| 1. |
- Ekblom, Kim, 1970-, et al.
(author)
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Bilirubin and UGT1A1*28 are not associated with lower risk for ischemic stroke in a prospective nested case-referent setting
- 2010
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In: Cerebrovascular Diseases. - : S. Karger. - 1015-9770 .- 1421-9786. ; 30:6, s. 590-596
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Bilirubin, an antioxidant, has been associated with reduced cardiovascular disease risk. A major cause of elevated plasma bilirubin is the common UGT1A1*28 promoter polymorphism in the gene of the bilirubin-conjugating enzyme UDP-glucuronosyltransferase-1A1, which reduces transcription by 70%. Earlier studies reporting a protective effect of bilirubin on stroke, have not included analysis of UGT1A1*28. The purpose of this study is to investigate if bilirubin and UGT1A1*28 are protective against ischemic stroke in a prospective case-referent setting.Methods: Cases with first-ever ischemic stroke (n=231; median lag time 4.9 years), and 462 matched referents from the The Northern Sweden Health and Disease Study Cohort were included. Plasma bilirubin was measured and UGT1A1*28 was analyzed by fragment analysis.Results: Plasma bilirubin was lower in cases than in referents, but the difference reached significance only for women. The UGT1A1*28 polymorphism (allele frequency 30%), showed a strong gene-dose relationship with bilirubin levels both among cases and referents, but was not associated with risk for stroke. Among multiple other variables analysed the strongest correlation with bilirubin was found for plasma iron.Conclusions: There was no evidence for a protective effect of the UGT1A1*28 polymorphism against stroke and consequently neither for bilirubin. The findings suggest that other factors influencing the risk for stroke also might affect bilirubin levels.
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| 2. |
- Hughes, Maria F., et al.
(author)
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Genetic Markers Enhance Coronary Risk Prediction in Men : The MORGAM Prospective Cohorts
- 2012
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In: PLOS ONE. - SAN FRANCISCO, USA : PUBLIC LIBRARY SCIENCE. - 1932-6203. ; 7:7, s. e40922-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: More accurate coronary heart disease (CHD) prediction, specifically in middle-aged men, is needed to reduce the burden of disease more effectively. We hypothesised that a multilocus genetic risk score could refine CHD prediction beyond classic risk scores and obtain more precise risk estimates using a prospective cohort design. Methods: Using data from nine prospective European cohorts, including 26,221 men, we selected in a case-cohort setting 4,818 healthy men at baseline, and used Cox proportional hazards models to examine associations between CHD and risk scores based on genetic variants representing 13 genomic regions. Over follow-up (range: 5-18 years), 1,736 incident CHD events occurred. Genetic risk scores were validated in men with at least 10 years of follow-up (632 cases, 1361 non-cases). Genetic risk score 1 (GRS1) combined 11 SNPs and two haplotypes, with effect estimates from previous genome-wide association studies. GRS2 combined 11 SNPs plus 4 SNPs from the haplotypes with coefficients estimated from these prospective cohorts using 10-fold cross-validation. Scores were added to a model adjusted for classic risk factors comprising the Framingham risk score and 10-year risks were derived. Results: Both scores improved net reclassification (NRI) over the Framingham score (7.5%, p = 0.017 for GRS1, 6.5%, p = 0.044 for GRS2) but GRS2 also improved discrimination (c-index improvement 1.11%, p = 0.048). Subgroup analysis on men aged 50-59 (436 cases, 603 non-cases) improved net reclassification for GRS1 (13.8%) and GRS2 (12.5%). Net reclassification improvement remained significant for both scores when family history of CHD was added to the baseline model for this male subgroup improving prediction of early onset CHD events. Conclusions: Genetic risk scores add precision to risk estimates for CHD and improve prediction beyond classic risk factors, particularly for middle aged men.
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| 3. |
- Pennlert, Johanna, et al.
(author)
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Long-Term Risk and Predictors of Recurrent Stroke Beyond the Acute Phase
- 2014
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In: Stroke. - 0039-2499 .- 1524-4628. ; 45:6, s. 1839-1841
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background and Purpose-Previous studies have shown heterogeneous results on predictors and rates of stroke recurrence. This study set out to investigate the long-term risk and predictors of recurrent stroke in Northern Sweden 1995 to 2008.Methods-In the population-based Monitoring Trends and Determinants of Cardiovascular Disease (MONICA) stroke incidence registry, stroke survivors of either ischemic stroke or intracerebral hemorrhage were followed for recurrent stroke or death. Cox regression was used to identify predictors of stroke recurrence.Results-The study comprised 6700 patients and 26 597 person-years. During follow-up, 928 (13.9%) patients had a recurrent stroke. Comparison between the first time period (1995-1998) and the last (2004-2008) showed declined risk of stroke recurrence (hazard ratio, 0.64 [95% confidence interval, 0.52-0.78]). Previous myocardial infarction was less prevalent in the most recent cohort (P<0.001). Predictors of stroke recurrence were age (hazard ratio, 1.03 [95% confidence interval, 1.02-1.04]) and diabetes mellitus (hazard ratio, 1.34 [95% confidence interval, 1.15-1.57]). After an index intracerebral hemorrhage (n=815), a major part of recurrent events were ischemic (63%), and compared with the ischemic stroke group (n=5885), a tendency toward lower risk of recurrence was observed.Conclusions-Despite declining recurrence rates in this relatively young stroke population, almost one third are either dead or have experienced a second stroke in 5 years.
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| 4. |
- Purins, Karlis, et al.
(author)
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Standardized experimental brain death model for studies of intracranial dynamics, organ preservation, and organ transplantation in the pig
- 2011
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In: Critical Care Medicine. - 0090-3493 .- 1530-0293. ; 39:3, s. 512-517
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVES:: Brain death impairs organ function and outcome after transplantation. There is a need for a brain death model to allow studies of organ viability and preservation. For neurointensive care research, it is also of interest to have a relevant brain death model for studies of intracranial dynamics and evaluation of cerebral monitoring devices. Therefore, the objective was to develop a standardized clinically relevant brain death model. METHODS:: Six pigs of both sexes (10-12 wks old; mean weight, 24.5 ± 1.4 kg) were included. Mean arterial blood pressure, heart rate, intracranial pressure, intracranial compliance, cerebral perfusion pressure, and brain tissue oxygenation (BtiPo2) were recorded during stepwise elevation of intracranial pressure by inflation of an epidural balloon catheter with saline (1 mL/20 mins). Brain death criteria were decided to be reached when cerebral perfusion pressure was <0 mm Hg for 60 mins and at least 10 mL saline was inflated epidurally. BtiPo2 and arterial injections of microspheres were used for confirmation of brain death. RESULTS:: A gradual volume-dependent elevation of intracranial pressure was observed. After 10 mL of balloon infusion, mean intracranial pressure was 89.8 ± 9.7 (sd) mm Hg. Intracranial compliance decreased from 0.137 ± 0.069 mL/mm Hg to 0.007 ± 0.001 mL/mm Hg. The mean arterial pressure decreased and the heart rate increased when the intracranial volume was increased to between 5 and 6 mL. All animals showed cerebral perfusion pressure ≤0 after 7 to 10 mL of infusion. In all animals, the criteria for brain death with negative cerebral perfusion pressure and BtiPo2 ∼0 mm Hg were achieved. Only a negligible amount of microspheres were found in the cerebrum, confirming brain death. The kidneys showed small foci of acute tubular necrosis. CONCLUSIONS:: The standardized brain death model designed in pigs simulates the clinical development of brain death in humans with a classic pressure-volume response and systemic cardiovascular reactions. Brain death was convincingly confirmed.
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| 5. |
- Thorstenson, Andreas, et al.
(author)
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Diagnostic random bladder biopsies: reflections from a population-based cohort of 538 patients.
- 2010
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In: Scandinavian journal of urology and nephrology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1651-2065 .- 0036-5599. ; 44:1, s. 11-19
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective. To assess whether diagnostic random bladder biopsies and the detection of concomitant carcinoma in situ (CIS) have an impact on the frequency of intravesical bacille Calmette–Guérin (BCG) instillations or radical cystectomy; and whether this affects the cancer-specific survival in patients with pTaG3 or pT1G1–G3 transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder. Material and methods. A population-based cohort of 538 patients with newly diagnosed bladder cancer was prospectively registered in the Stockholm County during 1995 and 1996 and followed for more than 5 years. Results. Random biopsies were recommended in all patients but the decision to take biopsies was made by the treating urologist and hence performed in 326 out of 538 patients (61%), which revealed concomitant CIS in 47 patients(14%). Sixty out of 103 (58%) patients with pTaG3 or pT1G1–G3 tumours, in whom random biopsies were performed, received intravesical BCG compared with five out of 22 patients (23%) where random biopsies were not taken (p = 0.004). Moreover, 23 out of 103 patients (22%) with pTaG3 or pT1G1–G3 tumours in whom random biopsies were performed underwent radical cystectomy compared with none out of 22 patients (0%) without random biopsies (p = 0.013). The Cox proportional hazard ratio for death due to bladder cancer in patients with pTaG3 or pT1G1–G3 tumours among patients not having versus having undergone random biopsies was 2.5 (95% confidence interval 1.1–5.6). Conclusion. Patients diagnosed in Stockholm in 1995 or 1996 with pTaG3 or pT1G1–G3 bladder tumours having undergone random bladder biopsies more frequently underwent BCG treatment and radical cystectomy and had higher cancer-specific survival than patients who did not undergo random biopsies.
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| 6. |
- Thulin, Helena, et al.
(author)
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Defecation disturbances after cystectomy for urinary bladder cancer
- 2011
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In: BJU International. - : Blackwell Publishing Ltd. - 1464-4096 .- 1464-410X. ; 108:2, s. 196-203
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?Functional gastrointestinal symptoms and problems are common after radical cystectomy with urinary diversion. This study adds new important epidemiological data on this group of symptoms. OBJECTIVE: To describe and compare long-term defecation disturbances in patients who had undergone a cystectomy due to urinary bladder cancer with non-continent urostomies, continent reservoirs and orthotopic neobladder urinary diversions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: During their follow-up we attempted to contact all men and women aged 30–80 years who had undergone cystectomy and urinary diversion at seven Swedish hospitals. During a qualitative phase we identified defecation disturbances as a distressful symptom and included this item in a study-specific questionnaire together with free-hand comments. The patients completed the questionnaire at home. Outcome variables were dichotomized and the results are presented as relative risks with 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: The questionnaire was returned from 452 (92%) of 491 identified patients. Up to 30% reported problems with the physiological emptying process of stool (bowel movement, sensory rectal function, awareness of need for defecation, motoric rectal and anal function, straining ability). A sense of decreased straining capacity was reported by 20% of the men and women with non-continent urostomy and 14% and 8% of those with continent reservoirs and orthotopic neobladders, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Of the cystectomized individuals 30% reported problems with the physiological emptying process of stool (bowel movement, sensory rectal function, awareness of need for defecation, motoric rectal and anal function, straining ability). Those wanting to improve the situation for bladder cancer survivors may consider communicating before surgery the possibility of stool-emptying problems, and asking about them after surgery.
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| 7. |
- Wild, Philipp S., et al.
(author)
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A Genome-Wide Association Study Identifies LIPA as a Susceptibility Gene for Coronary Artery Disease
- 2011
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In: Circulation: Cardiovascular Genetics. - : American Heart Association/Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins. - 1942-325X .- 1942-3268. ; 4:4, s. 203-403
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background-eQTL analyses are important to improve the understanding of genetic association results. We performed a genome-wide association and global gene expression study to identify functionally relevant variants affecting the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods and Results-In a genome-wide association analysis of 2078 CAD cases and 2953 control subjects, we identified 950 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that were associated with CAD at P<10(-3). Subsequent in silico and wet-laboratory replication stages and a final meta-analysis of 21 428 CAD cases and 38 361 control subjects revealed a novel association signal at chromosome 10q23.31 within the LIPA (lysosomal acid lipase A) gene (P=3.7 x 10(-8); odds ratio, 1.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.07 to 1.14). The association of this locus with global gene expression was assessed by genome-wide expression analyses in the monocyte transcriptome of 1494 individuals. The results showed a strong association of this locus with expression of the LIPA transcript (P=1.3 x 10(-96)). An assessment of LIPA SNPs and transcript with cardiovascular phenotypes revealed an association of LIPA transcript levels with impaired endothelial function (P=4.4 x 10(-3)). Conclusions-The use of data on genetic variants and the addition of data on global monocytic gene expression led to the identification of the novel functional CAD susceptibility locus LIPA, located on chromosome 10q23.31. The respective eSNPs associated with CAD strongly affect LIPA gene expression level, which was related to endothelial dysfunction, a precursor of CAD. (Circ Cardiovasc Genet. 2011;4:403-412.)
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| 8. |
- Williams, Frances M. K., et al.
(author)
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Ischemic stroke is associated with the ABO locus : the EuroCLOT study
- 2013
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In: Annals of Neurology. - : Wiley-Blackwell. - 0364-5134 .- 1531-8249. ; 73:1, s. 16-31
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: End-stage coagulation and the structure/function of fibrin are implicated in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke. We explored whether genetic variants associated with end-stage coagulation in healthy volunteers account for the genetic predisposition to ischemic stroke and examined their influence on stroke subtype. Methods: Common genetic variants identified through genome-wide association studies of coagulation factors and fibrin structure/function in healthy twins (n = 2,100, Stage 1) were examined in ischemic stroke (n = 4,200 cases) using 2 independent samples of European ancestry (Stage 2). A third clinical collection having stroke subtyping (total 8,900 cases, 55,000 controls) was used for replication (Stage 3). Results: Stage 1 identified 524 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 23 linkage disequilibrium blocks having significant association (p < 5 x 10(-8)) with 1 or more coagulation/fibrin phenotypes. The most striking associations included SNP rs5985 with factor XIII activity (p = 2.6 x 10(-186)), rs10665 with FVII (p = 2.4 x 10(-47)), and rs505922 in the ABO gene with both von Willebrand factor (p = 4.7 x 10(-57)) and factor VIII (p = 1.2 x 10(-36)). In Stage 2, the 23 independent SNPs were examined in stroke cases/noncases using MOnica Risk, Genetics, Archiving and Monograph (MORGAM) and Wellcome Trust Case Control Consortium 2 collections. SNP rs505922 was nominally associated with ischemic stroke (odds ratio = 0.94, 95% confidence interval = 0.88-0.99, p = 0.023). Independent replication in Meta-Stroke confirmed the rs505922 association with stroke, beta (standard error, SE) = 0.066 (0.02), p = 0.001, a finding specific to large-vessel and cardioembolic stroke (p = 0.001 and p = < 0.001, respectively) but not seen with small-vessel stroke (p = 0.811). Interpretation: ABO gene variants are associated with large-vessel and cardioembolic stroke but not small-vessel disease. This work sheds light on the different pathogenic mechanisms underpinning stroke subtype.
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