Browsing by Author "Isakovs, Aleksejs"

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    The Impact of IL1B rs1143634 and DEFB1 rs11362 Variants on Periodontitis Risk in Phenylketonuria and Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Patients in a Latvian Population
    (2024) Emulina, Darta Elizabete; Ābola, Iveta; Brinkmane, Anda; Isakovs, Aleksejs; Skadiņš, Ingus; Moisejevs, Georgijs; Gailīte, Linda; Auzenbaha, Madara; Scientific Laboratory of Molecular Genetics; Department of Conservative Dentistry and Oral Health; Department of Biology and Microbiology
    Objectives: Periodontitis is a multifactorial disease that affects approximately 11% of the global population. The objective of this study was to examine whether, among individuals with phenylketonuria and type 1 diabetes mellitus, those with the IL1B rs1143634 and/or DEFB1 rs11362 genetic variants exhibit a higher periodontitis risk compared to healthy controls. Materials and Methods: In all, 43 phenylketonuria patients (aged 12–53), 28 type 1 diabetes mellitus patients (aged 11–40), and 63 healthy controls (aged 12–53) were included. The evaluation of periodontitis risk was conducted using the Silness–Löe plaque index, the Greene–Vermillion index, and an assessment for the necessity of calculus removal. Genetic variants rs1143634 and rs11362 were genotyped from salivary samples using restriction length polymorphism analysis. Results: The DEFB1 rs11362 variant was associated with higher Silness–Löe and Greene–Vermillion index scores in phenylketonuria patients (p = 0.011 and p = 0.043, respectively). The IL1B rs1143634 variant was associated with lower calculus removal necessity in type 1 diabetes mellitus patients (p = 0.030). Clinical examination showed the worst oral hygiene index scores for PKU patients. PKU patients also reported the least consistent tooth brushing and flossing habits. Conclusions: Genetic associations between DEFB1 rs11362 and IL1B rs1143634 variants and oral hygiene indices were observed in the PKU and T1DM groups, suggesting that genetic factors may contribute to periodontal health differences in these populations. Further research with a larger sample size is needed to confirm these findings and develop targeted oral health interventions.
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    New-Born Screening for Spinal Muscular Atrophy : Results of a Latvian Pilot Study
    (2022-03) Gailite, Linda; Sterna, Olga; Konika, Maija; Isakovs, Aleksejs; Isakova, Jekaterina; Micule, Ieva; Setlere, Signe; Diriks, Mikus; Auzenbaha, Madara; Scientific Laboratory of Molecular Genetics
    New disease-modifying treatments have recently been approved for 5q spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and early treatment has been associated with a better clinical outcome. Accordingly, new-born screening (NBS) for SMA should be implemented to ensure early diagnosis of affected individuals. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility and usefulness of NBS for SMA in Latvia. Between February and November of 2021, 10,411 parents consented to participation in the study. DNA testing for the SMN1 exon 7 homozygous deletion was conducted using qPCR with fluorescent locked nucleic acid primers. In the first month of testing, reporting of results took up to a maximum of 17 days after samples arrived in the laboratory. However, following familiarisation with the procedure, the median report time was reduced to 11 days after birth. Forty cases required samples to be taken again due to poor quality of the isolated DNA transpiring from either the quality of the blood punch or manual mistakes during DNA isolation. The SMN1 exon 7 homozygous deletion was identified in two individuals, which was subsequently confirmed by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification. When a NBS sample is taken 48 to 72 h after birth and transported to the laboratory within two working days after collection according to legal requirements, DNA test results can be reported to healthcare professionals before the 12th day of life. Expansion of our SMA 5q NBS procedure to the whole of Latvia is feasible and would facilitate early diagnosis and result in more effective treatment. We strongly advocate that SMA is added to the national Latvia Recommended Uniform Screening Panel.
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    Newborn Screening for Spinal Muscular atrophy : first results of a Pilot Study in Latvia
    (2021) Kreile, Madara; Isakova, Jekaterina; Isakovs, Aleksejs; Konika, Maija; Mičule, Ieva; Diriks, Mikus; Gailīte, Linda; Scientific Laboratory of Molecular Genetics