Genetic Predisposition to Cervical Cancer and the Association With XRCC1 and TGFB1 Polymorphisms

The Hallmarks of Cervical Cancer: Molecular Mechanisms Induced by Human Papillomavirus

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) and, specifically, high-risk HPVs (HR-HPVs) are identified as necessary factors in the development of cancer of the lower genital tract, with CaCU standing out as the most prevalent tumor. This review summarizes ten mechanisms activated by HR-HPVs during cervical carcinogenesis, which are broadly associated with at least seven of the fourteen distinctive physiological capacities of cancer in the newly established model by Hanahan in 2022. These mechanisms involve infection by human papillomavirus, cellular tropism, genetic predisposition to uterine cervical cancer (CaCU), viral load, viral physical state, regulation of epigenetic mechanisms, loss of function of the E2 protein, deregulated expression of E6/E7 oncogenes, regulation of host cell protein function, and acquisition of the mesenchymal phenotype.

Reviewing the Prospective Pharmacological Potential of Isothiocyanates in Fight against Female-Specific Cancers

Gynecological cancers are the most commonly diagnosed malignancies in females worldwide. Despite the advancement of diagnostic tools as well as the availability of various therapeutic interventions, the incidence and mortality of female-specific cancers is still a life-threatening issue, prevailing as one of the major health problems worldwide. Lately, alternative medicines have garnered immense attention as a therapeutic intervention against various types of cancers, seemingly because of their safety profiles and enhanced effectiveness. Isothiocyanates (ITCs), specifically sulforaphane, benzyl isothiocyanate, and phenethyl isothiocyanate, have shown an intriguing potential to actively contribute to cancer cell growth inhibition, apoptosis induction, epigenetic alterations, and modulation of autophagy and cancer stem cells in female-specific cancers. Additionally, it has been shown that ITCs plausibly enhance the chemo-sensitization of many chemotherapeutic drugs. To this end, evidence has shown enhanced efficacy in combinatorial regimens with conventional chemotherapeutic drugs and/or other phytochemicals. Reckoning with these, herein, we discuss the advances in the knowledge regarding the aspects highlighting the molecular intricacies of ITCs in female-specific cancers. In addition, we have also argued regarding the potential of ITCs either as solitary treatment or in a combinatorial therapeutic regimen for the prevention and/or treatment of female-specific cancers. Hopefully, this review will open new horizons for consideration of ITCs in therapeutic interventions that would undoubtedly improve the prognosis of the female-specific cancer clientele. Considering all these, it is reasonable to state that a better understanding of these molecular intricacies will plausibly provide a facile opportunity for treating these female-specific cancers.

Associations of MDM2 rs2279744 and TP53 rs1042522 polymorphisms with cervical cancer risk: A meta-analysis and systematic review

Background

Although the association between MDM2 rs2279744 and TP53 rs1042522 polymorphisms and cervical cancer has been reported, the results of its correlation were contradictory. Thus, we conducted a meta-analysis to precisely verify the relationships between MDM2 rs2279744 and TP53 rs1042522 polymorphisms and cervical cancer.

Methods

We thoroughly searched the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus databases for all potential articles from inception to June 2022 and used R Version 4.1.2 and STATA software 12.0 for the meta-analysis. The odds ratios (ORs), 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and 95% prediction intervals (PIs) were calculated to evaluate the associations. Subgroup analyses stratified by ethnicity, source of control, quality score and adjustment were further conducted to assess the relationship between MDM2 rs2279744 and TP53 rs1042522 polymorphisms and cervical cancer.

Results

A total of 30 case-control studies involving 5025 cases and 6680 controls were included. All the included studies were population-based or hospital-based studies. The overall analysis showed that MDM2 rs2279744 polymorphism was closely related to an increased risk of cervical cancer in the recessive model (GG vs GT + TT: OR = 1.602, 95% CI: 1.077-2.383, P = 0.020) and homozygote model (GG vs TT: OR = 1.469, 95% CI: 1.031-2.095, P = 0.033, 95% PI: 0.516-4.184). A significant correlation between TP53 rs1042522 polymorphism and cervical cancer was observed in two models (CC + CG vs GG: OR = 1.759, 95% CI: 1.192-2.596, P = 0.004, 95% PI: 0.474-6.533; GG vs CC: OR = 2.442, 95% CI: 1.433-4.162, P = 0.001, 95% PI: 0.456-13.071).

Conclusions

This meta-analysis revealed that MDM2 SNP309T>G and TP53 rs1042522 C>G polymorphisms were associated with the increased risk of cervical cancer.

Genetic polymorphisms in DNA repair genes and their association with risk of cervical cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

There have been a large number of epidemiologic studies regarding the association between genetic polymorphisms in DNA repair genes and onset of cervical cancer. However, results are inconsistent.

METHODS

Articles published before June 2021 and regarding genetic polymorphisms in DNA repair genes and cervical cancer were searched in following databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and CNKI. With at least three articles for each polymorphism, we made meta-analysis to compute multivariate odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

The present study showed significant associations between XRCC1 Arg399Gln polymorphisms and risk of cervical cancer in Asian, whereas no significant association between them were showed in Caucasian (Asian: GA vs. GG: OR = 1.27, 95%CI 1.06-1.52; AA vs. GG: OR = 1.91, 95%CI 1.29-2.83; GA + AA vs. GG: OR = 1.36, 95%CI 1.12-1.65; AA vs. GG + GA: OR = 1.66, 95%CI 1.17-2.37; Caucasian: GA vs. GG: OR = 1.08, 95%CI 0.83-1.41; AA vs. GG: OR = 2.18, 95%CI 0.75-6.31; GA + AA vs. GG: OR = 1.23, 95%CI 0.85-1.78; AA vs. GG + GA: OR = 1.70, 95%CI 0.69-4.18). In addition, there were significant associations between ERCC2 rs13181 polymorphisms and risk of cervical cancer in Asian (AC vs AA: OR = 0.53, 95%CI 0.37-0.75, I²  = 0.0%, p value of Q test = 0.847; AC + CC vs AA: OR = 0.50, 95%CI 0.36-0.70, I²  = 0.0%, p value of Q test = 0.856).

CONCLUSIONS

The meta-analysis showed that there were significant associations between XRCC1 Arg399Gln and ERCC2 rs13181 polymorphisms and risk of cervical cancer.

A meta-analysis of XRCC1 single nucleotide polymorphism and susceptibility to gynecological malignancies

BACKGROUND

Gynecological malignant tumor is a serious threat to women's health, cervical cancer, endometrial cancer and ovarian cancer are the most common. The eponymous protein encoded by the XRCC1 (X-ray repair cross complementation 1) gene is an important functional protein in the process of single-stranded DNA damage. Non-synonymous mutations of XRCC1 gene cause amino acid sequence changes that affect protein function and DNA repair ability, and may affect the interaction with other DNA repair proteins, leading to increased risk of tumor development. Many studies have assessed the association between XRCC1 gene polymorphism and the risk of cancer in the female reproductive system, but the results have been inconclusive. In this study, the relationship between XRCC1 Arg399Gln, Arg194Trp, Arg280His single nucleotide polymorphisms and susceptibility to gynecological malignancies was further explored by meta-analysis.

METHODS

English database: Pubmed, Medline, Excerpta Medica Database, Cochrance, etc; Chinese database: China national knowledge infrastructure, Wanfang Database, etc. STATA14 was used for statistical analysis, such as odd ratio (OR) value, subgroup analysis, heterogeneity test, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias.

RESULTS

In gynecologic cancers, the allele frequency difference of Arg399Gln case control group was statistically significant (GvsA: P = .007). There was no significant difference in allele frequency in the Arg194Trp and Arg280His case control groups (P = .065, 0.198). In different gene models, Arg399Gln was significantly correlated with gynecologic cancers susceptibility (GGvs AA: OR 0.91; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.85 0.98); Arg194Trp was significantly correlated with gynecologic cancers susceptibility (CCvs TT: OR 0.94; 95% CI 0.88,1.00; CCvs CT: OR 0.97; 95% CI 0.90, 1.05); Arg280His was significantly correlated with gynecologic cancers susceptibility (GGvs AA: OR 0.98; 95% CI 0.94, 1.02; GGvs GA: OR 1.00;95% CI 0.97, 1.04). In the subgroup analysis, Arg399Gln and Arg194Trp were significantly correlated with gynecologic cancers susceptibility in the Asian race (P = .000, 0.049). In the analysis of different cancer subgroups, Arg399Gln and cervical cancer susceptibility were statistically significant (P = .039). Arg194Trp and endometrial cancer susceptibility were statistically significant (P = .033, 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

XRCC1 Arg399Gln, Arg194Trp, Arg280His single nucleotide polymorphisms were associated with gynecologic cancer susceptibility. Arg399Gln genotype was statistically significant in relation to cervical cancer susceptibility. Arg194Trp genotype was statistically significant in relation to endometrial cancer susceptibility.

Association of XRCC3 18067 C>T (Thr241Met) polymorphism with risk of cervical and ovarian cancers: A systematic review and meta-analysis

The 18067 C>T polymorphism of XRCC3 gene has been considered to be implicated in the development of cervical and ovarian cancers, but the results are inconsistent. Thus, we conducted a meta-analysis to assess the association of XRCC3 18067 C>T polymorphism with risk of cervical and ovarian cancers. All studies on the association of XRCC3 18067 C>T polymorphism with cervical and ovarian cancers risk were retrieved. Finally, a total of 17 studies including 10 studies with 5,637 cases and 10,057 controls on ovarian cancer and 7 studies with 1,112 cases and 1,233 controls on cervical cancer were selected. Overall, pooled results showed that the XRCC3 18067 C>T polymorphism was significantly associated with increased risk of ovarian cancer (TC vs. CC: OR = 0.904, 95% CI = 0.841–0.972, p = 0.006; TT + TC vs. CC: OR = 0.914, 95% CI = 0.853–0.979, p = 0.010) and cervical cancer (TC vs. CC: OR = 1.00, 95% CI = 1.066–1.585, p = 0.009). Further subgroup analysis by ethnicity revealed an increased risk of cervical and ovarian cancer in Asians and Caucasians, respectively. The present meta-analysis inconsistent with the previous meta-analysis suggests that the XRCC3 18067 C>T polymorphism might be implicated in the pathogenesis of cervical and ovarian cancers.

Inherited alterations of TGF beta signaling components in Appalachian cervical cancers

PURPOSE

This study examined targeted genomic variants of transforming growth factor beta (TGFB) signaling in Appalachian women. Appalachian women with cervical cancer were compared to healthy Appalachian counterparts to determine whether these polymorphic alleles were over-represented within this high-risk cancer population, and whether lifestyle or environmental factors modified the aggregate genetic risk in these Appalachian women.

METHODS

Appalachian women's survey data and blood samples from the Community Awareness, Resources, and Education (CARE) CARE I and CARE II studies (n = 163 invasive cervical cancer cases, 842 controls) were used to assess gene-environment interactions and cancer risk. Polymorphic allele frequencies and socio-behavioral demographic measurements were compared using t tests and χ2 tests. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate interaction effects between genomic variance and demographic, behavioral, and environmental characteristics.

RESULTS

Several alleles demonstrated significant interaction with smoking (TP53 rs1042522, TGFB1 rs1800469), alcohol consumption (NQO1 rs1800566), and sexual intercourse before the age of 18 (TGFBR1 rs11466445, TGFBR1 rs7034462, TGFBR1 rs11568785). Interestingly, we noted a significant interaction between "Appalachian self-identity" variables and NQO1 rs1800566. Multivariable logistic regression of cancer status in an over-dominant TGFB1 rs1800469/TGFBR1 rs11568785 model demonstrated a 3.03-fold reduction in cervical cancer odds. Similar decreased odds (2.78-fold) were observed in an over-dominant TGFB1 rs1800469/TGFBR1 rs7034462 model in subjects who had no sexual intercourse before age 18.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reports novel associations between common low-penetrance alleles in the TGFB signaling cascade and modified risk of cervical cancer in Appalachian women. Furthermore, our unexpected findings associating Appalachian identity and NQO1 rs1800566 suggests that the complex environmental exposures that contribute to Appalachian self-identity in Appalachian cervical cancer patients represent an emerging avenue of scientific exploration.

Genetic Susceptibility for Cervical Cancer in African Populations: What Are the Host Genetic Drivers?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is an essential but not a sufficient cervical cancer etiological factor. Cancer promoters, such as host genetic mutations, significantly modulate therapeutic responses and susceptibility. In cervical cancer, of interest have been viral clearing genes and HPV oncoprotein targets, for which conflicting data have been reported among different populations. This expert analysis evaluates cervical cancer genetic susceptibility biomarkers studied in African populations. Notably, the past decade has seen Africa as a hotbed of biomarker and precision medicine innovations, thus potentially informing worldwide biomarker development strategies. We conducted a critical literature search in PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases for case-control studies reporting on cervical cancer genetic polymorphisms among Africans. We found that seven African countries conducted cervical cancer molecular epidemiology studies in one of Casp8, p53, CCR2, FASL, HLA, IL10, TGF-beta, and TNF-alpha genes. This analysis reveals a remarkable gap in cervical cancer molecular epidemiology among Africans, whereas cervical cancer continues to disproportionately have an impact on African populations. Genome-wide association, whole exome- and whole-genome sequencing studies confirmed the contribution of candidate genes in cervical cancer. With such advances and omics technologies, the role of genetic susceptibility biomarkers can be exploited to develop novel interventions to improve current screening, diagnostic and prognostic methods worldwide. Exploring these genetic variations is crucial because African populations are genetically diverse and some variants or their combined effects are yet to be discovered and translated into tangible clinical applications. Thus, translational medicine and flourishing system sciences in Africa warrant further emphasis in the coming decade.

Association between ATM rs1801516 polymorphism and cancer susceptibility: a meta-analysis involving 12,879 cases and 18,054 controls

Background

Ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) gene plays a key role in response to DNA lesions and is related to the invasion and metastasis of malignancy. Epidemiological studies have indicated associations between ATM rs1801516 polymorphism and different types of cancer, but their results are inconsistent. To further evaluate the effect of ATM rs1801516 polymorphism on cancer risk, we conducted this meta-analysis.

Methods

Studies were identified according to specific inclusion criteria by searching PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) under recessive, dominant, codominant, and overdominant models of inheritance were calculated to estimate the association between rs1801516 polymorphism and cancer risk.

Results

A total of 37 studies with 12,879 cases and 18,054 controls were included in our study. No significant association was found between rs1801516 polymorphism and cancer risk in overall comparisons (AA vs GG + GA: OR = 0.91, 95% CI, 0.78–1.07; AA+GA vs GG: OR = 1.00, 95% CI, 0.90–1.11; AA vs GG: OR = 0.89, 95% CI, 0.75–1.06; GA vs GG: OR = 1.01, 95% CI, 0.91–1.13; GG + AA vs GA: OR = 1.00, 95% CI, 0.88–1.10). However, after subgroup analyses by region-specified population, significant associations were found in European (AA vs GG + GA: OR = 0.79, 95% CI, 0.65–0.96, P = 0.017; AA vs GG: OR = 0.79, 95% CI, 0.65–0.96, P = 0.017), South American (AA+GA vs GG: OR = 2.15, 95% CI, 1.37–3.38, P = 0.001; GA vs GG: OR = 2.19, 95% CI, 1.38–3.47, P = 0.001; GG + AA vs GA: OR = 0.46, 95% CI, 0.29–0.72, P = 0.001), and Asian (AA vs GG + GA: OR = 7.45, 95% CI, 1.31–42.46, P = 0.024; AA vs GG: OR = 7.40, 95% CI, 1.30–42.19, P = 0.024). Subgroup analyses also revealed that compared with subjects carrying a GG genotype, those carrying a homozygote AA had a decreased risk for breast cancer (AA vs GG: OR = 0.76, 95% CI, 0.59–0.98, P = 0.035), and the homozygote AA was associated with decreased cancer risk in subjects with family history (AA vs GG: OR = 0.68, 95% CI, 0.47–0.98, P = 0.039).

Conclusions

ATM rs1801516 polymorphism is not associated with overall cancer risk in total population. However, for subgroup analyses, this polymorphism is especially associated with breast cancer risk; in addition, it is associated with overall cancer risk in Europeans, South Americans, Asians, and those with family history.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12885-018-4941-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Exploring the Causes of the Low Incidence of Cervical Cancer in Western Asia

Anecdotal epidemiologic observations can provide valuable tools to study various biologic elements in complex diseases such as cancer. Although cervical cancer is one of the most frequent malignancy affecting women in the world, it displays wide geographical variations remnant of socioeconomic, ethnic and genetic predisposing factors. The observed low incidence of cervical cancer in western Asia has triggered scientists to try to delineate the causes of this reduced occurrence. Although this region including Saudi Arabia is known for being conservative societies with low incidence of sexually transmitted infections including human papillomavirus (HPV) and associated cervical cancer, scientific research points out multifaceted biological explanations including host genetic variations. Researchers observed that a protective genetic variant TP53 codon 72 proline allele was more commonly found in this population and appear to be over-transmitted compared to others known for their high rate of cervical cancer. Thus, the combination of relative low rate of HPV infection, over-transmission of protective genetic variant along with societal variables are the rationale behind the low incidence of cervical cancer in women in the region of western Asia. The influence of the genetic makeup of the patients has impact on personalized preventive medicine to gauge the risk of developing cervical cancer.