Association between vascular endothelial growth factor rs699947 polymorphism and the risk of three major urologic neoplasms (bladder cancer, prostate cancer, and renal cell carcinoma): A meta-analysis involving 11,204 subjects

Association of single nucleotide variants in VEGFA and KDR with the risk and angiogenic features of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common lymphoma subtype and dependent on angiogenesis (AG), whose main effectors are VEGFA and VEGFR2. Functional single nucleotide variants (SNVs) are described in VEGFA and KDR genes. However, it still unknown whether VEGFA - 2578C/A, -2489C/T, -1154G/A, -634G/C, -460C/T and KDR-604T/C, -271G/A, +1192G/A and +1719A/T SNVs act on DLBCL risk and angiogenic features. Genomic DNA from 168 DLBCL patients and 205 controls was used for SNV genotyping. Angiogenesis was immunohistochemically assessed in tumor biopsies, with reactions for VEGFA, VEGFR2, and CD34. VEGFA -1154GG genotype were associated with 1.6-fold higher DLBCL risk. KDR + 1192GG plus KDR + 1719 TT and KDR + 1192GG plus VEGFA - 2578CC combined genotypes are associated with 2.19- and 2.04-fold higher risks of DLBCL, respectively. VEGFA - 634GG or GC genotypes are associated with increased microvessel density and VEGFA levels. No relationship was observed between SNVs and cell-of-origin classification of DLBCL, but higher VEGFA and VEGFR2 were seen in non-germinal center tumors.

Genetic Polymorphisms Involved in Bladder Cancer: A Global Review

Bladder cancer (BC) has been associated with genetic susceptibility. Single peptide polymorphisms (SNPs) can modulate BC susceptibility. A literature search was performed covering the period between January 2000 and October 2020. Overall, 334 articles were selected, reporting 455 SNPs located in 244 genes. The selected 455 SNPs were further investigated. All SNPs that were associated with smoking and environmental exposure were excluded from this study. A total of 197 genes and 343 SNPs were found to be associated with BC, among which 177 genes and 291 SNPs had congruent results across all available studies. These genes and SNPs were classified into eight different categories according to their function.

VEGFA Haplotype and VEGF-A and VEGF-R2 Protein Associations with Exudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Our study aimed to reveal the associations between VEGFA SNPs (rs1570360, rs699947, rs3025033, and rs2146323), their haplotypes, VEGF-A and VEGF-R2 serum concentrations, and early and exudative AMD. A total of 339 subjects with early AMD and 419 with exudative AMD groups, and 374 healthy subjects, were genotyped for four VEGFA SNPs (rs1570360, rs699947, rs3025033, and rs2146323). VEGF-A and VEGFR-2 serum concentrations were measured in exudative AMD and controls. The results revealed that rs3025033 G allele was significantly associated with lower odds of exudative AMD under the dominant model (OR = 0.67; 95% CI: 0.49–0.80; p = 0.0088) and additive (OR = 0.7; 95% CI: 0.54–0.90; p = 0.0058) models after Bonferroni correction. In the female group, rs3025033 AG genotype was associated with exudative AMD under the codominant model (OR = 0.57; 95% CI: 0.37–0.87; p = 0.009) and G allele under the dominant (OR = 0.55; 95% CI: 0.37–0.82; p = 0.0032) and additive models (OR = 0.60; 95% CI: 0.42–0.84; p = 0.0028). Haplotype analysis revealed that individuals carrying rs1570360, rs699947, rs3025033, and rs2146323 haplotype A-A-G-A had decreased risk of exudative AMD (OR = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.23–0.90; p = 0.023). The VEGF-A and VEGF-R2 serum concentrations did not differ between study groups; we found that patients with exudative AMD carrying at least one C allele at rs699947 have statistically significantly higher VEGF-A serum concentrations compared to AA genotype carriers (485.95 (945.93) vs. 194.97 (-), respectively, p = 0.046). In conclusion, we found that VEGFA rs3025033 and haplotype rs1570360A-rs699947A-rs3025033G- rs2146323A play a protective role for exudative AMD in the Caucasian population. Furthermore, rs699947 is associated with elevated VEGF-A serum concentrations in exudative AMD.

Comprehensive analysis of the effect of rs2295080 and rs2536 polymorphisms within the mTOR gene on cancer risk

There is still no conclusion on the potential effect of the rs2295080 and rs2536 polymorphisms of mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) gene on different cancers. Herein, we performed a comprehensive assessment using pooled analysis, FPRP (false-positive report probability), TSA (trial sequential analysis), and eQTL (expression quantitative trait loci) analysis. Eighteen high-quality articles from China were enrolled. The pooled analysis of rs2295080 with 9502 cases and 10,965 controls showed a decreased risk of urinary system tumors and specific prostate cancers [TG vs. TT, TG+GG vs. TT and G vs. T; P<0.05, OR (odds ratio) <1]. FPRP and TSA data further confirmed these results. There was an increased risk of leukemia [G vs. T, GG vs. TT, and GG vs. TT+TG genotypes; P<0.05, OR>1]. The eQTL data showed a potential correlation between the rs2295080 and mTOR expression in whole blood samples. Nevertheless, FPRP and TSA data suggested that more evidence is required to confirm the potential role of rs2295080 in leukemia risk. The pooled analysis of rs2536 (6653 cases and 7025 controls) showed a significant association in the subgroup of "population-based" control source via the allele, heterozygote, dominant, and carrier comparisons (P<0.05, OR>1). In conclusion, the TG genotype of mTOR rs2295080 may be linked to reduced susceptibility to urinary system tumors or specific prostate cancers in Chinese patients. The currently data do not strongly support a role of rs2295080 in leukemia susceptibility. Large sample sizes are needed to confirm the potential role of rs2536 in more types of cancer.

N-acetyltransferase 2 polymorphism is associated with bladder cancer risk: An updated meta-analysis based on 54 case-control studies

OBJECTIVE

N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) polymorphism could participate in the metabolism of carcinogens through regulating the activity of a series of critical enzymes. However, the effects of NAT2 polymorphism on bladder cancer (BCa) risk were still inconclusive. In order to illustrate whether NAT2 polymorphism may influence the susceptibility to BCa, we conducted this updated meta-analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Databases including PubMed, Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI) were systematically retrieved and we applied MetaGenyo to perform final meta-analysis. Odds ratios (ORs) as well as 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated and Bonferroni method was applied to correct the P-value for multiple comparisons. The registration of this study protocol is at PROSPERO and ID is CRD42019133957.

RESULTS

Ultimately, 54 case-control studies were identified for final meta-analysis (13343 BCa cases and 18,586 controls). Overall analysis indicated that the slow genotype in NAT2 polymorphism was obviously associated with BCa risk (P_Bonferroni < 0.001). Subgroup analyses demonstrated that significant risk with the slow genotype was observed in Caucasians, Asians, smokers, non-exposed individuals, high grade bladder cancer (HGBC) patients and muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) patients. In addition, the intermediate NAT2 genotype was revealed to increase the BCa risk of Asians and transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) patients. However, no correlation was identified in Africans with the NAT2 polymorphism.

CONCLUSIONS

The slow NAT2 genotype was identified to be the risk genotype for BCa. The intermediate genotype could serve as the candidate risk genotype. The gene-smoking interaction with NAT2 polymorphism might accelerate the tumor progression.

Association between VEGF gene promoter polymorphisms and bladder cancer: An updated meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is the key regulator of angiogenesis in the development of various cancers. Previous studies have examined the relationship between VEGF gene promoter polymorphisms such as -2578C/A and -460C/T and bladder cancer risk; however, these results are inconclusive. Therefore, we performed this meta-analysis to investigate the association between VEGF gene promoter polymorphisms and bladder cancer risk.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases were searched for studies published before September 2018. The methodological quality assessment of included studies was performed based on the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Scale (NOS). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis using both fixed- and random-effect model. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the strength of the relationship. In addition, the stability of our analysis was evaluated by heterogeneity, sensitivity, subgroup of ethnicity, and publication bias analysis.

RESULTS

We finally included 7 case-control studies with a total of 2412 bladder cancer patients and 3157 cancer-free controls. In Asian population with the VEGF -2578C/A polymorphism, significantly higher bladder cancer risks of 1.55 (95% CI = 1.25-1.93) and 1.53 (95% CI = 1.11-2.10) were found in the heterozygous model (AC vs CC) and the dominant model (AA + AC vs CC), respectively. Though there was no statistical association between VEGF -460C/T polymorphism and bladder cancer, a tendency to higher bladder cancer risk was observed in various genetic models (T vs C; TT vs CC; TC vs CC and TT + TC vs CC).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that VEGF -2578C/A polymorphism might be a risk factor with a modest significance for bladder cancer only in Asian population. Further studies with a larger sample size and other functional polymorphisms are needed to explore the effects of VEGF gene on the risk of bladder cancer.

Synergistic Effect of Network-Based Multicomponent Drugs: An Investigation on the Treatment of Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer with Compound Liuju Formula

Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death with high morbidity and mortality, which non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounting for the majority. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is effective in the treatment of complex diseases, especially cancer. However, TCM is still in the conceptual stage. The interaction between different components remains unknown due to its multicomponent and multitarget characteristics. In this study, compound Liuju formula was taken as an example to isolate compounds with synergistic biological activity through systems pharmacology strategy. Through pharmacokinetic evaluation, 37 potentially active compounds were screened out. Meanwhile, 116 targets of these compounds were obtained by combing with the target prediction model. Through network analysis, we found that multicomponent drugs can present a synergistic effect through regulating inflammatory signaling pathway, invasion pathway, proliferation, and apoptosis pathway. Finally, it was confirmed that the bioactive compounds of compound Liuju formula have not only a killing effect on NSCLC tumor cells but also a synergistic effect on inhibiting the secretion of correlative inflammatory mediators, including TNF-α and IL-1β. The systems pharmacology method was applied in this study, which provides a new direction for analyzing the mechanism of TCM.

Association between five polymorphisms in vascular endothelial growth factor gene and urinary bladder cancer risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis involving 6671 subjects

BACKGROUND

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene plays a key role in angiogenesis and tumor growth. The relationship between VEGF gene polymorphisms and bladder cancer (BCa) risk was studied extensively in recent years. However, the currently available results are controversial. To ascertain whether VEGF polymorphisms are associated with the susceptibility to BCa, we conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Relevant studies were collected systemically from PubMed, Medline, Embase, Web of Science databases and the Cochrane Library. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were evaluated using random or fixed effects models by Stata statistical software. This systematic review protocol was registered at International prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO) under number CRD42018099279.

RESULTS

A total of eight articles including twenty case-control studies with 3206 BCa cases and 3645 controls were enrolled for this meta-analysis. By pooling all eligible studies, we found that rs3025039, rs833052 and rs25648 polymorphisms were significantly associated with BCa risk. However, in subgroup analyses by stage, we identified a decreased association between the rs699947 A-allele and Muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer (MIBC) under allele contrast, homozygous and recessive genetic models (A vs C: OR = 0.76; AA vs CC: OR = 0.49, 95%CI = 0.27-0.90, I² = 0.0%, P = 0.021; AA vs CA + CC: OR = 0.60, 95%CI = 0.38-0.96, I² = 0.0%, P = 0.034). As to ethnicity subgroup analysis, rs699947 and rs3025039 polymorphisms were thought as a risk factor for BCa risk in Asian population, while a decreased association was revealed between rs699947 (C > A) A-allele and BCa risk in African population under dominant, recessive, homozygous, heterozygous and allele contrast genetic models. While for other polymorphisms, null results were found.

CONCLUSION

Our meta-analysis suggested that rs3025039 (C > T), rs833052 (C > A) and rs25648 (C > T) polymorphisms of VEGF gene increased susceptibility to BCa risk. And our study also demonstrated homozygous TT genotype in rs3025039, homozygous AA genotype in rs833052 and homozygous TT genotype in rs25648 were significantly relevant to elevated BCa risk. In the meanwhile, it is worth noting that rs699947 (C > A) A-allele should be thought as a protective factor for MIBC.

VEGF gene rs3025039C/T and rs833052C/A variants are associated with bladder cancer risk in Asian descendants

INTRODUCTION

Polymorphisms of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene were evaluated in a number of studies to evaluate bladder cancer (BCa) susceptibility but with controversial conclusions.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We performed a pooled analysis and used odds ratios (ORs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) to investigate the correlation between VEGF gene rs3025039C/T and rs833052C/A variants and risk of BCa. Furthermore, we utilized in silico tools to demonstrate the relationship of VEGF expression correlated with BCa susceptibility and survival time.

RESULTS

A total of eight studies including 4359 BCa patients and 5417 control subjects were enrolled in our study. For VEGF rs3025039C/T, a significant association was indicated between this variant and BCa risk in homozygote comparison (OR = 1.51; 95% CI = 1.13-2.02; P _{heterogeneity}  = 0.815) and recessive genetic model (OR = 1.49; 95% CI = 1.12-1.99; P _{heterogeneity}  = 0.874), in particular in an Asian population subgroup. For VEGF rs833052C/A, we observed a positive association between this variant and BCa susceptibility in Asian descendants. Results from in silico tool showed evidence that VEGF expression in bladder carcinoma tissue is higher than that in normal counterpart (transcripts per kilobase million = 7.21 vs 6.85; P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The VEGF gene rs3025039C/T and rs833052C/A variants may contribute to the risk of developing BCa, especially in Asian descendants. Future larger sample studies should be continued to focus on this issue in more detail.