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- Bennet, A. M., et al.
(author)
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Association of TNF-α serum levels and TNFA promoter polymorohisms with risk of myocardial infarction
- 2006
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In: Atherosclerosis. - : Elsevier. - 0021-9150 .- 1879-1484. ; 187:2, s. 408-414
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Elevated levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and presence of polymorphisms of the TNFA gene have been implicated in cardiovascular disease pathogenesis. We explored the relationship between polymorphisms in the TNFA gene (−1031C/T, −863C/A −857T/C, −308G/A, −238G/A), protein levels of TNF-α and their association to myocardial infarction (MI) using a sample of 1213 post-MI patients and 1561 healthy controls. MI risk was higher among men with elevated TNF-α levels, with the highest compared to the lowest TNF-α quartile giving a 70% risk increase (OR [95% CI]: 1.7 [1.1; 2.6]). Obese subjects who also had elevated TNF-α levels were at even higher risk for MI (OR [95% CI]: 3.4 [2.1; 5.6]). Higher TNF-α levels were seen among smokers (but not among non-smokers) carrying the −857T allele. Furthermore, a rare haplotype occurred more frequently among the cases than the controls. Elevated TNF-α levels are associated with increased MI risk. Obese subjects with elevated TNF-a levels, and carriers of polymorphisms in or near TNFA are particularly susceptible to the hazards of smoking, results which may have implications for cardiovascular preventive measures.
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- Frostegård, J., et al.
(author)
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Autoantibody profiling reveals four protein candidate autoantigens associated with systemic lupus erythematosus
- 2018
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In: Lupus. - : SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTD. - 0961-2033 .- 1477-0962. ; 27:10, s. 1670-1678
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives In systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) there are typically many autoantibodies. The disease heterogeneity could be better understood with discovery of phenotype-specific antigens targeted by autoantibodies. We here aimed to identify novel autoantigens potentially related to SLE disease and a major complication, atherosclerosis. Methods Antigen microarrays were used to profile IgG autoantibody reactivity against 77 protein fragments (20-140 amino acids (aa) long, median 89 aa) produced within the Human Protein Atlas project, in serum samples from SLE patients (n=107) and age- and sex-matched population-based controls (n=107). Common carotid intima-media thickness, plaque occurrence and echogenicity were determined by B-mode ultrasound. Results We determined significant differences between patients and controls in IgG reactivity against four proteins. In patients compared to controls, there was an increase of IgG reactivity against zinc finger protein 688 (ZNF688), early B cell factor 2 (EBF2), crystallin, alpha B (CRYAB) and tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 13C (TNFRSF13C). Of these four antigens, only anti-ZNF688 was associated with carotid atherosclerosis (plaque occurrence) and vulnerable plaques in SLE. There was a weak association between anti-EBF2 and SLE disease activity but no significant associations were determined for other measured IgG reactivity. Conclusions In this discovery screening we here demonstrate new candidate autoantigens with differential reactivity (reflecting autoantibody levels) in SLE patients and in controls and in relation to atherosclerosis in SLE.
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- Sun, J., et al.
(author)
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Effects of Atorvastatin on T-Cell Activation and Apoptosis in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Novel Simulated Interactions With C-Reactive Protein and Interleukin 6
- 2021
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In: ACR Open Rheumatology. - : Wiley. - 2578-5745. ; 3:9, s. 642-653
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: We study activation of T helper 17 (Th17) and regulatory T (Treg) cells and induction of apoptosis in cells from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) compared with controls and effects of atorvastatin and its simulated interactions with other compounds. Methods: Mononuclear cells from 10 patients with SLE and 10 controls were cultured in conditions that induce Th17 and/or Treg cell polarization and/or apoptosis and were studied by FACScan. Gene expression was determined by quantitative real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. Cytokines in plasma were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The Search Tool for Interactions of Chemicals (STITCH) was used to retrieve information regarding the binding properties of atorvastatin. Results: Among patients with SLE, the proportion of Th17 (CD4+IL17+) cells was higher compared with controls after activation, with Th17 or Treg polarizing cytokines, phorbol myristate acetate, and ionomycin. In contrast, Treg cells (CD4+CD25+CD127dim/−) frequencies were lower. CD95 stimulation induced relatively more apoptosis in Treg cells and less in Th17 cells, as compared with controls. Addition of atorvastatin normalized Th17/Treg cell balance and apoptosis induction. Accordingly, the ratio of RORC/FoxP3 decreased in patients with SLE. Interleukin 17 and interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels were increased in patients with SLE. Atorvastatin interacted strongly with C-reactive protein (CRP) and also significantly with IL-6. Conclusion: There is a higher proportion of Th17 cells and a lower proportion of Treg cells in patients with SLE after activation. Th17 cells were more resistant than Treg cells to CD95-induced apoptosis in SLE. Atorvastatin normalized these effects. Our findings reveal a novel mechanism behind the imbalance of Th17/Treg cells with implications for treatment in SLE. We determine for the first time simulated interaction between atorvastatin, CRP, and IL-6, implying a novel role of atorvastatin.
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- Caidahl, Kenneth, 1949, et al.
(author)
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IgM-phosphorylcholine autoantibodies and outcome in acute coronary syndromes.
- 2012
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In: International Journal of Cardiology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0167-5273 .- 1874-1754. ; 167:2, s. 464-469
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Abstract BACKGROUND: Antibodies against proinflammatory phosphorylcholine (anti-PC) seem to be protective and reduce morbidity. We sought to determine whether low levels of immunoglobulin-M (IgM) autoantibodies against PC add prognostic information in acute coronary syndromes (ACS). METHODS: IgM anti-PC titers were measured in serum obtained within 24h of admission from 1185 ACS patients (median age 66years, 30% women). We evaluated major acute cardiovascular events (MACE) and all-cause mortality short- (6months), intermediate- (18months) and long- (72months) terms. RESULTS: Low anti-PC titers were associated with MACE and all-cause mortality at all follow-up times. After adjusting for clinical variables, plasma troponin-I, proBNP and CRP levels, associations remained at all times with MACE, short and intermediate terms also with all-cause mortality. With anti-PC titers below median, adjusted hazard ratios at 18months were for MACE 1.79 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.31 to 2.44; p=0.0002) and for all-cause mortality 2.28 (95% CI: 1.32 to 3.92; p=0.003). Anti-PC and plasma CRP were unrelated and added to risk prediction. CONCLUSIONS: Serum IgM anti-PC titers provide prognostic information above traditional risk factors in ACS. The ease of measurement and potential therapeutic perspective indicate that it may be a valuable novel biomarker in ACS.
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- Carrera-Bastos, Pedro, et al.
(author)
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C-reactive protein in traditional melanesians on Kitava
- 2020
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In: BMC Cardiovascular Disorders. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1471-2261. ; 20:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Population-based levels of the chronic low-grade systemic inflammation biomarker, C-reactive protein (CRP), vary widely among traditional populations, despite their apparent absence of chronic conditions associated with chronic low-grade systemic inflammation, such as type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. We have previously reported an apparent absence of aforementioned conditions amongst the traditional Melanesian horticulturalists of Kitava, Trobriand Islands, Papua New Guinea. Our objective in this study was to clarify associations between chronic low-grade systemic inflammation and chronic cardiometabolic conditions by measuring CRP in a Kitava population sample. For comparison purposes, CRP was also measured in Swedish controls matched for age and gender. Methods: Fasting levels of serum CRP were measured cross-sectionally in ≥ 40-year-old Kitavans (N = 79) and Swedish controls (N = 83). Results: CRP was lower for Kitavans compared to Swedish controls (Mdn 0.5 mg/L range 0.1—48 mg/L and Mdn 1.1 mg/L range 0.1—33 mg/L, respectively, r =.18 p =.02). Among Kitavans, there were small negative associations between lnCRP for CRP values < 10 and total, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and non-high-density lipoprotein (non-HDL) cholesterol. Among Swedish controls, associations of lnCRP for CRP values < 10 were medium positive with weight, body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference and waist-hip ratio and low positive with triglyceride, total cholesterol-HDL cholesterol ratio, triglyceride-HDL cholesterol ratio and serum insulin. Conclusions: Chronic low-grade systemic inflammation, measured as CRP, was lower among Kitavans compared to Swedish controls, indicating a lower and average cardiovascular risk, respectively, for these populations.
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- Jacobsen, Carsten Suhr, et al.
(author)
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Inter-laboratory testing of the effect of DNA blocking reagent G2 on DNA extraction from low-biomass clay samples
- 2018
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In: Scientific Reports. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2045-2322. ; 8
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Here we show that a commercial blocking reagent (G2) based on modified eukaryotic DNA significantly improved DNA extraction efficiency. We subjected G2 to an inter-laboratory testing, where DNA was extracted from the same clay subsoil using the same batch of kits. The inter-laboratory extraction campaign revealed large variation among the participating laboratories, but the reagent increased the number of PCR-amplified16S rRNA genes recovered from biomass naturally present in the soils by one log unit. An extensive sequencing approach demonstrated that the blocking reagent was free of contaminating DNA, and may therefore also be used in metagenomics studies that require direct sequencing.
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- Jujic, Amra, et al.
(author)
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Antibodies against phosphorylcholine in hospitalized versus non‑hospitalized obese subjects
- 2021
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In: Scientific Reports. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2045-2322. ; 11, s. 1-9
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Obesity associates with reduced life expectancy, type 2 diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease, and is characterized by chronic inflammation. Phosphorylcholine (PC) is an epitope on oxidized low-density lipoprotein, dead cells and some microorganisms. Antibodies against PC (anti-PC) have anti-inflammatory properties. Here, we explored the role of anti-PC in hospitalized versus non-hospitalized obese. One-hundred-and-twenty-eight obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) individuals (59.8 (± 5.5) years, 53.9% women) from the Malmö Diet and Cancer Cardiovascular Cohort were examined and IgM, IgG1 and IgG2 anti-PC were analyzed by ELISA. Individuals with at least one recorded history of hospitalization prior to study baseline were considered hospitalized obese (HO). Associations between IgM, IgG1 and IgG2 anti-PC and HO (n = 32)/non-hospitalized obese (NHO) (n = 96), but also with metabolic syndrome and diabetes were analysed using logistic regressions. Both IgM and IgG1 anti-PC were inversely associated with HO, also after controlling for age and sex. When further adjusted for waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, glucose levels and smoking status, only IgG1 anti-PC remained significantly associated with HO. In multivariate models, each 1 standard deviation of increment in anti-PC IgG1 levels was inversely associated with prevalence of HO (odds ratio 0.57; CI 95% 0.33–0.98; p = 0.044). IgG2 anti-PC did not show any associations with HO. Low levels of IgM and IgG1 anti-PC are associated with higher risk of being a HO individual independent of sex and age, IgG1 anti-PC also independently of diabetes and metabolic syndrome. The anti-inflammatory properties of these antibodies may be related to inflammation in obesity and its complications.
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- Löfgren, Sara E., et al.
(author)
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A 3 '-Untranslated Region Variant Is Associated With Impaired Expression of CD226 in T and Natural Killer T Cells and Is Associated With Susceptibility to Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- 2010
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In: Arthritis and Rheumatism. - : Wiley. - 0004-3591 .- 1529-0131. ; 62:11, s. 3404-3414
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective. Costimulatory receptor CD226 plays an important role in T cell activation, differentiation, and cytotoxicity. This study was undertaken to investigate the genetic association of CD226 with susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to assess the functional implications of this association. Methods. Twelve tag single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in CD226 were typed in 1,163 SLE patients and 1,482 healthy control subjects from Europe or of European ancestry. Analyses of association were performed by single-marker Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel meta-analysis, followed by haplotype analysis. Gene expression was analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analyses of RNA from peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and by fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis. To study the functional impact of the associated variants, luciferase reporter constructs containing different portions of the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of the gene were prepared and used in transfection experiments. Results. A 3-variant haplotype, rs763361; rs34794968; rs727088 (ATC), in the last exon of CD226 was associated with SLE (P = 1.3 x 10(-4), odds ratio 1.24, 95% confidence interval 1.11-1.38). This risk haplotype correlated with low CD226 transcript expression and low CD226 protein levels on the surface of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and natural killer T (NKT) cells. NK cells expressed high levels of CD226, but this expression was independent of the haplotype. Reporter assays with deletion constructs indicated that only the presence of rs727088 could account for the differences in the levels of luciferase transcripts. Conclusion. This study identified an association of CD226 with SLE in individuals of European ancestry. These data support the importance of the 3'-UTR SNP rs727088 in the regulation of CD226 transcription both in T cells and in NKT cells.
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- van Rooijen, Marianne, et al.
(author)
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Treatment with combined oral contraceptives induces a rise in serum C-reactive protein in the absence of a general inflammatory response
- 2006
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In: Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis. - : Elsevier BV. - 1538-7933 .- 1538-7836. ; 4:1, s. 77-82
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: The role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease is well established. C-reactive protein (CRP) is the strongest independent predictor of myocardial infarction and stroke in women. Recent studies have indicated that CRP levels are raised during use of combined oral contraceptives (COCs). OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of COCs on serum CRP levels and to indicate the underlying mechanisms of an expected increase. METHOD: In a prospective randomized cross over-study 35 women used two different preparations of COC, one second and one third generation. Serum levels of CRP, serum amyloid A (SAA), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha), antibodies against oxidized LDL, insulin and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) along with insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) and IGFBP-3 were analyzed before and during the two treatments. E-selectin, von Willebrand factor and factor VIII concentrations in plasma were also measured. RESULTS: A rise in serum CRP was observed during both treatments; the median level increased from 0.45 mg L(-1) at baseline to 1.48 mg L(-1) with second generation and to 2.02 mg L(-1) with third generation COC. The serum levels of SAA increased slightly during treatment with the third generation COC. IL-6 and TNFalpha were unaffected by treatment. Both preparations lowered IGF-I and raised IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-3 concentrations. CONCLUSION: The raised serum CRP concentration during treatment with COCs appears to be related to a direct effect on hepatocyte CRP synthesis and does not reflect IL-6 mediated inflammation, endothelial activation or induction of insulin resistance.
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