Association of methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase 1 polymorphisms with cancer: a meta-analysis

Common Variants in One-Carbon Metabolism Genes (MTHFR, MTR, MTHFD1) and Depression in Gynecologic Cancers

We investigated the association between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (gene MTHFR 677C>T, rs1801133), 5-methyltetrahydrofolate-homocysteine methyltransferase (MTR 2756A>G, rs1805087), and methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase, cyclohydrolase and formyltetrahydrofolate synthetase 1 (gene MTHFD1 1958G>A, rs2236225)-well-studied functional variants involved in one-carbon metabolism-and gynecologic cancer risk, and the interaction between these polymorphisms and depression. A total of 200 gynecologic cancer cases and 240 healthy controls were recruited to participate in this study. Three single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) (rs1801133, rs1805087, rs2236225) were genotyped using the PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Depression was assessed in all patients using the Hamilton Depression Scale. Depression was statistically significantly more frequent in women with gynecologic cancers (69.5% vs. 34.2% in controls, p < 0.001). MTHFD1 rs2236225 was associated with an increased risk of gynecologic cancers (in dominant OR = 1.53, p = 0.033, and in log-additive models OR = 1.37, p = 0.024). Moreover, an association was found between depression risk and MTHFR rs1801133 genotypes in the controls but not in women with gynecologic cancers (in codominant model CC vs. TT: OR = 3.39, 95%: 1.49-7.74, p = 0.011). Cancers of the female reproductive system are associated with the occurrence of depression, and ovarian cancer may be associated with the rs2236225 variant of the MTHFD1 gene. In addition, in healthy aging women in the Polish population, the rs1801133 variant of the MTHFR gene is associated with depression.

Targeting Homocysteine and Hydrogen Sulfide Balance as Future Therapeutics in Cancer Treatment

A high level of homocysteine (Hcy) is associated with oxidative/ER stress, apoptosis, and impairment of angiogenesis, whereas hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been found to reverse this condition. Recent studies have shown that cancer cells need to produce a high level of endogenous H2S to maintain cell proliferation, growth, viability, and migration. However, any novel mechanism that targets this balance of Hcy and H2S production has yet to be discovered or exploited. Cells require homocysteine metabolism via the methionine cycle for nucleotide synthesis, methylation, and reductive metabolism, and this pathway supports the high proliferative rate of cancer cells. Although the methionine cycle favors cancer cells for their survival and growth, this metabolism produces a massive amount of toxic Hcy that somehow cancer cells handle very well. Recently, research showed specific pathways important for balancing the antioxidative defense through H2S production in cancer cells. This review discusses the relationship between Hcy metabolism and the antiapoptotic, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and angiogenic effects of H2S in different cancer types. It also summarizes the historical understanding of targeting antioxidative defense systems, angiogenesis, and other protective mechanisms of cancer cells and the role of H2S production in the genesis, progression, and metastasis of cancer. This review defines a nexus of diet and precision medicine in targeting the delicate antioxidative system of cancer and explores possible future therapeutics that could exploit the Hcy and H2S balance.

MTHFD1 c.1958G>A and TCN2 c.776G>C polymorphisms of folate metabolism genes and their implication for oral cavity cancer

Background

Cancers of the head and neck can damage the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, as well as the sense organs responsible for contact with the outside world. Oncogenic transformation occurs following mutations that change the function of specific genes, such tumor suppressor genes or oncogenes, and their encoded protein products. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the occurrence of MTHFD1 c.1958G>A and TCN2 c.776G>C gene polymorphisms and the risk of oral cavity cancer.

Materials and methods

The study population consisted of 439 patients and 200 healthy subjects. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood and from paraffin-embedded tissue. Analysis of the gene polymorphisms was performed using polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism.

Results

Statistically significant differences were found in the distribution of genotypes of the rs2236225 and rs1801198 polymorphisms between patients and controls. Regarding MTHFD1 c.1958G>A, the GA genotype (p<0.0001, OR = 2.91, 95% CI = 1.88–4.49-GA) was more common among patients than healthy subjects. Regarding TCN2 c.776G>C, the frequency of CC genotype (p< 0.0001, OR = 0.17, 95% CI = 0.10–0.33-CC) was significantly less common among patients than healthy subjects. Tobacco smoking, alcohol use, and male gender (p<0.0001) were found to be predictors of the disease.

Conclusion

The results suggest that the MTHFD1 c.1958G>A polymorphism may be associated with a greater risk of oral cavity cancer, whereas a protective effect has been found for the TCN2 c.776G>C polymorphism.

Disturbed homocysteine metabolism is associated with cancer

Hyperhomocysteinemia/Homocysteinuria is characterized by an increased level of toxic homocysteine in the plasma. The plasma concentration of homocysteine is 5–15 μmol/L in healthy individuals, while in hyperhomocysteinemic patients, it can be as high as 500 μmol/L. While increased homocysteine levels can cause symptoms such as osteoporosis and eye lens dislocation, high homocysteine levels are most closely associated with cardiovascular complications. Recent advances have shown that increased plasma Hcy is also a fundamental cause of neurodegenerative diseases (including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia), diabetes, Down syndrome, and megaloblastic anemia, among others. In recent years, increased plasma homocysteine has also been shown to be closely related to cancer. In this review, we discuss the relation between elevated plasma Hcy levels and cancer, and we conclude that disturbed homocysteine metabolism is associated with cancer. Future clinical perspectives are also discussed.

Cancer can be added to the wide range of diseases known to be associated with elevated blood levels of the small amino acid homocysteine. Abnormally high levels of this compound are already known to contribute to conditions including cardiovascular problems, neurodegenerative diseases, neural tube defects, Down’s syndrome, diabetes and megaloblastic anemia. This review, by Laishram R. Singh and colleagues at the University of Delhi, India, concludes that disturbed homocysteine metabolism is associated with many forms of human cancer. The authors discuss a range of genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors that may be involved in the cause and effect relationships between homocysteine metabolism and cancer. It is particularly interesting that low folate (vitamin B9) levels result in high homocysteine levels, and vice versa. Further research may yield insights leading to new forms of cancer treatment and diagnosis.

Methylenetetrahydrofolate Dehydrogenase 1 Silencing Expedites the Apoptosis of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells via Modulating DNA Methylation

BACKGROUND Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for about 85% of all types of lung cancer. Methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase 1 (MTHFD1) is involved in DNA methylation, and DNA methylation is related to tumorigenesis. The role of MTHFD1 in NSCLC was examined in our study. MATERIAL AND METHODS The correlation between the expression of MTHFD1 and the clinicopathological features of patients diagnosed with lung cancer was investigated using the chi-square test. The viability and apoptosis of NCI-H1299 cells was respectively detected using cell counting kit-8 and flow cytometry assays. The expression levels of MTHFD1, apoptosis-related factors and DNA methyltransferase-related factors were assessed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blot assays. RESULTS We found that MTHFD1 expression in the tumor tissues and cells was higher than that of adjacent normal tissues and cells. The survival time of patients with high MTHFD1 expression was shorter than those with low MTHFD1 expression. The expression level of MTHFD1 was related to tumor size, TNM stage, histologic grade, and metastasis, but not linked to gender and age. Besides, si-MTHFD1 significantly decreased the viability of cells in a time-dependent manner, and increased cell apoptosis. When cells were transfected with MTHFD1-siRNA, the levels of surviving and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) were attenuated, while p53 and Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax) levels were enhanced. Moreover, si-MTHFD1 markedly downregulated the expression levels of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1), DNMT3a, and DNMT3b. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, our results proved that MTHFD1 silencing obviously reduced the proliferation and enhanced the apoptosis of NSCLC via suppressing DNA methylation.

Associations between TLR9 polymorphisms and cancer risk: evidence from an updated meta-analysis of 25,685 subjects

A meta-analysis incorporating 34 case-control studies from 19 articles involving 12,197 cases and 13,488 controls was conducted to assess the effects of three genetic variants of Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9): rs187084, rs352140, and rs5743836. Studies on associations between TLR9 polymorphisms and cancer risk were systematically searched in electronic databases. The reported odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were pooled to assess the strength of any associations. The results showed that the rs187084 polymorphism was significantly associated with an increased risk of cancer (CC vs TC+TT: OR=1.14, 95% CI=1.02-1.28), specifically cervical cancer (C vs T: OR=1.19, 95% CI=1.05-1.34; TC vs TT: OR=1.32, 95% CI=1.10-1.58; CC vs TT: OR=1.31, 95% CI= 1.03-1.68; CC+TC vs TT: OR=1.32, 95% CI=1.11-1.56), and that this association was significantly positive in Caucasians (CC vs. TC+TT: OR=1.18, 95% CI=1.01-1.38). The rs352140 polymorphism had a protective effect on breast cancer (GA vs GG: OR=0.77, 95% CI=0.66-0.89), whereas the rs5743836 polymorphism was likely protective for digestive system cancers (CC+TC vs TT: OR=0.81, 95% CI=0.66-0.98). In conclusion, our results suggest that the rs187084 polymorphism may be associated with an elevated cancer risk, whereas polymorphisms of rs352140 and rs5743836 may play protective roles in the development of breast and digestive system cancers, respectively. From the results of this meta-analysis further large-scale case-control studies are warranted to verify associations between TLR9 polymorphisms and cancer.

The association of CD28 polymorphism, rs3116496, with Cancer: A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To determine the relationship between CD28 polymorphisms, rs3116496, and cancer.

DESIGN

Meta-analysis.

METHODS

PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane library databases were searched to identify studies reporting the association between CD28 polymorphism and cancer. Two authors selected identified studies, extracted, and analyzed the data independently.

RESULTS

Individuals carrying a T allele (TT homozygotes and TT+TC heterozygotes) at rs3116496 had a lower incidence of cancer than carriers of a C allele. Subgroup analysis showed that this association held true for Asians, but not Europeans.

CONCLUSION

CD28 polymorphism, rs3116496, contributes to cancer susceptibility in the case of multiple cancers.

Association study of MTHFD1 coding polymorphisms R134K and R653Q with migraine susceptibility

OBJECTIVE

There is evidence that folate metabolism has a role in migraine pathophysiology, particularly in the migraine with aura (MA) subtype. In this study, we investigate whether two non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), rs1950902 (C401T; R134K) and rs2236225 (G1958A; R653Q), in MTHF dehydrogenase (MTHFD1) are associated with migraine in an Australian case-control population.

BACKGROUND

Increased plasma levels of homocysteine, one of the metabolites produced in the folate pathway, has been found to be a risk factor for migraine. There is also a genetic link: a common polymorphism (rs1801133, C667T) that reduces the catalytic activity of the enzyme that catalyzes the formation of homocysteine, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), is associated with an increase in risk of MA. MTHFD1 is a crucial multifunctional enzyme that catalyzes three separate reactions of the folate pathway and therefore variants in MTHFD1 may also influence migraine susceptibility.

METHODS

The R134K and R653Q variants in MTHFD1 were genotyped in an Australian cohort of 520 unrelated migraineurs (162 were diagnosed with migraine without aura [MO] and 358 with MA) and 520 matched controls. Data were analyzed for association with migraine and for interaction with the MTHFR C667T polymorphism.

RESULTS

We find no significant differences in genotype or allele frequencies for either SNP between migraineurs and controls, or when either MO or MA cases were compared with controls. In addition, these MTHFD1 polymorphisms did not appear to influence the risk of MA conferred by the MTHFR 667T allele.

CONCLUSIONS

We find no evidence for association of the MTHFD1 R134K and R653Q polymorphisms with migraine in our Australian case-control population. However, as folate metabolism appears to be important in migraine, particularly with respect to the aura component, future studies using high throughput methods to expand the number of SNPs in folate-related genes genotyped and investigation of interactions between SNPs may be justified.

Association between NQO1 C609T polymorphism and prostate cancer risk

Published studies on the association between NQO1 C609T polymorphism and prostate cancer risk have yielded conflicting results. Thus, a systemic review and meta-analysis of published studies were performed to assess the possible association. All eligible studies of NQO1 C609T polymorphism and prostate cancer risk were collected from the PubMed and the Cochrane Library. Statistical analyses were performed by Review Manage 5.0 and Stata 11.0. A total of 6 available studies were considered in the present meta-analysis, with 717 cases and 1,794 controls. When all groups were pooled, there was no evidence that NQO1 C609T had significant association with prostate cancer under additive, recessive, dominant, and allelic models. When stratifying for the race, our analysis suggested that NQO1 C609T was associated with prostate cancer risk in Asians when using dominant (TT + CT vs CC: OR = 1.419, 95 % CI = 1.053 - 1.913, P = 0.021) and allelic models (OR = 1.337, 95 % CI = 1.014 - 1.763, P = 0.040) to analyze the data. However, no significant associations were found in Caucasians. This meta-analysis suggested that NQO1 C609T polymorphism most likely contributes to increased susceptibility to prostate cancer in the Asians. Further large-scale and well-designed case-control studies are necessary to validate the risk identified in the present meta-analysis.

Association between IRS-1 Gly972Arg polymorphism and colorectal cancer risk

In order to make a comprehensive assessment of the potential association between one genetic variant in the insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1) gene, rs1801278, and colorectal cancer (CRC) risk, we conducted a meta-analysis of four epidemiological studies, which included 3,708 CRC cases and 4,176 controls. The data showed that rs1801278 polymorphism was not associated with increased CRC risk in the overall population. When stratifying by the race, the results showed that the rs1801278 polymorphism was associated with increased CRC risk under dominant model in mixed populations. Based on this meta-analysis, we conclude that the IRS-1 rs1801278 polymorphism might be a risk factor for CRC development in mixed populations. Further studies, either with larger sample size or involving other single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and haplotypes of the IRS-1 gene, are necessary to clarify the contribution of IRS-1 rs1801278 in colorectal carcinogenesis.

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.

Lack of association between cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1B rs2066827 polymorphism and breast cancer susceptibility

In order to make a comprehensive assessment of the potential association between one genetic variant in the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1B gene, rs2066827, and breast cancer risk, we conducted a meta-analysis of six epidemiological studies, which included 3,139 breast cancer cases and 2,936 controls. The data showed that rs2066827 polymorphism was not associated with increased breast cancer risk in overall population. When stratifying by the race, no noteworthy associations were observed in Asians or Caucasians. Based on this meta-analysis, we conclude that the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1B rs2066827 polymorphism might not be a risk factor for breast cancer development. Further studies, either with larger sample size or involving other SNPs and haplotypes of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1B gene, are necessary to clarify the contribution of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1B rs2066827 in breast carcinogenesis.

Association between estrogen receptor alpha PvuII polymorphism and prostate cancer risk

Accumulating evidence has suggested that estrogen receptor alpha (ER-α) PvuII polymorphism might be involved in the development of prostate cancer (PCa). However, the results have been inconsistent. We therefore performed a meta-analysis to clarify the associations between ER-α PvuII polymorphism and PCa. A comprehensive search was conducted to identify all case-control studies of ER-α PvuII polymorphism and PCa 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 14 studies were found to be eligible for meta-analyses of PvuII variant. Results from this study showed that ER-α PvuII polymorphism were significantly associated with PCa risk under all genetic models in overall population (homogeneous codominant model, OR = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.11-2.21, P = 0.010; heterogeneous codominant model, OR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.06-1.77, P = 0.02; recessive model, OR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.02-1.57, P = 0.03; dominant model, OR = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.09-1.79, P = 0.009; and allelic model, OR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.06-1.48, P = 0.010). Further sensitivity analysis confirmed the significant association. In subgroup analyses stratified by PCa type, there was a significant association between PvuII polymorphism and sporadic PCa risk under both Caucasians and Asians. The meta-analysis indicated elected PvuII polymorphism of ER-α was a risk factor for PCa development.

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 prognostic value of Smad4 mRNA in patients with prostate cancer

The tumor suppressor gene Smad4 has been localized to chromosome 18q21.1 and is a member of the Smad family that mediates the transforming growth factor β signaling pathway suppressing epithelial cell growth. However, variable expression of Smad4 messenger RNA (mRNA) has been reported, with a loss in some cancers and increased expression in others. The aim of the present study was to investigate the Smad4 mRNA expression in prostate cancer tissues and adjacent noncancerous tissues and its potential relevance to clinicopathological variables and prognosis. The expression change of Smad4 mRNA was detected by using real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis. The data showed that the Smad4 mRNA expression level in prostate cancer tissues was significantly lower than those in noncancerous tissues. The results indicated that the low expression of Smad4 mRNA in prostate cancer was associated with lymph node metastasis, preoperative prostate-specific antigen (PSA), and Gleason score. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that patients with high Smad4 mRNA expression have longer biochemical recurrence-free survival time compared to patients with low Smad4 mRNA expression. Multivariate analysis revealed that Smad4 mRNA expression was an independent predictor of biochemical recurrence-free survival. Our results emphasize that Smad4 mRNA can be used as a predictive biomarker.

Association between IL-4 -589C>T polymorphism and colorectal cancer risk

In order to make a comprehensive assessment of the potential association between interleukin-4 (IL-4) -589C>T and colorectal cancer (CRC) susceptibility, we conducted a meta-analysis of six epidemiological studies, which included 1,317 CRC patients and 1,659 controls. The data showed that IL-4 -589C>T was not associated with increased CRC risk in the overall population. In the subgroup analysis of IL-4 -589C>T, the results did not change when the analyses were restricted to race. Based on this meta-analysis, we conclude that IL-4 -589C>T may be not a risk factor for CRC development. Further research is needed to assess possible gene-gene or gene-environment-lifestyle interactions on CRC.

Lack of association between methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase 1 G1958A polymorphism and prostate cancer risk: a meta-analysis

The methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase 1 (MTHFD1) polymorphism G1958A has been extensively investigated as a potential risk factor for prostate cancer (PCa), but the results have thus far been inconclusive. This meta-analysis was performed to derive a more precise estimation of the association. A comprehensive search was conducted to identify all case-control studies of MTHFD1 G1958A polymorphism and PCa risk. We used odds ratios (ORs) to assess the strength of the association, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) give a sense of the precision of the estimate. Statistical analyses were performed using Review Manage version 5.0 and Stata 10.0. A total of six available studies were considered in the present meta-analysis, with 7,493 patients and 36,941 controls. When all groups were pooled, there was no evidence that G1958A had significant association with PCa under additive, recessive, dominant, and allelic models. This meta-analysis suggests that MTHFD1 G1958A polymorphism might not be a risk factor for PCa. However, further large-scale and well-designed case-control studies are necessary to validate the risk identified in the present meta-analysis.

Comparative effectiveness of radiofrequency ablation with or without transarterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma

The aim of this study is to compare the overall survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) versus RFA alone. All eligible studies were collected from the PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and the Embase electronic databases. The outcomes were overall survival rates. We used odds ratios to assess the strength of the association, and 95% confidence intervals give a sense of the precision of the estimate. Statistical analyses were performed by Review Manager 5.0 and Stata 11.0. A total of 19 available studies were considered in the present meta-analysis. When all groups were pooled, meta-analysis showed that RFA plus TACE significantly improved the survival rates of patients with HCC at 1, 3, and 5 years compared with RFA alone. The combination of RFA with TACE has advantages in improving overall survival rate, and provides better prognosis for HCC patients.

High expression of nucleobindin 2 mRNA: an independent prognostic factor for overall survival of patients with prostate cancer

Nucleobindin 2 (NUCB2) has been demonstrated to play critical roles in tumorigenesis and tumor development of breast cancer. The expression change of nucleobindin 2 at mRNA level in prostate cancer (PCa) tissues compared with adjacent benign prostate tissues was detected by using real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis in our previous study. The data suggests that NUCB2 is a cancer-related gene associated with the aggressive progression and biochemical recurrence-free survival predictor of PCa patients. However, the correlation between the expression of the NUCB2 mRNA and the overall survival of patients with PCa was not analyzed. Thus, the association of NUCB2 mRNA expression with overall survival of PCa patients was analyzed in this study. Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to investigate the correlation between NUCB2 mRNA expression and prognosis of PCa patients. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the high expression of NUCB2 was related to the poor overall survival of patients with PCa. Multivariate Cox analysis showed that NUCB2 mRNA was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival of patients with PCa. In conclusion, we demonstrated that high NUCB2 mRNA expression correlated with poor overall survival in patients with PCa.

Association between IL-4 -590C>T polymorphism and gastric cancer risk

Published studies on the association between interleukin-4 (IL-4) -590C>T polymorphism and gastric cancer risk have yielded conflicting results. Thus, a meta-analysis of published studies was performed to assess the possible association. All eligible studies of -590C>T polymorphism and gastric cancer risk were collected from the PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and the Embase electronic databases. Statistical analyses were performed by Review Manager 5.0 and Stata 11.0. When all groups were pooled, we did not detect a significant association of -590C>T polymorphism with gastric cancer risk. When stratifying for race, there was a significant association between -590C>T polymorphism and decreased gastric cancer risk under dominant model and allelic model in the subgroup of Caucasians. However, significant association was absent in Asians. Based on our meta-analysis, -590C>T polymorphism was associated with a lower gastric cancer risk under dominant model and allelic model in Caucasians. Nevertheless, we suggest that further studies should be made to confirm these findings.

The prognostic value of elevated ezrin in patients with osteosarcoma

Published studies researching the prognostic significance of ezrin expression in patients with osteosarcoma are inconclusive and heterogeneous. We conducted a meta-analysis to assess its prognostic value more precisely. The hazard ratios with corresponding 95 % confidence intervals were calculated to evaluate the effects. Five studies with 318 osteosarcoma patients were included to estimate the relationship between ezrin and disease-free survival, and ezrin and overall survival. Compared with osteosarcoma patients with low or negative ezrin expression, patients with high ezrin expression tended to be associated with lower disease-free survival, but the difference was not significant. However, patients with high ezrin expression were obviously associated with lower overall survival. Therefore, the findings from this systematic review suggest that ezrin expression is an effective biomarker of prognosis in patients with osteosarcoma.