Role of cytokine gene (interferon-γ, transforming growth factor-β1, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and interleukin-10) polymorphisms in the risk of oral precancerous lesions in Taiwanese

Curcumin relieves arecoline-induced oral submucous fibrosis via inhibiting the LTBP2/NF-κB axis

BACKGROUND

Submucosal fibrosis (OSF) of the oral cavity is a chronic scarring disease. Arecoline (Are) is the driving factor for the occurrence and deterioration of OSF. Curcumin plays a vital anti-inflammatory role in Are-induced OSF development. However, its potential pharmacological mechanism needs to be elucidated.

METHODS

The relative molecular level was measured via qRT-PCR or Western blot. MTT assay, transwell assay and flow cytometry detected cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis. The correlation between hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and LTBP2 promoter was confirmed through dual-luciferase reporter assay. ELISA was performed to detect inflammatory cytokines levels.

RESULTS

Curcumin alleviated Are-induced oral mucosal fibroblast cells fibrosis by reducing oral mucosa fibroblasts viability, promoting cell apoptosis, suppressing cell migration, and down-regulating the levels of fibrosis markers and inflammatory factors. Curcumin relieved Are-induced OSF via inhibiting HIF-1α. Mechanically, HIF-1α bound to the promoter of LTBP2 to transcriptionally activated LTBP2. LTBP2 knockdown relieved Are-induced OSF, and curcumin down-regulated LTBP2 via inhibiting HIF-1α to relieve Are-induced OSF. Moreover, curcumin decreased NF-κB signal associated proteins via inhibiting LTBP2 to relieve Are-induced OSF.

CONCLUSION

Curcumin reduced the transcription level of LTBP2 by inhibiting HIF-1α, thereby inactivating NF-κB pathway to alleviate Are-induced OSF.

Role of toll-like receptor in the pathogenesis of oral cancer

Toll-like receptors are important molecules of innate immunity. They are known as pattern recognition receptors. They recognise certain molecules known as pathogen-associated molecular pattern on a pathogen and release chemicals that causes inflammation. Toll-like receptors (TLR) help in the removal of the infected cell and thus stop the spread of infection and are being studied for their association with cancer. Oral carcinoma has emerged as a major problem of our country today; it is found ranks first in men and third in women. Toll-like receptors have been implicated in the development of cancer. Certain polymorphisms in toll-like receptor can make a cell more susceptible to develop oral cancer. The identification of toll-like receptors and the different genotypes that are involved in the development of cancer can be utilised for using them as biomarkers of the disease. The study revealed that toll-like receptors like TLR7 and TLR5 are found to have a role in suppression of oral cancer while toll-like receptors like TLR4 and TLR2 are found to be associated with the progression of oral cancer. Toll-like receptors can turn out as important target molecules in the future in designing therapeutic strategies for oral cancer.

Investigating the factors proposed in oral lichen planus malignant transformation: A literature review

Background and Aims

Lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects about 1% of the world's population. The World Health Organization has included oral lichen planus among potentially malignant disorders. Identification of reliable biomarkers for the diagnosis of malignant transformation may play a unique role in the development of standard screening and improvement of follow-up in patients with oral precancerous lesions. It is currently assumed that the molecular pathways controlling growth, maturation, proliferation, and apoptosis in epithelial cells may play an important role in the process of transformation into malignancy.

Methods

The search was done in PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Embase, and Cochrane databases from 1960 to 2022.

Results

Based on the inclusion criteria, 23 articles were included.

Conclusion

In this review of articles, 34 different biomarkers that have been investigated in studies for the possibility of malignant transformation in OLP have been studied. Among all the risk factors related to malignant transformation, most studies have been done on the role of cytokines and tumor suppressors, in fact, the chronicity of the lesion which is the result of the reaction between the repair and the inflammatory response and the responses accompanied by the secretion of cytokines, may play a major role in the malignant transformation of OLP.

Tumour Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-α) and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Uncovering the inflammatory mechanisms underpinning initiation, progression, and promotion of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) development is fundamental to the rational pursuit of targeted therapeutics. Here we present a review of the current knowledge of the role of TNF-α in the aetiology, pathogenesis, and potential therapies with regards to OSCC. TNF-α is worthy of particular attention in OSCC, with its presence demonstrated to enhance cell proliferation and its downregulation demonstrated to inhibit proliferation and migration in other carcinomas in both in vitro and in vivo models and oral cancer patients. Increased TNF-α in the OSCC tumour microenvironment has been demonstrated to favour invasion through promotion of firstly the pro-inflammatory, pro-invasive phenotypes of OSCC cells and secondly its paracrine mechanism mediating recruitment and activation of inflammatory cells. Polymorphisms affecting the gene expression of TNF-α have been strongly associated with an increased risk for oral squamous cell carcinoma. A number of studies have considered TNF-α within biofluids, including saliva and serum, as a potential biomarker for the early detection of OSCC, as well as its staging, differentiation, and prognosis. The broad and multifaceted role that TNF-α plays in many inflammatory states presents an obvious confounder, particularly with demonstrated increased TNF-α levels in common oral disease states. Lastly, biologic agents targeting TNF-α are currently in clinical use for immune-mediated inflammatory rheumatological and gastrointestinal diseases. There is the potential that these biological agents might have an adjunctive role in OSCC prevention and treatment.

Saliva - a new opportunity for fluid biopsy

Saliva is a complex biological fluid with a variety of biomolecules, such as DNA, RNA, proteins, metabolites and microbiota, which can be used for the screening and diagnosis of many diseases. In addition, saliva has the characteristics of simple collection, non-invasive and convenient storage, which gives it the potential to replace blood as a new main body of fluid biopsy, and it is an excellent biological diagnostic fluid. This review integrates recent studies and summarizes the research contents of salivaomics and the research progress of saliva in early diagnosis of oral and systemic diseases. This review aims to explore the value and prospect of saliva diagnosis in clinical application.

Mechanistic Investigation of Curcuma Protection against Oral Submucous Fibrosis

Objective

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic, fibrotic disease that affects the oral cavity, showing a high rate of malignant transformation. Curcuma exerts therapeutic potentials in many diseases including OSMF. However, the potential targets and pathways to explain the therapeutic effects of curcuma on OSMF are outside the scope of present knowledge. Herein we intend to reveal the predictive targets and potential pathways of curcuma against OSMF by a network pharmacology-based approach followed by molecular docking technology.

Methods

We searched the SymMap, GeneCards, and OMIM database to obtain curcuma and OSMF common targets. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) of curcuma and OSMF common targets were then analyzed, followed by functional enrichment analysis. The best binding mode of curcuma and target proteins was analyzed by molecular docking technology.

Results

We collected 290 putative targets of curcuma molecules and 600 known therapeutic targets of OSMF, with 64 curcuma and OSMF common targets sorted out. In the PPI network, there were 63 nodes with 922 edges. The node indicates protein and the line indicates PPI relation. The most enriched GO term in the BP level is “gland development”, followed by “cellular response to chemical stress”, and then “response to oxygen levels”, while the most enriched GO term in CC and MF is “membrane raft” and “cytokine receptor binding”, respectively. We also found 131 KEGG pathways significantly enriched by curcuma and OSMF common targets. The binding energy of curcuma to ALB, TNF, TP53, IL6, and VEGFA was −9.5 kcal/mol, −3.9 kcal/mol, −3.5 kcal/mol, −3.6 kcal/mol, and −8.9 kcal/mol, respectively, which suggested ALB and VEGFA were regarded as main targets involving in the potential mechanism of curcuma against OSMF.

Conclusion

The present study illustrated that the therapeutic effects of curcuma on OSMF were achieved by targeting ALB and VEGFA, which giving reference to further drug design and development for OSMF.

Association of Inflammation-Related Gene Polymorphisms With Susceptibility and Radiotherapy Sensitivity in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients in Northeast China

Background

Inflammation-related gene polymorphisms are some of the most important determinants for cancer susceptibility, clinical phenotype diversity, and the response to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. However, the relationship between these polymorphisms and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of inflammation-related gene polymorphisms in the developmental risk and radiotherapy sensitivity of HNSCC.

Methods

The Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time of Flight (MALDI-TOF) genotyping system was used to genotype 612 individuals from a Chinese population for 28 inflammation-related gene polymorphisms.

Results

The protein kinase B (AKT1) rs1130233 TT, dominance model (CT+TT vs. CC), recessive model (TT vs. CT+CC), and rs2494732 CC genotypes were associated with reduced risk of HNSCC (P=0.014; P=0.041; P=0.043). The polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (PIGR) rs291097 GA, dominance model (GA+AA vs. GG), and rs291102 dominance model (GA+AA vs. GG) were associated with increased risk of HNSCC (P=0.025; P=0.025; P=0.040). The interleukin-4 receptor-α (IL-4RA) rs1801275 AA genotype was significantly correlated with increased radiotherapy sensitivity of HNSCC patients (P=0.030). In addition, age ≤ 60 years, non-smoker status, and normal levels of squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC) were found to be associated with increased radiotherapy sensitivity of HNSCC patients (P=0.033; P=0.033; P=0.030).

Conclusion

The AKT1 rs1130233, AKT1 rs2494732, PIGR rs291097, and PIGR rs291102 polymorphisms were significantly related to the risk of HNSCC. The IL-4RA rs1801275 polymorphism, age ≤ 60 years, non-smoker status, and normal levels of SCC were significantly associated with increased radiotherapy sensitivity of HNSCC.

Association Between Interleukin-6 and Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a proinflammatory cytokine which plays an important role in several regulatory mechanisms of cancer. Moreover, experimental and clinical studies have reported that IL-6 targeted therapies might provide significant benefits for cancer treatment. The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate IL-6 activity in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). A systematic review of the association between serum, saliva and tumor IL-6 and HNSCC was developed on PubMed/Medline in the publication range from January 1995 to January 2019. Our literature analysis demonstrated that overexpression and elevated serum and/or saliva IL-6 concentrations in patients with HNSCC are related to poor survival and oncological outcomes. Although there is a correlation between IL-6 concentrations and tumorigenicity, it is noteworthy that IL-6 targeted therapies are generally performed in vitro and in experimental studies. Therefore, prospective, randomized clinical trials are required that focus on IL-6 targeted therapies for the treatment of HNSCC.

Genetic Susceptibility and Protein Expression of Extracellular Matrix Turnover-Related Genes in Oral Submucous Fibrosis

Betel quid (BQ) chewing increased the risk of oral cancer and oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF), an oral premalignant disorder (OPMD) with malignant transformation potential. BQ components such as areca nut (AN), trauma by coarse AN fiber, catechin, copper, alkaloids, stimulated reactive oxygen species (ROS), inflammation and cytotoxicity are suggested to be the contributing factors. They may induce tissue inflammation, proliferation of fibroblasts and collagen deposition, myofibroblast differentiation and contraction, collagen cross-links and inhibit collagen phagocytosis, finally leading to the development of OSMF and oral cancer. These events are mediated by BQ components-induced changes of extracellular matrix (ECM) turnover via regulation of TGF-β1, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), cystatin, lysyl oxidase (LOX) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) and metalloproteinases (MMPs). Genetic susceptibility is also involved in these disease processes. Further understanding the molecular mechanisms of BQ-induced OSMF and oral cancer can be helpful for future disease prevention and treatment.

Effect of metabolic syndrome on incidence of oral potentially malignant disorder: a prospective cohort study in Taiwan

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to assess the effect of metabolic syndrome (MetS) on incident oral potentially malignant disorder (OPMD).

DESIGN

We conducted a prospective cohort study of the Changhua community-based integrated screening (CHCIS) programme and nationwide oral cancer screening programme during the period between 2005 and 2014.

SETTING

CHCIS, Taiwan.

PARTICIPANTS

We enrolled 17 590 participants aged 30 years and older.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

We assessed the impact of MetS on the outcome measured by incident OPMD.

RESULTS

The incidences of OPMD among subjects with and without MetS were 7.68 ‰ and 5.38 ‰, respectively. After adjusting for confounders, subjects with MetS exhibited a statistically greater risk of developing OPMD compared with those who were free of MetS by 33% (adjusted rate ratio, aRR=1.33, 95% CI 1.14 to 1.55). Individual components of MetS still remained significant, including central obesity (aRR=1.22, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.44), hypertriglyceridaemia (aRR=1.26, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.49) and hyperglycaemia (aRR=1.20, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.41). Central obesity and hypertriglyceridaemia were also statistically associated with a subtype of OPMD, namely, leukoplakia.

CONCLUSION

The temporal influence of MetS on the risk of incident OPMD was noted in our prospective cohort study. Therefore, promoting an MetS prevention and control programme might reduce the occurrence of OPMD and oral cancer.

Salivary Biomarkers and Their Application in the Diagnosis and Monitoring of the Most Common Oral Pathologies

Saliva is a highly versatile biological fluid that is easy to gather in a non-invasive manner—and the results of its analysis complement clinical and histopathological findings in the diagnosis of multiple diseases. The objective of this review was to offer an update on the contribution of salivary biomarkers to the diagnosis and prognosis of diseases of the oral cavity, including oral lichen planus, periodontitis, Sjögren’s syndrome, oral leukoplakia, peri-implantitis, and medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw. Salivary biomarkers such as interleukins, growth factors, enzymes, and other biomolecules have proven useful in the diagnosis and follow-up of these diseases, facilitating the early evaluation of malignization risk and the monitoring of disease progression and response to treatment. However, further studies are required to identify new biomarkers and verify their reported role in the diagnosis and/or prognosis of oral diseases.

Association Between Head and Neck Cancers and Polymorphisms 869T/C, 509C/T, and 915G/C of the Transforming Growth Factor-β1 Gene: A Meta-Analysis of Case-Control Studies

Background

Worldwide, head and neck cancers are the eighth most common malignancy. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are associated with susceptibility to cancer and sensitivity to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The inflammatory cytokine, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), is involved in the progression of malignancy. This study aimed to systematically review the literature and undertake a meta-analysis of case-control studies on the association between 869T/C, 509C/T, and 915G/C polymorphisms of the TGF-β1 gene and head and neck cancers.

Material/Methods

The published literature in the English and Chinese languages were searched to identify relevant studies reporting TGF-β1 gene polymorphisms and head and neck cancer. The PubMed, Embase, Wanfang Data, and CNKI databases were searched. Data were extracted from eligible studies, and meta-analysis was performed using Stata version 12.0 software.

Results

Ten case-control studies were identified. There was a significant association between the 869T/C polymorphism of the TGF-β1 gene and susceptibility to head and neck cancer. Subgroup analysis showed that the 869T/C polymorphism was not significantly associated with the histological type of head and neck cancer, but was significantly associated with susceptibility to head and neck cancer in the Asian population. The 509C/T polymorphism of the TGF-β1 gene was not significantly associated with susceptibility to nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC), but the 915G/C polymorphism was associated with susceptibility to oral cancer.

Conclusions

Data from this meta-analysis showed that the 869T/C and 915G/C polymorphisms of the TGF-β1 gene might be associated with susceptibility to head and neck cancer.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms as markers of genetic susceptibility for oral potentially malignant disorders risk: Review of evidence to date

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We reviewed single nucleotide polymorphisms for oral pre-cancer susceptibility.

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All of them were pathway based candidate gene association studies.

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The current level of evidence is very limited.

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Integrated characterization of germline/somatic alterations in oral cancer & pre-cancer is needed.

Background

Oral cancers are preceded by oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD). Understanding genetic susceptibility for OPMD risk could provide an opportunity for risk assessment of oral cancer through early disease course. We conducted a review of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) studies for OPMD risk.

Methods

We identified all relevant studies examining associations of SNPs with OPMD (leukoplakia, erythroplakia and oral sub-mucous fibrosis) conducted world-wide between January, 2000 and February, 2016 using a combined keyword search on PubMed. Of these, 47 studies that presented results as odds ratios and 95% CI were considered for full review.

Results

The majority of eligible studies that explored candidate gene associations for OPMD were small (N < 200 cases), limiting their scope to provide strong inference for any SNP identified to date in any population. Commonly studied SNPs were genes of carcinogen metabolism (n = 18 studies), DNA repair (n = 11 studies), cell cycle control (n = 8 studies), extra-cellular matrix alteration (n = 8 studies) and immune-inflammatory (n = 6 studies) pathways. Based on significant associations as reported by two or more studies, suggestive markers included SNPs in GSTM1 (null), CCND1 (G870A), MMP3 (-1171; promotor region), TNFα (-308; rs800629), XPD (codon 751) and Gemin3 (rs197412) as well as in p53 (codon 72) in Indian populations. However, an equal or greater number of studies reported null or mixed associations for SNPs in GSTM1 (null), p53 (codon 72), XPD (codon 751), XRCC (rs25487 C/T), GSTT1 (null) and CYP1A1m1 (MspI site).

Conclusion

Candidate gene association studies have not yielded consistent data on risk loci for OPMD. High-throughput genotyping approaches for OPMD, with concurrent efforts for oral cancer, could prove useful in identifying robust risk-loci to help understand early disease course susceptibility for oral cancer.

Association between TGF-β1 Polymorphisms and Head and Neck Cancer Risk: A Meta-Analysis

Background and Objective: Studies have been conducted to explore the association between the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) and head and neck cancer (HNC) susceptibility, however the findings are still inconclusive. Therefore, we conduct this meta-analysis to quantitatively assess the association.

Methods: Embase and PubMed were searched for all eligible clinical studies. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of each study were pooled to estimate the association between SNPs in the TGF-β1 and the HNC risk. Subgroup analysis was used to explore whether particular characteristics were related to the value of overall ORs and 95% CIs.

Results: Seven case-control studies, including three SNPs (−509C/T, 869T/C, and 915G/C), were examined. Overall, this meta-analysis failed to identify a significant association between TGF-β1−509C/T, 915G/C polymorphism and HNC risk in any models. As for the 869T/C polymorphism, significant associations were observed in the allelic model (C vs. T: OR = 1.351, 95%CI: 1.030–1.772), the homozygote model (CC vs. TT: OR = 1.585, 95%CI: 1.026–2.449) and the dominant model (CT/CC vs. TT: OR = 1.398, 95%CI: 1.008–1.937). This polymorphism was also found in the Asian group as well (C vs. T: OR = 1.400, 95%CI: 1.003–1.956, CC vs. TT: OR = 1.814, 95%CI: 1.018–3.233).

Conclusion: Meta-analysis failed to show a statistical association between TGF-β1−509C/T, 915G/C polymorphism, and HNC risk in any genetic models. However, it was found that TGF-β1 869C/T polymorphism may be involved in susceptibility to HNC, especially in Asian patients. However, given the limitations of this meta-analysis, further well-designed studies are required in the future.

Meta-analysis of the role of IL-6 rs1800795 polymorphism in the susceptibility to prostate cancer: Evidence based on 17 studies

Playing critical roles in immune responses, interleukin-6 (IL-6) has been proposed to be involved in the development of multiple cancers, including prostate cancer. The rs1800795 polymorphism in the promoter of the gene IL-6 can affect the transcription and expression of the gene, becoming a common target in association studies on tumors. We therefore carried out this meta-analysis to further discuss the relationship of this polymorphism with the risk of prostate cancer.Relevant publications were retrieved from the electronic databases. The strength of the correlation between IL-6 rs1800795 polymorphism and prostate cancer risk was evaluated using pooled odds ratios (ORs) with their 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Q test was adopted to examine between-study heterogeneity, with P < 0.05 as significant level. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were conducted to explore potential source of heterogeneity. Sensitivity analysis was implemented to test the statistical stability of the final results. In addition, funnel plot and Egger test were employed to inspect publication bias among included studies.A total of 13 132 cases and 15 282 controls were ultimately incorporated into the present study. Overall estimates revealed no significant relationship between IL-6 rs1800795 polymorphism and prostate cancer risk in total analysis, but a risk-increasing effect of the polymorphism was detected in African-American subgroup under CC versus GG and CC versus GG + GC contrasts (OR 3.43, 95% CI 1.01-11.71; OR 3.51, 95% CI 1.04-11.82) after subgroup analysis by ethnicity.IL-6 rs1800795 polymorphism may enhance the susceptibility to prostate cancer in African-American men.

Association between polymorphisms in interleukins and oral lichen planus: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

More and more studies have suggested that single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in interleukin (IL) genes are correlated with an increased risk of developing oral lichen planus (OLP). However, these results were inconsistent. Therefore, the aim of this meta-analysis is to retrieve and comprehensively analyze all related clinical studies to investigate the association of ILs gene polymorphisms with the OLP risk.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched for eligible studies to evaluate the association between IL polymorphisms and the OLP. The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) from each study were pooled to estimate the strength of the association. Statistical analyses were performed by using STATA software.

RESULTS

In all 6 studies, including 4 SNPs (IL6-174G/C, IL10-592C/A, IL10-819C/T, and IL10-1082G/A), 362 OLP patients and 622 non-OLP control subjects from five different countries were investigated. As for the IL6-174G/C, IL10-819C/T, and IL10-1082G/A, no evidence was found to support the association between SNP and OLP susceptibility in any genetic models. However, as for IL10-592C/A, a significant relationship between them was identified in all of comparison models (C vs A: OR = 0.724, 95% CI = 0.585-0.897, P = 0.003; CC vs AA: OR = 0.447, 95% CI = 0.276-0.722, P = 0.001; AC vs AA: OR = 0.585, 95% CI = 0.387-0.883, P = 0.011; CC+AC vs AA: OR = 0.544, 95% CI = 0.365-0.809, P = 0.003; CC vs AA+AC: OR = 0.715, 95% CI = 0.515-0.994, P = 0.046).

CONCLUSION

With the presently available evidence, this meta-analysis fails to show the statistical associations between IL6-174G/C, IL10-819C/T, and IL10-1082G/A and OLP susceptibility in any genetic models. However, the A allele and AA genotype in IL10-592C/A polymorphism may increase the risk of OLP. In the future, more well-designed studies with larger sample sizes are needed.

Diagnostic value of high-frequency color Doppler ultrasonography examination in combination with anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody testing in rheumatoid arthritis patients

We studied the diagnostic value of high-frequency color Doppler ultrasonography (HCDU) examination in combination with anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibody testing in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with finger joint damage. From January 2015 to December 2015, 80 patients diagnosed with RA with finger joints damage were enrolled in this study. Patients were examined with HCDU. Serum anti-CCP antibody level was tested using ELISA, and results were compared with the healthy control group. Results obtained by ELISA demonstrated that the positive rate of anti-CCP antibodies was 73.8% in the study group, and 10% in the control group. The negative rate was 26.2% in the study group, and 90% in the control group. HCDU examination suggested that the predominantly affected joint by bone erosion of RA with finger joint damage was MCP3 (16.7%), followed by PIP3 (14.1%), MCP2 (13.5%) and PIP2 (12.8%). The slightest affected joint was thumb metacarpophalangeal joint, followed by thumb, little finger metacarpophalangeal joint and proximal interphalangeal joint. The sensitivity of diagnosis of RA with finger joints damage with both HCDU and CCP antibody examination showed a significantly lower level compared with examination with each one of the methods alone, while specificity showed a significantly higher level. Thus, a combination of HCDU examination and anti-CCP antibody testing can be considered useful to improve the early diagnostic rate of RA. HCDU examination is a sensitive, secure, atraumatic and easily-operated diagnostic method for early RA patients with finger joint damage. When combined with anti-CCP antibody testing, it will provide a better chance for RA patients, and give them hope for a better treatment and improved prognosis.

IL-10 -1082A/G, -592C/A, and -819T/C polymorphisms in association with lung cancer susceptibility: a meta-analysis

Numerous studies have examined the association between interleukin-10 (IL-10 -1082A/G, -592C/A, and -819T/C) gene polymorphisms and risk of lung cancer, but these have revealed inconsistent results. The aim of this study was to clarify the relationship between these polymorphisms and the risk of lung cancer by performing a meta-analysis. The published literature concerning IL-10 polymorphisms and lung cancer risk were retrieved by systematically searching PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang, and Database of Chinese Scientific and Technical Periodicals (VIP) database. Statistical analysis was conducted with Stata 12.0 software. A total of ten published articles comprising of 19 studies were selected, including seven studies (1,960 controls and 1,321 cases) for IL-10 -1082A/G, seven studies (2,613 controls and 1,839 cases) for IL-10 -592C/A, and five studies (1,558 controls and 926 cases) for IL-10 -819T/C. This study found that the IL-10 -1082A/G and -592C/A polymorphisms were significantly associated with the risk of lung cancer in the overall analysis. When stratified by ethnicity, significantly increased risks were observed for IL-10 -1082A/G, -592C/A, and -819T/C polymorphisms in Asians (for -1082A/G, AA vs [AG + GG]: odds ratio [OR] =1.20, confidence interval [CI] =1.05–1.39, P<0.05; for C-592A, C vs A, OR =1.36, CI =1.20–1.53, P<0.05; CC vs AA, OR =1.85, CI =1.45–2.37, P<0.05; CC vs [CA + AA], OR =1.36, CI =1.15–1.61, P<0.05; for -819T/C, T vs C: OR =1.21, CI =1.06–1.38, P<0.05; TT vs CC, OR =1.54, CI =1.18–2.01, P<0.05; [TT + TC] vs CC, OR =1.51, CI =1.17–1.95, P<0.05). Moreover, the data indicated that there was a significant association between IL-10 -819T/C polymorphism and non-small-cell lung cancer risk. No significant publication bias was detected under the four genetic models (allele model, homozygous model, dominant model, and recessive model) in this meta-analysis. On the basis of these 19 studies, this study found that the IL-10 -1082A/G and -819T/C polymorphisms might have a significant association with risk of lung cancer in Asian populations.

Association of genetic polymorphisms in interferon-γ, interleukin-6 and transforming growth factor-β1 gene with oral lichen planus susceptibility

BACKGROUND

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a premalignant mucocutaneous disease in which genetic factors and immune responses play a major role. Cytokines play an important role in the pathogenesis and disease progression of OLP. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of gene polymorphisms of T helper cell subtype Th1 and Th2 cytokines, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 on OLP susceptibility in a Saudi cohort.

METHODS

Forty two unrelated patients with OLP and 195 healthy controls were genotyped for IFN-γ (874A/T), IL-6 (174G/C) and TGF-β1 (509C/T) polymorphisms.

RESULTS

The frequency of genotype AT of IFN-γ (874A/T) was significantly higher while genotype AA was lower in OLP patients as compared to controls (P < 0.05). The frequency of T containing genotypes (AT + TT) was also higher in OLP patients as compared to that in controls (P = 0.003). The frequencies of allele T was higher while that of allele A lower in patients than the controls however the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.07). There was no significant difference in the frequencies of alleles and genotypes of IL-6 (174G/C) and TGF-β1 (509C/T) polymorphisms between patient and control groups. These results indicated that genotype AT of IFN-γ (874A/T) polymorphism is associated with OLP risk and genotype AA is protective to OLP. On the other hand the polymorphisms IL-6 (174G/C) and TGF-β1 (509C/T) may not be associated with OLP risk in our population.

CONCLUSION

It is concluded that IFN-γ (874A/T) polymorphism is associated with the susceptibility of OLP, however further studies with large sample size involving different ethnic populations should be conducted to strengthen our results.

TNF-α, TNF-β and IL-10 gene polymorphism and association with oral lichen planus risk in Saudi patients

Objectives

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory oral mucosal disease. Cytokines play an important role in the pathogenesis and disease progression of OLP. Various reports have implicated cytokine gene polymorphisms in susceptibility to develop some immune mediated conditions including OLP. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, TNF-β and interleukin (IL)-10 gene polymorphisms with the OLP risk.

Material and Methods

Forty two unrelated patients with OLP and 211 healthy volunteers were genotyped for TNF-α (-308 G/A), TNF-β (+252A/G), IL-10 (-1082G/A), IL-10 (-819C/T), and IL-10 (-592C/A) polymorphisms.

Results

The frequencies of allele A and genotype GA of TNF-α (-308G/A) were significantly higher while allele G and GG genotypes were lower in OLP patients as compared to the controls (P<0.001). The frequency of GA genotype of TNF-β (+252A/G) was significantly higher in patients than in controls while the AA genotype was completely absent in OLP patients. These results indicated that allele A and genotype GA of TNF-α (-308G/A) as well as the GA genotype of TNF-β (+252A/G) polymorphisms are associated with OLP risk. The frequencies of alleles and genotypes of -1082G/A, -819C/T and -592C/A polymorphisms in IL-10 gene did not differ significantly between OLP patients and controls (P>0.05). However, haplotype ATA extracted from 1082G/A, -819C/T, -592C/A polymorphisms of IL-10 were more prevalent in OLP patients when compared to controls indicating its possible association with OLP susceptibility.

Conclusion

It is concluded that TNF-α (-308G/A), TNF-β (+252A/G) and IL-10 (-1082G/A, -819C/T and -592C/A) polymorphisms are associated with the susceptibility of OLP, thus giving additional support for the genetic basis of this disease.