Association of TNFA (-308G>A) and IL-10 (-819C>T) promoter polymorphisms with risk of cervical cancer

Small secretory proteins of immune cells can modulate gynecological cancers

Small secretory proteins of immune cells are mostly Cytokines, which include chemokines, interleukins, interferons, lymphokines and tumor necrosis factors but not hormones or growth factors. These secretory proteins are the molecular messengers and primarily involved in autocrine, paracrine and endocrine signaling as immunomodulating agents. Hence, these proteins actually regulate the cells of immune system to communicate with one another to produce a synchronized, robust, still self-regulated response to a specific antigen. Chemokines are smaller secreted proteins that control overall immune cell movement and location; these chemokines are divided into 4 subgroups, namely, CXC, CC, CX3C and C according to the position of 4 conserved cysteine residues. Complete characterization of cytokines and chemokines can exploit their vast signaling networks to develop cancer treatments. These secretory proteins like IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, TNFα, CCL2, CXCL4 & CXCL8 are predominantly expressed in most of the gynecological cancers, which directly stimulate immune effector cells and stromal cells at the tumor site and augment tumor cell recognition by cytotoxic T-cells. Hence; these secretory proteins are the major regulators, which can actually modulate all kinds of gynecological cancers. Furthermore, advancements in adoptive T-cell treatment have relied on the use of multiple cytokines/chemokines to establish a highly regulated environment for anti-tumor T cell growth. A number of in vitro studies as well as animal models and clinical subjects have also shown that cytokines/chemokines have broad antitumor activity, which has been translated into a number of cancer therapy approaches. This review will focus on the foremost cytokines & chemokines involved in the majority of the gynecological malignancies and discuss their basic biology as well as clinical applications.

The Association of TNF-α Promoter Polymorphisms with Genetic Susceptibility to Cervical Cancer in a Chinese Han Population

Background

The tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) gene plays an important role in the host immune response, which will influence the development and clearance of cancer. Polymorphism of the TNF-α promoter region is considered to influence its transcription and be a risk factor for tumorigenesis. In the current study, we evaluated the role of TNF-α promoter region polymorphisms in susceptibility to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and cervical cancer (CC).

Methods

A total of 2732 subjects, including 1173 healthy controls, 579 patients with CIN and 980 patients with CC in a Chinese Han population, were selected for the current study. Five SNPs in the TNF-α promoter, rs1799964 (−1031 C>T), rs1800630 (−863 A>C), rs1799724 (−857 C>T), rs1800629 (−308 A>G) and rs361525 (−238 A>G), were selected and genotyped using TaqMan Assays. The association of these SNPs with CIN and cervical cancer was evaluated among healthy controls, CIN and CC patients.

Results

The frequency distribution of rs1800629 and rs361525 alleles was significantly different between the CC group and the control group (P=0.009 and P=0.002). The rs1800629 A allele was found to be a protective factor for CC (OR=0.72; 95% CI=0.56–0.92). The rs361525 A allele was found to be a risk factor for CC (OR=1.69; 95% CI=1.21–2.38). After pathological subtyping of CC, the allele distribution of rs1800629 and rs361525 were both significantly different between the cervical squamous cell carcinoma and control groups (P=0.002 and P<0.001). The rs1800629 A allele was protective factor for cervical squamous cell carcinoma (OR=0.66; 95% CI=0.50–0.86). The rs361525 A allele was a risk factor for cervical squamous cell carcinoma (OR=1.87; 95% CI=1.32–2.65). Moreover, the genotypic frequency of rs361525 was significantly different between cervical cancer stage I and stage II (P=0.003).

Conclusion

The rs1800629 and rs361525 in the TNF-α promoter are associated with susceptibility to CC in the Chinese Han population.

Association of TNF-a (rs361525 and rs1800629) with susceptibility to cervical intraepithelial lesion and cervical carcinoma in women from Republic of North Macedonia

Cervical cancer (CCa) is one of the most common malign diseases in women associated with human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus is an initiating factor, but not sufficient for the development of cervical intraepithelial lesions (CIN) and CCa. The disease might be a result of the influence of host's genetic factors and polymorphisms in inflammatory-related genes that modify the immune response to HPV and attribute to cancer susceptibility. We carried out a study to determine the association between TNF-a-238G/A and TNF-a-308 G/T polymorphisms with HPV-positive CIN and CCa in women living in the Republic of North Macedonia. Using multiplex SNaPshot analysis for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), we analysed the genotype and allele distributions of TNF-a-238G/A and TNF-a-308 G/T in 134 cases (HPV-positive and histologically confirmed CIN and CCa) and in 113 controls (cytological and HPV-negative women). For further analysis, the case group was stratified in three subgroups (all cases: CINs+ CCa- group; CIN2+ -group and CIN1- group). Data analysed using the odds ratio (OR) and chi-square test showed the frequency of AA genotypes and A alleles are not significantly higher in cases compared to the controls for both SNPs: AA of TNF-a-238 (0.7% versus 0%) and TNF-a-308 (1.5% versus 0.9%) as well as A allelic frequency (3.0% versus 1.7%) and (13.1% versus 10.6), respectively. The comparison of the case's subgroups with the control group did not show a statistically significant difference. Compared to controls, TNF-a-238G/A and TNF-a-308 G/T are not associated with the risk of HPV associated CIN or CCa in the studied women.

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.

Interleukin-10 polymorphisms and susceptibility to ARV associated hepatotoxicity

Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is an anti-inflammatory cytokine associated with the inhibition of HIV replication. IL-10 polymorphisms were found to be linked to drug-induced hepatotoxicity. Hence we examined the prevalence of IL-10 (-819C/T,-1082A/G) polymorphisms in a total of 165 HIV patients which included 34 patients with hepatotoxicity, 131 without hepatotoxicity and 155 healthy controls by the PCR-RFLP method. In HIV patients with hepatotoxicity, the IL-10-819TT genotype increased the risk of ARV associated hepatotoxicity severity (OR = 1.61, P = 0.35). IL-10-819TT genotype was overrepresented in patients with hepatotoxicity as compared to healthy controls (26.5% vs. 13.5%, OR = 1.61, P = 0.46). IL-10 -819CT genotype was associated with advance HIV disease stage (OR = 0.49, P = 0.045). In HIV patients without hepatotoxicity, the IL-10-819TT genotype was more prevalent in patients consuming tobacco as compared to non-users (OR = 1.60, P = 0.41). In HIV patients without hepatotoxicity using both alcohol + efavirenz along with IL-10 -819CT genotype resulted in increased risk for the acquisition of ARV associated hepatotoxicity (OR = 4.00, P = 0.36). In multivariate logistic regression, taking nevirapine was associated with the risk hepatotoxicity severity (OR = 0.23, P = 0.005). In conclusion, an insignificant association between IL-10 polymorphisms and susceptibility to ARV associated hepatotoxicity.

Genetic polymorphisms in tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-10 are associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer

Most cases of cervical cancer are the result of infection with specific high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Investigating the genetic basis of the host immune response, particularly cytokine function, could help further characterize the progression of cervical HPV infection into neoplasia. Prior studies have demonstrated a correlation between genetic variants of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α, TNF gene) and/or interleukin-10 (IL-10, IL10 gene) and cervical cancer susceptibility. However, some of the results have been contradictory. We sought to resolve these discrepancies by carrying out our study in a large cohort of Chinese women. In order to assess the association of TNF and IL10 genotypes with cervical cancer susceptibility, the polymorphisms in TNF (-238 G/A, -308 G/A) and IL10 (-592 C/A, -819 C/T, -1082 A/G) were genotyped and odds ratios for the genotype and allele frequencies between cervical cancer patients and healthy controls were calculated. Also, the functional relevance of these polymorphisms was evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and in vitro lymphocyte proliferation assays. The TNF-238 AA genotype frequency was lower in patients than in controls (p < 0.05). TNF-308 AA, IL10-592 CA/AA, and IL10-819 CC/CT genotype frequencies were higher in cervical cancer patients than in controls (p < 0.05). The frequency of the TNF-238 A allele was significantly lower in patients, while the frequency of the -308 A allele was significantly higher (p < 0.05). No significant differences between patients and controls were found in the genotype or allele frequencies of IL10-1082 A/G (p > 0.05). Furthermore, the combinations of TNF-238 GA or GG and IL10-592 CC; TNF-238 GA or GG and IL10-592 CA or AA; TNF-308 AA and IL10-592 CC; and TNF-308 AA and IL10-592 CA or AA in cervical cancer patients were statistically significant (p < 0.0167). Upon stimulation with PHA, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with the TNF-308AA genotype exhibited significantly higher proliferation rates, elevated IL-4, TGF-β levels, and lower IL-2 levels (p < 0.05). For IL10-592C/A, the AA and CA genotypes were significantly associated with higher proliferation rates, elevated IL-4 and IL-10 levels (p < 0.05). We also found that for TNF-308 G/A or IL10-592 C/A variants, the combination of TNF-308 GG or GA with IL10 CA or AA had an association with the severity of cervical cancer. Taken together, these results suggest that TNF-308 AA and IL10-592 CA/AA genotypes may increase susceptibility to cervical cancer by altering the immune response of an individual.

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.

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.

Risk allelic load in Th2 and Th3 cytokines genes as biomarker of susceptibility to HPV-16 positive cervical cancer: a case control study

Background

Alterations in the host cellular immune response allow persistent infections with High-Risk Human Papillomavirus (HR-HPV) and development of premalignant cervical lesions and cervical cancer (CC). Variations of immunosuppressive cytokine levels in cervix are associated with the natural history of CC. To assess the potential role of genetic host immunity and cytokines serum levels in the risk of developing CC, we conducted a case–control study paired by age.

Methods

Peripheral blood samples from patients with CC (n = 200) and hospital controls (n = 200), were used to evaluate nine biallelic SNPs of six cytokine genes of the adaptive immune system by allelic discrimination and cytokines serum levels by ELISA.

Results

After analyzing the SNP association by multivariate logistic regression adjusted by age, CC history and smoking history, three Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10) and one Th3 (TGFB1) cytokine were significantly associated with CC. Individuals with at least one copy of the following risk alleles: T of SNP (−590C > T IL-4), C of SNP (−573G > C IL-6), A of SNP (−592C > A IL-10), T of SNP (−819C > T IL-10) and T of SNP (−509C > T TGFB1), had an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 2.08 (95 % CI 1.475–2.934, p = 0.0001), an OR of 1.70 (95 % CI 1.208–2.404, p = 0.002), an OR of 1.87 (95 % CI 1.332–2.630, p = 0.0001), an OR of 1.67 (95 % CI 1.192–2.353, p = 0.003) and an OR of 1.91 (95 % CI 1.354–2.701, p = 0.0001), respectively, for CC. The burden of carrying two or more of these risk alleles was found to have an additive effect on the risk of CC (p trend = 0.0001). Finally, the serum levels of Th2 and Th3 cytokines were higher in CC cases than the controls; whereas IFNG levels, a Th1 cytokine, were higher in controls than CC cases.

Conclusion

The significant associations of five SNPs with CC indicate that these polymorphisms are potential candidates for predicting the risk of development of CC, representing a risk allelic load for CC and can be used as a biomarker of susceptibility to this disease.

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.

Association of single nucleotide polymorphisms in tumor necrosis factor-alpha with cervical cancer susceptibility

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) polymorphisms have been reported to play an important role in the development of cervical cancer. But the results remain inconclusive. We performed this study to provide a comprehensive assessment of the association by means of a meta-analysis in which all published studies were included. The studies investigating the associations between cervical cancer risk and TNF-α polymorphisms were identified through PubMed, Embase, CNKI, and Chinese BioMedical Literature Database. OR and 95% CI (odds ratio and 95% confidence interval) were calculated using either the fixed or random effects model to assess the associations. We eventually included eighteen case-control studies of SNP -308 G>A and nine studies of SNP -238 G>A. Meta-analysis of the former polymorphism suggested significantly increased risk of cervical cancer associated with the A allele (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.02-1.38). Subgroup analysis according to ethnicity showed similar results in Caucasians (A vs. G: OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.02-1.54; AA vs. GG: OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.04-2.08; AA vs. GA+GG: OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.04-2.08). For SNP -238 G>A, a protective association was observed in overall comparisons (A vs. G: OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.51-0.80; AA+GA vs. GG: OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.49-0.79) and subgroup analysis of Caucasians (A vs. G: OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.53-0.83; AA+GA vs. GG: OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.51-0.82). Our meta-analysis indicates that TNF-α polymorphisms may confer susceptibility to cervical cancer in an ethic-specific fashion.

Association of p53Pro72Arg (rs1042522) and MDM2309 (rs2279744) polymorphisms with risk for cervical intraepthelial lesions and cervical cancer development in Macedonian women

High risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is an important etiological factor in initiation of squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL), but not enough for malignant progression to cervical cancer (CCa). Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs): rs1042522 within the codon 72 of p53 and rs2279744 within MDM2 promoter gene are plausible factors for development of SIL or CCa conferring increased attenuation of p53 pathway. We investigated the association of these SNPs with the HPV positive SIL and CCa among women from the Republic of Macedonia. Using a multiplex PCR SNaPShot analysis we genotyped rs1042522 and rs2279744 in 131 HPV positive women with SIL or CCa and 110 HPV and cytologicaly negative controls subject. No significant difference in either genotype or allelic frequencies for rs1042522 and rs2279744 between cases and control was found. The stratification of patients on the basis of the lesion grade revealed lower frequency of CC genotype and C allele of rs1042522 in HSIL and CCa compared to LSIL [GG vs CC; p=0.001, OR=0.4; CG vs CC; p=0.04, OR=0.03 and CG+ GG vs CC; p=0.004, OR=0.2]. Additionally TT genotype and T allele of MDM2 309 showed significantly lower frequency in HSIL and CCa group then in LSIL [G vs T p=0.02, OR=0.52; GG vs TT; p=0.04, OR=0.29; ТТ vs ТG+GG; p=0.007, OR=0.34].The Arg variant of rs1042522 and T allele/TT genotype of rs2279744 are associated with progression to LSIL to HSIL or CCa and may be used as prediction markers in CCa management, but the clinical relevant warrants further validation in large and well-designed studies

TNF-α -308 G/A as a risk marker of cervical cancer progression in the Polish population

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

There are inconclusive data on the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) -308 G/A (rs1800629) polymorphism as a risk factor for cervical carcinogenesis.

METHODS

Using high-resolution melting curve analysis, we investigated the prevalence of the TNF-α -308 G/A transition (rs1800629) in patients with cervical cancer (n = 362) and control subjects (n = 399).

RESULTS

The p trend value calculated for the TNF-α -308 G/A transition was statistically significant (p trend = 0.026) for all patients. Logistic regression analysis with adjustment for age demonstrated that the A/A versus G/G genotype was significantly associated with cervical tumors. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) was 1.599 (95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.017-2.513; p = 0.042). Stratification of patients on the basis of the tumor stage revealed no contribution of the TNF-α -308 G/A transition to cervical cancer in stages I and II. However, we found a significant trend for the p value, as well as the contribution of TNF-α -308 G/A to cervical cancer, in stages III and IV. The p trend value was 0.003 in this group of patients. Moreover, logistic regression analysis with adjustment for age demonstrated that the adjusted OR for A/A versus G/G was 2.014 (95 % CI 1.122-3.613; p = 0.019) and the adjusted OR for A/A or A/G versus G/G was 1.583 (95 % CI 1.025-2.444; p = 0.038) for cervical cancer in stages III and IV.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that the TNF-α -308 G/A transition is a risk factor for cervical cancer, particularly in stages III and IV.

IL-10 gene promoter and intron polymorphisms as genetic biomarkers of cervical cancer susceptibility among Tunisians

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the association between polymorphisms in the promoter and intron regions of the interleukin-10 (IL-10) gene with the risk of cervical cancer (CC) in Tunisian patients and control women.

METHODS

Study subjects comprised 86 CC cases and 126 control women. Genotyping of IL-10 intron (rs3024491, rs3024490) and promoter (rs1800872, rs1800871, rs1800896) variants was done by real-time PCR, with defined clusters.

RESULTS

The minor allele frequencies of the five tested IL-10 SNPs were not significantly different between cervical cancer cases and control women. However, significantly higher frequencies of homozygous minor allele-carriers in cases was seen for rs3024490 (P=0.023), rs1800872 (P=0.037), and rs1800871 (P=0.028). IL-10 serum levels were significantly reduced in rs3024490 T/T vs. G/G genotype carriers, and in rs1800871 T/T than C/C genotype carriers. While carriage of rs1800872 and rs3024491 minor allele was associated with reduced IL-10 secretion, this was not statistically significant. Haploview analysis demonstrated high linkage disequilibrium (LD) among the IL10 SNPs studied, and only seven haplotypes were common, capturing 98.8% of the total possible haplotypes. Reduced frequency of haplotypes GTCCA (P<0.001) and TGATG (P<0.001) was seen in cervical cancer cases than in control women, thus conferring disease protection nature to these haplotype. This association remained significant for GTCCA (Pc=0.006) and TGATG (P=0.045) after correcting for multiple comparisons.

CONCLUSION

Specific IL-10 variants (rs3024490, rs1800872, and rs1800871) and haplotype (GTCCA and TGATG) may contribute to the development of cervical cancer among Tunisian women.

Polymorphisms of the anti-inflammatory IL-10 gene associated with malignancy in female reproductive system

Association of three polymorphisms (1082G/A, 819C/T, and 592C/A) of the promotor region of the anti-inflammatory IL-10 gene with malignancy of female reproductive organs was revealed by SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) method in ethnic groups of Adygei Republic. Breast cancer, cervical cancer, and cancer of the uterine corpus are associated with allele 592A (р=0.042) in Circassians and with polymorphism 819T in Russians (р=0.046). Irrespective of the ethnicity, allele 819T was signifi cantly more often (р<0.05) detected in prevalent forms of breast cancer involving regional lymph nodes. 1082G polymorphism is associated with low-differentiated adenocarcinoma. In women of Adygei Republic, ATA/GCA gaplotypes are associated with high risk factors for breast cancer.

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.

Interleukin-10-1082 gene polymorphism is associated with papillary thyroid cancer

The etiopathogenesis of thyroid cancer has not been clearly elucidated although the role of chronical inflammation and the imbalance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines may play a role in the etiology. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether cytokine gene polymorphisms are associated with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), and to evaluate the relationship between genotypes and clinical/laboratory manifestation of PTC. Tumor necrosis factorα (TNFα) G-308A (rs 1800629), interleukin-6 (IL-6) G-174C (rs 1800795) and IL-10 A-1082G (rs 1800896) single nucleotide polymorphisms in DNA from peripheral blood leukocytes of 190 patients with thyroid cancer and 216 healthy controls were investigated by real-time PCR combined with melting curve analysis. There was no notable risk for PTC afflicted by TNFα-308 and IL-6-174 alone. However, IL-10-1082 G allele frequency were higher among PTC patients than healthy controls (p=0.009). The patients with IL-10-1082 GG geotype have twofold increased risk of developing thyroid cancer according to AA genotype (OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.21-3.55). In addition, the concomitant presence of IL-10-1082 G allele (GG+AG genotypes) together with IL-6 -174 GG genotype has a nearly twofold increased risk for thyroid cancer (OR 1.75 with 95% CI 1.00-3.05, p=0.049). We suggest that IL-10-1082 G allele is associated with an increased risk of PTC. The polymorphism of IL-10 gene can improve our knowledge about the pathogenesis of PTC, and could provide to estimate people at the increased risk for PTC.

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.

Association of common polymorphisms in TNFA, NFkB1 and NFKBIA with risk and prognosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Background

Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and nuclear factor of kappa light chain gene enhancer in activated B cells (NF-κB) play critical role in carcinogenesis processes like tumour initiation, proliferation, migration and invasion. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in TNF-α, NF-κB and its inhibitor IκB genes were shown to be associated with susceptibility and prognosis of several cancers; however, their role in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is not well recognised. Therefore, in present study, we aimed to investigate association of common polymorphisms in TNFA, NFkB1 and NFKBIA with risk and prognosis of ESCC in northern Indian population.

Methods

We genotyped 290 ESCC patients (including 162 followed up cases) and 311 mean age, gender and ethnicity matched controls for TNFA -308G>A, NFkB1 -94ATTG ins/del and NFKBIA (-826C>T and 3’UTRA>G) polymorphisms using PCR alone or followed by RFLP and TaqMan assay.

Results

TNFA-308GA genotype was associated with increased risk of ESCC specifically in females and in patients with regional lymph node involvement, while, NFKBIA -826CT+TT genotype conferred decreased risk of ESCC in females. Haplotypes of NFKBIA -826C>T and 3’UTRA>G polymorphisms, C_-826G₃’_UTR and T_-826A₃’_UTR, were associated with reduced risk of ESCC. No independent role of NFkB1 -94ATTG ins/del polymorphism in susceptibility of ESCC was found. Multi-dimensionality reduction analysis showed three factor model TNFA-308, NFKBIA-826, NFKBIA 3’UTR as better predictor for risk of ESCC. Furthermore, combined risk genotype analysis of all studied polymorphisms showed increased risk of ESCC in patients with 1-3 risk genotype compared to ‘0’ risk genotype. Survival analysis did not show any significant prognostic effect of studied polymorphisms. However, in stepwise multivariate analysis, metastasis was found to be independent prognostic predictor of ESCC patients.

Conclusion

TNFA-308 and NFKBIA (-826C>T and 3’UTRA>G) polymorphisms may play role in susceptibility but not in prognosis of ESCC patients in northern Indian population.

The interleukin 10 -819C/T polymorphism and cancer risk: a HuGE review and meta-analysis of 73 studies including 15,942 cases and 22,336 controls

The aim of the present work was to perform a meta-analysis to evaluate the association between the interleukin 10 (IL-10) -819C/T (rs1800871) polymorphism and cancer risk. A total of 73 studies, including 15,942 cancer cases and 22,336 controls, were identified in this meta-analysis. The odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using the random-effects model. Overall, no significant association was identified between the IL-10 -819C/T polymorphism and cancer risk. In the subgroup analyses, the T allele and TT genotype were associated with a moderately reduced cancer risk in the Asian population (T allele vs. C allele: OR=0.93, 95%CI: 0.87, 0.99; TT vs. CC: OR=0.86, 95%CI: 0.76, 0.98; TT vs. CT/CC: OR=0.90, 95%CI: 0.82, 0.98). Individuals who were homozygous for the T allele (TT) were found to be associated with significantly reduced gastric cancer risk in the Asian population. The heterozygous variant (CT) and the dominant model (TT/CT vs. CC) were associated with an increased risk for cervical and ovarian cancer. However, the IL-10 -819C/T polymorphism was not significantly associated with breast cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, prostate cancer, lymphoma, or melanoma. The depressed cancer risk of the TT genotype occurred in the studies of hospital-based case-control studies and the studies recruited less than 500 subjects, but no statistically significant results were found in the stratified analyses using genotyping method. The results suggest that the IL-10 -819TT genotype may be a protective factor for cancer in Asians, especially gastric cancer. In contrast, the CT genotype and the dominant model could be risk factors for cervical and ovarian cancer. The importance of stratifying by ethnicity, cancer type, study design, and sample size needs to be standardized in future studies, together with considering the association between the IL-10 -819C/T polymorphism and cancer risk. Furthermore, the linkage of -819C/T with other polymorphisms of the IL-10 gene may help explain the variability in findings.

Tumor necrosis factor alpha rs1800629 polymorphism and risk of cervical lesions: a meta-analysis

Background

Tumor necrosis factor- alpha (TNF-α) is an inflammatory cytokine which may play important role on the immune response may control the progression of cervical lesions. There is a possible association between TNF-α rs1800629 G/A polymorphism and cervical lesions, but previous studies report conflicting results. We performed a meta-analysis to comprehensively assess the association between TNF-α rs1800629 polymorphism and cervical lesions risk.

Methods

Literature searches of Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, and Wanfang databases were performed for all publications on the association between TNF-α rs1800629 polymorphism and cervical lesions through December 15, 2012. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) with their 95% confidence interval (95%CIs) were calculated to assess the strength of the association.

Results

Twenty individual case-control studies from 19 publications with a total of 4,146 cases and 4,731 controls were finally included into the meta-analysis. Overall, TNF-α rs1800629 polymorphism was significantly associated with increased risk of cervical lesions under two main genetic comparison models (For A versus G: OR 1.22, 95%CI 1.04–1.44, P = 0.017; for AA versus GG: OR 1.32, 95%CI 1.02–1.71, P = 0.034). Subgroup analysis by ethnicity further showed that there was a significant association between TNF-α rs1800629 polymorphism and increased risk of cervical lesions in Caucasians but not in Asians. Subgroup analysis by the types of cervical lesions showed that there was a significant association between TNF-α rs1800629 polymorphism and increased risk of cervical cancer (For A versus G: OR 1.24, 95%CI 1.05–1.47, P = 0.011; for AA versus GG: OR 1.31, 95%CI 1.01–1.70, P = 0.043; for AA/GA versus GG: OR 1.25, 95%CI 1.01–1.54, P = 0.039).

Conclusion

The meta-analysis suggests that TNF-α rs1800629 polymorphism is associated with increased risk of cervical lesions, especially in Caucasians.

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.

Genetic susceptibility of cervical cancer

Epidemiological and laboratory-based studies have identified infection with one of 15 high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) types as a necessary but not sufficient cause of cervical cancer. The prevalence of genital HPV infections is high in young women, but most of the infections regress without interventions. Host genetic variations in genes involved in immune response pathways may be related to HPV clearance, and HPV E6/E7 oncoproteins interacting or downstream genes, both coding and non-coding, may contribute to the outcome of high risk HPV infection and cervical cancer. Of specific interest for this review has been the selection of genetic variants in genes involved in the above-referred pathways with a summary of their applications in association studies. Because the supportive and opposing data have been reported in different populations, well-designed international collaborative studies need to be conducted to define the consistency of the associations, paving the way to better define the patients at high risk of developing cervical cancer.

A systemic assessment of the association between tumor necrosis factor alpha 308 G/A polymorphism and risk of cervical cancer

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) is a multifunctional cytokine which plays an important role in the human immune response against various pathogens, and there may be a relationship between TNF-α 308 G/A polymorphism and cervical cancer risk. We performed a meta-analysis to get a systemic assessment of the association between TNF-α 308 G/A polymorphism and cervical cancer risk. Electronic searches of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were performed for all publications on the association between TNF-α 308 G/A polymorphism and cervical cancer risk through October 26, 2012. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) with their 95 % confidence interval (95 % CIs) were calculated to assess the association. Fifteen studies with a total of 3,743 cervical cancer cases and 4,096 controls were finally included into the meta-analysis. Overall, TNF-α 308 G/A polymorphism was significantly associated with increased risk of cervical cancer under three main genetic comparison models (A vs. G, OR 1.20, 95 % CI 1.02-1.42, P=0.03; AA vs. GG, OR 1.31, 95 % CI 1.00-1.72, P=0.048; AA vs. GG/GA, OR 1.30, 95 % CI 1.00-1.71, P=0.05). Subgroup analysis by ethnicity further showed that there was a significant association between TNF-α 308 G/A polymorphism and increased risk of cervical cancer in Asians (AA vs. GG, OR 1.83, 95 % CI 1.05-3.20, P=0.034; AA vs. GG/GA, OR 1.84, 95 % CI 1.05-3.22, P=0.032). The meta-analysis suggests that TNF-α 308 G/A polymorphism is associated with increased risk of cervical cancer, and TNF-α 308 G/A mutant allele A is a risk factor of cervical cancer.

Interleukin 10 Polymorphisms and Cervical Cancer Risk: A Meta-Analysis

Background

A debate exists about whether interleukin 10 (IL-10) polymorphisms (IL-10−1082G/A and IL-10−592C/A) confer additional risk for cervical cancer. To derive a more precise estimation of the relationship between IL-10 polymorphisms and cervical cancer risk, we conducted a meta-analysis of all available studies relating the −1082G/A and −592C/A polymorphisms of the IL-10 gene to the risk of developing cervical cancer.

Methods

Eight studies were eligible for IL-10 −1082G/A (1498 cases and 1608 controls), and 5 studies were eligible for IL-10 −592C/A (2396 cases and 1388 controls). Pooled odds ratios (ORs) were appropriately derived from fixed-effects or random-effects models. Subgroup analyses were performed by ethnicity and Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in the controls.

Results

In the overall analysis, no significant association between the IL-10−1082G/A polymorphism and the risk of cervical cancer was observed. In the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, IL-10 −1082A allele was associated with decreased cervical cancer susceptibility among whites (A vs G: OR, 0.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.32–0.47). Studies with controls deviated from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium showed an evident association in dominant model (GA/AA vs GG: OR, 1.73 [95% CI, 1.04–2.89]). On the other hand, with respect to −592C/A polymorphism, significantly elevated cervical cancer risk was found in the overall analysis (A vs C: OR, 1.16 [95% CI, 1.04–1.31]; AA vs CC: OR, 1.36 [95% CI, 1.00–1.84]; CA/AA vs CC: OR, 1.18 [95% CI, 1.01–1.39]; AA vs CC/CA: OR, 1.25 [95% CI, 1.01–1.55]). Stratified analysis indicated that significantly increased risks were also found among Asians in the allelic model (A vs C: OR, 1.23 [95% CI, 1.01–1.49]).

Conclusions

Interleukin 10−1082 G/A polymorphism showed no effect on cervical cancer risk in the overall analysis. The genetic polymorphism in IL-10−592C/A is a risk factor for developing cervical cancer, especially for Asians.

TNF-alpha rs1800629 polymorphism is not associated with HPV infection or cervical cancer in the Chinese population

Background

While HPV infection is the main cause of cervical cancer, genetic susceptibility to HPV infection is not well understood. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), involved in the defense against HPV infection, plays an important role in cervical cancer progression and regression. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the TNF-alpha rs1800629 polymorphism and risk of HPV infection or cervical cancer.

Methods

Three groups were involved in this study of Chinese women. Group 1 consisted of 285 high risk HPV positive cervical cancer patients, Group 2, 225 high risk HPV positive patients without cervical cancer, and Group 3, 318 HPV negative women with no cervical cancer. Blood samples were obtained from all patients and genotyped by PCR-RLFP. Fifty randomly selected samples were further sequenced.

Results

The allele and genotype distributions of the TNF-alpha rs1800629 polymorphism were not significantly different between each of the groups (P>0.05). There are no significant relationship between rs1800629 polymorphism and high risk HPV infection (OR  = 0.649, 95% CI: 0.253–1.670, P = 0.371), cervical cancer (OR  = 0.993, 95% CI: 0.376–2.618, P = 0.988), or cervical cancer with HPV infection (OR  = 0.663, 95% CI: 0.250–1.758, P = 0.409).

Conclusions

We demonstrated that there is no association between TNF rs1800629 polymorphism and the HPV infection, or cervical cancer with HPV infection.

Characterization of Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms in the Tumor Necrosis Factor α Promoter Region and in Lymphotoxin α in Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions, Precursors of Cervical Cancer

Development of cervical cancer is a long process of abnormal cancerous cell growth in the cervix and is primarily the result of infection with specific high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV). The cytokines tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and lymphotoxin α (LTA) have an important role in all stages of cervical cancer and have the ability to induce the regression or promote the development of human tumors. Biologically important single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) occur within the TNFα and LTA genes. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the SNPs in the TNFα promoter region (-163, -238, -244, -308, -376, -857, -863, and -1031) and in the first intron of LTA (+252) in women with precursor lesions of cervical cancer. Overall, we studied 396 women from Mexico City. A total of 191 patients with HPV infection and precursor cervical lesions were subdivided in two groups: those with low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (n = 132) and those with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (n = 59). Women (n = 205) negative for HPV and without cervical lesions were also included in the study. DNA was extracted from peripheral white blood cells and from cervical samples, and detection of biallelic polymorphisms of TNFα and LTA was performed using the polymerase chain reaction-sequence-specific oligonucleotide probe and restriction fragment length polymorphism techniques, respectively. We demonstrated that risk is associated with the genotype G/A (odds ratio = 2.48) and that protection is associated with the genotype G/G of SNP TNFα -376 (odds ratio = 0.37).

Effect of thymosin alpha-1 on subpopulations of Th1, Th2, Th17, and regulatory T cells (Tregs) in vitro

Thymosin alpha 1 (Tα1) has been shown to have beneficial effects on numerous immune system parameters, but little is known about the effects of Tα1 on patients with gastric carcinoma. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of Tα1 on subpopulations of Th1, Th2, Th17, and regulatory T cells (Tregs) in vitro, and to evaluate its efficacy as an immunoregulatory factor in patients with gastric carcinoma. We compared the effect of Tα1 on the frequency of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, especially the CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Tregs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from gastric carcinoma patients (N = 35) and healthy donors (N = 22). We also analyzed the changes in the proliferation of PBMCs in response to treatment with Tα1, and examined the production of Th1, Th2, and Th17 cytokines by PBMCs and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. The treatment of PBMCs from gastric cancer patients, with Tα1 (50 µg/mL) alone increased the percentage of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ (suppressive antitumor-specific Tregs) from 1.68 ± 0.697 to 2.19 ± 0.795% (P < 0.05). Our results indicate that Tα1 increases the percentage of Tregs and IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 in vitro.