Contribution of Caspase-8 Genotypes to Colorectal Cancer Risk in Taiwan

BACKGROUND/AIM

The aim of this study was to examine the role of caspase-8 rs3834129 polymorphism on colorectal cancer (CRC) risk in Taiwanese CRC patients and healthy controls.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The caspase-8 rs3834129 (-652 6N insertion/deletion) polymorphic genotypes were analyzed in 362 patients with CRC and the same number of age- and gender-matched healthy subjects. The interaction of caspase-8 rs3834129 genotypes with personal behaviors and clinicopathological features were also examined.

RESULTS

The percentage of variants ID and DD for caspase-8 rs3834129 genotype were 37.6 and 5.8% in CRC group and 39.0 and 6.6% in the control group, respectively (p for trend=0.7987). The allelic frequency distribution analysis showed that caspase-8 rs3834129 D allele conferred a non-significant lower susceptibility for CRC compared with I allele (OR=0.92, 95%CI=0.74-1.20, p=0.5063). There was no obvious link between caspase-8 rs3834129 genotype and CRC risk among ever-smokers, non-smokers, non-alcohol drinkers or alcohol drinkers. No statistically significant correlation was observed between caspase-8 rs3834129 genotypic distribution and age, gender, tumor size, location or metastasis status.

CONCLUSION

Overall, caspase-8 rs3834129 genotypes may not serve as predictors for CRC risk or prognosis.

Contribution of Inflammatory Cytokine Interleukin-18 Genotypes to Renal Cell Carcinoma

Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a multi-functional immuno-mediator in the development and progression of many types of infectious and inflammatory diseases. In this study, we evaluated the contribution of IL-18 genotypes to renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in Taiwan via the genotyping of IL-18 -656 (A/C), -607 (A/C), and -137 (G/C). Moreover, we analyzed their interactions with smoking, alcohol drinking, hypertension, and diabetes status. The results showed an association of the AC and CC genotypes of IL-18 -607 with a significant decrease in the risk of RCC compared with the AA genotype (odds ratio (OR) = 0.44 and 0.35, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.27⁻0.72 and 0.18⁻0.66, p = 0.0008 and 0.0010, respectively). Furthermore, a significantly lower frequency of the C allele at -607 was observed in the RCC group (35.3% vs. 49.8%; OR = 0.53; 95% CI = 0.35⁻0.71, p = 0.0003). However, IL-18 -656 and -137 did not exhibit a likewise differential distribution of these genotypes between the control and case groups. Stratifying the population according to smoking, alcohol drinking, hypertension, and diabetes status revealed a different distribution of IL-18 -607 genotypes among non-smokers, non-drinkers, and patients without diabetes, but not among smokers, drinkers, or patients with diabetes. These findings suggest that IL-18 -607 genotypes may play a role in the etiology and progression of RCC in Taiwan and may serve as a useful biomarker for early detection.

Association of Matrix Metallopeptidase-2 Promoter Polymorphisms With the Risk of Childhood Leukemia

BACKGROUND/AIM

The association of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) genotypes with adult leukemia has been reported only once, but never for childhood leukemia. This study aimed to determine the role of MMP-2 promoter -1306 (rs243865) and -735 (rs2285053) genotypes in childhood leukemia risk.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This case-control study included 266 patients and 266 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. The polymorphic sites of MMP-2 were genotyped by typical polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism.

RESULTS

The CC, CT and TT of rs243865 genotype were 75.2, 23.7 and 1.1% in the case group and 69.2, 28.9 and 1.9% in the control group, respectively. The CT and TT genotypes caused a 0.75- and 0.55-fold increase in the risk of childhood leukemia, respectively. There was no differential distribution of rs2285053 genotypes. Allelic frequency analysis showed that the T allele of MMP-2 promoter -1306 and -735 conferred lower susceptibility than the C allele.

CONCLUSION

The MMP-2 promoter genotypes play a minor role in determining personal susceptibility to childhood leukemia among the Taiwanese.

Association of Matrix Metalloproteinase-7 Genotypes with the Risk of Bladder Cancer

BACKGROUND/AIM

The breakage of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) has been reported to be one of the mechanisms required for tumor invasion, and the expression of MMP-7 in serum is correlated with poor prognosis of urinary bladder cancer patients. However, the role of the MMP-7 genotypes has been seldom examined among bladder cancer patients. Therefore, this study aimed at examining the promoter polymorphic MMP-7 genotypes A-181G and C-153T among Taiwanese bladder cancer patients and evaluate the contribution of the genotypic variants of MMP-7 to bladder cancer risk in Taiwan.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three hundred and seventy-five bladder cancer patients and the same number of gender- and age-matched healthy controls were genotyped for A-181G and C-153T in the promoter of MMP-7 via polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism methodology.

RESULTS

The frequencies of AA, AG and GG at A-181G of the promoter of MMP-7 were 89.1, 8.8 and 2.1% in the bladder cancer patient group and 87.5, 10.9 and 1.6% in the matched healthy control group, respectively (p for trend=0.5475). There was no polymorphic genotype for MMP-7 C-153T among the Taiwanese population. The comparisons in allelic frequency distribution also support the findings that the G allele may not be the determinant allele for bladder cancer in Taiwan. In addition, the results showed that there is no significant association of the bladder risk with the MMP-7 A-181G genotype, even after adjustment for the possible confounding factors. Furthermore, there is no interaction of the genotypes of MMP-7 with age, gender, smoking and alcohol consumption on bladder cancer risk.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study suggest that the two MMP-7 polymorphisms, - A-181G and C-153T, do not play a major role in determining personal susceptibility to bladder cancer in Taiwan.

Contribution of MMP2 Promoter Genotypes to Oral Cancer Susceptibility, Recurrence and Metastasis in Taiwan

AIM

Metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) is a multi-functional protein which has been shown to be up-regulated in patients with oral cancer, especially those with lymph node metastasis. However, the association of MMP2 genotype with oral cancer risk or metastatic behavior is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the role of MMP2 promoter 1306 and -735 genotypes in the risk of oral cancer and metastasis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this case-control study, MMP2 promoter 1306 (rs243865) and -735 (rs2285053) genotypes and their interaction with consumption of areca, cigarettes, and alcohol in determining oral cancer risk were investigated among 788 patients with oral cancer and 956 gender-matched healthy controls. In addition, their role in oral cancer metastasis were also examined.

RESULTS

The distribution of CC, CT and TT for MMP2 promoter 1306 genotype was 79.0, 20.1 and 0.9% in the oral cancer group and 68.7, 29.2 and 2.1% in the non-cancer control group, respectively (p for trend=4.3E-6). The allelic frequency distributions showed that the variant T allele of MMP2 promoter 1306 conferred lower oral cancer susceptibility than the wild-type C allele (odds ratio=0.61, 95% confidence interval=0.50-0.75, p=1.1E-6). As for the MMP2 -735 genotypes, there was no differential distribution in genotypic or allelic frequencies. The variant CT and TT genotypes were also associated with lower metastasis rates within 5 years among the patients with oral cancer (odds ratio=0.34, 95% confidence interval=0.15-0.80, p=0.0102).

CONCLUSION

The CT and TT genotypes of MMP2 promoter 1306 may have a protective effect on oral cancer susceptibility and metastasis risk within 5 years for Taiwanese. They may serve as predictive markers for oral cancer in precise medical practice.

Novel Combination of Arsenic Trioxide (As2O3) Plus Resveratrol in Inducing Programmed Cell Death of Human Neuroblastoma SK-N-SH Cells

AIM

Arsenic trioxide (As₂O₃), known as pi-shuang and the most toxic compound in traditional Chinese medicine, has been used as an antitumor agent for thousands of years. Resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) is a natural phenol that has significant anti-bacterial, anti-fungaI and antiaging activities. Our study aimed to examine the combined anticancer effects of As₂O₃ and resveratrol against human neuroblastoma SK-N-SH cells, and elucidate the underlying intracellular signaling.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

SK-N-SH cells were treated with an extremely low-dose (2-4 μM) of As₂O₃ alone or combined with 75 μg/ml resveratrol for further comparisons. Cell viability, apoptotic signaling as well as synergistic cytotoxic effects were estimated using the MTT assay, microscopy observation, flow cytometric analysis for loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), and typical quantitative western blotting analysis. Student's t-test, and one- and two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used for examination of significant differences.

RESULTS

The combined treatment was more effective than single treatment of As₂O₃ or resveratrol alone in suppressing cell viability, which correlated with the elevation of ROS levels. The intracellular mechanisms of cytotoxicity of As₂O₃ plus resveratrol were revealed as ROS accumulation and relative decrease of MMP, leading to activation of caspase-3 and -9, but not of caspase-1, -7 and-8. Combination treatment reduced the expression of B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2), BH3 interacting domain death agonist (BID), and BCL-x/L.

CONCLUSION

Combined treatment at extremely low concentration of two agents from natural products, As₂O₃ and resveratrol, has high potential as a cocktail of anticancer drugs for neuroblastoma.

Association of Polymorphisms in DNA Repair Gene XRCC3 with Asthma in Taiwan

AIM

Accumulating evidence suggests that DNA damage and repair play a role in asthma etiology, however, little is known about the contribution of genotypes of DNA repair genes to asthma susceptibility. This study aimed to examine the contribution of genotypes of DNA double-strand break repair gene X-ray repair cross complementing protein 3 (XRCC3) and its polymorphisms to asthma risk in the Taiwanese.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Associations of seven XRCC3 genotypes, namely rs1799794, rs45603942, rs861530, rs3212057, rs1799796, rs861539 and rs28903081, with the risk of asthma were investigated among 198 patients with asthma and 453 non-asthma controls by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism genotyping methodology.

RESULTS

Unlike Caucasian populations, no polymorphic genotypes at XRCC3 rs3212057 or rs28903081 were found among the Taiwanese. For the genotypes of XRCC3 rs1799794, rs45603942, rs861530, rs1799796 and rs861539, the percentages of hetero-and homo-variant genotypes were not differentially represented between the asthma patient and the non-asthma control groups. In addition, there was no differential distribution of allelic frequencies for these XRCC3 polymorphic sites between the two groups. No interaction of these genotypes with gender or age were found.

CONCLUSION

Although XRCC3 plays a role in asthma etiology, the variant XRCC3 genotypes do not serve as practicable predictive markers for asthma risk in Taiwanese.

Contribution of Murine Double Minute 2 Genotypes to Colorectal Cancer Risk in Taiwan

BACKGROUND/AIM

The genomic role of human mouse double minute 2 (MDM2) in colorectal cancer (CRC) is unclear, therefore, our study aimed to evaluate the contribution of MDM2 genotype to the risk of CRC in Taiwan.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this case-control study, MDM2 SNP309 T to G (rs2279744) genotypes were determined and their association with CRC risk were investigated among 362 patients with CRC and 362 age- and gender-matched healthy controls in central Taiwan. In addition, the interaction of MDM2 SNP309 genotypes with personal behaviors and clinicopathological features were also examined.

RESULTS

The percentage of variant GG for the MDM2 SNP309 genotype was 30.9% in the CRC group and 24.0% in the control group, respectively (odds ratio (OR)=1.78, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.25-2.86, p=0.0057). The allelic frequency distribution analysis showed that the variant G allele of MDM2 SNP309 conferred a significantly increased susceptibility to CRC compared with the wild-type T allele (OR=1.32, 95% CI=1.14-1.69, p=0.0062). As for the gene-lifestyle interaction, there was an obvious joint effect of MDM2 SNP309 GG genotype on the risk of CRC among ever-smokers and non-alcohol drinkers, but not non-smoker or alcohol drinker subgroups. No statistically significant correlation was observed between MDM2 SNP309 genotypic distributions and age, gender, tumor size, location or metastasis status.

CONCLUSION

The genotypes of MDM2 SNP309 may allow forr early detection of and predictor for CRC risk, especially among smokers and non-alcohol drinkers, but not for prognosis. The combined effects of MDM2 SNP309 and other genes (such as matrix metalloproteinases) on CRC susceptibility and prognosis, should also be taken into consideration in the era of precision medicine.

The contribution of XRCC3 genotypes to childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Purpose

A growing body of evidence shows an association between DNA repair protein genotypes and susceptibility to various cancers. However, few studies have assessed the contribution of the genotype of XRCC3, a homologous repair gene, to the occurrence or prognosis of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). In this study, we investigated the contribution of seven XRCC3 polymorphisms to childhood ALL.

Patients and methods

We recruited 266 patients with childhood ALL and 266 healthy controls. Genomic DNA was isolated from peripheral blood samples. The XRCC3 rs1799794, rs45603942, rs1799796, rs861530, rs28903081, rs861539, and rs3212057 polymorphic genotypes of each subject were determined through conventional polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis.

Results

Genotypes with the rs861539 polymorphism were significantly associated with the risk of childhood ALL. The allelic distribution analyses suggested a significant association between the T allele at rs861539 with an increased risk of childhood ALL in the Taiwanese population. Polymorphic variants of XRCC3 at rs3212057 or rs28903081 did not exist in the study population. XRCC3 rs1799794, rs45603942, rs1799796, and rs861530 were not significantly associated with the risk of childhood ALL in the Taiwanese population.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that XRCC3 genotypes with polymorphisms at rs861539 may play a role in determining individual susceptibility to childhood ALL in this Taiwanese population. The polymorphism may be a potential detector and predictor of childhood ALL.

The Contribution of Interleukin-12 Genetic Variations to Taiwanese Lung Cancer

BACKGROUND/AIM

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death and a better marker for advanced personalized therapeutic approaches, such as immunotherapies, is in urgent need. Interleukin-12 (IL-12) is a cytokine that has been reported to exhibit potent tumoricidal effects, however, the contribution of IL-12 genotypes to lung cancer is still largely unrevealed. The aim of this study was to investigate whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in IL-12A and IL-12B are associated with lung cancer in a Taiwanese population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Genotypes of 358 lung cancer patients and 716 controls were determined by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method.

RESULTS

The distributions of genotypic (p=0.0036) and allelic (p=0.0005) frequencies of IL-12A rs568408 demonstrated significant differences between cases and controls. In detail, the AA genotype of IL-12A rs568408 was associated with a significantly elevated risk of lung cancer compared with the GG genotype (odds ratio(OR)=2.41, 95% confidence interval(CI)=1.36-4.29, p=0.0021). No difference was observed regarding IL-12A rs2243115 and IL-12B rs3212227 genotypes between the case and control groups. In addition, the results of interaction analysis showed that the AA genotype of IL-12A rs568408 was associated with elevated lung cancer risk, especially among those with smoking habits (p=0.0043).

CONCLUSION

IL-12A rs568404 AA genotype may contribute to the etiology and serve as a genomic determinant of lung cancer in Taiwanese, especially smokers.

Interleukin-18 promoter genotype is associated with the risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in Taiwan

Background

The incidence rate of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has been documented to be high in Southeast Asia. Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a multifunctional cytokine that augments interferon-γ production and acts as an important immunomediator in the development of several types of cancer.

Patients and methods

This case-control study evaluated the role of IL-18 in NPC at the DNA level by genotyping its promoter polymorphisms at positions -656, -607, and -137 in a Taiwanese population. A total of 176 patients with NPC and age- and gender-matched 352 noncancer controls were included in this study.

Results

The CC genotype of the IL-18-607 polymorphism was found to be associated with significantly decreased risks of NPC compared to the AA genotype (crude OR =0.50, 95% CI =0.29-0.84, P=0.0093). This significant difference persisted even in the dominant and recessive models. A significantly lower C allele frequency at position -607 was detected in the NPC group(41.8% vs 50.3%; OR =0.77; 95% CI =0.63-1.04, P=0.0089). Regarding IL-18-656 and -137 polymorphisms, there were no differential distributions of their genotypes between the NPC and control groups. After substratification of the subjects according to their smoking, alcohol consumption, and areca chewing status, the genotype distribution of the IL-18-607 polymorphism was found to be different only among nonsmokers between the NPC and control subgroups.

Conclusion

This study suggests that IL-18 plays an important role in the carcinogenesis of NPC in Taiwan and that the genotype-phenotype correlation of IL-18-607 polymorphism and its contribution to NPC need to be investigated further.

The Contribution of MMP-7 Genotypes to Colorectal Cancer Susceptibility in Taiwan

BACKGROUND/AIM

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play important roles in inflammation and carcinogenesis, but the genotypic role of MMP-7 has never been investigated in colorectal cancer (CRC) among the Taiwanese. Therefore, in this study we aimed to evaluate the contribution of MMP-7 genotypes to the risk of CRC in Taiwan.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this case-control study, MMP-7 A-181G and C-153T promoter genotypes were determined and their association with CRC risk were investigated among 362 CRC patients and 362 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. In addition, the interaction of MMP-7 genotypes and personal behaviors were also examined.

RESULTS

The percentages of variant AG and GG for MMP-7 A-181G genotypes were 10.5% and 1.7% in the CRC group and 11.9% and 2.2% in the control group, respectively (p for trend=0.7145). The allelic frequency distribution analysis showed that the variant G allele of MMP-7 A-181G conferred a slight but non-significant decreased CRC susceptibility to the wild-type C allele (odds ratio (OR)=0.86, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.64-1.31, p=0.37). Taiwanese all harbour the CC genotype at MMP-7 C-153T. As for the gene-lifestyle interaction, there were no obvious joint effects of MMP-7 A-181G genotype on the risk of CRC among ever smoker, alcohol drinker, non-smoker or non-drinker subgroups. No statistically significant correlation was observed between MMP-7 A-181G genotypic distributions and age, gender, tumor size, location or metastasis status.

CONCLUSION

The genotypes of MMP-7 A-181G may play an indirect role in determining personal susceptibility to CRC and prognosis. The further genotyping work on MMP-7 and other genes (such as other MMPs, oncogenes and tumor suppression genes) on CRC susceptibility and prognosis, should be taken into consideration spontaneously in the precision medicine era.

The Contribution of MMP-7 Promoter Polymorphisms to Taiwan Lung Cancer Susceptibility

BACKGROUND/AIM

Matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) plays an important role in metastasis behavior of cancer cells, and overexpression of MMP-7 has been associated with poor prognosis in non-small cell lung cancer. However, the contribution of various genotypes of MMP-7 has not yet been investigated in lung cancer in Taiwan. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association of MMP-7 genotypes with lung cancer risk among the Taiwanese.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this hospital-based case-control study, genotypes and distributions at two promoter sites of MMP-7, A-181G and C-153T, were determined, and their association with lung cancer risk in Taiwan was evaluated among 358 lung cancer patients and 716 age- and gender-matched healthy control individuals. In addition, the interaction of MMP-7 genotypes and smoking status were also examined.

RESULTS

The percentages of variant AG and GG at MMP-7 A-181G in the lung cancer group were similar to the control group (12.8% and 2.3% vs. 11.3% and 1.5%, respectively; p_trend=0.5294). The allelic frequency distribution analysis showed that the variant G allele at MMP-7 A-181G conferred non-significant elevated lung cancer risk compared to the wild-type A allele [odds ratio (OR)=1.18, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.85-1.66, p=0.2289]. As for the genotypes of MMP-7 C-153T, all the studied Taiwanese population was of CC genotype. Furthermore, there was no obvious joint effect of MMP-7 A-181G genotype and smoking status on the lung cancer risk. No statistically significant correlation was observed between MMP-7 A-181G genotype distributions and gender.

CONCLUSION

There was no evidence that the genotypes of MMP-7 A-181G may act as a biomarker in determining personal susceptibility to lung cancer in Taiwan.

Association of Matrix Metalloproteinase-8 Genotypes with the Risk of Bladder Cancer

BACKGROUND/AIM

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) control the homeostasis of the extracellular matrix and their genetic polymorphisms may contribute to cancer susceptibility. The aim of this study was to reveal the genotypes of MMP8 among the Taiwanese and examine the contribution of MMP8 C-799T, Val436Ala and Lys460Thr polymorphisms to bladder cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MMP8 C-799T, Val436Ala and Lys460Thr polymorphic genotypes were determined in 375 patients with bladder cancer and 375 healthy controls by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism methodology.

RESULTS

Regarding MMP8 C-799T, there was no significant differential distribution between patient and control groups [p for trend=0.6629]. The odds ratios (ORs) after adjusting for age, gender, smoking and alcohol drinking status for those carrying CT and TT genotypes at MMP8 C-799T were 1.13 (95%CI=0.89-1.44, p=0.3688) and 1.10 (95%CI=0.87-1.52, p=0.9030), respectively, compared to those carrying the wild-type CC genotype. Regarding MMP8 Val436Ala, there was no significant differential distribution between patient and control groups [p for trend=0.8166]. The adjusted OR for those carrying AC and CC genotypes at MMP8 Val436Ala were 0.71 (95%CI=0.31-2.28, p=0.6094) and 1.00 (95%CI=0.21-4.73, p=0.7247), respectively. The polymorphism Lys460Thr at MMP8 was not found among Taiwanese patients.

CONCLUSION

MMP8 C-799T, Val436Ala and Lys460Thr may only play an indirect role in determining personal cancer susceptibility for bladder cancer in Taiwan.

The Association of Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 Promoter Polymorphisms with Breast Cancer

BACKGROUND/AIM

The family of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are responsible for the homeostasis of extracellular matrix components and their genetic polymorphisms may be associated with cancer susceptibility. The serum levels of MMP-1 have been reported to be lower in breast cancer patients than healthy subjects. In the current study, we aimed at investigating the contribution of a polymorphism in the promoter region of MMP-1 to breast cancer in Taiwan.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The MMP-1 rs1799705 polymorphic genotypes were genotyped among 1,232 breast cancer patients and 1,232 healthy controls by the typical polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism methodology.

RESULTS

The percentages of 2G/2G, 1G/2G, and 1G/1G for MMP1 -1607 genotypes were 35.4, 40.6 and 24.0% in the breast cancer group and 34.1, 43.6, and 22.3% in the healthy control group (p trend=0.3025), respectively. The odds ratios (ORs) after adjusting for age, smoking and alcohol drinking status for those carrying 1G/2G and 1G/1G genotypes at MMP1 -1607 were 0.93 (95%CI=0.76-1.11, p=0.2390) and 1.01 (95%CI=0.77-1.23, p=0.7377), respectively, compared to those carrying the wild-type 2G/2G genotype. Supporting this finding, the adjusted OR for those carrying the 1G allele at MMP-1 -1607 was 1.03 (95%CI=0.91-1.18, p=0.8860), compared to those carrying the wild-type 2G allele. Our findings suggest that the polymorphic genotypes at MMP1 promoter -1607 investigated in the current study, may not play a major role in determining cancer susceptibility to breast cancer in Taiwan. Other early diagnostic and predictive markers are urgently needed for personalized and precise breast cancer detection and therapy.

The contribution of interleukin-8 genotypes and expression to nasopharyngeal cancer susceptibility in Taiwan

The incidence rate of nasopharyngeal cancer (nasopharyngeal carcinoma [NPC]) is much higher in Southeast Asia than in western countries. Interleukin-8 (IL-8), a chemokine produced by macrophages, epithelial cells, airway smooth muscle cells, and endothelial cells, is an important immuno-mediator in the development and progression of many types of cancer. Genetic variations in IL-8 have been associated with the risks of NPC and other cancers. In the current study, we evaluated the role of IL-8 in NPC at the levels of DNA, RNA, and protein in a Taiwanese population. First, in a case-control study, 176 NPC patients and 352 cancer-free controls were genotyped, and the associations of IL-8 T - 251A, C + 781T, C + 1633T, and A + 2767T polymorphisms with NPC risk were evaluated. Second, the NPC tissue samples were assessed for their IL-8 mRNA and protein expression by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blotting, respectively. Regarding the IL-8 promoter T - 251A, the TA and AA genotypes were associated with significantly decreased risks of NPC compared with the wild-type TT genotype (adjusted odds ratio = 0.61 and 0.52, 95% confidence interval = 0.47-0.93 and 0.37-0.91, P = .0415 and .0289, respectively). The mRNA and protein expression levels for NPC tissues revealed no significant associations among the 20 NPC samples with different genotypes. These findings suggest that IL-8 may play an important role in the carcinogenesis of NPC in Taiwan.

The Association of MMP-8 Genotypes with Pterygium

BACKGROUND/AIM

Pterygium is composed of proliferating fibrovascular tissue, and its formation and progression are closely related to the homeostasis of the extracellular microenvironment. However, few studies have examined the contribution of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) to either diagnostic or prognostic potential in pterygium. In this study, we investigated the contribution of a polymorphism in the promoter region of MMP-8 (-799C/T) and two non-synonymous polymorphisms (Val436Ala and Lys460Thr) to pterygium.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, 134 patients with pterygium and 268 non-cancer controls patients were collected and the MMP-8 -799C/T, Val436Ala and Lys460Thr polymorphic genotypes of each subject were examined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP).

RESULTS

The results showed that the three polymorphisms investigated were not significantly associated with risk of pterygium. In addition, the stratified analysis showed that there was no interaction between MMP-8 genotype with age or gender on pterygium risk determination.

CONCLUSION

Polymorphisms at MMP-8 -799C/T, Val436Ala and Lys460Thr may not mainly contribute to determining personal susceptibility to pterygium in the Taiwanese examined.

Contribution of excision repair cross-complementing group 1 genotypes to triple negative breast cancer risk

Compared with other subgroups of breast cancer, triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is considered to be the one with the greatest invasiveness and metastatic mobility, and the highest recurrence rate. Considering the lack of predictive markers for TNBC, we aimed to examine the contribution of excision repair cross complementing-group 1 (ERCC1) genotypes to TNBC. The rs11615 and rs3212986 of ERCC1 were investigated and evaluated for their associations with susceptibility to breast cancer, especially TNBC, in Taiwan. In this study, 1,232 breast cancer patients (104 were TNBC) and 1,232 healthy controls were recruited and their genotypes at ERCC1 rs11615 and rs3212986 were revealed by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis. Our results indicated that genotypes of ERCC1 rs11615 (Ptrend = 2.2*10E-9), but not rs3212986 (Ptrend = 0.6181), were associated with breast cancer risk. In the allelic frequency distribution analysis, breast cancer patients carried the T allele of ERCC1 rs11615 a higher rate than the control subjects, further supporting the idea that ERCC1 rs11615 TT genotype is positively associated with breast cancer susceptibility. More importantly, the frequency of the ERCC1 rs11615 TT genotype was even higher among TNBC patients than among other subtypes of breast cancer patients (P = 0.0001, odds ratio = 1.73, 95% confidence interval = 1.15-2.63). The genotypes of ERCC1 rs11615 were not associated with Ki67 status. Our findings firstly show that the T allele of ERCC1 rs11615 can serve as a predictive biomarker for breast cancer and TNBC. We believe that ERCC1 could serve as a target for personalized treatment of breast cancer, especially for TNBC.

The Association of Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 Promoter Polymorphisms with Prostate Cancer in Taiwanese Patients

BACKGROUND/AIM

The family of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) is responsible for the maintenance of extracellular matrix component homeostasis and the association of MMP-1 genetic polymorphisms with personal susceptibility to prostate cancer has only been investigated in Turkish and Japan populations and never in Taiwan. In the current study, we aimed to examine the contribution of a polymorphism in the promoter region of MMP-1 to Taiwan prostate cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The MMP-1 rs1799705 polymorphic genotypes were genotyped among 218 prostate cancer patients and 436 healthy controls by the typical polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) methodology.

RESULTS

The percentages of 2G/2G, 1G/2G, and 1G/1G for MMP-1 -1607 genotypes were 36.2, 40.4 and 23.4% in the prostate cancer group and 33.7, 44.3, and 22.0% in the healthy control group (p trend=0.6362), respectively. The odds ratios (ORs) after adjusting for age and smoking status for those carrying 1G/2G and 1G/1G genotypes at MMP-1 -1607 were 0.84 (95%CI=0.55-1.21, p=0.3862) and 0.94 (95%CI=0.67-1.53, p=0.9586), respectively, compared to those carrying the wild-type 2G/2G genotype. Supporting these findings, the adjusted OR for those carrying the 1G allele at MMP-1 -1607 was 1.03 (95%CI=0.71-1.45, p=0.6910), compared to those carrying the wild-type 2G allele.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that the polymorphic genotypes at MMP-1 promoter -1607 may play a major role in determining personal cancer susceptibility for prostate cancer in Taiwan.

The Contribution of MMP-8 Promoter Genotypes to Childhood Leukemia

BACKGROUND/AIM

Accumulated evidence has supported the notion that matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) genotypes are associated with the susceptibility of many types of cancers. However, few reports have studied the contribution of MMP genotypes to either diagnostic or prognostic potential in non-solid tumors such as leukemia. In this study, we firstly investigated the contribution of a polymorphism in the promoter region of MMP-8 (-799C/T) and two non-synonymous polymorphisms (Val436Ala and Lys460Thr) to childhood leukemia.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this study, 266 patients with childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and 266 non-cancer control patients were collected and the genomic DNA was isolated from their peripheral blood. MMP-8 -799C/T, Val436Ala and Lys460Thr polymorphic genotypes of each subject were determined by the typical polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP).

RESULTS

The results showed that the three polymorphisms were not significantly associated with an increased risk of childhood ALL in the overall investigated population. Furthermore, when the analyses were stratified by age and gender, no significant association between these genotypes and increased ALL risk was found.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that the polymorphisms at MMP-8 -799C/T, Val436Ala and Lys460Thr may not play a major role in determining the personal susceptibility to childhood ALL in Taiwan.

The Role of MTHFR Genotype in Colorectal Cancer Susceptibility in Taiwan

AIM

To evaluate the contribution of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) genotype to the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) in Taiwan.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this hospital-based case-control study, the role of MTHFR C677T (rs1801133) and A1298C (rs1801131) genotypes in determining CRC risk were investigated among 362 patients with CRC and an equal number of age- and gender-matched healthy individuals.

RESULTS

The percentages of CC, CT and TT genotypes for MTHFR rs1801133 were 64.1%, 29.8% and 6.1% in the CRC group and 51.1%, 37.0% and 11.9% in the control group, respectively (p for trend=0.0006). Analysis of the allelic frequency distribution showed that the variant T allele of MTHFR rs1801133 conferred a lower CRC susceptibility than did the wild-type C allele (odds ratio(OR)=0.66, 95% confidence interval(CI)=0.52-0.84, p=4.32×10^-5). For the gene-lifestyle interaction, there were obvious protective effects of MTHFR rs1801133 T allele on the risk of CRC among non-smokers, ever smokers and non-alcohol drinkers, but not drinkers.

CONCLUSION

MTHFR rs1801133 T allele serves as a predictive marker for CRC risk and future studies with larger samples and functional evaluation are warranted to validate the current findings.

The Association of Matrix Metalloproteinase-8 Promoter Genotypes in Breast Cancer

BACKGROUND/AIM

The family of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) controls homeostasis of the extracellular matrix and their genetic polymorphisms may be associated with personal cancer susceptibility. The serum levels of MMP8 was reported to be higher in patients with breast cancer than in healthy individuals. In this study, we aimed to investigate the contribution of a polymorphism in the promoter region of MMP8 (-799C/T) and two nonsynonymous polymorphisms (Val436Ala and Lys460Thr) to breast cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MMP8 -799C/T, Val436Ala and Lys460Thr polymorphic genotypes were determined for 1,232 patients with breast cancer and 1,232 healthy controls by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism methodology.

RESULTS

The odds ratios (ORs) after adjusting for age, gender, smoking and alcohol drinking status for those carrying CT and TT genotypes at the MMP8 promoter C-799T were 1.03 (95% CI=0.88-1.23, p=0.7475) and 1.08 (95% CI=0.91-1.53, p=0.3561), respectively, compared to those carrying the wild-type CC genotype. The OR for the combined T-bearing genotypes were of a similar non-significant level (OR=1.05, 95% CI=0.90-1.26, p=0.5176). Supporting this finding, the adjusted OR for those carrying the T allele at MMP8 C-799T was 1.05 (95% CI=0.86-1.21, p=0.3797), compared to those carrying the wild-type C allele. There was also no significant association of MMP8 Lys460Thr with breast cancer. There was no polymorphic genotype at MMP8 Val436Ala found among any of the investigated individuals.

CONCLUSION

MMP8 -799C/T, Val436Ala and Lys460Thr polymorphisms may only play an indirect role in determining personal cancer susceptibility to breast cancer in Taiwan.

Association of Matrix Metalloproteinase-7 Genotypes to the Risk of Oral Cancer in Taiwan

BACKGROUND/AIM

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a critical role in inflammation and carcinogenesis, and the expression of mRNA MMP7 in oral squamous cell carcinoma tissues was higher than in the oral lichen planus or normal oral mucosa. However, the genotypic role of MMP7 has never been examined in oral cancer. Therefore, in the current study we aimed to examine the contribution of genotypic variants in the promoter region of MMP7 (A-181G and C-153T) to oral cancer risk in Taiwan.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this hospital-based case-control study, 788 patients with oral cancer and 956 gender-and age-matched healthy controls were genotyped for MMP7 A-181G and C-153T via polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) methodology.

RESULTS

The distribution pattern of AA, AG and GG for MMP7 promoter A-181G genotype was 88.2, 10.4 and 1.4% in the oral cancer patient group and 89.0, 9.3 and 1.7% in the healthy control group, respectively (p for trend=0.6779), non-significantly differentially distributed between the two groups. There is no polymorphic genotype for MMP7 C-153T among Taiwanese. The comparisons in allelic frequency distribution also support the findings that G allele may not be the risk determinant allele for oral cancer. There is no interaction between the genotypes of MMP7 with age, gender, smoking, alcohol or betel quid consumption on oral cancer risk.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that the MMP7 promoter genotypes only play an indirect role in determining the personal susceptibility to oral cancer in Taiwan.

The Contribution of MMP-7 Promoter Polymorphisms in Renal Cell Carcinoma

BACKGROUND/AIM

Mounting evidence has suggested that polymorphisms in the promoters of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) genes are associated with the risk of many types of cancer, but no study has ever explored these polymorphisms as biomarkers for renal cell cancer (RCC). Recently, it was suggested that serum MMP-7 levels have both diagnostic and prognostic potential for RCC. In this study, we focused on the contribution of two functional polymorphisms in the promoter region of MMP-7 (A-181G and C-153T) to RCC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

These two polymorphisms were genotyped in 92 patients with RCC and 580 controls by PRC-RFLP analysis.

RESULTS

The results showed that there is no significant association of the RCC risk with the MMP-7 A-181G genotype, even after adjusted for the possible confounding factors. The MMP-7 C-153T polymorphism was not identified among the subjects investigated.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that the two MMP-7 polymorphisms A-181G and C-153T do not play a major role in determining personal susceptibility to RCC in Taiwan.

The Contribution of Matrix Metalloproteinase-8 Promoter Polymorphism to Oral Cancer Susceptibility

BACKGROUND/AIM

Metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of multifunctional proteins reported to be overexpressed in several types of cancers. However, the contribution of MMP8 genotype to oral cancer has not been elucidated. In this study, we focused on the contribution of polymorphisms in the promoter region of MMP-8 (C-799T) and two non-synonymous polymorphisms (Val436Ala and Lys460Thr) to Taiwanese oral cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this case-control study, MMP-8 genotype, was examined among 788 patients with oral cancer and 956 gender- and age-matched healthy controls regarding its potential to determine oral cancer risk.

RESULTS

The distributions of MMP-8 C-799T, Val436Ala and Lys460Thr genotypes were not different between the oral cancer and non-cancer control groups. We also analyzed the allelic frequency distributions and no significant difference was found. As for gene-environment interaction analysis, there was an increased risk for smokers, alcohol drinkers or betel quid chewers with variant MMP-8 C-799T or Val436Ala genotypes.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that the polymorphisms at MMP-8 C-799T or Val436Ala may not play a major role in mediating personal risk of oral cancer; however, the detailed mechanisms require further investigation.