MMP-7 (−181A>G) promoter polymorphisms and risk for cervical cancer

Matrix Metalloproteinase-7 Promoter Site Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (-181A>G) in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer in the Eastern Indian Population

BACKGROUND

Matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP7) plays multiple roles in different stages of tumor development. Elevated MMP7 activity has been reported in ovarian cancer. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of promoter sites of the MMP7 gene has been shown to cause alteration in gene expression, hence resulting in changes in susceptibility to various diseases and tumor development.

METHODS

The current study evaluated the association of epithelial ovarian cancer risk with MMP7 promoter site -181A>G polymorphism in the population of eastern India. The present case-control study included 64 histopathologically confirmed cases of epithelial ovarian cancer and 100 control subjects. The MMP7 -181A/G polymorphism was identified using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. The association between genotypes and epithelial ovarian cancer risk was analyzed by odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval.

RESULTS

The frequencies of AA, AG, and GG genotypes in ovarian cancer cases were 37.5%, 46.9%, and 15.6%, respectively, while that of control subjects were 56%, 36%, and 8%, respectively, in the study population. By taking the wild-type AA genotype as a reference, it was found that genotype GG was associated with a significant risk for epithelial ovarian cancer (OR: 2.92). Frequency distribution of genotypes did not show any significant association with tumor characteristics like the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage, histology, lymph node status, and distant metastasis.

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrated the association of MMP7 promoter site -181 GG genotype and the G allele with increased risk for epithelial ovarian cancer in the eastern Indian population.

A comprehensive meta-analysis of non-coding polymorphisms associated with precancerous lesions and cervical cancer

OBJECTIVES

To study the risk of polymorphisms present in the non-coding regions of genes related with cervical cancer.

METHODS

The PubMed database was extensively searched using text-mining techniques to identify literature containing the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms and cervical cancer. Case-control studies published till June 2020 were considered for the meta-analysis if they fulfilled the selection criteria. The polymorphisms within each case-control study were checked for the presence of genotype data and then divided into groups based on the precancerous and cancerous conditions of the cervix. Odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to study the effects of polymorphisms with the help of different genetic models (allele, dominant, recessive, heterozygous and homozygous). Also checked heterogeneity along with publication bias and statistical significance using the p-value.

RESULTS

120 papers covering 48 unique non-coding SNPs having 37,123 cases and 39,641 control data was considered for the meta-analysis. The genotype data was categorised into Cancer, Precancer and "Cancer + Precancer" groups, for 43, 8 and 11 SNPs respectively. The meta-analysis identified 21 and 1 SNPs as significant in the Cancer and "Cancer + Precancer" groups. Among all the polymorphisms, rs1143627 (IL1B), rs1800795 (IL6), rs1800871 (IL10), rs568408 (IL12A), rs3312227 (IL12B), rs2275913 (IL17A), rs5742909 (CTLA4), rs1800629 (TNFα), and rs4646903 (CYP1A1) were found to increase risk of cervical cancer in at least three of the five genetic models.

CONCLUSION

We identified potential non-coding SNPs corresponding to various cytokines like interleukins (ILs), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interferon (IFN) and other immune related genes like toll like receptor (TLR), cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated protein (CTLA) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), as significant with increased pooled OR in this meta-analysis pointing to risk association of the immune-related genes in cervical carcinogenesis.

A Common Tag Nucleotide Variant in MMP7 Promoter Increases Risk for Hypertension via Enhanced Interactions With CREB (Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein) Transcription Factor

MMP (matrix metalloproteinase)-7-a potent extracellular matrix degrading enzyme-is emerging as a new regulator of cardiovascular diseases. However, potential contributions of MMP7 genetic variations to hypertension remain unknown. In this study, we probed for the association of a tag single-nucleotide polymorphism in the MMP7 promoter (-181A/G; rs11568818) with hypertension in an urban South Indian population (n=1501). The heterozygous AG genotype significantly increased risk for hypertension as compared with the wild-type AA genotype (odds ratio, 1.60 [95% CI, 1.25-2.06]; P=2.4×10^-4); AG genotype carriers also displayed significantly higher diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure than wild-type AA individuals. The study was replicated in a North Indian population (n=949) (odds ratio, 1.52 [95% CI, 1.11-2.09]; P=0.01). Transient transfection experiments using MMP7 promoter-luciferase reporter constructs revealed that the variant -181G allele conferred greater promoter activity than the -181A allele. Computational prediction and structure-based conformational and molecular dynamics simulation studies suggested higher binding affinity for the CREB (cyclic AMP response element-binding protein) to the -181G promoter. In corroboration, overexpression/downregulation of CREB and chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments provided convincing evidence for stronger binding of CREB with the -181G promoter. The -181G promoter also displayed enhanced responses to hypoxia and epinephrine treatment. The higher promoter activity of -181G allele translated to increased MMP7 protein level, and MMP7-181AG heterozygous individuals displayed elevated plasma MMP7 levels, which positively correlated with blood pressure. In conclusion, the MMP7 A-181G promoter polymorphism increased MMP7 expression under pathophysiological conditions (hypoxic stress and catecholamine excess) via increased interactions with CREB and enhanced the risk for hypertension in its carriers.

Long noncoding RNA HOTAIR knockdown inhibits autophagy and epithelial-mesenchymal transition through the Wnt signaling pathway in radioresistant human cervical cancer HeLa cells

Cervical cancer is one of the most common female malignancies around the world, and radiation resistance is a major obstacle to cancer therapy. Previously, overexpression of the long noncoding ribonucleic acid (RNA) (lncRNA) HOX transcript antisense RNA (HOTAIR) has been found to be associated with the invasion and metastasis capacities of several epithelial cancers, including cervical cancer. To gain insights into the molecular mechanisms of HOTAIR in cervical cancer resistance to radiotherapy, we investigated cellular autophagy and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in radioresistant human cervical cancer HeLa cells when HOTAIR was suppressed. HOTAIR levels were quantified in cancerous and noncancerous cervical tissues obtained from 108 patients with cervical cancer. Next, we inhibited HOTAIR by RNA interference and activated the Wnt signaling pathway by LiCl in radioresistant HeLa cells to investigate the regulatory mechanisms for the HOTAIR mediating Wnt signaling pathway. We determined that the upregulated HOTAIR may contribute to cervical cancer progression. We found that the short interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA)-mediated knockdown of HOTAIR disturbed the Wnt signaling pathway, reduced autophagy, inhibited EMT, decreased cell proliferation, and induced apoptosis in radioresistant HeLa cells. It is worthy to note that the combination treatment of siRNA-HOTAIR and LiCl demonstrated that the activation of the Wnt signaling pathway is responsible for the beneficial effect of HOTAIR knockdown in enhancing sensitivity to radiotherapy in radioresistant HeLa cells. Together, our results revealed an important role of HOTAIR in regulating cervical cancer resistance to radiotherapy. Functional suppression of HOTAIR could enhance sensitivity to radiotherapy by reduction of autophagy and reversal of EMT through the suppression of the Wnt signaling pathway.

Analysis of MMP-7 and TIMP-2 gene polymorphisms in coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction: A Turkish case-control study

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP) have a significant role in tissue remodeling related to cardiac function. In earlier studies, MMP-7 A-181G (rs11568818), C-153T (rs11568819), C-115T (rs17886546), and TIMP-2 G-418C (rs8179090) polymorphisms have been studied in various diseases. However, association between coronary artery disease (CAD) and these polymorphisms has been poorly studied. The goal of this study is to investigate the association of CAD and myocardial infarction (MI) with MMP-7 or TIMP-2 polymorphisms. This study included 122 CAD patients and 132 control individuals. DNA was extracted from whole blood. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism and automated direct sequencing method were used for genotyping of these polymorphisms. No significant differences were found between MMP-7 A-181G, C-115T, and TIMP-2 G-418C polymorphism and CAD or MI in a Turkish population. Despite the fact that the genotypes of MMP-7 C-153T polymorphism had no significant differences among MI and control groups, allele frequencies of C-153T polymorphism were significantly different between the two groups. Our study is the first report to clarify the appreciable relationship between MMP-7 C-153T polymorphism and MI development in CAD patients. However, these findings also need to be confirmed in other populations so we can improve our knowledge about the genetic factors affecting the development of CAD.

Functional single nucleotide polymorphisms of matrix metalloproteinase 7 and 12 genes in idiopathic recurrent spontaneous abortion

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential association of matrix metalloproteinase 7 (MMP7) -181 A/G and MMP12 -82 A/G functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) with idiopathic recurrent spontaneous abortion (IRSA) in Slovenian reproductive couples.

METHODS

A case-control study was conducted on 149 couples with 3 or more consecutive idiopathic spontaneous pregnancy loses and 149 women and men with at least 2 live births and no history of pregnancy complications. Genotyping of MMP7 -181 A/G and MMP12 -82 A/G SNPs was performed using polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism methods.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences in the distribution of MMP7 -181 A/G and MMP12 -82 A/G genotype, allele, or haplotype frequencies between IRSA patients and controls, as well as patients' primary and secondary IRSA. We also found no association of MMP7 -181 A/G and MMP12 -82 A/G genotypes, alleles, and haplotypes with IRSA.

CONCLUSIONS

We found no evidence to support the association between IRSA and MMP7 -181 A/G and MMP12 -82 A/G SNPs in Slovenian reproductive couples.

Association of MMP7 -181A→G Promoter Polymorphism with Gastric Cancer Risk: INFLUENCE OF NICOTINE IN DIFFERENTIAL ALLELE-SPECIFIC TRANSCRIPTION VIA INCREASED PHOSPHORYLATION OF cAMP-RESPONSE ELEMENT-BINDING PROTEIN (CREB)

Elevated expression of matrix metalloproteinase7 (MMP7) has been demonstrated to play a pivotal role in cancer invasion. The -181A→G (rs11568818) polymorphism in the MMP7 promoter modulates gene expression and possibly affects cancer progression. Here, we evaluated the impact of -181A→G polymorphism on MMP7 promoter activity and its association with gastric cancer risk in eastern Indian case-control cohorts (n = 520). The GG genotype as compared with the AA genotype was predisposed (p = 0.02; odds ratio = 1.9, 95% confidence interval = 1.1-3.3) to gastric cancer risk. Stratification analysis showed that tobacco addiction enhanced gastric cancer risk in GG subjects when compared with AA subjects (p = 0.03, odds ratio = 2.46, and 95% confidence interval = 1.07-5.68). Meta-analysis revealed that tobacco enhanced the risk for cancer more markedly in AG and GG carriers. Activity and expression of MMP7 were significantly higher in GG than in AA carriers. In support, MMP7 promoter-reporter assays showed greater transcriptional activity toward A to G transition under basal/nicotine-induced/cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB) overexpressed conditions in gastric adenocarcinoma cells. Moreover, nicotine (a major component of tobacco) treatment significantly up-regulated MMP7 expression due to enhanced CREB phosphorylation followed by its nuclear translocation in gastric adenocarcinoma cells. Furthermore, chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments revealed higher binding of phosphorylated CREB with the -181G than the -181A allele. Altogether, specific binding of phosphorylated CREB to the G allele-carrying promoter enhances MMP7 gene expression that is further augmented by nicotine due to increased CREB phosphorylation and thereby increases the risk for gastric cancer.

A/G polymorphism of matrix metalloproteinase 7 gene promoter region and cancer risk: A meta-analysis

This meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the effect of the matrix metalloproteinase 7 (MMP7)-181A/G polymorphism on cancer risk. Twenty-seven case-control studies were identified via a literature search through PubMed, Web of Science and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases. Odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were applied to assess the strength of the association between MMP7-181A/G polymorphism and cancer risk. The 27 studies were further assessed according to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) and Hardy-Weinberg disequilibrium (HWD), with 24 case-control studies found to be under HWE. A significant association was observed between MMP7-181A/G polymorphism and increased cancer risk (cervical and other types of cancer) in Asian, but not in European populations.

Matrix metalloproteinase and its drug targets therapy in solid and hematological malignancies: an overview

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) comprises a family of zinc-dependent endopeptidases that degrade various components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and basement membrane. MMPs are involved in solid and hematological malignancy through modification of cell growth, activation of cancer cells and modulation of immune functions. Several polymorphisms of different MMPs such as MMP-1 (-1607 1G/2G), MMP-2 (-1306 C/T), MMP-3 (-1171 5A/6A) & MMP-9 (-1562 C/T) and their expression levels have been well documented in different types of solid cancer. These polymorphic variations were found to be associated with angiogenesis, cancer progression, invasion and metastasis. There is paucity of data available in the field of hematological malignancies. Hence the field of matrix biology of hematological malignancies is an area of active exploration. A number of MMP inhibitors (MMPIs) have been developed for the cancer treatment. The most extensively studied classes of MMP inhibitors include Batimastat, Marismastat, Salimatat, Prinomastat and Tanomastat. However, their efficacy and action have not been confirmed and more data is required. The application of one or more selective targeted MMPIs in combination with conventional anti-leukemic treatment may represent a positive approach in combat against hematopoietic malignancies. Balance of MMPs and TIMPs is altered in different malignancies and biochemical pathways. These alternations will add another dimension in the matrix biology of both solid tumor and leukemia. MMP and TIMP singly and in combination are increasingly being recognized as an important player in basic cellular biology. Exploration and exploitation of MMP and TIMP balance in various malignant and nonmalignant lesions is going to be one of the most interesting facets of future use of this system for human health care.

Higher risk of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-2, 7, 9) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP-2) genetic variants to gallbladder cancer

BACKGROUND

Matrix metalloproteinase belong to family of pericellular collagenases which degrade extracellular matrix (ECM), and is involved in the modulation and susceptibility of various cancers.

METHODOLOGY

The present study included 410 gallbladder (GBC) cases and 230 healthy controls from North India. Study examined the associations of polymorphisms of MMP-2c.735C>T (rs2285053), MMP-2c.1306 C>T (rs243865), MMP7c.181A>G (rs11568818), MMP-9p.R279Q (rs17556) MMP-9p.P574R (rs2250889), MMP-9 p.R668Q (rs17577) and TIMP2c.418 G>C (rs8179090) to GBC susceptibility. Genotyping was carried out by PCR-RFLP. Statistical analysis was performed by using SPSS ver16.

RESULTS

The MMP-2 c.735 [CT+TT], MMP-2c.1306 [CT+TT], MMP7 c.181 [AG+GG] and MMP-9 p.668 [RQ+QQ],TIMP2c.418 [GG+GC] genotypes were significantly associated with increased risk of GBC (P = 0.01; [OR]1.87, P = 0.02; [OR] 1.68, P = 0.02; [OR]=1.61, P = 0.002; [OR]=1.91,P = 0.01; [OR]=1.78 and (P = 0.03; [OR]=1.68; P = 0.01; [OR]=1.78 respectively). Haplotypes [C(-735) -T(-1306) ] and [T(-1306) -C(-735) ] of MMP-2 (P = <0.005; [OR] =1.78 P = <0.0001; [OR] =2.09) and haplotype [Q(279) -P(574) -Q(668) ]of the MMP-9 (P = 0.04; [OR] =2.75) were significantly associated with GBC risk. On stratification of GBC patients with/without gallstones, MMP-2 haplotypes were associated with higher GBC risk in patients accompanying gallstones whereas MMP-9 haplotypes showed risk in patients without stones. Combined effect of > 3 MMP/TIMP variant containing genotypes imparted increased risk of GBC (P < 0.0001; [OR] =3.36). Multivariate logistic regression results also supported association of MMP-2 (c.735C>T, c.1306 C>T), MMP-9 p.R668Q and TIMP2c.418G>C variants with GBC susceptibility.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that genetic variants in MMP-2,7,9 and TIMP-2genes are associated with higher susceptibility of gallbladder cancer.

Association of matrix metalloproteinase-7 (-181A>G) polymorphism with risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in Kashmir Valley

BACKGROUND/AIM

Degradation of the basement membrane and extracellular matrix by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) is believed to be an essential step in the complicated process of hematogenous metastasis. Matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) is a small secreted proteolytic enzyme with a broad substrate specificity, and its expression has been shown to be associated with tumor invasion and metastasis for various cancers.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

To document the role of MMP-7 polymorphism in esophageal carcinogenesis, a case-control study was performed comprising 135 patients with esophageal cancer (EC) and 195 healthy controls. Genotyping was done by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. Data were statistically analyzed using χ2 - test and logistic regression models.

RESULTS

Carriers for the MMP-7 (-181A>G) GG were associated with an increased risk for EC [odds ratio (OR = 2.17; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.21-3.92; P = 0.010; P-trend = 0.04]. Also, in a recessive model, our results showed that MMP-7 (-181A>G) GG allele conferred significantly higher risk for EC (OR =2.16; 95% CI = 1.31-3.54; P = 0.003). The high risk due to MMP-7 (-181GG) genotype was limited to squamous cell histology of EC (OR = 2.41; 95% CI = 1.27-4.56; P = 0.007). Although smoking (Hukka) and high consumption of salted tea are independent risk factors for EC, the interaction of MMP-7 (-181A>G) genotypes with these factors did not further modulate the risk of EC.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, our results show that MMP-7 (-181A>G) GG carriers are at a higher risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in Kashmir valley.

The matrix metalloproteinase-7 polymorphism rs10895304 is associated with increased recurrence risk in patients with clinically localized prostate cancer

PURPOSE

To evaluate whether selected high-risk matrix metalloproteinase-7 single nucleotide polymorphisms influence clinicopathologic outcomes in patients with early-stage prostate cancer.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Two hundred twelve prostate cancer patients treated with radical prostatectomy were evaluated with a median follow-up of 9.8 years. Genotyping was performed using hybridization with custom-designed allele-specific probes. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms within the matrix metalloproteinase-7 gene were assessed with respect to age at diagnosis, margin status, extracapsular extension, lymph node involvement, recurrence-free survival, and overall survival in paraffin-embedded prostate tissue specimens from patients with early-stage prostate cancer who underwent radical prostatectomy.

RESULTS

Rs10895304 was the sole significant polymorphism. The A/G genotype of rs10895304 had a statistically significant association with recurrence-free survival in postprostatectomy patients (p = 0.0061, log-rank test). The frequency of the risk-reducing genotype (A/A) was 74%, whereas that of the risk-enhancing genotypes (A/G and G/G) were 20% and 6%, respectively. Multivariable Cox regression analyses detected a significant association between rs10895304 and recurrences after adjustment for known prognostic factors. The G allele of this polymorphism was associated with increased risk of prostate cancer recurrence (adjusted hazards ratio, 3.375; 95% confidence interval 1.567-7.269; p < 0.001). The other assayed polymorphisms were not significant, and no correlations were made to other clinical variables.

CONCLUSIONS

The A/G genotype of rs10895304 is predictive of decreased recurrence-free survival in patients with clinically localized prostate cancer. Our data suggest that for this subset of patients, prostatectomy alone may not be adequate for local control. This is a novel and relevant marker that should be evaluated for improved risk stratification of patients who may be candidates for adjuvant radiation therapy to improve local control.

Meta-analysis of association between matrix metalloproteinases 2, 7 and 9 promoter polymorphisms and cancer risk

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2, MMP7 and MMP9 are important members of the MMP family. Four polymorphisms in the promoter region of these MMPs, which are MMP2 -1306 C>T, MMP2 -735 C>T, MMP7 -181 A>G and MMP9 -1562 C>T, have been reported to be functional and may contribute to genetic susceptibility to cancers. However, the associations between these polymorphisms and cancer risk remain inconclusive due to conflicting results from different case-control studies. To better evaluate the role of these polymorphisms in cancer development, we conducted a meta-analysis that included 51 studies, with more than 40,000 subjects. The results showed that under dominant genetic model, MMP2 -1306 T was associated with lower susceptibility to lung cancer [odds ratio (OR) = 0.50, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.43-0.59, P(heterogeneity) = 0.147, I(2) = 44.1%], head and neck cancer (OR = 0.53, 95% CI 0.41-0.69, P(heterogeneity) = 0.974, I(2) = 0.0%) and oesophageal cancer (OR = 0.67, 95% CI 0.55-0.80, P(heterogeneity) = 0.593, I(2) = 0.0%); MMP2-735T was associated with lower risk in lung cancer (OR = 0.65, 95%CI 0.53-0.79, P(heterogeneity) = 0.42, I(2) = 0.0%) and oesophageal cancer (OR = 0.84, 95% CI 0.70-0.99, P(heterogeneity) = 0.206, I(2) = 37.4%); MMP7 -181 AG and GG genotype carriers had an increased gastric cancer risk (OR = 1.90, 95% CI 1.43-2.51, P(heterogeneity) = 0.992, I(2) = 0.0%) and MMP9 -1562 C>T was not associated with cancer risk in the whole group analysis (OR = 0.99, 95% CI 0.91-1.08, P(heterogeneity) = 0.419, I(2) = 3.0%) and subgroup analyses. In all, our meta-analysis suggests that MMP2 -1306 C>T, MMP2 -735 C>T and MMP7 -181 A>G may play allele-specific roles in cancer development, while MMP9 -1562 C>T may not be a major risk factor for most cancer types. Large case-control studies should be performed to clarify the possible roles of these four polymorphisms in different kinds of cancer in more detail.

Genetic polymorphisms of matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in potentially malignant and malignant lesions of the head and neck

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of zinc-dependent proteinases that are capable of cleaving all extra cellular matrix (ECM) substrates. Degradation of matrix is a key event in progression, invasion and metastasis of potentially malignant and malignant lesions of the head and neck. It might have an important polymorphic association at the promoter regions of several MMPs such as MMP-1 (-1607 1G/2G), MMP-2 (-1306 C/T), MMP-3 (-1171 5A/6A), MMP-9 (-1562 C/T) and TIMP-2 (-418 G/C or C/C). Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) are naturally occurring inhibitors of MMPs, which inhibit the activity of MMPs and control the breakdown of ECM. Currently, many MMP inhibitors (MMPIs) are under development for treating different malignancies. Useful markers associated with molecular aggressiveness might have a role in prognostication of malignancies and to better recognize patient groups that need more antagonistic treatment options. Furthermore, the introduction of novel prognostic markers may also promote exclusively new treatment possibilities, and there is an obvious need to identify markers that could be used as selection criteria for novel therapies. The objective of this review is to discuss the molecular functions and polymorphic association of MMPs and TIMPs and the possible therapeutic aspects of these proteinases in potentially malignant and malignant head and neck lesions. So far, no promising drug target therapy has been developed for MMPs in the lesions of this region. In conclusion, further research is required for the development of their potential diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities.

Impact of Toll-like receptors [TLR] 2 (-196 to -174 del) and TLR 4 (Asp299Gly, Thr399Ile) in cervical cancer susceptibility in North Indian women

OBJECTIVE(S)

Targeting the Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathway in elucidating the cellular and molecular mechanisms of human diseases, including cervical cancer, is gaining tremendous importance. The aim of our study was to identify the role of TLR 2(-196 to -174 del) and TLR 4(Asp299Gly and Thr399Ile) gene polymorphisms in cervical cancer susceptibility in North Indian women.

METHODS

For the study, blood samples were collected from histopathologically confirmed patients of cervical cancer (n=150) and unrelated, healthy female controls of similar ethnicity (n=150). Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes using salting-out method. TLR 2 and TLR 4 genotyping was done using Polymerase Chain Reaction and Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism followed by 10% polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.

RESULTS

TLR 2 del allele showed significant association (p=0.048, OR=1.6 [95%CI=1.00-2.51]) with cervical cancer susceptibility, while no significant association was found with TLR 4 (Asp299Gly and Thr399Ile). However, TLR 4 Thr/Ile genotype was found to be significantly associated with early stage (Stage II) of cervical cancer (p=0.044, OR=2.51 [95%CI=1.03-6.12]). Furthermore, TLR 2 ins/del genotype showed strong association (p=0.015, OR=1.95 [95%CI=1.14-3.33]) with tobacco usage in women with cervical cancer.

CONCLUSION(S)

Our study highlighted the involvement of TLR 2 (-196 to -174 del) and TLR 4 (Thr399Ile) gene polymorphisms in cervical cancer susceptibility. The TLR gene polymorphisms, upon further evaluation, may be helpful in elucidation of immunobiological mechanisms associated with cervical cancer susceptibility.