TNF/LTA polymorphisms and risk for gastric cancer/duodenal ulcer in the Korean population

Prognostic significance of the genetic variant of lymphotoxin alpha (p.Thr60Asn) in egyptian patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide in terms of mortality, and susceptibility is attributed to genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Lymphotoxin alpha (LTA) has a crucial role in communicating the lymphocytes with stromal cells and provoking cytotoxic effects on the cancer cells. There are no reports on the contribution of the LTA (c.179 C>A; p.Thr60Asn; rs1041981) gene polymorphism to HCC susceptibility. The main aim of this study is to investigate the association of LTA (c.179 C>A; p.Thr60Asn; rs1041981) variant with the HCC risk in the Egyptian population.

METHODS

This case-control study included 317 participants (111 HCC patients, and 206 healthy controls). The LTA (c.179 C>A; p.Thr60Asn; rs1041981) polymorphism was assessed by tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction (T-ARMS-PCR) technique.

RESULTS

The frequencies of the dominant and recessive models (CA + AA; AA) of the LTA (c.179 C>A; p.Thr60Asn; rs1041981) variant were statistically significant among HCC patients in comparison to controls (p = 0.01; p = 0.007; respectively). The A-allele of LTA (c.179 C>A; p.Thr60Asn; rs1041981) variant was statistically significant in HCC patients in comparison to controls (p ˂ 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The LTA (c.179 C>A; p.Thr60Asn; rs1041981) polymorphism was independently associated with an increased risk for hepatocellular carcinoma in the Egyptian population.

Evaluation of Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha Gene (−308 G/A, −238 G/A and −857 C/T) Polymorphisms and the Risk of Gastric Cancer in Eastern Indian Population

Introduction: Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related decimations worldwide. The gastric infection at both the stomach and duodenum with Helicobacter pylori causes inflammation by the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). The aim of the study was to associate and evaluate the three TNF-α gene polymorphisms at positions −308 G/A, −238 G/A, and −857 C/T with the risk of GC. Methods: A total of 156 individuals (consecutively diagnosed 95 GC patients and 61 controls) above the age of 18 years were enrolled in the study. Healthy individuals with normal upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGIE) irrespective of their family history of GC or peptic ulcer were included as controls. The cited three TNF-α gene polymorphisms were evaluated using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). Results: There was no significant difference in the distribution of gene polymorphisms as genetic factors, TNF-α−308 GA/AA (22.1% vs. 14.8%, p = 0.2), TNF-α−238 GA/AA (21% vs. 19.6%, p = 0.8), and TNF-α−857 CT/TT (8.4% vs. 11.5%, p = 0.5), between GC cases and healthy controls. A subgroup analysis of H. pylori-positive patients showed that there was no significant difference in the distribution of GA/AA polymorphisms in TNF-α−308 (15(45.5%) vs. 3(23%); p = 0.17) and −238 (12(36.3%) vs. 2(15.4%); p = 0.17), and the distribution of TT/CT −857 CT/TT (13(39.4%) vs. 2(15.4%); p = 0.13), among the GC cases and controls. Conclusion: The statistical comparisons of GA/AA vs. GG genotypes at −308 (with OR = 1.6, 95% CI: 0.6–3.8), −238 (OR = 1.09, 95% CI: 0.4–2.4) and TT/CT vs. CC genotypes at −857 (OR = 0.7, 95% CI: 0.2–2.1) did not suggest any association of TNF-α with GC in the population herein. Hence, the TNF-α (−308 G/A, −238 G/A and −857 C/T) may not be the associating factor for GC incidence determined by the PCR–RFLP method.

The Role of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) Polymorphisms in Gastric Cancer: a Meta-Analysis

PURPOSE

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) is an inflammatory cytokine which may play a role in the development of gastric cancer (GC). This study aimed to investigate the association of five TNF-α polymorphisms including TNF-α-857, TNF-α-1031, TNF-α-863, TNF-α-308, and TNF-α-238 polymorphisms with GC risk.

METHODS

All eligible case-control studies were collected by searching PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The association of the risk of GC with TNF-α polymorphisms was estimated using odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Heterogeneity was assessed via Cochrane's Q and I² analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 46 publications involving 16, 715 cases with GC and 27, 998 controls were recruited. The study revealed a significant association for TNF-α 308 (recessive model: OR = 0.646, P = 0.035), TNF-α-1031 (homozygote model: OR = 1.584, P = 0.027), and TNF-α-857 (homozygote model: OR = 1.760, P = 0.001) polymorphisms with the GC risk. The results of subgroup analysis based ethnicity found a significant association between GC risk and TNF-α-857 polymorphism in Caucasian subgroup (P = 0.005) and TNF-α-1031 polymorphism and GC risk in Asians (P = 0.018).

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggested that TNF-α-857 and TNF-α-1031 polymorphisms may be associated with the increased gastric cancer risk.

The effect of LTA gene polymorphisms on cancer risk: an updated systematic review and meta- analysis

Purpose: To provide a comprehensive account of the association of five Lymphotoxin-α (LTA) gene polymorphisms (rs1041981, rs2229094, rs2239704, rs746868, rs909253) with susceptibility to cancer.

Methods: A literature search for eligible candidate gene studies published before 28 February 2020 was conducted in the PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar and Web of Science. The following combinations of main keywords were used: (LTA OR Lymphotoxin alpha OR TNF-β OR tumor necrosis factor-beta) AND (polymorphism OR mutation OR variation OR SNP OR genotype) AND (cancer OR tumor OR neoplasm OR malignancy OR carcinoma OR adenocarcinoma). Potential sources of heterogeneity were sought out via subgroup and sensitivity analysis, and publication bias were estimated.

Results: Overall, a total of 24 articles with 24577 cases and 33351 controls for five polymorphisms of LTA gene were enrolled. We identified that rs2239704 was associated with a reduced risk of cancer. While for other polymorphisms, the results showed no significant association with cancer risk. In the stratified analysis of rs1041981, we found that Asians might have less susceptibility to cancer. At the same time, we found that rs2239704 was negatively correlated with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). While, for rs909253, an increased risk of cancer for Caucasians and HCC susceptibility were uncovered in the stratified analysis of by ethnicity and cancer type.

Conclusion:LTA rs2239704 polymorphism is inversely associated with the risk of cancer. LTA rs1041981 polymorphism is negatively associated with cancer risk in Asia. While, LTA rs909253 polymorphism is a risk factor for HCC in Caucasian population.

An updated association between TNF-α -238G/A polymorphism and gastric cancer susceptibility in East Asians

Polymorphisms in the tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) gene are emerging as key determinants of gastric diseases. The TNF-α-238G/A single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) is the most extensively studied. However, this association is inconsistent amongst different populations. We therefore conducted an updated meta-analysis to obtain a more precise estimate of the association of TNF-α-238G/A polymorphism with gastric cancer (GC) risk. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, Chinese (CNKI and WanFang) databases was performed to identify relevant studies through 5 May 2018. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to assess the strength of the association. Fourteen studies were included in our meta-analysis involving 2999 cases and 4685 controls. There was no significant association between TNF-α-238G/A polymorphism and GC risk in the overall populations. In the subgroup analysis, we found that TNF-α-238G/A polymorphism was associated with the increased risk of GC amongst Asians, especially in Chinese, but not in Caucasians. Subgroup analysis by genotyping methods revealed increased risk for other methods. In conclusion, our present meta-analysis shows that TNF-α-238G/A polymorphism is associated with the risk of GC in East Asian individuals.

Haplotypes of TNFα/β Genes Associated with Sex-Specific Paranoid Schizophrenic Risk in Tunisian Population

Several medical research findings have announced a strong association between the biology of cytokines and various brain activities. Since growing evidences suggest the crucial and complex role of the tumor necrosis factor in the CNS, we have hypothesized that functional genetic variants of the LTA and TNFA genes (LTA +252A/G (rs909253) and TNFA -857C/T (rs1799724) and TNFA -238G/A (rs361525)) may be involved in the predisposition to schizophrenia. This research is based on a case-control study. The RFLP-PCR genotyping was conducted on a Tunisian population composed of 208 patients and 208 controls. We found a strong significant overrepresentation of the minor alleles (G, T, and A, respectively) in all patients compared with controls (p = 0.003, OR = 1.55; p = 0.005, OR = 1.78; and p = 0.0001, OR = 1.74, respectively). This correlation was confirmed for male but not for female patients. Interestingly, the frequencies of the minor alleles were significantly more common among patients with paranoid schizophrenia when compared with controls (p = 0.003, OR = 1.75; p = 5 · 10^-6, OR = 3.04; and p = 4 · 10^-6, OR = 2.35, respectively). This potential association was confirmed by a logistic binary regression analysis only for the development of the paranoid form of schizophrenia (p = 0.001/OR = 2.6; p = 0.0002/OR = 3.2; and p = 0.0004/OR = 3.1, respectively) and remained not significant for the other subtypes. Moreover, our study showed an important association between GCA haplotype and the development of this pathological form (p = 10^-4, OR = 3.71). In conclusion, our results proved a significant association between the three polymorphisms and paranoid schizophrenia, at least in the Tunisian population, suggesting a substantially increased risk for paranoid schizophrenia with dominant inheritance of these three minor alleles.

Association of Interleukin-1 beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha genetic polymorphisms with gastric cancer in India

Interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) and Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) are key inflammatory cytokines whose polymorphisms have been correlated with increased susceptibility to gastric cancer (GC). Since geographical and racial differences exist in cancer rates, our study was aimed to evaluate the first possible association of polymorphisms in these genes with GC risk in West Bengal, India. Polymorphisms in IL-1β and TNF-α genes were genotyped in 120 GC patients and 135 healthy individuals. Combined effect of the SNPs in both genes with GC risk was determined through allele dosage analysis (ADA) and the survival data were analyzed by Log Rank Test. The study results revealed that IL-1β rs1143627: T > C, rs16944: C > T (p = 0.001;OR = 1.85; 95% CI 1.30-2.63) and rs1143633: G > A (p < 0.0001; OR = 2.53; 95% CI 1.67-3.83) and TNF-α rs1800630: C > A, rs1799964: T > C (p < 0.0001; OR = 2.31; 95% CI 1.54-3.46) polymorphisms significantly contributed toward GC risk. Moreover, ADA showed that carriage of 7 "effective" risk alleles conferred a risk of almost 10-fold in comparison to individuals carrying less than 3 "effective" risk alleles. Our survival analysis also indicated a significant association between IL-1β rs1143627: T > C and rs16944: C > T and patient survivability. The presence of H. pylori enhanced the risk in individuals with IL-1β rs1143627:CC and rs16944:TT genotypes. Further, meta-analysis revealed significant association of IL-1β rs1143627: T > C (p = 0.026; OR = 4.165; 95% CI 1.18-14.65) and rs16944: C > T (p = 0.01; OR = 5.49; 95% CI 1.48-20.37) in presence of H. pylori with gastric cancer in Asian population though no significant difference (p > 0.05) was found when compared to absence of H. pylori Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 59:653-667, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Relationship Between Tumor Necrosis Factor-α rs361525 Polymorphism and Gastric Cancer Risk: A Meta-Analysis

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, a major part in inflammatory, infectious and tumor processes, and is pivotal at the early stages of gastric cancer. Relationship between its risk and TNF-α rs361525 polymorphism has been demonstrated, but remains conflicting and controversial. Therefore, a meta-analysis was conducted to more precisely estimate this relationship. PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE and CNKI were comprehensively searched to find out relevant articles through October 5, 2017. The strength of the relationship was assessed using pooled odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Totally 20 articles were included involving 4,084 cases and 7,010 controls. No significant relationship between TNF-α rs361525 polymorphism and increased GC risk was found in the whole populations. Subgroup analyses uncovered TNF-α rs361525 polymorphism intensified the risk of GC among Asians under five models, but decreased the risk of GC among Caucasiansin the allelic and dominant models. Subgroup analysis by genotyping methods revealed increased risk for other methods. In conclusion, this meta-analysis suggests TNF-α rs361525 polymorphism is related to the risk of GC, especially for Asians.

IL-1β haplotype influences the effect of NOx exposure on gestational age in the South African MACE birth cohort

OBJECTIVE

Cytokines, molecules within the immune system that affect either a pro- or anti-inflammatory response, have previously been shown to influence birth outcomes. The maternal cytokine gene-environment interactions are thought to alter their expression, potentially influencing susceptibility to adverse birth outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine the association between the maternal interleukin-1β (IL-1β) haplotype and expression variation with oxides of nitrogen (NO_x) levels, and thereafter investigate the IL-1β haplotype-specific effects of NO_x exposure levels, IL-1β mRNA expression and other variables on gestational age.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Using the prospective Mother and Child in the Environment (MACE) birth cohort in Durban, South Africa, 335 participants were genotyped for the IL-1β haplotype. Previous studies showed that three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), IL-1β-1464G/C, -511C/T and -31C/T, constitute the IL-1β functional haplotype. These SNPs were genotyped using a restriction fragment length polymorphism assay, while IL-1β mRNA expression was measured using a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assay. Individual estimates of NO_x exposure were obtained by land use regression modelling. A multivariate linear regression analysis was employed to test for significant effects on gestational age.

RESULTS

IL-1β mRNA expression was found to possess a haplotype-dependent effect ( p = 0.0001) and its expression levels positively correlated with NO_x levels ( r = 0.34; p = 0.006). In the high haplotype model, a unit increase in NO_x exposure level was associated with a decrease in gestational age by 1 week ( p = 0.02). Furthermore, gestational age decreased by 0.9 weeks for every unit increase of IL-1β mRNA expression level ( p = 0.025). HIV-1 positivity was associated with a 0.2-week decrease in gestational age ( p = 0.035) in the intermediate haplotype model and a 0.4-week decrease in the high haplotype model ( p = 0.044).

CONCLUSION

These data have implications for better understanding the effect of prenatal NO_x exposure on gestational age and demonstrate the role of the IL-1β haplotype in modulating the effects of NO_x exposure.

The relationship between tumor necrosis factor-α polymorphisms and gastric cancer risk: An updated meta-analysis

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and the development of gastric cancer, and to investigate whether it can be used as a biological marker for gastric cancer. In the current study, a new meta-analysis was performed to assess the association between TNF-α gene polymorphisms and gastric cancer susceptibility. Subgroup analyses based on ethnicity, control population source and non-cardia cancers were also conducted. Summary odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random-effects model. TNF-α 308 polymorphisms indicated a significant relationship with gastric cancer risk among a normal population [GA/AA vs. GG; 1.17 (1.10–1.23)]. In analysis stratified by ethnicity, TNF-α 238 displayed an association with gastric cancer risk in eastern populations [GA/AA vs. GG: 1.24 (1.02–1.50)], but not in western populations [GA/AA vs. GG: 0.96 (0.79–1.18)]. The overall ORs (95% CIs) for TNF-α 857, TNF-α 1031 and TNF-α 863 were 1.13 (1.04–1.24), 0.94 (0.85–1.05) and 0.89 (0.78–1.02), respectively, under dominant genetic model comparison. Among the above three SNPs, only TNF-α 857 was robustly associated with gastric cancer inclination, and this association remained consistently robust when limited to non-cardia gastric cancers [GA/AA vs. GG: 1.16 (1.03–1.31)]. TNF-α 308 and TNF-α 857 genotypes were potential risk factors of statistical significance in gastric cancer, and TNF-α 238 indicated to be significantly associated with gastric cancer risk only in eastern populations. TNF-α 1031 and TNF-α 863 were not significantly associated with gastric cancer risk.

Genetic Alterations in Gastric Cancer Associated with Helicobacter pylori Infection

Gastric cancer is a world health problem and depicts the fourth leading mortality cause from malignancy in Mexico. Causation of gastric cancer is not only due to the combined effects of environmental factors and genetic variants. Recent molecular studies have transgressed a number of genes involved in gastric carcinogenesis. The aim of this review is to understand the recent basics of gene expression in the development of the process of gastric carcinogenesis. Genetic variants, polymorphisms, desoxyribonucleic acid methylation, and genes involved in mediating inflammation have been associated with the development of gastric carcinogenesis. Recently, these genes (interleukin 10, Il-17, mucin 1, β-catenin, CDX1, SMAD4, SERPINE1, hypoxia-inducible factor 1 subunit alpha, GSK3β, CDH17, matrix metalloproteinase 7, RUNX3, RASSF1A, TFF1, HAI-2, and COX-2) have been studied in association with oncogenic activation or inactivation of tumor suppressor genes. All these mechanisms have been investigated to elucidate the process of gastric carcinogenesis, as well as their potential use as biomarkers and/or molecular targets to treatment of disease.

Tumor Necrosis Factor-α T-857C (rs1799724) Polymorphism and Risk of Cancers: A Meta-Analysis

Objectives. To investigate the potential association of tumor necrosis factor-α T-857C polymorphism with susceptibility to the five common malignant tumors. Materials and Methods. A comprehensive search of PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Web of Science databases was performed up to November 2015. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated to assess the strength of the association. Subgroup analysis, heterogeneity analyses, and publication bias were also texted in the meta-analysis. Results. A total of twenty-two publications involving 5215 cases and 6755 controls were recruited. Overall, the meta-analysis revealed an increased risk between the TNF-α T-857C polymorphism and gastric cancer susceptibility in T versus C model, heterozygote genetic model, and dominant genetic model. An increased risk between the TNF-α T-857C polymorphism and hepatocellular cancer susceptibility in homozygote genetic model and recessive genetic model was also found. No significant association was found between the TNF-α T-857C polymorphism and colorectal cancer, cervical cancer, and prostate cancer. Conclusions. Our meta-analyses suggest that TNF-α T-857C polymorphism may be associated with increased risk of gastric cancer and hepatocellular cancer development. Therefore, the TNF-α T-857C polymorphism could be considered as one possible risk factor of gastric cancer and hepatocellular cancer according to our study.

Assessment of TNFA polymorphisms at positions -857 and -863 in Polish peptic ulcer patients

PURPOSE

Peptic ulceration connected with chronic inflammation in gastrointestinal mucosa could be induced by Helicobacter pylori infection. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) encoded by TNFA gene is a key mediator in the inflammation process. There are several polymorphisms in the promoter of TNFA influencing its transcriptional activity. -857C>T (rs1799724) and -863C>A (rs1800630) substitutions may be responsible for increased TNFA transcription and TNF-α production. The association of these two polymorphisms with peptic ulceration and the development of H. pylori infection in peptic ulcer patients in Poles were evaluated.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Polymorphisms were assessed by PCR-RFLP in 203 peptic ulcer patients. H. pylori infection was confirmed by rapid urease test. The results of genotyping were compared with those obtained for 248 healthy Polish individuals.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in genotype and allele frequencies for both investigated polymorphisms between peptic ulcer patients and healthy individuals. No associations between frequencies of particular genotypes and alleles for both SNPs and the presence of H. pylori infection in peptic ulcer patients and in subgroups of peptic ulcer women and men were confirmed.

CONCLUSIONS

The investigated SNPs are not risk factors for peptic ulcer development. They are not risk factors for H. pylori infection in ulcer patients.

Polymorphisms of tumor necrosis factor alpha in Middle Eastern population with colorectal cancer

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) contributes in inflammation and has been implicated in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in TNF-α promoter could affect the risk of CRC by regulating TNF-α production. This is the first study to investigate TNF-α SNPs in a Middle Eastern population. In this study, we examined three SNPs in TNF-α for association with CRC. One hundred CRC patients and 100 controls were genotyped for TNF-α -308, -238, and -857 using TaqMan allelic discrimination assay. The TNF-α -238 (G/A) genotype was significantly associated with high risk of CRC (p = 0.003552). The distribution of three genotypes of -238 G/A was significantly different between the controls and CRC patients even after Bonferroni’s correction. The AA genotype of -238 G/A SNP was observed at considerably higher proportion (13 %) in CRCs compared to controls (1 %). Additionally, similar to genotypes, the allelic frequencies of -238 G/A were significantly different between the CRC cases and controls (odds ratios (OR) = 7.647, χ² = 18.50, p = 0.00002). The genotype frequencies of -308 and -857 were not notably different between the cases and controls. TNF-α -238A may be useful as a screening marker to identify individuals prior to their acquiring CRC in the Saudi population although, further validations in larger cohorts are needed.

Investigation of -308G>A and -1031T>C polymorphisms in the TNFA promoter region in Polish peptic ulcer patients

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) encoded by TNFA is a key mediator in inflammation, a precursor condition for peptic ulceration. Promoter polymorphisms of TNFA that influence its transcriptional activity and TNF-α production are known. TNFA-308G>A (rs1800629) and TNFA-1031T>C (rs1799964), which are responsible for increased TNFA transcription, could influence the risk of peptic ulceration. This study aimed to investigate these polymorphisms and to evaluate their association with peptic ulcer disease and Helicobacter pylori infection in the Polish population.

METHODS

Gastric mucosa specimens obtained from 177 Polish peptic ulcer patients were used to conduct rapid urease tests and to assess the investigated polymorphisms by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Genotyping data were compared with the results obtained from healthy individuals of Polish origin.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in genotype and allele frequency of the investigated polymorphisms between peptic ulcer patients and healthy individuals. No associations between the frequencies of particular genotypes and alleles for both single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the presence of H. pylori infection in peptic ulcer patients and in subgroups of men and women with peptic ulcer disease were found.

CONCLUSIONS

The investigated SNPs are not risk factors for either peptic ulcer or H. pylori infection development in the Polish population. The results require verification in a larger cohort.

Association between TNF-α-308 G/A gene polymorphism and gastric cancer risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) has been found to be associated with gastric carcinogenesis, but individually published results have been inconclusive. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between the TNF-α-308 G/A polymorphism and gastric cancer risk.

METHODS

MEDLINE, EMBASE and the COCHRANE library databases were searched for relevant articles to identify all available data. The odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) from each study were used to assess the association between the TNF-α-308 G/A polymorphism and gastric cancer risk.

RESULTS

This meta-analysis included 30 studies (32 datasets) involving 7009 gastric cancer cases and 12,119 control subjects. Overall, a significant association was found between the TNF-α-308 G/A polymorphism and gastric cancer in AA+GA vs. GG (dominant contrast model) (OR=1.20, 95% CI=1.07-1.34, p=0.001). With stratification based on ethnicity, the TNF-α-308 G/A polymorphism was correlated with gastric cancer risk in Caucasians, using the dominant contrast model (OR=0.74, 95% CI=0.57-0.96, p=0.02), but not in East Asians and other ethnic groups. In the comprehensive subgroup analysis, a significant association was also found in recent articles (published after 2005), population-based high-quality studies, hospital-based high-quality studies, studies using the TaqMan method and non-cardia subgroups. However, the TNF-α-308 G/A polymorphism was not associated with specific histological types of gastric cancer risk.

CONCLUSIONS

The TNF-α-308 G/A polymorphism may contribute to susceptibility to gastric cancer in Caucasians, especially for non-cardia gastric cancer, as most strongly demonstrated in high-quality studies and in studies using the TaqMan genotyping method. Furthermore, we recommend the TaqMan method as the preferred genotyping method in DNA polymorphism studies.

TNF-α-308 polymorphism and risk of digestive system cancers: A meta-analysis

AIM: To evaluate the association between the tumour necrosis factor alpha-308 (TNF-α-308) gene polymorphism and the risk of digestive system cancers.

METHODS: All eligible case-control studies published up to December 2012 were identified by searching PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and China National Knowledge Internet without language restrictions. The risk of digestive system cancers associated with the TNF-α-308 polymorphism was estimated for each study using odds ratio (OR) together with its 95%CI, respectively. Cochrane Collaboration RevMan 5.1 was used to perform the analysis. A χ²-test-based Q statistic test and an I² test were performed to assess the between-study heterogeneity. When the Q test was significant (P < 0.05) or I² > 50%, the random effects model was used, otherwise the fixed effects model was used.

RESULTS: Fifty-eight studies from fifty-five publications with a total of 9986 cancer patients and 15511 healthy controls were included. Overall, a significant association was found between the TNF-α-308 polymorphism and the risk of digestive system cancers [dominant model: OR = 1.23, 95%CI: 1.09-1.39, (G/A) vs (G/G): OR = 1.15, 95%CI: 1.02-1.28, (A/A) vs (G/G): OR = 1.44, 95%CI: 1.19-1.73, recessive model: OR = 1.38, 95%CI: 1.15-1.66]. Furthermore, when the analysis was stratified by ethnicity, similar results were observed in both the Asian and Caucasian populations, except for the dominant model and heterozygote comparisons in the Asian population [dominant model: OR = 1.24, 95%CI: 0.99-1.56, (G/A) vs (G/G): OR = 1.09, 95%CI: 0.96-1.24]. When the cancer type subgroups were examined, similar results were detected in gastric and hepatocellular carcinomas; however, no significant association was observed among other digestive system cancers.

CONCLUSION: The TNF-α-308 gene polymorphism may be significantly associated with the risk of gastric and hepatocellular carcinomas, but not colorectal, pancreatic, or oesophageal cancer, in the Asian population.

Four genetic polymorphisms of lymphotoxin-alpha gene and cancer risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Lymphotoxin-alpha (LTA) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that plays an important role in the inflammatory and immunologic response. Numerous studies have shown LTA polymorphisms as risk factors for cancers, but the results remain inconclusive. The goal of the present meta-analyses is to establish the associations between cancers and four LTA variants (rs1041981, rs2239704, rs2229094 and rs746868). A total of 30 case-control studies involving 58,649 participants were included in the current meta-analyses. Our results showed significant associations with increased cancer risk for rs1041981 (odd ratio (OR) = 1.15, 99% confidential interval (CI) = 1.07-1.25, P < 0.0001, I² = 12.2%), rs2239704 (OR = 1.08, 99% CI = 1.01-1.16, P = 0.021, I² = 0.0%) and rs2229094 (OR = 1.28, 99% CI = 1.09-1.50, P = 0.003, I² = 0.0%). No evidence was found for the association between rs746868 and cancer risk (OR = 1.01, 99% CI = 0.93-1.10, P = 0.771, I² = 0.0%). Subgroup meta-analysis suggested that rs2239704 was likely to increase the risk of hematological malignancy (OR = 1.10, 99% CI = 1.01–1.20, P = 0.023, I² = 0.0%), and rs2229094 was specific for the increased risk of adenocarcinoma (OR = 1.33, 99% CI = 1.11-1.59, P = 0.002, I² = 0.0%). In conclusion, our meta-analyses suggested that the LTA rs1041981, rs2239704 and rs2229094 polymorphisms contributed to the increased risk of cancers. Future functional studies were needed to clarify the mechanistic roles of the three variants in the cancer risk.

Quantitative assessment of the influence of tumor necrosis factor alpha polymorphism with gastritis and gastric cancer risk

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFA) is an important molecule in inflammatory, infectious, and tumoral processes. Inflammation is one of the early phases in the development of gastric cancer (GC). Therefore, several studies have examined the association of polymorphism in TNFA with gastritis and GC risk. A functional polymorphism, -308G>A (rs1800629), which is located in the promoter of TNFA gene, has been suggested to alter the production of TNF-α and influence cancer risk. To date, a number of studies have been carried out to investigate the relationship between the polymorphism and gastritis or GC susceptibility, but the results were conflicting. To investigate this inconsistency, we performed a meta-analysis of 36 studies for TNFA -308G>A polymorphism to evaluate the effect of TNFA on genetic susceptibility for gastritis and GC. An overall random-effects per-allele odds ratio of 1.16 (95 % confidence interval 1.04-1.29, P = 0.008) was found for the polymorphism. Significant results were also observed using dominant or recessive genetic models. In the subgroup analyses by ethnicity, significant results were found in Caucasians, whereas no significant associations were found among East Asians and other ethnic populations. No associations between the polymorphism and gastritis were observed. In addition, our data indicate that TNFA is involved in GC susceptibility and confers its effect primarily in diffuse type of tumors. Besides, -308G>A polymorphism was found to be significantly associated with both cardiac and noncardiac tumors. This meta-analysis demonstrated that the TNFA -308G>A polymorphism is a risk factor for developing GC, but the associations vary in different ethnic populations.

Association between tumor necrosis factor β 252 A/G polymorphism and risk of gastric cancer: a meta-analysis

Tumor necrosis factor β (TNF-β) 252 A/G polymorphism has been implicated to be associated with risk of gastric cancer, but previous studies showed inconsistent and inconclusive results. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to assess the association between TNF-β 252 A/G polymorphism and gastric cancer risk. Relevant studies were searched from PubMed database. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated to evaluate the strength of the associations between TNF-β 252 A/G polymorphism and gastric cancer risk. Overall, 11 individual case-control studies with 2,270 cases and 4,404 controls were included in the final meta-analysis. Meta-analysis of total 11 studies showed that TNF-β 252 A/G polymorphism was associated with the risk of gastric cancer (G vs. A: OR = 1.10, 95% CI 1.02-1.19, P = 0.015; GG/AG vs. AA: OR = 1.21, 95% CI 1.00-1.47, P = 0.049). Subgroup analysis by ethnicity showed that TNF-β 252 A/G polymorphism was only associated with the risk of gastric cancer in Asians, but not Caucasians. The findings from the current meta-analysis suggest that TNF-β 252 A/G polymorphism is associated with the risk of gastric cancer, especially in Asians.

Tumor necrosis factor-α 238 G/A polymorphism and gastric cancer risk: a meta-analysis

Though many studies were performed to assess the association between tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) 238 G/A polymorphism and gastric cancer risk, there were no conclusive findings. A meta-analysis of previous published studies was performed to get a comprehensive assessment of the association between TNF-α 238 G/A polymorphisms and gastric cancer. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95 % CIs) were calculated to assess the association. Fifteen studies with a total of 7,795 participants were finally included into this meta-analysis. Overall, there was an obvious association between TNF-α 238 G/A polymorphism and increased risk of gastric cancer (A vs. G: OR = 1.32, 95% CI 1.02-1.72, P = 0.036; GA vs. GG: OR = 1.32, 95% CI 1.01-1.72, P = 0.042; and AA/GA vs. GG: OR = 1.34, 95% CI 1.02-1.76, P = 0.036). Subgroup analysis by ethnicity showed the statistically significant association between TNF-α 238 G/A polymorphism and gastric cancer was limited to Asian populations (A vs. G: OR = 1.59, 95% CI 1.29-1.97, P < 0.001; GA vs. GG: OR = 1.63, 95% CI 1.29-2.04, P < 0.001; and AA/GA vs. GG: OR = 1.64, 95%CI 1.31-2.05, P < 0.001), and there was no obvious association in Caucasians. In conclusion, TNF-α 238 G/A polymorphism is significantly associated with increased risk of gastric cancer, especially in Asians.

Association between tumor necrosis factor-alpha 857C/T polymorphism and gastric cancer: a meta-analysis

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) is an inflammatory cytokine which may play an important role on the immune response may control the progression of gastric cancer. Previous studies on the association between TNF-α 857C/T polymorphism and gastric cancer risk reported conflicting results. We performed a meta-analysis to comprehensively assess the association between TNF-α 857C/T polymorphism and gastric cancer risk. Literature search was performed for all publications on the association between TNF-α 857C/T polymorphism and gastric cancer risk through March 6, 2013. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) with their 95% confidence interval (95%CIs) were calculated to assess the association between TNF-α 857C/T polymorphism and gastric cancer risk. Nine individual case-control studies with a total of 5,054 subjects (1,835 cases and 3,219 controls) were finally included into the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis of total nine studies showed that TNF-α 857C/T polymorphism was significantly associated with increased risk of gastric cancer under four genetic models (for T vs. C: OR = 1.19, 95%CI 1.07-1.33, P = 0.002; for TT vs. CC: OR = 1.44, 95%CI 1.03-2.02, P = 0.032; for CT vs. CC: OR = 1.19, 95%CI 1.05-1.36, P = 0.008; and for TT/CT vs. CC: OR = 1.21, 95%CI 1.07-1.38, P = 0.003). Subgroup analysis by ethnicity further showed that there was a significant association between TNF-α 857C/T polymorphism and increased risk of gastric cancer in Asians but not in Caucasians. The meta-analysis suggests that TNF-α 857C/T polymorphism is significantly associated with increased risk of gastric cancer, especially in Asians.

Association between TNF α gene polymorphisms and the risk of duodenal ulcer: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Epidemiological studies have evaluated the association between tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and duodenal ulcer (DU), but the results remain inconclusive. The aim of this study was to perform a meta-analysis to investigate a more authentic association between TNF-α SNPs and DU.

METHODS

We performed the meta-analysis by searching PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases from the first available year to Sep. 5, 2012. Additionally, checking reference lists from identified articles, reviews, and the abstracts presented at related scientific societies meetings were also performed. All case-control studies investigating the association between TNF-α SNPs and DU risk were included. The association was assessed by odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Publication bias was analyzed by Begg's funnel plot and Egger's regression test.

RESULTS

A total of sixteen studies reporting TNF-α -308G/A, -1031T/C, -863C/A, -857C/T, and -238G/A polymorphism were included in our final meta-analysis. There was no statistically significant association between -308G/A polymorphism and DU in the overall study population, as well as subgroup analyses by ethnicity, study design, and H. pylori status. As for -1031T/C, -863C/A, -857C/T, and -238G/A, results of our meta-analyses showed no statistical evidence of significant association. Power calculation on the combined sample size showed that the statistical powers were all lower than 80% for all the meta-analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

The data suggests that there is no statistical evidence of significant association between the studied TNF-α SNPs and DU. However, this conclusion should be interpreted with caution as low statistical powers were revealed by power calculations. In future, larger sample-size studies with homogeneous DU patients and well-matched controls are required.

Role of tumor necrosis factor-α -308 G/A promoter polymorphism in gastric cancer

BACKGROUND/AIM

Gastric cancer (GC) is the fourth most common cancer and the second most common cause of cancer death world-wide after lung cancer. It is a multifactorial disease with the involvement of both genetic and environmental risk factors. Genetic variation in genes encoding cytokines and their receptors, determine the intensity of the inflammatory response, which may contribute to individual differences in severity of outcome of the disease. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) is a potent pro-inflammatory cytokine and acid inhibitor. A bi allelic G to A polymorphism at -308 upstream from the transcription initiation site of the promoter is associated with elevated TNF levels. The present study is aimed at evaluating the role of TNF-α-308 (G → A) gene polymorphism and susceptibility to GC.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A case-control study was carried out in 114 GC patients and 229 healthy control subjects. TNF-α genotyping at position-308 (G → A) was carried out by amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR) method followed by agarose gel electrophoresis.

RESULTS

The distribution of TNF-α genotypes at -308 (G → A) were GG 28.07%, GA 66.67% and AA 5.26% in GC patients and GG 33.19%, GA 55.89% and AA 10.92% in control subjects. The frequencies of alleles G and A were 0.614 and 0.386 in GC patients and 0.611 and 0.389 in control subjects respectively.

CONCLUSION

The study showed no significant difference in the distribution of genotype and allelic frequencies between GC patients and control subject.

IL-1ra anti-inflammatory cytokine polymorphism is associated with risk of gastric cancer and chronic gastritis in a Brazilian population, but the TNF-β pro-inflammatory cytokine is not

Genetic polymorphisms in genes that codify inflammatory cytokines have been associated with gastric carcinogenesis. This study evaluated polymorphisms IL-1RN VNTR and TNFB+252A/G in a population from Southeast Brazil with regard to the risk of chronic gastritis and gastric cancer and the presence of an association of gastric lesions with risk factors such as gender, age, smoking, drinking and Helicobacter pylori infection. In this case-control study, polymorphism at IL-1RN VNTR was investigated using the allele-specific polymerase chain reaction method, while the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism technique was used to identify the TNFB+252A/G genotype in 675 Brazilian individuals [229 with chronic gastritis (CG), 200 with gastric cancer (GC) and 246 healthy individuals as controls (C)]. Multiple logistic regression analysis (log-additive, dominant, and recessive models) have not showed association of the genotype frequencies for the SNP TNFB + 252A/G with risk of CG or GC. However, as for IL-1RN VNTR it was observed significant differences in all three analysis models, with higher values of OR in recessive model, both in the GC group (OR = 3.04, 95% CI = 1.41-6.56, p < 0.01) and CG (OR = 2.32, 95% CI = 1.10-4.90, p = 0.02) compared to the C group. In addition, the multiple logistic regression showed also an association with risk factors such as male gender, older age and alcohol intake regarded GC group. So, our results indicated that the IL-1RN*2 allele may increase the risk of gastric cancer and precancerous lesions in the Southeast Brazilian population, reinforcing the importance of host genetic factors in the susceptibility to gastric cancer and the participation of cytokines in both the inflammation and the carcinogenic process.

Increased risk for gastric cancer in carriers of the lymphotoxin-α+252G variant infected by Helicobacter pylori

The objective of this study is to determine whether polymorphisms in the lymphotoxin-α (LTA) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) genes were associated with gastric cancer (GC) in a Chinese population. One hundred ninety-six patients with GC and 248 healthy individuals were enrolled in this case-control study. The LTA 252G was associated with an increased risk of GC, with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 1.74 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12-2.69) for the LTA 252G heterozygotes and 2.42 (95% CI: 1.28-4.58) for the LTA 252G homozygotes as compared with noncarriers. In contrast, such association is not found in polymorphisms in IL-10; however, a potential interaction between LTA +252 G allele and IL-10-1082 G/A was found to be associated with the occurrence of GC (adjusted OR: 1.91; 95% CI: 1.01-3.64). This study indicates that the LTA +252G allele is associated with increased risk for the presence of GC in a Helicobacter pylori infection positive subgroup and potential interaction between IL-10 and LTA may contribute to the risk of GC.

The TNF-alpha-238 polymorphism and cancer risk: a meta-analysis

Background and Objectives

Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) plays a very important role in the development and progress of cancer. Some TNF-α polymorphisms have been confirmed to increase cancer risks; however, the association between TNF-α-238 polymorphism and cancers remains controversial and ambiguous. The aim of this study is to explore a more precise estimation of its relationship with cancer using meta-analysis.

Methods

Electronic searches of several databases were conducted for all publications on the association between this variant and cancer through March 2011. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were used to access the strength of this association in the random-effect model.

Results

Thirty four studies with 34,679 cancer patients and 41,186 healthy controls were included. This meta-analysis showed no significant association between TNF-α-238 polymorphism and cancers (AA+GA vs GG: OR = 1.09, 95%CI = 0.88–1.34). In Caucasian and Asian subgroups, OR values (95% CI) were 1.14 (0.91–1.43) and 0.97 (0.58–1.61), respectively. In the subgroups of cancer type, no significant association was detected. The sensitivity analysis further strengthened the validity of these negative associations. No publication bias was observed in this study.

Conclusions

No significant association was found between the TNF-α-238 polymorphism and the risk for cancer.

Polymorphisms in inflammatory response genes and their association with gastric cancer: A HuGE systematic review and meta-analyses

To evaluate the association between gastric cancer susceptibility and inflammation-related gene polymorphisms, the authors conducted a series of meta-analyses using a predefined protocol. Genes investigated were those coding for the interleukin (IL) proteins (IL1B, IL1RN, IL8, and IL10) and for tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Gastric cancers were stratified by histologic subtype and anatomic subsite, by Helicobacter pylori infection status, by geographic location (Asian or non-Asian study population), and by a quantitative index of study quality. All published literature and meeting abstracts from the period 1990-2006 were considered. Results consistently supported increased cancer risk for IL1RN2 carriers; the increased risk was specific to non-Asian populations and was seen for intestinal and diffuse cancers, distal cancers, and, to a lesser extent, cardia cancers. Analyses restricted to high-quality studies or H. pylori-positive cases and controls also showed significant associations with both carrier status and homozygosity status. In Asian populations, reduced risk was observed in association with IL1B-31C carrier status. This effect was also observed in analyses restricted to high-quality studies. These results indicate the importance of stratification by anatomic site, histologic type, H. pylori infection, and country of origin. Study quality considerations, both laboratory and epidemiologic, can also affect results and may explain, in part, the variability in results published to date.

LTA 252GG and GA genotypes are associated with diffuse-type noncardia gastric cancer risk in the Japanese population

BACKGROUND

There are limited numbers of reports on the association of lymphotoxin-alpha (LTA) genotypes with gastric cancer.

METHODS

A nested case-control study was carried out in the longitudinal cohort of atomic bomb survivors using stored sera before diagnosis (mean, 2.3 years) and blood cells. Enrolled were 287 cases with noncardia gastric cancer of diffuse and intestinal types and three controls per case selected from cohort members matched on age, gender, city, and time and type of serum storage and counter-matched on radiation dose.

RESULTS

LTA 252GG and GA genotypes were associated with the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori IgG seropositivity and higher antibody titer against H. pylori cytotoxin-associated gene A (CagA) protein in controls and they were an independent risk factor for noncardia gastric cancer of diffuse type (RR = 2.8 (95% CI: 1.3-6.3), p = .01, and RR = 2.7 (95% CI: 1.5-4.8), p < .001), but not for intestinal type, after adjusting for H. pylori IgG seropositivity, CagA antibody titers, chronic atrophic gastritis, smoking, and radiation dose. Cessation of smoking (RR = 0.4 (95% CI: 0.2-0.7), p < .001) and never smoking (RR = 0.4 (95% CI: 0.3-0.6), p < .001) were both protective for future noncardia gastric cancer. Radiation dose was associated with noncardia gastric cancer in subjects with both the LTA 252G-allele and never smoking/quit smoking histories (RR = 3.8 (95% CI: 1.7-5.9), p = .009).

CONCLUSION

The LTA 252 genotype is associated with noncardia gastric cancer of diffuse type in Japan and interacted with radiation dose.

Expression and prognostic values of Id-1 and Id-3 in gastric adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Id (inhibitor of differentiation/DNA binding)-1 and -3 are involved in neoangiogenesis; they antagonize basic helix-loop-helix proteins, inhibit differentiation, and enhance cell proliferation. The aim of this study was to investigate Id-1 and -3 expression in gastric tumors and their clinical relevance in gastric cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We investigated Id-1 and Id-3 expression in gastric cancer samples by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting, and further analyzed the relationship between expression of Id-1 and Id-3 and clinicopathologic characteristics.

RESULTS

Expression of Id-1 and -3 was found significantly more often in gastric cancers than in matched adjacent nonmalignant tissues. Cancer samples with poor or moderate histologic differentiation showed significantly stronger Id-1 and -3 expression than cancer samples with high differentiation. In cancer samples, strong or moderate expression of Id-3, but not Id-1, was a strong independent predictor for shorter overall survival in multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

The level of Id-1 and -3 protein expression was associated with the malignant potential of gastric tumors. In cancer samples, stronger Id-1 and -3 expression is associated with poor differentiation and more aggressive behavior of tumor cells, resulting in poor clinical outcome. Consequently, Id-3 might be used to independently predict survival of patients with gastric cancer.

The role of TNF genetic variants and the interaction with cigarette smoking for gastric cancer risk: a nested case-control study

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of TNF genetic variants and the combined effect between TNF gene and cigarette smoking in the development of gastric cancer in the Korean population.

METHODS

We selected 84 incident gastric cancer cases and 336 matched controls nested within the Korean Multi-Center Cancer Cohort. Six SNPs on the TNF gene, TNF-alpha-238 G/A, -308 G/A, -857 C/T, -863 C/A, -1031 T/C, and TNF-beta 252 A/G were genotyped. The ORs (95% CIs) were calculated using unconditional logistic regression model to detect each SNP and haplotype-pair effects for gastric cancer. The combined effects between the TNF gene and smoking on gastric cancer risk were also evaluated. Multi dimensionality reduction (MDR) analyses were performed to explore the potential TNF gene-gene interactions.

RESULTS

TNF-alpha-857 C/T containing the T allele was significantly associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer and a linear trend effect was observed in the additive model (OR = 1.6, 95% CI 1.0-2.5 for CT genotype; OR = 2.6, 95% CI 1.0-6.4 for TT genotype). All haplotype-pairs that contained TCT or CCC of TNF-alpha-1031 T/C, TNF-alpha-863 C/A, and TNF-alpha-857 C/T were associated with a significantly higher risk for gastric cancer only among smokers. In the MDR analysis, regardless of smoking status, TNF-alpha-857 C/T was included in the first list of SNPs with a significant main effect.

CONCLUSION

TNF-alpha-857 C/T polymorphism may play an independent role in gastric carcinogenesis and the risk for gastric cancer by TNF genetic effect is pronounced by cigarette smoking.

Lymphotoxin-alpha polymorphisms and presence of cancer in 1,536 consecutive autopsy cases

BACKGROUND

Lymphotoxin-alpha (LTA) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine with anti-tumor activity. The objective of this study was to determine whether LTA polymorphisms influence the presence of cancer.

METHODS

LTA polymorphisms C804A (rs1041981, T60N) and T495C (rs2229094, C13R) were determined in 1,536 consecutive autopsy cases and were registered in the Japanese single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for geriatric research (JG-SNP) Internet database. Tumors were systematically reviewed, pathologically confirmed, and assessed in relation to LTA genotype.

RESULTS

The study population consisted of 827 males and 709 females, with a mean age of 80 years. Altogether, we studied 606 subjects without cancer and 930 subjects with cancer of the stomach (n = 183), lung (n = 164), colon or rectum (n = 143), or other sites. The presence of cancer was higher in males than in females. The C804A and T495C polymorphisms were associated with cancer in males (CA + AA: CC, adjusted OR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.53 - 0.99; TC + CC: TT, adjusted OR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.04 - 2.02; respectively) but not in females. In males, the C804A polymorphism was associated with lung cancer (CA + AA: CC, adjusted OR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.37 - 0.97), whereas the T495C polymorphism was associated with gastric cancer (TC + CC: TT, adjusted OR = 1.68, 95% CI = 1.06 - 2.65).

CONCLUSION

We found some evidence of an association between LTA polymorphisms and cancer risk in elderly Japanese men. Further studies in larger populations should examine this hypothesis.

Genetic variants in T helper cell type 1, 2 and 3 pathways and gastric cancer risk in a Polish population

Host immune responses are known determinants of gastric cancer susceptibility. We previously reported an increased gastric cancer risk associated with common variants of several T helper type 1 (Th1) cytokine genes in a population-based case-control study in Warsaw, Poland. In the present study, we augmented our investigation to include additional Th1 genes as well as key genes in the Th2 and Th3 pathways. Analysis of 378 cases and 435 age- and sex-matched controls revealed associations for polymorphisms in the Th1 IL7R gene and one polymorphism in the Th2 IL5 gene. The odd ratios (ORs) for IL7R rs1494555 were 1.4 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.0-1.9] for A/G and 1.5 (95% CI, 1.0-2.4) for G/G carriers relative to A/A carriers (P = 0.04). The ORs for IL5 rs2069812 were 0.9 (95% CI, 0.7-1.3) for C/T and 0.6 (95% CI, 0.3-1.0) T/T carriers compared with C/C carriers (P = 0.03). These results suggest that IL5 rs2069812 and IL7R rs1389832, rs1494556 and rs1494555 polymorphisms may contribute to gastric cancer etiology.

Cytokine gene polymorphisms and the risk of adenocarcinoma of the stomach in the European prospective investigation into cancer and nutrition (EPIC-EURGAST)

BACKGROUND

The relative contribution to gastric cancer (GC) risk of variants in genes that determine the inflammatory response remains mostly unknown and results from genotyping studies are inconsistent.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A nested case-control study within the prospective European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition cohort was carried out, including 248 gastric adenocarcinomas and 770 matched controls. Twenty common polymorphisms at cytokine genes [interleukin (IL)1A, IL1B, IL1RN, IL4, IL4R, IL6, IL8, IL10, IL12A, IL12B, lymphotoxin alpha and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)] were analyzed. Antibodies against Helicobacter pylori (Hp) and CagA were measured.

RESULTS

IL1RN 2R/2R genotype [odds ratio (OR) 2.43; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.19-4.96] and allele IL1RN Ex5-35C were associated with an increased risk of Hp(+) non-cardia GC. IL8 -251AA genotype was associated with a decreased risk of Hp(+) non-cardia GC (OR 0.51; 95% CI 0.32-0.81), mainly of the intestinal type. These associations were not modified by CagA status. Carriers of IL1B -580C and TNF -487A alleles did not associate with an increased risk. A moderately increased risk of Hp(+) non-cardia GC for IL4R -29429T variant was observed (OR 1.74; 95% CI 1.15-2.63).

CONCLUSION

This prospective study confirms the association of IL1RN polymorphisms with the risk of non-cardia GC and indicates that IL8 -251T>A may modify the risk for GC.

Association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in TNF-LTA locus with breast cancer risk in Indian population

PURPOSE

Cytokine milieu of tumor microenvironment affects tumorigenesis in breast cancer. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential association of functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in TNF-LTA locus with breast cancer.

METHODS

The study included 127 individuals comprising 40 breast cancer cases (35 sporadic & 5 familial) and 87 individuals of high risk group (with family history of breast cancer) along with 150 healthy controls. PCR-RFLP was employed to analyze TNFA promoter polymorphisms at -238 G/A, -308 G/A, -857 C/T, -863 C/A and -1031 T/C along with +252 A/G SNP in LTA. The results were further confirmed by direct sequencing.

RESULTS

Significant association was established for TNFA -308 G/A and LTA +252 A/G polymorphisms with breast cancer versus controls (P < 0.0001; OR, 9.53; 95% CI, 4.11-22.13; P (c) < 0.001) and high risk group versus controls (P < 0.0001; OR, 8.27; 95% CI, 4.28-16.0; P (c) < 0.001) respectively. GGACCT haplotype was found to be positively associated with breast cancer (P < 0.0001; OR, 12.17; 95% CI = 5.12-28.92; P (c) < 0.001) and high risk group (P, 0.03; OR, 2.95; 95% CI, 1.20-7.26; P (c), 0.005) in relation to controls. While GGGCCT haplotype was significantly related with high risk group in comparison to cancer (P, 0.0002; OR, 5.71; 95% CI, 2.18-14.99; P (c), 0.003) and controls (P, 0.0002; OR, 2.48; 95% CI, 1.55-3.96; P (c), 0.003).

CONCLUSION

TNF-LTA locus could serve as an important biomarker for breast cancer predisposition in Indian population.

Polymorphisms of tumor necrosis factor-alpha are associated with increased susceptibility to gastric cancer: a meta-analysis

We conducted a meta-analysis to assess the association between tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) gene TNFA-308 (G > A) and TNFA-857 (C > T) polymorphisms and gastric cancer (GC) susceptibility. We also performed subgroup analyses based on ethnicity (Caucasian, east Asian, and other populations) and tumor location [noncardia gastric cancer (NCGC)]. There were 3,335 GC patients and 5,286 controls for TNFA-308, and 1,118 GC patients and 1,591 controls for TNFA-857 in our analysis. Overall, allele contrast (A vs. G) of TNFA-308 polymorphism produced significant results in worldwide populations [Pheterogeneity = 0.05, random-effects (RE) odds ratio (OR) 1.19; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03-1.37, P = 0.02] and Caucasian populations (Pheterogeneity = 0.15, fixed-effects (FE), OR 1.27; 95% CI 1.11-1.45, P = 0.0005). Similar results were also obtained in recessive models and homozygote contrasts. No significant association was observed in NCGC and east Asian subgroup analysis. T variant of TNFA-857 produced significant results only in allele contrast (Pheterogeneity = 0.38, FE OR 1.17; 95% CI 1.01-1.35, P = 0.04). In conclusion, TNFA-308 locus of TNF-alpha would be a risk factor for GC, especially in Caucasian populations. Besides, TNFA-857 locus may be related to GC risk, which demonstrated changeability of results in different contrasts.

Tumour-necrosis factor-A polymorphisms and gastric cancer risk: a meta-analysis

Inflammation is one of the early phases in the development of gastric cancer. Therefore, several studies have examined the association of polymorphisms in tumour-necrosis factor-A gene (TNF-A) with gastric cancer risk. This meta-analysis reviews and summarises published evidence for these associations. Searching several databases yielded 24 independent studies that reported on the associations between TNF-A polymorphisms and gastric cancer risk. We analysed available data for the most commonly investigated polymorphisms: TNF-A –308G>A (23 studies), TNF-A –238G>A (9 studies), and TNF-A –857C>T (5 studies). Summary odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated in the random-effects model using the DerSimonian–Laird method. Q-statistic and I²-statistic were calculated to examine heterogeneity, and funnel plots were plotted to examine small study effects. The overall ORs (95% CIs) for AG and AA genotypes vs GG genotype for TNF-A –308 were 1.09 (0.94–1.27) and 1.49 (1.11–1.99), respectively. For TNF-A –238, the corresponding ORs (95% CIs) were 1.05 (0.84–1.33) and 1.25 (0.30–5.26), respectively. The overall ORs (95% CIs) for CT and TT genotypes (vs CC) for TNF-A –857 were 1.06 (0.89–1.27) and 1.57 (0.91–2.70), respectively. The statistically significant association between TNF-A –308GG and gastric cancer was limited to western populations. This association showed little heterogeneity (I²=0) and remained consistently strong when analyses were limited to anatomic and histologic subtypes of gastric cancer, or limited to studies in which genotype frequencies were in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, or limited to larger studies. These same subgroup analyses did not change results associated with other polymorphisms. In conclusion, TNF-A –308AA genotype was associated with a statistically significant increased risk of gastric cancer, whereas other studied polymorphisms were not. The association between TNF-A –857TT genotype and gastric cancer was near significant, and may become significant if more studies are published.

Association of HLA-DRB1*13 and TNF-alpha gene polymorphisms with clearance of chronic hepatitis B infection and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in Thai population

Considerable evidence suggests that host genetic factor play an important role in the pathogenesis and clinical outcome of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in several ethic groups. Association study was performed included 150 chronic HBV patients, 100 resolved hepatitis B and 150 healthy individuals with similar ethic background. Interestingly, human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-DR13 show a strong association with the clearance of HBV [odds ratio (OR) = 0.04, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.00-0.26, corrected P-value (P(c)) = 0.0008] similar to reports from several ethic groups. TNF-alpha promoter polymorphisms (-863, -308 and -238) were also analysed. Only -863 C allele was found to be significantly decreased in chronic HBV patients compared with healthy control (P(c) = 0.03, OR = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.35-0.84 respectively). This -863C allele was not in linkage disequilibrium with HLA-DR13 suggesting that other genetic markers linked with -863C might influence clearance of chronic HBV infection in Thai. When stratified chronic HBV patients into patients without hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and with HCC, the -863 A allele was significantly increased in the HCC group compared to healthy control (P(c) = 0.003, OR = 2.61, 95% CI = 1.49-4.60). Haplotype analysis (-863/-308/-238) revealed that the homozygosity of the haplotype (CGG/CGG) was a protective marker for HCC (OR = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.17-0.79, P(c) = 0.02). One can propose that carriers of -863A genotype are associated with increased levels of TNF-alpha in the liver in response to HBV infection and induce hapatocyte damage that may finally lead to HCC development. Additional study is needed to validate these finding and to further explore the genetic pathogenesis of HBV infection.

Gastric cancer susceptibility is not linked to pro-and anti-inflammatory cytokine gene polymorphisms in whites: a Nationwide Multicenter Study in Spain

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Recent studies have reported an association between cytokine gene polymorphisms and GC risk. However, results are inconsistent among studies from different geographic regions and ethnic groups. Our goal was to evaluate the influence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and host genetic factors on GC susceptibility in a population of Spanish white GC patients.

METHODS

DNA from 404 unrelated patients with GC and 404 sex- and age-matched healthy controls was typed for several functional polymorphisms in pro- (IL-1B, TNFA, LTA, IL-12p40) and anti-inflammatory (IL-4, IL-1RN, IL-10, TGFB1) genes by PCR, RFLP, and TaqMan assays. H. pylori infection and CagA/VacA antibody status were also determined by western blot serology.

RESULTS

Logistic regression analysis identified H. pylori infection with cagA strains (OR 2.54, 95% CI 1.77-3.66), smoking habit (OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.25-2.93), and positive family history of GC (OR 3.67, 95% CI 2.01-6.71) as independent risk factors for GC. None of the cytokine gene polymorphisms analyzed in this study were associated with susceptibility to GC development, whether GC patients were analyzed as a group or categorized according to anatomic location or histological subtype. Some simultaneous combinations of proinflammatory genotypes reportedly associated with greater GC risk yielded no significant differences between patients and controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that, at least in some white populations, the contribution of the cytokine gene polymorphisms evaluated in this study (IL-1B, IL-1RN, IL-12p40, LTA, IL-10, IL-4, and TGF-B1) to GC susceptibility may be less relevant than previously reported.

Different effects of polymorphisms of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1 beta on development of peptic ulcer and gastric cancer

BACKGROUND AND AIM

In Western countries, polymorphism of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes is associated with the development of gastric cancer and duodenal ulcer. The aim of this study was to clarify the association of polymorphisms of interleukin (IL)-1beta and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha with susceptibility to peptic ulcer diseases and gastric cancer in Japan.

METHODS

The IL-1beta-511/-31 and TNF-alpha-308/-857/-863/-1031 genotypes were determined in Helicobacter pylori-positive patients with gastritis only (n = 164), gastric ulcers (n = 110), duodenal ulcers (n = 94), or gastric cancers (n = 105), and in H. pylori-negative controls (n = 172).

RESULTS

Carriage of the alleles TNF-alpha-857 T (odd ratio [OR], 1.826; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.097-3.039), TNF-alpha-863 A (OR, 1.788; 95% CI, 1.079-2.905) and TNF-alpha-1031 C (OR, 1.912; 95% CI, 1.152-3.171) was associated with increased risk for gastric ulcer development. Carriage of the alleles TNF-alpha-857 T (OR, 1.686; 95% CI, 1.003-2.832), TNF-alpha-863 A (OR, 1.863; 95% CI, 1.118-3.107) and TNF-alpha-1031 C (OR 2.074; 95% CI, 1.244-3.457) was also associated with increased risk of gastric cancer development. There was no relationship between the development of H. pylori-related diseases and polymorphisms of IL-1beta-511/-31 and TNF-alpha-308. The simultaneous carriage of three different high-producer alleles of TNF-alpha-857/-863/-1031 significantly increased the risk of gastric ulcer (OR, 6.57; 95% CI, 2.34-18.40) and gastric cancer (OR, 5.20; 95% CI, 1.83-14.78).

CONCLUSIONS

Polymorphisms in TNF-alpha rather than IL-1beta are associated with increased risk for gastric ulcers and gastric cancer in Japan. The simultaneous carriage of more than one high-producer allele of TNF-alpha further increased the risks for gastric ulcer and cancer.

Single-tube-genotyping of gastric cancer related SNPs by directly using whole blood and paper-dried blood as starting materials

AIM: To demonstrate an inexpensive method for typing gastric cancer related single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using whole blood or paper-dried blood as starting materials.

METHODS: PCR amplification is directly carried out from the whole blood or paper-dried blood sample without any DNA extraction step. Before PCR, a blood sample, four primers, and all of biological reagents necessary for PCR were added at a time; After PCR, the amplified products were directly separated by slab gel electrophoresis or microchip CE without any purification. SNP typing was performed by tetra-primer PCR with two inner primers specific to each allele and two outer primers defining the length of allele-specific amplicons. Genotypes were directly discriminated by the size of amplicons specific to each allele, thereby avoiding any post-PCR process.

RESULTS: Using a special PCR buffer, inhibitory substances in blood (including the anticoagulant in blood) and filter paper were effectively suppressed; a “true” single-tube-genotyping is thus realized. We successfully determined genotypes IL-1B-511 and IL-1B-31 polymorphisms at the gene IL-1B by using whole-blood and paper-dried blood samples as starting materials respectively. The method is so sensitive that 0.5-1.0 μL of blood sample is enough to give a satisfactory typing results. The genotyping results were confirmed by RFLP-PCR using purified genome DNA, indicating that amplification specificity was not affected by inhibitory components (including coagulants) in blood or filter paper.

CONCLUSION: Compared with SNP typing methods based on purified DNA, the proposed method is labor-saving, simple, inexpensive, and less cross-contaminated. It is promising to use this method to type other SNPs.

Haplotyping of TNFalpha gene promoter using melting temperature analysis: detection of a novel -856(G/A) mutation

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) is a potent cytokine with a wide range of pro-inflammatory activities and plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of a number of infectious, inflammatory, autoimmune, and metabolic diseases. We determined four single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), -1031(C/T), -863(C/A), -857(C/T), and -308(G/A) in the TNFalpha promoter region using melting temperature analysis, among 1451 geriatric autopsy samples. Two adjacent SNPs, -863(C/A) and -857(C/T), were directly assayed by a single probe reaction, which correctly determined three of four expected haplotypes. Sequence confirmation related that the most rare haplotype (8/2902 chromosomes, frequency: 0.26%) contains a novel mutation of -856(G/A), instead of the predicted haplotype. These results indicate that melting temperature analysis provides a robust method to determine the polymorphisms in the TNFalpha promoter.

Influence of Toll-Like Receptor 4, CD14, Tumor Necrosis Factor, and Interleukine-10 Gene Polymorphisms on Clinical Outcome in Japanese Critically Ill Patients

The innate recognition of microbial components and subsequent activation of cytokine network are important in the pathophysiology of sepsis. Recently, functional gene polymorphisms in molecules associated with these responses were demonstrated. On the other hand, it has been claimed that there are ethnic differences in genetic polymorphisms. This study investigated toll-like receptor (TLR) 4, CD14, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and -beta, and interleukin (IL)-10 gene polymorphisms in 197 Japanese critically ill patients and 214 healthy control subjects to evaluate the influence of these polymorphisms on clinical outcome. No Japanese participant carrying TLR4Asp299Gly or Thr399Ile was detected. No association of CD14-159C/T polymorphisms with genotype frequency or sepsis mortality was observed. Frequency of TNF-alpha-308 GA genotype was significantly higher in the sepsis group than in the control group and TNF-alpha-308GA and IL-10-592CC genotypes were related to poor outcome of sepsis. Ethnic differences in genetic variations are very important issues and the frequencies in this study differ from those previously reported in Caucasians. In conclusion, this study may indicate that TNF-alpha-308G/A and IL-10-592C/A polymorphisms involved in subsequent activation of cytokine network had a larger effect on clinical outcome in patients with sepsis than TLR4Asp299Gly, Thr399Ile, and CD14-159C/T polymorphisms associated with the initial host-microbial interaction.

Role of cytokine polymorphisms in the risk of distal gastric cancer development

We review the current information concerning the role of cytokine polymorphisms and the risk of develop distal gastric cancer in different populations. We have included populations colonized with Helicobacter pylori as well as populations without colonization. We found that the study of polymorphisms alone seems insufficient to assess gastric cancer risk and it is necessary to examine environmental factors in different ethnic groups and geographic areas along with the study of H. pylori strains to define better the risk factors associated with distal gastric cancer.

Detection and location of Helicobacter pylori in human gastric carcinomas

AIM: To define the infection status of Helicobacter pylori in 109 patients with gastric cancers and H pylori localization in gastric carcinoma tissues in South China.

METHODS: The incidence of H pylori infection in gastric carcinomas was estimated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), simultaneously; both morphological features and the localization of H pylori in gastric carcinomas were demonstrated by Warthin-Starry (WS) staining. The relationships between H pylori infection and the clinical-pathologic factors of gastric carcinomas were analyzed by software SPSS10.0.

RESULTS: H pylori was found in 42 (39.03%) and 58 (53.21%) cases of 109 patients with gastric carcinomas by PCR and WS, respectively. H pylori infection rate detected in gastric carcinomas by WS was higher than that by PCR (χ² = 9.735, P<0.005<0.01). WS stain showed that H pylori existed in the gastric antrum mucus, mucosal gland of normal tissues adjacent to gastric carcinomas and the gland, mucus pool of cancer tissues. The positive rate of H pylori in normal tissues adjacent to carcinomas was higher than that in cancer tissues (χ² = 15.750, P<0.005<0.01). No significant differences in age, sex, site, histological types and lymph node metastasis were found between H pylori-positive gastric carcinomas and H pylori-negative cases by both methods, but there were statistically significant differences of H pylori positive rate between early and advanced stage of gastric carcinomas (χ² = 4.548 or 5.922, P = 0.033 or 0.015<0.05).

CONCLUSION: These results suggested that H pylori infection might play a certain role in the early stage of carcinogenesis of human gastric mucosa epithelia.