Polymorphisms of interleukin-1 and interleukin-2 genes in patients with gastric cancer in Korea

Interaction between high interleukin-2 and high cortisol levels is associated with psychopathology in patients with chronic schizophrenia

BACKGROUND

Both cortisol and interleukins appear at abnormal levels in schizophrenia. Our previous study has shown that cortisol and interleukins are associated with psychopathology and response to antipsychotic medications in a relatively small sample size of patients with schizophrenia. The current study was designed to investigate how cortisol, interleukins (ILs) and their interactions would correlate with clinical presentation in a relatively large sample size of patients with schizophrenia.

METHODS

We compared serum cortisol, IL-2, IL-6, and IL-8 levels in 162 medicated schizophrenia patients (including 27 patients in remission) and 62 healthy controls. Serum levels of cortisol and interleukins were measured by radioimmunoassay and quantitative ELISA, respectively. Clinical symptoms were assessed according to the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS).

RESULTS

Patients with schizophrenia had significantly higher levels of cortisol and IL-2 compared to controls. Patients in remission had higher levels of IL-6 than non-remitting patients. PANSS positive symptoms, general psychopathology, cortisol and IL-2 were the most central nodes in the cortisol-IL-symptom network. The interaction between cortisol and IL-2 was associated with PANSS positive symptoms, general psychopathology and depressive factor. For patients with cortisol level above the median, IL-2 was negatively associated with PANSS positive symptoms and general psychopathology.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicated that the interaction between cytokines and cortisol may be associated with the pathophysiology of some symptoms in chronic schizophrenia. In particular, the interaction between cortisol and IL-2 is associated with the clinical phenotypes of schizophrenia.

Role of Interleukins and New Perspectives in Mechanisms of Resistance to Chemotherapy in Gastric Cancer

Gastric cancer (GC) is the fourth most common cancer in the world in terms of incidence and second in terms of mortality. Chemotherapy is the main treatment for GC. The greatest challenge and major cause of GC treatment failure is resistance to chemotherapy. As such, research is ongoing into molecular evaluation, investigating mechanisms, and screening therapeutic targets. Several mechanisms related to both the tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME) are involved in resistance to chemotherapy. TME promotes the secretion of various inflammatory cytokines. Recent studies have revealed that inflammatory cytokines affect not only tumor growth, but also chemoresistance. Cytokines in TME can be detected in blood circulation and TME cells. Inflammatory cytokines could serve as potential biomarkers in the assessment of chemoresistance and influence the management of therapeutics in GC. This review presents recent data concerning research on inflammatory cytokines involved in the mechanisms of chemoresistance and provides new clues in GC treatment.

The Influence of Interleukin-2 Gene Polymorphisms on the Risk and Clinical Outcome of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Polymorphisms in the IL-2 gene are associated with various diseases and cancers including non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). The aim of the study is to assess the impact of IL-2 genetic polymorphisms [- 330 T/G (rs2069762) and + 114 T/G (rs2069763)] on the susceptibility and prognosis of NHL. Sixty patients with NHL as well as 60 age and sex matched healthy control subjects are included in this study. IL-2 genotypes were determined by Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment length Polymorphism assay (PCR-RFLP). Our study revealed that both IL-2 rs2069762 and rs2069763 gene polymorphisms are associated with increased risk of developing NHL; OR = 3.609 (95% CI = 1.527-8.417) and 4.142 (95% CI = 1.637-10.538) respectively. Moreover, the simultaneous presence of both polymorphisms is associated with about 6 fold increased risk of developing NHL. Also, IL-2 rs2069762 and rs2069763 gene polymorphisms increase the risk of unfavorable prognosis with OR = 17.300 (95% CI = 3.392-87.725) and 10.424(95% CI = 1.870-58.413) respectively. These findings suggest that IL-2 (rs2069762) and (rs2069763) gene polymorphisms could be involved in the development of NHL.

Polymorphism in the IL-1β promoter is associated with IgG antibody response to circumsporozoite protein repeats of Plasmodium vivax

BACKGROUND

It is well established that infection by Plasmodium vivax is a result of host-parasite interactions. In the present study, association with the IL1/IL2 cytokine profiles, anticircumsporozoite protein antibody levels and parasitic loads was evaluated in individuals naturally infected with P. vivax in an endemic area of the Brazilian Amazon.

METHODS

Molecular diagnosis of P. vivax and variants was performed using the PCR-RFLP method and IL1B -511C>T, IL2 -330T>G and IL2+114T>G polymorphisms were identified using PCR-RFLP and allele-specific PCR. IL-1β and IL-2 cytokine levels were detected by flow cytometry and circumsporozoite protein (CSP) antibodies were measured by ELISA.

RESULTS

Three variants of P. vivax CSP were identified and VK247 was found to be the most frequent. However, the prevalence and magnitude of IgG antibodies were higher for the VK210 variant. Furthermore, the antibody response to the CSP variants was not associated with the presence of the variant in the infection. Significant differences were observed between the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) -511T>C in the IL1B gene and levels of antibodies to the VK247 and P. vivax-like variants, but there were no associations between SNPs in IL1 and IL2 genes and their plasma products.

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals with the rs16944 CC genotype in the IL1β gene have higher antibody levels to the CSP of P. vivax of VK247 and P. vivax-like variants.

Occurrence of Interleukin-2 (330 G/T) Promoter Polymorphism in ARV associated hepatotoxicity

BACKGROUND

IL-2 cytokine is involved in HIV replication and is also known to cause hepatic injury. Polymorphisms in the IL-2 gene are associated with altered interleukin-2 production.

METHODS

Hence, we assessed the prevalence of IL-2-303G/T polymorphism in 165 HIV patients (34 with and 131without hepatotoxicity) and 155 healthy controls using the PCR-RFLP method.

RESULTS

In patients with hepatotoxicity, IL-2-303GT, -303GT+TT genotypes were less prevalent as compared to without hepatotoxicity and healthy controls (29.4% vs. 42.7%, 58.8% vs. 69.5%; 29.4% vs. 40.6%, 58.8% vs. 66.5%, respectively). In patients with hepatotoxicity using tobacco and alcohol, IL-2-303GT,-303TT genotypes were distributed higher as compared to non-users (42.9% vs. 25.9%, OR=8.52, 42.9% vs. 25.9%, OR=9.09, and 28.6% vs. 29.6%, OR=1.63, 42.9% vs. 25.9%, OR=2.93), while IL-2-303TT genotype occurred more often in HIV patients consuming alcohol (34.1% vs. 23.0%). Nevirapine users with hepatotoxicity overrepresented the IL-2-303GT,-303TT genotypes as compared to efavirenz (34.8% vs. 18.2%, OR=4.64, 34.8% vs. 18.2%, OR=3.88). Among nevirapine users, IL-2-303GT genotype was associated with susceptibility to the acquisition of hepatotoxicity with borderline significance (OR=4.24, P=0.06). HIV patients using nevirapine majorly represented the IL-2-303TT genotype (26.9% vs. 25.0%, OR=2.35) while HIV patients with nevirapine + alcohol usage presented the IL-2 -330TT genotype at a higher frequency (34.2%% vs. 23.5%, OR=1.51). In patients with hepatotoxicity using nevirapine + alcohol, the genotype IL-2 - 330TT was predominant (60.0% vs. 27.8%, OR=3.16).

CONCLUSION

Thus, IL-2-303G/T polymorphism did not confer the susceptibility to ARV associated hepatotoxicity. However, IL-2-303G/T polymorphism with nevirapine usage may facilitate the risk for acquisition of ARV associated hepatotoxicity.

The Role of Host Genetic Polymorphisms in Helicobacter pylori Mediated Disease Outcome

The clinical outcome of infection with the chronic gastric pathogen Helicobacter pylori is not the same for all individuals and also differs in different ethnic groups. Infection occurs in early life (<3 years of age), and while all infected persons mount an immune response and develop gastritis, the majority of individuals are asymptomatic. However, up to 10-15% develop duodenal ulceration, up to 1% develop gastric cancer (GC) and up to 0.1% can develop gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. The initial immune response fails to clear infection and H. pylori can persist for decades. H. pylori has been classified as a group one carcinogen by the WHO. Interestingly, development of duodenal ulceration protects against GC. Factors that determine the outcome of infection include the genotype of the infecting strains and the environment. Host genetic polymorphisms have also been identified as factors that play a role in mediating the clinical outcome of infection. Several studies present compelling evidence that polymorphisms in genes involved in the immune response such as pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines and pathogen recognition receptors (PRRs) play a role in modulating disease outcome. However, as the number of studies grows emerging confounding factors are small sample size and lack of appropriate controls, lack of consideration of environmental and bacterial factors and ethnicity of the population. This chapter is a review of current evidence that host genetic polymorphisms play a role in mediating persistent H. pylori infection and the consequences of the subsequent inflammatory response.

Helicobacter pylori and cytokine gene variants as predictors of premalignant gastric lesions

Gastric cancer remains the third leading cause of mortality from cancer worldwide and carries a poor prognosis, due largely to late diagnosis. The importance of the interaction between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, the main risk factor, and host-related genetic factors has been studied intensively in recent years. The genetic predisposition for non-hereditary gastric cancer is difficult to assess, as neither the real prevalence of premalignant gastric lesions in various populations nor the environmental risk factors for cancer progression are clearly defined. For non-cardiac intestinal-type cancer, identifying the factors that modulate the progression from inflammation toward cancer is crucial in order to develop preventive strategies. The role of cytokines and their gene variants has been questioned in regard to non-self-limiting H. pylori gastritis and its evolution to gastric atrophy and intestinal metaplasia; the literature now includes various and non-conclusive results on this topic. The influence of the majority of cytokine single nucleotide polymorphisms has been investigated for gastric cancer but not for preneoplastic gastric lesions. Among the investigated gene variants onlyIL10T-819C, IL-8-251, IL-18RAP917997, IL-22 rs1179251, IL1-B-511, IL1-B-3954, IL4R-398 and IL1RN were identified as predictors for premalignant gastric lesions risk. One of the most important limiting factors is the inhomogeneity of the studies (e.g., the lack of data on concomitant H. pylori infection, methods used to assess preneoplastic lesions, and source population). Testing the modifying effect of H. pylori infection upon the relationship between cytokine gene variants and premalignant gastric lesions, or even testing the interaction between H. pylori and cytokine gene variants in multivariable models adjusted for potential covariates, could increase generalizability of results.

Association of -330 interleukin-2 gene polymorphism with oral cancer

Background & objectives

Cytokines play an important role in the development of cancer. Several single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of cytokine genes have been reported to be associated with the development and severity of inflammatory diseases and cancer predisposition. This study was undertaken to evaluate a possible association of interleukin 2 (IL-2) (- 330A>C) gene polymorphisms with the susceptibility to oral cancer.

Methods

The SNP in IL-2 (-330A>C) gene was genotyped in 300 oral cancer patients and in similar number of healthy volunteers by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism and the association of the gene with the disease was evaluated.

Results

IL-2 (-330A>C) gene polymorphism was significantly associated with oral cancer whereas it was neither associated with clinicopathological status nor with cancer pain. The AC heterozygous genotype was significantly associated with oral cancer patients as compared to controls [odds ratio (OR): 3.0; confidence interval (CI): 2.14-4.20; P<0.001]. The C allele frequency was also significantly associated with oral cancer (OR: 1.80; CI: 1.39-2.33; P<0.001). IL-2 (-330A>C) gene polymorphism was also associated with oral cancer in tobacco smokers and chewers.

Interpretation & conclusions

Our results showed that oral cancer patients had significantly higher frequency of AA genotype but significantly lower frequency of AC genotype and C allele compared to controls. The IL-2 AC genotype and C allele of IL-2 (-330A>C) gene polymorphisms could be potential protective factors and might reduce the risk of oral cancer in Indian population.

Association of Interleukin-1 beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha genetic polymorphisms with gastric cancer in India

Interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) and Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) are key inflammatory cytokines whose polymorphisms have been correlated with increased susceptibility to gastric cancer (GC). Since geographical and racial differences exist in cancer rates, our study was aimed to evaluate the first possible association of polymorphisms in these genes with GC risk in West Bengal, India. Polymorphisms in IL-1β and TNF-α genes were genotyped in 120 GC patients and 135 healthy individuals. Combined effect of the SNPs in both genes with GC risk was determined through allele dosage analysis (ADA) and the survival data were analyzed by Log Rank Test. The study results revealed that IL-1β rs1143627: T > C, rs16944: C > T (p = 0.001;OR = 1.85; 95% CI 1.30-2.63) and rs1143633: G > A (p < 0.0001; OR = 2.53; 95% CI 1.67-3.83) and TNF-α rs1800630: C > A, rs1799964: T > C (p < 0.0001; OR = 2.31; 95% CI 1.54-3.46) polymorphisms significantly contributed toward GC risk. Moreover, ADA showed that carriage of 7 "effective" risk alleles conferred a risk of almost 10-fold in comparison to individuals carrying less than 3 "effective" risk alleles. Our survival analysis also indicated a significant association between IL-1β rs1143627: T > C and rs16944: C > T and patient survivability. The presence of H. pylori enhanced the risk in individuals with IL-1β rs1143627:CC and rs16944:TT genotypes. Further, meta-analysis revealed significant association of IL-1β rs1143627: T > C (p = 0.026; OR = 4.165; 95% CI 1.18-14.65) and rs16944: C > T (p = 0.01; OR = 5.49; 95% CI 1.48-20.37) in presence of H. pylori with gastric cancer in Asian population though no significant difference (p > 0.05) was found when compared to absence of H. pylori Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 59:653-667, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Genetic variants in gastric cancer: Risks and clinical implications

Cancer is a multifactorial disease that involves many molecular alterations. Gastric cancer (GC) is the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide. GC is a highly heterogeneous disease with different molecular and genetics features. Therefore, this review focuses on an overview of the genetic aspects of gastric cancer by highlighting the important impact and role of deletions and/or duplications of chromosomal segments, genomic variants, H. pylori infection and interleukin variants, as found in gene expression and newly proposed molecular classification studies. The challenge is to better understand the mechanisms and different pathways that lead to the development and progression of GC.

Polymorphisms and haplotypes of the interleukin 2 gene are associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer. The possible involvement of Helicobacter pylori

Interleukin 2 (IL-2) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that is mainly synthesized by immunoregulatory T helper cells and which plays an important role in antitumor immunity. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a gram-negative bacterium that colonizes the gastric mucosa and induces the production of IL-2. This process increases the magnitude of inflammation and may influence the development of gastric pathologies. In light of the possible involvement of IL-2 and the presence of H. pylori in gastric diseases, this study investigated possible associations between the IL-2 polymorphisms +114 T>G (rs2069763) and -330 T>G (rs2069762) and the development of gastric cancer; these associations were then correlated with the presence of H. pylori. Gastric biopsies were obtained from 294 dyspeptic patients (173♀/123♂). Of these samples, 181 were chronic gastritis samples (102♀/79), 62 were samples of intact gastric mucosa (47♀/15♂), and 51 were samples of gastric cancer (22♀/29♂). PCR-RFLP was used to characterize the +114 T>G and -330 T>G polymorphisms. Considering the genetic characteristics of the study population and based on the codominant model, a high risk of gastric cancer among patients with normal gastric tissue and patients with gastric cancer was found in subjects with the IL-2-330 GG genotype (OR=6.43, 95% CI: 1.47-28.10, p=0.044). The data was adjusted for the presence of H. pylori. Among patients with gastritis and patients with gastric cancer, a high risk was found among subjects with the IL-2-330 GG genotype (OR=4.47, 95% CI: 1.84-10.84, p=0.0022). When the IL-2 +114 polymorphism was analyzed, similar results were found. Among the patients with normal gastric tissue and the patients with gastric cancer, subjects carrying the +114 TT genotype were found to be at a high risk of gastric cancer (OR=5.97, 95% CI: 1.60-22.27, p=0.013). This data was also adjusted for the presence of H. pylori. Among patients with gastritis and patients with gastric cancer, a high risk was found in subjects carrying the +114 TT genotype (OR=6.36, 95% CI: 2.66-15.21, p<0.0001). The haplotype was also analyzed. The -330G/+114T haplotype was found to be significantly associated with gastric cancer. Therefore, our results show that, among patients with H. pylori infection, the -330 GG and +114 TT genotypes are significantly associated with a high risk of developing gastric cancer, as is the -330G/+114T haplotype.

The role of polymorphism of interleukin-2, -10, -13 and TNF-α genes in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma pathogenesis

INTRODUCTION

As the pathogenesis of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL) is not fully understood, inherited gene polymorphisms are considered to play a role in the development of lymphomas.

AIM

To investigate whether certain gene polymorphisms might be involved in the development of CTCL.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In the case-control study we compared the frequency of nine selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of seven genes (rs1800587/-889 C/T of interleukin (IL)-1α, rs2069762/-330G/T) and rs2069763/+166G/T of IL-2, rs1800925/-1112 C/T of IL-13, rs1800896/-1082 A/G of IL-10, rs4073/-251 A/T of IL-8, rs5370/K198N, rs180054/-1370T/G of endothelin-1 and rs1800629/-308 G/A of TNF-α) in 43 CTCL and Polish cases using the amplification refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction method.

RESULTS

We have found that two genotypes, -330GG of IL-2 and -1112TT of IL-13 both promoter variants associated with "hypertranscription phenotype", were over-represented in CTCL patients compared to healthy controls, and they increase the risk of malignancy development (OR = 5.82, p = 0.001 for IL-2 -330 GG, and OR = 5.67, p = 0.0024 for IL-13 -1112 TT). On the other hand, high transcription -308A allele of the TNF-α gene and -1082GG of IL-10 genotype is less frequent in lymphoma patients and has protective effects on the development of CTCL (OR = 0.45, p = 0.0466 for -308A of TNF-α, and OR = 0.35, p = 0.0329 for -1082GG of IL-10 genes).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that hypertranscription promoter variants of IL-2 and IL-13 genes could be estimated as the risk factor for development of CTCL, while TNF-α and IL-10 variants have a protective effect.

Different Pathophysiology of Gastritis in East and West? A Western Perspective

Background

Gastritis results from multifactorial gastric mucosal injury. Helicobacter pylori (Hp) is the main cause, and associated diseases have typical underlying patterns of gastritis. Gastric ulcer and gastric cancer (GC) develop from chronic atrophic corpus gastritis (CAG) which therefore represents the most important pattern. GC incidences in East Asia are substantially higher than elsewhere, and this should be also reflected by higher prevalences of CAG and characteristic differences in pathophysiology compared to the West.

Summary

The few available comparative studies of gastritis in Eastern and Western patients are summarized. The main pathogenic factors of gastritis are discussed together with their limitations to explain local differences in disease outcome. Emphasis was put to also include less well-established pathogenic host and environmental factors of possible impact.

Conclusions

CAG is more prevalent in East Asian areas with high GC incidences than the West. Geographic heterogeneity of associated diseases is due to differences in Hp prevalence and virulence as well as modulating host and environmental factors. The following may contribute to the higher burden of CAG in the East: ABD type of CagA with vacA s1 and babA2 alleles of Hp, host Lewis(b) expression in sej/sej nonsecretors, H. heilmannii, low parietal cell mass, high sodium and nitrate intake, preferences in vegetable and fruit consumption, cigarette smoking, air pollution, alcohol. Conversely, green tea, nonfermented soy products and rice may confer protective effects. Hp is on the decline, but also in a world cleared from this bacterium, differences in host genetics will continue to modify gastric disease outcome together with maintained customs as part of cultural diversity.

Association between two interleukin-2 gene polymorphisms and cancer susceptibility: a meta-analysis

Background

Several epidemiological studies have illustrated that polymorphisms in interleukin-2 (IL-2) were associated with diverse cancer types. However, recently published statistics were inconsistent and inconclusive. Therefore, the current meta-analysis was performed to elaborate the effects of IL-2 polymorphisms (rs2069762 and rs2069763) on cancer susceptibility.

Material and methods

A total of 5,601 cancer cases and 7,809 controls from 21 published case–control studies were enrolled in our meta-analysis. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated to assess the association between IL-2 polymorphisms and cancer susceptibility.

Results

Our study demonstrated an increased susceptibility to cancer in rs2069762 (G vs T: OR =1.268, 95% CI =1.113–1.445; GG vs TT: OR =1.801, 95% CI =1.289–2.516; GT vs TT: OR =1.250, 95% CI =1.061–1.473; GG + GT vs TT: OR =1.329, 95% CI =1.118–1.579; GG vs GT + TT: OR =1.536, 95% CI =1.162–2.030). In the subgroup analysis, increased susceptibility to cancer was identified in the hospital-based group and P_HWE<0.05 (P-value of the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium [HWE]) group. In addition, a positive association with cancer susceptibility was observed among both Chinese and non-Chinese. However, no relationship was detected between the rs2069763 polymorphism of IL-2 and cancer susceptibility.

Conclusion

To conclude, rs2069762 polymorphism of IL-2 contributed to an increased susceptibility to cancer, whereas no association was identified between rs2069763 polymorphism and cancer susceptibility. Further detailed studies are warranted to confirm our findings.

Clinical significance of IL-2 and IL-10 gene polymorphisms and serum levels in patients with basal-cell carcinoma

Materials & methods: Polymorphic variants of IL-2 gene (-330 T/G and +166 G/T), IL-10 gene (-1082 G/A and -819 C/T) and serum cytokines concentrations in the group of 179 patients with BCC and 173 controls were analyzed. Results: The presence of the IL-2 -330 GG genotype or IL-10 -1082 GA increased the risk of BCC (OR 3.68) (OR 3.07). IL-10 -1082 AA or GA and IL-2 -330 GG genotype increased the risk of BCC (OR 9.63). IL-2 serum levels were significantly lower (p < 0.0004) in BCC patients while IL-10 concentration was significantly higher (p < 0.00001). Conclusion: The polymorphisms in IL-2 and IL-10 genes may contribute to BCC susceptibility and influence the clinical course of BCC in polish population.

IL-2 -330T/G polymorphism and cancer risk: a meta-analysis

Purpose

Some studies have investigated the association of IL-2 -330T/G (rs2069762) polymorphism with cancer risk, but the previous results were conflicting and had relatively low statistical power. Thus, we performed a meta-analysis to derive a more precise estimation of the association between IL-2 -330T/G polymorphism and cancer risk.

Methods

A literature search was performed systematically using electronic databases. The odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to estimate the pooled effect.

Results

A total of ten studies including 3,060 cases and 3,435 controls were involved in this meta-analysis. The results indicated that IL-2 -330T/G polymorphism was significantly associated with cancer risk ([OR =2.03, 95% CI =1.40–2.95] for GG vs TT; [OR =1.37, 95% CI =1.11–1.69] for GT vs TT; [OR =1.46, 95% CI =1.18–1.81] for [GG + GT] vs TT; [OR =1.66, 95% CI =1.24–2.23] for GG vs [GT + TT]; and [OR =1.35, 95% CI =1.16–1.57] for G vs T). In the subgroup analysis according to cancer type, significant association was found in lymphoma ([OR =1.46, 95% CI =1.11–1.91] for GT vs TT; [OR =1.58, 95% CI =1.22–2.05] for [GG + GT] vs TT; [OR =1.84, 95% CI =1.22–2.77] for GG vs [GT + TT]) and other cancers, but not in gastric cancer. In the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, the significant risk was found among Asians, but not among Europeans.

Conclusion

This meta-analysis suggests that IL-2 -330T/G polymorphism has an increased risk of cancer in Asians. However, further detailed studies are still required to confirm our findings.

Effects of the interleukin-1β-511 C/T gene polymorphism on the risk of gastric cancer in the context of the relationship between race and H. pylori infection: a meta-analysis of 20,000 subjects

The interleukin (IL)-1β-511 C/T polymorphism has been shown to be functional and to contribute to the risk of gastric cancer. However, the relationship between the IL-1β-511 C/T polymorphism and gastric carcinogenesis remains inconclusive. A systematical electronic search was conducted of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases. A random and a fixed effects model were exploited to estimate summary odds ratios and 95 % confidence intervals. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were carried out with respect to ethnicity, quality assessment scores, control sources, genotyping methods, cancer histopathology and location, and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. A total of 45 studies containing 9,066 cases of gastric cancer and 11,192 control subjects satisfied the inclusion criteria. The IL-1β-511 C/T polymorphism was found to enhance the risk of stomach cancer for overall and HWE-satisfying studies. Asians showed a positive relationship in both the overall and HWE-satisfying groups, whereas Caucasians did not. Based on subgroup analysis, H. pylori infection and genotype analysis using PCR-RFLP methods increase the association between IL-1β-511 T allele carrier and risk of stomach cancer. A positive relationship was found between the IL-1β-511 C/T SNP and stomach carcinoma susceptibility, and the results suggest that Asian ethnicity, H. pylori infection and methodologically, PCR-RFLP genotyping strengthen this relationship. Reflecting on prevalence of H. pylori in Asian countries, additional studies on the IL-1β-511 C/T SNP in the context of ethnicity and H. pylori infection may provide key insights into the mechanism underlying gastric cancer carcinogenesis. It was found PCR-RFLP is the most reliable genotyping method, and thus, it is recommendable to adopt it to determine the presence of the IL-1β-511 C/T SNP.

Association of IL-2 polymorphisms and IL-2 serum levels with susceptibility to HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma in a Chinese Zhuang population

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is an immunoregulatory cytokine produced by T cells and plays an important role in antitumor immunity. Variations in the DNA sequence of the IL-2 gene may lead to altered cytokine production and/or activity, and thus modulate an individual's susceptibility to hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV-related HCC). To test this hypothesis, we investigated whether IL-2 gene polymorphisms and its serum levels are associated with HBV-related HCC in a Chinese population.

METHODS

The +114T/G and -384T/G polymorphisms in the IL-2 gene were examined in 115 cases of chronic hepatitis B (CHB), 67 cases of HBV-related liver cirrhosis (LC), 107 cases of HBV-related HCC, and 105 healthy controls by using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and DNA sequencing. The serum IL-2 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

We found that there were significant differences in the genotype and allele frequencies of the IL-2 gene +114T/G polymorphism between the HBV-related HCC patients and the healthy controls. The +114 TG and GG genotypes were associated with a significant increased HCC risk as compared with the TT genotype (OR=1.988, 95% CI, 1.034-3.480, P=0.009 for TG genotype, and OR=1.975, 95% CI, 1.012-3.341, P=0.013 for GG genotype, respectively). The +114 G allele was correlated with a significant increased HCC risk as compared with the T allele (OR=1.423, 95% CI, 1.023-1.975, P=0.031). In addition, we found significant decreased serum IL-2 in HBV-related HCC patients (288.6±177.1ng/L) compared with healthy controls (238.2±136.7ng/L) (t=2.32, P=0.021). Genotypes carrying the +114 G variant allele were associated with decreased serum IL-2 levels compared with the homozygous wild-type genotype in HBV-related HCC patients.

CONCLUSION

The results suggested that the IL-2 +114T/G polymorphism may contribute to increased HBV-related HCC risk through regulating the serum IL-2 levels. Further large and well-designed studies in diverse ethnic populations are needed to confirm our results.

Effect of interleukin-2 level and genetic variants on coronary artery disease

Inflammation plays important roles in the development of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease (CAD). Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a proinflammatory cytokine and induces proliferation of T cells. The aim of the study was to understand the effect of IL-2 on the development of CAD from genetic polymorphism perspective and serum level perspective. IL-2 -330T/G and +114T/G polymorphisms were tested in 692 CAD cases and 723 healthy controls. IL-2 expression of these two polymorphisms was compared. Serum level of IL-2 in CAD patients and controls was analyzed. Data showed that prevalence of IL-2 -330GG genotype was significantly increased in CAD than in controls (p = 5.1 × 10(-6)). Function analysis revealed that subjects carrying IL-2 -330GG genotype had higher serum level of IL-2 than those with TG or TT genotypes (p < 0.01). Serum level of IL-2 in the study subjects was further analyzed, and results showed that CAD patients had significantly increased IL-2 level than healthy controls (p < 0.01). Also, cases with three vessels affected were observed to have higher IL-2 level than cases with one vessel affected (p < 0.05). These data suggested IL-2 polymorphism could affect the susceptibility to CAD by elevating protein expression, and serum level of IL-2 may be closed correlated with the development and progression of this disease.

Cytokines, cytokine gene polymorphisms and Helicobacter pylori infection: Friend or foe?

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a flagellated, spiral-shaped, microaerophilic Gram-negative bacillus that colonises the gastric mucosa of more than 50% of the human population. Infection is a risk factor for gastritis, ulcer disease and stomach cancer. Immunity against H. pylori is mainly related to Th1/Th17 skewing, and the activation of regulatory T cells is the main strategy used to limit inflammatory responses, which can result in the pathogen persistence and can lead to chronic gastrointestinal diseases, including cancer. Furthermore, host genetic factors that affect cytokines may determine differences in the susceptibility to many diseases. In this review, we present the cytokine profiles and the main cytokine gene polymorphisms associated with resistance/susceptibility to H. pylori and discuss how such polymorphisms may influence infection/disease outcomes.

Differential association of RANTES-403 and IL-1B-1464 polymorphisms on histological subtypes in male Korean patients with gastric cancer

The aims of this study were to elucidate the association between RANTES-403 and an increased risk of gastric cancer in Korean males and to investigate the gene-gene interaction between IL-1B and RANTES. In total, 218 male patients with gastric cancer (114 diffuse types, 97 intestinal types, and 7 mixed types) and 377 male controls were included. RANTES-403 was genotyped, and age-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated by logistic regression. A multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) test with three-way split interval validation confirmed by likelihood ratio and permutation analysis was carried out. A significant increase in the risk of gastric cancer for the intestinal-type group was observed for IL-1B-1464G carriers (OR = 2.535; 95% CI = 1.121-5.732; P = 0.02) as well as for those with IL-1B-1464 CG (OR = 2.342; 95% CI = 0.998-5.500; P = 0.05) or IL-1B-1464 GG (OR = 2.819; 95% CI = 1.170-6.793; P = 0.02). For the RANTES-403 genotype, there was no significant difference in the risk of gastric cancer between the overall gastric cancer and the control groups. When further stratified according to histological types, RANTES-403A carriers (OR = 1.743; 95% CI = 1.086-2.798; P = 0.021) or heterozygotes (OR = 1.791; 95% CI = 1.092-2.935; P = 0.021) showed increased risk for developing diffuse-type gastric cancer. MDR revealed a three-way locus-locus interaction between RANTES-403AA, IL-1B-1464GG, and IL-1B-511CT for diffuse-type gastric cancer in Korean males. We demonstrated that RANTES-403 was significantly associated with the risk of developing diffuse-type gastric cancer in men and found a possible gene-gene interaction between RANTES and IL-1B polymorphisms in gastric cancer carcinogenesis.

Genotyping of IL-8-251 T > A yields prognostic information in patients with gastric carcinoma

This study was designed to investigate the association of the IL-8-251 T > A gene polymorphism with clinicopathological features and the prognostic role of the gene polymorphism in patients with gastric adenocarcinoma. The gene polymorphism was detected by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method, followed by univariate and multivariate analyses to elicit its prognostic role. The frequency of IL-8-251 A/A, A/T and T/T genotypes were 11.0% (23/210), 43.8% (92/210) and 45.2% (95/210), respectively. The IL-8-251 gene polymorphism was closely correlated with depth of invasion (p = 0.007), grade of differentiation (p = 0.002) and TNM stage (p = 0.009). A/A genotype carriers showed more frequency of serosa involvement, low grade of differentiation and advanced stage of gastric carcinoma. IL-8-251 T > A gene polymorphism have no significant correlation with other clinicopathological features. The 5-year overall survival of IL-8-251 A/A genotype and T allele carriers were 30.8% and 59.2%, respectively. There is a significant discrepancy among the different genotype carriers. Multivariate analysis with the Cox regression model revealed that the IL-8-251 A/A genotype is an independent prognostic indicator (HR = 2.285, 95% Confidence Interval = 1.06-4.93, p = 0.035). We conclude that the IL-8-251 A/A genotype may indicate a poor prognosis for gastric adenocarcinoma patients.

Systematic review and meta-analysis on the association between IL-1B polymorphisms and cancer risk

BACKGROUND

Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, is emerging as a key mediator of carcinogenesis that characterizes host-environment interactions. Epidemiological studies investigating the association between two polymorphisms of IL-1B (-511C/T and +3954C/T) and cancer susceptibility have shown conflicting results. The aim of this study is to derive a more precise estimation of the relationship.

METHODS

Related studies were identified through a systematic literature search of PubMed and Web of Science from their inception to September 15, 2012. Summary odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the IL-1B -511C/T and +3954C/T polymorphisms and cancer risk were calculated. Heterogeneity among studies and publication bias were also tested.

RESULTS

The meta-analysis included 91 case-control studies in 85 publications, 81 studies for the -511C/T (19547 cases and 23935 controls) and 26 studies for the +3954C/T polymorphisms (8083 cases and 9183). The pooled results indicated that IL-1B +3954C/T (dominant model: OR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.01-1.30) was significantly associated with increased overall cancer risk, especially among hospital-based case-control studies (dominant model: OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.02-1.66). As for -511C/T, we observed an inverse relationship in cervical cancer (dominant model: OR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.35-2.23) and hepatocellular carcinoma (dominant model: OR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.47-0.99). Moreover, -511C/T was associated with risk of specific subtypes of gastric carcinoma.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis suggested that both the IL-1B -511C/T and +3954C/T polymorphisms might modulate cancer susceptibility. Further well-designed studies based on larger sample sizes should be performed to confirm the findings.

Interleukin-2 gene polymorphisms and prognosis of breast cancer

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) plays a key role in the proliferation of T cells and natural killer cells. It has been reported that polymorphisms in the IL-2 gene are associated with various cancers. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of polymorphisms in the IL-2 gene on the development of breast cancer in the Chinese population. IL-2-330T/G and +114T/G polymorphisms were assessed in 638 breast cancer cases and 682 age-matched healthy controls. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test. Results showed that individuals with -330TG genotype and -330GG genotype had significantly increased susceptibility to breast cancer (Odds ratio [OR]=1.42, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.10-1.79, p=0.0021 and OR=2.26, 95%CI: 1.53-3.30, p<0.0001). The +114T/G polymorphism did not show any correlation with breast cancer. In addition, when analyzing the survival time of breast cancer patients with IL-2-330T/G polymorphism, cases with a -330G allele had significantly shorter survival time compared with wild-type patients (p=0.002). These results suggested that polymorphism in the IL-2 gene was associated with increased susceptibility to breast cancer and could be used as a prognostic marker for this malignancy.

Associations between interleukin-1 polymorphisms and gastric cancers among three ethnicities

AIM

To investigate the associations between interleukin (IL)-1B and IL-1RN polymorphisms and gastric cancers among the Tibet, Hui and Han ethnicities.

METHODS

Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood of 210, 205, and 202 healthy volunteers and from 155, 158, and 197 gastric cancer patients from the Tibet, Hui, and Han populations, respectively. Polymorphisms in IL-1B and IL-1RN were analyzed by denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography.

RESULTS

Carriers of the IL-1B-31 CC genotype had an increased risk of intestinal type gastric cancer [odds ratio (OR) = 2.17, P = 0.037] in the Tibet ethnicity. Carriers of the IL-1B 2/L genotype had an increased risk of both intestinal and diffuse types of gastric cancer (OR = 2.08, 2.31, P = 0.007, 0.016, respectively) in the Hui ethnicity. In the Han population, carriers of the IL-1B-31 CC, IL-1B-511CT, TT genotypes had increased risk of intestinal type gastric cancer (OR = 2.51, 2.74, 5.66, P = 0.005, 0.002, 0.000, respectively).

CONCLUSION

IL-1B and IL-RN genotypes may differentially contribute to gastric cancer among the Tibet, Hui, and Han ethnicities in the Qinghai area of China.

No association between IL-1β -31 C/T polymorphism and the risk of duodenal ulcer: a meta-analysis of 3793 subjects

The aim of this study was to perform a meta-analysis to investigate a more authentic association between IL-1β -31 C/T polymorphism and duodenal ulcer (DU). Systematic searches of electronic databases Embase, PubMed and Web of Science were performed. Study selection, data abstraction and study quality evaluation were independently conducted in duplicate. Statistical analyses were conducted using software Stata 11.0. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) were applied. Publication bias was tested by Begg's funnel plot and Egger's regression test. A total of 12 studies including 1151 cases and 2642 controls were included in our final meta-analysis. There was no evidence of significant association between IL-1β -31 C/T polymorphism and DU (allelic model: OR=0.96, 95%CI=0.86-1.07; additive model: OR=0.85, 95%CI=0.67-1.07; dominant model: OR=0.95, 95%CI=0.81-1.13; and recessive model: OR=0.95, 95%CI=0.79-1.15). Significant association was found in additive model for PB subgroup (OR=0.65, 95%CI=0.44-0.96) and recessive model for non-Asian subgroup (OR=0.72, 95%CI=0.52-0.99). In conclusion, our meta-analysis suggested that there was no evidence of significant association between IL-1β -31 C/T polymorphism and DU with or without Helicobacter pylori infection in overall population, whereas significant association was found by subgroup analyses which showed protective effect of C/C genotype against DU risk.

No association between IL-1β -511 C/T polymorphism and the risk of duodenal ulcer: a meta-analysis of 4667 subjects

Epidemiological studies have evaluated the association between IL-1β -511 C/T polymorphism and duodenal ulcer (DU) risk. However, the results remain conflicting. The aim of this study was to perform a meta-analysis to investigate a more authentic association between IL-1β -511 C/T polymorphism and DU. Systematic searches of electronic databases Embase, PubMed and Web of Science as well as hand searching of the references of identified articles and the meeting abstracts were performed. Study selection, data abstraction and study quality evaluation were independently conducted in duplicate. Statistical analyses were performed using software Stata 11.0. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were performed. Publication bias was tested by Begg's funnel plot and Egger's regression test. A total of 14 studies including 1887 cases and 2780 controls were included in our final meta-analysis. There was no evidence of significant association between IL-1β -511 C/T polymorphism and DU (for T allele vs. C allele: OR=0.93, 95% CI=0.82-1.06; for T/T vs. C/C: OR=0.83, 95% CI=0.64-1.08; for dominant model: OR=0.93, 95% CI=0.80-1.07; and for recessive model: OR=0.87, 95% CI=0.69-1.11). Significant association was found in all genetic models for the PB subgroup and sensitivity analyses. In conclusion, our meta-analysis suggests that there was no evidence of a significant association between IL-1β -511 C/T polymorphism and DU with or without Helicobacter pylori infection, whereas a significant association was found by sensitivity analyses which showed a protective effect of the T allele against DU risk.

The COX-2-1195AA Genotype Is Associated with Diffuse-Type Gastric Cancer in Korea

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The potential role of the cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 polymorphism has been reported in relation to the risk of gastrointestinal tract malignancies. Therefore, we investigated whether COX-2 polymorphisms are associated with the risk of gastric cancer (GC) in Korea, one of the areas with a high prevalence of this condition.

METHODS

We evaluated the genotypic frequencies of COX-2-765 and -1195 in 100 peptic ulcer patients, 100 GC patients, and 100 healthy controls. The polymorphisms of the COX-2-765 and -1195 genes were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphisms.

RESULTS

The frequencies of the COX-2-1195 GG, GA, and AA genotype were 20%, 60%, and 20% in intestinal-type GC and 8%, 48%, and 44% in diffuse-type GC, respectively (p=0.021). There were no significant differences in the frequency of COX-2-765 genotypes between intestinal-type GC and diffuse-type GC (p=0.603). Age- and sex-adjusted logistic regression analysis showed that the COX-2-1195 AA genotype was the independent risk factor of diffuse-type GC compared with the COX-2-1195 GG genotype (p=0.041; odds ratio, 6.22; 95% confidence interval, 1.077 to 35.870).

CONCLUSIONS

The COX-2-1195 AA genotype may render subjects more susceptible to diffuse-type GC.

Interleukin 2 gene polymorphisms are associated with non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is the most common hematologic malignancy worldwide. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) plays a key role in the proliferation of T cells and natural killer cells. It has been reported that polymorphisms in the IL-2 gene are associated with various cancers. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of polymorphisms in the IL-2 gene on the development of NHL in the Chinese population. IL-2-330T/G and +114T/G polymorphisms were detected by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism in 438 NHL cases and 482 age-matched healthy controls. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square test. Results showed that individuals with -330TG genotype or -330GG genotype had significantly increased susceptibility to NHL (Odds ratio [OR] = 1.40, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05-1.85, p = 0.020 and OR = 2.04, 95%CI: 1.28-3.24, p = 0.002). Meanwhile, the +114T/G polymorphism did not show any correlation with NHL. When analyzing the haplotypes of these two polymorphisms, the prevalence of -330G/+114T haplotype was significantly higher in NHL cases than in controls (OR = 1.45, 95%CI: 1.12-1.88, p = 0.005). These data indicate that IL-2 gene polymorphisms may be new risk factors for NHL.

Interleukin-1B and interleukin-1 RN polymorphisms and gastric carcinoma risk: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

We aimed to explore the role of interleukin (IL)-1B cluster gene polymorphisms at positions -511, -31, and +3954 and the receptor IL-1RN variable number tandem repeat polymorphisms in the susceptibility to gastric carcinoma through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

Each initially included article was scored for quality appraisal. The desirable data were extracted and registered into databases. Studies that deviated from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were excluded. Eighteen studies were ultimately eligible for the meta-analysis of IL1B-511, 21 studies for IL1B-31, 10 studies for IL1B+3954, and 20 studies for IL1RN variable number tandem repeat genetic polymorphisms, respectively. Original groups were collapsed and re-grouping was adopted in line with the most probably appropriate genetic models. Potential sources of heterogeneity were sought out via stratification and sensitivity analyses, and biases across studies were estimated.

RESULTS

The pooled odds ratios (95% confidence intervals, P-value) associated with IL-1B -511 T carriers versus CC genotypes and with RN *2 carriers versus L/L were 1.23 (1.04-1.45, P = 0.015) and 1.26 (1.06-1.51, P = 0.010), respectively, for overall gastric carcinoma; 1.31 (1.04-1.64, P = 0.020) and 1.47 (1.21-1.79, P = 0.000), respectively, for non-cardia gastric cancer; 1.55 (1.05-2.28, P = 0.026) and 1.66 (1.23-2.25, P = 0.001), respectively, for intestinal type gastric carcinoma; and 1.33 (1.04-1.71, P = 0.023) and 1.31 (1.07-1.61, P = 0.010), respectively, in Caucasians for overall gastric carcinoma. The pooled odds ratio (95% confidence interval, P-value) regarding IL-1B-31 CC plus TT versus CT was 0.73 (0.60-0.89, P = 0.002) for intestinal type gastric carcinoma. Genotyping methods and publication time could constitute the sources of heterogeneity across studies. Publication biases were not found.

CONCLUSION

IL-1B -511 T allele and IL-1 RN *2 VNTR are significantly associated with an increased risk of developing gastric carcinoma and even more significantly with non-cardia gastric carcinoma or with intestinal-type gastric carcinoma. Both are significantly associated with an increased risk of developing gastric carcinoma among Caucasians, but not among Asians or Hispanics.

Association of the interleukin-2 polymorphisms with interleukin-2 serum levels and risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is one of the most common cancers in southern China. In addition to environmental factors such as Epstein-Barr virus infection and chemical carcinogen exposure, genetic susceptibility has been reported to play a key role in the development of this disease. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is an immunoregulatory cytokine produced by T cells and plays an important role in antitumor immunity. Variations in the DNA sequence of the IL-2 gene may lead to altered cytokine production and/or activity, and thus modulate an individual's susceptibility to NPC. To test this hypothesis, we investigated whether IL-2 gene polymorphisms and its serum levels are associated with NPC in a Chinese population. We analyzed single-nucleotide polymorphisms of IL-2 gene -330 T/G and +114 T/G in 180 patients with NPC and 200 age- and sex-matched controls, using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism and DNA sequencing methods, and serum IL-2 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum IL-2 levels were decreased in patients with NPC compared with controls (p < 0.01). There were significant differences in the genotype and allele frequencies of IL-2 gene -330 T/G polymorphism between the group of patients with NPC and the control group (p < 0.05). Moreover, genotypes carrying the IL-2 -330 G variant allele were associated with decreased serum IL-2 levels compared with the homozygous wild-type genotype in patients with NPC. Carrying the IL-2 -330 G variant allele was associated with a decreased ability to produce IL-2, which may contribute to NPC susceptibility.

Influence of interleukin polymorphisms on development of gastric cancer and peptic ulcer

Pro-inflammatory cytokines are produced in the gastric mucosa by inflammatory cells activated by chronic Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. Polymorphisms of these cytokine genes are associated with individual differences in gastric mucosal cytokine mRNA level, which result in differences in gastric mucosal inflammation, acid inhibition and gastroduodenal disease risk in response to H. pylori infection. Although polymorphisms of interleukin (IL)-1B, IL-1RN and TNF-A have been reported to relate well with gastric cancer and peptic ulcer risk, those of IL-2, IL-4, IL-6 and IL-8 genes are unclear. In combined analyses using data from previous studies, we found that the risk of gastric non-cardia cancer development was significantly associated with IL-4-168 C allele (OR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.69-1.00) and IL-4-590 T allele carrier status (0.61, 0.53-0.73), and IL-6-174 G/G genotype (2.02, 1.31-3.10). In peptic ulcer development, IL-2-330 G and IL-4-590 T allele carriers had a significantly decreased risk (0.37, 0.27-0.50 and 0.58, 0.34-0.99, respectively). Moreover, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6 and IL-8 gene genotypes prevalence differs among populations. The inflammatory cytokine gene polymorphisms (e.g. IL-4-590 and IL-6-572 for gastric cancer, and IL-4-590, IL-6-572 and IL-8-251 for peptic ulcer) have a more potent influence on development of gastroduodenal diseases in Western than East Asian populations. These cytokine gene polymorphisms, as well as those of IL-1B, IL-1RN and TNF-A, may be used to identify groups at higher risk of gastric cancer and peptic ulcer, and those suitable for their prevention by H. pylori eradication therapy in Western populations.

Promoter polymorphisms of IL2, IL4, and risk of gastric cancer in a high-risk Chinese population

Interleukin 2 (IL2) is a typical Th1 cytokine, and interleukin 4 (IL4) is an inducible Th2 cytokine. These cytokines are critical mediators of the Th1/Th2 balance and apoptosis potential and involved in the process of inflammation-mediated carcinogenesis in human organs, including the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that functional variants in IL2 and IL4 were associated with risk of gastric cancer by genotyping two promoter polymorphisms in IL2 G-330T (rs2069762) and IL4 T-168C (rs2070874) in a case-control study of 1045 patients with incident gastric cancer and 1100 cancer-free controls in a high-risk Han Chinese population. We found that, compared with the IL4 -168TT genotype, heterozygous -168TC and combined -168TC/CC genotypes were associated with a significantly decreased gastric cancer risk [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 0.81, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.67-0.98 for -168TC; OR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.69-1.00 for -168TC/CC, respectively]. Furthermore, this significant protective effect was more evident for gastric cardia cancer patients (adjusted OR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.56-0.95 for -168TC/CC vs. -168TT). For IL2 G-330T, subjects carrying GT/TT genotypes also had a significantly reduced risk of gastric cardia cancer (adjusted OR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.46-0.99), compared with those carrying the GG genotype. Our results indicate that IL4 T-168C and IL2 G-330T promoter polymorphisms may contribute to the etiology of gastric cardia cancer in Chinese populations.

Analysis of external and internal interlibrary loan requests: aid in collection management

The analysis of 60,779 external interlibrary loan requests for copies of periodical articles from the collection of Erasmus University Medical Library in 1988 is described. The study was used for planning the length of backruns to be retained due to space limitations that forced the disposal of older volumes. More than 50% of requests were for the most recent two-year period, and 90% of requests could be filled with a twenty-year run of periodicals. In 1989, 4,157 internal requests were received for periodicals not owned; these were analyzed to determine those most commonly requested. Prior to subscribing, new titles were reviewed as to price, bibliometric indicators, number of requests, length of backfile, and the number of requesting departments. The Library Advisory Board decides on cancellation or purchase of periodicals; the elements considered are described.