The functional -94 insertion/deletion ATTG polymorphism in the promoter region of NFKB1 gene increases the risk of sporadic colorectal cancer

NFKB1 variants were associated with the risk of Parkinson´s disease in male

The NF-κB pathway is involved in the pathogenesis of neurological disorders that have inflammation as a hallmark, including Parkinson's disease (PD). Our objective was to determine whether common functional variants in the NFKB1, NFKBIA and NFKBIZ genes were associated with the risk of PD. A total of 532 Spanish PD cases (61% male; 38% early-onset, ≤ 55 years) and 300 population controls (50% ≤55 years) were genotyped for the NFKB1 rs28362491 and rs7667496, NFKBIA rs696, and NFKBIZ rs1398608 polymorphisms. We compared allele and genotype frequencies between early and late-onset, male and female, and patient's vs. controls. We found that the two NFKB1 alleles were significantly associated with PD in our population (p = 0.01; total patients vs. controls), without difference between Early and Late onset patients. The frequencies of the NFKB1 variants significantly differ between male and female patients. Compared to controls, male patients showed a significantly higher frequency of rs28362491 II (p = 0.02, OR = 1.52, 95%CI = 1.10-2.08) and rs28362491 C (p = 0.003, OR = 1.62, 95%CI = 1.18-2.22). The two NFKB1 variants were in strong linkage disequilibrium and the I-C haplotype was significantly associated with the risk of PD among male (p = 0.002). In conclusion, common variants in the NF-kB genes were associated with the risk of developing PD in our population, with significant differences between male and female. These results encourage further studies to determine the involvement of the NF-kB components in the pathogenesis of Parkinson´s disease.

The influence of the -94 Ins/Del ATTG polymorphism of NFkB on the anti-CCP antibody levels in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by an inflammatory process that affects mainly synovial tissue in joints, and by the production of cyclic citrullinated peptides (anti-CCP) antibodies. In the inflammatory process the regulation of the nuclear factor kappa B (NFkB) transcription factor activation is a key point in the production of inflammatory cytokines. On the other hand, polymorphisms in several genes could contribute to the promotion of the inflammatory process observed in RA, and the association of the rs28362491 polymorphism in the NFkB gene with RA has been studied in different population. Therefore, it could be one of the interest targets to analyze their association with RA in a Mexican population.This is a case-control study to determine the influence of rs28362491 in the NFkB gene on RA and on clinical features of this disease, such as anti-CCP antibody levels, Disease Activity Score, and Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index.The genotype of rs28362491 in the NFkB gene was determined in 140 RA patients and 135 healthy controls using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method with the enzyme PflMI. The following clinical variables were also determined: anti-CCP levels, Disease Activity Score, and Spanish version of the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability-Index.Although no association of the polymorphism as a risk/protection factor with RA was found, the RA patients who carried the Ins/Ins genotype showed higher anti-CCP levels, while those with the Del/Del genotype showed higher Spanish version of the Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index levels, compared to the other genotypes.The NFkB -94 Ins/Del ATTG (rs28362491) polymorphism is, therefore, associated with higher levels of anti-CCP antibodies, though no significant association as a risk or protection factor in RA cases was identified.

Contributions of NFKB1 -94insertion/deletion ATTG polymorphism to the susceptibility of gastrointestinal cancers: A meta-analysis

Nuclear factor‐kappa B1 (NF‐κB1), a pleiotropic transcription factor, functions as a critical contributor to tumorigenesis. Growing numbers of case‐control studies were carried out to analyse the potential contribution of NF‐κB1 gene variants to gastrointestinal cancer risk, yet remains conflicting conclusions. Therefore, we conducted this most up‐to‐date meta‐analysis to evaluate the relationship between NF‐κB1 gene insertion (I)/deletion (D) polymorphism, namely −94ins/delATTG or rs28362491, and the susceptibility to gastrointestinal cancers. We searched PubMed, EMBASE and MEDLINE databases updated in April 2021 for relevant studies. Meta‐analysis was carried out by software Stata11.0. The quantification of the relationship was determined by computing the combined odds ratios (ORs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Sensitivity analysis, the funnel plot and Begg's rank correlation test were also applied. Our findings indicate that −94ins/delATTG polymorphism could not significantly impact the susceptibility to gastrointestinal cancers. Under any five genetic models, −94ins/delATTG polymorphism was not remarkedly linked to the risk of colorectal, gastric and oesophageal cancer, respectively. The significant role of −94ins/delATTG was only observed in some certain subgroups. Findings here suggest that NF‐κB1 gene −94ins/delATTG polymorphism may not predispose to gastrointestinal cancer susceptibility.

Germline Genetic Variants of Viral Entry and Innate Immunity May Influence Susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Toward a Polygenic Risk Score for Risk Stratification

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 has affected all aspects of human society with a special focus on healthcare. Although older patients with preexisting chronic illnesses are more prone to develop severe complications, younger, healthy individuals might also exhibit serious manifestations. Previous studies directed to detect genetic susceptibility factors for earlier epidemics have provided evidence of certain protective variations. Following SARS-CoV-2 exposure, viral entry into cells followed by recognition and response by the innate immunity are key determinants of COVID-19 development. In the present review our aim was to conduct a thorough review of the literature on the role of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as key agents affecting the viral entry of SARS-CoV-2 and innate immunity. Several SNPs within the scope of our approach were found to alter susceptibility to various bacterial and viral infections. Additionally, a multitude of studies confirmed genetic associations between the analyzed genes and autoimmune diseases, underlining the versatile immune consequences of these variants. Based on confirmed associations it is highly plausible that the SNPs affecting viral entry and innate immunity might confer altered susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection and its complex clinical consequences. Anticipating several COVID-19 genomic susceptibility loci based on the ongoing genome wide association studies, our review also proposes that a well-established polygenic risk score would be able to clinically leverage the acquired knowledge.

Association of -94 ATTG insertion/deletion NFkB1 and c.*126G>A NFkBIA genetic polymorphisms with oxidative and nitrosative stress biomarkers in Brazilian subjects with Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder, resulting dopaminergic neuronal cell death in the substantia nigra. The disease is characterized by major motor impairment, being bradykinesia, rest tremor, rigidity and loss of postural reflexes the most common, while autonomic dysfunctions, sleep disturbances and psychiatric disorders are some of the wide range of non-motor symptoms. Several processes have been identified to be associated with disease development, such as mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative/nitrosative stress and neuroinflammation. NF-κB is an important transcription factor that regulates several inflammatory elements and pathways, and polymorphisms on NFKB1 and NFKBIA genes can potentially influence redox balance towards a pro-oxidative frame, modulating disease progression. Evaluation of these polymorphisms in the redox status of PD subjects could provide new insights on the pathogenesis of this disorder. The study aimed to test associations of -94 in./del ATTG NFKB1 (rs28362491) and c.*126G > A NFKBIA (rs696) polymorphisms with PD development, and to test the influence of both polymorphisms on oxidative/nitrosative stress (OS/NS) parameters. A total of 110 Brazilian individuals were enrolled, being 55 subjects recruited from University Hospital of Londrina as the PD group, and 55 subjects matched for age, sex and ethnicity composed the healthy control (HC) group. NFkB1 and NFkBIA polymorphisms were genotyped by PCR-RFLP. Lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH), nitric oxide metabolites (NOx), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), sulfhydryl groups (SH), total radical trapping antioxidant parameter (TRAP) and paraoxonase-1 activity (PON-1) were assessed. Despite no association of polymorphisms on disease development was observed, in PD subjects the NFKB1 del/del genotype was associated with higher levels of LOOH, while NFkBIA GA and AA genotypes were associated with higher NOx levels, suggesting that NFkB plays a role in PD susceptbility. In conclusion, the prospect of genetic polymorphisms of elements involved in inflammation and OS/NS might be a new approach to unravel PD etiology.

Nuclear factor NF-κB1 functional promoter polymorphism and its expression conferring the risk of Type 2 diabetes-associated dyslipidemia

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) accompanied by hyperlipidemia confers higher risk for diabetes as well as cardiovascular diseases. NF-κB is actively involved in generating low-grade inflammation and oxidative stress triggering the development of diabetic complications. In this study, we have attempted to investigate the association between NF-κB1 functional promoter polymorphism-94 ATTG insertion/deletion (rs28362491) with inflammatory markers in developing diabetes-linked dyslipidemia. We performed a case-control study in a total of 401 individuals belonging to three categories such as Type 2 diabetes with dyslipidemia, Type 2 diabetes without dyslipidemia, and normal healthy controls. Experiments were carried out using genotyping, real-time PCR, and western blot. Pearson's correlation, analysis of variance, and logistic regression were utilized for statistical analysis. As per genetic association conducted in this study the SNP rs28362491 showed significant allelic and genotypic associations (Allelic: OR = 1.374, CI 0.9797-1.927, p = 0.003, and Genotypic in dominant model: OR = 1.77, CI 1.04-2.99, p = 0.002) with the risk of diabetes and associated dyslipidemia. The -94 ATTG insertion/insertion (ins/ins) genotype was associated with significantly increased level of serum TNF-α (p = 0.002), serum IL-6 (p = 0.067) in diabetes-induced dyslipidemia. Multiple linear regression analysis identifies independent correlation of Total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, TNF-α, and rs28362491 ATTG ins/ins with triglyceride in diabetic dyslipidemic condition. T2DM with dyslipidemia having ins/ins genotype showed significant increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6, and activation of NF-κB. Our study reports that individuals with ATTG insertion allele and ATTG ins/ins genotype at NF-κB1 promoter regulatory gene predicts the risk and severity of T2DM-linked dyslipidemia.

Genetic Association between NFKBIA and NFKB1 Gene Polymorphisms and the Susceptibility to Head and Neck Cancer: A Meta-Analysis

Background

The role of the NFKB1 gene rs28362491 polymorphism and NFKBIA gene rs2233406 polymorphism in the development of head and neck cancer (HNC) remains controversial. This meta-analysis was performed to assess the relationship between the gene polymorphisms and HNC quantitatively.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, WanFang Data, and China National Knowledge databases were used to search for eligible articles. The relationship was evaluated by STATA 11.0.

Results

Eight eligible articles were included in our study. Nine case-control studies from the eight included articles were correlated with rs28362491 polymorphism. Four articles were related to rs2233406 polymorphism. Overall, a significant correlation was observed between the rs28362491 polymorphism and a decreased risk of HNCs (OR = 0.76, 95%CI = 0.60‐0.97 for DD vs. II; OR = 0.80, 95%CI = 0.68‐0.95 for DD vs. DI+II). In subgroup analyses, the rs28362491 polymorphism was associated with the risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NC), but not with oral cancer (OC). In addition, no statistical correlation was found between the polymorphism of rs2233406 and HNCs.

Conclusion

rs28362491 polymorphism was significantly associated with the risk of HNCs, especially with NC. Additionally, our results showed that no association was discovered between rs2233406 polymorphism and HNCs.

Application of Single-Tube Tri-Primer ARMS-PCR to Detect the NFKB1 ATTG Insertion/Deletion Polymorphism

AIMS

The -94 ATTG insertion/deletion polymorphism (rs28362491) is an important functional polymorphism in the NFKB1 gene. It has been shown that rs28362491 is associated with many diseases. The purpose of this study was to establish a simple and reliable method to detect the ATTG insertion/deletion polymorphism.

METHODS

On the basis of the amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR) method, a single-tube tri-primer ARMS-PCR method was developed to detect the ATTG insertion/deletion polymorphism in 93 samples. The results of the single-tube tri-primer ARMS-PCR method were validated by DNA sequencing.

RESULTS

After optimization of the PCR conditions, the single-tube tri-primer ARMS-PCR was established to detect the insertion/deletion polymorphism using agarose gel electrophoresis. In 93 volunteers, the genotype frequencies were 30.1% for Ins/Ins, 19.4% for Del/Del, and 50.5% for Ins/Del, respectively. The results of the single-tube tri-primer ARMS-PCR method were consistent with the results of DNA sequencing.

CONCLUSIONS

This single-tube tri-primer ARMS-PCR is a reliable, simple, and cost-efficient genotyping method for the detection of the ATTG insertion/deletion polymorphism in the NFKB1 gene.

NFKB1 and Cancer: Friend or Foe?

Current evidence strongly suggests that aberrant activation of the NF-κB signalling pathway is associated with carcinogenesis. A number of key cellular processes are governed by the effectors of this pathway, including immune responses and apoptosis, both crucial in the development of cancer. Therefore, it is not surprising that dysregulated and chronic NF-κB signalling can have a profound impact on cellular homeostasis. Here we discuss NFKB1 (p105/p50), one of the five subunits of NF-κB, widely implicated in carcinogenesis, in some cases driving cancer progression and in others acting as a tumour-suppressor. The complexity of the role of this subunit lies in the multiple dimeric combination possibilities as well as the different interacting co-factors, which dictate whether gene transcription is activated or repressed, in a cell and organ-specific manner. This review highlights the multiple roles of NFKB1 in the development and progression of different cancers, and the considerations to make when attempting to manipulate NF-κB as a potential cancer therapy.

Low penetrance genetic polymorphisms as potential biomarkers for colorectal cancer predisposition

Colorectal cancer is a leading form of cancer in both males and females. Early detection of individuals at risk of colorectal cancer allows proper treatment and management of the disease to be implemented, which can potentially reduce the burden of colorectal cancer incidence, morbidity and mortality. In recent years, the role of genetic susceptibility factors in mediating predisposition to colorectal cancer has become more and more apparent. Identification of high-frequency, low-penetrance genetic polymorphisms associated with the cancer has therefore emerged as an important approach which can potentially aid prediction of colorectal cancer risk. However, the overwhelming amount of genetic epidemiology data generated over the past decades has made it difficult for one to assimilate the information and determine the exact genetic polymorphisms that can potentially be used as biomarkers for colorectal cancer. This review comprehensively consolidates, based primarily on results from meta-analyses, the recent progresses in the search of colorectal cancer-associated genetic polymorphisms, and discusses the possible mechanisms involved.

Meat and fiber intake and interaction with pattern recognition receptors (TLR1, TLR2, TLR4, and TLR10) in relation to colorectal cancer in a Danish prospective, case-cohort study

Background

Meat and dietary fiber are associated with increased and decreased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC), respectively. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) regulate the intestinal immune response in a complex interplay between the mucosal epithelium and the microbiota and may therefore be important modulators of diet-induced CRC together with other inflammatory mediators.

Objective

Our aim was to investigate the association between functional TLR polymorphisms and risk of CRC and the interaction with dietary factors. Additionally, interactions with previously studied polymorphisms in IL10, IL1B, PTGS2, and NFKB1 were assessed in order to examine possible biological pathways in meat-induced CRC.

Design

A nested case-cohort study of 897 CRC cases and 1689 randomly selected participants from the Danish prospective "Diet, Cancer and Health" study encompassing 57,053 persons was performed using Cox proportional hazard models and the likelihood ratio test.

Results

We found associations between polymorphisms in TLR2 (P = 0.018) and TLR4 (P = 0.044) and risk of CRC per se, interactions between intake of red and processed meat (10 g/d) and polymorphisms in TLR1 (P-interaction = 0.032) and TLR10 (P-interaction = 0.026 and 0.036), and intake of cereals (50 g/d) and TLR4 (P-interaction = 0.044) in relation to risk of CRC. Intake of red and processed meat also interacted with combinations of polymorphisms in TLR1 and TLR10 and polymorphisms in NFKB1, IL10, IL1B, and PTGS2 (P-interaction; TLR1/rs4833095 × PTGS2/rs20417 = 0.021, TLR10/rs11096955 × IL10/rs3024505 = 0.047, TLR10/rs11096955 × PTGS2/rs20417 = 0.017, TLR10/rs4129009 × NFKB1/rs28362491 = 0.027, TLR10/rs4129009 × IL1B/rs4848306 = 0.020, TLR10/rs4129009 × IL1B/rs1143623 = 0.021, TLR10/rs4129009 × PTGS2/rs20417 = 0.027), whereas intake of dietary fiber (10 g/d) interacted with combinations of polymorphisms in TLR4, IL10, and PTGS2 (P-interaction; TLR4/rs1554973 × IL10/rs3024505 = 0.0012, TLR4/rs1554973 × PTGS2/rs20417 = 0.0041, TLR4/rs1554973 × PTGS2/rs5275 = 0.0064).

Conclusions

Our study suggests that meat intake may activate TLRs at the epithelial surface, leading to CRC via inflammation by nuclear transcription factor-κB-initiated transcription of inflammatory genes, whereas intake of fiber may protect against CRC via TLR4-mediated secretion of interleukin-10 and cyclooxygenase-2. Our results should be replicated in other prospective cohorts with well-characterized participants. The trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03250637.

An updated meta-analysis of 37 case-control studies on the association between NFKB1 -94ins/del ATTG promoter polymorphism and cancer susceptibility

As a cell survival signal, nuclear factor-kappa B (NFKB) is associated with the pathogenesis of numerous malignancies. According to several studies, NFKB1 −94ins/del ATTG promoter polymorphism is associated with the risk of different malignancies, but the results were not consistent. Therefore, we performed an updated meta-analysis based on 37 case-control studies from 33 articles (16,271 cases and 22,781 controls) to clarify the relationship. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to determine the strength of the association. We found that the NFKB1 −94ins/del ATTG promoter polymorphism was significantly associated with increased susceptibility to cancer in the recessive (II vs. ID+DD, OR = 1.140, 95% CI = 1.029–1.263, p =0.012), homozygote (II vs. DD, OR = 1.259, 95% CI = 1.068–1.485, p =0.006), and allele (I vs. D, OR = 1.109, 95% CI = 1.025–1.199, p =0.010) genetic models. The subgroup analysis for ethnicity found that the NFKB1 −94ins/del ATTG promoter polymorphism was significantly associated with an increased susceptibility to cancer in Asians and with a decreased susceptibility in Caucasians. The stratified analyses revealed significant associations between the polymorphism and increased susceptibility to ovarian cancer, oral squamous cell carcinoma, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Rediscovery of NF-κB signaling in nasopharyngeal carcinoma: How genetic defects of NF-κB pathway interplay with EBV in driving oncogenesis?

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a unique EBV-associated subtype of head and neck cancer, which has the highest incidence in Southern China and eastern South Asia. The interaction between genetic risk factors and environmental challenge, have been considered to contribute to the development of nasopharyngeal carcinogenesis. Constitutive activation of NF-κB signaling has been seen in NPC tissues and is associated with unfavorable prognosis. Recently, several whole exome sequencing study consistently revealed that high frequency mutations of NF-κB pathway negative regulators is common in nasopharyngeal carcinoma, which reinforce the importance of NF-κB driving oncogenesis. This review focuses on the current state of research in role of NF-κB in NPC carcinogenesis. We summarized the newly identified loss of function (LOF) mutations on NF-κB negative regulators leading to it's activation bypass LMP-1 stimulation. We discussed the critical role of NF-κB activation in immortalization and transformation of nasopharygeal epithelium. We also depicted how NF-κB signaling mediated chronic inflammation contribute to persistent EBV infection, immune evasion of EBV infected cells, metabolic reprogramming, and cancer stem cells (CSCs) formation in NPC. Lastly, we discussed the clinical resonance of targeting NF-κB for NPC precise therapy.

Analysis of 12 variants in the development of gastric and colorectal cancers

AIM

To evaluate the relation between 12 polymorphisms and the development of gastric cancer (GC) and colorectal cancer (CRC).

METHODS

In this study, we included 125 individuals with GC diagnosis, 66 individuals with CRC diagnosis and 475 cancer-free individuals. All participants resided in the North region of Brazil and authorized the use of their samples. The 12 polymorphisms (in CASP8, CYP2E1, CYP19A1, IL1A, IL4, MDM2, NFKB1, PAR1, TP53, TYMS, UGT1A1 and XRCC1 genes) were genotyped in a single PCR for each individual, followed by fragment analysis. To avoid misinterpretation due to population substructure, we applied a previously developed set of 61 ancestry-informative markers that can also be genotyped by multiplex PCR. The statistical analyses were performed in Structure v.2.3.4, R environment and SPSS v.20.

RESULTS

After statistical analyses with the control of confounding factors, such as genetic ancestry, three markers (rs79071878 in IL4, rs3730485 in MDM2 and rs28362491 in NFKB1) were positively associated with the development of GC. One of these markers (rs28362491) and the marker in the UGT1A1 gene (rs8175347) were positively associated with the development of CRC. Therefore, we investigated whether the joint presence of the deleterious alleles of each marker could affect the development of cancer and we obtained positive results in all analyses. Carriers of the combination of alleles RP1 + DEL (rs79071878 and rs28361491, respectively) are at 10-times greater risk of developing GC than carriers of other combinations. Similarly, carriers of the combination of DEL + RARE (rs283628 and rs8175347) are at about 12-times greater risk of developing CRC than carriers of other combinations.

CONCLUSION

These findings are important for the comprehension of gastric and CRC development, particularly in highly admixed populations, such as the Brazilian population.

HNE and cholesterol oxidation products in colorectal inflammation and carcinogenesis

Consistent experimental data suggest the importance of inflammation-associated oxidative stress in colorectal cancer (CRC) pathogenesis. Inflammatory bowel disease with chronic intestinal inflammation is now considered a precancerous condition. Oxidative stress is an essential feature of inflammation. Activation of redox-sensitive pro-inflammatory cell signals and inflammatory mediators concur to establish a pro-tumoral environment. In this frame, lipid oxidation products, namely 4-hydroxynonenal and oxysterols, can be produced in big quantity so as to be able to exert their function as inducers of cell signaling pathways of proliferation and survival. Notably, an important source of these two compounds is represented by a high fat diet, which is undoubtedly a risk factor for inflammation and CRC development. Current evidence for the emerging implication of these two oxidized lipids in inflammation and CRC development is discussed in this review.

NLRP3 inflammasome activation plays a carcinogenic role through effector cytokine IL-18 in lymphoma

Inflammasomes play important roles in the pathogenesis of tumors, but the roles of NLRP3 inflammasome in the lymphoma remain unclear. Activated NLRP3 inflammasome induces the maturation of its effector cytokine IL-18 which functions in the development of cancer. Here, we investigated the polymorphism and expression of NLRP3 inflammasome related genes and explored their function in lymphoma. We found that IL-18 (rs1946518) and NFκB94 ins/del (rs28362491) contributed to lymphoma susceptibility and allele G in IL-18 was significantly associated with the risk of lymphoma. The mRNA and plasma expression levels of IL-18 were significantly elevated in primary lymphoma patients and decreased after remission. NLRP3 inflammasome could be activated by ATP plus LPS in lymphoma cells accompanied with the increasing expression of NLRP3-related genes. NLRP3 inflammasome activation reduced the dexamethasone-induced proliferation-inhibiting effect by promoting cells into S phase. NLRP3 inflammasome activation promoted lymphoma cells proliferation and inhibited apoptosis through up-regulation of c-myc and bcl-2, and down-regulation of TP53 and bax, and then reduced the anti-tumor effect of dexamethasone. Similar with the activation of NLRP3, the effector cytokine IL-18 also had the proliferation-promoting, apoptosis-inhibiting and resistance-reducing effects on lymphoma cells via shifting the balance of c-myc/TP53 and bcl-2/bax. Moreover, neutralizing IL-18 has the opposite effects. In conclusion, NLRP3 inflammasome contributes to the susceptibility and plays a carcinogenic role through its effector cytokine IL-18 in lymphoma.

Nuclear factor-kappa B1 inhibits early apoptosis of glioma cells by promoting the expression of Bcl-2

Glioma is one of the most common types of adult primary brain tumors, and the underlying molecular mechanisms still remain unclear. Nuclear factor-kappa B1 (NF-κB1) is involved in a variety of malignancies and is widely expressed in malignant tumors. However, the expression of NF-κB1 in different grades of glioma, the correlation between NF-κB1 and Bcl-2 expressions in gliomas, and the research between NF-κB1 and early apoptosis of glioma cells have not been reported so far. In this study, the expression level of NF-κB1 in 31 human glioma tissues and six nonneoplastic brain tissues was determined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results showed that the expression of NF-κB1 in human glioma tissues and glioma cell lines, SHG44 and U87, was significantly higher compared to noncancerous brain tissues and that the expression increased with increasing degrees of tumor malignancy. Similar results were demonstrated with the expression of Bcl-2 in the same human glioma specimens. Flow cytometry results showed that inhibition of NF-κB1 expression significantly promoted apoptosis of SHG44 and U87 in human glioma cells. Western blot analysis further confirmed decreased expression of Bcl-2 protein after inhibition of NF-κB1 protein expression. Taken together, NF-κB1 overexpression inhibits early apoptosis of glioma cells and high expression of NF-κB1 promotes the expression of antiapoptotic gene Bcl-2. Therefore, our study results provide a theoretical basis for antiapoptotic mechanism of tumor cells in association with NF-κB1.

Aberrant methylation patterns in colorectal cancer: a meta-analysis

Colorectal cancer is among the leading causes of cancer death worldwide. Despite numerous molecular characterizations of the phenomenon, the exact dynamics of its onset and progression remain elusive. Colorectal cancer onset has been characterized by changes in DNA methylation profiles, that, owing to the stability of their patterns, are promising candidates to shed light on the molecular events laying at the base of this phenomenon.To exploit this stability and reinforce it, we conducted a meta-analysis on publicly available DNA methylation datasets generated on: normal colorectal, adenoma (ADE) and adenocarcinoma (CRC) samples using the Illumina 450k array, in the systems medicine frame, searching for tumor gene episignatures, to produce a carefully selected list of potential drivers, markers and targets of the disease. The analysis proceeds from a differential meta-analysis of the methylation profiles using an analytical pipeline recently developed by our group [1], through network reconstruction, topological and functional analyses, to finally highlight relevant epigenomic features. Our results show that genes already highlighted for their genetic or transcriptional alteration in colorectal cancer are also differentially methylated, reinforcing -regardless of the level of cellular control- their role in the complex of alterations involved in tumorigenesis.These findings were finally validated in an independent cohort from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA).

Association of NFKB1 gene polymorphism (rs28362491) with levels of inflammatory biomarkers and susceptibility to diabetic nephropathy in Asian Indians

AIM

To investigate the association of NFKB1 gene -94 ATTG insertion/deletion (rs28362491) polymorphism with inflammatory markers and risk of diabetic nephropathy in Asian Indians.

METHODS

A total of 300 subjects were recruited (100 each), normoglycemic, (NG); type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) without any complications (DM) and T2DM with diabetic nephropathy [DM-chronic renal disease (CRD)]. Analysis was carried out by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism and ELISA. Pearson’s correlation, analysis of variance and logistic regression were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The allelic frequencies of -94 ATTG insertion/deletion were 0.655/0.345 (NG), 0.62/0.38 (DM) and 0.775/0.225 (DM-CRD). The -94 ATTG ins allele was associated with significantly increased levels of urinary monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (uMCP-1); uMCP-1 (P = 0.026) and plasma tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α); TNF-α (P = 0.030) and almost doubled the risk of diabetic nephropathy (OR = 1.91, 95%CI: 1.080-3.386, P = 0.025).

CONCLUSION

-94 ATTG ins/ins polymorphism might be associated with increased risk of developing nephropathy in Asian Indian subjects with diabetes mellitus.

NFKB1 -94insertion/deletion ATTG polymorphism and cancer risk: Evidence from 50 case-control studies

Nuclear factor-kappa B1 (NF-κB1) is a pleiotropic transcription factor and key contributor to tumorigenesis in many types of cancer. Numerous studies have addressed the association of a functional insertion (I)/deletion (D) polymorphism (-94ins/delATTG, rs28362491) in the promoter region of NFKB1 gene with the risk of various types of cancer; however, their conclusions have been inconsistent. We therefore conducted a meta-analysis to reevaluate this association. PubMed, EMBASE, China National Knowledge infrastructure (CNKI), and WANFANG databases were searched through July 2016 to retrieve relevant studies. After careful assessment, 50 case-control studies, comprising 18,299 cases and 23,484 controls were selected. Crude odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to determine the strength of the association. The NFKB1 -94ins/delATTG polymorphism was associated with a decreased risk of overall cancer in the homozygote model (DD vs. II): OR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.64-0.87); heterozygote model (ID vs. II): OR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.83-0.99; recessive model (DD vs. ID/II): OR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.71-0.91; dominant model (ID/DD vs. II): OR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.78-0.95; and allele contrast model (D vs. I): OR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.81-0.95). Subgroup and stratified analyses revealed decreased risks for lung cancer, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, and oral squamous cell carcinoma, and this association held true also for Asians (especially Chinese subjects) in hospital-based studies, and in studies with quality scores less than nine. Well-designed, large-scale case-control studies are needed to confirm these results.

Genetic association between NFKB1 -94 ins/del ATTG Promoter Polymorphism and cancer risk: a meta-analysis of 42 case-control studies

Accumulating evidences have indicated that the functional -94 ins/del ATTG polymorphism in the promoter region of human nuclear factor-kappa B1 (NFKB1) gene may be associated with cancer risk. However, some studies yielded conflicting results. To clarify precise association, we performed a comprehensive meta-analysis of 42 case-control studies involving 43,000 subjects (18,222 cases and 24,778 controls). The overall results suggested that the -94 ins/del ATTG polymorphism had a decreased risk for cancer, reaching significant levels in five genetic models (dominant model: OR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.79–0.95, P = 0.002; recessive model: OR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.74–0.94, P = 0.003; homozygous model: OR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.66–0.90, P = 0.001; heterozygous model: OR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.83–0.98, P = 0.011; allelic model: OR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.83–0.96, P = 0.002). Furthermore, the -94 ins/del ATTG polymorphism could confer a decreased or increased risk for cancer development among Asians and Caucasians, respectively. Additionally, the stratification analysis revealed a significant association between the variant and decreased risk of oral, ovarian, and nasopharyngeal cancer in Asians. After we adjusted p values using the Benjamini-Hochberg false discovery rate method to account for multiple comparisons, these associations remained.

The dark matter of the cancer genome: aberrations in regulatory elements, untranslated regions, splice sites, non-coding RNA and synonymous mutations

Cancer is a disease of the genome caused by oncogene activation and tumor suppressor gene inhibition. Deep sequencing studies including large consortia such as TCGA and ICGC identified numerous tumor‐specific mutations not only in protein‐coding sequences but also in non‐coding sequences. Although 98% of the genome is not translated into proteins, most studies have neglected the information hidden in this “dark matter” of the genome. Malignancy‐driving mutations can occur in all genetic elements outside the coding region, namely in enhancer, silencer, insulator, and promoter as well as in 5′‐UTR and 3′‐UTR. Intron or splice site mutations can alter the splicing pattern. Moreover, cancer genomes contain mutations within non‐coding RNA, such as microRNA, lncRNA, and lincRNA. A synonymous mutation changes the coding region in the DNA and RNA but not the protein sequence. Importantly, oncogenes such as TERT or miR‐21 as well as tumor suppressor genes such as TP53/p53,APC,BRCA1, or RB1 can be affected by these alterations. In summary, coding‐independent mutations can affect gene regulation from transcription, splicing, mRNA stability to translation, and hence, this largely neglected area needs functional studies to elucidate the mechanisms underlying tumorigenesis. This review will focus on the important role and novel mechanisms of these non‐coding or allegedly silent mutations in tumorigenesis.

Polymorphisms in NF-κB pathway genes & their association with risk of lung cancer in the Chinese population

Objective:

To investigate the association of NFKB1 -94 ins/del ATTG, NFKBIA -826C>T and NFKBIA -881A>G polymorphisms with risk of lung cancer in a Chinese population.

Methods:

Genotyping of the polymorphisms were performed on 1,436 subjects (718 cases and 718 controls) by using PCR-RFLP technique, followed by DNA sequencing.

Results:

We found a significant risk reduction associated with heterozygous ins/del (OR=0.705, 95% CI=0.566-0.878, P=0.002) and variant del/del (OR=0.342, 95% CI=0.221-0.528, P<0.001) genotypes of the NFKB1 polymorphism. In contrast, the heterozygous and variantgenotypes of theNFKBIA polymorphisms showed association with increased lung cancer risk (NFKBIA -826 CT,OR=1.256, 95%CI=1.004-1.572, P=0.046; TT,OR=1.773, 95% CI=1.131-2.778, P=0.013; NFKBIA -881 AG,OR=1.277, 95% CI=1.023-1.599, P=0.031; GG,OR=1.801, 95% CI=1.169-2.775, P=0.008). Several genotypic combinations of the three polymorphisms also showed significant association with lung cancer risk. The risk association of NFKB1 polymorphism remained significant when analyses were done according to gender and smoking status (P<0.05). The significance of NFKBIA risk association was not observed when gender-specific analyses were made (P>0.05), while only NFKBIA -881 GG genotype showed significant risk association among smokers when analyzed according to smoking status (P=0.032).

Conclusions:

Polymorphisms in NFKB1 and NFKBIAgenes were associated with risk of lung cancer.

The potential anticancer effect of beta-blockers and the genetic variations involved in the interindividual difference

β-ARs are extensively spread in different tissues of our body, which could be activated by neurotransmitters norepinephrine and epinephrine to mediate physiological function and abnormal states including cancer. Recently, β-AR blockers could have significant implications in cancer therapy. But the precise molecular mechanisms are far from being fully understood. Through identifying the β-AR system signal pathways relevant to cancer, we can understand the mechanisms of β-blockers used for cancer treatment. What's more, retrospective clinical data made β-blockers jump out of the traditional field of cardiovascular disease and strengthened our confidence in cancer therapy. At last, genetic studies of β-adrenergic system offered crucial genes to analyze the effects of polymorphisms on cancer susceptibility, therapy response and prognosis of cancer patients.

Genetic Variations in Inflammatory Response Genes and Their Association with the Risk of Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is a common cancer in men. Genetic variations in inflammatory response genes can potentially influence the risk of prostate cancer. We aimed to examine the association between PPARG Pro12Ala, NFKB1 -94 ins/del, NFKBIA -826C/T, COX-1 (50C>T), and COX-2 (-1195G>A) polymorphisms on prostate cancer risk. The genotypes of the polymorphisms were ascertained in 543 prostate cancer patients and 753 controls through PCR-RFLP and the risk association was evaluated statistically using logistic regression analysis. The NFKB1 -94 polymorphism was shown to decrease prostate cancer risk in both heterozygous and homozygous comparison models (odds ratios of 0.74 (95% CI = 0.58-0.96) (P = 0.02) and 0.57 (95% CI = 0.42-0.78) (P < 0.01), resp.). An opposite finding was observed for COX-2 (-1195) polymorphism (odds ratios of 1.58 (95% CI = 1.15-2.18) (P < 0.01) for heterozygous comparison model and 2.08 (95% CI = 1.48-2.92) (P < 0.01) for homozygous comparison model). No association was observed for other polymorphisms. In conclusion, NFKB1 -94 ins/del and COX-2 (-1195G>A) polymorphisms may be, respectively, associated with decreased and increased prostate cancer risk in the Chinese population.

Association and interaction of NFKB1 rs28362491 insertion/deletion ATTG polymorphism and PPP1R13L and CD3EAP related to lung cancer risk in a Chinese population

The nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B cells 1 (NFKB1) gene encodes p105 and p50 kD which are both subunits of the transcription factor NF-kB, involved in a wide variety of diseases and pathological states associated with inflammation, immunity, and tumorigenesis. The NFKB1 rs28362491 polymorphism in the promoter region (-94 insertion/deletion ATTG) has been associated with risk of various cancers. Our study aims were to evaluate the associations of NFKB1 rs28362491 polymorphism and interactions of this single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and PPP1R13L and CD3EAP and smoking duration in relation to lung cancer risk in a Chinese population. The study population consisted of 544 Chinese lung cancer cases and 550 cancer-free matched (age, sex, and ethnicity) controls. No associations were found between NFKB1 rs28362491 and lung cancer risk. CD3EAP rs967591 was associated with increased lung cancer risk in the dominant model [OR (95 % CI) = 1.38 (1.05-1.80), P = 0.018]. The common haplotype containing PPP1R13L rs1970764(G), CD3EAP rs967591(A), and CD3EAP rs735482(C) was associated with lung cancer [adjusted OR (95 % CI) = 1.29 (1.03-1.62), P = 0.028]. Multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) analysis revealed two-way and three-way interactions between CD3EAP rs735482 and smoking and between NFKB1 rs28362491, PPP1R13L rs1970764, and smoking. In conclusion, we were able to reproduce previously found associations between PPP1R13L and CD3EAP polymorphisms and lung cancer risk in an increased study group, and we found interactions between NFKB1 rs28362491-PPP1R13L rs1970764 and smoking duration and between CD3EAP rs735482 and smoking duration. These results suggest that these genes and smoking are part of the same biological pathway leading to smoking-induced lung cancer.

Amerindian genetic ancestry and INDEL polymorphisms associated with susceptibility of childhood B-cell Leukemia in an admixed population from the Brazilian Amazon

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a malignant tumor common in children. Studies of genetic susceptibility to cancer using biallelic insertion/deletion (INDEL) type polymorphisms associated with cancer development pathways may help to clarify etymology of ALL. In this study, we investigate the role of eight functional INDEL polymorphisms and influence of genetic ancestry to B-cell ALL susceptibility in children of Brazilian Amazon population, which has a high degree of inter-ethnic admixture. Ancestry analysis was estimated using a panel of 48 autosomal ancestry informative markers. 130 B-cell ALL patients and 125 healthy controls were included in this study. The odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were adjusted for confounders. The results indicated an association between the investigated INDEL polymorphisms in CASP8 (rs3834129), CYP19A1 (rs11575899) e XRCC1 (rs3213239) genes in the development of B-cell ALL. The carriers of Insertion/Insertion (Ins/Ins) genotype of the polymorphism in CASP8 gene presented reduced chances of developing B-cell ALL (P=0.001; OR=0.353; 95% CI=0.192-0.651). The Deletion/Deletion (Del/Del) genotype of the polymorphism in CYP19A1 gene was associated to a lower chance of developing B-cell ALL (P=3.35×10-6; OR=0.121; 95% CI=0.050-0.295), while Del/Del genotype of the polymorphism in XRCC1 gene was associated to a higher chance of developing B-cell ALL (P=2.01×10-4; OR=6.559; 95% CI=2.433-17.681). We also found that Amerindian ancestry correlates with the risk of B-cell ALL. For each increase of 10% in the Amerindian ancestry results in 1.4-fold chances of developing B-cell ALL (OR=1.406; 95% IC=1.123-1.761), while each increase of 10% in the European ancestry presents a protection effect in the development of B-cell ALL (OR=0.666; 95% IC=0.536-0.827). The results suggest that genetic factors influence leukemogenesis and might be explored in the stratification of B-cell ALL risk in admixed populations.

Polymorphisms in NFKB1 and NFKBIA Genes Modulate the Risk of Developing Prostate Cancer among Han Chinese

Background

Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway proteins play an important role in modulating inflammation and other carcinogenic processes. Polymorphisms within NF-κB pathway genes may influence cancer risk. This study aimed to examine the association between NFKB19-4 ATTG ins→del, NFKBIA 3′ UTR A→G, -826CT and -881AG polymorphisms and prostate cancer risk among Chinese.

Material/Methods

The polymorphisms were genotyped via PCR-RFLP technique on 936 prostate cancer patients and 936 population-based healthy controls. Logistic regression model was used to measure the risk association present.

Results

With the exception of NFKBIA 3′ UTR polymorphism, the heterozygous and mutant genotypes of the other polymorphisms were significantly associated with prostate cancer risk. For NFKB1 polymorphism, a decreased risk was observed, with adjusted OR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.44, 0.98; P=0.01 (heterozygous) and adjusted OR: 0.60; 95% CI: 0.37, 0.91; P=0.02 (mutant). NFKBIA -826CT and -881AG polymorphisms were in complete linkage disequilibrium and shared the same risk association, with adjusted OR: 1.34; 95% CI: 1.09, 1.62; P=0.02 (heterozygous) and adjusted OR: 2.83; 95% CI: 1.79, 4.50; P=0.01 (mutants). Interestingly, the impact of the NFKB1 polymorphism was not present in nonsmokers and younger (<60 years) subjects (P<0.05).

Conclusions

In conclusion, polymorphisms in NFKB1 and NFKBIA genes may modulate the risk of developing prostate cancer among Chinese.

Genetic polymorphisms in inflammatory response genes and their associations with breast cancer risk

Aim

To explore the association of NFKB1 c.-798_-795delATTG (rs28362491), NFKBIA c.-949C>T (rs2233406), IL-8 c.-352A>T (rs4073), IL-10 c.-854T>C (rs1800871), TNF c.-418G>A (rs361525), and TNF c.-488G>A (rs1800629) polymorphisms with breast cancer risk in an East Chinese population.

Methods

We conducted a case-control study including 975 study participants (474 breast cancer patients and 501 female controls without cancer) and genotyped the polymorphisms employing polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Logistic regression was used to assess the association of the polymorphisms with breast cancer risk.

Results

We found that the ins/del and del/del genotypes of NFKB1 polymorphism and TT genotype of IL-10 polymorphism significantly increased breast cancer risk (NFKB1 ins/del odds ratio [OR] 1.69, 95% [CI] 1.23-2.33, P = 0.001; NFKB1 del/del OR 2.42, 95% CI 1.72-3.42, P < 0.001; IL-10 TT OR 2.36, 95% CI 1.58-3.52, P < 0.001). On the other hand, the TT genotype of IL-8 polymorphism, GA and AA genotypes of TNF c.-418G>A polymorphism, and GA genotype of TNF c.-488G>A polymorphism significantly reduced breast cancer risk (IL-8 TT OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.33-0.72, P < 0.001; TNF c.-418 GA OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.41-0.80, P = 0.001; TNF c.-418 AA OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.14-0.98, P = 0.044; TNF c.-488 GA OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.48-0.96, P = 0.029). When stratified by menopausal status, the CT genotype of NFKBIA polymorphism significantly reduced the risk among pre-menopausal women (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.40-0.99, P = ,043), but not among post-menopausal women.

Conclusions

NFKB1, NFKBIA, IL-8, IL-10, and TNF polymorphisms could serve as useful predictive biomarkers for breast cancer risk among women in East China.

NFκB1 is a suppressor of neutrophil-driven hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) develops on the background of chronic hepatitis. Leukocytes found within the HCC microenvironment are implicated as regulators of tumour growth. We show that diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced murine HCC is attenuated by antibody-mediated depletion of hepatic neutrophils, the latter stimulating hepatocellular ROS and telomere DNA damage. We additionally report a previously unappreciated tumour suppressor function for hepatocellular nfkb1 operating via p50:p50 dimers and the co-repressor HDAC1. These anti-inflammatory proteins combine to transcriptionally repress hepatic expression of a S100A8/9, CXCL1 and CXCL2 neutrophil chemokine network. Loss of nfkb1 promotes ageing-associated chronic liver disease (CLD), characterized by steatosis, neutrophillia, fibrosis, hepatocyte telomere damage and HCC. Nfkb1^S340A/S340Amice carrying a mutation designed to selectively disrupt p50:p50:HDAC1 complexes are more susceptible to HCC; by contrast, mice lacking S100A9 express reduced neutrophil chemokines and are protected from HCC. Inhibiting neutrophil accumulation in CLD or targeting their tumour-promoting activities may offer therapeutic opportunities in HCC.

The role of neutrophils in cancer development is not widely appreciated. Here, the authors show that NF-κB-deficient hepatocytes overproduce chemokines, leading to hepatocellular carcinoma due to excessive neutrophil recruitment, and that neutrophil depletion prevents liver cancer in these mice.

Identification of haplotype tag single nucleotide polymorphisms within the nuclear factor-κB family genes and their clinical relevance in patients with major trauma

Introduction

Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) family plays an important role in the development of sepsis in critically ill patients. Although several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been identified in the NF-κB family genes, only a few SNPs have been studied.

Methods

A total of 753 patients with major blunt trauma were included in this study. Tag SNPs (tSNPs) were selected from the NF-κB family genes (NFKB1, NFKB2, RELA, RELB and REL) through construction of haplotype blocks. The SNPs selected from genes within the canonical NF-κB pathway (including NFKB1, RELA and REL), which played a critical role in innate immune responses were genotyped using pyrosequencing method and analyzed in relation to the risk of development of sepsis and multiple organ dysfunction (MOD) syndrome. Moreover, the rs842647 polymorphism was analyzed in relation to tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) production by peripheral blood leukocytes in response to bacterial lipoprotein stimulation.

Results

Eight SNPs (rs28362491, rs3774932, rs4648068, rs7119750, rs4803789, rs12609547, rs1560725 and rs842647) were selected from the NF-κB family genes. All of them were shown to be high-frequency SNPs in this study cohort. Four SNPs (rs28362491, rs4648068, rs7119750 and rs842647) within the canonical NF-κB pathway were genotyped, and rs842647 was associated with sepsis morbidity rate and MOD scores. An association was also observed between the rs842647 A allele and lower TNF-α production.

Conclusions

rs842647 polymorphism might be used as relevant risk estimate for the development of sepsis and MOD syndrome in patients with major trauma.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13054-015-0836-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

A multifactorial analysis of the pregnancy outcomes in cytomegalovirus-infected women

AIMS

To investigate the impacts of cytomegalovirus (CMV) viral load, TORCH (toxoplasmosis, others, rubella, CMV and herpes) coinfections, CMV glycoprotein B (gB) genotypes and maternal genetic polymorphisms on pregnancy outcomes among CMV-infected women.

METHODS

A total of 731 CMV-infected pregnant women (634 and 97 with normal and adverse pregnancy outcomes, respectively) were recruited. CMV load quantification and screening of TORCH coinfections were performed by using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunodetection techniques, respectively. Genotyping of CMV gB and maternal NFKB1 -94 ins/del, NFKBIA -826C/T and -881A/G polymorphisms was performed by using PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism.

RESULTS

We found that the mean CMV viral load in women with adverse pregnancy outcomes was significantly higher than that in women with normal outcomes at all pregnancy stages (p < 0.01). We also found that TORCH coinfections resulted in a 1.65-fold (95% CI = 1.00-2.73) increase in the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes (p = 0.05). Additionally, we noticed no significant difference in the distribution of CMV gB genotypes between women with normal and adverse pregnancy outcomes (p = 0.42). We also observed that the ins/ins variant genotype of the NFKB1 polymorphism could reduce the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes (OR = 0.38, 95% CI = 0.15-0.98; p = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

CMV viral load, TORCH coinfections and maternal NFKB1 polymorphism could influence pregnancy outcomes among CMV-infected women.

Associations of IL-2 and IL-4 Expression and Polymorphisms With the Risks of Mycoplasma pneumoniae Infection and Asthma in Children

INTRODUCTION

Asthma is an inflammatory disorder of the airways and the symptoms of asthma could be exacerbated by Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection. Interleukin-2 and interleukin-4 have been implicated in immune and inflammatory reactions. We examined the associations of IL2 and IL4 polymorphisms and expression with the risks of asthma and M. pneumoniae infection in children.

METHODS

392 asthmatic children and 849 controls were recruited into the study. Eight polymorphisms in IL2 and IL4 were genotyped with Sequenom MassARRAY platform. M. pneumoniae infection and copy number was determined with fluorescence PCR. IL-2 and IL-4 serum expression levels were determined by using ELISA.

RESULTS

We found a significant association of IL2 rs6534349 polymorphism with increased asthma risk (heterozygotes, P=.029; homozygous variants; P=.013) and of IL4 rs2227284 polymorphism with reduced asthma risk (heterozygotes, P=.026; homozygous variants; P=.001). Besides, the association of other polymorphisms, except rs2070874 polymorphism, became apparent when the asthmatic children were grouped according to GINA classification of asthma control and severity. In addition, IL-2 and IL-4 serum expression levels were significantly higher in M. pneumoniae negative (P=.038) and positive (P=.011) subjects respectively. This observation holds true among asthmatic patients (P=.016 for IL-2 and P=.042 for IL-4), but only the IL-4 observation remained correct among non-asthmatic controls (P=.032). We also observed that the rs6534349 GG genotype was significantly associated with increased odds of getting high load M. pneumoniae infection (P=.0376).

CONCLUSIONS

IL2 and IL4 could be important biomarkers for estimating the risks of asthma and M. pneumoniae infection in children.

Polymorphisms in NFKB1 and TLR4 and interaction with dietary and life style factors in relation to colorectal cancer in a Danish prospective case-cohort study

Maintenance of a balance between commensal bacteria and the mucosal immune system is crucial and intestinal dysbiosis may be a key event in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC). The toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is an important pattern-recognition receptor that regulates inflammation and barrier function in the gut by a mechanism that involves activation of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) transcription factor. Dietary and life style factors may impact these functions. We therefore used a Danish prospective case-cohort study of 1010 CRC cases and 1829 randomly selected participants from the Danish Diet, Cancer and Health cohort to investigate three polymorphisms in NFKB1 and TLR4 and their possible interactions with diet and life style factors in relation to risk of CRC. Homozygous carriage of the variant allele of the TLR4/rs5030728 polymorphism was associated with increased risk of CRC (incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 1.30; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.05-1.60; P = 0.02 (gene-dose model); IRR = 1.24; 95%CI: 1.01-1.51; P = 0.04 (recessive model)). Del-carriers of the NFKB1/rs28362491 polymorphism had a 17% (95%CI: 1.03-1.34; P = 0.02) increased risk of CRC compared to homozygous carriers of the ins-allele. However, none of these risk estimates withstood adjustment for multiple comparisons. We found no strong gene-environment interactions between the examined polymorphism and diet and life style factors in relation to CRC risk.

A functional insertion/deletion polymorphism in the promoter region of the NFKB1 gene increases the risk of papillary thyroid carcinoma

This study aimed to assess whether an insertion/deletion polymorphic variation rs28362491 in the NFKB1 promoter region was related to the risk of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Genomic DNA was extracted from the peripheral venous blood of 352 patients with PTC and 459 controls. The NFKB1 rs28362491 polymorphism was genotyped by using a polymerase chain reaction assay. We found that the frequency of the heterozygous genotype ATTG1/ATTG2 was significantly higher in the cases compared to the controls (odds ratios [OR]=1.44, 95% confidence intervals [CI]=1.05-1.96, p=0.02). Moreover, the frequency of ATTG1/ATTG2+ATTG1/ATTG1 genotypes was significantly elevated in the cases compared to the controls (OR=1.38, 95% CI=1.03-1.85, p=0.03). These findings suggest that the -94 insertion/deletion ATTG polymorphism in the NFKB1 promoter might be associated with an increased risk of PTC.

Association between genetic polymorphisms of inflammatory response genes and the risk of ovarian cancer

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Inflammation plays an important role in promoting ovarian tumorigenesis and cancer progression. However, the relationship between polymorphisms in inflammatory response genes and risk of ovarian cancer remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the association of PPARG Pro12Ala, IL6-174G/C, E-selectin S128R, NFKB1-94 ins/del, NFKBIA-826C/T, and ICAM-1 K469E polymorphisms with ovarian cancer risk in a Chinese population.

METHODS

Genotyping of the polymorphisms was performed on 687 cases and 687 controls employing the PCR-RFLP technique, and the logistic regression model was used to measure the risk association.

RESULTS

A significantly increased risk association was observed for the heterozygous genotypes of PPARG [odds ratio (OR) = 1.52, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.01-2.29] and E-selectin (OR = 1.77, 95% CI = 1.07-2.93) polymorphisms, as well as the homozygous ins/ins genotype of NFKB1 polymorphism (OR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.00-1.92). By contrast, ICAM-1 KE genotype was associated with a decreased ovarian cancer risk (OR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.60-0.98). In addition, the NFKB1 del/del + NFKBIA TT combination was also found to be associated with a decreased ovarian cancer risk, with OR = 0.12 (95% CI = 0.01-0.95). The associations of the NFKB1 and ICAM-1 polymorphisms replicated the findings of previous reports, assuring the reliability of the results obtained.

CONCLUSION

NFKB1 and ICAM-1 polymorphisms could serve as useful ovarian cancer risk prediction biomarkers for the Chinese population, while the utility of PPARG and E-selectin polymorphisms as biomarkers requires further confirmation in independent ovarian cancer cohorts.

A functional 12T-insertion polymorphism in the ATP1A1 promoter confers decreased susceptibility to hypertension in a male Sardinian population

Identification of susceptibility genes for essential hypertension in humans has been a challenge due to its multifactorial pathogenesis complicated by gene-gene and gene-environment interactions, developmental programing and sex specific differences. These concurrent features make identification of causal hypertension susceptibility genes with a single approach difficult, thus requiring multiple lines of evidence involving genetic, biochemical and biological experimentation to establish causal functional mutations. Here we report experimental evidence encompassing genetic, biochemical and in vivo modeling that altogether support ATP1A1 as a hypertension susceptibility gene in males in Sardinia, Italy. ATP1A1 encodes the α1Na,K-ATPase isoform, the sole sodium pump in vascular endothelial and renal tubular epithelial cells. DNA-sequencing detected a 12-nucleotide long thymidine (12T) insertion(ins)/deletion(del) polymorphism within a poly-T sequence (38T vs 26T) in the ATP1A1 5’-regulatory region associated with hypertension in a male Sardinian population. The 12T-insertion allele confers decreased susceptibility to hypertension (P = 0.035; OR = 0.50 [0.28–0.93]) accounting for 12.1 mmHg decrease in systolic BP (P = 0.02) and 6.6 mmHg in diastolic BP (P = 0.046). The ATP1A1 promoter containing the 12T-insertion exhibited decreased transcriptional activity in in vitro reporter-assay systems, indicating decreased α1Na,K-ATPase expression with the 12T-insertion, compared with the 12T-deletion ATP1A1 promoter. To test the effects of decreased α1Na,K-ATPase expression on blood pressure, we measured blood pressure by radiotelemetry in three month-old, highly inbred heterozygous knockout ATP1A1+/− male mice with resultant 58% reduction in ATP1A1 protein levels. Male ATP1A1+/− mice showed significantly lower blood pressure (P < 0.03) than age-matched male wild-type littermate controls. Concordantly, lower ATP1A1 expression is expected to lower Na-reabsorption in the kidney thereby decreasing sodium-associated risk for hypertension and sodium-induced endothelial stiffness and dysfunction. Altogether, data support ATP1A1 as a hypertension susceptibility gene in a male Sardinian population, and mandate further investigation of its involvement in hypertension in the general population.

Association between glutathione S-transferase T1, M1, and P1 genotypes and the risk of colorectal cancer

Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are enzymes which play an important role in the neutralization of toxic compounds and eradication of electrophilic carcinogens. Genetic polymorphisms within the genes encoding for GSTs may therefore cause variations in their enzyme activity, which may in turn influence the interindividual susceptibility to cancers. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between genetic polymorphisms of GSTT1, GSTM1, and GSTP1 and the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) in 264 cases and 317 controls in a Chinese population. Genotyping was performed by using multiplex PCR (for GSTT1 and GSTM1) and PCR-RFLP (for GSTP1) methods. The association between the polymorphic genotypes and CRC risk was evaluated by deriving odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using unconditional logistic regression analysis. Our results showed that individuals with GSTT1 and GSTM1 null genotypes exhibited a higher risk of CRC (GSTT1, OR,1.66; 95% CI, 1.20-2.31, P=0.003; GSTM1, OR,1.57; 95% CI,1.13-2.18, P=0.007), while no association was observed for GSTP1 (P heterozygous=0.790 or P variant=0.261). Furthermore, individuals who simultaneously carried the null genotypes for both GSTT1 and GSTM1 showed a stronger risk association (OR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.33-2.85; P<0.001). In conclusion, the GSTT1 and GSTM1 polymorphisms, but not GSTP1, may modulate the CRC risk among Chinese.

Association between the NFKB1-94ins/del ATTG polymorphism and cancer risk: an updated meta-analysis

To assess the effect of the NFKB1 -94ins/del polymorphism on cancer, we conducted a meta-analysis based on 25 studies including 8,750 cases and 9,170 controls. Overall, the -94ins/del polymorphism was associated with cancer risk in the pooled analysis and in Asian population, whereas no association was observed in Caucasian population. Stratified analysis by subtypes of cancer showed that the -94ins/del polymorphism was associated with oral squamous cell carcinoma and ovarian cancer risk, but had no association with colorectal cancer, bladder cancer, and renal cell cancer. Our meta-analysis suggests the NFKB1 -94ins/del polymorphism affects cancer susceptibility, and the association is ethnic-specific.

Association between NFKB1 -94ins/del ATTG Promoter Polymorphism and Cancer Susceptibility: An Updated Meta-Analysis

Nuclear factor-κB is associated with the pathogenesis of numerous malignancies, and the functional polymorphism −94ins/del ATTG (rs28362491) in the human NFKB1 gene is associated with cancer risk. Previous studies on the association between the −94ins/del ATTG polymorphism and cancer risk reported conflicting results. To clarify this relationship, we performed a meta-analysis of 21 case-control studies involving 6127 cases and 9238 controls. We used pooled odds ratios (ORs) with their 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) to assess the association. We found that the NFKB1 promoter −94ins/del ATTG polymorphism was significantly associated with cancer risk in four genetic models (ins/ins versus del/del, OR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.11–1.93; dominant model, OR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.03–1.53; recessive model, OR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.05–1.51; ins allele versus del allele, OR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.05–1.35). Stratified analyses revealed a significant association between the polymorphism and ovarian, oral, and prostate cancers. Similar results were determined in an Asian population and not in a Caucasian population. Thus, our results suggested that the polymorphism can contribute to cancer risk. Moreover, the polymorphism can exert race- and cancer-specific effects on cancer risk. Further large-scale and functional studies are necessary to elucidate this possible effect.

NFKB1 -94 insertion/deletion polymorphism and cancer risk: a meta-analysis

Previous studies on the associations of the NFKB1 -94 insertion/deletion polymorphism with cancer risk have produced conflicting results. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to define the effect of the NFKB1 -94 insertion/deletion polymorphism on cancer risk. A search of the literature by PubMed was performed to identify studies based on the predetermined inclusion criteria. Twenty-three studies consisting of 6,494 cases and 9,884 controls were identified and analyzed. Overall, significant association was observed between the polymorphism and cancer risk under all genetic models. Subgroup analysis according to ethnicity and cancer type also detected significant association. The NFKB1 -94 insertion/deletion polymorphism was associated with cancer risk in Asian population (dominant model: OR=1.52, 95 % CI=1.17-1.98; recessive model: OR=1.50, 95 % CI=1.26-1.79; II vs. DD: OR=1.90, 95 % CI=1.37-2.65; ID vs. DD: OR=1.32, 95 % CI=1.05-1.66; I vs. D: OR=1.37, 95 % CI=1.17-1.60), but not in Caucasian population. In addition, significant associations in OC, HCC, and OSCC were observed, but significant associations were not found in BC and LC. The current meta-analysis suggested that NFKB1 -94 insertion/deletion polymorphism may influence cancer risk in Asian population.

Gender-specific association of NFKBIA promoter polymorphisms with the risk of sporadic colorectal cancer

The inhibitory protein IκBα, encoded by the NFKBIA gene, plays an important role in regulating the activity of nuclear factor-kappa B, a transcription factor which has been implicated in the initiation and progression of cancers. This study aimed to evaluate the association of NFKBIA -826C>T (rs2233406) and -881A>G (rs3138053) polymorphisms with the risk of sporadic colorectal cancer (CRC) in Malaysian population. A case-control study comprising 474 subjects (237 CRC patients and 237 cancer-free controls) was carried out. The polymorphisms were genotyped from the genomic DNA of the study subjects employing PCR-RFLP, followed by DNA sequencing. The association between the polymorphic genotypes and CRC risk was evaluated by deriving odds ratios (ORs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) using unconditional logistic regression analysis. The two polymorphisms were in complete and perfect linkage disequilibrium (D' = 1.0, r (2) = 1.0). Overall, no statistically significant CRC risk association was found for the polymorphisms (P > 0.05). A similar lack of association was observed when the data were stratified according to ethnicity (P > 0.05). However, stratification by gender revealed a significant inverse association between the heterozygous genotype of the polymorphisms and the risk of CRC among females (OR 0.53, 95 % CI 0.29-0.97, P = 0.04), but not among males (P > 0.05). In conclusion, the heterozygous genotype of the polymorphisms could contribute to a significantly decreased CRC risk among females, but not males, in the Malaysian population.