Lack of evidence for the association of tumor necrosis factor-alpha gene promoter polymorphism with calcium oxalate stone and bladder cancer patients

Associations between IL-1RN variable number of tandem repeat, IL-1β (-511) and IL-1β (+3954) gene polymorphisms and urolithiasis in Uighur children of China

OBJECTIVE

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine which may be related to urolithiasis. Genetic polymorphisms of the interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) have been proposed as markers for urolithiasis in some areas. Due to the high incidence of urolithiasis in Uighur children (Xinjiang, China) and existence of ethnic difference, our aim is to explore the potential of IL-1 gene polymorphisms and urolithiasis among these children.

METHODS

Genomic DNA extracted from peripheral blood of 115 patients and 98 controls were used for genotype polymorphisms analyses. IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL- 1RN) gene variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) gene polymorphisms were analyzed by PCR method. PCR-based restriction analysis was done for the IL-1β (-511) and IL-1β (+3954) gene polymorphisms by endonucleases Ava I and Taq I, respectively. The genotype distribution, allele frequencies, carriage rate, and haplotype frequencies were statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

No significant differences were observed in genotypic frequencies between pediatric urolithiasis patients and control group for IL-1RN gene (χ ²=1.906, p=0.605), IL-1β (-511) gene (χ ²=0.105, p=0.949), or IL-1β (+3954) gene (χ ²=3.635, p=0.169). There were yet no significant differences of the allele frequencies of IL-1RN VNTR gene (p=0.779), IL-1β (-511) gene (p=0.941), and IL-1β (+3954) gene (p=0.418) in the case and control groups, as well as the carriage rate and haplotype of them (all p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The associations between IL-1RN VNTR, IL-1β (-511) and IL-1β (+3954) genes polymorphisms and urolithiasis were not significant in Uighur children. The results need to be confirmed in studies with larger population sample size, as well as in other ethnic groups.

Genetic polymorphisms as prognostic factors for recurrent kidney stones: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Genetic polymorphisms have been suggested as risk factors affecting the occurrence and recurrence of kidney stones, although findings regarding the latter remain inconclusive. We performed this systematic review and meta-analysis to clarify the associations between genetic polymorphisms and recurrent kidney stones. PubMed, SCOPUS, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched through May 28^th, 2020 to identify eligible studies. The Quality in prognostic studies (QUIPS) tool was used to evaluate bias risk. Allelic frequencies and different inheritance models were assessed. All analyses were performed using Review manager 5.4. A total of 14 studies were included for meta-analysis, assessing urokinase (ApaL1) and vitamin D receptor (VDR) (ApaI, BsmI, FokI, and TaqI) gene polymorphisms. The ApaLI polymorphism demonstrated protective association in the recessive model [odds ratio (OR) 0.45, P < 0.01] albeit higher risk among Caucasians in the heterozygous model (OR 16.03, P < 0.01). The VDR-ApaI polymorphism showed protective association in the dominant model (OR 0.60, P < 0.01). Among Asians, the VDR-FokI polymorphism recessive model showed significant positive association (OR 1.70, P < 0.01) and the VDR-TaqI polymorphism heterozygous model exhibited protective association (OR 0.72, P < 0.01). The VDR-BsmI polymorphism was not significantly associated with recurrent kidney stones in any model. Urokinase-ApaLI (recessive model), VDR-ApaI (dominant model), and VDR-TaqI (heterozygous model) polymorphisms were associated with decreased recurrent kidney stone risk whereas urokinase-ApaLI (heterozygous model) and VDR-FokI polymorphisms were associated with increased risk among Caucasians and Asians, respectively. These findings will assist in identifying individuals at risk of kidney stone recurrence.

The Interplay between Oxidative Stress, Inflammation and Angiogenesis in Bladder Cancer Development

In 2018, 550,000 people were diagnosed with bladder cancer (BC), of which nearly 200,000 people died. Moreover, men are 4 times more likely than women to be diagnosed with BC. The risk factors include exposure to environmental and occupational chemicals, especially tobacco smoke, benzidine and genetic factors. Despite numerous studies, the molecular basis of BC development remains unclear. A growing body of evidence suggests that inflammation, oxidant-antioxidant imbalance and angiogenesis disorders may play a significant role in the development and progression of bladder cancer. The patients with bladder cancer were characterised by an increased level of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the products of lipid peroxidation, proinflammatory cytokines and proangiogenic factors as compared to controls. Furthermore, it was shown that polymorphisms localised in genes associated with these pathways may modulate the risk of BC. Interestingly, ROS overproduction may induce the production of proinflammatory cytokines, which finally activated angiogenesis. Moreover, the available literature shows that both inflammation and oxidative stress may lead to activation of angiogenesis and tumour progression in BC patients.

Polymorphisms of TNF-α -308 G/A and IL-8 -251 T/A Genes Associated with Urothelial Carcinoma: A Case-Control Study

Cigarette smoking and exposure to environmental tobacco smoke are well-known risk factors for urothelial carcinoma (UC). We conducted a hospital-based case-control study involving 287 UC cases and 574 cancer-free controls to investigate the joint effects of cigarette smoking and polymorphisms of inflammatory genes on UC risk. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) -308 G/A and interleukin-8 (IL-8) -251 T/A polymorphisms were determined using a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. People who had ever smoked and those who were exposed to environmental tobacco smoke had significantly increased UC odds ratios (ORs) of 1.65 and 1.68, respectively. Participants who had smoked more than 18 pack-years had a significantly increased UC OR of 2.64. People who had ever smoked and who carried the A/A genotype of the TNF-α -308 G/A polymorphism had a significantly higher UC OR (10.25) compared to people who had never smoked and who carried the G/G or G/A genotype. In addition, people who had ever smoked and who carried the IL-8 -251 T/T genotype had a significantly increased UC OR (3.08) compared to people who had never smoked and who carried the T/A or A/A genotype. In a combined analysis of three major risk factors (cumulative cigarette smoking, the TNF-α -308 A/A genotype, and the IL-8 -251 T/T genotype), subjects with any one, any two, and all three risk factors experienced significantly increased UC ORs of 1.55, 2.89, and 3.77, respectively, compared to individuals with none of the risk factors. Conclusions. Our results indicate that the combined effects of cumulative cigarette exposure and the TNF-α -308 A/A genotype and/or the IL-8 -251 T/T genotype on UC OR showed a significant dose-response relationship.

Polymorphism of inflammatory genes and arsenic methylation capacity are associated with urothelial carcinoma

Chronic exposure to arsenic can generate reactive oxidative species, which can induce certain proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8). TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8 have been shown to be involved in the development and progression of various cancers, including bladder cancer. This study aimed to investigate the joint effect of the polymorphism of TNF-α -308 G/A, IL-6 -174 G/C, IL-8 -251 T/A and urinary arsenic profiles on urothelial carcinoma (UC) risk. This study evaluated 300 pathologically-confirmed cases of UC and 594 cancer-free controls. Urinary arsenic species were detected using high-performance liquid chromatography-linked hydride generator and atomic absorption spectrometry. The polymorphism of TNF-α -308 G/A, IL-6 -174 G/C and IL-8 -251 T/A was determined using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. The joint effects on UC risk were estimated by odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals using unconditional logistic regression. We found that the TNF-α -308 A/A and IL-8 -251 T/T polymorphisms were significantly associated with UC. Moreover, significant dose-response joint effect of TNF-α -308 A/A or IL-8 -251 T/T genotypes and arsenic methylation indices were seen to affect UC risk. The present results also showed a significant increase in UC risk in subjects with the IL-8 -251 T/T genotype for each SD increase in urinary total arsenic and MMA%. In contrast, a significant decrease in UC risk was found in subjects who carried the IL-8 -251 T/T genotype for each SD increase in DMA%.

Association of pro/anti-inflammatory cytokine gene variants in renal transplant patients with allograft outcome and cyclosporine immunosuppressant levels

T-helper (Th) type 1/Th2 cytokines are key mediators in induction/effecter phases of all immune and inflammatory responses playing role in acute/chronic renal allograft rejection. Association studies lead to identification of patient risk profiles enabling individualization of level of immunosuppressions. We investigated the association of allograft rejection with interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-4, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) −308, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) (C-del, codon 10 and 25) gene variants in 184 renal transplant recipients and 180 controls. These cytokine genotypes were also evaluated with cyclosporine levels (C2) at one month in 135 stable recipients. High producing genotypes B1B1 of IL-4 and AA of TNF-α α308 showed significant association with rejection of allograft. The dose-adjusted C2 levels were significantly lower in patients with the high producing genotype T/T of IL-2 and heterozygous G/C of TGF-β codon 25 (P = 0.012 and 0.010, respectively). Haplotype frequencies were comparable in subjects for TGF-β codon-10 and 25. Combined inter-gene interaction showed high risk for rejection in recipients with high producing genotype B1B1 of IL-4 and AA of TNF-α and high TNF-α (AA) with low TGF-β (CC or Pro/Pro). In conclusion, association of IL-4 VNTR and TNF-α −308 suggested the involvement of these cytokines contributing to pathogenesis of allograft rejection. Recipients with TT genotype of IL-2 and GC of TGF-β codon 25 having low C2 levels may require higher cyclosporine dosage. Combined analysis of gene-gene interaction demonstrated synergistic effect of cytokines increasing risk for rejection. Thus, this information may help in pre-assessment of allograft outcome and to optimize cyclosporine therapy in post-transplant patients.

Genetic epidemiology of bladder cancer: scaling up in the identification of low-penetrance genetic markers of bladder cancer risk and progression

Bladder cancer is an increasingly important international public health problem. As a multifactorial disease, both environmental and genetic factors are involved in its development and progression. This neoplasm is a paradigm for the participation of low-penetrance genetic variants (GSTM1-null and NAT2-slow) and provides the best established gene-environment interaction in cancer (NAT2-slow * tobacco). Genetic variants in nucleotide excision and double strand break DNA repair pathways have provided promising results, ERCC2-XPD rs238406 being the most consistent variant associated with an increased of bladder cancer risk, by itself and by interacting with tobacco. Variants in other pathways such as cell-cycle control, 1-C metabolism and inflammation have been studied, although the results are inconsistent. Three very large whole genome association studies are being undertaken using the same genotyping platform. Their results will be available soon. Genetic variants have seldom been considered as markers of prognosis or response to therapy in this tumour. The results of these studies are inconclusive. Other issues that need to be addressed are the role of genetic variants in different population subgroups--defined by ethnicity, gender and age, among others--and the association with bladder cancer subphenotypes according to clinical, pathological and molecular characteristics of the tumour. This endeavour can only be achieved by integrating multidisciplinary tools and information. Can this information be applied better to identify high-risk populations? Can the information be used to better assess prognosis or predict response to therapy? These questions require large, well-designed, multicentre studies to be conducted. Funding agencies should be aware of these needs.

Analysis of polymorphisms of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and polymorphic xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes in inflammatory bowel disease: study from northern India

BACKGROUND

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha is a proinflammatory cytokine associated with inflammatory diseases, while GSTM1 and T1 enzymes catalyze detoxification of products of oxidative stress and hence reduce inflammation. Thus, both may play important roles in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of polymorphism of the TNF-alpha promoter at the -308 site, GSTM1 and GSTT1 in patients with IBD and healthy controls from northern India.

METHOD

Genotyping was performed in 114 patients with IBD (22 Crohn's disease [CD] and 92 ulcerative colitis [UC]) in TNF-alpha and 105 (20 CD and 85 UC) in GSTM1 and T1 and 164 healthy controls using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and multiplex PCR methods.

RESULTS

Patients with IBD were comparable to healthy controls in relation to age and gender. Genotypic and allelic frequencies of TNF-alpha were comparable among patients with IBD and healthy controls. GSTM1 null genotype was more frequent in UC than in healthy controls (52/85 vs 49/164; P < 0.001) and GSTT1 null genotype was more frequent both in UC and CD as compared to healthy controls (77/85 and 18/20 vs 26/164, respectively; P < 0.001 for both). Frequency of combined null genotype in GSTM1 and T1 was more frequently associated with IBD than healthy controls (4/20 vs 8/164; P = 0.029, OR = 4.875 and 28/85 vs 8/164; P < 0.001, OR = 9.579, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

'Null' genotypes of GSTM1 and T1 are associated with IBD and the combination of the two GST genotypes further increases the risk, possibly due to gene-gene interaction. TNF-alpha is unlikely to be an important determinant of susceptibility to IBD in the Indian population.

Possible correlation between polymorphism in the tumor necrosis factor-beta gene and the clinicopathological features of bladder cancer in Japanese patients

OBJECTIVES

In a variety of cancers, several polymorphisms of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) genes have been reported to result in different clinical outcomes. We investigated whether a polymorphism of the TNF gene is associated with a susceptibility to bladder cancer and its disease status.

METHODS

Polymorphisms in the TNF-alpha gene promoter (-308 bp) and the NcoI site in the first intron of the TNF-beta gene were analyzed in 141 Japanese patients with bladder cancer and 173 Japanese controls by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. The correlations between the polymorphisms of the TNF genes and the clinicopathological features were analyzed.

RESULTS

The number of cases and controls with TNF-alpha2 was too small to be assessable. In contrast, the TNF-beta1/2 genotype at the NcoI site in the first intron conferred a 1.71-fold increased risk of bladder cancer compared to the TNF-beta2/2 genotype. In the bladder cancer group, patients with the TNF-beta1 allele had a significantly higher risk for a high-grade tumor (grade 3) or carcinoma in situ (CIS) than those without the TNF-beta1 allele. Moreover, in the superficial bladder cancers, patients with the TNF-beta1 allele showed a significantly higher intravesical recurrence rate than those without the TNF-beta1 allele.

CONCLUSION

This polymorphism in the TNF-beta gene appears to be associated with tumor occurrence and disease status, such as the tumor grade and the presence of CIS. Further study with an increased sample size is warranted.

Correlation between a gene polymorphism of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (G/A) and end-stage renal disease: a pilot study from north India

BACKGROUND

Patients with chronic kidney disease manifest an inflammatory state in comparison to healthy individuals. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is a potent pro-inflammatory cytokine involved in initiation and progression of renal injury. We examined the 2-promoter region polymorphism of TNF-alpha gene G to A at -308 and at +488 sites in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) subjects.

METHODS

The TNF-alpha -308 G/A and +488 G/A polymorphisms were genotyped in 231 patients aged 36.5+/-10, and in 180 matched controls (34.96+/-11.3) by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS-PCR) method, respectively.

RESULTS

The genotypic distribution of TNF-alpha -308 and +488 were significantly different between patients and controls (P<0.001 and P<0.006), respectively. The AA genotype was more frequent in ESRD patients than controls for both the sites (42% vs. 2.8% and 17.3% vs. 2.2%), respectively. The allelic frequency of TNF-alpha A was also higher in cases than in controls for both the sites (P<0.001; OR=2.96; 95% CI=2.228-3.945 and P<0.013; OR=1.422; 95% CI=1.078-1.876). Significant difference was observed for haplotype frequency distribution between ESRD patients and controls and 'A-G#' haplotype showed >9-fold higher risk (OR=9.886, 95% CI=4.408-22.172). The two polymorphisms were in linkage disequilibrium in the control group (D'=0.8047, P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Both the variants of TNF-alpha (-308 and +488) polymorphism had significant association and may thus be a strong predisposing risk factor for ESRD in a cohort of north Indian population. Further, individuals with haplotypes A-G# may be at higher risk for ESRD.

Genetics of hypercalciuria and calcium nephrolithiasis: from the rare monogenic to the common polygenic forms

Idiopathic calcium nephrolithiasis is a multifactorial disease with a pathogenesis that involves a complex interaction of environmental and individual factors. This review discusses what is known about monogenic renal calcium stone-related disorders, provides an update on genetic research in calcium nephrolithiasis and such intermediate phenotypes as idiopathic hypercalciuria, discusses the problems that these conditions pose to clinicians and geneticists interested in their pathogenesis, and proposes some method tools potentially useful in this research frame of reference.

Association of bladder tumors and GA genotype of −308 nucleotide in tumor necrosis factor-alpha promoter with greater tumor necrosis factor-alpha expression

OBJECTIVES

To investigate whether the genetic polymorphism of the -308 nucleotide in the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) promoter is associated with bladder cancer.

METHODS

DNA samples from blood and tumor were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction-based restriction fragment length polymorphism to characterize the genetic polymorphism of the -308 nucleotide in the TNF-alpha promoter. TNF-alpha mRNA expression levels were assessed by quantitative competitive polymerase chain reaction, and the serum concentrations of TNF-alpha were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

Patients with bladder tumor and control subjects did not differ in their genetic polymorphism of the -308 nucleotide (P = 0.259). However, the relation of the tumor grade with the GA phenotype was statistically significant (P = 0.04). TNF-alpha mRNA concentrations were also significantly greater in the GA genotype than in the GG genotype (P = 0.022). The TNF-alpha serum levels of the GA genotype were significantly greater than those of the GG genotype for both patients and controls. However, patients with bladder tumor had significantly greater TNF-alpha serum levels than did the controls for both the GG and the GA genotypes (GG type, P = 0.001; GA type, P = 0.009).

CONCLUSIONS

The genotype of the -308 nucleotide in the TNF-alpha promoter had a statistically significant effect on TNF-alpha production and was related to the bladder tumor grade. The GA polymorphism might be associated with a statistically significant increase in gene transcription. That the TNF-alpha serum levels were greater in the patients with bladder tumor compared with controls suggests that high TNF-alpha production is associated with bladder tumor development and that bladder tumors may secrete TNF-alpha.

Genetic susceptibility to tobacco-related cancer

Although cigarette smoking is the dominant risk factor for several epithelial cancers, only a small fraction of individuals with tobacco exposure develop cancer. The underlying hypothesis is that genetic factors may render certain smokers more susceptible to cancer than others. Genetic alterations in critical regulatory pathways may predispose cells to carcinogenesis. These pathways include regulation of xenobiotic metabolism; control of genomic stability, including DNA repair mechanisms, cell-cycle checkpoints, apoptosis and telomere length; and control of microenvironmental factors, such as matrix metalloproteinases, inflammation and growth factors. In addition, epigenetic events, such as promoter hypermethylation and loss of imprinting, are also involved in carcinogenesis. In this review, we will summarize recent advances in genetic susceptibility to tobacco-related cancer. Emphasizing on risk assessment, we will describe how genetic variations in the above-mentioned genetic pathways modify the tobacco-related cancer risk. In addition, we will discuss how genetic variations may assist in predicting clinical outcome, such as the natural history of cancer and treatment response. The measurements of genetic susceptibility by both genotypic and phenotypic assays are covered in the text. Finally, we present a number of current concerns that need to be addressed as the exciting field of molecular cancer epidemiology advances rapidly.