Genetic polymorphisms in tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-10 are associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer

Prognostic Role of Human Leukocyte Antigen Alleles and Cytokine Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Treated with Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Drugs

Tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) drugs have significantly improved chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) outcomes. Neopeptides from CML cells may induce specific immune responses, which are crucial for deep molecular (DMR) and treatment-free remission (TFR). In this study of Ethiopian patients with CML (n = 162), the HLA alleles and single-nucleotide polymorphisms of five cytokines revealed significant associations with clinical outcomes. Clinically unfavorable outcomes correlated with HLA alleles A*03:01/02, A*23:17:01, B*57:01/02/03, and HLA-DRB4*01:01 (p-value = 0.0347, p-value = 0.0285, p-value = 0.037, and p-value = 0.0127, respectively), while HLA-DRB4*01:03:01 was associated with favorable outcomes (p-value = 0.0058). After assigning values for the 'low', 'intermediate', and 'high' gene expression of the SNPs' respective cytokine genes, Kaplan-Meier estimates for relapse-free survival, adjusted for age, treatment duration, and relapse risk among patients after the administration of TKIs, indicated that a gene expression ratio above the overall median of TNF-α, IL-6, and the combination of TGF-β1/IL-10, IFNγ, and IL-6/IL-10 TGF-β1 was correlated with a higher likelihood of treatment failure ((RR: 3.01; 95% CI: 1.1-8.3; p-value = 0.0261) and (RR: 2.4; 95% CI: 1.1-5.2; p-value = 0.022), respectively). Multi-SNPs, surpassing single-SNPs, and HLA allele polymorphisms showed promise in predicting outcomes of patients with CML during TKI treatment, prompting further exploration into their potential utility.

A Comprehensive Integration of Data Regarding the Correlation of TNF-α rs1800629 Polymorphism with Susceptibility to Cervical Cancer

BACKGROUND

Cervical cancer, globally, ranks as the runner-up among the most prevalent forms of cancer affecting women. The role of the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) polymorphism in the susceptibility to cervical cancer has been a subject of interest. However, the current evidence regarding this association remains inconclusive.

METHODS

To address this uncertainty, eligible studies were systematically searched and retrieved from various databases including Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, and Wanfang database. The search was conducted until September 01, 2023. The collected literature was then subjected to independent analysis by two authors. The pooled odds ratio along with the corresponding 95% confidence interval was calculated using different genetic models. Additionally, sensitivity and cumulative analyses were performed to assess the stability of the obtained results.

RESULTS

A total of 29 case-control studies involving 8850 cases and 9286 controls were included in the present analysis. The findings revealed that the TNF-α rs1800629 polymorphism increased the risk of cervical cancer under the allele genetic model (A vs. G: OR = 1.277, 95% CI = 1.104-1.477, P = 0.001) in the general population. Subgroup analysis based on ethnicity demonstrated that this polymorphism was associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer in Caucasian and African women, but not in Asians. Furthermore, subgroup analysis based on country of origin indicated a significant correlation between the TNF-α rs1800629 polymorphism and an increased risk of cervical cancer in American and Chinese women, but not in Iranian women.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings from this meta-analysis suggest that the TNF-α rs1800629 polymorphism is a risk factor for cervical cancer in the general population, particularly in Caucasian and African women. However, further well-designed studies are warranted to validate these findings.

Magnolin targeting of the JNK/Sp1/MMP15 signaling axis suppresses cervical cancer microenvironment and metastasis via microbiota modulation

Magnolin (MGL), a compound derived from the magnolia plant, has inhibitory effects on tumor cell invasion and growth. His study aims to explore the antitumor effect and underlying molecular mechanism of MGL against human cervical cancer. We found that MGL inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasiveness of cervical cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. The underlying mechanism was shown to involve MGL-induced inhibition of JNK/Sp1-mediated MMP15 transcription and translation. Overexpression of JNK/Sp1 resulted in significant restoration of MMP15 expression and the migration and invasion capabilities of MGL-treated cervical cancer cells. MGL modulated the cervical cancer microenvironment by inhibiting cell metastasis via targeting IL-10/IL-10 receptor B (IL-10RB) expression, thereby attenuating JNK/Sp1-mediated MMP15 expression. Analysis of the gut microbiota of mice fed MGL revealed a significant augmentation in Lachnospiraceae bacteria, known for their production of sodium butyrate. In vivo experiments also demonstrated synergistic inhibition of cervical cancer cell metastasis by MGL and sodium butyrate co-administration. Our study provides pioneering evidence of a novel mechanism by which MGL inhibits tumor growth and metastasis through the IL-10/IL-10RB targeting of the JNK/Sp1/MMP15 axis in human cervical cancer cells.

Human papillomavirus associated cervical lesion: pathogenesis and therapeutic interventions

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most prevalent sexually transmitted virus globally. Persistent high-risk HPV infection can result in cervical precancerous lesions and cervical cancer, with 70% of cervical cancer cases associated with high-risk types HPV16 and 18. HPV infection imposes a significant financial and psychological burden. Therefore, studying methods to eradicate HPV infection and halt the progression of precancerous lesions remains crucial. This review comprehensively explores the mechanisms underlying HPV-related cervical lesions, including the viral life cycle, immune factors, epithelial cell malignant transformation, and host and environmental contributing factors. Additionally, we provide a comprehensive overview of treatment methods for HPV-related cervical precancerous lesions and cervical cancer. Our focus is on immunotherapy, encompassing HPV therapeutic vaccines, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and advanced adoptive T cell therapy. Furthermore, we summarize the commonly employed drugs and other nonsurgical treatments currently utilized in clinical practice for managing HPV infection and associated cervical lesions. Gene editing technology is currently undergoing clinical research and, although not yet employed officially in clinical treatment of cervical lesions, numerous preclinical studies have substantiated its efficacy. Therefore, it holds promise as a precise treatment strategy for HPV-related cervical lesions.

Investigating the potential mechanism of quercetin against cervical cancer

BACKGROUND

Cervical cancer is emerging as a potential target of increased susceptibility to coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), leading to compromised survival rates. Despite this critical link, efficacious anti-cervical cancer/COVID-19 interventions remain limited. Quercetin, known for its efficacy against both cancer and viral infections, holds promise as a therapeutic agent. This study aims to elucidate quercetin's anti-cervical cancer/COVID-19 mechanisms and potential targets.

METHODS

We initiated our investigation with differential gene expression analysis using cervical cancer transcriptome data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and The Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx), focusing on intersections with COVID-19-related genes. Network pharmacology was employed to identify the shared targets between cervical cancer/COVID-19 DEGs and quercetin's targets. Subsequently, Cox proportional hazards analyses were employed to establish a risk score based on these genes. Molecular docking techniques were applied to predict quercetin's therapeutic targets and mechanisms for mitigating cervical cancer and COVID-19.

RESULTS

Our findings unveiled 45 potential quercetin targets with anti-cervical cancer/COVID-19 actions. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses highlighted significant enrichment in immune pathways and COVID-19-related pathways. A refined risk score model, comprising PLA2G7, TNF, TYK2, F2, and NRP1, effectively stratified cervical cancer patients into distinct risk groups. Importantly, molecular docking analyses illuminated quercetin's remarkable binding affinity to the primary protease of the coronavirus.

CONCLUSIONS

In summation, our study suggests that quercetin holds promise as a potential therapeutic agent for mitigating coronavirus function, specifically through its interaction with the primary protease. This research offers novel insights into exploring COVID-19 susceptibility and enhancing survival in cervical cancer patients.

Spotlight on contributory role of host immunogenetic profiling in SARS-CoV-2 infection: Susceptibility, severity, mortality, and vaccine effectiveness

BACKGROUND

The SARS-CoV-2 virus has spread continuously worldwide, characterized by various clinical symptoms. The immune system responds to SARS-CoV-2 infection by producing Abs and secreting cytokines. Recently, numerous studies have highlighted that immunogenetic factors perform a putative role in COVID-19 pathogenesis and implicate vaccination effectiveness.

AIM

This review summarizes the relevant articles and evaluates the significance of mutation and polymorphism in immune-related genes regarding susceptibility, severity, mortality, and vaccination effectiveness of COVID-19. Furthermore, the correlation between host immunogenetic and SARS-CoV-2 reinfection is discussed.

METHOD

A comprehensive search was conducted to identify relevant articles using five databases until January 2023, which resulted in 105 total articles.

KEY FINDINGS

Taken to gather this review summarized that: (a) there is a plausible correlation between immune-related genes and COVID-19 outcomes, (b) the HLAs, cytokines, chemokines, and other immune-related genes expression profiles can be a prognostic factor in COVID-19-infected patients, and (c) polymorphisms in immune-related genes have been associated with the effectiveness of vaccination.

SIGNIFICANCE

Regarding the importance of mutation and polymorphisms in immune-related genes in COVID-19 outcomes, modulating candidate genes is expected to help clinical decisions, patient outcomes management, and innovative therapeutic approach development. In addition, the manipulation of host immunogenetics is hypothesized to induce more robust cellular and humoral immune responses, effectively increase the efficacy of vaccines, and subsequently reduce the incidence rates of reinfection-associated COVID-19.

Interleukin 10 rs1800896 and interleukin 1B rs16944 polymorphisms and the risk of cervical cancer

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationships between interleukin 10 (IL10) (rs1800896) and interleukin 1B (IL1B) (rs16944) genetic polymorphisms and the risk for cervical cancer in a cohort of women from Croatia.

METHODS

A case-control study of 81 patients with cervical cancer and 80 age-matched healthy controls was performed. We collected peripheral blood samples, extracted deoxiribonucleic acid (DNA), and analyzed two single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs1800896 and rs16944 using TaqMan assays (Fa. Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA, USA) and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We investigated a possible association between two cytokine genetic polymorphisms and the occurrence of cervical cancer.

RESULTS

Our results showed no significant difference in the frequency of IL10 (rs1800896) and IL1B (rs16944) genotypes between the patients and the controls (χ2 test, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In this study, no association was found between IL10 rs1800896 and IL1B rs16944 polymorphisms and cervical cancer development.

Small secretory proteins of immune cells can modulate gynecological cancers

Small secretory proteins of immune cells are mostly Cytokines, which include chemokines, interleukins, interferons, lymphokines and tumor necrosis factors but not hormones or growth factors. These secretory proteins are the molecular messengers and primarily involved in autocrine, paracrine and endocrine signaling as immunomodulating agents. Hence, these proteins actually regulate the cells of immune system to communicate with one another to produce a synchronized, robust, still self-regulated response to a specific antigen. Chemokines are smaller secreted proteins that control overall immune cell movement and location; these chemokines are divided into 4 subgroups, namely, CXC, CC, CX3C and C according to the position of 4 conserved cysteine residues. Complete characterization of cytokines and chemokines can exploit their vast signaling networks to develop cancer treatments. These secretory proteins like IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, TNFα, CCL2, CXCL4 & CXCL8 are predominantly expressed in most of the gynecological cancers, which directly stimulate immune effector cells and stromal cells at the tumor site and augment tumor cell recognition by cytotoxic T-cells. Hence; these secretory proteins are the major regulators, which can actually modulate all kinds of gynecological cancers. Furthermore, advancements in adoptive T-cell treatment have relied on the use of multiple cytokines/chemokines to establish a highly regulated environment for anti-tumor T cell growth. A number of in vitro studies as well as animal models and clinical subjects have also shown that cytokines/chemokines have broad antitumor activity, which has been translated into a number of cancer therapy approaches. This review will focus on the foremost cytokines & chemokines involved in the majority of the gynecological malignancies and discuss their basic biology as well as clinical applications.

Multifactorial pathways in burn injury-induced chronic pain: novel targets and their pharmacological modulation

Burn injuries are among the highly prevalent medical conditions worldwide that occur mainly in children, military veterans and victims of fire accidents. It is one of the leading causes of temporary as well as permanent disabilities in patients. Burn injuries are accompanied by pain that persists even after recovery from tissue damage which puts immense pressure on the healthcare system. The pathophysiology of burn pain is poorly understood due to its complex nature and lack of considerable preclinical and clinical shreds of evidence, that creates a substantial barrier to the development of new analgesics. Burns damage the skin layers supplied with nociceptors such as NAV1.7, TRPV1, and TRPA1. Burn injury-mediated co-localization and simultaneous activation of TRPA1 and TRPV1 in nociceptive primary afferent C-fibers which contributes to the development and maintenance of chronic pain. Burn injuries are accompanied by central sensitization, a key feature of pain pathophysiology mainly driven by a series of cascades involving aberrations in the glutamatergic system, microglial activation, release of neuropeptides, cytokines, and chemokines. Activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, altered endogenous opioid signaling, and distorted genomic expression are other pathophysiological factors responsible for the development and maintenance of burn pain. Here we discuss comprehensive literature on molecular mechanisms of burn pain and potential targets that could be translated into near future therapeutics.

Association of the Interleukin-10-592C/A Polymorphism and Cervical Cancer Risk: A Meta-Analysis

A literature review showed some discrepancies regarding the association of -592C/A with the risk of cervical cancer. To allow more precise analysis of the data by increasing the number of cases studied and more acceptable generalization by considering results from different sources, the present meta-analysis was performed on available published studies that explored the relationship between SNP-592C/A of the IL-10 gene and the risk of cervical cancer. Eleven available studies, including 4187 cases and 3311 controls, were included in this study investigating the relationship between the -592C/A polymorphism of IL-10 and cervical cancer risk. Fixed-effects or random-effects models were performed with pooled odds ratios (ORs). Heterogeneity and bias tests were performed by the inconsistency test and funnel plot, respectively. The overall analysis showed an increased susceptibility to cervical cancer with the -592C/A polymorphism of the IL-10 gene for the recessive model (OR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.14–1.49), dominant model (OR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.09–1.70), and additive model (OR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.09–1.44). Regarding ethnicity, a significant association of the -592C/A polymorphism of the IL-10 gene was linked to an elevated risk of cervical cancer for all genetic models (recessive, dominant, and additive) in the Asian populations and for the recessive and additive models in Caucasians with $P<0.05$ . The -592C/A polymorphism of the IL-10 gene may be considered a risk factor for cervical cancer.

Long non-coding RNAs PGM5-AS1 upregulates Decorin (DCN) to inhibit cervical cancer progression by sponging miR-4284

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been widely studied and play crucial roles in cervical cancer (CC) progression. Here, we investigated the function and mechanism of lncRNA PGM5-AS1 action in CC cells. Using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction or western blotting, PGM5-AS1 and decorin (DCN) were downregulated in CC tissues and cells, whereas miR-4284 was upregulated. Luciferase assay, RNA pull-down assay, and western blotting showed that PGM5-AS1 could sponge miR-4284 to upregulate DCN expression in CC cells. Additionally, cell functional experiments showed that PGM5-AS1 overexpression led to decreased proliferation, migration, and invasion of CC cells. However, the inhibitory effect of PGM5-AS1 overexpression on CC cells was partly relieved by DCN knockdown because of the targeting interaction between PGM5-AS1, miR-4284, and DCN. In summary, this study identified that PGM5-AS1 negatively regulates CC cell malignancy by targeting miR-4284/DCN.

Methyltransferase-like 3 induces the development of cervical cancer by enhancing insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding proteins 3-mediated apoptotic chromatin condensation inducer 1 mRNA stability

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) plays a critical role in the tumorigenesis of cervical cancer (CC). Here, we aimed to investigate the potential role of methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) in CC. Gene expression was determined via real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Cellular functions were detected using colony formation, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU), and Transwell assays. The interactions among METTL3, insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 3 (IGF2BP3), and apoptotic chromatin condensation inducer 1 (ACIN1) were confirmed using the MeRIP and RIP assays. An in vivo assay was performed to verify the role of METTL3 in CC development. METTL3 is overexpressed in CC, and therefore, its knockdown inhibits the proliferation and migration of CC cells. Silencing METTL3 inhibits tumor growth in vivo. Moreover, a positive association was observed between METTL3 and ACIN1. METTL3 interacts with IGF2BP3 to promote the mRNA stability of ACIN1, the overexpression of which induces the aggressiveness of CC cells. METTL3 promotes ACIN1 mRNA stability to accelerate CC progression, implying that METTL3 is a promising biomarker in CC.

Genetic Variants in Interleukin-10 Gene Association with Susceptibility and Cervical Cancer Development: A Case Control Study

Objectives  Cervical cancer (CC) is one of the most destructive disease caused by persistent HPV infection which affects women worldwide, especially in developing countries. The genetic basis of host immune response especially cytokine function has been shown to influence CC susceptibility. Studies have demonstrated that IL-10 gene polymorphism have been associated with numerous malignancies, but in context to CC results were inconclusive. Though, aim of our study to investigate the association between IL-10 -1082A/G and -819C/T promoter polymorphism and CC susceptibility.

Material and Methods  This study comprised 192 women with CC and 200 controls. HPV detection was done by RT-PCR and genotyping was assessed through PCR-RFLP method. Serum concentration of IL-10 measured by ELISA.

Results  Women with AG and AG+GG genotypes of IL-10 -1082A/G had two-fold increased risk of CC [OR, 2.35 (95% CI, 1.54–3.58), p  = 0.005], [OR, 2.03 (95% CI, 1.36–3.04), p  = 0.0005] compared to controls. Women with G allele of -1082A/G polymorphism had linked with CC susceptibility [OR, 1.39 (95% CI, 1.02–1.88), p  = 0.036] compared to controls. No significant difference was found between patients and controls in the genotype or allele frequencies of IL–10 -819C/T polymorphism [OR, 1.00 (95% CI, 0.63–1.58), p  = 0.99]. The level of serum concentration of IL-10 was significantly higher in cases compared to controls.

Conclusion  These findings help to understand that polymorphism of IL-10 -1082A/G gene is associated with increased risk of CC development and can serve as a marker of genetic susceptibility to CC.

The Association of TNF-α Promoter Polymorphisms with Genetic Susceptibility to Cervical Cancer in a Chinese Han Population

Background

The tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) gene plays an important role in the host immune response, which will influence the development and clearance of cancer. Polymorphism of the TNF-α promoter region is considered to influence its transcription and be a risk factor for tumorigenesis. In the current study, we evaluated the role of TNF-α promoter region polymorphisms in susceptibility to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and cervical cancer (CC).

Methods

A total of 2732 subjects, including 1173 healthy controls, 579 patients with CIN and 980 patients with CC in a Chinese Han population, were selected for the current study. Five SNPs in the TNF-α promoter, rs1799964 (−1031 C>T), rs1800630 (−863 A>C), rs1799724 (−857 C>T), rs1800629 (−308 A>G) and rs361525 (−238 A>G), were selected and genotyped using TaqMan Assays. The association of these SNPs with CIN and cervical cancer was evaluated among healthy controls, CIN and CC patients.

Results

The frequency distribution of rs1800629 and rs361525 alleles was significantly different between the CC group and the control group (P=0.009 and P=0.002). The rs1800629 A allele was found to be a protective factor for CC (OR=0.72; 95% CI=0.56–0.92). The rs361525 A allele was found to be a risk factor for CC (OR=1.69; 95% CI=1.21–2.38). After pathological subtyping of CC, the allele distribution of rs1800629 and rs361525 were both significantly different between the cervical squamous cell carcinoma and control groups (P=0.002 and P<0.001). The rs1800629 A allele was protective factor for cervical squamous cell carcinoma (OR=0.66; 95% CI=0.50–0.86). The rs361525 A allele was a risk factor for cervical squamous cell carcinoma (OR=1.87; 95% CI=1.32–2.65). Moreover, the genotypic frequency of rs361525 was significantly different between cervical cancer stage I and stage II (P=0.003).

Conclusion

The rs1800629 and rs361525 in the TNF-α promoter are associated with susceptibility to CC in the Chinese Han population.

Therapeutic Influence on Important Targets Associated with Chronic Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Cancer Treatment

Simple Summary

There is no doubt that the need for new effective methods of cancer treatment remains challenging, as cancer is the second cause of death based on the number of cases in the world. In this review, we investigated the role of one of the leading determinants in the development and progression of various types of cancer—oxidative stress and inflammation, as well as clinical and experimental data from the studies of promising drugs of natural origin, such as flavonoids, that target these stages of oncogenesis. This can all help in the expansion and systematization of the existing knowledge regarding the fight against cancer, the facilitation of the development of effective anti-cancer drugs, and the progression of research in this field, in order to improve the treatment of these disorders.

Abstract

Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are the interconnected pathological processes, which lead to cancer initiation and progression. The growing level of oxidative and inflammatory damage was shown to increase cancer severity and contribute to tumor spread. The overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which is associated with the reduced capacity of the endogenous cell defense mechanisms and/or metabolic imbalance, is the main contributor to oxidative stress. An abnormal level of ROS was defined as a predisposing factor for the cell transformation that could trigger pro-oncogenic signaling pathways, induce changes in gene expression, and facilitate accumulation of mutations, DNA damage, and genomic instability. Additionally, the activation of transcription factors caused by a prolonged oxidative stress, including NF-κB, p53, HIF1α, etc., leads to the expression of several genes responsible for inflammation. The resulting hyperactivation of inflammatory mediators, including TNFα, TGF-β, interleukins, and prostaglandins can contribute to the development of neoplasia. Pro-inflammatory cytokines were shown to trigger adaptive reactions and the acquisition of resistance by tumor cells to apoptosis, while promoting proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis. Moreover, the chronic inflammatory response leads to the excessive production of free radicals, which further aggravate the initiated reactions. This review summarizes the recent data and progress in the discovery of mechanisms that associate oxidative stress and chronic inflammation with cancer onset and metastasis. In addition, the review provides insights for the development of therapeutic approaches and the discovery of natural substances that will be able to simultaneously inhibit several key oncological and inflammation-related targets.

Fucoxanthin may inhibit cervical cancer cell proliferation via downregulation of HIST1H3D

Objective

To investigate the role of fucoxanthin, reported to have significant anticancer effects, and histone Cluster 1 H3 Family Member D (HIST1H3D; implicated in tumorigenesis) in cervical cancer.

Methods

The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of fucoxanthin against HeLa and SiHa cervical cancer cells was determined. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in SiHa cells treated with IC50 fucoxanthin were screened by high-throughput techniques and subjected to signal enrichment. Following identification of HIST1H3D as a candidate gene, HIST1H3D-knockdown models were created via transfection with a short hairpin HIST1H3D payload. Impacts on cell proliferation, cell-cycle distribution, colony formation, and apoptosis were studied.

Results

The fucoxanthin IC50 was 1 445 and 1 641 µM (Hela and SiHa cells, respectively). Chip results revealed 2 255 DEGs, including 943 upregulated and 1 312 downregulated genes, in fucoxanthin-treated versus untreated SiHa cells. Disease and function analysis indicated that these DEGs are primarily associated with cancer and organismal injuries and abnormalities, and online integrated pathway analysis showed that the DEGs were mainly enriched in p53 signalling. HIST1H3D was significantly downregulated in response to fucoxanthin. Inhibition of HIST1H3D mRNA significantly reduced cell proliferation and colony formation, significantly augmented the percentage of apoptotic HeLa and SiHa cells, and cells were arrested in G₀/G₁ cell cycle phase.

Conclusion

The results suggest that HIST1H3D may be an oncogene in cervical carcinogenesis and a potential fucoxanthin target in treating cervical cancer.

In situ immunopathological events in human cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and cervical cancer: Review

Neoplasia of the cervix represents one of the most common cancers in women. Clinical and molecular research has identified immunological impairment in squamous intraepithelial cervical lesions and cervical cancer patients. The in-situ expression of several cytokines by uterine epithelial cells and by infiltrating leukocytes occurs during the cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and cervical cancer. Some of these cytokines can prevent and others can induce the progression of the neoplasm. The infiltrating leukocytes also produce cytokines and growth factors relate to angiogenesis, chemotaxis, and apoptosis capable of modulating the dysplasia progression. In this review we analyzed several interleukins with an inductive effect or blocking effect on the neoplastic progression. We also analyze the genetic polymorphism of some cytokines and their relationship with the risk of developing cervical neoplasia. In addition, we describe the leukocyte cells that infiltrate the cervical uterine tissue during the neoplasia and their effects on neoplasia progression.

lncRNA SNHG1 Promotes Progression of Cervical Cancer Through miR-195/NEK2 Axis

Objective

Cervical cancer is a common gynecologic cancer, and no study has been reported on the way through which lncRNA SNHG1, miR-195 and NEK2 jointly affect cervical cancer cells (CCCs), so this paper will explore a new approach to the development of cervical cancer in this respect.

Methods

Altogether 72 cervical cancer tissues and 54 adjacent tissues were collected. qPCR was performed to quantify lncRNA SNHG1 and miR-195, whose expression vectors were constructed and then transfected into CCCs, so as to observe their effects on the cells. Western blotting (WB) was carried out to detect protein levels. MTT assay was conducted to detect cell activity. Flow cytometry was performed to detect cell apoptosis. Transwell was carried out to detect cell invasion and migration.

Results

The expression of lncRNA SNHG1 up-regulated while that of miR-195 down-regulated in CCCs. lncRNA SNHG1 regulated NEK2 through its targeted binding to miR-195. The down-regulation of lncRNA SNHG1 or the up-regulation of miR-195 led to the decrease of NEK2 and the reduction of cells’ activity, migration and invasion, also resulting in the increase of cell apoptosis. Rescue experiments showed that the down-regulation of miR-195 could offset the cell changes caused by lncRNA SNHG1.

Conclusion

lncRNA SNHG1 promotes the progression of cervical cancer through the miR-195/NEK2 axis, so lncRNA SNHG1, miR-195 and NEK2 may have potential values for diagnosing and treating cervical cancer.

Cervical Cancer: Emerging Immune Landscape and Treatment

Immune cells are essential for defending the body’s balance and have increasingly been implicated in controlling tumor growth. In cervical cancer (CC), the immune landscape is extensively connected with human papillomavirus (HPV) status. Recent insights from studies have revealed that as a result of infection with HPV, immune cell populations such as lymphocytes or monocytes change during carcinogenesis. Immune therapy, in particular checkpoint inhibitors, those targeting PD-1 or PD-L1, has shown promising efficacy. This article reviews the immune landscape and immunotherapy of CC.

E7 oncoprotein from human papillomavirus 16 alters claudins expression and the sealing of epithelial tight junctions

Tight junctions (TJs) are cell-cell adhesion structures frequently altered by oncogenic transformation. In the present study the role of human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 E7 oncoprotein on the sealing of TJs was investigated and also the expression level of claudins in mouse cervix and in epithelial Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells. It was found that there was reduced expression of claudins -1 and -10 in the cervix of 7-month-old transgenic K14E7 mice treated with 17β-estradiol (E₂), with invasive cancer. In addition, there was also a transient increase in claudin-1 expression in the cervix of 2-month-old K14E7 mice, and claudin-10 accumulated at the border of cells in the upper layer of the cervix in FvB mice treated with E₂, and in K14E7 mice treated with or without E₂. These changes were accompanied by an augmented paracellular permeability of the cervix in 2- and 7-monthold FvB mice treated with E₂, which became more pronounced in K14E7 mice treated with or without E₂. In MDCK cells the stable expression of E7 increased the space between adjacent cells and altered the architecture of the monolayers, induced the development of an acute peak of transepithelial electrical resistance accompanied by a reduced expression of claudins -1, -2 and -10, and an increase in claudin-4. Moreover, E7 enhances the ability of MDCK cells to migrate through a 3D matrix and induces cell stiffening and stress fiber formation. These observations revealed that cell transformation induced by HPV16 E7 oncoprotein was accompanied by changes in the pattern of expression of claudins and the degree of sealing of epithelial TJs.

IL-10 c.-592C>A (rs1800872) polymorphism is associated with cervical cancer

PURPOSE

Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is an immunoregulatory cytokine and its cervical and serum concentrations have been associated with a poor prognosis of cervical cancer. The rs1800872 polymorphism (c.-592C>A) in the promotor region of the IL-10 gene affects the production and expression of IL-10 and thus is able to determine the immune response profile in the cervix. Therefore, the aim of this work is to state the association between IL-10 c.-592C>A polymorphism and cervical cancer.

METHODS

Genomic DNA was extracted from patient's peripheral blood and tumor biopsy. Socio-demographic, sexual behavior and reproductive characteristics data were collected using a questionnaire.

RESULTS

Co-dominant model in logistic binary regression adjusted for confounders, showed that patients presenting with C/A genotype had 2.15 times more chances for developing cervical cancer (OR 2.15; CI_95% 1.02-4.56). The dominant model, C/A + A/A, was also independently associated with 2.71 times more chances for cervical cancer development when compared to control patients (OR 2.71; CI_95% 1.05-4.47).

CONCLUSION

Our study analyses show the association between cervical cancer and IL-10 c.-592C>A polymorphism, demonstrating that the allele A presence was independently associated with higher risks of cervical cancer development.

No association between three polymorphisms (rs1800629, rs361525 and rs1799724) in the tumor necrosis factor-α gene and susceptibility to prostate cancer: a comprehensive meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Inflammation is one of the factors associated with prostate cancer. The cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) plays an important role in inflammation. Several studies have focused on the association between TNF-α polymorphisms and prostate cancer development. Our meta-analysis aimed to estimate the association between TNF-α rs1800629 (- 308 G/A), rs361525 (- 238 G/A) and rs1799724 polymorphisms and prostate cancer risk.

METHODS

Eligible studies were identified from electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Wanfang and CNKI) using keywords: TNF-α, polymorphism, prostate cancer, until Nov 15, 2019. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were applied to determine the association from a quantitative point-of-view. Publication bias and sensitivity analysis were also applied to evaluate the power of current study. All statistical analyses were done with Stata 11.0 software.

RESULTS

Twenty-two different articles were included (22 studies about rs1800629; 8 studies for rs361525 and 5 studies related to rs1799724). Overall, no significant association was found between rs1800629 and rs1799724 polymorphisms and the risk of prostate cancer in the whole (such as: OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 0.92-1.16, P = 0.580 in the allele for rs1800629; OR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.84-1.07, P = 0.381 in the allele for rs1799724). The rs361525 polymorphism also had no association with prostate cancer in the cases (OR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.66-1.32, P = 0.684 in the allele) and ethnicity subgroup. The stratified subgroup of genotype method, however, revealed that the rs361525 variant significantly decreased the risk of prostate cancer in the Others (OR = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.47-0.89, P = 0.008, A-allele vs G-allele) and PCR-RFLP (OR = 2.68, 95% CI = 1.00-7.20, P = 0.050, AG vs GG or AA+AG vs GG) methods.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, the findings of the current meta-analysis indicate that the TNF-α rs1800629, rs361525 and rs1799724 polymorphisms are not correlated with prostate cancer development, although there were some pooled positive results. Further well-designed studies are necessary to form more precise conclusions.

Association between tumor necrosis factor-alpha gene rs1800629 (-308G/A) and rs361525 (-238G > A) polymorphisms and prostate cancer risk in an Iranian cohort

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer (PCa) as the first men's common cancer in the world and the third cancer in Iranian men is a heterogeneous disorder which sometimes several biopsies are needed for its diagnosis.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of current study is finding new biomarkers in order to diagnose of PCa at the earliest possible stage. Hence, the relationship between rs1800629 and rs361525 polymorphisms of TNF-α gene with PCa was investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Blood DNA samples were collected from 100 patients with PCa, 110 with BPH, and 110 controls. Collected samples were examined using PCR-RFLP and Tetra-ARMS-PCR techniques to detect the desired polymorphisms.

RESULTS

The frequency of rs1800629 genotypes in smokers was significantly different from non-smokers with PCa (p= 0.001). Logistic regression analysis results showed that GA heterozygotes in comparison to GG homozygotes had higher risk of developing Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) or prostate cancer. However, no significant correlation was considered between the risk of PCa and the TNF-α gene polymorphisms (rs1800629 and rs361525).

CONCLUSIONS

Although, the achieved results of this investigation demonstrated that the two examined genetic variants do not seem to be suitable markers for early diagnosis of prostate cancer in this pilot study; however increased risk for the disease is shown in GA heterozygotes and smokers which is indicative of some epigenetic factors influence on prostate cancer etiology.

Association of CTLA-4, TNF alpha and IL 10 polymorphisms with susceptibility to hepatocellular carcinoma

Our aim was to evaluate the association of genetic polymorphisms of immunoregulatory molecules with susceptibility to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The polymorphisms in CTLA-4 (-318 T/C, CT60 G/A), TNF (-238 G/A, -308 G/A) and IL10 (-592 C/A, -819 C/T) were genotyped by PCR and DNA sequencing. The functional relevance of the polymorphisms was examined by ELISAs, in vitro lymphocyte proliferation assay and cytotoxic assay. The CTLA-4 -318 TC/TT, CTLA-4 CT60 GG, IL10 -592 CA and -819 CT/TT variants, CTLA-4 -318 T and IL 10 -819 T alleles were positively associated with HCC risk (P < .05). While TNF -238 AA variant, TNF -238 A allele were associated with decreased risk of HCC (P < .05). Furthermore, combinations of CTLA-4 -318 TC/TT and TNF -238 GG/GA; CTLA-4 -318 TC/TT and IL 10 -819 CC; CTLA-4 -318 CC and IL 10 -819 CT/TT in patients with HCC were statistically significant (P < .05). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) carrying -318 TC/TT genotypes exhibited significantly lower proliferation rates, decreased IL-2, IL-4 levels, fewer cytolytic activities and elevated TGF-β levels. For IL 10 -819 C/T, the CC genotype was significantly associated with higher proliferation rate, decreased TGF-β, IL-10 levels and higher cytolytic activities (P < .05). For TNF -238 G/A, the AA genotype only had association with serum IL-2, IL-4 (P < .05). In addition, we also found that CTLA-4 -318 T/C, IL-10 -819 T/C variants, combinations of CTLA-4 -318 CC with IL 10 -819 CT or TT, CTLA-4 -318 TC or TT with IL 10 -819 CT or TT were associated with the severity of HCC. These findings suggest that CTLA-4 -318 TC/TT and IL 10 -819 CT/TT could promote the pathogenesis of HCC, which might be related with down-regulation of Th1/Th2-type cytokines and/or up-regulation of Th3-type cytokines.

Association study between the polymorphisms of angiogenesis-related genes and cervical cancer susceptibility in Chinese Uygur population

BACKGROUND

Cervical cancer is the second most common malignant tumor in women, and its invasion and metastasis are regulated by tumor angiogenic growth factors and their cognate receptors. In this study, we explored the relationship between genetic polymorphisms of angiogenesis-related genes (VEGF-C, VEGFR-2, and VEGFR-3) and the risk of cervical cancer in Chinese Uygur population.

METHODS

We investigated four single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 342 cervical cancer cases and 498 controls to evaluate their association with the risk of cervical cancer. Their correlations were evaluated by chi-squared test, Fisher's exact test, t test, and genetic model analyses. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated using unconditional logistic regression.

RESULTS

We observed that rs12646659 in VEGF-C was associated with a lower cervical cancer risk in allele, dominant, and log-additive models (allele: p = .017; dominant: p = .018; log-additive: p = .018). For the individuals older than 43, rs4604006 (VEGF-C) was related to an increased cervical cancer risk under codominant model (p = .035), and rs12646659 was significantly associated with a reduced cervical cancer risk in allele, dominant, log-additive models (allele: p = .028; codominant: p = .037; log-additive: p = .037) However, there were no significant correlation of rs1000611 (VEGFR-2) and rs1195571 (VEGFR-3) with cervical cancer risk in Chinese Uygur population.

CONCLUSION

Our study firstly provided evidence that rs4604006 and rs12646659 of VEGF-C gene were related to the susceptibility of cervical cancer in Chinese Uygur population.