Replication of association of the apolipoprotein A1-C3-A4 gene cluster with the risk of gout.

Objective: Gout is associated with dyslipidaemia. Association of the apolipoprotein A1-C3-A4 gene cluster with gout has previously been reported in a small study. To investigate a possible causal role for this locus in gout, we tested the association of genetic variants from APOA1 (rs670) and APOC3 (rs5128) with gout.

Multiplicative interaction of functional inflammasome genetic variants in determining the risk of gout.

Introduction: The acute gout flare results from a localised self-limiting innate immune response to monosodium urate (MSU) crystals deposited in joints in hyperuricaemic individuals. Activation of the caspase recruitment domain-containing protein 8 (CARD8) NOD-like receptor pyrin-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome by MSU crystals and production of mature interleukin-1β (IL-1β) is central to acute gouty arthritis. However very little is known about genetic control of the innate immune response involved in acute gouty arthritis.

FasL gene knock-down therapy enhances the antiglioma immune response.

Malignant glioma is a lethal form of brain cancer that is very difficult to treat. The aggressive behavior of these neoplasms and their limited responsiveness to therapy has been attributed in part to the ability of these tumors to evade the immune system. Gliomas, like many other solid tumors, express components of numerous immune escape mechanisms, including immunosuppressive proteins such as TGF-beta, IL-10, and FasL.