The -607C/A polymorphisms in interleukin-18 gene promoter contributes to cancer risk: evidence from a meta-analysis of 22 case-control studies

Pyroptosis and its role in cancer

Programmed cell death (PCD) is mediated by specific genes that encode signals. It can balance cell survival and death. Pyroptosis is a type of inflammatory, caspase-dependent PCD mediated by gasdermin proteins, which function in pore formation, cell expansion, and plasma membrane rupture, followed by the release of intracellular contents. Pyroptosis is mediated by caspase-1/3/4/5/11 and is primarily divided into the classical pathway, which is dependent on caspase-1, and the non-classical pathway, which is dependent on caspase-4/5/11. Inflammasomes play a vital role in these processes. The various components of the pyroptosis pathway are related to the occurrence, invasion, and metastasis of tumors. Research on pyroptosis has revealed new options for tumor treatment. This article summarizes the recent research progress on the molecular mechanism of pyroptosis, the relationship between the various components of the pyroptosis pathway and cancer, and the applications and prospects of pyroptosis in anticancer therapy.

Interleukin-18 in Health and Disease

Interleukin (IL)-18 was originally discovered as a factor that enhanced IFN-γ production from anti-CD3-stimulated Th1 cells, especially in the presence of IL-12. Upon stimulation with Ag plus IL-12, naïve T cells develop into IL-18 receptor (IL-18R) expressing Th1 cells, which increase IFN-γ production in response to IL-18 stimulation. Therefore, IL-12 is a commitment factor that induces the development of Th1 cells. In contrast, IL-18 is a proinflammatory cytokine that facilitates type 1 responses. However, IL-18 without IL-12 but with IL-2, stimulates NK cells, CD4⁺ NKT cells, and established Th1 cells, to produce IL-3, IL-9, and IL-13. Furthermore, together with IL-3, IL-18 stimulates mast cells and basophils to produce IL-4, IL-13, and chemical mediators such as histamine. Therefore, IL-18 is a cytokine that stimulates various cell types and has pleiotropic functions. IL-18 is a member of the IL-1 family of cytokines. IL-18 demonstrates a unique function by binding to a specific receptor expressed on various types of cells. In this review article, we will focus on the unique features of IL-18 in health and disease in experimental animals and humans.

Association between polymorphisms in IL27 gene and renal cell carcinoma

CONTEXT

Interleukin-27 is a new member of the IL-12 family which plays an important role in human carcinogenesis.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether polymorphisms in IL27 contribute to renal cell carcinoma (RCC) risk.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

These two polymorphisms were genotyped in 329 RCC patients and 386 healthy controls by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP).

RESULTS

Significantly increased RCC risk was associated the G allele of both rs153109 and rs17855750 (rs153109: p = 0.006, OR = 1.364, 95%CI = 1.095-1.700; rs17855750: p = 0.001, OR = 1.768, 95%CI = 1.245-2.511).

CONCLUSION

The present study provided evidence that rs153109 and rs17855750 were associated with increased risk for RCC, suggesting an important role IL-27 may play in nephrocarcinogenesis.

The Interleukin-18 promoter -607C>A polymorphism contributes to nasopharyngeal carcinoma risk: evidence from a meta-analysis including 1,886 subjects

The interleukin-18 promoter -607C>A gene polymorphism may be related to nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) risk but the results of individual studies remain conflicting. A meta-analysis including 1,886 subjects from five individual studies was therefore performed to provide a more accurate estimation. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were evaluated by fixed- or random-effects models. A significant relationship between interleukin-18 promoter -607C>A gene polymorphism and NPC was found in a dominant genetic model (OR: 1.351, 95% CI: 1.089-1.676, P=0.006, Pheterogeneity=0.904), a homozygote model (OR: 1.338, 95% CI: 1.023-1.751, P=0.034, Pheterogeneity=0.863), and a heterozygote model (OR: 1.357, 95% CI: 1.080-1.704, P=0.009, Pheterogeneity=0.824). No significant association was detected in either an allelic genetic model (OR: 1.077, 95% CI: 0.960-1.207, 0.207, Pheterogeneity=0.844) or a recessive genetic model (OR: 1.093, 95% CI: 0.878-1.361, P=0.425, Pheterogeneity=0.707). In conclusion, a significant association was found between interleukin-18 promoter -607C>A gene polymorphism and NPC risk. Individuals with the C allele of interleukin-18 promoter -607C>A gene polymorphism have a higher risk of NPC development.

Prognostic value of IL-27 polymorphisms and the susceptibility to epithelial ovarian cancer in a Chinese population

This study investigated the association between IL-27 gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to epithelial ovarian cancer in a Chinese population and discusses the risk factors associated with survival time. We collected data on 229 patients diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer, from 15 to 77 years of age with a long clinical follow-up period. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism was performed to determine the genotype of IL-27 gene polymorphisms. Ovarian cancer-specific survival (OCSS) according to genotype of IL-27 gene polymorphisms was explored by Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards modeling. Significant differences for genotype frequencies of both SNP sites were found between cases and controls. Both allele G frequencies were significantly greater among the cases (rs153109: 0.404 vs. 0.303, P = 0.001, odds ratio [OR] = 1.333, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.133-1.567; rs17855750: 0.146 vs. 0.083, P = 0.001, OR = 1.766, 95% CI = 1.258-2.481). Haplotype analysis showed haplotypes AG, GT and GG were associated with increased ovarian cancer susceptibility while AT was a protective haplotype. Advanced FIGO stage (stages III + IV) and non-optimal cytoreductive surgery (residual tumor ≥1 cm) were poor prognostic factors in the univariate analysis (P = 0.003, P = 0.049). However, FIGO stage was found to be the only independent significant prognostic factor by Cox proportional hazards analysis (P = 0.042). IL-27p28 mRNA expression was significantly decreased in ovarian cancer patients (P < 0.0001), while no significant relationship was found between IL-27p28 mRNA expression and polymorphism of rs153109 and rs17855750 (P = 0.193 and P = 0.146, respectively). Our study suggests that IL-27 gene polymorphisms may be involved in the susceptibility to epithelial ovarian cancer, but not in survival in a clinic-based Chinese population. Haplotype analysis of these two SNPs seems to be an important mark to predict the disease susceptibility. Advanced FIGO stage, as the only significant, independent risk factor, predicts poor clinical outcomes for patients diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer. The decreased expression of IL-27p28 mRNA in ovarian cancer might indicate the antitumor activities of this novel cytokine.