The G allele of the rs4344 polymorphism of the angiotensin-converting enzyme gene is associated with alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) in Brazilian hypertensive patients

Article

作者: Belo, Vanessa de A ; Coura-Vital, Wendel ; Silva, Glenda Nicioli da ; Teixeira, Luiz Fernando de M ; Lopes, Ana Cláudia F ; Lima, Angélica A ; Silva, Renata B M E ; Agostini, Lívia da C ; Silva, Nayara N T

BACKGROUNDThe association of genetic variants and environmental factors contribute to increased susceptibility to arterial hypertension (AH). Polymorphisms of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene have been identified as a genetic risk factor related to blood pressure (BP) levels and liver function, since they influence the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS).OBJECTIVETo evaluate the influence of the rs4344 polymorphism of the ACE gene on AH and biochemical parameters of liver function (ALT, AST, GGT and ALP) in normotensive and hypertensive patients.METHOD AND RESULTSThe identification of the polymorphism was performed by qPCR, using the TaqMan^® system, in 811 individuals (484 normotensive and 327 hypertensive) and biochemical dosages (AST, ALT, GGT and ALP) were performed by UV/Vis spectrophotometry. A univariate logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with hypertension and Pearson's chi-square test to assess allele frequency between groups. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to correct confounding factors and assess the association of the variant with hypertension. Data normality was assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk test. Continuous nonparametric variables were expressed as median and interquartile range and analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test and parametric data were expressed as mean and standard deviation and analyzed by unpaired Student's t test. The rs4344 variant was not linked to hypertension in the individuals examined. However, concerning liver function marker enzymes, the G allele was associated with increased levels of GGT and ALT in hypertensive patients.CONCLUSIONSOur findings indicated that the rs4344 variant of the ACE gene is linked to impaired liver function in hypertensive individuals.

2025-07-01·Brain Research

Melatonin protects mouse hippocampal neurons from neurotoxicity induced by amyloid β-peptide25–35

Article

作者: Salgado, Karen Del Carmen B ; Pinto Coelho Nogueira, Katiane de Oliveira ; Albuquerque, Ana Luiza S ; Nascimento, Rosiene G F ; Oliveira, Laser A M

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder and the leading cause of dementia in the elderly, as classified by the WHO. Its neuropathological hallmarks include the accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and intracellular tau tangles, which contribute to oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, lipid peroxidation, and neuronal death. Emerging evidence suggests that melatonin, a potent antioxidant produced by the pineal gland, plays a neuroprotective role in AD, yet its precise mechanisms remain underexplored. In this study, we utilized a physiologically relevant primary culture of hippocampal neurons to investigate melatonin's protective effects against toxicity induced by Aβ25-35. Our findings demonstrate that melatonin significantly enhances cellular metabolism and viability while reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and lipid peroxidation, thereby mitigating Aβ-induced neurotoxicity. These results provide mechanistic insights into melatonin's antioxidative and neuroprotective properties, reinforcing its potential as a therapeutic agent against oxidative stress in AD. This study underscores the promise of melatonin-based interventions in the development of novel antioxidant-targeted therapies for AD.

2025-07-01·Seizure: European Journal of Epilepsy

Stereoelectroencephalography versus subdural electrodes for invasive monitoring of drug-resistant epilepsy patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Review

作者: Gomes, Fernando Cotrim ; Pacheco-Barrios, Niels ; Decina, Mateus Machado ; Rolston, John D ; Udoma-Udofa, Ofonime Chantal ; Mota, Maria Eduarda Bezerra ; Rocha, Bárbara Alves de Abreu ; Bannach, Matheus de Andrade ; Haddad, Júlia Oliveira Dabien ; Larcipretti, Anna Laura Lima

INTRODUCTIONInvasive monitoring for epilepsy surgery is critical for localizing epileptogenic zones. Stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) and subdural electrodes (SDE) are two primary techniques used for this purpose. This meta-analysis aims to compare the effectiveness and safety of SEEG and SDE regarding various clinical outcomes in patients undergoing invasive epilepsy monitoring.METHODSWe conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing SEEG and SDE for invasive epilepsy monitoring. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for relevant studies. Two reviewers performed data extraction and quality assessment through Cochrane's ROBINS-I tool independently. Statistical analyses were conducted using a random-effects model in R Studio.RESULTSA total of 16 studies involving 3751 patients were included in the analysis, with 1750 who underwent SDE and 2001 in the SEEG group. There was no statistically significant difference between groups regarding seizure freedom at last follow-up (OR 1.05; 95 % CI 0.61-1.81; I2 = 56 %; p = 0.86). The SEEG group, however, was associated with lower incidence of complications (OR 0.50; 95 %CI 0.28, 0.91; I² 74 %; p < 0.01), fewer major bleeding events (OR 0.23; 95 %CI 0.11, 0.49; I² 0 %; p < 0.01), fewer post-operative neurological deficits (OR 0.39; 95 %CI 0.21, 0.73; I² 23 %; p < 0.05), and shorter operative time (MD -76.28 min; 95 %CI -101.86, -50.70; I² 92 %; p < 0.05).CONCLUSIONSEEG and SDE are both effective in achieving seizure freedom for drug-resistant epilepsy patients undergoing invasive monitoring. SEEG may offer advantages in terms of safety and healthcare utilization, with fewer complications and shorter operative times. These findings support the growing adoption of SEEG as a preferred method for epilepsy surgery, though further prospective studies are needed to validate these results.

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