoid of catalase and spectrally dissimilar from human haemoglobin, cytochrome P-450, eosinophil peroxidase and myloperoxidase, suggesting an endogenous origin. An Mr of approx. 119,000 was determined for HTPP by gel filtration. Cathodic slab-PAGE of cetyltrialkylammonium bromide-solubilized HTPP yielded two peroxidase-staining bands.

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