Involvement of T2677T multidrug resistance gene polymorphism in Interleukin 22 plasma concentration in B-chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients

The role of IL-22 in cancer

Interleukin-22, discovered in the year of 2000, is a pleiotropic Th17 cytokine from the IL-10 family of cytokines. IL-22 signals through the type 2 cytokine receptor complex IL-22R and predominantly activates STAT3. This pathway leads to the transcription of several different types of genes, giving IL-22 context-specific functions ranging from inducing antimicrobial peptide expression to target cell proliferation. In recent years, it has been shown that IL-22 is involved in the pathogenesis of neoplasia in some cancers through its pro-proliferative and anti-apoptotic effects. This review highlights studies with recent discoveries and conclusions drawn on IL-22 and its involvement and function in various cancers. Such a study may be helpful to better understand the role of IL-22 in cancer so that new treatment could be developed targeting IL-22.

Inflammatory and Anti-Inflammatory Equilibrium, Proliferative and Antiproliferative Balance: The Role of Cytokines in Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma (MM) is typically exemplified by a desynchronized cytokine system with increased levels of inflammatory cytokines. We focused on the contrast between inflammatory and anti-inflammatory systems by assessing the role of cytokines and their influence on MM. The aim of this review is to summarize the available information to date concerning this equilibrium to provide an overview of the research exploring the roles of serum cytokines in MM. However, the association between MM and inflammatory cytokines appears to be inadequate, and other functions, such as pro-proliferative or antiproliferative effects, can assume the role of cytokines in the genesis and progression of MM. It is possible that inflammation, when guided by cancer-specific Th1 cells, may inhibit tumour onset and progression. In a Th1 microenvironment, proinflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-6 and IL-1) may contribute to tumour eradication by attracting leucocytes from the circulation and by increasing CD4 ⁺ T cell activity. Hence, caution should be used when considering therapies that target factors with pro- or anti-inflammatory activity. Drugs that may reduce the tumour-suppressive Th1-driven inflammatory immune response should be avoided. A better understanding of the relationship between inflammation and myeloma will ensure more effective therapeutic interventions.

Association of interleukin-22 polymorphisms with the colon cancer: A case-control study

INTRODUCTION

Interleukin-22 (IL-22), an IL-10 family cytokine produced by T cells and innate lymphoid cells, is implicated in inflammation and tumorigenesis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association of IL-22 polymorphisms with the colon cancer in a Chinese population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Five hundred forty colon cancer cases and 540 healthy controls were recruited in the case-control study. The fluorogenic 5' exonuclease assays were used for genotype analysis of three common polymorphisms (-429C/T, +1046T/A and +1995A/C) of the IL-22 gene.

RESULTS

Colon cancer cases had a significantly higher frequency of IL-22-429 TT genotype [odds ratio (OR)=1.69, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.24, 2.30; P=0.001] and -429T allele (OR=1.35, 95% CI=1.14, 1.60; P=0.001) than healthy controls. The findings are still emphatic by the Bonferroni correction (P<0.017). When stratifying by the differentiation of colon cancer, we found that colon cancer cases with poor differentiation had a significantly higher frequency of IL-22-429 TT genotype (OR=1.45, 95% CI=1.02, 2.07; P=0.04). When stratifying by the tumor location, tumor size, growth pattern and TNM stage of colon cancer, we found no statistical association. The IL-22 +1046T/A and IL-22 +1995A/C gene polymorphisms were not associated with colon cancer.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggested that the IL-22 -429C/T gene polymorphisms might be associated with colon cancer.

Association between interleukin-22 genetic polymorphisms and bladder cancer risk

OBJECTIVE

The cytokine interleukin-22 (IL-22), which is produced by T cells and natural killer cells, is associated with tumorigenesis and tumor progression in cancers. However, the role of IL-22 in bladder cancer has not been investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective hospital-based case-control study comprising 210 patients with pathologically proven bladder cancer and 210 age- and gender-matched healthy controls was conducted. The genotypes of 3 common polymorphisms (-429 C/T, +1046 T/A and +1995 A/C) of the IL-22 gene were determined with fluorogenic 5' exonuclease assays.

RESULTS

Patients with bladder cancer had a significantly higher frequency of the IL-22 -429 TT genotype [odds ratio (OR)=2.04, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.19, 3.49; p=0.009] and -429 T allele (OR=1.42, 95% CI=1.08, 1.87; p=0.01) than the healthy controls. These findings were still significant after a Bonferroni correction. When stratifying according to the stage of bladder cancer, we found that patients with superficial bladder cancer had a significantly lower frequency of the IL-22 -429 TT genotype (OR=0.48, 95% CI=0.23, 0.98; p=0.04). When stratifying according to the grade and histological type of bladder cancer, we found no statistical association. The IL-22 +1046 T/A and IL-22 +1995 A/C gene polymorphisms were not associated with the risk of bladder cancer.

CONCLUSION

To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report documenting that the IL-22 -429 C/T gene polymorphism is associated with bladder cancer risk. Additional studies are required to confirm this finding.

Association of interleukin 22 polymorphisms with gastric cancer risk

Interleukin (IL)-22 has been implicated in inflammation and tumorigenesis. To date, no studies have investigated the role of IL-22 polymorphism in the carcinogenesis of gastric cancer (GC). In this study, we aimed to investigate the association of IL-22 polymorphisms with the risk of GC in a Chinese population. One hundred eight GC patients and 110 healthy controls were included in the study. IL-22 rs1179251, rs2227485, and rs2227473 polymorphisms were determined by PCR amplification and DNA sequencing. Haplotypes were constructed, and a possible association of these haplotypes with GC was assessed. The distribution of IL-22 rs1179251 polymorphism with clinical parameters was also analyzed. The IL-22 rs1179251 polymorphism was significantly associated with an increased risk of GC (p < 0.05). Stratified analysis revealed that rs1179251 was associated with advanced stages, lymph node metastases, and distant metastases of GC (p < 0.05). No associations were found between rs2227485 and rs2227473 and the risk of GC (p > 0.05). Three possible haplotypes (C(rs1179251)-C(rs2227485)-G(rs2227485), C(rs1179251)-T(rs2227485)-G(rs2227485), and G(rs1179251)-T(rs2227485)-A(rs2227485)) were identified, but no associations were found between these and the risk of GC (p > 0.05). In summary, our study demonstrates that the rs1179251 polymorphism of IL-22 was associated with an increased risk of GC and may influence the progression of GC. Future larger studies with other ethnic populations are required to confirm these findings.

Association of the interleukin-22 genetic polymorphisms with ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND

Interleukin-22 (IL-22) is a member of the IL-10 family of anti-inflammatory cytokines that mediates epithelial immunity. IL-22 expression was found to be increased in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). Whether genetic polymorphisms of IL-22 also influence UC risk is still unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between the IL-22 gene polymorphisms (-429 C/T, +1046 T/A and +1995 A/C) and the risk of UC in Chinese Han patients.

METHODS

This hospital-based case-control study comprised 180 patients with UC and 180 age- and gender-matched controls. Genotypes of 3 common polymorphisms of the IL-22 gene were determined by fluorogenic 5' exonuclease assays (TaqMan).

RESULTS

Patients with UC had a significantly higher frequency of IL-22 -429 TT genotype [odds ratio (OR) =2.43, 95% confidence interval (CI) =1.35, 4.37; P=0.003] and -429 T allele (OR =1.54, 95% CI=1.14, 2.07; P=0.004) than controls. The findings are still emphatic by the Bonferroni correction. The IL-22+1046 T/A and IL-22+1995 A/C gene polymorphisms were not associated with a risk of UC. When stratifying by clinical type, location and disease severity of UC, no significant differences were found in any groups.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study to provide evidence for an association of IL-22 -429 C/T gene polymorphisms with UC risk. Additional well-designed large studies were required for the validation of our results.

VIRTUAL SLIDES

The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/13000_2014_183.

The role of the IL-22/IL-22R1 axis in cancer

Interleukin-22 (IL-22) is an IL-10 family cytokine produced by T cells and innate lymphoid cells. The IL-22 signaling pathway orchestrates mucosal immune defense and tissue regeneration through pleiotropic effects including pro-survival signaling, cell migration, dysplasia and angiogenesis. While these functions can prevent initial establishment of tumors, they can also be hijacked by aggressive cancers to enhance tumor growth and metastasis. Thus, the role of the IL-22/IL-22R1 axis in cancer is complex and context-specific. Evidence of IL-22 involvement manifests as dysregulation of IL-22 expression and signaling in patients with many common cancers including those of the gut, skin, lung and liver. Unlike other cancer-associated cytokines, IL-22 has restricted tissue specificity as its unique receptor IL-22R1 is exclusively expressed on epithelial and tissue cells, but not immune cells. This makes it an attractive target for therapy as there is potential achieve anti-tumor immunity with fewer side effects. This review summarizes current findings on functions of IL-22 in association with general mechanisms for tumorigenesis as well as specific contributions to particular cancers, and ponders how best to approach further research in the field.