Anti-NNMT monoclonal antibody, clone 3H9

Background & Aims: Various genetic polymorphisms play a key-role in the pathogenesis of NAFLD and progression to NASH with fibrosis to cirrhosis. We aimed to study the association between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in NNMT gene, namely rs694539 and the development of different stages of NAFLD diagnosed by controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) of FibroScan Echosens (R). Methods: Transient elastography (FibroScan (R)) with controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) measurement was performed in 81 NAFLD patients (35 of them with liver biopsy) and 80 non-NAFLD controls. The accuracy of CAP and FibroScan for the detection and quantification of hepatic steatosis/fibrosis, respectively, was assessed based on liver biopsy aspect. Genetic variants of NNMT gene rs694539 were analyzed using a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Results: According to BMI (kg/m(2)), among the patients, 17 (21%) were overweight, 56 (69.1%) obese, and 8 (9.9%) morbidly obese. CAP and FibroScan diagnosed steatosis/fibrosis correlated significantly with liver biopsy. There was a significant association between polymorphisms of rs694539-NNMT gene and NAFLD presence and stages. The mutant type (AA-genotype) was found in 33% NAFLD patients versus 1.2% controls (P<0.001), whereas the wild type (GG-genotype) was present in 21% versus 63.8% controls (P<0.001). Moreover, the AA-genotype significantly correlated with the steatosis degree by CAP but not the fibrosis degree by FibroScan. Multivariate regression analysis of all the independent risk factors showed non-significant correlations with the degree of steatosis on CAP. However, by using a stepwise approach, waist circumference showed significance as an independent predictor of NAFLD. Conclusions: Polymorphisms in rs694539-NNMT gene (mutant AA-genotype) could be a genetic risk factor for developing NAFLD and NASH (indicating susceptibility for progression and complications). Individuals with wild type (GG-genotype) are at less risk of NAFLD development. CAP and FibroScan efficiently diagnosed steatosis and fibrosis.

We present the case of a 32-year-old woman with an intrathyroidal paraganglioma. Sequences of the nicotinamide NNMT (N-methyl transferase) gene at the PGLI locus in intrathyroidal paraganglioma showed a heterozygous single nucleotide polymorphism and extragenic mutation. Also, sequences of the SDI! (succinate dehydrogenase) gene subunits B, C, and D were examined and identified the presence of multiple homozygous and heterozygous single nucleotide polymorphisms. Our case confirms the presence of an increased number of single nucleotide polymorphisms and mutations in both PGLI and SDH loci in intrathyroidal paraganglioma. To our knowledge, this is the first example of intrathyroidal paraganglioma to be so analyzed for both mutations and for single nucleotide polymorphism in PGLI and SDH loci. The presence of these genetic abnormalities may have therapeutic implications. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.