Functional polymorphisms in cell death pathway genes FAS and FASL contribute to risk of lung cancer

Genetic variability in cisplatin metabolic pathways and outcome of locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients

Advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients have been treated with cisplatin (CDDP) chemoradiation, and the variability of treatment effects has been attributed to single nucleotide variants (SNVs) in genes of metabolic pathways. This study investigated the roles of GSTM1, GSTT1, GSTP1 c.313A>G, XPC c.2815A>C, XPD c.934G>A and c.2251A>C, XPF c.2505T>C, ERCC1 c.354C>T, MLH1 c.93G>A, MSH2 c.211+9C>G, MSH3 c.3133G>A, EXO1 c.1765G>A, TP53 c.215G>C, CASP3 c.-1191A>G and c.-182-247G>T, FAS c.-1378G>A and c.-671A>G and FASL c.-844C>T SNVs in outcome of 109 patients treated with CDDP chemoradiation. Genotypes were identified in genomic DNA by PCR-based methods. Conventional criteria and tests analyzed response and survival. Patients with XPC c.2815AC or CC had 3.43 times more chances of presenting partial response or stable disease. Patients with FAS c.-671GG, GSTM1 present plus XPC c.2815AA, or plus XPD c.934GG, or plus XPD c.2251AA, or plus TP53 c.215GC or CC, and XPD c.2251AA plus XPF c.2505TT had up to 2.70 and 2.37 times more chances of presenting tumor progression and evolving to death, respectively. Our data indicate, for the first time, preliminary evidence that combined SNVs of CDDP metabolism act as independent prognostic factors and can be used to select patients for distinct treatments.

Himalayan flora: targeting various molecular pathways in lung cancer

The fatal amplification of lung cancer across the globe and the limitations of current treatment strategies emphasize the necessity for substitute therapeutics. The incorporation of phyto-derived components in chemo treatment holds promise in addressing those challenges. Despite the significant progressions in lung cancer therapeutics, the complexities of molecular mechanism and pathways underlying this disease remain inadequately understood, necessitating novel biomarker targeting. The Himalayas, abundant in diverse plant varieties with established chemotherapeutic potential, presents a promising avenue for investigating potential cures for lung carcinoma. The vast diversity of phytocompounds herein can be explored for targeting the disease. This review delves into the multifaceted targets of lung cancer and explores the established phytochemicals with their specific molecular targets. It emphasizes comprehending the intricate pathways that govern effective therapeutic interventions for lung cancer. Through this exploration of Himalayan flora, this review seeks to illuminate potential breakthroughs in lung cancer management using natural compounds. The amalgamation of Himalayan plant-derived compounds with cautiously designed combined therapeutic approaches such as nanocarrier-mediated drug delivery and synergistic therapy offers an opportunity to redefine the boundaries of lung cancer treatment by reducing the drug resistance and side effects and enabling an effective targeted delivery of drugs. Furthermore, additional studies are obligatory to understand the possible derivation of natural compounds used in current lung cancer treatment from plant species within the Himalayan region.

Genetics of Immune Dysregulation and Cancer Predisposition: Two Sides of the Same Coin

Approximately 10% of cancers have a hereditary predisposition. However, no genetic diagnosis is available in 60%-80% of familial cancers. In some of these families, immune dysregulation-mediated disease is frequent. The immune system plays a critical role in identifying and eliminating tumors; thus, dysregulation of the immune system can increase the risk of developing cancer. This review focuses on some of the genes involved in immune dysregulation the promote the risk for cancer. Genetic counseling for patients with cancer currently focuses on known genes that raise the risk of cancer. In missing hereditary familial cases, the history family of immune dysregulation should be recorded, and genes related to the immune system should be analyzed in relevant families. On the other hand, patients with immune disorders diagnosed with a pathogenic mutation in an immune regulatory gene may have an increased risk of cancer. Therefore, those patients need to be under surveillance for cancer. Gene panel and exome sequencing are currently standard methods for genetic diagnosis, providing an excellent opportunity to jointly test cancer and immune genes.

Fas -670 A/G polymorphism predicts prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma after curative resection in Chinese Han population

BACKGROUND

Apoptosis, also called programmed cell death, is a genetically controlled process against hyperproliferation and malignancy. The Fas-Fas ligand (FasL) system is considered a major pathway for apoptosis in cells and tissues. Thus, this study aimed to investigate whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in Fas and FasL gene may have effects on the recurrence and survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after curative hepatectomy.

METHODS

We investigated the relationship between Fas rs1800682, rs2234767 and FasL rs763110 polymorphisms and recurrence-free survival (RFS) as well as overall survival (OS) in 117 Chinese Han patients with HCC who underwent hepatectomy.

RESULTS

In Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, only Fas rs1800682 (-670 A/G) was associated with RFS and OS. Compared with AA genotype, the AG/GG genotype was significantly associated with better RFS (P = 0.008) and OS (P = 0.020). Moreover, multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that Fas rs1800682 remained as a significant independent predictor of RFS for HCC patients with hepatectomy [AG/GG vs. AA: adjusted hazard ratio = 0.464, 95% confidence interval: 0.275-0.782, P = 0.004], but was not an independent predictor of OS (P = 0.395).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that Fas -670 G allele may play a protective role in the recurrence and survival of HCC patients with hepatectomy. Furthermore, Fas rs1800682 polymorphism might be a promising biomarker for HCC patients after hepatectomy.

A novel diagnostic model for predicting immune microenvironment subclass based on costimulatory molecules in lung squamous carcinoma

There is still no ideal predictive biomarker for immunotherapy response among patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Costimulatory molecules play a role in anti-tumor immune response. Hence, they can be a potential biomarker for immunotherapy response. The current study comprehensively investigated the expression of costimulatory molecules in lung squamous carcinoma (LUSC) and identified diagnostic biomarkers for immunotherapy response. The costimulatory molecule gene expression profiles of 627 patients were obtained from the The Cancer Genome Atlas, GSE73403, and GSE37745 datasets. Patients were divided into different clusters using the k-means clustering method and were further classified into two discrepant tumor microenvironment (TIME) subclasses (hot and cold tumors) according to the immune score of the ESTIMATE algorithm. A high proportion of activated immune cells, including activated memory CD4 T cells, CD8 T cells, and M1 macrophages. Five CMGs (FAS, TNFRSF14, TNFRSF17, TNFRSF1B, and TNFSF13B) were considered as diagnostic markers using the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator and the Support Vector Machine-Recursive Feature Elimination machine learning algorithms. Based on the five CMGs, a diagnostic nomogram for predicting individual tumor immune microenvironment subclasses in the TCGA dataset was developed, and its predictive performance was validated using GSE73403 and GSE37745 datasets. The predictive accuracy of the diagnostic nomogram was satisfactory in all three datasets. Therefore, it can be used to identify patients who may benefit more from immunotherapy.

POU2F1 induces the immune escape in lung cancer by up-regulating PD-L1

PURPOSE

The aim was to research the POU2F1 related genes and mechanism during the progress of immune escape of lung cancer.

METHODS

Lung cancer cell lines (H1993, HCC827, A549, H2228, H3122 and H1975) and Human normal lung epithelial cell line (BEAS-2B) were involved in this study. Overexpression or knockdown of POU2F1 was processed in lung cancer cells. POU2F1, PD-L1 and CRK expression in cells were detected by WB and RT-PCR. Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence was used to detect PD-L1 expression on the cell surface. Luciferase reporter detected the promoter activity of CRK. C57BL/6 mice models with knocked down of of POU2F1 were constructed. After tumor formation, anti-PD-1 was administered to detect tumor suppressing ability. IHC assay showed the number of intratumoral CD3+, CD8+, GranzB+ T cells.

RESULTS

POU2F1 and PD-L1 were positively correlated in lung cancer cell lines. Overexpression of POU2F1 promoted the expression level of PD-L1 in lung cancer cells. POU2F1 transcription activated the expression of CRK, and further promoted the expression of PD-L1. Knockdown of POU2F1 promoted the efficacy of Anti-PD-1. In addition, tumor growth ability decreased after POU2F1 was knocked down. Cytotoxic effector cytokines levels, tumor suppressive chemokines and interleukin increased, while IL17a level decreased when POU2F1 was knocked down.

CONCLUSION

POU2F1 activates the expression of CRK, further promotes the expression of PD-L1, and finally improves the immune escape in lung cancer.

Impact of Fas/Fasl Gene Polymorphisms on Susceptibility Risk and Imatinib Mesylate Treatment Response in Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia Patients

Background:

The FAS mediated apoptosis pathway involving the FAS and FASL genes plays a crucial role in the regulation of apoptotic cell death and imatinib mesylate (IM) mechanism of action. Promoter polymorphisms FAS-670 A>G and FAS-844 T>C which alter the transcriptional activity of these genes may grant a risk to develop cancer and revamp the drug activities towards the cancer cell. We investigated the association of these two polymorphisms with the susceptibility risk and IM treatment response in Malaysian chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) patients.

Methods:

This is a retrospective study, which included 93 CML patients and 98 controls. The polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method was used to genotype the FAS and FASL polymorphisms. Data nanlysis was done using SPSS Version 22. The associations of the genotypes with susceptibility risk and IM response in CML patients were assessed by means of logistic regression analysis and deriving odds ratio with 95% CI.

Results:

We observed a significant association between FASL-844T>C polymorphism and CML susceptibility risk and IM response. Variant C allele and FASL-844 CC variant genotype carriers had significantly higher risk for CML susceptibility (OR 1.756, CI 1.163-2.652, p=0.007 and OR 2.261, CI 1.013-5.047, p=0.047 respectively). Conversely, the heterozygous genotype FASL-844 TC conferred lower risk for CML susceptibility (OR 0.379, CI 0.176-0.816, p=0.013). The heterozygous and homozygous variant genotypes and variant C alleles were found to confer a lower risk for the development of IM resistance with OR 0.129 (95% CI: 0.034-0.489 p=0.003), OR 0.257 (95% CI: 0.081-0.818, p=0.021), and OR 0.486 (95% CI: 0.262-0.899, p=0.021) respectively. We also found that FAS-670 A>G polymorphism was not associated with CML susceptibility risk or IM response.

Conclusion:

The genetic polymorphism FASL-844 T>C may contribute to the CML susceptibility risk and also IM treatment response in CML patients. Accodringly, it may be useful as a biomarker for predicting CML susceptibility risk and IM resistance.

Genomic variants in Fas-mediated apoptosis pathway predict a poor response to Platinum-based Chemotherapy for Chinese Gastric Cancer Patients

Platinum-based adjuvant chemotherapy is very common for gastric cancer (GC) patients, but the chemotherapy sensitivity is very heterogeneous. The genomic variants and the gene-gene interactions involved in Fas-mediated apoptosis pathway including Fas (FAS 1377 G > A and 670 A > G), FasL (FASL 844 C > T) and caspase-8 (CASP8 -652 6N ins > del or I > D), may paly vital roles in the response to platinum-based treatment. In our investigation, 662 stage II-III postoperative GC patients were enrolled between 1998 and 2006. 261 patients accepted platinum-based regimens and the remaining 401 were not. The log rank tests, Kaplan Meier plots, Pearson chi-square tests, Student t-tests and Cox regression analyses were performed. For the chemotherapy cohort, FAS 1377 G > A or FAS 670 A > G variants alone was related with inferior survival, and a greater than additive effect was identified when patients simultaneously carrying FAS 1377 GA and FAS 670 GA genotypes. But the poor response was neutralized when patients simultaneously carrying FASL 844 C > T or CASP8 -652 6N ins > del mutations. Our study suggested that FAS 1377 G > A and FAS 670 A > G variants may serve as potential biomarkers to predict the response to platinum-based adjuvant chemotherapy, and the gene-gene interactions involved in Fas-mediated apoptosis pathway may enhance or neutralize the chemosensitivity.

FAS and FASL variations in outcomes of tobacco- and alcohol-related head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients

Radiotherapy and cisplatin lead to cell killing in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients, but adverse events and response to treatment are not the same in patients with similar clinicopathological aspects. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the roles of TP53 c.215G > C, FAS c.-671A > G, FAS c.-1378G > A, FASL c.-844 C > T, CASP3 c.-1191A > G, and CASP3 c.-182-247G > T single nucleotide variants in toxicity, response rate, and survival of cisplatin chemoradiation-treated head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients. Genomic DNA was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction for genotyping. Differences between groups of patients were analyzed by chi-square test or Fisher's exact test, multiple logistic regression analysis, and Cox hazards model. One hundred nine patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma were enrolled in study. All patients were smokers and/or alcoholics. Patients with FAS c.-671GG genotype, FAS c.-671AG or GG genotype, and FASL c.-844CC genotype had 5.52 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.42-21.43), 4.03 (95% CI: 1.51-10.79), and 5.77 (95% CI: 1.23-27.04) more chances of presenting chemoradiation-related anemia of grades 2-4, lymphopenia of grade 3 or 4, and ototoxicity of all grades, respectively, than those with the remaining genotypes. FAS c.-671GG genotype was also seen as an independent predictor of shorter event-free survival (hazard ratio (HR): 2.05; P = 0.007) and overall survival (HR: 1.83; P = 0.02) in our head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients. These findings present, for the first time, preliminary evidence that inherited abnormalities in apoptosis pathway, related to FAS c.-671A > G and FASL c.-844 C > T single nucleotide variants, can alter toxicity and survival of tobacco- and alcohol-related head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients homogeneously treated with cisplatin chemoradiation.

The paratumoral immune cell signature reveals the potential for the implementation of immunotherapy in esophageal carcinoma patients

PURPOSE

Esophageal cancer (EC) is one of the most lethal gastrointestinal malignancies. Immunotherapy is a promising treatment modality for this disease. However, broader implementation of EC immunotherapy has been discouraged because of insufficient understanding of tumor interactions with the immune system. As with other malignancies, the current research on EC focuses on deciphering the immune cell signatures within the tumor microenvironment. However, the disease-elicited immune cell profiles in the paratumoral compartments are largely unknown.

METHODS

We examined the immune cell signatures in 62 tissue samples from 16 EC patients in different esophageal tissue compartments: tumor tissue, peritumoral tissue, healthy esophageal tissue, and adjacent lymph nodes. We analyzed the proportions and distribution patterns of NK cells and CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells as well as their death receptor (FasR, FasR/DR3)-expressing subpopulations. The analyzed data were then compared and correlated with the patients' clinicopathological data.

RESULTS

We found that the FasR⁺ NK cells, CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells infiltrated lymph nodes at the lowest levels and that the FasR⁺DR3⁺ CD4⁺ T cells were enhanced in tumors. The comparisons with the clinicopathological data revealed a major impact of active smoking on the reduction in paratumoral NK cells and the upregulation of FasR in tumor-infiltrating NK and CD8⁺ T cells. The lymph node metastatic stage, tumor stage, and Mandard grade correlated with the compartmental proportions of the evaluated immune cells.

CONCLUSION

The novel association of the disease state with tumoral and paratumoral immune cell signatures suggests new possibilities for personalized immunotherapy for EC patients.

Mechanistic Understanding of Curcumin's Therapeutic Effects in Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is among the most common cancers with a high mortality rate worldwide. Despite the significant advances in diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, lung cancer prognoses and survival rates remain poor due to late diagnosis, drug resistance, and adverse effects. Therefore, new intervention therapies, such as the use of natural compounds with decreased toxicities, have been considered in lung cancer therapy. Curcumin, a natural occurring polyphenol derived from turmeric (Curcuma longa) has been studied extensively in recent years for its therapeutic effects. It has been shown that curcumin demonstrates anti-cancer effects in lung cancer through various mechanisms, including inhibition of cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis, induction of apoptosis, epigenetic alterations, and regulation of microRNA expression. Several in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that these mechanisms are modulated by multiple molecular targets such as STAT3, EGFR, FOXO3a, TGF-β, eIF2α, COX-2, Bcl-2, PI3KAkt/mTOR, ROS, Fas/FasL, Cdc42, E-cadherin, MMPs, and adiponectin. In addition, limitations, strategies to overcome curcumin bioavailability, and potential side effects as well as clinical trials were also reviewed.

Integrated Somatic and Germline Whole-Exome Sequencing Analysis in Women with Lung Cancer after a Previous Breast Cancer

Women treated for breast cancer (BC) are at risk of developing secondary tumors, such as lung cancer (LC). Since rare germline variants have been linked to multiple cancer development, we hypothesized that BC survivors might be prone to develop LC as a result of harboring rare variants. Sixty patients with LC with previous BC (the study population; SP) and 53 women with either BC or LC and no secondary cancer (control population; CP) were enrolled. Whole exome sequencing was performed in both tumors and unaffected tissues from 28/60 SP patients, and in germline DNA from 32/53 CP. Candidate genes were validated in the remaining individuals from both populations. We found two main mutational signature profiles: S1 (C>T) in all BCs and 16/28 LCs, and S2 (C>A) which is strongly associated with smoking, in 12/28 LCs. The burden test over rare germline variants in S1-LC vs CP identified 248 genes. Validation confirmed GSN as significantly associated with LC in never-smokers. In conclusion, our data suggest two signatures involved in LC onset in women with previous BC. One of these signatures is linked to smoking. Conversely, regardless of smoking habit, in a subgroup of BC survivors genetic susceptibility may contribute to LC risk.

Licochalcone B Extracted from Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch Induces Apoptotic Effects in Human Hepatoma Cell HepG2

The present study explored the molecular mechanism by which licochalcone B induces the cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in human hepatoma cell HepG2. Initial extraction and identification were performed by HPLC, UPLC-TOF-MS/MS, and NMR analysis, respectively. Licochalcone B inhibited the HepG2 growth with IC₅₀ (110.15 μM) after 24 h, caused morphological distortion, and seized the cell cycle in the G2/M phase (cell arrest in G2/M:43.1 ± 2.2% for 120 μM versus 23.7 ± 1.2% for control), as well as induced apoptosis and intracellular ROS generation. Furthermore, exposure to licochalcone B markedly affected the cell cycle (up/down regulation) at mRNA and protein levels. Apoptosis was induced through the activation of receptor-mediated and mitochondrial pathways. The inhibition of Caspase 8 and Caspase 9 proteins abolished the licochalcone B induced apoptosis. The present work suggested that licochalcone B may further be identified as a potent functional food component with specific health benefits.

High cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 and phospho-Akt expression in tumor samples predicts poor clinical outcomes in ipilimumab-treated melanoma patients

Ipilimumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody against cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4), is the first immune checkpoint inhibitor approved for the treatment of unresectable melanoma on the basis of its overall survival (OS) benefit. However, ipilimumab is associated with significant immune-related adverse events. We hypothesized that biomarker exploration of pretreatment tumor samples and correlation with clinical outcome would enable patient selection with an increased benefit/risk ratio for ipilimumab therapy. At the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, a total of 81 advanced melanoma patients were treated on the Ipilimumab Expanded Access Program from 2007 to 2008. Using immunohistochemistry, we analyzed the expression of immune checkpoint (CTLA-4, PD-1, PD-L1) and Akt-pathway proteins in formalin-fixed tumor tissue. Associations between these biomarkers and progression-free survival (PFS) and OS were analyzed with univariate and multivariate Cox proportional-hazards models. There was a significant correlation between high CTLA-4 protein expression levels in tumor cells and risk of death (P=0.02) and decreased PFS (P=0.023). In addition, high expression of CTLA-4 in peritumoral lymphocytes correlated with poor OS (P=0.023). In multivariate analysis, patients with high CTLA-4 and phospho-Akt (p-Akt) expression correlated with poor OS (log-rank test, P=0.039) and PFS (log-rank test, P=0.014). High levels of CTLA-4 and p-Akt expression in pretreatment tumor cells in melanoma patients were associated with poor clinical outcomes. Immunohistochemistry analysis of CTLA-4 and p-Akt in pretreatment tumor samples provides useful biomarkers that may enable improved patient selection for ipilimumab therapy. Prospective clinical studies are warranted to investigate the predictive value of these biomarkers.

Study on polymorphisms in CHRNA5/CHRNA3/CHRNB4 gene cluster and the associated with the risk of non-small cell lung cancer

CHRNA5/CHRNA3/CHRNB4 gene cluster is located on chromosome 15q25.1 and was reported to be associated with risk of lung cancer. So far, the effect of three single nucleotide polymorphisms rs6495309, rs8040868, rs1948 in this gene cluster was unclear about lung cancer risk. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the associations of rs6495309, rs8040868, rs1948 polymorphism, smoking exposure and the interaction with non-small cell lung cancer risk in Chinese population. In this hospital-based case-control study, 306 lung cancer patients and 306 cancer-free controls were interviewed to collect demographic data and exposure status of smoking, and then donate 2ml venous blood which was used to be genotyped by Taqman allelic discrimination method. Our study found that subjects carrying rs1948 CT genotype stated to be a risk factor in Chinese Han population (adjusted OR = 1.594, 95% CI = 1.066-2.383, P = 0.023) and in non-smoking population (adjusted OR = 1.896, 95%CI = 1.069-3.362, P = 0.029). rs8040868 CC genotype indicated a higher risk for lung cancer in non-smokers in a recessive model (adjusted OR = 2.496, 95%CI = 1.044-5.965, P = 0.040) and in age-based stratified analysis (age <= 60, adjusted OR = 4.213, 95%CI = 1.062-16.708, P = 0.041). All smoking interaction were positive in the multiplicative interaction of the SNPs and smoking status (-/+) compared with recessive model. Overall, these finding suggested that rs1948(C > T) and rs8040868(T > C) could be meaningful as genetic markers for lung cancer risk in Chinese Han population.

Effects of Occupational Silica Exposure on OXIDATIVE Stress and Immune System Parameters in Ceramic Workers in TURKEY

Silica is the second most common element after oxygen, and therefore, exposures to crystalline silica dust occur in a large variety of occupations such as metal foundries, constructions, and ceramic, quarry, and pottery industries. Since crystalline silica exposure has been linked with silicosis, lung cancer, and other pulmonary diseases, adverse effect attributed to this element has be a cause for concern worldwide. Silica dust exposure in workers is still considered to be important health problem especially in developing countries. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of occupational silica exposure on oxidative stress parameters including the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and levels of total glutathione (GSH) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) as well as immune system parameters such as interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in Turkish ceramic workers. In this study, nearly 50% of Turkish ceramic workers were diagnosed with silicosis. Eighty-four percent of these silicotic workers were found to present with profusion category 1 silicosis, whereas controls (n = 81) all displayed normal chest radiographs. Data demonstrated a significant decrease in levels of GSH and activities of CAT, SOD, and GPx, but a significant increase in MDA levels and activity of GR in all workers. Further, workers possessed significantly higher levels of IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α. These observations suggest that ceramic workers may have impaired antioxidant/oxidant status and activated immune system indicative of inflammatory responses.

Genetic Polymorphisms in the Apoptosis-Associated Gene CASP3 and the Risk of Lung Cancer in Chinese Population

Caspase-3 (CASP3) plays a central role in executing cell apoptosis and thus in carcinogenesis. We previously investigated the relationship between functional polymorphisms in CAPS3 829 A>C and 20541 C>T and risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. However little is known about the role of CASP3 variants in susceptibility to lung cancer. To figure out the contribution of CASP3 polymorphisms to lung cancer risk, genotypes of 1000 lung cancer patients and 1000 controls were conducted by RFLP-PCR (restriction fragment length polymorphism PCR). The transcriptional activity of CASP3 829 A>C was examined by dual luciferase reporter assay. Logistic regression was applied to calculate Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Compared with CASP3 829 AA genotype, AC and CC genotype had significantly increased risk of lung cancer with OR (95% CI) of 1.33 (1.09–1.63) and 1.55 (1.19–2.01), respectively. To further explore the possible impact of 829 A>C SNP on CASP3 transcriptional activity, we detected the dual luciferase activity of PGL3-promoter vectors containing 829A or 829C alleles in lung cancer cell lines and found that report gene expressions driven by 829A containing CASP3 promoter were 1.64-fold, 1.94-fold greater than those driven by CASP3 829C containing counterparts in A549 and NCI-H1975 cells (P<0.001). When stratified by sex, the significantly increased risk associated with CASP3 829 AC or CC genotype was obviousl in males with OR (95% CI) of 1.42 (1.11–1.81) and 1.51 (1.11–2.05), but not in females. When stratified by age, we found that CASP3 829 AC or CC genotype contributed to the risk of lung cancer in youngers with OR (95% CI) of 2.73 (1.71–4.34) and 4.02 (2.20–7.32), but not in elder group. We also found that 829AC or 829CC genotype increased adenocarcinoma risk compared with the AA genotype with OR (95%CI) of 1.33 (1.04–1.70) and 1.51(1.09–2.07). CASP3 polymorphism and smoking interaction was demonstrated related with higher risk of lung cancer. We achieved that the CASP3 829AC or 829CC genotypes was associated with increased risk of lung cancer in both non-smoker and smoker group, with OR (95%CI) of 1.48 (1.08–2.02) and OR (95%CI) of 1.64 (1.09–2.48) among non-smokers and OR (95%CI) of 2.68 (1.89–3.81) and OR (95%CI) of 3.23 (2.21–4.92) among smokers, respectively. Among carriers with 20541CT genotype, the ORs (95%CI) of risk with lung cancer for smoking <16, 16–28, or > 28 pack-years were 1.16(0.65–2.07), 1.66(0.98–2.82) and 5.01(3.31–7.58) compared with the 20541CC carriers. And among carriers with 20541CT genotype, the ORs (95%CI) were 0.86(0.33–2.20), 2.12(0.83–5.41) and 5.71(2.68–12.16). These results highlight apoptosis-related CASP3 as an important gene in human carcinogenesis and further support the CASP3 polymorphisms confer to the lung cancer susceptibility.

Associations between FAS rs2234767 and FASL rs763110 polymorphisms and the risk of lung cancer: a meta-analysis of 39,736 subjects

Background

Previous studies have investigated the associations between the common polymorphisms in FAS/FASL genes and lung cancer risk; however, the results remain inconsistent and inconclusive. Hence, we performed a meta-analysis to reassess the relationships between FAS rs2234767 and FASL rs763110 polymorphisms and the risk of lung cancer.

Methods

Eligible studies retrieved by an electronic search were pooled to calculate the strength of the associations using the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI).

Results

A total of 13 case–control studies involving 39,736 subjects (9,237 cases and 10,838 controls on FAS rs2234767 and 8,957 cases and 10,704 controls on FASL rs763110) were included in the meta-analysis. The results showed a significant association between FAS rs2234767 polymorphism and increased risk of lung cancer (A vs G: OR =1.07, 95% CI =1.01–1.13; AA vs GG: OR =1.23, 95% CI =1.06–1.43; AA vs GA + GG: OR =1.24, 95% CI =1.08–1.43). Similar association was also observed in Asian population (AA vs GA + GG: OR =1.30, 95% CI =1.01–1.67) and in the studies with large sample size (A vs G: OR =1.07, 95% CI =1.00–1.14; AA vs GG: OR =1.30, 95% CI =1.07–1.58). However, no significant association between FASL rs763110 polymorphism and lung cancer risk was found other than in the Asian population (CC vs TC + TT: OR =1.35, 95% CI =1.01–1.80).

Conclusion

The meta-analysis indicated that FAS rs2234767 polymorphism was significantly associated with an increased risk of lung cancer and FASL rs763110 polymorphism may not contribute to susceptibility to lung cancer other than in Asian population.

Quantitative assessment of the association between Fas/FasL gene polymorphism and susceptibility to esophageal carcinoma in a north Chinese population

The case–control study aims to investigate the association of Fas and FasL genetic polymorphisms (Fas‐670A/G (rs1800682), Fas‐1377G/A (rs2234767) and FasL‐844T/C (rs763110)) with esophageal carcinoma susceptibility in a north Chinese population. A total of 204 patients with esophageal carcinoma and 248 healthy controls were enrolled from Henan, China and genotyped by the polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism method. There were no significant differences in distributions of their genotypes frequencies between patients and controls in Fas‐670A/G, Fas‐1377G/A and FasL‐844T/C polymorphisms (P > 0.05). Stratified analysis showed that no significant association was found between esophageal carcinoma and gene polymorphisms of Fas‐670 A/G, Fas‐1377G/A, and FasL‐844T/C (P > 0.05). Genetic polymorphisms in the death pathway genes Fas and FasL were not associated with risk of developing esophageal carcinoma in a north Chinese population.

Significant association between FasL gene -844T/C polymorphism and risk to hepatocellular carcinoma in Egyptian patients

Fas/Fas ligand (FasL) system is the most critical apoptotic signaling entity in the extrinsic apoptotic pathway; hence mutations affecting this pathway may prevent the immune system from the removal of newly-formed tumor cells, and thus lead to tumor formation. The present study investigated the association between the FasL -844T/C polymorphism and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a cohort of Egyptian patients and explored the relationship of various clinical and pathological parameters with this single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). Blood samples were withdrawn from hundred HCC patients and 100 age-, sex- and ethnically matched controls. The FasL -844T/C (rs763110) gene polymorphism was typed from genomic DNA using polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay. Genotype distributions and allelic frequencies between patients and control subjects showed that the TT homozygous patients were two times more likely to develop HCC (p=0.011). Also, the T allele was found to be a significant risk factor for the disease (OR 1.970, 95% CI 1.250-3.105, p=0.003). No association was detected between different parameters of the disease and the SNP. For the first time, our results suggest that the -844T/C polymorphism in the FasL gene confers risk to HCC. The alarming increase in the incidence of HCC in Egypt encourages further studies to document our results in a larger sample, and recommends more genetic studies hoping to define a genomic risk prediction specific to this cancer in our population.

Site disparities in apoptotic variants as predictors of risk for second primary malignancy in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

Background

FAS/FASL promoter variants are considered in altering transcriptional activity of those genes and consequently alter regulation of cell death. However, no studies have investigated whether tumor sites contribute to the association between FAS/FASL polymorphisms and risk for second primary malignancy (SPM).

Method

In this study, FAS670 A > G, FAS1377 G > A, FASL124 A > G, and FASL844C > T polymorphisms were genotyped in 752 OPC and 777 non-OPC patients. Both univariate and multivariable cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the associations.

Results

The univariate and multivariable analyses showed that patients with index OPC and FASL844 CT/TT genotype had significantly increased risk of SPM (cHR, 2.5; 95 % CI, 1.1–5.8, P = 0.043 and aHR, 2.7; 95 % CI, 1.2–6.0, P = 0.032) compared with those with FASL844 CC genotype as the reference group, while index non-OPC patients with FAS670 AG/GG and FasL844 CT/TT genotypes had significantly increased risk of SPM (cHR, 2.2 and 1.8; 95 % CI, 1.2–5.7 and 1.1–3.2; and P = 0.04 and 0.041, respectively and aHR, 2.4 and 1.7; 95 % CI, 1.1–5.1 and 1.0-3.0; and P = 0.043 and 0.049, respectively) compared with their corresponding AA and CC genotypes . Moreover, patients carrying more FAS/FASL variants significantly increased risk of SPM among index non-OPC patients. The stratified analysis showed that smoking status differently modified the associations between FAS/FASL polymorphisms and risk of SPM among index non-OPC from OPC patients.

Conclusion

These results suggested that FAS/FASL polymorphisms might significantly modify SPM risk among patients with SCCHN in a tumor site-specific manner.

The combined risks of reduced or increased function variants in cell death pathway genes differentially influence cervical cancer risk and herpes simplex virus type 2 infection among black Africans and the Mixed Ancestry population of South Africa

Background

Cervical cancer is one of the most important cancers worldwide with a high incident and mortality rate and is caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). Among sexually active women who get infected with human papillomavirus (HPV), a small fraction progresses to cervical cancer disease pointing to possible roles of additional risk factors in development of the disease which include host genetic factors and other infections such as HSV-2. Since cellular apoptosis plays a role in controlling the spread of virus-infections in cells, gene variants altering the function of proteins involved in cell death pathways might be associated with the clearing of virus infections. Activity altering polymorphisms in FasR (−1377G > A and -670A > G), FasL (−844 T > C) and CASP8 (−652 6 N ins/del) genes have been shown to alter the mechanism of apoptosis by modifying the level of expression of their correspondent proteins.

In the present study, we set out to investigate the combined risks of CASP8, FasR, and FasL polymorphisms in cervical cancer, pre-cancerous lesions, HPV infection and HSV-2 infection.

Methods

Participants were 442 South African women of black African and mixed-ancestry origin with invasive cervical cancer and 278 control women matched by age, ethnicity and domicile status. FasR and FasL polymorphisms were genotyped by TaqMan and CASP8 polymorphism by PCR-RFLP. The results were analysed with R using haplo.stats software version 1.5.2.

Results

CASP8 -652 6 N del + FasR-670A was associated with a reduced risk (P = 0.019, Combined Polymorphism Score (CPS) = −2.34) and CASP8 -652 6 N ins + FasR-1377G was associated with a marginal increased risk (P = 0.047, CPS = 1.99) of cervical cancer among black Africans. When compared within the control group, CASP8 -652 6 N ins + FasR-1377A showed a reduced risk (P = 0.023, CPS = −2.28) of HSV-2 infection in both black African and mixed-ancestry population.

Conclusions

Our results show that the combined risks of variants in cell death pathway genes are associated with the cervical cancer as well as the HSV-2 infection in the black African and mixed-ancestry population.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12885-015-1678-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Apoptotic variants as predictors of risk of oropharyngeal cancer recurrence after definitive radiotherapy

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the promoter region of FAS and FASLG may alter their transcriptional activity. Thus, we determined the associations between four FAS and FASLG promoter variants (FAS1377G>A, rs2234767; 670A>G, rs1800682; FASLG844T>C, rs763110 and 124A>G, rs5030772) and the risk of recurrence of squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx (SCCOP). We evaluated the associations between FAS and FASLG genetic variants and the risk of recurrence in a cohort of 1,008 patients. The log-rank test and multivariate Cox models were used to evaluate the associations. Compared with patients with common homozygous genotypes of FAS670 and FASLG844 polymorphisms, patients with variant genotypes had lower disease-free survival rates (log-rank p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001, respectively) and an approximately threefold higher risk of SCCOP recurrence (HR, 3.2;95% CI, 2.2-4.6; and HR, 3.1; 95% CI, 2.2-4.4, respectively) after multivariate adjustment. Furthermore, among patients with HPV16-positive tumors, those with variant genotypes of these two polymorphisms had lower disease-free survival rates (log-rank, p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001, respectively) and a higher recurrence risk than did patients with common homozygous genotypes (HR, 12.9; 95% CI, 3.8-43.6; and HR, 8.1; 95% CI, 3.6-18.6, respectively), whereas no significant associations were found for FAS1377 and FASLG124 polymorphisms. Our findings suggest that FAS670 and FASLG844 polymorphisms modulate the risk of recurrence of SCCOP, particularly in patients with HPV16-positive tumors. Larger studies are needed to validate these results.

Genetic association between CD95 rs2234767 polymorphism and cervical cancer risk: a meta analysis

BACKGROUND

CD95 rs2234767 polymorphism in the promotor region of CD95 gene has been implicated in several studies of cervical cancer. However, the results have not been conclusively established.

OBJECTIVE

The main aim of this study was to deal with the controversy with respect to the correlation between CD95 rs2234767 polymorphism and risk of cervical cancer through a meta-analysis.

METHODS

Association studies that pertain to CD95 rs2234767 polymorphism and risk of cervical cancer were identified up to May 26, 2014. ORs and 95% CIs were calculated assuming AA versus GG, AA + AG versus GG, AA versus AG + GG, A versus G and AG versus GG genetic models.

RESULTS

A total of 5 case-control studies were included in this meta-analysis. Overall, no significant effect modification of cervical cancer risk was revealed either at the genotypic or the allelic level for CD95 rs2234767 polymorphism. This null association persisted in the stratified analysis of Asian population.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings revealed that CD95 rs2234767 polymorphism may not act as a causative agent of cervical cancer. Further evidence is needed to confirm our findings.

FasL -844T/C and Fas -1377G/A: mutations of pulmonary adenocarcinoma in South China and their clinical significances

Apoptosis is an important mechanism of malignant tumor formation and progression. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located within cell death genes may influence cancer risk. We explored the relationship between FasL −844T/C and/or Fas −1377G/A SNPs and pulmonary adenocarcinoma (AD). Two hundred seventy-five patients with pulmonary AD of South China admitted into Zhejiang Cancer Hospital from July 2007 to October 2011 were randomly selected, and their clinicopathological data were collected at the same time. Two hundred ninety-seven cases of healthy individuals were selected as control. FasL −844T/C and Fas −1377G/A SNPs were detected by PCR-RFLP technique to evaluate the relationships between these two SNPs and pulmonary AD. Age, FasL −844 and Fas −1377 SNPs were associated with increased risk of pulmonary AD susceptibility in main effect analysis. FasL −844CC and Fas −1377 AA were associated with an increased risk for the development of pulmonary AD only in age <60 years people, but not in those ≥60 years. FasL −844CC genotype was associated with an increased risk for pulmonary AD (adjusted OR = 2.010, 95 % CI 1.196–3.379, P = 0.008) compared with TT genotype. However, Fas −1377 AA was a risk factor only when FasL −844 genotype was CC. Fas −1377 genotypes showed significant effect modification of pulmonary AD risk by FasL −844 genotype with test of the interaction term adjusting for age, gender, and FasL −844 SNP. Fas −1377G/A was not associated with the clinicopathological factors, while FasL −844C/T was associated with tumor stage and lymph node metastasis in age ≥60 years people and tumor stage in those <60 years. In conclusion, FasL −844 SNP is associated with the susceptibility of pulmonary AD in age <60 years people. Fas −1377 SNP may modify the association of FasL −844 SNP with the risk of pulmonary AD. FasL −844 genotype plays an important role in the occurrence and progression of pulmonary AD.

Association of the polymorphisms in the Fas/FasL promoter regions with cancer susceptibility: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 52 studies

Fas and its ligand (FasL) play an important role in apoptosis and carcinogenesis. Therefore, the potential association of polymorphisms in the Fas (-670A>G, rs1800682; -1377G>A, rs2234767) and FasL (-844C>T, rs763110) with cancer risk has been widely investigated. However, all the currently available results are not always consistent. In this work, we performed a meta-analysis to further determine whether carriers of the polymorphisms in Fas and FasL of interest could confer an altered susceptibility to cancer. All relevant data were retrieved by PubMed and Web of Science, and 52 eligible studies were chosen for this meta-analysis. There was no association of the Fas -670A>G polymorphism with cancer risk in the pooled data. For the Fas -1377G>A and FasL -844C>T polymorphisms, results revealed that the homozygotes of -1377A and -844C were associated with elevated risk of cancer as a whole. Further stratified analysis indicated markedly increased risk for developing breast cancer, gastric cancer, and esophageal cancer, in particular in Asian population. We conclude that carriers of the Fas-1377A and the FasL -844C are more susceptible to the majority of cancers than non-carriers.

Death receptor (DR4) haplotypes are associated with increased susceptibility of gallbladder carcinoma in north Indian population

Background and Aim

Defective apoptosis is a hallmark of cancer development and progression. Death receptors (DR4, FAS) and their ligands (TRAIL, FASL) are thought to mediate the major extrinsic apoptotic pathway in the cell. SNPs in these genes may lead to defective apoptosis. Hence, the present study aimed to investigate the association of functional SNPs of DR4 (rs20575, rs20576 and rs6557634), FAS (rs2234767) and FASL (rs763110) with gallbladder cancer (GBC) risk.

Methods

This case-control study included 400 GBC and 246 healthy controls (HC). Genotyping was carried out by Taqman genotyping assays. Statistical analysis was performed by using SPSS ver16. Meta-analysis was performed using Comprehensive Meta-analysis software (Version 2.0, BIOSTAT, Englewood, NJ) to systematically summarize the possible association of SNP with cancer risk. Functional prediction of these variants was carried out using Bioinformatics tools (FAST-SNP, F-SNP). False discovery rate (FDR test) was used in multiple comparisons.

Results

The DR4 C_rs20575A_rs20576A_rs6557634, G_rs20575A_rs20576G_rs6557634 and G_rs20575C_rs20576G_rs6557634 haplotypes conferred two-fold increased risk for GBC. Among these, the DR4 C_rs20575A_rs20576A_rs6557634 haplotype emerged as main factor influencing GBC susceptibility as the risk was not modulated by gender or gallstone stratification. Our meta-analysis results showed significant association of DR4 rs6557634 with overall cancer risk, GI cancers as well as in Caucasians. We didn't find any association of FAS and FASL SNPs with GBC susceptibility.

Conclusions

The DR4 haplotype C_rs20575A_rs20576A_rs6557634 represents an important factor accounting the patients susceptibility to GBC probably due to decreased apoptosis. However, additional well-designed studies with larger sample size focusing on different ethnicities are required to further validate the results.

Association between the FAS rs2234767G/A polymorphism and cancer risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abnormal regulation of apoptosis can lead to carcinogenesis. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in apoptotic genes have been associated with cancer risk, such as the FAS rs2234767G/A polymorphism, which alters transcription of the FAS promoter. Downregulation of FAS, with resultant cellular resistance to death signals, has been found in many cancers. However, the association between the FAS rs2234767G/A polymorphism and cancer risk is still controversial. Here, we performed a meta-analysis including 41 articles (44 case-control studies, 17,814 cases and 24,307 controls) identified from PubMed and Chinese language (CNKI and WanFang) databases related to cancer susceptibility and the FAS rs2234767G/A polymorphism. We used odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to assess the strength of the associations. We found that the rs2234767 G-allele was a protective factor for cancer risk (GG vs. AA: OR=0.88, 95% CI=0.79-0.98; GG+GA vs. AA: OR=0.87, 95% CI=0.79-0.96). Similar associations were detected in the "source of control", ethnicity, and cancer type subgroups. Further studies on a larger sample size and considering gene-environment interactions should be conducted to confirm the role of FAS polymorphisms, especially rs2234767G/A, in cancer risk.

Association of Fas -1377 G/A polymorphism with susceptibility to cancer

BACKGROUND

The relationship between Fas -1377 G/A polymorphism and cancer susceptibility has been implicated in accumulating data. However, the data presented inconsistent results. This study was devised to investigate the association of Fas -1377 G/A polymorphism and cancer susceptibility in a large number of participants.

METHODS

The databases of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched and a total of 27 case-control studies including 13,355 cases and 16,078 controls were included in this meta-analysis. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using the fixed-effects model. Statistical analyses were performed by using Stata software.

RESULTS

The results suggested that Fas -1377 G/A polymorphism was overall associated with cancer susceptibility (additive model: OR, 1.16, 95%CI = 1.06-1.27, Pheterogeneity = 0.381; recessive model: OR, 1.19, 95%CI = 1.10-1.29, Pheterogeneity= 0.137). In the subgroup analysis by cancer type, significantly increased risk was observed in breast cancer (additive model: OR, 1.24, 95%CI = 1.04-1.58, Pheterogeneity = 0.614; recessive model: OR, 1.24, 95%CI = 1.02-1.51, Pheterogeneity = 0.349) and lung cancer (recessive model: OR, 1.25, 95%CI = 1.04-1.49, Pheterogeneity = 0.090). Similarly, elevated cancer risk associated with Fas -1377 G/A polymorphism was revealed in Asians.

CONCLUSIONS

The combined results suggest that Fas -1377 G/A polymorphism might modulate cancer susceptibility in an Asian-specific manner.

FasL gene -844T/C mutation of esophageal cancer in South China and its clinical significance

In this study, we investigated the association between the FasL -844T/C polymorphism and the risk of developing esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in South China. For the investigation, we randomly selected 248 patients suffering from ESCC from Southern China along with 297 healthy individuals as the control group. The relationship between the FasL gene -844T/C SNP and ESCC was studied using PCR-RFLP and immunohistochemistry. The Fas -1377G/A SNP was also selected for investigation to detect whether it interferes with the functional effect of the FasL -844C/T polymorphism in ESCC development. A significant difference in the FasL -844T/C genotypes between the patients and the control group was observed (P<0.05), with those expressing the C allele having a significantly reduced risk of developing ESCC, however younger patients (<60 years) exhibited a more malignant pathological T grade if they were homozygous for the C allele. FasL -844 CC combined with the Fas -1377 G allele is a protective factor against ESCC. Having said this, even though the C allele has a protective effect prior to development of ESCC, once the host does develop the condition the tumour will develop faster and have a higher degree of malignancy than T carriers.

Fas gene variants in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia and association with prognosis

Fas molecule is one of the main important molecules involved in apoptotic cell death. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the promoter of Fas gene at positions -1377G/A and -670 A/G may affect its expression and play an important role in the pathology of leukemia. In the present study the association between these polymorphisms and risk of the development of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in children with ALL compared to cancer-free control subjects was examined by polymerase chain reaction- based restriction fragment length polymorphism. The relationship between the polymorphisms and clinical and laboratory features of the patients and response to therapy were determined. No significant differences in genotype and allele frequencies between the patients and the control subjects at positions -670 and -1377 were detected. Evaluation of the prognostic factors revealed an association between the GG genotype at position -670 and liver involvement in ALL patients (p < 0.04). Although patients with -1377 AA genotype showed shorter mean complete remission duration, the result of survival analysis did not reach to be significant. In conclusion, results of this study showed no contribution of Fas genotypes at positions -670 and -1377 to risk of ALL in children. The association of Fas GG genotype at position -670 with liver involvement in the patients may show its important role in prognosis of ALL.

FASL rs763110 polymorphism contributes to cancer risk: an updated meta-analysis involving 43,295 subjects

Background

Published studies investigating the association between genetic polymorphism -884C/T (rs763110) of the FAS ligand (FASL) promoter and cancer risk reported inconclusive results. To derive a more precise estimation of the relationship, we performed an updated meta-analysis of all eligible studies.

Methodology/Principal Findings

We carried out a meta-analysis, including 47 studies with 19,810 cases and 23,485 controls, to confirm a more conclusive association between the FASL rs763110 polymorphism and cancer susceptibility. Overall, significantly reduced cancer risk was associated with the variant -884T when all studies were pooled (TC vs. CC: OR = 0.83, 95%CI = 0.75–0.92; P_{heterogeneity}<0.001; TT+TC vs. CC: OR = 0.85, 95%CI = 0.77–0.94; P_{heterogeneity}<0.001). Stratified analysis revealed that there was a statistically reduced cancer risk in Asians (TC vs. CC: OR = 0.76, 95%CI = 0.67–0.87; P_{heterogeneity}<0.001; TT+TC vs. CC: OR = 0.79, 95%CI = 0.70–0.90; P_{heterogeneity}<0.001) and in patients with cancers of head and neck (TC vs. CC: OR = 0.87, 95%CI = 0.77–0.99; P_{heterogeneity} = 0.118; TT+TC vs. CC: OR = 0.88, 95%CI = 0.78–0.99; P_{heterogeneity} = 0.168) and ovarian cancer (TC vs. CC: OR = 0.67, 95%CI = 0.49–0.90; P_{heterogeneity} = 0.187; TT+TC vs. CC: OR = 0.64, 95%CI = 0.48–0.86; P_{heterogeneity} = 0.199). Meta-regression showed that ethnicity (p = 0.029) and genotyping method (p = 0.043) but not cancer types (p = 0.772), sample size (p = 0.518), or source of controls (p = 0.826) were the source of heterogeneity in heterozygote comparison.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the FASL polymorphism rs763110 is associated with a significantly reduced risk of cancer, especially in Asian populations.

FAS-1377 G/A (rs2234767) polymorphism and cancer susceptibility: a meta-analysis of 17,858 cases and 24,311 controls

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Disruption of apoptosis has been implicated in carcinogenesis. Specifically, various single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in apoptotic genes, such as FAS-1377 G/A SNP, have been associated with cancer risk. FAS-1377 G/A SNP has been shown to alter FAS gene promoter transcriptional activity. Down-regulation of FAS and cell death resistance is key to many cancers, but an association between FAS-1377 G/A SNP and cancer risk is uncertain. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis of the current literature to clarify this relationship.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

From PubMed and Chinese language (CNKI and WanFang) databases, we located articles published up to March 5, 2013, obtaining 44 case-control studies from 41 different articles containing 17,858 cases and 24,311 controls based on search criteria for cancer susceptibility related to the FAS gene -1377 G/A SNP. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) revealed association strengths. Data show that the -1377 G allele was protective against cancer risk. Similar associations were detected in "source of control," ethnicity and cancer type subgroups. Lower cancer risk was found in both smokers with a GG+GA genotype and in non-smokers with the GG+GA genotype, when compared to smokers and nonsmokers with the AA genotype. Males carrying the -1377G allele (GG+GA) had lower cancer incidence than those with the AA genotype. Individuals who carried both FAS-1377(GG+GA)/FASL-844(TT+TC) genotypes appeared to have lower risk of cancer than those who carried both FAS-1377 AA/FASL-844 CC genotypes.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

The FAS-1377 G/A SNP may decrease cancer risk. Studies with larger samples to study gene-environment interactions are warranted to understand the role of FAS gene polymorphisms, especially -1377 G/A SNP, in cancer risk.

Functional polymorphisms in FAS/FASL system increase the risk of neuroblastoma in Chinese population

The FAS and FASL system plays a substantial role in apoptosis and immune escape of cells. Three polymorphisms located in the promoter regions of FAS (-1377G/A and -670A/G) and FASL (-844T/C) have been shown to alter the transcriptional activity of the genes, respectively. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of these polymorphisms on the susceptibility of neuroblastoma in the Chinese population. A total of 203 patients with neuroblastoma and 411 controls were recruited in this case-control study. Polymerase chain reaction-based restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was applied for genotyping. Unconditional logistic regression was used to estimate cancer risk by calculating odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). It was observed that significantly increased risks of neuroblastoma associated with FAS -1377G/A and FASL -844T/C polymorphisms, with ORs equal to 1.55 (95% CI, 1.10–2.20) for FAS -1377 A allele and 2.90 (95% CI, 2.04–4.12) for FASL -844CC genotype carriers compared with non-carriers, respectively. However, no association was found between the polymorphisms of FAS -670A/G and risk of neuroblastoma. In addition, the cumulative effect of FAS and FASL polymorphisms on risk of neuroblastoma was observed (P for trend = 2.502×10⁻¹⁰), with OR for the carriers of both FAS -1377A allele and FASL -844CC genotypes equaled to 3.95 (95% CI, 2.40–6.51). This work reveals that polymorphisms of FAS -1377G/A and FASL -844T/C but not FAS -670A/G are associated with risk of neuroblastoma in Chinese. These findings support the hypothesis that genetic polymorphism in FAS/FASL death system may influence individual susceptibility to neuroblastoma.

FAS/FASL expression profile as a prognostic marker in squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity

FAS/FASL altered expression may cause tumor protecting immunomodulation, with a direct impact on patient prognosis. FAS expression was studied in 60 squamous cell carcinomas of the oral cavity. FAS expression did not show a significant association with tumor histopathological characteristics, but was significantly associated with lymph node positivity. FAS expression was significantly associated with disease specific death and negative FAS expression was an independent risk factor, increasing risk 4 times when compared to positive expression. When FAS and FASL expression results were combined, we were able to define high, intermediate and low risk profiles. Disease-free and disease-specific survival were significantly correlated with FAS/FASL expression profiles. The high risk category was an independent marker for earlier disease relapse and disease-specific death, with approximately 4- and 6-fold increased risk, respectively, when compared to the low risk profile. Risk profiles based on FAS/FASL expression showed that high risk was significantly associated with increased disease relapse and death, as well as shorter disease-free or disease-specific survival. This categorization, added to patient clinical data, may facilitate the choice of therapy, minimizing treatment failure and increasing disease control.

CASP-1, -2 and -5 gene polymorphisms and cancer risk: A review and meta-analysis

Accumulating evidence suggests the CASP gene family is important in the development of carcinogenesis. These genetic polymorphisms have been extensively investigated as a potential risk factor for cancer, but results have been inconclusive. This Human Genome Epidemiology (HuGE) review and meta-analysis was performed to investigate the associations between CASP-1, -2 and -5 and cancer risk. A literature search of Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science and CBM databases was conducted from inception through September 1st, 2012. Four case-control studies with a total of 1,592 cancer cases and 1,833 healthy controls were included in the present meta-analysis. Crude odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the strength of association. Five polymorphisms were examined, including rs501192 (G>A), rs4647297 (C>G), rs507879 (T>C), rs3181320 (G>C) and rs523104 (G>C). Meta-analysis results showed that the rs3181320*C allele/carrier were associated with increased risk of various types of cancers (OR=1.26; 95% CI, 1.04-1.54; P=0.020 and OR=1.33; 95% CI, 1.00-1.75; P=0.047, respectively). However, similar associations were not found in the rs501192, rs4647297, rs507879 and rs523104 polymorphisms (all P>0.05). Results from the current meta-analysis suggest that the rs3181320*C allele/carrier in CASP-5 gene are potential risk factors for cancer.

Functional polymorphisms in FAS and FASL contribute to risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx and hypopharynx in a Chinese population

Accumulating evidences indicate that the functional FAS-1377G>A, -670A>G and FASL-844T>C polymorphisms affect the risk of several kinds of cancers. However, their roles in the development of larynx and hypopharynx squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) were still unknown in the Chinese. In the current study, we examined whether these functional genetic variants were associated with the risk of larynx and hypopharynx squamous SCC in a Han Chinese population. The FAS and FASL polymorphisms were genotyped in 300 patients with laryngeal and hypopharyngeal SCC and 300 control subjects by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Logistic regression analysis revealed that subjects carrying the FASL-844CT or TT genotype had a significantly decreased risk of developing laryngeal and hypopharyngeal SCC [odds ratio (OR)=0.69; 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.51-0.93; P=0.016; or, OR=0.41; 95% CI=0.20-0.86; P=0.009] compared with those carrying the CC genotype. Joint gene-smoking and gene-drinking effects were also observed, with the OR of CC genotype for smokers or drinkers were 5.15 (95%CI=3.24-8.97) or 12.52 (95%CI=7.31-22.47), respectively. Therefore, the FASL-844T>C polymorphism is associated with genetic susceptibility of developing laryngeal and hypopharyngeal SCC in a Han Chinese population.

Apoptosis-related Fas and FasL gene polymorphisms' associations with knee osteoarthritis

To investigate the associations between Fas and FasL gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to knee osteoarthritis. Genomic DNA was obtained from 146 patients with knee osteoarthritis and 102 healthy controls. Genotype distributions and allelic frequencies of four polymorphisms of Fas (-670 G>A rs1800682, -1377 G>A rs2234767) and FasL (IVS2nt-124 A>G rs5030772, -844 T>C rs763110) genes were compared between the groups. Thereafter, this association was investigated between patients and controls of the same sex. There were significant differences between patients with knee osteoarthritis and controls regarding the genotype distributions and allelic frequencies of Fas-1377 G>A polymorphism (P = 0.0001 and P = 0.005, respectively). The Fas-1377 GG genotype and G allele were significantly more frequent in patients with knee osteoarthritis than in controls. Genotype distributions and allelic frequencies of Fas-670 G>A, FasL-844 T>C, and FasL IVS2nt-124 A>G polymorphisms did not differ between the groups (P > 0.05). However, there were no significant differences between patients and controls of the same sex (P > 0.05). These findings suggest that the Fas-1377 G>A polymorphism in the Fas gene related with apoptosis may contribute to susceptibility to knee osteoarthritis in the Turkish population. There is a need for further studies to evaluate the role of apoptosis in large cohorts.

Functional polymorphisms of FAS and FASL gene and risk of breast cancer - pilot study of 134 cases

Fas/Fas ligand (FasL) system is one of the key apoptotic signaling entities in the extrinsic apoptotic pathway. De-regulation of this pathway, i.e. by mutations may prevent the immune system from the removal of newly-formed tumor cells, and thus lead to tumor formation. The present study investigated the association between −1377 G/A (rs2234767) and −670 A/G (rs1800682) polymorphisms in Fas as well as single nucleotide polymorphisms INV2nt −124 A/G (rs5030772) and −844 C/T (rs763110) in FasL in a sample of Iranian patients with breast cancer. This case-control study was done on 134 breast cancer patients and 152 normal women. Genomic DNA was extracted from whole blood samples. The polymorphisms were determined by using tetra-ARMS-PCR method. There was no significant difference in the genotype distribution of FAS rs2234767 polymorphism between cases and controls. FAS rs1800682, FASL rs5030772, and FASL rs763110 genotypes showed significant associations with an increasing risk of breast cancer (odds ratio OR = 3.18, P = 0.019; OR = 5.08, P = 0.012; OR = 2.40, P = 0.024, respectively). In conclusion, FAS rs2234767 was not associated with breast cancer risk. Though, FAS rs1800682, FASL rs5030772, and FASL rs763110 polymorphisms were associated with the risk of breast cancer in the examined population.

Genetic polymorphisms in FAS (CD95) and FAS ligand (CD178) promoters and risk of tobacco-related oral carcinoma: gene-gene interactions in high-risk Indians

We assessed the association of functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in FAS -1377, -670 and FAS ligand (FASL) -844 promoters in 139 oral cancer patients and 126 normal subjects by PCR-RFLP. In logistic regression analysis FAS -1377 GA genotype appeared to marginally increase the risk while FASL -844 TC genotype appeared as low risk factor. The combined genotypes FAS -1377 GA or AA and FASL -844 TT (p <0.03), and FAS -670 AG or GG and FASL -844 TT (p <0.007) appeared to double the risk. FAS and FASL gene-gene and gene-environment interactions seems to modulate susceptibility/resistance to tobacco-related oral cancer in Indians.

A functional polymorphism on chromosome 15q25 associated with survival of early stage non-small-cell lung cancer

INTRODUCTION

The 15q25 region has been associated with lung-cancer risk and might also be associated with the prognosis of lung cancer. This study was conducted to determine the impact of a functional polymorphism in the CHRNA3 gene on chromosome 15q25 in the survival of patients with early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODS

Five hundred and eighty-three consecutive patients with surgically resected NSCLC were enrolled. The rs6495309C > T polymorphism in the promoter of the CHRNA3 gene was investigated. The association between genotype and overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) was analyzed.

RESULTS

Patients with the rs6495309 CT or TT genotype had a significantly better OS and DFS than the rs6495309 CC genotype (adjusted hazard ratio for OS = 0.56, 95% confidence interval = 0.41-0.75, p = 0.0001; and adjusted hazard ratio for DFS = 0.61, 95% confidence interval = 0.48-0.79, p = 0.0001). An association between the rs6495309C > T polymorphism and survival outcome was demonstrated in smokers and never-smokers, and in squamous-cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas.

CONCLUSION

The CHRNA3 rs6495309C > T polymorphism may affect survival in patients with early-stage NSCLC. Analysis of the rs6495309C > T polymorphism can help identify patients at high risk of a poor disease outcome.