Association of an insertion/deletion polymorphism in IL1A 3'-UTR with risk for cervical carcinoma in Chinese Han Women

Long non-coding RNAs as promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets in cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women. The detection of oncopathologies in the early stages of development is a paramount task of modern medicine, which can be solved only by improving modern diagnostic methods. The use of screening for certain tumor markers could complement modern tests such as testing for oncogenic types of human papillomavirus (HPV), cytology, colposcopy with acetic acid and iodine solutions. Such highly informative biomarkers can be long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) that are highly specific compared to the mRNA profile and are involved in the regulation of gene expression. LncRNAs are a class of non-coding RNAs molecules that are typically over 200 nucleotides in length. LncRNAs may be involved in the regulation of all major cellular processes, including proliferation and differentiation, metabolism, signaling pathways, and apoptosis. LncRNAs molecules are highly stable due to their small size, which is also their undoubted advantage. The study of individual lncRNAs as regulators of the expression of genes involved in the mechanisms of oncogenesis cervical cancer can be not only of great diagnostic value, but, as a result, of therapeutic significance in cervical cancer patients. This review article will present the characteristics of lncRNAs that allow them to be used as accurate diagnostic and prognostic tools, as well as to consider them as effective therapeutic targets in cervical cancer.

Downregulation of NUDT21 contributes to cervical cancer progression through alternative polyadenylation

Nudix Hydrolase 21 (NUDT21), an alternative polyadenylation (APA)-regulatory protein, exhibits tumor-suppressive effects. However, its role in cervical cancer (CxCa) remains unknown. In the present study, we found that NUDT21 expression was reduced in CxCa tissues and cells, and NUDT21 levels were highly associated with the clinical prognosis of patients with CxCa. Knockdown of NUDT21 promoted CxCa cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro, as well as tumorigenesis and lung metastasis in vivo. Overexpression of NUDT21 produces the opposite effects. Moreover, we performed polyadenylation site sequencing (PAS-Seq) and identified 457 transcripts with lengthened 3' untranslated regions (3' UTRs) upon NUDT21 overexpression. In particular, NUDT21 modulated the expression of several genes involved in fatty acid metabolism and the Wnt and NF-κB signaling pathways in CxCa development. Taken together, our study demonstrated that the APA regulatory effect of NUDT21 is an important mechanism for CxCa suppression.

Polymorphisms in IL-1A are associated with endometrial cancer susceptibility among Chinese Han population: A case-control study

Endometrial cancer (EC) is one of the most common malignant tumours of the female genital tract, and it has become a serious malignant disease of the female genital tract in China. Existing researches have revealed the association between polymorphisms of IL-1A and several gynaecological diseases. In this research, we analysed the association between IL-1A gene polymorphisms and endometrial cancer susceptibility in Chinese female population. A total of 81 patients and 198 healthy people were selected. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using unconditional logistic regression. Genetic models and analyses showed that IL-1A rs3783550 TT and rs3783546 CC increased the risk of endometrial cancer under the recessive model, respectively (rs3783550: OR = 2.80, 95%CI: 1.32-5.92, p = .008; rs3783546: OR = 2.79, 95%CI: 1.32-5.89, p = .008). In the recessive model, we also found that both IL-1A rs1609682 and IL-1A rs3783521 increased the risk of endometrial cancer, respectively (rs1609682: OR = 2.79, 95%CI: 1.32-5.89, p = .0081; rs3783521: OR = 2.80, 95%CI: 1.32-5.92, p = .008). Haplotype analysis was performed that did not reveal any significant results. In summary, IL-1A rs3783550, rs3783546, rs1609682 and rs3783521 polymorphisms may be associated with an increased risk of endometrial cancer in Chinese female populations.

p16 promotes proliferation in cervical carcinoma cells through CDK6-HuR-IL1A axis

The Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p16 (p16) acts as a tumor suppressor in most cells, but for HPV transformed cervical cancer, in which oncoprotein E7 expressed by human papillomavirus (HPV) mediates the degradation of retinoblastoma protein (Rb), p16 exhibits oncogenic activity. Our study was conducted to study the mechanism underling p16 mediated promoting effect of cell proliferation in cervical cancer cell lines. CCK8 assay and EdU incorporation were conducted to evaluate cell proliferation. Loss-of-function assay was used to silence p16 in Ca Ski and SiHa cells. Next, western blot, qPCR, RNA silencing, luciferase activity assay, run-on assay, mRNA stability assay, RNA immunoprecipitation, co-immunoprecipitation Immunofluorescence were performed to examine the interaction between CDK6, HuR, and IL1A mRNA in p16 mediated proliferation promoting effect. Our results showed that: (1) Silencing p16 inhibited the proliferation of cervical cancer cells by decreasing the half-life of IL1A mRNA in CDK6 dependent manner; (2) The stabilization of IL1A mRNA was regulated by HuR which could be inactivated by p16/CDK6 mediated phosphorylation at Ser202; (3) IL1A mediated the oncogenic activity of p16 in cervical carcinoma cell lines. In conclusion, p16 promotes proliferation in cervical carcinoma cells through CDK6-HuR-IL1A axis.

Exploring insertions and deletions (indels) of MSRB3 gene and their association with growth traits in four Chinese indigenous cattle breeds

Methionine sulfoxide reductase B3 (MSRB3) is instrumental in ossification and fat deposition, which regulate the growth and development of cattle directly. The purpose of this study was aimed to explore insertions and deletions (indels) in MSRB3 gene and investigate their association with growth traits in four indigenous cattle breeds (Luxi cattle, Qinchuan cattle, Nanyang cattle, and Jiaxian Red cattle). Four indels were identified by sequencing with DNA pool. Association analysis showed that three of them were associated with growth traits (P<0.05). For P1, the DD (deletion and deletion) genotype was significantly associated with body length of Nanyang cattle; for P6, II (insertion and insertion) and/or DD genotypes were significantly associated with enhanced growth traits of Qinchuan cattle; for P7, II genotype was significantly associated with hucklebone width of Luxi cattle. Our results demonstrated that the polymorphisms in bovine MSRB3 gene were significantly associated with growth traits, which could be candidate loci for marker-assisted selection (MAS) in cattle breeding.

Interleukin-1 Alpha Polymorphisms Are Associated With Body Mass Index in Male But Not in Female Adolescents

BACKGROUND

The Interleukin (IL)-1 family of cytokines plays a key role in the inflammatory response. Genes coding for IL-1α, IL-1β, and IL-1Ra are located together as a block gene known as the IL-1 cluster. This genomic region shows wide nucleotide variability, and some polymorphisms have been widely studied and associated with features related to the metabolic syndrome.

METHODS

Eight polymorphisms within three genes of the IL-1 cluster, including IL1A (rs3783553, rs17561, and rs1800587), IL1B (rs1143634, rs1143627, and rs16944) and IL1RN (rs419598 and rs2234663) were genotyped in 460 Mexican adolescents. Genotype and haplotype frequencies are reported, as well as the linkage disequilibrium analysis. Genetic associations with some anthropometric and metabolic traits were evaluated.

RESULTS

Allele frequencies were similar to those found in other populations, and genotype proportions were according to the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Seven haplotypes were observed at frequencies ≥5%. Of the entire cluster, only the rs17561-rs1800587 and rs1143627-rs16944 pairs showed highest and significant linkage disequilibrium values. An haplotype of IL1A, rs17561T-rs1800587T, was significantly associated with increase in body mass index in males (p <0.008), whereas IL1B and IL1RN variants showed associations with insulin, and hs-CRP (p <0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Some MetS parameters seem to be influenced by variations in the IL-1 gene cluster in Mexican adolescents. These variations may confer risk for metabolic alterations from early ages, and and these risks may be different when variables such as sex are considered. Strategies leading to generate protective behaviors could be designed to take into account specific variations in the IL-1 gene cluster and biological conditions such as sex.

The Impact of HLA-G 3'UTR Polymorphisms in Breast Cancer in a Tunisian Population

Human leukocyte antigens G and E (HLA-G and HLA-E) are nonclassical major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules. These molecules play an important role in immune surveillance by inhibiting natural killer and cytotoxic T cells responsible for immune escape. The expression of HLA-G and HLA-E has been associated with several diseases including tumor. The main objective of the study is to evaluate the impact of three HLA-G 3'UTR potential polymorphisms: +3187 A > G (rs9380142), +3142 G > C (rs1063320), +2960 14-base pair (bp) Insertion/Deletion (Ins/Del) (rs66554220), and the HLA-E*01:01/01:03 A > G (rs1264457) polymorphism in Tunisian breast cancer population. A total of 355 patients and 381 controls were genotyping for HLA-G and HLA-E polymorphisms using a Taq Man assay. +3142 C allele and +3142 C/C genotype were significantly associated with increased risk of breast cancer (p = 0.00002; OR = 1.58; 95% CI = 27-1.97) (49% versus 35%; p = 0.0001; OR = 1.79; 95% CI = 1.32-2.44). In addition, Del allele and the homozygous state for Del/Del genotype confer a risk for breast cancer (52% versus 45%, p = 0.006; OR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.08-1.64) (28% versus 22%, p = 0.039; OR = 1.43, 95% CI = 0.90-2.25). However, no statistical significant differences were reported for HLA-G + 3187 A > G and HLA-E variations and breast cancer in a Tunisian population. The found results indicate that HLA-G may play an important role in the breast cancer.

IL1A polymorphisms is a risk factor for colorectal cancer in Chinese Han population: a case control study

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide, and genetic variations exert distinct roles in its pathogenesis. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in interleukin 1 alpha (IL1A) were reported to be correlated to the susceptibility of diverse cancers. The aim of this study was to assess the association of IL1A SNPs with the risk of colorectal cancer in a Chinese Han population.

METHODS

To evaluate the correlation between IL1A polymorphisms and CRC risk, Agena MassARRAY platform was used for genotype determination among 248 CRC patients and 463 controls. The relationships between IL1A variants and CRC susceptibility were examined by logistic regression analysis. Stratified analysis was conducted for the association detection in males and females. Haplotype construction and analysis were applied to evaluate the potential relationship between the genetic block and the risk of CRC. SNP functional exploration was performed with available bioinformatics datasets.

RESULTS

After adjusting for age and gender, the "AA" genotype of rs2856838 exhibited a risk association with colorectal cancer in the recessive model (adjusted OR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.05-3.72, p = 0.036). With stratified analysis, the recessive models of rs3783550 (OR = 2.17, 95% CI: 1.03-4.60, p = 0.043), rs2856838 (OR = 2.58, 95% CI: 1.13-5.87, p = 0.024), rs1609682 (OR = 2.20, 95% CI: 1.04-4.65, p = 0.040), and rs3783521 (OR = 2.13, 95% CI: 1.01-4.49, p = 0.048) revealed significant relationships between these variants and an increased CRC risk only in females. Bioinformatics analysis also revealed the putative functions of the selected SNPs.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that rs2856838 could influence the susceptibility to CRC in Chinese Han population from northwest China. IL1A variants rs3783550, rs2856838, rs1609682, and rs3783521 were associated with CRC risk only in females.

Association between an insertion/deletion polymorphism in the interleukin-1α gene and the risk of colorectal cancer in a Chinese population

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have reported that polymorphisms in the interleukin-1 gene may be involved in tumorigenesis and tumor progression.

AIM

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate whether an insertion/deletion polymorphism, rs3783553, located in the miR-122 target gene interleukin-1α, was associated with the risk of colorectal cancer.

METHODS

Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral venous blood of 382 patients with colorectal cancer and 433 controls, and the polymorphism was genotyped using a polymerase chain reaction assay.

RESULTS

Significantly decreased colorectal cancer risk was observed to be associated with the interleukin-1α rs3783553 insertion/insertion genotype ( P=0.0001; OR=0.41; 95% CI 0.26, 0.65) and the insertion allele ( P<0.001; OR=0.68; 95% CI 0.55, 0.83). Stratification analysis based on clinical and pathological features also revealed that the "TTCA" insertion allele of rs3783553 contributes to slow the progression of colorectal cancer.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that the rs3783553 polymorphism could be a useful genetic marker to predict the size/extent of colorectal cancer.

A functional variant at miRNA-122 binding site in IL-1a 3' UTR predicts risk of recurrence in patients with oropharyngeal cancer

IL-1α, an important regulator of immune and inflammation responses, has been implicated in cancer development and prognosis. An insertion (Ins)/deletion (Del) polymorphism (IL-1α rs3783553) in the 3′ UTR of IL-1α may disrupt a binding site for miRNA-122 and may affect its transcription level. Thus, this polymorphism may cause interindividual variation in immune and inflammation responses and thus may lead to different susceptibility to treatment response and prognosis of such patients. We evaluated the association of IL-1α rs3783553 polymorphism with risk of recurrence of squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx (SCCOP) in a cohort of 1008 patients. Log-rank test and univariate and multivariable Cox models were used to evaluate associations. Compared with patients with Del/Del homozygous genotype, the patients with Ins/Del+Ins/Ins variant genotypes had worse disease-free survival (log-rank P < 0.0001) and increased risk of SCCOP recurrence (HR, 2.4, 95% CI, 1.7-3.3) after multivariable adjustment. Furthermore, among patients with HPV16-positive tumors, the patients with Ins/Del+Ins/Ins variant genotypes of the IL-1α polymorphism had worse disease-free survival (log-rank P < 0.0001) and much higher recurrence risk than those with Del/Del homozygous genotype of this polymorphism (HR, 16.3, 95% CI, 5.0-52.7). Our findings suggest that IL-1α rs3783553 polymorphism may modulate the risk of SCCOP recurrence in patients, particularly for patients with HPV16-positive tumors. However, larger studies are needed to validate these results.

Substitutions of short heterologous DNA segments of intragenomic or extragenomic origins produce clustered genomic polymorphisms

In a screen for unexplained mutation events we identified a previously unrecognized mechanism generating clustered DNA polymorphisms such as microindels and cumulative SNPs. The mechanism, short-patch double illegitimate recombination (SPDIR), facilitates short single-stranded DNA molecules to invade and replace genomic DNA through two joint illegitimate recombination events. SPDIR is controlled by key components of the cellular genome maintenance machinery in the gram-negative bacterium Acinetobacter baylyi. The source DNA is primarily intragenomic but can also be acquired through horizontal gene transfer. The DNA replacements are nonreciprocal and locus independent. Bioinformatic approaches reveal occurrence of SPDIR events in the gram-positive human pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae and in the human genome.

Association of Long Non-Coding RNA HOTAIR Polymorphisms with Cervical Cancer Risk in a Chinese Population

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), HOTAIR has been reported to be upregulated in cervical cancer development and progression. However, SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) in the lncRNAs and their associations with cervical cancer susceptibility have not been reported. In the current study, we hypothesized that SNPs within the lncRNA HOTAIR may influence the risk of cervical cancer. We performed a case-control study including 510 cervical cancer patients (cases) and 713 cancer-free individuals (controls) to investigate the association between three haplotype-tagging SNPs (rs920778, rs1899663 and rs4759314) in the lncRNA HOTAIR and the risk of cervical cancer. We found a strong association between the SNP rs920778 in the intronic enhancer of the HOTAIR and cervical cancer (P<10⁻⁴). Moreover, the cervical cancer patients with homozygous TT genotype were significantly associated with tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage. In vitro assays with allele-specific reporter constructs indicated that the reporter constructs bearing rs920778T allele conferred elevated reporter gene transcriptional activity when compared to the reporter constructs containing rs920778C allele. Furthermore, HOTAIR expression was higher in cervical cancer tissues than that in corresponding normal tissues, and the high expression was associated with the risk-associated allele T. In summary, our studies provide strong functional evidence that functional SNP rs920778 regulates HOTAIR expression, and may ultimately influence the predisposition for cervical cancer.

Considerations, challenges and future of anti-TNF therapy in treating inflammatory bowel disease

INTRODUCTION

Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are chronic disabling conditions. Monoclonal antibody therapy directed against tumor necrosis factor-alpha (anti-TNF) has revolutionized the care of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

AREAS COVERED

Considerations before starting anti-TNF therapy are highlighted: the best time to start with anti-TNF therapy, either alone or in combination with an immunomodulator, the choice of an anti-TNF agent and the contra-indications to anti-TNF therapy. Primary nonresponse and secondary loss of response are discussed. De-escalating therapy, the role of therapeutic drug monitoring and the use of biosimilars, are handled. Finally, the future directions of anti-TNF therapy are emphasized.

EXPERT OPINION

Anti-TNF therapy remains the cornerstone in the treatment of IBD. When initiating long-term therapy, safety and cost issues are of great importance. The therapeutic armamentarium in the treatment of IBD is rapidly growing. Therefore, the challenge is to optimize the use and refine the exact position of anti-TNF therapy in the near future, with personalized medicine as the ultimate goal.

Distribution of allelic and genotypic frequencies of IL1A, IL4, NFKB1 and PAR1 variants in Native American, African, European and Brazilian populations

BACKGROUND

The inflammatory response plays a key role at different stages of cancer development. Allelic variants of the interleukin 1A (IL1A), interleukin 4 (IL4), nuclear factor kappa B1 (NFKB1) and protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR1) genes may influence not only the inflammatory response but also susceptibility to cancer development. Among major ethnic or continental groups, these polymorphic variants present different allelic frequencies. In admixed populations, such as the Brazilian population, data on distribution of these polymorphisms are limited. Here, we collected samples of cancer-free individuals from the north, northeast, midwest, south and southeast regions of Brazil and from the three main groups that gave rise to the Brazilian population: Native Americans from the Brazilian Amazon, Africans and Europeans. We describe the allelic distributions of four IL1A (rs3783553), IL4 (rs79071878), NFKB1 (rs28362491) and PAR1 (rs11267092) gene polymorphisms, which the literature describes as polymorphisms with a risk of cancer or worse prognosis for cancer.

RESULTS

The genotypic distribution of the four polymorphisms was statistically distinct between Native Americans, Africans and Europeans. For the allelic frequency of these polymorphisms, the Native American population was the most distinct among the three parental populations, and it included the greatest number of alleles with a risk of cancer or worse prognosis for cancer. The PAR1 gene polymorphism allelic distribution was similar among all Brazilian regions. For the other three markers, the northern region population was statistically distinct from other Brazilian region populations.

CONCLUSION

The IL1A, IL4, NFKB1 and PAR1 gene polymorphism allelic distributions are homogeneous among the regional Brazilian populations, except for the northern region, which significantly differs from the other four Brazilian regions. Among the parental populations, the Native American population exhibited a higher incidence of alleles with risk of cancer or worse prognosis for cancer, which can indicate greater susceptibility to this disease. These genetic data may be useful for future studies on the association between these polymorphisms and cancer in the investigated populations.

Association between an insertion/deletion polymorphism in IL-1A gene and cancer risk: a meta-analysis

Purpose

Previous studies have reported the association of an insertion/deletion (Ins/Del) polymorphism (rs3783553) in the 3′ untranslated region of interleukin-1A (IL-1A) with the risk of cancer, such as oral squamous cell carcinoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and cervical carcinoma. However, the results are still inconsistent. The present meta-analysis aimed to clarify the association of IL-1A rs3783553 polymorphism with cancer risk.

Methods

All eligible studies were selected from PubMed, Web of Science, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure up to September 2, 2015. Summary odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to evaluate cancer risk.

Results

A total of ten case–control studies with 4,514 cases and 6,689 controls were included this meta-analysis. We found that IL-1A rs3783553 polymorphism was significantly associated with cancer risk (Ins/Ins + Ins/Del vs Del/Del: OR =0.79, 95% CI =0.67–0.92; Ins/Ins vs Del/Del: OR =0.61, 95% CI =0.47–0.79; Ins/Ins vs Ins/Del + Del/Del: OR =0.67, 95% CI =0.55–0.83; Ins vs Del: OR =0.81, 95% CI =0.72–0.92). In the stratified analyses, significant effects were found among Asian populations (Ins/Ins + Ins/Del vs Del/Del: OR =0.81, 95% CI =0.69–0.95) and cervical carcinoma (Ins/Ins vs Del/Del: OR =0.51, 95% CI =0.34–0.76; Ins/Ins vs Ins/Del + Del/Del: OR =0.52, 95% CI =0.35–0.78).

Conclusion

Our meta-analysis suggests that the IL-1A rs3783553 polymorphism contributes to susceptibility to cancer. However, well-designed studies with larger sample sizes are required to verify the results.

A functional variant at miRNA-122 binding site in IL-1α 3' UTR predicts risk and HPV-positive tumours of oropharyngeal cancer

BACKGROUND

Genetic polymorphisms in the 3' untranslated regions (3' UTRs) targeted by miRNAs alter the strength of miRNA binding in a manner that affects the behaviour of individual miRNAs. An insertion (Ins)/deletion (Del) polymorphism (rs3783553) in the 3' UTR of IL-1α may disrupt a binding site for miRNA-122. IL-1α plays an important role in inflammation, immunity and defense against infection. Thus, we hypothesised that the rs3783553 polymorphism affects individual susceptibility to human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

METHODS

We genotyped the rs3783553 polymorphism; and determined HPV16 L1 serology, tumour HPV16 DNA and serum IL-1α expression. Univariate/multivariable logistic regression models were used to calculate associations.

RESULTS

We found that HPV16 L1 seropositivity alone was associated with an increased risk of OSCC (Odds ratio (OR), 3.1; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.1-4.6), and the risk of HPV16-associated OSCC was modified by the rs3783553 polymorphism. Patients with both HPV16 L1 seropositivity and Del/Del genotype for the rs3783553 had the highest risk of OSCC when using patients with HPV16 L1 seronegativity and Ins/Del+Ins/Ins genotypes as a comparison group. Notably, that effect modification was particularly pronounced in several subgroups (e.g. SCCOP, never-smokers and never-drinkers). The patients with Del/Del genotype were approximately 3.0 times more likely to have HPV16-positive squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx (SCCOP) tumours compared to those patients with Ins/Del+Ins/Ins genotypes. Additionally, functional relevance of this variant was characterised to explore the genotype-phenotype correlation.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that IL-1α 3' UTR rs3783553 polymorphism may be functional and influence susceptibility to HPV16-associated OSCC, particularly for SCCOP. Validation of our findings is warranted.

The variations in the AXIN1 gene and susceptibility to cryptorchidism

BACKGROUND

Cryptorchidism is one of the most common congenital anomalies in newborn boys. Although the mechanism responsible for the pathophysiology of cryptorchidism has not yet been well addressed, the Wnt signaling pathway has been involved in the development of cryptorchidism. Axin1 is a central component of the Wnt signaling pathway and may play a critical role in the development of cryptorchidism.

OBJECTIVE

We assumed that cryptorchidism risk and the AXIN1 gene may have an association. Thus we picked out three tag SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) in the AXIN1 gene and aimed to investigate whether cryptorchidism risk is associated with polymorphisms in the AXIN1 gene.

STUDY DESIGN

The variants were discriminated using polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) methods. A total of 113 cases and 179 controls were recruited to participate in this study, including 92 unilateral cryptorchidism and 21 bilateral cases. In bilateral cases, the position of the testis was decided by the higher one.

RESULTS

A significantly increased cryptorchidism risk was found to be associated with both the T allele (p = 2e(-4), OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.37-2.78) and T/T genotype (p = 6e(-4), OR 4.00, 95% CI 1.79-9.09) of rs370681 polymorphism, and, compared with the C/C genotype, a significantly increased cryptorchidism risk was associated with the C/T-T/T genotype (p = 4e(-4), OR 2.44, 95% CI 1.47-4.00) of rs370681 polymorphisms.

DISCUSSION

Among the three tag SNPs we have chosen in AXIN1, two SNPs are located in the intron region, the other SNP is located in the synonymous codon region. Evidential research has indicated that introns and other non-protein-coding RNAs may have evolved to function as network control molecules in higher organisms. Therefore, we suspected that the tag SNPs may work as controls influencing the conduct of other genes rather than affecting the structure of the protein by influencing the coding of amino acid. There were limitations in our study. One is that we did not test the expression level of Axin1. Secondly, the number of the study subjects is limited. Finally, the molecular mechanisms by which AXIN1 is involved in susceptibility to cryptorchidism should be characterized.

CONCLUSIONS

We assessed the impact of the genetic variability of the AXIN1 gene on cryptorchidism. We have offered primary evidence that the T allele and T/T genotype of rs370681 polymorphisms and C/T genotype of rs1805105 polymorphisms in AXIN1 gene are more frequent in patients with cryptorchidism.