Genetic variants in immunoregulatory genes and risk for childhood lymphomas

Statistical meta-analysis to investigate the association between the Interleukin-6 (IL-6) gene polymorphisms and cancer risk

A good number of genome-wide association studies (GWAS), including meta-analyses, reported that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the IL-6 gene are significantly associated with various types of cancer risks, though some other studies reported insignificant association with cancers, in the literature. These contradictory results may be due to variations in sample sizes and/or deficiency of statistical modeling. Therefore, an attempt is made to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the association between the IL-6 gene SNPs (rs1800795, rs1800796, rs1800797) and different cancer risks, giving the weight on a large sample size, including different cancer types and appropriate statistical modeling with the meta-dataset. In order to attain a more reliable consensus decision about the association between the IL-6 gene polymorphisms and different cancer risks, in this study, we performed a multi-case statistical meta-analysis based on the collected information of 118 GWAS studies comprising of 50053 cases and 65204 control samples. Results from this Meta-analysis indicated a significant association (p-value < 0.05) of the IL-6 gene rs1800796 polymorphism with an overall increased cancer risk. The subgroup analysis data based on cancer types exhibited significant association (p-value < 0.05) of the rs1800795 polymorphism with an overall increased risk of cervical, liver and prostate cancers; the rs1800796 polymorphism with lung, prostate and stomach cancers; and the rs1800797 polymorphism with cervical cancer. The subgroup analysis of ethnicity data showed a significant association (p-value < 0.05) of an overall cancer risk with the rs1800795 polymorphism for the African and Asian populations, the rs1800796 polymorphism for the Asian only and the rs1800797 polymorphism in the African population. Comparative discussion showed that our multi-case meta-analyses received more support than any previously reported individual meta-analysis about the association between the IL-6 gene polymorphisms and cancer risks. Results from this study, more confidently showed that the IL-6 gene SNPs (rs1800795, rs1800796 and rs1800797) in humans are associated with increased cancer risks. Therefore, these three polymorphisms of the IL-6 gene have the potential to be evaluated as a population based rapid, low-cost PCR prognostic biomarkers for different types of cancers diagnosis and research.

Association of CD14 gene -260C>T and -561C>T polymorphisms with cancer susceptibility: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Two polymorphisms, -260C>T (rs2569190) and -561C>T (rs5744455), in the CD14 gene have been implicated in susceptibility to cancer. However, the results remain inconclusive. The current meta-analysis was carried out aiming to confirm the function of these two polymorphisms on the susceptibility of cancer.

METHODS

We collected eligible studies from databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP (Weipu). We used logistic regression calculation to compute odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

After strict selection, 24 studies with 5854 cases and 10339 controls for -260C>T and seven studies with 1809 cases and 7289 controls for -561C>T were finally enlisted into our analysis reference material. Pool results revealed that neither -260C>T, nor -561C>T was found to have any association with overall cancer susceptibility. Nevertheless, when stratified by cancer type, we detected a decreased risk associated with other cancers in a heterozygous model (OR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.51-0.93, p = 0.014) and a dominant model (OR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.53-0.93, p = 0.012) for -561C>T. An increased risk was found in other cancers under an allele model (OR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.03-1.62, p = 0.026), in laryngeal cancer under a dominant model (OR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.11-1.71, p = 0.003) and for a score ≤ 9 under a recessive model (OR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.09-1.91, p = 0.009) for -561C>T.

CONCLUSIONS

In the present study, we conclude that the CD14 -260C>T and -561C>T polymorphisms might not be associated with overall cancer risk. Further studies are encouraged to confirm this conclusion.

Associations of interleukin-6 gene polymorphisms with cancer risk: Evidence based on 49,408 cancer cases and 61,790 controls

Many molecular epidemiologic studies have shown that interleukin-6 (IL-6) polymorphisms are significantly associated with susceptibility for various cancers. However, the conclusions of these studies are inconsistent. The purpose of the present study was to explore the association between three common IL-6 loci (rs1800795, rs1800796, and rs1800797) and the risk for various cancers. We systematically searched the PubMed, Web of Science, Wanfang and China national knowledge infrastructure (CNKI) databases for relevant publications and obtained 108 eligible studies, involving 49,408 cancer patients and 61,790 cancer-free controls. Odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence interval (CI), and false positive reporting probability (FPRP) were used to evaluate cancer risk. All statistical analyses were performed using the R software meta package. We observed a non-significant association between rs1800795 and overall cancer risk, while rs1800797 was found to have a false positive association with overall risk of cancer. Subgroup analyses of rs1800797 also suggested non-significant association and rs1800795 played a protective role in liver cancer. Rs1800796 was found to be associated with overall cancer risk, particularly in Asian patients and those with prostate cancer. These findings provide evidence that IL-6 polymorphisms may affect cancer risk.

Genetic polymorphisms of IL-6 promoter in cancer susceptibility and prognosis: a meta-analysis

IL-6 is critical for tumorigenesis. However, previous studies on the association of IL-6 promoter polymorphisms with predisposition to different cancer types are somewhat contradictory. Therefore, we performed this meta-analysis regarding the relationship between IL-6 promoter single nucleotide polymorphisms and cancer susceptibility and prognosis. Up to April 2017, 97 original publications were identified covering three IL-6 promoter SNPs. Our results showed statistically significant association between IL-6 promoter and cancer risk and prognosis. Subgroup analysis indicated that rs1800795 was significantly associated with increased risk of cervical cancer, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, glioma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and Hodgkin’s lymphoma but not gastric cancer and multiple myeloma. Furthermore, rs1800796 was significantly associated with increased risk of lung cancer, prostate cancer and colorectal cancer but not gastric cancer. Additionally, rs1800797 was significantly association with breast cancer, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, B-cell lymphoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma but not gastric cancer. Simultaneously, rs1800795 and rs1800796 were associated with a significantly higher risk of cancer in Asia and Caucasian, rs1800797 was associated with a significantly risk of cancer in Caucasian but not in Asia. Furthermore, IL-6 promoter polymorphisms were significantly associated with the prognosis of cancer. Considering these promising results, IL-6 promoter including rs1800795, rs1800796 and rs1800797 may be a tumor marker for cancer therapy.

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

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

Pediatric Hodgkin lymphoma: biomarkers, drugs, and clinical trials for translational science and medicine

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is a lymphoid malignancy that is typically derived from germinal-center B cells. EBV infection, mutations in NF-κB pathway genes, and genetic susceptibility are known risk factors for developing HL. CD30 and NF-κB have been identified as potential biomarkers in pediatric HL patients, and these molecules may represent therapeutic targets. Although current risk adapted and response based treatment approaches yield overall survival rates of >95%, treatment of relapse or refractory patients remains challenging. Targeted HL therapy with the antibody-drug conjugate Brentuximab vedotin (Bv) has proven to be superior to conventional salvage chemotherapy and clinical trials are being conducted to incorporate Bv into frontline therapy that substitutes Bv for alkylating agents to minimize secondary malignancies. The appearance of secondary malignancies has been a concern in pediatric HL, as these patients are at highest risk among all childhood cancer survivors. The risk of developing secondary leukemia following childhood HL treatment is 10.4 to 174.8 times greater than the risk in the general pediatric population and the prognosis is significantly poorer than the other hematological malignancies with a mortality rate of nearly 100%. Therefore, identifying clinically valuable biomarkers is of utmost importance to stratify and select patients who may or may not need intensive regimens to maintain optimal balance between maximal survival rates and averting late effects. Here we discuss epidemiology, risk factors, staging, molecular and genetic prognostic biomarkers, treatment for low and high-risk patients, and the late occurrence of secondary malignancies in pediatric HL.

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 Interleukin-10 -3575T>A and -1082A>G polymorphisms with non-Hodgkin lymphoma susceptibility: a comprehensive review and meta-analysis

A number of studies have investigated the associations between IL-10 polymorphisms and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) susceptibility; however, the conclusions were still contradictory. To acquire a more precise estimation of the association, we performed the current meta-analysis. We systematically searched publications from EMBASE and MEDLINE, and calculated pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) using either fixed-effects or random-effects model. Genotype-based IL-10 mRNA expression analysis was performed using online public database of 270 individuals with three different ethnicities. A total of 10,703 cases and 11,823 controls from 10 studies were included for the -3575T>A polymorphism, 10,226 cases and 12,215 controls from 17 studies for the -1082A>G polymorphism. Pooled results indicated that IL-10 -3575T>A was associated with increased risk of diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and follicular lymphoma (FL), especially for Caucasians and hospital-based population. There was no association between IL-10 -1082A>G and NHL risk. However, subgroup analysis showed that IL-10 -1082GG might confer increased susceptibility to FL. In summary, this meta-analysis indicated that -3575T>A polymorphism was associated with altered NHL susceptibility for Caucasians and hospital-based population, especially for DLBCL and FL subtypes. The -1082A>G polymorphism may contribute to increased FL risk. Further large-scale population studies among different ethnicities are needed to validate these results.

Circulating interleukin-6 and cancer: A meta-analysis using Mendelian randomization

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) plays a contributory role in the progression and severity of many forms of cancer; it however remains unclear whether the relevance between circulating IL-6 and cancer is causal. We therefore meta-analyzed published articles in this regard using IL-6 gene -174G/C variant as an instrument. Seventy-eight and six articles were eligible for the association of -174G/C variant with cancer and circulating IL-6, respectively. Overall analyses failed to identify any significance between -174G/C and cancer risk. In Asians, carriers of the -174CC genotype had an 1.95-fold increased cancer risk compared with the -174GG genotype carriers (P = 0.009). By cancer type, significance was only attained for liver cancer with the -174C allele conferring a reduced risk under allelic (odds ratio or OR = 0.74; P = 0.001), homozygous genotypic (OR = 0.59; P = 0.029) and dominant (OR = 0.67; P = 0.004) models. Carriers of the -174CC genotype (weighted mean difference or WMD = −4.23 pg/mL; P < 0.001) and -174C allele (WMD = −3.43 pg/mL; P < 0.001) had circulating IL-6 reduced significantly compared with the non-carriers. In further Mendelian randomization analysis, a reduction of 1 pg/mL in circulating IL-6 was significantly associated with an 12% reduced risk of liver cancer. Long-term genetically-reduced circulating IL-6 might be causally associated with a lower risk of liver cancer.

Association of IL10 -819C>T and -592C>A Polymorphisms with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Susceptibility: Evidence from Published Studies

Numerous studies have investigated the association of IL10 -819C>T and -592C>A polymorphisms with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) susceptibility, and yet reported conflicting results. With this in mind, we performed the current meta-analysis with an aim to verify actual causative variants underlying lymphomagenesis. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to evaluate the strength of the associations. Moreover, to explore the biological function of these polymorphisms, we also performed genotype-based mRNA expression analysis using online database derived from 270 subjects within three ethnicities. The final analysis included 11 studies with a total of 5859 NHL cases and 6893 controls for the IL10 -819C>T polymorphism, and 11 studies with 6277 cases and 7350 controls for the IL10 -592C>A polymorphism. No significant association was observed for these two polymorphisms in either the overall analysis or the stratification analyses by ethnicity and source of controls. Nevertheless, stratification analyses demonstrated a significant decreased risk associated with the IL10 -819C>T polymorphism (homozygous: OR=0.81, 95% CI=0.66-0.99, and recessive model: OR=0.80, 95%CI=0.65-0.98) and IL10 -592C>A polymorphism (homozygous: OR=0.80, 95% CI=0.66-0.99, and recessive model: OR=0.80, 95%CI=0.66-0.97) among patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Despite some limitations, this meta-analysis indicates that polymorphisms in IL10 gene may contribute to DLBCL susceptibility.

The association between the polymorphisms of TNF-α and non-Hodgkin lymphoma: a meta-analysis

Many genetic variations in the promoter region of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) may confer host susceptibility to cancer by influencing TNF-α expression. Nevertheless, the results remain inconclusive. The current meta-analysis was performed to investigate the association between three common TNF-α promoter polymorphisms and the risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). A literature search was conducted mainly from PubMed for all eligible studies. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the association of TNF-α polymorphisms with the risk of NHL. TNF-α -308 A allele showed a statistically significant increased risk for NHL under the homozygous (AA vs. GG, OR = 1.51, 95 % CI = 1.26-1.80) and recessive (OR = 1.47, 95 % CI = 1.23-1.75) models, respectively. The stratified analyses showed an increased risk of NHL with the presence of TNF-α -308 A allele among Africans and Caucasians, but a decreased risk among Asians. No association was observed between -238 G/A polymorphism and NHL risk either in the overall analysis or in the stratified analysis. Similarly, pooled analysis did not reveal an altered risk of NHL with -857 C/T polymorphism. Nonetheless, a statistically significant association was observed among Asians when stratified by ethnicity. Among the three genetic variations of interest, TNF-α -308 G/A polymorphism was significantly associated with the risk of NHL; neither -238 G/A nor -857 C/T polymorphism was shown to alter the overall NHL risk; however, stratified analysis by ethnicity observed a statistically significant association between -857 C/T polymorphism and the risk of NHL among Asians.

Association between CD14 gene polymorphisms and cancer risk: a meta-analysis

Background

Two polymorphisms, -260C/T and -651C/T, in the CD14 gene have been implicated in susceptibility to cancer. However, the results remain inconclusive. This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the association between the two polymorphisms and risk of cancer.

Methods

All eligible case-control studies published up to March 2014 were identified by searching PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI and WanFang database. Pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to access the strength of this association in fixed- or random-effects model.

Results

17 case-control studies from fourteen articles were included. Of those, there were 17 studies (4198 cases and 4194 controls) for -260C/T polymorphism and three studies (832 cases and 1190 controls) for -651C/T polymorphism. Overall, no significant associations between the two polymorphisms of CD14 gene and cancer risk were found. When stratified by ethnicity, cancer type and source of control, similar results were observed among them. In addition, in further subgroups analysis by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection status and tumor location in gastric cancer subgroup, we found that the CD14 -260C/T polymorphism may increase the risk of gastric cancer in H. pylori-infected individuals.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis suggests that the CD14 -260C/T polymorphism may increase the risk of gastric cancer in H. pylori-infected individuals. However, large and well-designed studies are warranted to validate our findings.

The association between CD14-260C/T polymorphism and malignant tumor risk: a meta-analysis of 5,603 participants

The CD14-260C/T polymorphism has been implicated to be in association with malignant tumor. However, a number of studies have reported inconclusive results. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of CD14-260C/T polymorphism and malignant tumor risk by meta-analysis. A search was performed in PubMed, Embase, the Chinese Journals Full-text Database (CNKI), and Wanfang databases up to August 2013. Odds ratio (OR) and 95 % confidence interval (95 % CI) were used to assess the association. Statistical analysis was calculated by STATA 11.0 software. The polymorphism was identified from 11 articles (12 case-control studies), involving 2,660 cases and 2,943 controls. Overall, no significant association between CD14-260C/T polymorphism and malignant tumor risk was found in the dominant model (TT + TC vs. CC: OR = 0.86, 95 % CI = 0.67-1.11). In the subgroup analysis by malignant tumor types, we found that the heterozygote model (TC vs. CC) might reduce the risk of malignant tumor, especially hematological malignance and prostate cancer (OR = 0.67, 95 % CI = 0.47-0.95), but not associated with gastrointestinal cancer susceptibility. In the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, no significant associations were found among different ethnicities. The study suggested that CD14-260C/T polymorphism might be a protective factor for hematological malignance and prostate tumor susceptibility but not an independent risk factor for gastrointestinal cancer susceptibility. To further evaluate the association between the polymorphism and malignant tumor susceptibility, more studies involving thousands of patients are required.

Lack of association between interferon gamma +874 T/A polymorphism and cancer risk: an updated meta-analysis

Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) is a potent proinflammatory cytokine which plays a pivotal role in the antiviral, antiproliferative, and antitumor activities. A T-to-A transition at the position +874 of human IFN-γ gene (IFNG) has been reported to influence the secretion of IFN-γ and affect cancer susceptibility. However, results from published studies on the association between IFNG +874 T/A polymorphism and cancer risk are inconclusive or even controversial. In order to derive a more precise estimation of the association, a meta-analysis of 38 eligible studies including 5,630 cases and 6,096 controls was conducted with odds ratio (OR) and its corresponding 95 % confidence interval (95 % CI). Overall, no significant association was detected in allelic model (A allele vs. T allele-OR = 0.96, 95 % CI, 0.86-1.08), homozygote comparison (AA vs. TT-OR = 0.97, 95 % CI, 0.79-1.21), heterozygote comparison (AT vs. TT-OR = 1.03, 95 % CI, 0.87-1.23), dominant model (AA + AT vs. TT-OR = 1.00, 95 % CI, 0.87-1.15), nor recessive model (AA vs. AT + TT-OR = 0.93, 95 % CI, 0.78-1.12). Further subgroup analyses based on ethnicity, cancer types, and Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium status failed to demonstrate any significant relationship except in African population under recessive model (AA vs. AT + TT-OR = 0.68, 95 % CI, 0.47-0.97). In conclusion, the current meta-analysis suggested that IFNG +874 T/A polymorphism may not contribute to cancer susceptibility, and further well-designed studies with large sample size are warranted to validate our conclusion.

The -159C/T polymorphism in the CD14 gene and cancer risk: a meta-analysis

Purpose

The -159C/T polymorphism in the cluster of differentiation (CD)14 gene has been extensively studied for an association with cancer; however, results from replication studies have been inconclusive. The aim of this study was to perform a comprehensive assessment of the possible association between the -159C/T polymorphism in the CD14 gene and cancer risk, by meta-analysis.

Methods

We searched in PubMed, Embase, and other databases, covering all case-control studies on the possible association between CD14 -159C/T gene polymorphism and cancer risk. Data were extracted and statistical analyses were performed using RevMan 5.0 and STATA 12.0 software.

Results

A total of 12 case-control studies met our inclusion criteria, including 2,498 cases and 2,696 controls. The combined analysis indicated that the CD14 -159C/T gene polymorphism didn’t confer risk for cancer – the recessive model (TT versus (vs) CT + CC), showed odds ratio (OR) =1.01, 95% confidence interval (CI) =0.82–1.23 (P=0.94), while the dominant model (TT + TC vs CC) showed OR =0.81, 95% CI =0.66–1.00 (P=0.05). A subgroup analysis by ethnicity showed that the cancer risk associated with CD14 -159C/T gene polymorphism was significantly decreased among Caucasians for the TC + TT vs CC comparison (OR =0.83, 95% CI =0.70–0.98 [P=0.03]). The subgroup analysis by cancer type suggested that the CD14 -159C/T gene polymorphism was not associated with gastric cancer risk.

Conclusion

The evidence from the present meta-analysis did not support the CD14 -159C/T gene polymorphism as a genetic risk factor for cancer. Further studies on different cancer types and ethnicities are needed to validate our findings.

Association between interleukin-4 -590C > T polymorphism and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma risk

Many studies were performed to assess the association between IL-4 -590C > T polymorphism and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) risk, but no consensus was available up to now. We conducted a meta-analysis to examine the association between IL-4 -590C > T polymorphism and NHL risk. We used odds ratios (ORs) to assess the strength of the association and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to give a sense of the precision of the estimate. A total of six studies were found to be eligible for meta-analyses of IL-4 -590C > T variant. Results from this study showed that IL-4 -590C > T polymorphism was not significantly associated with NHL risk under all genetic models in overall population. Further sensitivity analysis confirmed the results. In subgroup analyses stratified by race, no significant association was found in either Caucasian or mixed populations. The meta-analysis indicated that elected -590C > T polymorphism of IL-4 may not be a risk factor for NHL development.

The -590C/T polymorphism in the IL-4 gene and the risk of cancer: a meta-analysis

Interleukin-4 (IL-4) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of cancer. The -590C/T polymorphism in the IL-4 gene has been implicated in susceptibility to cancer, but the results have been inconclusive. The aim of this study was to analyze the association between this polymorphism with the risk of cancer by meta-analysis. PubMed, Embase, CNKI, and Wanfang databases were searched for all publications concerning the association between this polymorphism and cancer risk. Statistical analyses were analyzed by using RevMan 4.2 and STATA10.0 softwares. A total of 8,715 cases and 9,532 controls in 23 case-control studies were included. The results suggested that there was no significant association between IL-4 -590C/T polymorphism and cancer risks (TT + TC vs. CC: OR = 0.97, 95 % CI = 0.90-1.04, P = 0.36). In the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, no significant association was detected in Asians and Caucasians. In the subgroup analysis by cancer types, no significant association was found in gastric cancer and colorectal cancer. The current meta-analysis suggested that the -590C/T polymorphism in the IL-4 gene might not be associated with increased/decreased risk of cancer. The -590C/T polymorphism might be not a risk factor for cancers.

Interleukin-10-819C>T polymorphism contributed to cancer risk: evidence from 29 studies

Cytokines are important modulators in the interactions between the host immune system and malignant tumor. Of these, Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is an important immunoregulatory cytokine mainly produced by macrophages and T lymphocytes. To date, a number of studies investigated the role of the IL-10-819C>T polymorphism in the aetiology of cancers of various organs. However, the results of these studies remain inconclusive. So, we carried out a meta-analysis on all eligible case-control studies to estimate the overall cancer risk of IL-10-819C>T polymorphism as well as to quantify the between-study heterogeneity and potential bias. This meta-analysis, including 8157 cases and 10473 controls from 29 published case-control studies, explored the association between a potentially functional polymorphism, -819C>T within the IL-10 promoter region and cancer risk. We used odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to assess the strength of the association. The results provided evidence that the IL-10-819C>T polymorphism was associated with a significant decrease in overall cancer risk. In the stratified analyses, the risk remained for studies of "other cancer", smoking-related cancer, Asian populations and hospital-based studies. This meta-analysis identified an evidence of the association between the IL-10-819C>T and cancer risk, especially in "other cancer", smoking-related cancers, Asians and hospital-based studies. Further large case-control studies, especially studies in African population were needed to validate our results.

The interleukin-10-1082 promoter polymorphism and cancer risk: a meta-analysis

Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is a multifunctional cytokine with both immunosuppressive and anti-angiogenic properties and play an important role in the pathogenesis of cancer. IL-10-1082A>G polymorphism is the most extensively studied polymorphism in the IL-10 gene in cancer susceptibility. To date, a number of case-control studies were conducted to investigate the association between IL-10-1082A>G polymorphism and cancer risk in humans. However, the association between the IL-10-1082A>G polymorphism and cancer risk is still ambiguous. In an effort to solve this controversy, we performed a meta-analysis based on 61 case-control studies, including 14,499 cancer cases and 16,967 controls. We used odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to assess the strength of the association. In the stratified analyses by specific cancer type, increased risk was found in lung cancer (OR = 3.16, 95% CI = 1.16-8.63 for GA versus AA; OR = 2.07, 95% CI = 1.16-3.70 for GG versus AA; OR = 3.17, 95% CI = 1.31-7.68 for GA/GG versus AA) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.02-1.36 for GA versus AA; OR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.02-1.35 for GA/GG versus AA). The meta-analysis also indicated that the variant genotypes were associated with a moderately increased risk in Asians in all genetic models (OR = 1.80, 95% CI = 1.17-2.76 for GA versus AA; OR = 3.32, 95% CI = 1.62-6.82 for GG versus AA; OR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.07-2.60 for GA/GG versus AA; OR= 2.93, 95% CI = 1.43-6.03 for GG versus AA/GA). The meta-analysis suggested that the IL-10-1082A>G polymorphism was associated with increased risk of cancer in Asians and lung cancer and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. To draw comprehensive and true conclusions, more researches with larger numbers of worldwide participants are needed to examine associations between IL-10-1082A>G polymorphism and cancer risk.

Genetic variation in Th1/Th2 pathway genes and risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma: a pooled analysis of three population-based case-control studies

The balance between T-helper 1 (Th1) and T-helper 2 (Th2) activity is critical in lymphoid cell development and differentiation. Immune dysfunction underlies lymphomagenesis, so an alteration in the regulation of key Th1/Th2 cytokines may lead to the development of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). To study the impact of polymorphisms in Th1/Th2 cytokines on NHL risk, we analyzed 145 tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 17 Th1/Th2 cytokine and related genes in three population-based case-control studies (1946 cases and 1808 controls). Logistic regression was used to compute odds ratios (OR) for NHL and four major NHL subtypes in relation to tag SNP genotypes and haplotypes. A gene-based analysis adjusting for the number of tag SNPs genotyped in each gene showed significant associations with risk of NHL combined and one or more NHL subtypes for Th1 (IL12A and IL12RB1) and Th2 (IL4, IL10RB, and IL18) genes. The strongest association was for rs485497 in IL12A, which plays a central role in bridging the cellular and humoral pathways of innate resistance and antigen-specific adaptive immune responses (allele risk OR= 1·17; P(trend)= 0·00099). This SNP was also associated specifically with risk of follicular lymphoma (allele risk OR= 1·26; P(trend)= 0·0012). These findings suggest that genetic variation in Th1/Th2 cytokine genes may contribute to lymphomagenesis.

Genetic variation in Th1/Th2 pathway genes and risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma: a pooled analysis of three population-based case-control studies

The balance between T-helper 1 (Th1) and T-helper 2 (Th2) activity is critical in lymphoid cell development and differentiation. Immune dysfunction underlies lymphomagenesis, so an alteration in the regulation of key Th1/Th2 cytokines may lead to the development of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). To study the impact of polymorphisms in Th1/Th2 cytokines on NHL risk, we analyzed 145 tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 17 Th1/Th2 cytokine and related genes in three population-based case-control studies (1946 cases and 1808 controls). Logistic regression was used to compute odds ratios (OR) for NHL and four major NHL subtypes in relation to tag SNP genotypes and haplotypes. A gene-based analysis adjusting for the number of tag SNPs genotyped in each gene showed significant associations with risk of NHL combined and one or more NHL subtypes for Th1 (IL12A and IL12RB1) and Th2 (IL4, IL10RB, and IL18) genes. The strongest association was for rs485497 in IL12A, which plays a central role in bridging the cellular and humoral pathways of innate resistance and antigen-specific adaptive immune responses (allele risk OR= 1·17; P(trend)= 0·00099). This SNP was also associated specifically with risk of follicular lymphoma (allele risk OR= 1·26; P(trend)= 0·0012). These findings suggest that genetic variation in Th1/Th2 cytokine genes may contribute to lymphomagenesis.

A pooled analysis of three studies evaluating genetic variation in innate immunity genes and non-Hodgkin lymphoma risk

Genetic variation in immune-related genes may play a role in the development of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). To test the hypothesis that innate immunity polymorphisms may be associated with NHL risk, we genotyped 144 tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (tagSNPs) capturing common genetic variation within 12 innate immunity gene regions in three independent population-based case-control studies (1946 cases and 1808 controls). Gene-based analyses found IL1RN to be associated with NHL risk (minP = 0·03); specifically, IL1RN rs2637988 was associated with an increased risk of NHL (per-allele odds ratio = 1·15, 95% confidence interval = 1·05-1·27; P(trend) = 0·003), which was consistent across study, subtype, and gender. FCGR2A was also associated with a decreased risk of the follicular lymphoma NHL subtype (minP = 0·03). Our findings suggest that genetic variation in IL1RN and FCGR2A may play a role in lymphomagenesis. Given that conflicting results have been reported regarding the association between IL1RN SNPs and NHL risk, a larger number of innate immunity genes with sufficient genomic coverage should be evaluated systematically across many studies.

IL-6 -174G>C polymorphism and cancer risk: a meta-analysis involving 29,377 cases and 37,739 controls

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a multifunctional cytokine involved in different physiologic and pathophysiologic processes and plays important roles in the etiology of cancer. The -174G>C polymorphism of the IL-6 gene influences IL-6 transcription and has been implicated in cancer risk. However, published data have been conflicting. To derive a more precise estimation of the relationship, a meta-analysis of 29,377 cancer cases and 37,739 controls from 50 published case-control studies was performed. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated to assess the association between -174G>C polymorphism and cancer risk. Overall meta-analysis indicated that no association was found between -174G>C genotypes and cancer risk. However, the positive association was found in bladder cancer (OR=4.33, 95% CI: 1.93-9.71 for CC vs. GC, OR=2.81, 95% CI: 1.39-5.68 for CC vs. GG, and OR=2.19, 95% CI: 1.32-3.64 for CC vs. GG/GC), and among Asians (OR=2.08, 95% CI: 1.07-4.06 for CC vs. GG, and OR=2.20, 95% CI: 1.02-4.74 for CC vs. GG/GC) and Africans (OR=1.61, 95% CI: 1.07-2.42 for GC vs. GG). This meta-analysis showed the evidence that the -174G>C of the IL-6 gene was a low-penetrance susceptibility gene for bladder cancer. Further larger, preferably prospective studies are needed to confirm this relationship.

Review and pooled analysis of studies on -607(C/A) and -137(G/C) polymorphisms in IL-18 and cancer risk

Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a pleiotropic, pro-inflammatory cytokine with dual effects on tumor development and progression. The -607(C/A) and -137(G/C) polymorphisms in IL-18 gene region have been implicated in cancer risk; however, data from published studies with individually low statistical power are conflicting. To clarify the role of IL-18 -607(C/A) and -137(G/C) genotype in global cancer, we examined all the available published studies through a pooled analysis approach. Overall, IL-18 -607A allele was associated with increased total cancer risk when compared with -607C allele (OR=1.14, 95% CI=1.01-1.28, P=0.010), as well as in the heterozygote comparison (OR=1.10, 95% CI=1.04-1.15, P=0.256) and the dominant model (OR=1.07, 95% CI=1.03-1.11, P=0.124). Furthermore, IL-18 -137(G/C) polymorphism was associated with increased nasopharyngeal carcinoma risk. In the stratified analysis for -607(C/A) polymorphism, a significantly increased cancer risk in Asian population was found, as well as subgroup in source of control. Similar results were found in the stratified analysis for -137(G/C) polymorphism. Our pooled analysis supported that IL-18 is a good candidate for large-scale epidemiological case-control studies that may be a low-penetrance susceptibility biomarker for cancer.