HMGB1 genetic polymorphisms in oral squamous cell carcinoma and oral lichen planus patients

Contributing Role of High Mobility Group Box 1 Signaling in Oral Cancer Development and Therapy

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most frequent type of oral cancer of multifactorial origin, characterized by histological and clinical manifestations. To date, there are no specific biomarkers or treatment modalities available to efficiently manage this neoplasia, demanding further research on the molecular background of OSCC pathology. Elucidation of signal transduction pathways and associated molecules with differential expression and function in OSCC are expected to enhance the future development of molecular targeted therapies. Among signaling proteins with a potential functional role in OSCC, the High Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1) protein has stimulated scientific interest due to frequent upregulation, and implication in the progression of many types of head and neck cancer types. HMGB1 is a nuclear nonhistone protein and an extracellularly secreted cytokine that can interact with several signaling molecules implicated in the pathogenic pathways of OSCC. Binding of HMGB1 to specific receptors on OSCC cells such as the receptor of AGE (RAGE) and the toll-like receptor (TLR) has been shown to initiate several intercellular signaling cascades that can promote OSCC growth, invasion, and metastasis, indicating a potential target for patient prognosis and therapeutic approaches. The purpose of this review is to explore the functional role and associated signaling of HMGB1 in OSCC in order to reveal potential therapeutic targeting options.

Association of Polymorphism rs1045411 in the HMGB1 Gene with Cancer Risk: Evidence from a Meta-analysis

The high-mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) rs1045411 polymorphism has been demonstrated to be associated with cancer risk in some studies. However, the results regarding this topic are inconsistent. A meta-analysis was applied to elucidate the association between the HMGB1 rs1045411 polymorphism and cancer risk. Ten relevant studies were subjected to our analysis, and pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. In total, of 3,918 cases and 5,296 controls were included in this study. The pooled ORs were calculated using a random-effects or fixed-effects model according to the heterogeneity. The pooled results revealed that TT genotype was significantly related to increased cancer risk in the comparisons of TT vs. CC+TC (OR=1.35; 95% CI: 1.09-1.67; p=0.005). Though no statistical significance was achieved between HMGB1 rs1045411 polymorphism and cancer risk in other four genetic models (T vs. C: OR=1.08, 95% CI 0.90-1.30; TC vs. CC: OR=1.01, 95% CI 0.82-1.24; CC vs. TC+TT: OR=0.95, 95% CI 0.77-1.18; TT vs. CC: OR=1.42; 95% CI 0.98-2.05), a trend of increased risk could be drawn. In the subgroup analysis by type of malignancy and ethnicity, no obvious difference was found in the tumour risk regarding the HMGB1 rs1045411 polymorphism amongst the cancer types except for breast cancer (OR=1.94; 95% CI: 1.05-3.59; p=0.03) and hepatocellular carcinoma (OR=1.82; 95% CI: 1.15-2.88; p=0.01), while rs1045411 polymorphism was positively associated with risks of cancer amongst Hans (OR=1.37; 95% CI: 1.11-1.69; p=0.004) rather than Caucasians (OR=0.89; 95% CI: 0.26-3.02; p=0.01). These results suggest that the HMGB1 rs1045411 polymorphism might be associated with increased cancer risk.

The Impact of HMGB1 Polymorphisms on Prostate Cancer Progression and Clinicopathological Characteristics

Prostate cancer is one of the major cancers of the genitourinary tract. High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) was suggested as a promising therapeutic target for prostate cancer. In this study, we aim to elucidate the associations of HMGB1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with prostate cancer susceptibility and clinicopathological characteristics. The HMGB1 SNPs rs1412125, rs2249825, rs1045411, and rs1360485 in 579 prostate cancer patients and 579 cancer-free controls were analyzed with real-time polymerase chain reactions (real-time PCR). All of the data were evaluated with SAS statistical software. Our results showed that the HMGB1 rs1045411 T allele genotype was significantly associated with advanced pathologic T stage (odds ratio (OR) = 1.433, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.021–2.012; p = 0.037) and pathologic N1 stage (OR = 2.091, 95% CI = 1.160–3.767; p = 0.012), and the rs1360485 polymorphic CT + TT genotype was associated with pathologic Gleason grade group (4 + 5) (OR = 1.583, 95% CI = 1.017–2.462; p = 0.041), pathologic T stage (3 + 4) (OR = 1.482, 95% CI = 1.061–2.070; p = 0.021), and pathologic N1 stage (OR = 2.131, 95% CI = 1.178–3.852; p = 0.011) compared with their wild-type carriers. In conclusion, our results revealed that the HMGB1 SNPs were associated with the clinical status of prostate cancer. The HMGB1 SNPs may have the potential to predict prostate cancer disease progression.

Association of EGFR mutations and HMGB1 genetic polymorphisms in lung adenocarcinoma patients

High-mobility group protein box 1 (HMGB1) is overexpressed and reported to be a prognostic factor in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutants play an important role in NSCLC progression. The aim of this study was to explore potential associations between genetic polymorphisms of HMGB1 and EGFR mutations in a cohort that included 280 patients with NSCLC, some of whom were smokers and others who never smoked. Four tagged single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of HMGB1 were detected by a TaqMan-based real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in patients. We found that after adjusting for other covariates, NSCLC patients who smoked and who respectively had CG, CT, and TC heterozygotes of HMGB1 rs2249825, rs1045411, and rs1360485, were at lower risk of developing mutant EGFR, compared to those patients with wild-type homozygotes. Moreover, significant inverse associations between the CG and CG + GG genotypes of HMGB1 rs2249825 and the EGFR hotspot mutation, an exon 19 in-frame deletion, were also observed among NSCLC patients. Within patients harboring mutant EGFR, HMGB1 rs1360485 C (TC + CC) allele carriers were at higher risk of developing poorly differentiated cancer types (odds ratio=5.493, 95% confidence interval: 1.130~26.696, p=0.019), compared to patients with TT homozygotes. Furthermore, we found that HMGB1 rs1360485 polymorphisms seemed to be related to susceptibility to developing poorly differentiated cancer linked to tobacco consumption in EGFR mutant patients. In conclusion, our results suggested that HMGB1 variants are significantly inversely associated with EGFR mutations among NSCLC patients who smoked. HMGB1 variants and tobacco consumption might contribute to the pathological development of NSCLC.

No association between HMGB1 polymorphisms and cancer risk: evidence from a meta-analysis

The aim of the present study was to determine whether High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) polymorphism was associated with cancer susceptibility. PubMed, Embase, and ISI Web of Science were extensively searched without language restriction. Data were extracted using a standardized data collection sheet after two reviewers scanned studies independently. The association between HMGB1 polymorphism and cancer risks was indicated as odds ratio (OR) along with its related 95% confidence interval (95%CI). Meta-analysis was conducted via RevMan 5.3 software. A total of ten studies comprising 4530 cases and 5167 controls were included in our study. Meta-analysis revealed no statistical association between rs1045411, rs1360485, rs1412125, or rs2249825 polymorphisms in HMGB1 gene and risk of cancer, either did subgroup analysis of rs1045411 stratified by cancer types and ethnic groups. Our results revealed no statistical association between current four polymorphism loci and cancer risks, suggesting that the attempt of applying HMGB1 variants as a therapeutic target or a prognosis predictor might still require a second thought. However, HMGB1 is deemed to play pleiotropic roles in cancers, we strongly call for large-scale studies with high evidence level to uncover the exact relationship between HMGB1 gene variants and cancer progression.

High-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) gene polymorphisms and cancer susceptibility: A comprehensive meta-analysis

AIM

The role of HMGB1 polymorphisms in cancer predisposition remains unclear. This meta-analysis was performed assess four HMGB1 polymorphisms (rs1045411, rs2249825, rs1360485 and rs1412125) in cancer risk.

METHODS

We searched published studies till January 2018 from EMBASE, PubMed, Google scholar, and Cochrane library. Thereafter, the statistical software "R" was used to calculate Pooled Odds Ratios (OR), and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for assessment of association between different HMGB1 polymorphisms and cancer risk.

RESULT

In this meta-analysis we used eight studies totaling 7017 subjects. HMGB1 rs1045411 polymorphism in recessive model (OR 1.4159, 95% CI 0.9197-2.1798, P = 0.1142) and homozygous model (OR 1.4157, 95% CI 0.8711-2.3006, P = 0.1606) emerged as a risk factor for cancer development. Dominant model in rs2249825 polymorphism (OR: 0.8954) and rs1412125 polymorphism (OR: 0.9029) emerged as protective factors. Statistical significance was not achieved for any genetic model. Begg's test and Egger's test for all analysis suggested no publication bias.

CONCLUSION

This is the first meta-analysis exploring the association of four HMGB1 polymorphisms with cancer. Although polymorphism rs1045411 emerged as a risk candidate, additional studies are suggested to confirm these findings.

Genetic predisposition to ischaemic stroke by RAGE and HMGB1 gene variants in Chinese Han population

Emerging evidence suggests that the multiligand receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) and its ligand high mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) contribute to the pathophysiology of ischaemic stroke (IS). The present study aimed to investigate the association of RAGE and HMGB1 variants with the risk of IS. A total of 1,034 patients and 1,015 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were genotyped to detect five genetic variants of the RAGE gene and four genetic variants of the HMGB1 gene using the Multiplex SNaPshot assay. We found that the rs2070600 variant of RAGE was associated with an increased risk of IS (OR = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.02-1.38, P = 0.043), whereas the rs2249825 variant of HMGB1 was associated with a decreased risk of IS (OR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.71-0.98, P = 0.041). Further stratification by IS subtypes revealed that the presence of the TT genotype of the RAGE rs2070600 variant confers a higher risk of the large artery atherosclerosis subtype of IS (P = 0.036). Moreover, patients with the variant T allele of the RAGE rs2070600 variant presented with reduced serum soluble RAGE production. Patients carrying the variant G allele of the HMGB1 rs2249825 variant exhibited significantly lower infarct volumes than those with the major CC genotype. These clues may help in the development of optimal personalized therapeutic approaches for IS patients.

Association of single-nucleotide polymorphisms of high-mobility group box 1 with susceptibility and clinicopathological characteristics of uterine cervical neoplasia in Taiwanese women

To date, no study associated the genetic polymorphisms of high-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) with the development of uterine cervical cancer. We therefore conducted this study to investigate the associations of HMGB1 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with cervical carcinogenesis and clinicopathological characteristics of cancer patients. Five hundred two women, including 112 with invasive cancer, 85 with precancerous lesions of the uterine cervix, and 305 normal controls, were consecutively enrolled into this study. Analysis of HMGB1 SNPs was done by real-time polymerase chain reaction and genotyping. Our results found that the risk of susceptibility to cervical invasive cancer was 1.85 (95 % CI 1.12-3.04; p = 0.016) in women with TC and 1.99 (95 % CI 1.24-3.23; p = 0.005) in women with TC/CC after adjusting for age, using TT as a comparison reference in HMGB1 SNP rs1412125. In rs2249825, the increased risk was also seen for the development of cervical invasive cancer in women with CG [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 2.04, 95 % CI 1.22-3.40; p = 0.006] or CG/GG (AOR 2.02, 95 % CI 1.22-3.32; p = 0.006) using CC as a comparison reference. An additional integrated in silico analysis confirmed that rs2249825 creates a binding site for v-Myb, which may affect HMGB1 expression. In conclusion, Taiwanese women with TC or TC/CC in HMGB1 SNP rs1412125 as well as CG or CG/GG in rs2249825 were susceptible to the development of cervical invasive cancer.

Association of HMGB1 Gene Polymorphisms with Risk of Colorectal Cancer in a Chinese Population

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. More advanced work is required in the detection of biomarkers for CRC susceptibility and prognosis. High-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) is an angiogenesis-related gene reported to be associated with the development of CRC. The direct evidence of HMGB1 gene polymorphisms as biomarkers for CRC has not been reported previously.

Material/Methods

A total of 240 CRC patients and 480 healthy controls were periodically enrolled. DNA was extracted from blood specimens. The distributions of SNPs of HMGB1 were determined by using the polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay.

Results

In this case-control study, we observed a significant association between overall CRC risk and SNP rs2249825 (CG vs. CC and GG vs. CC). Participants carrying both rs2249825 CG (OR, 2.67; 95% CI, 1.89 to 3.78) and rs2249825 GG genotypes (OR, 2.32; 95% CI, 1.13 to 4.73) had a significantly increased risk of developing CRC compared to those carrying GG genotype. rs2249825 was associated with the risk of CRC in the dominant model but not in the recessive model. However, we found no significant differences in the rs1412125 or rs1045411 polymorphisms in the HMGB1. Advanced analyses showed that the number of rs2249825 G alleles showed a significant relationship with risk of CRC.

Conclusions

Our results show an association between HMGB1 rs2249825 SNP and CRC incidence in the Chinese Han population. However, population-based studies with more subjects and prognostic effects are needed to verify the association of HMGB1 SNPs with CRC susceptibility, severity, and long-term prognosis.

Clinical characteristics and analysis of familial oral lichen planus in eight Chinese families

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is one of the most common oral mucosa diseases; however, familial OLP is uncommon. The present study reported and analyzed patients with familial OLP (n=18) in eight different Chinese families between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2013. Parameters analyzed include gender, age at diagnosis, lesion distribution and lesion type. The follow-up period for each patient was a minimum of 1 year. In this survey, 18/88 individuals in the eight families were affected. Females were more frequently affected, and the female to male ratio for familial OLP (2.2:1) was higher compared with that previously reported for nonfamilial OLP (1.4:1). The age at diagnosis, lesion distribution and lesion type showed consistency with reports concerning nonfamilial OLP, with the exception of family VI, in which 4/5 children had OLP/LP lesions and were of an early age at diagnosis. There were two families in which three generations had been affected by OLP. In addition, it appeared that patients of the same generation in the same family were of a similar age at diagnosis. No malignant or premalignant lesion was identified in the 18 individuals diagnosed with OLP from the eight families. The present study supports the hypothesis that genetic predisposition may serve a role in the etiology of OLP.

Prognostic Significance of Tag SNP rs1045411 in HMGB1 of the Aggressive Gastric Cancer in a Chinese Population

Compelling evidences have suggested that high mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) gene plays a crucial role in cancer development and progression. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in HMGB1 gene on the survival of gastric cancer (GC) patients. Three tag SNPs from HMGB1 gene were selected and genotyped using Sequenom iPEX genotyping system in a cohort of 1030 GC patients (704 in training set, 326 in validation set). Multivariate Cox proportional hazard model and Kaplan-Meier Curve were used for prognosis analysis. AG/AA genotypes of SNP rs1045411 in HMGB1 gene were significantly associated with better overall survival (OS) in a set of 704 GC patients when compared with GG genotypes (HR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.60-0.97, P = 0.032). This prognostic effect was verified in an independent validation set and pooled analysis (HR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.62-0.99, P = 0.046; HR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.55-0.98, P = 0.043, respectively). In stratified analysis, the protective effect of rs1045411 AG/AA genotypes was more prominent in patients with adverse strata, compared with patients with favorable strata. Furthermore, strong joint predictive effects on OS of GC patients were noted between rs1045411 genotypes and Lauren classification, differentiation, stage or adjuvant chemotherapy. Additionally, functional assay indicated a significant effect of rs1045411 on HMGB1 expression. Our results suggest that rs1045411 in HMGB1 is significantly associated with clinical outcomes of Chinese GC patients after surgery, especially in those with aggressive status, which warrants further validation in other ethnic populations.

Clinical Value of High Mobility Group Box 1 and the Receptor for Advanced Glycation End-products in Head and Neck Cancer: A Systematic Review

Introduction High mobility group box 1 is a versatile protein involved in gene transcription, extracellular signaling, and response to inflammation. Extracellularly, high mobility group box 1 binds to several receptors, notably the receptor for advanced glycation end-products. Expression of high mobility group box 1 and the receptor for advanced glycation end-products has been described in many cancers.

Objectives To systematically review the available literature using PubMed and Web of Science to evaluate the clinical value of high mobility group box 1 and the receptor for advanced glycation end-products in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas.

Data synthesis A total of eleven studies were included in this review. High mobility group box 1 overexpression is associated with poor prognosis and many clinical and pathological characteristics of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas patients. Additionally, the receptor for advanced glycation end-products demonstrates potential value as a clinical indicator of tumor angiogenesis and advanced staging. In diagnosis, high mobility group box 1 demonstrates low sensitivity.

Conclusion High mobility group box 1 and the receptor for advanced glycation end-products are associated with clinical and pathological characteristics of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. Further investigation of the prognostic and diagnostic value of these molecules is warranted.

Association of CD24 and the adenomatous polyposis coli gene polymorphisms with oral lichen planus

OBJECTIVE

CD24 and the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene polymorphisms are known to predispose to malignant disease. We aimed to investigate their association with risk and susceptibility of oral lichen planus (OLP) in an Israeli Jewish population.

STUDY DESIGN

The study included 54 patients, of which 41 were females (75.9%) and 13 males (24.1%); of the 533 controls, 224 were females (42.0%) and 309 males (57.9%). Genotyping was performed. Two APC (I1307 K, E1317 Q) and four CD24 variants--C170 T (rs52812045), TG1527 del (rs3838646), A1626 G (rs1058881), and A1056 G (rs1058818)--were assessed. Frequencies were analyzed using the Chi-square test. Two-sided P < .05 values were considered significant. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were obtained by logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

CD24 A1056 G carriers have a significantly lower risk of OLP compared with individuals with the wild-type variant (P = .001). A significantly lower risk was found for heterozygote (P = .008) and homozygote carriers (P = .002). Homozygote CD24 A1626 G carriers had a significant higher risk for OLP compared with nonhomozygote carriers (P = .040). CD24 C170 T, TG1527 del, and APC polymorphisms did not show significant associations with OLP risk.

CONCLUSIONS

CD24 A1626 G is more frequent in OLP patients, contributes to disease risk, and could play a role in OLP susceptibility. A significant association between CD24 A1056 G and a lower OLP incidence was found, suggesting that it may confer protection against OLP risk and progression.