Polymorphisms of TNF-alpha and LT-alpha genes in multiple myeloma

HSP70 and TNF Loci Polymorphism Associated with the Posner-Schlossman Syndrome in a Southern Chinese Population

Previous studies have shown that HLA gene polymorphisms are associated with the pathogenesis of the Posner-Schlossman syndrome (PSS). This study was aimed at evaluating the associations between HLA-III gene polymorphisms and PSS in a southern Chinese Han population. A total of 150 PSS patients and 183 healthy controls were included in this study. Twenty-one single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of HLA-III genes (including HSP70-1, HSP70-2, HSP70-hom, TNF-α, TNF-β, C2, and CFB) were genotyped using the SNaPshot technique. Our study showed that the frequencies of G allele at rs909253, A allele at rs1041981, and G allele at rs2844484 of TNF-β in the patient group were significantly higher than those in healthy controls (Corrected $P\left(P_c\right)=0.040$ , $\text{OR}=1.45$ ; $P_c=0.033$ , $\text{OR}=1.45$ ; $P_c=0.045$ , $\text{OR}=1.58$ , respectively). The frequency of T allele at rs12190359 of HSP70-1 was significantly lower in PSS patients than those in healthy controls ( $P_c=0.018$ and $\text{OR}=0.10$ ). The frequencies of the CCT haplotype of HSP70-1 gene (rs1008438-rs562047-rs12190359) and the ACCCTTT haplotype of HSP70 gene (rs2227956-rs1043618-rs1008438-rs562047-rs12190359-rs2763979-rs6457452) were significantly lower in PSS patients than those in healthy controls ( $P_c=0.024$ , $\text{OR}=0.10$ ; $P_c=0.048$ , $\text{OR}=0.10$ , respectively). In conclusion, the G allele at rs909253, A allele at rs1041981, and G allele at rs2844484 of TNF-β gene might be risk factors for PSS, while the T allele at rs12190359 of HSP70-1 gene and specific haplotypes of the HSP70-1 and HSP70 genes might be protective factors for PSS.

Association Of -308G/A, -238G/A TNF-α Polymorphisms with Multiple Myeloma Risk and Survival: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) is a cytokine with a key role in proinflammation and multiple diseases, including cancer. The gene encoding TNF-α is located within a highly polymorphic region on chromosome 6p21.3; two polymorphisms -308G/A (rs1800629) and -238G/A (rs361525) have been associated with occurrence of human diseases. There is a debate in recent meta-analyses that reached discrepant conclusions regarding the potential role of TNF-α polymorphisms in multiple myeloma (MM) risk. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to investigate the association between the aforementioned two polymorphisms with the risk and survival of MM.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eligible articles were identified through an extensive search in PubMed database (end of search: June 18, 2020). The pooled effect estimates were calculated following the random-effects models by Der Simonian and Laird. Separate analyses were conducted by ethnicity. Between-study heterogeneity was quantified, and the deviation of genotype frequencies in controls from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was evaluated.

RESULTS

Eighteen studies (2934 cases, 4291 controls) have been included in the quantitative synthesis examining risk and 5 studies for survival (557 cases). No association was found between -308G/A and -238G/A TNF-α polymorphisms and MM susceptibility in all genetic models for both Caucasian and East Asian populations. There was no association between -308G/A and -238G/A TNF-α polymorphisms and survival (overall or progression-free) of MM.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review and meta-analysis did not reveal a significant effect of -308G/A and -238G/A TNF-α polymorphisms upon risk or survival of MM.

Association between tumor necrosis factor alpha gene polymorphisms and multiple myeloma risk: an updated meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) polymorphisms and multiple myeloma (MM) risk.

METHODS

Eligible studies were retrieved from PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, CNKI and the Wanfang database. Polymorphisms of TNFα-308 G/A, TNFα-857 C/T, and TNFα-238 G/A were analyzed based on the allele, recessive, dominant, and additive-dominant models. The meta-analysis was conducted using R 3.12 software. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used as evaluation indicators. Heterogeneity among studies was detected. Publication bias was evaluated. Sensitivity and power analyses were also conducted.

RESULTS

Significant associations existed between 'TT vs. CC' (OR = 2.3752, 95% CI = 1.1342-4.9740) and 'TT vs. CC + TC' (OR = 2.0802, 95% CI = 1.0250-4.2218) models of the TNFα-857 C/T gene and MM risk. There were no significant differences in other genetic models of TNFα-857 C/T or any genetic models of TNFα-308 G/A and TNFα-238 G/A. No significant publication bias existed among the studies. In addition, sensitivity analyses showed that meta-analysis results of all genetic models of the TNFα-238 G/A gene did not change after omitting one of these studies, but most models of TNFα-857 C/T and TNFα-308 G/A exhibited significant changes.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that the 'TT vs. CC' and 'TT vs. CC + TC' of TNFα-857 C/T are correlated with MM risk. TNFα-857 C/T may be a risk factor for MM development. There is no association between TNFα-238/-308 polymorphisms and MM risk.

The Association of GSTT1, GSTM1, and TNF-α Polymorphisms With the Risk and Outcome in Multiple Myeloma

Oxidative stress and systemic inflammation are closely linked with increased risk of cancer development. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) is one of the pro-inflammatory cytokines. Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are enzymes involved in oxidative stress handling. Polymorphisms of genes encoding mentioned molecules may potentially influence the risk and the outcome in neoplastic diseases. Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematological malignancy characterized by clonal, atypical plasma cell proliferation. In the present study we investigated the association of deletion polymorphisms in GSTT1/GSTM1 genes and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the TNF-α gene at positions −308/−238 with the risk and outcome in MM and sensitivity to bortezomib under in vitro conditions. One hundred newly diagnosed MM patients and 100 healthy blood donors were genotyped by means of multiplex PCR (for GSTs) and PCR-RFLP (for TNF-α). In a subgroup of 50 MM patients, bone marrow cells were treated with bortezomib in vitro. Patients with −238GA+AA or GSTT1-null genotypes had 2.0 (p = 0.002) or 2.29 (p = 0.013) fold increased risk of MM. The interaction effects and risk of MM were observed in GSTT1/GSTM1-null (OR = 2.82, p = 0.018), −308/−238GA+AA (OR = 5.63, p < 0.001), as well as in all combinations of −308 with GSTs. The −308/−238GA+AA genotypes in comparison to GG were associated with earlier MM onset−61.14 vs. 66.86 years (p = 0.009) and 61.72 vs. 66.52 years (p = 0.035), respectively. Patients with GSTM1-present had shorter progression-free-survival (15.17 vs. 26.81 months, p = 0.003) and overall-survival (22.79 vs. 34.81 months, p = 0.039) compared with GSTM1-null. We did not observe relationship between response rate and studied polymorphisms. The in vitro study revealed significantly higher number of apoptotic cells at 12 nM of bortezomib in GSTT1-present, GSTM1-null/present, −308GG and −238GG/GA+AA genotypes. Our findings comprise large analysis of studied polymorphisms in MM.

Association of RAGE rs1800625 Polymorphism and Cancer Risk: A Meta-Analysis of 18 Case-Control Studies

Background

Accumulating evidence suggests that the rs1800625 polymorphism in RAGE promoter region might be associated with cancer risk; however, data from different studies show conflicting results. Here, a meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the associations between RAGE rs1800625 polymorphism and cancer risk.

Material/Methods

We searched Embase (Excerpt Medica Database), PubMed, and CNKI (Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure) databases until March 15, 2019 to identify potential studies for the meta-analysis.

Results

Eighteen eligible studies were included in the current meta-analysis, representing 6246 cases and 6819 controls. Pooled analysis showed positive correlation between the RAGE rs1800625 polymorphism and susceptibility of cancer in recessive genetic model [CC versus TC+TT: odds ratio (OR)=1.397, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.031–1.894, P=0.031]. Subgroup analysis revealed this association in the Asian, but not Caucasian population, and this correlation was not detected in either breast or lung cancer. Sensitivity analysis indicated unstable results, which should be interpreted with caution. No publication bias was observed.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the RAGE rs1800625 polymorphism was associated with increased overall cancer risk in Asians in recessive genetic model. However, large-scale and well-designed studies in different populations and diverse cancer types are needed for a precise conclusion.

Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha-308G/A Polymorphism and the Risk of Multiple Myeloma: A Meta-Analysis of Pooled Data from Twelve Case-Control Studies

Objective:

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) is an important cytokine involved in inflammation, immune response, and other biological processes. The association between polymorphism -308G/A in its promoter and the risk of multiple myeloma (MM) is not clear. Thus, we conducted a meta-analysis to clarify this question.

Materials and Methods:

Twelve eligible studies, which included 2204 MM cases and 3478 controls, were enrolled in our meta-analysis by searching the PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases up to December 2018. The effect of polymorphism -308G/A on MM risk was evaluated by calculating the pooled odds ratio (OR) and the 95% confidence interval (CI). Furthermore, the Q-test and I2 statistical analyses were used to estimate the degree of heterogeneity. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to test the robustness of the meta-analysis results. Publication bias was assessed by Egger’s test and visual inspection of a funnel plot.

Results:

In the dominant model, -308G/A polymorphism was associated with reduced MM risk (OR=0.80, 95% CI: 0.65-0.97), and it also demonstrated a significant protective effect with a pooled OR of 0.82 (95% CI: 0.68-0.99) in the Caucasian subgroup. Because of the limited number of individual studies with AA genotype carriers, only eight studies were included in the recessive model, and no significant difference was observed. Moreover, the meta-analysis of the allele frequency demonstrated that the A allele has a protective effect against MM risk with a pooled OR of 0.83 (95% CI: 0.69-0.99). Sensitivity analysis suggested that the synthesized effect size was not influenced by any individual study. Moreover, the Egger’s test statistical analysis suggested that publication bias was not obvious in the present analysis.

Conclusion:

Overall, the -308G/A polymorphism was associated with reduced MM risk in the dominant model and allele frequency. Further investigation is needed to gain better insight.

Inflammatory and Anti-Inflammatory Equilibrium, Proliferative and Antiproliferative Balance: The Role of Cytokines in Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma (MM) is typically exemplified by a desynchronized cytokine system with increased levels of inflammatory cytokines. We focused on the contrast between inflammatory and anti-inflammatory systems by assessing the role of cytokines and their influence on MM. The aim of this review is to summarize the available information to date concerning this equilibrium to provide an overview of the research exploring the roles of serum cytokines in MM. However, the association between MM and inflammatory cytokines appears to be inadequate, and other functions, such as pro-proliferative or antiproliferative effects, can assume the role of cytokines in the genesis and progression of MM. It is possible that inflammation, when guided by cancer-specific Th1 cells, may inhibit tumour onset and progression. In a Th1 microenvironment, proinflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-6 and IL-1) may contribute to tumour eradication by attracting leucocytes from the circulation and by increasing CD4 ⁺ T cell activity. Hence, caution should be used when considering therapies that target factors with pro- or anti-inflammatory activity. Drugs that may reduce the tumour-suppressive Th1-driven inflammatory immune response should be avoided. A better understanding of the relationship between inflammation and myeloma will ensure more effective therapeutic interventions.

Effects of TNFα, NOS3, MDR1 Gene Polymorphisms on Clinical Parameters, Prognosis and Survival of Multiple Myeloma Cases

It is not clear how gene polymorphisms affecting drugs can contributes totheir efficacy in multiple myeloma (MM). We here aimed to explore associations among gene polymorphisms of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), nitric oxide synthesis 3 (NOS3) and multi-drug resistance 1 (MDR1), clinical parameters, prognosis and survival in MM patients treated with VAD (vincristine-adriamycine-dexamethasone), MP (mephalane-prednisolone), autolougus stem cell transplantation (ASCT), BODEC (bortezomib-dexamethasone-cyclophosphamide) and TD (thalidomide-dexamethasone). We analyzed TNFα, NOS 3 and MDR1 in 77 patients with MM and 77 healthy controls. The genotyping was performed with PCR and/or PCR-RFLP. There was no clinically significant difference between MM and control groups when TNF α(-238) and (-857) and MDR1 gene polymorphisms were studied. However, the TNFαgene polymorphism (-308) GG genotype (p=0.012) and NOS3 (+894) TT genotype (p=0.008) were more common in the MM group compared to healthy controls. NOS3 (VNTR) AA (p=0.007) and NOS3 (+894) GG genotypes (p=0.004) were decreased in the MM group in contrast. In conclusion, the NOS3 (+894) TT and TNF α(-308) GG genotypes may have roles in myeloma pathogenesis.

Genetically lowered concentrations of circulating sRAGE might cause an increased risk of cancer: Meta-analysis using Mendelian randomization

Objectives

To undertake a systematic meta-analysis of all variants in the gene encoding receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) to summarize their associations with cancer risk and changes in the levels of circulating soluble RAGE (sRAGE), with the aim of determining possible causality between circulating sRAGE and cancer risk.

Methods

Articles written in English were retrieved from MEDLINE® and EMBASE® databases. Two researchers independently identified eligible articles and extracted the data (analysed using STATA® software version 12.0).

Results

Fifteen articles qualified for inclusion in the meta-analysis of the RAGE–cancer association and three examined the RAGE–sRAGE relationship. The 82Ser/82Ser genotype was significantly associated with overall cancer risk compared with the 82Gly/Gly genotype (odds ratio 1.75, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.46, 2.10). Carriers of the 82Ser/82Ser genotype had significantly reduced circulating sRAGE concentrations compared with the 82Gly/82Gly genotype. Mendelian randomization analysis demonstrated that a reduction of 100, 200 and 300 pg/ml in circulating sRAGE concentrations was associated with a 1.11-fold (95% CI 1.06, 1.25), 1.24-fold (95% CI 1.11, 1.57) and 1.38-fold (95% CI 1.18, 1.96) increased risk of developing cancer, respectively.

Conclusions

Genetically lowered concentrations of circulating sRAGE might cause an increased risk of cancer.

Interaction between IL-6 and TNF-α genotypes associated with bacteremia in multiple myeloma patients submitted to autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT)

Stem cell transplantation affects patient׳s vulnerability to infections due to immunological changes related to chemotherapy. Multiple myeloma is characterized by susceptibility to infections, and IL-6 and TNF-α increased levels affect immune response (IR). Polymorphisms in promoter region of cytokine genes may alter expression levels and affect IR. We performed interaction analysis of IL-6 (−174G/C) and TNF-α (−308G/A) polymorphisms with infection susceptibility in 148 patients classified accordingly to infection status and found an interaction when compared groups with and without bacteremia (p=0.0380). The interaction may be more important than single effects for the IR associated with the infection susceptibility in ASCT.

Heat shock protein 70 gene polymorphisms and cancer risk: a meta-analysis

The polymorphisms in the three main heat shock protein 70 (HSP70-1, HSP70-2, and HSP70-hom) genes were identified to be associated with cancer risk. However, the results are inconsistent. We perform a meta-analysis to evaluate the association between the three HSP70 polymorphisms and cancer risk. Relevant studies were identified using PubMed, Web of Science, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang databases up to March 29, 2014. The cancer risk associated with the HSP70 polymorphisms was estimated for each study by odds ratios (OR) together with its 95% confidence interval (CI), respectively. Twenty case-control studies from eighteen publications were included; a significant association was observed for HSP70-2 polymorphism (dominant model: OR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.11–2.09; recessive model: OR = 1.91, 95% CI: 1.06–3.45; AG versus AA: OR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.03–1.84; GG versus AA: OR = 2.34, 95% CI: 1.21–4.54), while there was no significant association for HSP70-1 and HSP70-hom polymorphisms. Besides, in stratification analyses by ethnicity, cancer type, and source of control, significant association was detected for HSP70-2 polymorphism, while for HSP70-hom polymorphism, we found a significant association in hospital-based population under homozygote comparison model. This meta-analysis suggests that the HSP70-2 polymorphism rather than HSP70-hom and HSP70-1 polymorphisms was associated with the risk of cancer.

Positive association between lymphotoxin-alpha variation rs909253 and cancer risk: a meta-analysis based on 36 case-control studies

Lymphotoxin-alpha (LTA) polymorphism rs909253 has been reported to be a risk factor for cancers, but some results are inconsistent. To establish a more conclusive association, we performed a meta-analysis of this variant with cancers. A systematic search was performed for informative case-control studies of rs909253 with cancers among literature databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang Chinese Periodical Database. After a comprehensive filtration procedure, 36 publications involved with 35,677 participants were selected for the current meta-analysis. Stratified factors, such as cancer type, populations, and source of control, were used for a better interpretation of this variant. Minimal heterogeneity was shown in the current meta-analysis (I (2) = 0.0%, P = 0.48). Our results show a significant association of rs909253 and cancer risk (odds ratio (OR) = 1.12, P (z) < 0.001). In the subgroup analysis, significant association of rs909253 was found in adenocarcinoma (OR = 1.16, P (z) < 0.001) and hematological malignancy (OR = 1.10, P (z) < 0.001). Our meta-analyses established a significant association of rs909253 with cancer risk among multiple populations including North Americans, Asians, and Europeans.

HSP90, HSPA8, HIF-1 alpha and HSP70-2 polymorphisms in breast cancer: a case-control study

This case control study aims to investigate the role of HSP90 Gln488His (C > G), HSP70-2 P1/P2, HIF-1 alpha C1772T and HSPA8 intronic 1541-1542delGT polymorphisms as potential risk factors and/or prognostic markers for breast cancer. 113 consecutive incident cases of histologically confirmed ductal breast cancer and 124 healthy cases were recruited. The above mentioned polymorphisms were genotyped; multivariate logistic regression was performed. HSP90 GG (His/His) genotype was associated with elevated breast cancer risk. Similarly, the allele dose-response model pointed to increase in breast cancer risk per G allele. HSP70-2 P1/P2, HSPA8 intronic 1541-1542delGT and HIF-1 alpha polymorphisms were not associated with breast cancer risk, as evidenced by the dose-response allele models. The positive association between HSP90 G allele and breast cancer risk seemed to pertain to both premenopausal and postmenopausal women. With respect to survival analysis, none of the aforementioned polymorphisms was associated with either disease-free survival or overall survival. HSP90α Gln488His polymorphism seems to be a risk factor for breast cancer. On the other hand, our study did not point to excess risk conferred by HSPA8 1541-1542delGT, Hsp70-2 P1/P2 and HIF-1α C1772T.

Lack of association between TNF-α promoter polymorphisms and multiple myeloma: a meta-analysis

Results of available literatures, which concerned the association between TNF-α promoter -238/-308 gene polymorphisms and multiple myeloma (MM), are of great controversy. A review was performed in studies reporting on the association between them. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to evaluate the association. The pooled ORs indicated that there was no association between TNF-α -238/-308 polymorphisms and MM susceptibility in overall population. Sub-group analysis also confirmed that no evidence supported the relevance of TNF-α promoter -238/-308 gene polymorphisms with MM. Studies with large sample size and multi-ethnics may be needed to further explore the association between them.

Genetic variations in multiple myeloma I: effect on risk of multiple myeloma

Few risk factors have been established for the plasma cell disorder multiple myeloma, but some of these like African American ethnicity and a family history of B-cell lymphoproliferative diseases suggest a genetic component for the disease. Genetic variation represents the genetic basis of variability in a population. The complex interplay between environment and genes for the development of cancer may therefore be influenced by genetic variations. A genetic variation may change the function of the gene, and if the genetic variation is associated with the risk of disease, that particular gene may be involved in the pathogenesis of disease. Genes of interest are genes involved in the normal development and function of the plasma cell and genes that protect us against exposures from the environment, for example, genes involved in the metabolism of xenobiotics, metabolism of folate and methionine, as well as genes involved in inflammation and DNA repair. Identification of genes with potential influence on cancer risk may help us to establish relevant laboratory studies on exposure and dose-response assessment and may help us to test the hypothesis in epidemiological studies. Knowledge of individual at high risk of cancer may offer promising insight for the prevention of cancer.

TNFR1 and TNFR2 regulate the extrinsic apoptotic pathway in myeloma cells by multiple mechanisms

The huge majority of myeloma cell lines express TNFR2 while a substantial subset of them failed to show TNFR1 expression. Stimulation of TNFR1 in the TNFR1-expressing subset of MM cell lines had no or only a very mild effect on cellular viability. Surprisingly, however, TNF stimulation enhanced cell death induction by CD95L and attenuated the apoptotic effect of TRAIL. The contrasting regulation of TRAIL- and CD95L-induced cell death by TNF could be traced back to the concomitant NFκB-mediated upregulation of CD95 and the antiapoptotic FLIP protein. It appeared that CD95 induction, due to its strength, overcompensated a rather moderate upregulation of FLIP so that the net effect of TNF-induced NFκB activation in the context of CD95 signaling is pro-apoptotic. TRAIL-induced cell death, however, was antagonized in response to TNF because in this context only the induction of FLIP is relevant. Stimulation of TNFR2 in myeloma cells leads to TRAF2 depletion. In line with this, we observed cell death induction in TNFR1-TNFR2-costimulated JJN3 cells. Our studies revealed that the TNF-TNF receptor system adjusts the responsiveness of the extrinsic apoptotic pathway in myeloma cells by multiple mechanisms that generate a highly context-dependent net effect on myeloma cell survival.

Common single nucleotide polymorphisms in immunoregulatory genes and multiple myeloma risk among women in Connecticut

In light of the relationship between immune system dysregulation and multiple myeloma (MM) risk, we investigated whether genetic variation in 92 immune function genes among 77 gene regions are associated with MM susceptibility in a population-based case-control study (108 cases and 482 controls) conducted among Caucasian women in Connecticut. Tagging single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; N = 870) were selected using a pairwise linkage-disequilibrium based algorithm. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for SNP genotypes were estimated using unconditional logistic regression. Tests of association for gene regions were conducted using the minP test. We applied the false discovery rate (FDR) method to the minP test results as a means of controlling for multiple comparisons. The CD4 gene region located on 12p13-q13 (minP = 0.0009), had an FDR value <0.1. In this region, a total of six tag SNPs in two genes (CD4 and LAG3) were significantly associated with MM risk (P(trend)<0.05), with the strongest association observed for the CD4 variant rs11064392 (OR(AG/GG) = 2.53, 95% CI = 1.59-4.02). Our findings suggest that genetic variation in CD4 may influence susceptibility to MM. Additional studies are needed to replicate these findings and, more generally, to explore the manner in which genes and receptors may influence the pathogenesis of this poorly understood malignancy.

Role of the TNF-α promoter polymorphisms for development of multiple myeloma and clinical outcome in thalidomide plus dexamethasone

The role of TNF-α promoter polymorphisms in the development of multiple myeloma (MM) were tested in 210 patients and 218 healthy individuals and their impact on the clinical outcome were evaluated in 98 patients treated with thalidomide and dexamethasone (Thal+Dex) regimen. MM patients carrying the GA genotype (P=0.01) or GA+AA genotypes (P=0.02) at the TNF-α -308 polymorphism were associated with a reduced risk for MM. The TNF-α -238 GA+AA genotypes were associated with a significant enhancement in the progression-free survival (PFS) (P=0.009) and a better overall survival (OS) (P=0.088).