Association between the ERCC2 Asp312Asn polymorphism and risk of cancer

Multigene Panel Sequencing Identifies a Novel Germline Mutation Profile in Male Breast Cancer Patients

Even though male breast cancer (MBC) risk encompasses both genetic and environmental aetiologies, the primary risk factor is a germline pathogenic variant (PV) or likely pathogenic variant (LPV) in BRCA2, BRCA1 and/or PALB2 genes. To identify new potential MBC-specific predisposition genes, we sequenced a panel of 585 carcinogenesis genes in an MBC cohort without BRCA1/BRCA2/PALB2 PV/LPV. We identified 14 genes carrying rare PVs/LPVs in the MBC population versus noncancer non-Finnish European men, predominantly coding for DNA repair and maintenance of genomic stability proteins. We identified for the first time PVs/LPVs in PRCC (pre-mRNA processing), HOXA9 (transcription regulation), RECQL4 and WRN (maintenance of genomic stability) as well as in genes involved in other cellular processes. To study the specificity of this MBC PV/LPV profile, we examined whether variants in the same genes could be detected in a female breast cancer (FBC) cohort without BRCA1/BRCA2/PALB2 PV/LPV. Only 5/109 women (4.6%) carried a PV/LPV versus 18/85 men (21.2%) on these genes. FBC did not carry any PV/LPV on 11 of these genes. Although 5.9% of the MBC cohort carried PVs/LPVs in PALLD and ERCC2, neither of these genes were altered in our FBC cohort. Our data suggest that in addition to BRCA1/BRCA2/PALB2, other genes involved in DNA repair/maintenance or genomic stability as well as cell adhesion may form a specific MBC PV/LPV signature.

Genetic Risk of Second Primary Cancer in Breast Cancer Survivors: The Multiethnic Cohort Study

Women who have had breast cancer in the past are at increased risk of developing a second primary cancer (SPC), including second primary breast cancer (SPBC) or a second primary non-breast cancer (SPNBC). In the Multiethnic Cohort (MEC) Study, we conducted a prospective cohort analysis in 3,223 female breast cancer survivors from five racial/ethnic populations (White, African American, Japanese American, Latino, and Native Hawaiian) to assess the association of rare pathogenic variants (PV) in 37 known cancer predisposition genes with risk of SPC. A total of 719 (22.3%) women developed SPC, of which, 323 (10.0%) were SPBC. Germline PVs in BRCA1 (HR, 2.28; 95% CI, 1.11-4.65) and ERCC2 (HR, 3.51; 95% CI, 1.29-9.54) were significantly enriched in women with SPC. In the subtype analysis for SPBC, a significant association of ERCC2 PVs (HR, 5.09; 95% CI, 1.58-16.4) and a suggestive association of BRCA2 PVs (HR, 2.24; 95% CI, 0.91-5.55) were observed. There was also a higher risk of SPNBC in carriers of BRCA1 PVs (HR, 2.98; 95% CI, 1.21-7.36). These results provide evidence that germline PVs in BRCA1, BRCA2, and ERCC2 contribute to the development of SPC in breast cancer survivors. These findings also suggest that compromised DNA repair mechanisms could be a predisposition factor for SPC in patients with breast cancer, supporting the need for closer monitoring of SPC in women carrying PVs in these genes.

SIGNIFICANCE

This multiethnic study links germline pathogenic variants in BRCA1, BRCA2, and ERCC2 to the development of second primary cancer in breast cancer survivors, providing biological insights and biomarkers to guide patient monitoring.

Association between tobacco substance usage and a missense mutation in the tumor suppressor gene P53 in the Saudi Arabian population

The tumor suppressor gene TP53 and its downstream genes P21 and MDM2 play crucial roles in combating DNA damage at the G1/S cell cycle checkpoint. Polymorphisms in these genes can lead to the development of various diseases. This study was conducted to examine a potential association between tobacco substance usage (TSU) and single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at the exon regions of the P53, P21, and MDM2 genes by comparing populations of smokers and non-smokers from Saudi Arabia. P53 rs1042522 (C/G), P21 rs1801270 (A/C), and MDM2 rs769412 (A/G) were investigated by genotyping 568 blood specimens: 283 from male/female smokers and 285 from male/female non-smokers. The results obtained from the smokers and their control non-smokers were compared according to age, sex, duration of smoking, and type of TSU. Heterozygous CG, homozygous GG, and CG+GG genotypes, as well as the G allele of rs1042522 were significantly associated with TSU in Saudi smokers compared with non-smokers. The C allele frequency of rs1801270 was also associated with TSU in smokers (OR = 1.33, p = 0.049) in comparison with non-smokers, in younger smokers (≤29 years) (OR = 1.556, p = 0.03280) in comparison with non-smokers of the same age, in smokers who had smoked cigarettes for seven years or less (OR = 1.596, p = 0.00882), and in smokers who had consumed shisha (OR = 1.608, p = 0.04104) in comparison with the controls. However, the genotypic and allelic frequencies for rs769412 did not show significant associations with TSU in Saudis. The selected SNP of P53 was strongly associated with TSU and may be linked to TSU-induced diseases in the Saudi Arabian population.

-196 to -174del, rs4696480, rs3804099 polymorphisms of Toll-like receptor 2 gene impact the susceptibility of cancers: evidence from 37053 subjects

Relationship between Toll-like receptor-2 (TLR2) and cancer risk has been illustrated in some studies, but their conclusions are inconsistent. Therefore, we designed this meta-analysis to explore a more accurate conclusion of whether TLR2 affects cancer risks. Articles were retrieved from various literature databases according to the criteria. We used STATA to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) to evaluate the relationship between certain polymorphism of TLR2 and cancer risk. Finally, 47 case-control studies met the criteria, comprising 15851 cases and 21182 controls. In the overall analysis, people are more likely to get cancer because of -196 to -174del in TLR2 in all five genetic models, B vs. A (OR = 1.468, 95% Cl = 1.129-1.91, P=0.005); BB vs. AA (OR = 1.716, 95% Cl = 1.178-2.5, P=0.005); BA vs. AA (OR = 1.408, 95% Cl = 1.092-1.816, P=0.008); BB+BA vs. AA (OR = 1.449, 95% Cl = 1.107-1.897, P=0.007); BB vs. BA+AA (OR = 1.517, 95% Cl = 1.092-2.107, P=0.013). Meanwhile, rs4696480 could significantly increase the risk of cancer in Caucasians, furthermore, rs3804099 significantly decreased cancer risk in overall analysis, but more subjects are necessary to confirm the results. All in all, this meta-analysis revealed that not only -196 to -174del increased the risk of among overall cancers, Caucasians are more likely to get cancer because of rs4696480, while rs3804099 polymorphism could reduce the risk of cancer in some genetic models. There is no direct evidence showing that rs5743708, rs3804100 and rs1898830 are related to cancer.

The association between thromboxane A2 receptor gene polymorphisms and the risk of cerebral infarction

To explore the association between thromboxane A₂ receptor (TXA₂R) gene polymorphisms and the risk of cerebral infarction. We screened the relevant publications through the search engines in PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (the latest search update was performed on July 1, 2020). Gene-disease associations were measured using the estimation of OR (95 % CI) based on five genetic inheritance models. Totally three studies were included in this meta-analysis. TXA₂R rs768963 polymorphism in homozygote comparison (OR = 1.86, 95 % CI: 1.35-2.56), heterozygote comparison (OR = 1.81, 95 % CI: 1.37-2.39), and dominant model (OR = 1.82, 95 % CI: 1.39-2.37) emerged as risk factors for cerebral infarction. Besides, an increased cerebral infarction risk was observed in the heterozygote comparison (OR = 1.39, 95 % CI: 1.03-1.88) for TXA₂R rs2271875 polymorphism. None of the five models showed any association between TXA₂R rs4523 polymorphism and cerebral infarction risk. In conclusion, this is the first meta-analysis verifying that TXA₂R rs768963 polymorphism and TXA₂R rs2271875 polymorphism may be associated with the risk of cerebral infarction.

TheXRCC4rs1805377 polymorphism is not associated with the risk of cancer: An updated meta-analysis

Objectives

A growing number of studies have reported that genes involved in the repair of DNA double-strand breaks might be cancer-susceptibility genes. The x-ray cross-complementing group 4 gene ( XRCC4) encodes a protein that functions in the repair of DNA double-strand breaks, and this meta-analysis aimed to investigate the relationship between the XRCC4 rs1805377 polymorphism and cancer occurrence.

Methods

We retrieved case–control studies that met the inclusion criteria from PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases. Associations between rs1805377 and cancer risk were evaluated by odds ratios (ORs) using a random effects model and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) as well as sensitivity and subgroup analyses.

Results

After inclusion criteria were met, the meta-analysis involved 24 studies that included 9,633 cancer patients and 10,544 healthy controls. No significant association was found between rs1805377 and the risk of cancer (pooled OR = 1.107; 95% CI = 0.955–1.284) in the dominant genetic model. Similarly, no significant association was observed in the subgroup analysis.

Conclusions

Through this meta-analysis, we found no association between the rs1805377 polymorphism and cancer occurrence. This may provide useful information for relevant future studies into the etiology of cancer.

Contribution of xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group D gene polymorphisms in breast and ovarian cancer susceptibility: A protocol for systematic review and meta analysis

BACKGROUND

The role of xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group D (XPD) gene polymorphisms in breast and ovarian cancer development has long been controversial and existing data were inconsistent. Here, we conducted a comprehensive systemic review and meta-analysis to better clarify the association.

METHODS

Relevant case-control studies published in electronic data base from October 1999 to September 2019 were assessed. The statistical analyses of the pooled odds ratios (ORs) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) were calculated by using Revman 5.2 software (Cochrane Collaboration, Copenhagen).

RESULTS

31 articles including 38 case-control studies and 2 XPD polymorphisms (rs1799793 and rs238406) were analyzed. The results showed statistical significance in heterozygous mutants among Asian population for rs1799793 (GA vs GG + AA: OR = 1.38, 95%CI = 1.21-1.56), and Caucasian population for rs238406 (CA vs AA + CC: OR = 0.63, 95%CI = 0.49-0.80), while the rest comparisons including overall groups and subgroups stratified by cancer types and ethnicity failed to indicate any association with breast and ovarian cancer risk.

CONCLUSIONS

The current meta-analysis suggested no concrete correlation of XPD rs1799793(G/A) and rs238406(C/A) polymorphisms with breast cancer or ovarian cancer susceptibility. However, it indicated that heterozygous genotypes might share different pathophysiologic mechanism from not only homozygous wildtypes but also homozygous mutants. More case-control studies with well-adjusted data and diverse populations are essential for validation of our conclusion.

The effects of DNA repair polymorphisms on chromosome aberrations in the population of Kazakhstan

Purpose: To analyze the effects of DNA repair polymorphism and other factors on the frequency chromosome aberrations in an irradiated cohort of subjects living around the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site and non-exposed group of subjects from ecologically favorable zones of Kazakhstan.Materials and methods: Blood samples were collected in the rural areas of the East Kazakhstan district around the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site and ecologically favorable zones of Almaty region of Kazakhstan. Chromosome aberrations in the fresh and cryopreserved peripheral blood lymphocyte cultures were analyzed by Giemsa staining. Single nucleotide polymorphisms at eight DNA repair genes (XRCC1 rs1799782, XRCC1 rs25487, XRCC3 rs861539, ATM rs1801516, XPD rs1799793, XPD rs13181, APEX1 rs1130409, and hOGG1 rs1052133) were determined by PCR-RFLP method.Results: The age of donors and smoking significantly affected the frequency of chromosome aberrations among the irradiated and control subjects. In the irradiated and control cohorts, the frequency of chromosome aberrations was significantly increased in the heterozygous ATM rs1801516 (1853 Asp/Asn) individuals; for the rest of the loci no significant associations between polymorphism and the frequency of chromosome aberrations were detected.Conclusions: The age of donors, smoking, and the ATM rs1801516 polymorphism significantly affect the frequency of chromosome aberrations among individuals inhabiting contaminated area around the Semipalatinsk nuclear weapon test site, as well as among those inhabiting ecologically favorable zones of Kazakhstan.

Association between MDM2 rs2279744, MDM2 rs937283, and p21 rs1801270 polymorphisms and retinoblastoma susceptibility

Retinoblastoma (Rb) is the most common intra-ocular malignancy in children. The association of rs2279744, and rs937283 in MDM2 gene, and p21 rs1801270 polymorphism and RB development have been demonstrated. To provide a comprehensive assessment of and to clarify associations between the 3 SNPs (MDM2 rs2279744, MDM2 rs937283, and p21 rs1801270) and the risk of RB, we performed a meta-analysis of all the eligible case-control studies. We searched English databases include PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library, using an upper date limit of January 1, 2018. The association between MDM2 rs2279744, MDM2 rs937283, and p21 rs1801270 polymorphisms and the risk of RB were estimated by calculating a pooled OR and 95% CI under a homozygote comparison, heterozygote comparison, dominant model, and recessive model. The statistical power analysis was performed using G*Power. Our meta-analysis showed a significant association between RB susceptibility and MDM2 rs2279744 recessive model (OR = 1.427, 95%CI: 1.107-1.840, P = .006, I = 0%). Moreover, a significant link was observed between RB risk and MDM2 rs937283 homozygote comparison (OR = 0.471, 95%CI: 0.259-0.858, P = .014, I = 0%) and recessive model (OR = 0.587, 95%CI: 0.410-0.840, P = .004, I = 0%). However, no significant relationship between the p21 rs1801270 polymorphism and RB susceptibility was detected in any of the 4 models (P > .05). In conclusion, we found that significant association between the MDM2 rs2279744 polymorphism and increased RB risk, while MDM2 rs937283 polymorphism was associated with significantly decreased RB risk. However, as to the P21 rs1801270 polymorphism, a statistically significant association was not identified for RB.

Short rare minisatellite variant of BORIS-MS2 is related to bladder cancer susceptibility

BACKGROUND

BORIS/CTCFL, a paralog of CTCF and member of the cancer-testicular antigen family, is abnormally activated in multiple cancers.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the relationship between polymorphic variants of the BORIS minisatellite 2 (BORIS-MS2), located within the 5' upstream promoter region of BORIS, and bladder cancer.

METHODS

We used case-control study with 516 controls and 113 bladder cancer patients. To evaluate whether minisatellite variants play a role in BORIS expression, we examined the transcript levels of a reporter gene linked to these minisatellites in cell lines. We also examined BORIS expression in cancerous and non-cancerous bladder tissue.

RESULTS

A statistically significant association was identified between the short rare allele (13-repeat) and bladder cancer incidence (odds ratio (OR) 2.97, 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.14, 7.74]; P = 0.020). In particular, short rare alleles in the younger group (aged < 65) were associated with statistically significant increase in bladder cancer risk (OR 5.38, CI [1.32, 21.87]; P = 0.01). The BORIS-MS2 region acted as a negative regulator, and the expression level of the luciferase reporter in bladder cancer cells was less effectively inhibited than in normal cells. Furthermore, the expression of BORIS mRNA significantly differed (P < 0.05) between normal and cancerous muscle-invasive bladder cancer tissues, and relationship to clinical parameters was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The short rare allele of BORIS-MS2 could be used to identify bladder cancer risk. BORIS expression levels have been shown to increase with the progression of bladder cancer, could be used as a biomarker for its progression.

Association of ERCC2 Gene Polymorphisms with Susceptibility to Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to detect the association between ERCC excision repair 2, TFIIH core complex helicase subunit (ERCC2) gene polymorphisms and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) susceptibility. MATERIAL AND METHODS This study used a case-control design. ERCC2 gene rs1799793 (Asp312Asn) and rs13181 (Lys751Gln) polymorphisms were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) both in DLBCL patients and healthy controls. The association between ERCC2 gene polymorphisms and DLBCL risk was assessed by χ² test. Odds ratios (ORs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were used to address the association strength. Subgroup analyses were also performed to investigate the genetic effects of ERCC2 polymorphisms on clinical characteristics of DLBCL patients. RESULTS A significant association was discovered between the rs1799793 A allele and increased DLBCL risk (P=0.031, OR=1.928, 95% CI=1.052-3.534). The C allele of rs13181 was obviously associated with elevated DLBCL susceptibility (P=0.047, OR=1.820, 95% CI=1.002-3.305). The subgroup analysis demonstrated that rs1799793 and rs13181 polymorphisms had no relationship with serum lactate dehydrogenase level, nidus number, B-symptoms, Ann Arbor stages, or immunological types in DLBCL cases (P>0.05 for all). CONCLUSIONS Minor allele carriers of ERCC2 gene rs1799793 (Asp312Asn) and rs13181 (Lys751Gln) polymorphisms had higher susceptibility to DLBCL.

The PD-1 rs36084323 A > G polymorphism decrease cancer risk in Asian: A meta-analysis

The rs36084323 A > G polymorphism in programmed cell death-1(PD-1) gene has been reported to be associated with cancer risk. However, the results of previous studies were inconsistent. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to identify the potential association, by searching the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and the Chinese CNKI, WANFANG and CBM databases. Data were extracted and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated to assess the strength of the association. A total of 10 relevant studies involving 4445 cancer cases and 5126 controls were recruited. Overall, the results indicated that the PD-1 rs36084323 A > G polymorphism was not statistically associated with cancer risk. However, stratified analysis revealed that there was a statistically reduced cancer risk in Asians(G vs. A, OR = 0.89, 95%CI:0.81-0.97, P = 0.008, I² = 48.8%; GG vs. AA, OR = 0.79, 95% CI:0.66-0.94, P = 0.008, I² = 48.7%; GG/AG vs. AA, OR = 0.87, 95%CI:0.76-0.98, P = 0.017, I² = 34.9%; GG vs. AG/AA, OR = 0.85, 95%CI:0.75-0.97, P = 0.027, I² = 40%) and in the patients with EOC(AG vs. AA, OR = 0.69, 95%CI:0.54-0.90, P = 0.005, I² = 0%; GG/AG vs. AA, OR = 0.67, 95%CI:0.52-0.85, P = 0.001, I² = 0). Meta-regression showed that ethnicity (P = 0.029) but not cancer types (P = 0.792), source of controls (P = 0.207) or ample size (P = 0.585) were the sources of heterogeneity. This meta-analysis demonstrates the PD-1 rs36084323 A > G polymorphism is associated with decreased cancer risk in Asian, and suggests it could potentially serve as a biomarker to screen high-risk individuals. Large-scale and well-designed case-control studies are needed to enrich the evidence of this result.

Association between genetic polymorphisms and platinum-induced ototoxicity in children

Platinum is extensively used in the treatment of several childhood cancers. However, ototoxicity is one of the most notable adverse effects, especially in children. Several studies suggest that genetics may predict its occurrence. Here, polymorphisms associated with platinum-induced ototoxicity were selected from the literature and were investigated in a pediatric population treated with platinum-based agents. In this retrospective study, patients treated with cisplatin and/or carboplatin were screened. The patients with pre- and post-treatment audiogram (Brock criteria) available were included. We selected polymorphisms that have previously been associated with cisplatin ototoxicity with a minor allele frequency ≥30%. Deletion of GSTM1 and GSTT1, rs1799735 (GSTM3), rs1695 (GSTP1), rs4880 (SOD2), rs2228001 (XPC), rs1799793 (XPD) and rs4788863 (SLC16A5) were investigated. Data of one hundred and six children matching the eligible criteria were analyzed. Thirty-three patients (31%) developed ototoxicity (with a Brock grade ≥2). The probability of hearing loss increased significantly in patients carrying the null genotype for GSTT1 (P = 0.03), A/A genotype at rs1695 (P = 0.01), and C/C genotype at rs1799793 (P = 0.008). We also showed an association of the cumulative doses of carboplatin with cisplatin ototoxicity (P <0.05). To conclude, deletion of GSTT1, rs1695 and rs1799793 may constitute potential predictors of platinum-induced ototoxicity.

Long non-coding RNA DANCR promotes cell proliferation, migration, invasion and resistance to apoptosis in esophageal cancer

BACKGROUND

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have important effects on the development and progression of multiple carcinomas. Our studies aimed to investigate the expression of lncRNA DANCR in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) tissues and paracancerous tissues, and to explore its effect on the cell biological characteristics of ESCC ECA109 cells.

METHODS

The expression of DANCR was detected by qRT-PCR in human ESCC tissues and paracancerous normal tissues in ESCC patients. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) was transfected to knock down the expression of DANCR and interference efficiency was analyzed by qRT-PCR in ECA109 cells. MTT, wound healing, Transwell, TUNEL and flow cytometry (FCM) assay was used to measure the influence of DANCR on proliferation, invasion, migration and apoptosis in ECA109 cells, respectively.

RESULTS

The expression of DANCR in ESCC tissues and ESCC cells was significantly higher compared with that in the adjacent normal tissues (P<0.05). Furthermore, cell proliferation, migration and invasion were significantly suppressed by knock-down mediated down-regulation of DANCR expression. On the contrary, cell apoptosis was promoted by silencing of DANCR.

CONCLUSIONS

According to our research, the expression of DANCR was up-regulated in human ESCC tissues, and the important role that DANCR played in ESCC cells was similar to an oncogene. Therefore, silencing of lncRNA DANCR could have potentially beneficial effects on the prognostic and therapy for ESCC in the future.

Gendermetrics of cancer research: results from a global analysis on prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

The present study aims to elucidate the success concerning gender equality in cancer research in the last decade (from 2008 to 2017) with prostate cancer as the target parameter.

RESULTS

31.7% of all authorships and 36.3% of the first, 32.5% of the co- and 22.6% of the last authorships were held by women. The corresponding female-to-male odds ratio is 1.26 (CI: 1.22-1.30) for first, 1.15 (CI: 1.12-1.18) for co- and 0.59 (CI: 0.57-0.62) for last authorships. The annual growth rates are 0.6% overall and 0.9% for first, 0.2% for co-authorships, and 2.8% for last authorships. Women are slightly underrepresented at prestigious authorships compared to men. The female underrepresentation accentuates in articles with many authors that attract the highest citation rates. Multi-author articles with male key authors are more frequently cited. Men publish more articles compared to women (61.8% male authors are responsible for 68.3% of the authorships) and are overrepresented at productivity levels of more than 1 article per author. Major regional differences were found with best female odds in Sweden, Brazil, and Austria. The prognosis for the next decade forecasts a harmonization of authorship odds.

CONCLUSION

Prostate cancer research is characterized by a career dichotomy with few women in academic leadership positions and many female early career researchers. This career dichotomy has been narrowed in the last decade and will likely be further reduced in the future.

METHODS

On the basis of the Gendermetrics Platform, a total of 26,234 articles related to prostate cancer research were analyzed.

Gendermetrics of cancer research: results from a global analysis on lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Cancer research is critically dependent on a continuous recruitment of junior research staff that devotes its academic life not only to clinical duties but also to basic and translational research. The present study aims to elucidate the success concerning gender equality in cancer research in the last decade (from 2008 to 2016) with lung cancer as the target parameter.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

On the basis of the Gendermetrics Platform, a total of 19,724 articles related to lung cancer research were analyzed. The key method was the combined analysis of the proportion of female authorships and the female-to-male odds ratio for first, co- and last authorships. The distribution of prestigious authorships was measured by the Prestige Index.

RESULTS

31.3% of all authorships and 35.2% of the first, 32.2% of the co- and 22.1% of the last authorships were held by women. The corresponding female-to-male odds ratio is 1.22 (CI: 1.18-1.27) for first, 1.19 (CI: 1.16-1.23) for co- and 0.59 (CI: 0.57-0.61) for last authorships. Women are underrepresented at prestigious authorships compared to men (Prestige Index = -0.22). The female underrepresentation accentuates in articles with many authors that attract the highest citation rates.

CONCLUSIONS

While the current system promotes early career promotion of women, men still outnumber women in leadership positions. However, this male-female career dichotomy has been narrowed in the last decade and will likely be further reduced in the next decade.

Evaluation of the NMP22 BladderChek test for detecting bladder cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

We examined the usefulness of the nuclear matrix protein 22 (NMP22) BladderChek test for detecting bladder cancer.

Materials and Methods

A literature search was performed using PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. The diagnostic accuracy of the NMP22 BladderChek test was evaluated via pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and area under curve (AUC). Inter-study heterogeneity was explored using meta-regression and subgroup analyses.

Results

We included 23 studies in the systematic review and 19 in the quantitative meta-analysis. Overall sensitivity and specificity were 56% (52-59%) and 88% (87-89%), respectively; pooled PLR and NLR were 4.36 (3.02-6.29) and 0.51 (0.40-0.66), respectively; DOR was 9.29 (5.55-15.55) with an AUC of 0.8295. The mean sensitivity for Ta, T1, ≥ T2, Tis, G1, G2, and G3 disease was 13.68%, 29.49%, 74.03%, 34.62%, 44.16%, 56.25%, and 67.34%, respectively.

Conclusions

The NMP22 BladderChek test shows good discrimination ability for detecting bladder cancer and a high-specificity algorithm that can be used for early detection to rule out patients with higher bladder cancer risk. It also has better potential for screening higher-grade and higher-stage tumors, and better diagnostic performance in Asians.

Association Between the Asp312Asn, Lys751Gln, and Arg156Arg Polymorphisms in XPD and the Risk of Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common solid cancer and genetic factors play important roles in its pathogenesis. XPD is one of the 8 core genes involved in the nucleotide excision repair pathway. The relationship between Asp312Asn, Lys751Gln, and Arg156Arg polymorphisms in XPD and prostate cancer risk is a controversial topic. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to explore the relationship between these 3 polymorphisms and the risk of developing prostate cancer. We searched the electronic literature in PubMed and Google Scholar for all relevant studies (last updated January 1, 2017). The pooled odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for the associations between the Asp312Asn, Lys751Gln, or Arg156Arg polymorphisms in XPD and prostate cancer risk were calculated. To evaluate the effects of specific study characteristics on the association of these 3 polymorphisms and prostate cancer risk, we performed subgroup analysis if 2 or more studies were available. After an extensive literature review, 7 publications regarding Asp312Asn genotype distribution with 8 case–controls, 9 publications regarding Lys751Gln genotype distribution with 10 case–controls, and 3 publications regarding Arg156Arg genotype distribution with 4 case–controls were selected. The results showed that Asp312Asn (odds ratio = 1.34, 95% confidence interval: 0.96-1.87, P = .000), Lys751Gln (odds ratio = 0.98, 95% confidence interval: 0.89-1.08, P = .986), and Arg156Arg (odds ratio = 1.05, 95% confidence interval: 0.91-1.22, P = .57) polymorphisms do not increase the risk of prostate cancer in the dominant model. Further, in the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, no relationships were observed between Lys751Gln and Arg156Arg polymorphisms and prostate cancer risk. However, stratified analysis by ethnicity revealed that Asp312Asn affects African (odds ratio = 1.57, 95% confidence interval: 1.06-2.33, P = .382) and Asian populations (odds ratio = 2.09, 95% confidence interval: 1.39-3.14, P = .396) in homozygote comparison. In conclusion, this meta-analysis suggests that there is no general association between the Asp312Asn, Lys751Gln, and Arg156Arg polymorphisms in XPD and prostate cancer susceptibility.