Effect of anti-inflammatory (IL-4, IL-10) cytokine genes in relation to risk of cervical carcinoma

Association of NLRP3 and IL-4 VNTR polymorphisms and genetic susceptibility to preeclampsia: A case-control study

INTRODUCTION

Abnormalities in the maternal immune system and insufficient gestational immune tolerance may significantly contribute to the development of preeclampsia (PE). The NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) functions as a pattern recognition receptor that identifies pathogen-associated molecular patterns. Interleukin-4 (IL-4) is a potent anti-inflammatory cytokine that modulates the immune response. Therefore, this study aims to elucidate the impact of NLRP3 and IL-4 variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) polymorphisms on susceptibility to PE.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 1,018 patients with PE and 1,007 normal pregnant women were recruited as the case group and the control group, respectively. Peripheral blood DNA was extracted, and NLRP3 and IL-4 VNTR polymorphisms were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction and gel electrophoresis. Genotypes and allele frequencies of pregnant women were assessed in both cohorts.

RESULTS

The NLRP3 VNTR 9-7 genotype in the PE group was significantly lower than that in the control group, but 9 and 14 allele frequencies were significantly higher in patients with PE. Individuals with IL-4 VNTR genotypes 1-2 had a lower risk of PE than controls, and the IL-4 VNTR 2 allele frequency was significantly lower in patients with PE.

CONCLUSIONS

This study, the first of its kind in the literature, evaluates the impact of NLRP3 VNTR and IL-4 VNTR polymorphisms on PE, revealing a significant correlation with PE susceptibility. This investigation contributes to understanding the pathogenesis of PE and provides a reference point for developing strategies to prevent and treat the disease in the future.

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.

Role of cytokines in multiple myeloma: IL-1RN and IL-4 VNTR polymorphisms

INTRODUCTION

The IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra or IL-1RN) is a member of the IL-1 superfamily that functions as a competitive antagonist of the cell surface IL-1 receptor, thereby regulating various immune and inflammatory responses related to IL-1. IL-1 induces tumor growth and metastasis, while IL-1RN inhibits the secretion of IL-1α and IL-6 in cancer cells. Interleukin-4 (IL-4) is a potent anti-inflammatory cytokine, can be secreted by many types of immune cells. In this study, it was aimed to reveal the effects of IL-1RN and IL-4 VNTR polymorphisms on disease development and survival in patients with multiple myeloma (MM).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In this study, 244 patients diagnosed with MM in hematology clinic between January 2010 and January 2021, and 179 healthy individuals were included. The genotypes of the IL-1RN VNTR polymorphism were statistically compared before treatment between patients having undergone stem cell transplantation and healthy controls, as were the genotypes of IL-4 VNTR polymorphism. Additionally, the statistically significant effects of these genotypes on survival were examined.

RESULTS

In the statistical analysis of the distribution of IL-1RN VNTR gene variants, 1/3 and 1/4 genotypes were found to be significantly higher in patients with MM compared to the healthy controls (p = 0.035). There was no significant difference between the MM patient group and the healthy controls in terms of IL-4 VNTR genotype distribution. PFS of patients with IL-1RN VNTR non-2-allele carrier genotypes was significantly shorter, but no significant effect was found on OS (p = 0.03, p = 0.786, respectively). Patients with IL-1RN VNTR non-2-allele carrier genotypes had 1.718-fold increased risk of shorter PFS.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, with this study, the effects of IL-1RN VNTR and IL-4 VNTR polymorphisms on MM were evaluated for the first time in the literature. This study will shed light on ones on cytokine-MM relationship and epigenetic mechanisms.

The association between rs1800872 polymorphism in interleukin-10 and risk of cervical cancer: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

In recent years, several reports have tried to prove this connection between rs1800872 polymorphism in interleukin-10 and cervical cancer among different populations, but the results are debatable. Thus, we collected all the published literature and conducted an integrated meta-analysis, which provided better evidence-based medicine for the relationship between rs1800872 polymorphism in interleukin-10 and risk of cervical cancer.

METHODS

We systematically performed our search on PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, WanFang database, and CNKI for all papers related to this research, published up to August 1, 2020. Summary odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated in allelic, homozygous, heterozygous, dominant, and recessive model to appraise the association.

RESULTS

The meta-analysis included 8 studies containing 1393 cervical cancer cases and 1307 controls. The aggregate data under heterozygous model and dominant inheritance model (OR = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.55--0.80) indicated a significant association between rs1800872 and the low risk of cervical cancer in the entire population. And the aggregated data under the dominant inheritance model shows that rs1800872 is significantly associated with the reduction in the risk of cervical tumors in the entire population.

CONCLUSION

Our conclusion is that the AC/AA + AC variant of Rs1800872 indicates a protective effect in the development of cervical cancer.

Association of Polymorphisms in Cytokine genes with susceptibility to Precancerous Lesions and Cervical Cancer: A systematic review with meta-analysis

Objectives: This study investigated the relationship between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in cytokine genes and the susceptibility to Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions (SIL), cervical cancer and HPV infection through a systematic review with meta-analysis. To verify the effect of SNPs, we also analyzed the transcription factor binding affinity using bioinformatics tools.Methods: Seven electronic databases (MEDLINE, Scielo, BIREME, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Science Direct) were searched for case-control studies.Results: A total of 35 relevant case-control studies were meta-analyzed, including 7 cytokine genes and 15 SNPs. SNPs in IL-17A (rs2275913, rs3748067); IL-17 F (rs763780); IL-12A (rs568408); IL-12B (rs3212227); TNFA (rs1800629, rs361525); IL-1B (rs16944); IL-6 (rs1800795); IL-10 (rs1800896) genes were associated with increased risk for cervical cancer. No association was observed between meta-analyzed polymorphisms and SIL. Additional bioinformatics analysis suggested a possible transcriptional regulation pathway of the TNFA and IL-10 genes through the MZF1 (TNFA -308 G > A and IL-10 - 1082A>G) and ZNF263 (TNFA -238 G > A) transcription factors binding.Conclusion: Overall, 10 SNPs in cytokine genes were associated with increased risk for cervical cancer. Therefore, in our meta-analysis, these SNPs demonstrated to be potential biomarkers for predicting or identifying cases of high risk for SIL and cervical cancer.

The influence of an IL-4 variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) polymorphism on breast cancer susceptibility

Backgrounds

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most widespread cancers globally. Understanding the etiology of BC may help in determining the various risk factors involved in its malignancy. Certain genetic mutations are considered to play a key role in increasing the risk of BC.

Objectives

In this study, we explored the correlation between a variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) polymorphism in the IL-4 gene and BC.

Methods

PCR and subsequent gel electrophoresis were used to genotype this variant in 360 Jordanian women (180 BC patients and 180 controls). In addition, phenotype–genotype analysis was carried out.

Results

Our findings illustrate that there is no significant relationship between the variant genotypes in the IL-4 gene and BC among Jordanian females. Other than body mass index and tumor differentiation (p< 0.05), none of the clinical and pathological parameters of BC patients exhibited any association with the variant genotypes.

Conclusions

From this study, we propose that the IL-4 genetic variant does not impact BC development and progression but that it could influence the disease prognosis.

Ethnic variation of IL-4 intron 3 VNTR gene polymorphism; its association with type 2 diabetes mellitus and its complication (neuropathy) in Egyptian subjects

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has multigenetic and environmental interactive factors. Although diabetic neuropathies (DPN) are the most common, but at the same time, the least recognized and understood long-term complication of diabetes. This study aimed to investigate the association of IL-4 VNTR gene polymorphism with T2DM complicated with neuropathy in Egyptian subjects. This is a case control study including 102 T2DM Egyptian patients, plus 188 unrelated healthy individuals as controls. They were evaluated for variable number tandem repeat (VNTR); 70 base pair repeats located in the intron 3; of IL-4 gene using the PCR technique. Homozygote frequency of the three-repeat allele (A1/A1) genotype of IL-4 VNTR was nearly equal among diabetic cases and controls (60.8% vs. 62.2%, respectively). Heterozygous frequency of (A1/A2) genotype was higher among controls compared to cases (33.5% vs. 19.6%, respectively) but not statistically significant. The (A2) allele had a significantly higher frequency in diabetic cases compared to controls (29.3% vs. 21.0%, respectively) while the (A1) allele had lower frequency but not significant one (70.7% vs. 79.0%, respectively). Comparing cases complicated with diabetic neuropathy vs. noncomplicated cases regarding their polymorphic IL-4 (VNTR) genotypes revealed a nonsignificant lower frequency of (A1A1) genotype (57.1% vs. 65.1%, respectively, p = .57) with a higher combined (A2A2 + A1/A2) genotype frequency (42.9% vs. 34.9%, respectively). Only two haplotypes (A1) & (A2) of IL-4 (VNTR) gene were recognized among Egyptian population; (A2) allele may influence in diabetes but not its complication (neuropathy) among Egyptian diabetic patients.

Meta-Analysis of Polymorphic Variants Conferring Genetic Risk to Cervical Cancer in Indian Women Supports CYP1A1 as an Important Associated Locus

Objective: Association of multiple polymorphic variants with cervical cancer has been elucidated by several candidate gene based as well as genome-wide association studies. However, contradictory outcomes of those studies have failed to estimate the true effect of the polymorphic variants on cervical cancer. Methods: Literature mining of the PubMed database was done to gather all the publications related to genetic association with cervical cancer in India. Out of 98 PubMed hits only 29 genetic association studies were selected for meta-analysis based on specific inclusion criteria. A fixed-effect meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the overall association of the genetic polymorphisms with cervical cancer. Cochran’s Q test was performed to assess between study heterogeneity. Publication bias was also estimated by funnel plots and Egger’s regression test. Further, sub-group analysis was conducted by fixed-effect meta-regression to assess the impact of polymorphisms on cervical cancer in the presence of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Result: Following a fixed-effect model, meta-analysis was conducted that revealed 2 polymorphic variants viz. ‘deletion polymorphism (Del2) (OR=1.79, 95% CI= 1.08-2.95, P=0.023) in GSTM1’ and ‘rs1048943 (OR = 2.34, 95% CI=1.37-3.99, P=0.0018) in CYP1A1’ to be associated with cervical cancer. However, multiple testing correction showed only rs1048943 of CYP1A1 to be significantly associated (P-value=0.029) with cervical cancer with significant publication bias (P-value=0.0113) as estimated by Egger’s regression test. The polymorphic variants ‘rs1801131’, ‘rs1801133’, ‘rs2430561’, ‘rs1799782’, ‘rs25486’ and ‘rs25487’ showed significant (p<0.05) evidence of heterogeneity between studies by Cochran’s Q test and also by heterogeneity index (I2) calculation. Conclusion: Therefore, our study revealed significant association of rs1048943 in CYP1A1, but a nominal association of deletion polymorphism (Del2) in GSTM1 with cervical cancer, which provides a comprehensive insight on the true effect of the polymorphisms, reported in various case-control studies, on the risk of the development of cervical cancer in Indian women.

Serum IL 4 and its gene polymorphism (rs79071878) in Egyptian children with familial Mediterranean fever

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autoinflammatory disorder. It is caused by mutations in the MEFV gene encoding the pyrin protein, which regulates the innate inflammatory response. The aim of the current study was to investigate the relationship between serum Interleukin-4 (IL-4) and its gene polymorphism, namely rs79071878, and FMF occurrence, severity, and response to treatment in Egyptian children harboring the disease. Fifty Egyptian children diagnosed as having FMF were included in this study. They were divided equally into two groups according to disease activity. Forty controls, age- and gender-matched, were also included. Serum IL-4 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The IL-4 rs79071878 polymorphism was determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. There was no significant difference in genotype distribution of IL-4 gene rs79071878 between patients and controls (p = 0.286) and had no correlation with FMF severity or response to colchicine therapy. Serum IL-4 level had no significant difference between children with FMF attack and those in attack-free period compared to controls (p = 0. 794) and had no correlation with any of demographic, or clinical characteristics, disease severity, or response to colchicine therapy. Serum IL-4 level and its gene polymorphism were not found to have any increase risk of FMF occurrence, disease severity, or response to treatment in the Egyptian children. Further studies are needed to verify these results.

Significant association between interleukin-10 gene polymorphisms and cervical cancer risk: a meta-analysis

Previous studies have suggested that interleukin-10 (IL-10) polymorphisms may be associated with an increased risk of developing cervical cancer. However, the published results on this subject matter are controversial. The aim of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis of published reports to more precisely investigate the relationship between IL-10 polymorphisms and cervical cancer risk. Five online databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of SCI, CNKI and Wanfang) were searched, and seventeen articles with sufficient quantitative information were included in our meta-analysis. The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the association between IL-10 polymorphisms and cervical cancer risk. Publication bias, sensitivity and cumulative analyses were also performed to support our findings. Overall, there was a significant association between the IL-10 -1082A > G polymorphism and cervical cancer risk observed in the total population (G vs. A: OR = 1.60, 95% CI = 1.12–2.29, P = 0.01, I² = 92.3%; AG vs. AA: OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.04-1.74, P = 0.03, I² = 65.9%; AG + GG vs. AA: OR = 1.58, 95% CI = 1.11–2.25, P = 0.01, I² = 84.4%), and the same results were obtained in the subgroup analysis. Moreover, the IL-10 -819 T > C polymorphism exhibited a significant, protective effect against cervical cancer. In summary, our meta-analysis suggests that IL-10 polymorphisms may play a variety of roles in regard to cervical cancer risk, especially in Asians.

Associations of common IL-4 gene polymorphisms with cancer risk: A meta-analysis

Cancer incidence is dramatically increasing worldwide, therefore improved prediction and therapeutic methods are needed. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in cytokine genes may contribute to carcinogenesis. Interleukin (IL)-4 gene polymorphisms have been intensively studied with regard to their associations with cancer. However, the results of these previous studies remain inconclusive. The present study, therefore, aimed to conduct a meta-analysis of previously published studies in order to clarify the association of IL-4 with cancer risk. Eligible published articles were searched in Medline, PubMed, Embase and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases up to March 2016. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were used to identify potential associations between IL-4 genetic polymorphisms and the risk of cancer. A meta-analysis was then performed on 10,873 patients and 14,328 controls for IL-4 rs2243250 polymorphism, 3,970 patients and 5,686 controls for IL-4 rs2070874 polymorphism, and 1,896 patients and 2,526 controls for IL-4 rs79071878 polymorphism. A significant association with cancer risk was observed for rs2243250 and rs79071878 polymorphisms. In the subgroup analysis by cancer type, rs2243250 polymorphism was demonstrated to be associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer and breast cancer, rs2070874 polymorphism was correlated with leukemia and oral carcinoma, and rs79071878 polymorphism was relevant to bladder carcinoma risk. In the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, IL-4 rs2243250 polymorphism was demonstrated to be associated with cancer risk in both Caucasian and Asian populations, rs2070874 was associated with cancer risk in Asian populations, while rs79071878 polymorphism was associated with cancer risk in Caucasian populations. In conclusion, the present results suggested that the IL-4 rs2243250 and rs79071878 polymorphisms were associated with cancer susceptibility. Further subgroup analyses revealed that the effects of IL-4 gene polymorphisms on cancer risk may vary by cancer type and by ethnicity.

Plausible Roles for RAGE in Conditions Exacerbated by Direct and Indirect (Secondhand) Smoke Exposure

Approximately 1 billion people smoke worldwide, and the burden placed on society by primary and secondhand smokers is expected to increase. Smoking is the leading risk factor for myriad health complications stemming from diverse pathogenic programs. First- and second-hand cigarette smoke contains thousands of constituents, including several carcinogens and cytotoxic chemicals that orchestrate chronic inflammatory responses and destructive remodeling events. In the current review, we outline details related to compromised pulmonary and systemic conditions related to smoke exposure. Specifically, data are discussed relative to impaired lung physiology, cancer mechanisms, maternal-fetal complications, cardiometabolic, and joint disorders in the context of smoke exposure exacerbations. As a general unifying mechanism, the receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) and its signaling axis is increasingly considered central to smoke-related pathogenesis. RAGE is a multi-ligand cell surface receptor whose expression increases following cigarette smoke exposure. RAGE signaling participates in the underpinning of inflammatory mechanisms mediated by requisite cytokines, chemokines, and remodeling enzymes. Understanding the biological contributions of RAGE during cigarette smoke-induced inflammation may provide critically important insight into the pathology of lung disease and systemic complications that combine during the demise of those exposed.

Epidemiological evidence on environmental tobacco smoke and cancers other than lung or breast

We reviewed 87 epidemiological studies relating environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure to risk of cancer other than lung or breast in never smoking adults. This updates a 2002 review which also considered breast cancer. Meta-analysis showed no significant relationship with ETS for nasopharynx cancer, head and neck cancer, various digestive cancers (stomach, rectum, colorectal, liver, pancreas), or cancers of endometrium, ovary, bladder and brain. For some cancers (including oesophagus, colon, gall bladder and lymphoma) more limited data did not suggest a relationship. An increased cervix cancer risk (RR 1.58, 95%CI 1.29-1.93, n = 17 independent estimates), reducing to 1.29 (95%CI 1.01-1.65) after restriction to five estimates adjusting for HPV infection or sexual activity suggests a causal relationship, as do associations with nasosinus cancer observed in 2002 (no new studies since), and less so kidney cancer (RR 1.33, 95%CI 1.04-1.70, n = 6). A weaker association with total cancer (RR 1.13, 95%CI 1.03-1.35, n = 19) based on heterogeneous data is inconclusive. Inadequate confounder control, recall bias, publication bias, and occasional reports of implausibly large RRs in individual studies contribute to our conclusion that the epidemiological evidence does not convincingly demonstrate that ETS exposure causes any of the cancers studied.

Role of cytokines in genesis, progression and prognosis of cervical cancer

Cytokine research is currently at the forefront in cancer research. Deciphering the functions of these multiple small molecules, discovered within the cell and in intercellular spaces, with their abundance and pleotrophism, was initially a great challenge. Advances in analytical chemistry and molecular biology have made it possible to unravel the pathophysiological functions of these polypeptides/proteins which are called interleukins, chemokines, monokines, lymphokines and growth factors. With more than 5 million women contracting cervical cancer every year this cancer is a major cause of mortality and morbidity the world over, particularly in the developing countries. In more than 95% of cases it is associated with human papilloma virus (HPV) infection which is persistent, particularly in those with a defective immune system. Although preventable, the mere magnitude of prevalence of HPV in the world population makes it a dominating current health hazard. The discovery of cytokine dysregulation in cervical cancer has spurted investigation into the possibility of using them as biomarkers in the early diagnosis of cases at high risk of developing cancer. Their critical role in carcinogenesis and progression of cervical cancer is now being revealed to a great extent. From diagnostics to prognosis, and now with a possible role in therapeutics and prevention of cervical cancer, the cytokines are being evaluated in all anticancer approaches. This review endeavours to capture the essence of the astonishing journey of cytokine research in cervical neoplasia.

Circulating interleukin-10 levels and human papilloma virus and Epstein-Barr virus-associated cancers: evidence from a Mendelian randomization meta-analysis based on 11,170 subjects

Recent studies have showed interleukin 10 (IL-10) is a critical cytokine that determines antiviral immune response and is related to virus-associated cancers. However, whether genetically elevated circulating IL-10 levels are associated with the risk of human papilloma virus and Epstein–Barr virus-associated cancers (HEACs) is still unclear. Mendelian randomization method was implemented to meta-analyze available observational studies by employing IL-10 three variants (−592C>A, −819C>T, and −1082A>G) as instruments. A total of 24 articles encompassing 11,170 subjects were ultimately eligible for the meta-analysis. Overall, there was a significant association between IL-10 promoter variant −1082A>G and HEACs under allelic and dominant models (both P<0.01). Subgroup analysis by cancer type indicated that the risk estimate of −1082A>G was significant for nasopharyngeal cancer under allelic, homozygous genotypic and dominant models (all P<0.001). Moreover by ethnicity, carriers of −1082G allele had a 74% increased risk for nasopharyngeal cancer in Asians under dominant model (odds ratio [OR] =1.737; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.280–2.358; P<0.001). In further Mendelian randomization analysis, the predicted OR for 10 pg/mL increment in IL-10 levels was 1.14 (95% CI: 1.01–16.99) in HEACs. Our findings provided strong evidence for a critical role of genetically elevated circulating IL-10 levels in the development of HEACs, especially in Asian population and for nasopharyngeal cancer.

Significant Association of Interleukin4 Intron 3 VNTR Polymorphism with Susceptibility to Gastric Cancer in a South Indian Population from Telangana

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer (GC) is the fifth most common malignancy and remains a considerable public health burden worldwide. Genetic variations in genes encoding cytokines and their receptors influence the intensity of the Helicobacter pylori associated inflammatory response, which may contribute to individual differences in the outcome and severity of the disease. Interleukin4 is a typical pleiotropic T helper 2 (Th2) cytokine and is a critical mediator of Th1/Th2 balance. It is involved in the regulation of inflammation-mediated carcinogenesis in human organs, including gastric cancer.

OBJECTIVE

The present retrospective case control study was undertaken to evaluate the association of IL4 intron 3 VNTR polymorphism with the susceptibility to GC in a south Indian population from Telangana state.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 182 patients with diagnosed GC and 326 randomly selected healthy controls were enrolled in the present study. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral leukocytes and genotyping was determined by PCR-based assay. Association between genotypes and gastric cancer was examined by unconditional logistic regression analysis.

RESULT

The variant 3R/2R and 2R/2R genotypes of IL4 exon3 VNTR polymorphism had about 1.9 fold and 3fold increased GC risk, respectively, when compared with 3R/3R genotype [3R/2R vs. 3R/3R: adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.23-2.95 P = 0.004 and 2R/2R vs. 3R/3R: AOR (95%CI) = 2.96 (1.29-6.82), P = 0.011]. Furthermore, a significant increased risk of GC was found for the 2R allele carriers (3R/2R + 2R/2R) compared with the 3R/3R genotype (AOR (95%CI) = 2.04 (1.35-3.10), P = <0.000). The IL4 2R allele frequency was 0.28 among the GC group and 0.18 among the controls, and the difference was statistically significant (P = <0.000).

CONCLUSION

The present study revealed an association of 2R allele and 2R carrier genotypes in the etiopathogenesis of GC in south Indian population.

Association between interleukin-4 gene intron 3 VNTR polymorphism and cancer risk

BACKGROUND

Interleukin-4(IL-4) is a critical inflammatory cytokine and has been involved in pathogenesis of cancer. To date, several studies have investigated the association between IL-4 intron 3 variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) polymorphism and cancer risk in humans; however, the results remain controversial. We performed this meta-analysis to find a more conclusive association between this polymorphism and cancer risk.

METHODS

Eight eligible case-control studies were identified through searching electronic databases, including 1583 cases and 1638 controls. Odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to estimate the strength of the association.

RESULTS

The results of overall analyses indicated that the variant RP2 allele was associated with a decreased cancer risk compared with the RP1 allele (RP2/RP2 vs. RP1/RP1, OR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.44-0.94; RP2/RP2 vs. RP1/RP1 + RP1/RP2, OR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.60-0.92; RP2 vs. RP1, OR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.56-0.92). In subgroup analyses stratified by ethnicity, there was evidence in the Asian population for an association between this polymorphism and cancer risk (RP2/RP2 vs. RP1/RP1 + RP1/RP2, OR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.63-0.99; RP2 vs. RP1, OR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.61-0.97).

CONCLUSIONS

IL-4 intron 3 VNTR polymorphism could influence the risk of human cancer. Due to the limitations of this meta-analysis, further well-designed and functional researches should be performed to validate our results.

Association of IL-10 GTC haplotype with serum level and HPV infection in the development of cervical carcinoma

AIM

Cervical cancer is the most common gynecological malignancy in the developing countries like India. In addition to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, host genetic factors play an important role in viral persistence and neoplastic growth. IL-10, a multifunctional cytokine, plays an active role to promote tumor growth in the presence of HPV. The present study aims to find out the impact of IL-10 promoter polymorphisms at -1082A/G (rs1800896), -819C/T (rs1800872), and -592C/A (rs1800871) sites along with IL-10 production and HPV infection in the progression of cervical cancer.

METHODS

We have genotyped a total of 506 subjects, 256 cases (208 cervical cancer + 48 precancer), and 250 healthy controls by using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method followed by sequencing. IL-10 serum concentration was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

The frequency of IL-10 -592 variant genotype (AA) was found significantly reduced in cases as compare to controls while -1082 variant genotype (GG) was found ~4-fold higher risk of cervical cancer (p = <0.0001, OR = 3.667, 95% CI = 2.329-5.773). On construction of haplotypes, GTC haplotype was emerged as a major risk haplotype while ACA haplotype was seemed as a marker for precancerous lesions. IL-10 serum concentration was observed higher in HPV-infected precancer and cancer cases. GTC haplotype was found to be coupled with higher serum concentration of IL-10 and HPV infection.

CONCLUSION

IL-10 polymorphisms play a role in cervical cancer development and that GTC haplotype, which is closely related to its serum concentration, maybe a useful biomarker for HPV-mediated cervical cancer.

Analysis of genetic variants in the IL4 promoter and VNTR loci in Indian patients with Visceral Leishmaniasis

Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) is the most severest form of Leishmaniasis and resistance to infection is mediated by cellular immune responses. Interleukin 4 (IL-4) orchestrates of Th2 and Th1 immune responses during infections. In this study, we aimed to investigate possible association between three functional IL-4 polymorphisms -590C/T (rs2243250), -34C/T (rs2070874) and 70bp VNTR (rs79071878 in intron3) with VL in an Indian cohort comprising of 197 VL patients and 193 healthy controls. The three investigated IL-4 polymorphisms were in strong linkage disequilibrium. The investigated IL-4 alleles, genotypes and the reconstructed haplotypes were not significantly distributed between the VL patients and healthy controls. Our study signifies no possible association of functional IL-4 polymorphisms with Indian VL and postulate other vital genes involved in the IL-4 pathway may provide genetic clues to elucidate of IL-4 regulation and immune-pathogenesis during VL.

Possible association of IL-4 VNTR polymorphism with susceptibility to preeclampsia

Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-specific disorder that results in maternal mortality and morbidity. Growing evidence indicated that cytokines are involved in the pathogenesis of PE and interleukin-4 VNTR polymorphism could be implicated in altering the PE risk. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible association between IL-4 VNTR polymorphism and susceptibility to PE in Iranian population for the first time. Genetic polymorphism was evaluated in 192 PE and 186 healthy control women by polymerase chain reaction method. We found that the VNTR polymorphism of IL-4 gene has significantly increased the risk of preeclampsia (RP2/RP1 versus RP1/RP1, OR, 2.8 [95% CI, 1.7 to 8.8]; P = 0.0001 and RP2/RP2 versus RP1/RP1; P = 0.002). The results showed that carriage of IL-4 VNTR RP2 allele has positive association with preeclampsia susceptibility.

The role of inflammation in cervical cancer

Knowledge regarding cervical cancer and human papillomavirus is expanding rapidly. Inflammation subsequent to viral infection is a driving force that accelerates cancer development. The infiltrated immune cells and their secretory cytokines along with chemokines and growth factors greatly contribute the malignant traits of cervical cancer. A better understanding of the mechanisms related to inflammation and cancer progression in terms of pathogen survival, cancer development, progression, and metastasis will lead to innovative approach for treating cancer.

The paradox of IL-10-mediated modulation in cervical cancer

Interleukin-10 (IL-10) has opposing effects as an anti-inflammatory (potentially cancer-promoting) and antiangiogenic (potentially cancer-inhibiting) agent. The role of IL-10 in cervical cancer is also dual. Here, we review the IL-10-mediated tumor-promoting effect and tumor-inhibiting effects in cervical cancer, among which, human papilloma virus (HPV), human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) and IL-10 polymorphisms are associated with the development of cervical cancer. IL-10 is also used for the therapy of cervical cancer through enhancing proliferation, expression of immunologically important surface molecules and increasing Th1 cytokine production and cytotoxic potential in HPV-specific CD8 (+) cytotoxic T lymphocytes.

Three common polymorphisms in the IL-4 gene and cancer risk: a meta-analysis involving 5,392 cases and 6,930 controls

Interleukin-4 (IL-4) is a typical pleiotropic T helper 2 (Th2) cytokine. This cytokine is a critical mediator of the Th1/Th2 balance and apoptosis potential and involved in the process of inflammation-mediated carcinogenesis in human organs. IL-4 gene polymorphisms influence IL-4 transcription and have been implicated in cancer risks. However, current published data show conflicts among of them. To assess the relationship between IL-4 polymorphisms and cancer risks, we performed a meta-analysis which includes 14 studies involving 3,562 cancer cases for IL-4 rs2243250 polymorphism, 6 studies involving 2,052 subjects for IL-4 rs2070874 polymorphism, and 5 studies involving 791 subjects for IL-4 intron-3 polymorphism. As for rs2243250 polymorphism, no significant association of cancer risk was found in the overall analysis. When stratified by cancer type, we observed that the IL-4 rs2243250 polymorphism was significantly associated with decreased oral cancer risk and increased renal cell cancer risk (for oral cancer, TT vs. CC: odds ratio (OR) = 0.40, 95 % confidence interval (95 % CI) 0.19-0.84, P heterogeneity = 0.662, P = 0.016; TT/CT vs. CC: OR = 0.45, 95 % CI 0.22-0.94, P heterogeneity = 0.407, P = 0.033; and for renal cell cancer, TT vs. CC: OR = 1.98, 95 % CI 1.06-3.69, P heterogeneity = 0.535, P = 0.031; TT vs.

CC/CT

OR = 1.43, 95 % CI 1.05-1.95, P heterogeneity = 0.959, P = 0.022). For rs2070874 and intron-3 polymorphisms, no significant association of cancer risk was found in the overall analysis. However, in the subgroup analysis by source of controls and ethnicities, a significant association between cancer risk and rs2070874 polymorphism was found in population-based studies (A allele vs. G allele: OR = 1.18, 95 % CI 1.03-1.35, P heterogeneity = 0.621, P = 0.0172; AA vs.

AG/GG

OR = 1.23, 95 % CI 1.03-1.47, P heterogeneity = 0.196, P = 0.024) and Caucasian populations (A allele vs. G allele: OR = 1.24, 95 % CI 1.03-1.48, P heterogeneity = 0.925, P = 0.022), but not in Asian populations. Taken together, our results indicated that IL-4 rs2243250 polymorphism was associated with decreased oral cancer risk in both the homozygote contrasts and the dominant genetic model, as well as increased renal cell cancer risk in both the homozygote contrasts and the recessive genetic model. The A allele of rs2070874 polymorphism in the IL-4 gene may be a risk factor for cancer development among Caucasians. Further larger, preferably prospective studies are needed to confirm these results.

The interleukin-10 promoter polymorphism rs1800872 (-592C>A), contributes to cancer susceptibility: meta-analysis of 16,785 cases and 19,713 controls

Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is a multifunctional cytokine which participates in the development and progression of various malignant tumors. To date, a number of case–control studies were conducted to detect the association between IL-10-592C>A polymorphism and cancer risk in humans. However, the results of these studies on the association remain conflicting. In an effort to solve this controversy, we performed a meta-analysis based on 70 case–control studies from 65 articles, including 16 785 cancer cases and 19 713 controls. We used odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to assess the strength of the association. The overall results suggested that the variant homozygote genotype AA of the IL-10-592C>A polymorphism was associated with a moderately decreased risk of all cancer types (OR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.83–0.98 for homozygote comparison, OR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.86–0.98 for recessive model). In the stratified analyses, the risk remained for studies of smoking-related cancer, Asian populations and hospital-based studies. These results suggested that the IL-10-592C>A polymorphism might contribute to the cancer susceptibility, especially in smoking-related cancer, Asians and hospital-based studies. Further studies are needed to confirm the relationship.