Association between IL-18 -607 C/A Polymorphism and the Risk of Prostate Cancer: A Meta-Analysis of Case-Control Studies

Genetic variations in immune mediators and prostate cancer risk: A field synopsis with Bayesian calculations

OBJECTIVE

Our study aimed to revaluate the significant data from meta-analyses on genetic variations in immune mediators and the risk of prostate cancer (PCa) by Bayesian approaches.

METHODS

We performed a search on the literature before September 5th, 2023, for meta-analytic studies on polymorphisms in immune mediator genes and the risk of PCa. Two Bayesian approaches were used to assess the level of noteworthiness in the meta-analytic data: the False-Positive Rate Probability (FPRP) and the Bayesian False Discovery Probability (BFDP) with a statistical power of 1.2 and 1.5 of Odds Ratio at a prior probability of 10-3 and 10-6. The quality evaluation of studies was performed with the Venice criteria. Gene-gene and protein-protein networks were designed for the genes and products enrolled in the results.

RESULTS

As results, 18 meta-analyses on 17 polymorphisms in several immune mediator genes were included (IL1B rs16944/rs1143627, IL4 rs2243250/rs2227284/rs2070874, IL6 1800795/rs1800796/rs1800797, IL8 rs4073, IL10 rs1800896/rs1800871/rs1800872, IL18 rs1946518, COX2 rs2745557, TNFA rs361525 and PTGS2 rs20417/689470). The Bayesian calculations showed the rs1143627 and the rs1946518 polymorphisms in IL1B and IL18 genes, respectively, were noteworthy. The Venice criteria showed that only four studies received the highest level of evidence. The gene-gene and protein-protein networks reinforced the findings on IL1B and IL18 genes.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, this current Bayesian revaluation showed that the rs1143627 and the rs1946518 polymorphisms in the IL1B and IL18 genes, respectively, were noteworthy biomarker candidates for PCa risk.

Quantitative assessment of the associations between DNA repair gene XRCC3 Thr241Met polymorphism and pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

Prior research exploring the correlation between the XRCC3 Thr241Met polymorphism and the susceptibility to pancreatic cancer has yielded conflicting outcomes. To date, there has been a notable absence of studies examining this polymorphism. The primary aim of the current investigation is to elucidate the potential role of the XRCC3 Thr241Met polymorphism as a risk factor in the development of pancreatic cancer.

METHODS

The comprehensive literature search was meticulously conducted across primary databases, including PubMed, Embase, and CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), spanning from the inception of each database through January 2024. To synthesize the data, a meta-analysis was performed using either a fixed or random-effects model, as appropriate, to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

The analysis revealed significant associations between the XRCC3 Thr241Met polymorphism and an increased risk of pancreatic cancer. This was evidenced through various genetic model comparisons: allele contrast (T vs. C: OR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.70-0.86, P < 0.001), homozygote comparison (TT vs. CC: OR = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.58-0.88, P = 0.001), heterozygote comparison (TC vs. CC: OR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.52-0.87, P = 0.003), and a dominant genetic model (TT/TC vs. CC: OR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.57-0.81, P < 0.001). Additionally, subgroup analyses based on ethnicity disclosed that these associations were particularly pronounced in the Caucasian population, with all genetic models showing significance (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The XRCC3 Thr241Met polymorphism has been identified as contributing to a reduced risk of pancreatic cancer in the Caucasian population. This finding underscores the need for further research to validate and expand upon our conclusions, emphasizing the urgency for continued investigations in this domain.

Genetic polymorphism of IL-17 influences susceptibility to recurrent pregnancy loss in a Chinese population

The current research aims to investigate the relationship between Interleukin-17 (IL-17) polymorphism and the risk of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) within a Chinese population. Totally, 120 patients with RPL were selected and enrolled as the experiment group. Additionally, 210 healthy individuals undergoing routine physical examinations during the same period served as the control group. The IL-17 gene polymorphism was detected by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. The IL-17 rs2275913 polymorphism exhibited 3 genotypes: GG, GA, and AA. Significant associations were observed with the AA genotype and A allele (all P < .05), indicating women with the AA genotype were 2.06 times more likely to experience RPL compared to those with the GG genotype. Similarly, women carrying the A allele faced a 1.63 times higher risk of RPL than those with the G allele. Regarding the IL-17 rs763780 polymorphism, which also presented 3 genotypes (TT, TC, CC), significant associations were noted for the CC genotype and C allele (all P < .05). Women with the CC genotype had a 1.84 times greater risk of suffering from RPL compared to those with the TT genotype, and those with the C allele were 1.51 times more likely to experience RPL than those with the T allele. The IL-17 rs2275913 and rs763780 polymorphisms contribute an increased risk to RPL in the Chinese population. Further studies, with larger sample sizes and more rigorous designs, are necessary to validate or replicate our current results.

TLR9 gene polymorphism confers risk to Helicobacter pylori infection in Jiangsu, China and its inspiration for precision nursing car

BACKGROUND

The number of studies which investigate the association between TLR9 gene polymorphism and Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) infection is low and their results are not consistent.

OBJECTIVE

To get a better understanding of the association between TLR9 gene polymorphism and H.pylori infection, providing basis and risk assessment for precision nursing for hospital nurses.

METHODS

A total of 630 normal physical examination subjects were collected including 240 H.pylori (+) and 390 H.pylori (-) subjects. PCR-RFLP was applied to investigate the present polymorphism. At the same time, the meta-analysis was performed between TLR9 gene polymorphism and H.pylori infection risk.

RESULTS

Three genotypes (TT, TC, and CC) were observed for TLR9 gene rs187084 polymorphism. CC genotype and C allele were responsible for the significant associations (all P< 0.05). Meta-analysis found no significant associations were found by any genetic models (all P> 0.05).

CONCLUSION

TLR9 polymorphism has a crucial role in H.pylori infection risk and CC genotype confers increased risk to H.pylori infection in the Southern Chinese population. After understanding the influence of TLR9 gene polymorphism on H.pylori infection, nurses can improve the risk assessment of Helicobacter pylori infection and provide health education more personally.

Clinical characteristics, HPV involvement, and demographic risk factors in women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia complicated by vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia

PURPOSE

This study aimed to explore the clinical characteristics and risk factors associated with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) when coexisting with vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VAIN).

METHODS

We analyzed the clinical data of 212 patients diagnosed with CIN, including 50 patients with concurrent VAIN. The groups were compared to identify distinct clinical features and independent risk factors for the co-occurrence of CIN and VAIN, using logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Patients with both CIN and VAIN had a median age of 57, significantly older than the 41-year median age of patients with CIN only (P < 0.05). A higher prevalence of HPV infection (98.0%) was observed in the CIN and VAIN group, with a notable rate of multiple HPV infections (67.3%) compared to the CIN-only group (P < 0.05). Educational levels were significantly lower in the combined CIN and VAIN group (P < 0.05). HPV16, 33, and 52 were identified as significant types for single and multiple infections. Multivariate analysis confirmed age as an independent risk factor for CIN with VAIN (P < 0.05). VAIN3 patients were more likely to exhibit HSIL and ASC-H, whereas VAIN1 cases tended to correspond with ASCUS and LSIL diagnoses.

CONCLUSION

The co-occurrence of CIN and VAIN is significantly influenced by patient age and educational level. The findings advocate for more diligent vaginal examination during colposcopy in older patients, particularly those with multiple HPV infections and cytological abnormalities, to enhance the early detection of vaginal lesions and prevent missed diagnoses and treatments. Additionally, the high prevalence of HPV infection, especially with certain types, underscores the importance of HPV monitoring in this patient population.

Interleukin-18 Gene Polymorphisms and Rheumatoid Arthritis Susceptibility: An Umbrella Review of Meta-Analyses

This study systematically analyzes the association between interleukin-18 (IL-18) gene polymorphisms and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) susceptibility. The electronic databases Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Excerpta Medica Database, and Cochrane Library were searched to identify meta-analyses that included case-control studies reporting IL-18 gene polymorphisms and RA susceptibility. Data were reanalyzed using Review Manager Software 5.1, and Mantel-Haenszel random effects were applied for the five genetic models: allelic, recessive, dominant, homozygote, and heterozygote. The effect size of odds ratios (ORs) and their corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. A total of seven meta-analyses with poor quality were included. The IL-18 polymorphisms -607 A/C, -137 C/G, -920 T/C, and -105 C/A have been reported. With weak evidence, IL-18 -607 A/C polymorphisms were associated with a reduced risk of RA susceptibility using the allele model (OR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.61 - 0.93, p=0.01), dominant model (OR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.50 - 0.90, p=0.008), homozygote model (OR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.35 - 0.91, p=0.02), and heterozygote model (OR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.54 - 0.93, p=0.01) in the overall population. IL-18 gene polymorphisms and RA susceptibility are affected by ethnicity: With weak evidence, IL-18 -137 C/G polymorphisms were related to reduce RA susceptibility in the Asian population (allele model: OR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.40 - 0.88, p=0.01; dominant model: OR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.37 - 0.89, p=0.01; heterozygote model: OR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.38 - 0.94, p=0.03). IL-18 -607 A/C gene polymorphisms are a protective factor for RA susceptibility in the overall population, and IL-18 -137 C/G gene polymorphisms are a protective factor for RA susceptibility in the Asian population. Further studies are needed to confirm these results owing to the limitations of the included studies.

Identification and analysis of genes associated with the severity and prognosis of sepsis

BACKGROUND

With rapid progression, severe illness and high fatality rate, sepsis has become an acute and critical condition that seriously threatens human life and health.

OBJECTIVE

To detect miR-210 and miR-494 expression in patients with sepsis and their relationship with severity and prognosis.

METHODS

A total of 165 sepsis patients participated, including 105 patients with septic non-shock and 60 patients with septic shock. 53 sepsis patients died in 28 days, and 112 patients survived. The clinical information of all sepsis patients was retrospectively searched and reviewed. Based on the status of 28-day survival, they were categorized into survival group and death group. The expression levels in each group were compared on the first, third and seventh day. The ROC curve was applied to know the expression level of plasma miR-210 and miR-494 to predict the death.

RESULTS

The two miRNAs expression of the septic shock group were significantly higher than that in sepsis non-shock group on the first, third and seventh day (all were P< 0.05). The ROC curve found that the AUC combined to predict the death on the third day was the largest, which was 0.925 (95%CI: 0.864-0.983). The sensitivity and specificity were 94.6% and 86.3%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The increased expression levels of plasma miR-210 and miR-494 are closely relevant to the severity and prognosis of sepsis patients. Combining the two items on the third day can predict the death of sepsis patients.

MMP-3 gene regulates the carcinogenesis and metabolic process of ovarian cancer, evidence from a Chinese population: Observational study and meta-analysis

The current investigation aims to explore the relationship between matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) gene polymorphism and ovarian cancer (OC) risk. Two hundred forty pathologically confirmed OC patients and 390 healthy controls participated in the present investigation. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism was applied to investigate the present polymorphism. At the same time, the meta-analysis was also performed to comprehensively explore the relationship. Three genotypes (5A/5A, 5A/6A, and 6A/6A) were observed for MMP-3 gene polymorphism. 6A/6A genotype and 6A allele displayed significant increase in OC patients (all P < .05). Meta-analysis found that no significant results (all P > .05). In conclusion, our results indicate that MMP-3 gene polymorphism contributes increased risk to OC for southern Chinese population. And meta-analysis indicates that MMP-3 gene polymorphism contributes no risk to OC in other populations.

Genetic Polymorphism of Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2 Influences Susceptibility to Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Chinese Population

Purpose

This paper aims to study the relationship between lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) and GDM (gestational diabetes mellitus) by detecting Lp-PLA2 level and its gene polymorphism.

Patients and Methods

From January to June 2022, 82 GDM patients treated in our hospital were included as an experimental group, and 89 healthy pregnant women during the same period were selected as the control group. Lp-PLA2 concentration and TG, TC, HDL-C, and LDL-C levels were tested with specialized instruments in clinical laboratories. The PLA2G7 gene polymorphisms (rs1805017, rs1805018, and rs76863441) were detected by fluorescent probe method and sequencing.

Results

Lp-PLA2 concentration was significantly higher in GDM group than control group (P<0.05). Among three polymorphism loci of PLA2G7 gene (rs1805017, rs1805018, and rs76863441) the significant associations were only found in GT genotype of rs76863441 loci (P<0.05).

Conclusion

Pregnant women with high levels of Lp-PLA2 concentration are more likely to develop GDM, especially those with PLA2G7 rs76863441 polymorphism. Lp-PLA2 concentration and PLA2G7 rs1805017 polymorphism may be a novel marker for GDM diagnosis and prediction.

Genetic Polymorphism of NQO1 Influences Susceptibility to Coronary Heart Disease in a Chinese Population: A Cross-Sectional Study and Meta-Anaylsis

Objective

The present study is to explore the association between NQO1 gene polymorphism and coronary heart disease (CHD) risk.

Methods

This research were selected 80 CHD patients as the observation group and 130 healthy people who participated in normal physical examination during the same period as the control group. NQO1 gene polymorphism was detected by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. In addition, we conducted a meta-analysis to summarize the results of three relevant previously published adult population studies on the association between NQO1 gene polymorphism and coronary heart disease (CHD) risk.

Results

There were three genotypes (CC, CT, and TT) for NQO1 C609T polymorphism. The significant associations were found in TT genotype and T allele (all p<0.05). Specifically, People with the TT genotype have 2.06 times CHD risk as those with the CC genotype. And People with the T allele have 1.62 times CHD risk as those with the C allele. No significant association was found by any genetic models in the meta-analysis (all p >0.05).

Conclusion

NQO1 gene polymorphism increased the CHD risk in a Chinese population. Combined with individual gene polymorphism, the accuracy of risk assessment for CHD can be improved and individualized health education can be provided for CHD patients by nurses.

Chemokines and cytokines: Axis and allies in prostate cancer pathogenesis

Chemokines are recognized as the major contributor to various tumorigenesis, tumor heterogeneity, and failures of current cancer therapies. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is enriched with chemokines and cytokines and plays a pivotal role in cancer progression. Chronic inflammation is also considered an instructive process of cancer progression, where chemokines are spatiotemporally secreted by malignant cells and leukocyte subtypes that initiate cell trafficking into the TME. In various cancers, prostate cancer (PCa) is reported as one of the leading cancers in the worldwide male population. The chemokines-mediated signaling pathways are intensively involved in PCa progression and metastasis. Emerging evidence suggests that chemokines and cytokines are responsible for the pleiotropic actions in cancer, including the growth, angiogenesis, endothelial mesenchymal transition, leukocyte infiltration, and hormone escape for advanced PCa and therapy resistance. Chemokine's system and immune cells represent a promising target to suppress tumorigenic environments and serve as potential therapy/immunotherapy for the PCa. In this review, an attempt has been made to shed light on the alteration of chemokine and cytokine profiles during PCa progression and metastasis. We also discussed the recent findings of the diverse molecular signaling of these circulating chemokines and their corresponding receptors that could become future targets for therapeutic management of PCa.