BACKGROUND: Epigenetics, especially DNA methylation, plays an important role in the pathogenesis of primary Sjogren syndrome (pSS). Our study aimed to reveal the role of DNA methylation in peripheral monocytes of pSS patients. METHODS: A total of 11 pSS patients and five age-matched healthy controls (HCs) were included in this study. Monocytes were isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells using magnetic microbeads. DNA methylation profiles were generated using Human Methylation 850K BeadChips. RESULTS: In monocytes from pSS patients, we identified 2819 differentially methylated positions (DMPs), comprising 1977 hypomethylated- and 842 hypermethylated-DMPs, corresponding to 1313 unique genes when compared with HCs. IFI44L, MX1, PAARP9, and IFITM1, which influence the interferon (IFN) signaling pathway, were among the genes hypomethylated in pSS. Functional analysis of genes with a minimum of two DMPs showed involvement in antigen binding, transcriptional regulation, cell adhesion, IFN-γ pathway, type I IFN pathway, antigen presentation, Epstein-Barr virus infection, human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 virus infection, and metabolic disease-related pathways. In addition, patients with higher serum IgG levels exhibited enrichment in Notch signaling and metabolic-related pathways. Upon comparing monocytes with salivary gland epithelial cells, an important overlap was observed in the cell cycle, cell senescence, and interleukin-17 signaling pathways. The differentially methylated genes were more enriched in the ribosome- and AMP-activated protein kinase signaling pathway in anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB autoantibodies double-positive patients. CONCLUSION Genome-wide DNA methylation profiling revealed significant differences in DNA methylation in monocytes isolated from patients with pSS.
DNA Methylation/genetics* ; Epstein-Barr Virus Infections ; Herpesvirus 4, Human ; Humans ; Leukocytes, Mononuclear ; Monocytes ; Sjogren's Syndrome/genetics*

Objective In recent years, many studies have reported that air pollution is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to summarize the evidence about the association between exposure to air pollution and T2DM in developing countries. Methods The databases, including PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science, were systematically searched for studies published up to 31 March 2022. Studies about the association between air pollution and T2DM prevalence or incidence in developing countries were included. The odds ratio (OR) was used as effect estimate. We synthesized the included studies in the meta-analysis. Results We included 8 cross-sectional studies and 8 cohort studies, all conducted in developing countries. Meta-analysis of 8 studies on PM_2.5 (particulate matter ≤ 2.5 μm in diameter) showed that T2DM prevalence was significantly associated with PM_2.5 exposure (OR=1.12; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.17; P<0.001). The association between air pollutants and T2DM incidence was not estimated due to the limited relevant studies. Conclusions The exposure to PM_2.5 would be positively associated with an increased prevalence of T2DM in developing countries. Some effective measures should be taken to reduce air pollutant exposure in people who are vulnerable to diabetes.
Humans ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Developing Countries ; Environmental Exposure/analysis* ; Air Pollution/analysis* ; Particulate Matter ; Air Pollutants/analysis*

To evaluate the data obtained from the external quality assurance program initiated by Chinese Rheumatism Data Center (CRDC-QAP) for autoantibodies detection in 2021, so as to assess the consensus and differences in cross-laboratory testing to autoantibodies in China. This is a retrospective study. After collecting data from the first half year (from May 15th to July 10th) and the second half year (from August 15th to November 19th) of CRDC-QAP program for autoantibody detection in 2021, it firstly analyzed the qualitative consensus of the cross-laboratory results. Secondly, it compared the positivity grade of numeric results according to the Sample to cut-off ratio (S/CO ratio) calculation. Finally, the mean and coefficient variation (CV) of numeric results from three major manufacturers were calculated. A total of 303 and 332 clinical labs voluntarily participated in the first half year and the second half year of CRDC-QAP program for autoantibody detection in 2021, respectively. Except for anti-β2 glycoprotein type I (aβ2-GPI) IgM, the cross-laboratory consensus of qualitative results for the other autoantibodies is greater than 96%. As for anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (anti-CCP) and anti mitochondrial antibody-M2 (AMA-M2), the numeric results from more than 90% laboratories showed the same positivity grade. More than 50% of laboratories used chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) for quantitative evaluation of autoantibody. The CV of numeric results from different manufacturers showed certain differences(P<0.01) with the range from 0 to 238%. Although high consensus can be observed in term of qualitative result for autoantibody detection in cross-laboratory, there are still certain differences in numeric results in term of positivity grade and manufacturer-based CV.
Humans ; Autoantibodies ; Antibodies, Anticardiolipin/analysis* ; Retrospective Studies ; East Asian People ; beta 2-Glycoprotein I ; Rheumatic Diseases