HOXA4 Expression and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
Author Information
Author(s): Lillvis John H, Erdman Robert, Schworer Charles M, Golden Alicia, Derr Kimberly, Gatalica Zoran, Cox Laura A, Shen Jianbin, Vander Heide Richard S, Lenk Guy M, Hlavaty Leigh, Li Li, Elmore James R, Franklin David P, Gray John L, Garvin Robert P, Carey David J, Lancaster Wayne D, Tromp Gerard, Kuivaniemi Helena
Primary Institution: Wayne State University School of Medicine
Hypothesis
Is HOXA4 expression altered in human abdominal aortic aneurysms compared to non-aneurysmal controls?
Conclusion
The study found that downregulation of HOXA4 expression is associated with abdominal aortic aneurysms.
Supporting Evidence
- HOXA4 protein levels were significantly higher in thoracic compared to abdominal aortic tissues.
- HOXA4 transcript levels were significantly decreased in human abdominal aortic aneurysms compared to controls.
- Inflammatory stimulation led to decreased levels of HOXA4 protein in cultured human aortic cells.
Takeaway
This study shows that a gene called HOXA4 is less active in people with a certain type of aortic disease, which might make them more likely to get sick.
Methodology
The study used microarray analysis, real-time quantitative RT-PCR, and Western blotting to assess HOXA4 expression in human and baboon aorta samples.
Potential Biases
There may be biases related to the selection of control samples and the age distribution of participants.
Limitations
The study is limited by the sample size and the potential for confounding factors in human tissue samples.
Participant Demographics
The study included 18 patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms and 43 age-matched controls.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.00004
Confidence Interval
99% CI not crossing zero for slope
Statistical Significance
p<0.00004
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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