The septic shock-associated IL-10 -1082 A > G polymorphism mediates allele-specific transcription via poly(ADP-Ribose) polymerase 1 in macrophages engulfing apoptotic cells

IL-10 Polymorphism and Breast Cancer Risk in Georgian Women: A Case-Control Study

Background  Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is a cytokine with a vast variety of functions, but its role in cancer development and progression is not yet clear. It is involved in two of the hallmarks of cancer: vascularization and immune modulation. IL-10 inhibits angiogenesis and hence is antitumorigenic. But it also can suppress the immune system and be tumorigenic. Objective  Evaluating the role of IL-10 (-1082 A/G) gene promoter single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in breast cancer susceptibility and progression in Georgian women. Methods  A case-control study was performed on a total of 128 women, with 64 of them being histologically confirmed to have breast cancer and 64 healthy controls. SNP genotyping was performed with TaqMan assay with real-time polymerase chain reaction. And pathology report, containing proliferative activity and breast cancer hormonal status, was obtained after surgery of the case individuals. Statistical analysis was done to investigate the significance of data obtained from genotyping and histology reports. Results  Statistical analysis revealed that the difference in frequency of genotypes was not statistically significant between cases and controls (chi-square = 0.5812, p  = 0.7478). The comparison of proliferative activity of cases with AA genotypes and AG/GG genotypes showed no statistical difference ( t  = 0.2575, p  = 0.7980). Although when put into a plot (box and whiskers), patients with AG/GG genotype have outliers with very high proliferative activity. Conclusion  This study shows that -1082 A/G SNP in the promoter region of the IL-10 gene is not associated with breast cancer risk in Georgian women.

Assessment of interleukin-10 promoter variant (-1082A/G) and cytokine production in patients with hemolytic uremic syndrome

Introduction

Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is a condition that results in acute kidney failure mainly in children, which is caused by Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli and inflammatory response. Although anti-inflammatory mechanisms are triggered, studies on the implication in HUS are scarce. Interleukin-10 (IL-10) regulates inflammation in vivo, and the interindividual differences in its expression are related to genetic variants. Notably, the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs1800896 -1082 (A/G), located in the IL-10 promoter, regulates cytokine expression.

Methods

Plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were collected from healthy children and HUS patients exhibiting hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and kidney damage. Monocytes identified as CD14⁺ cells were analyzed within PBMC by flow cytometry. IL-10 levels were quantified by ELISA, and SNP -1082 (A/G) was analyzed by allele-specific PCR.

Results

Circulating IL-10 levels were increased in HUS patients, but PBMC from these patients exhibited a lower capacity to secrete this cytokine compared with those from healthy children. Interestingly, there was a negative association between the circulating levels of IL-10 and inflammatory cytokine IL-8. We observed that circulating IL-10 levels were threefold higher in HUS patients with -1082G allele in comparison to AA genotype. Moreover, there was relative enrichment of GG/AG genotypes in HUS patients with severe kidney failure.

Discussion

Our results suggest a possible contribution of SNP -1082 (A/G) to the severity of kidney failure in HUS patients that should be further evaluated in a larger cohort.

Gene polymorphisms of interleukin 10 (− 819 C/T and − 1082 G/A) in women with ovarian cancer

Background

Ovarian cancer (OC) is the leading cause of death associated with gynecologic cancer. IL-10 plays an important role in tumorigenesis. We investigated IL-10 gene polymorphisms in OC patients. The current case–control study screened forty-eight women with OC and forty-eight healthy women who did not have OC. The genotyping of SNPs (− 1082 G > A; rs1800896 and − 819 C > T; rs1800871) of the IL-10 gene was done by tetra primers sequence-specific primer polymerase chain reaction (SSP-PCR) technique. The plasma levels of IL-10 were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

For IL-10 (− 1082 G/A) polymorphism, the G (wild allele) was significantly associated with increasing the risk of OC (OR = 2.054 with CI = 1.154–3.657; P < 0.05), while the A (variant allele) and AA genotype was significantly associated with decreasing the risk of OC (OR = 0.487 with CI = 0.273–0.867; P < 0.05) and (OR = 0.15; 95% CI = 0.04–0.63; P < 0.05), respectively. For IL-10 (− 819C/T) polymorphisms, the T allele (variant allele) and (TT, CT genotypes) were significantly associated with increasing the risk of OC (OR = 2.800 with 95% CI = 1.577–5.037; P < 0.05), (OR = 18.33 with 95% CI = 3.46–97.20; P < 0.001), and (OR = 9.44 with 95% CI = 2.52–35.40; P < 0.001), respectively, while the C (wild allele) was significantly associated with decreasing the risk of OC (OR = 0.357 with 95% CI = 0.199–0.642; P < 0.05). The haplotype analysis for (− 1082 G > A and − 819 C > T shows the GT haplotype was significantly associated with increasing the risk of OC (OR = 50.09 with CI = 6.34–395.92; P < 0.001). OC was substantially correlated with IL-10 level (r = 0.457; p < 0.001). There is no linkage disequilibrium (LD) between IL 10 − 1082 G/A and IL 10 − 819 C/T (D′ = 0.1315, r2 = 0.016; P = NS). A statistically significant positive relationship existed between IL-10 and CA125 and ALT (P < 0.05). IL-10 and albumin showed a strong negative association (P < 0.05), whereas the correlation of IL10 plasma level with BUN, AST, T. Bil., TLC, PLT, Cr., and HB has not any significant value (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Overall, this study supports an association of IL-10 (− 1082 G/A and − 819C/T) polymorphisms with the risk of ovarian cancer.

The potential of PARP inhibitors in targeted cancer therapy and immunotherapy

DNA damage response (DDR) deficiencies result in genome instability, which is one of the hallmarks of cancer. Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) enzymes take part in various DDR pathways, determining cell fate in the wake of DNA damage. PARPs are readily druggable and PARP inhibitors (PARPi) against the main DDR-associated PARPs, PARP1 and PARP2, are currently approved for the treatment of a range of tumor types. Inhibition of efficient PARP1/2-dependent DDR is fatal for tumor cells with homologous recombination deficiencies (HRD), especially defects in breast cancer type 1 susceptibility protein 1 or 2 (BRCA1/2)-dependent pathway, while allowing healthy cells to survive. Moreover, PARPi indirectly influence the tumor microenvironment by increasing genomic instability, immune pathway activation and PD-L1 expression on cancer cells. For this reason, PARPi might enhance sensitivity to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), such as anti-PD-(L)1 or anti-CTLA4, providing a rationale for PARPi-ICI combination therapies. In this review, we discuss the complex background of the different roles of PARP1/2 in the cell and summarize the basics of how PARPi work from bench to bedside. Furthermore, we detail the early data of ongoing clinical trials indicating the synergistic effect of PARPi and ICIs. We also introduce the diagnostic tools for therapy development and discuss the future perspectives and limitations of this approach.

IL-10 Gene Rs1800871, Rs1800872, and Rs1800896 Polymorphisms and IL-10 Serum Levels Association with Pituitary Adenoma

The aim and objective of this study is to determine the association between the rs1800871, rs1800872, and rs1800896 polymorphisms of the gene IL-10 and the serum levels of IL-10 in patients with pituitary adenoma. Methods: Data from 106 patients with pituitary adenoma and 192 control patients were used for the study. DNA was isolated from peripheral blood using the salt precipitation method. The samples were genotyped in real-time using the polymerase chain reaction method. IL-10 serum levels were evaluated using an ELISA kit. The data obtained were systematized using the computer program IBM SPSS Statistics. Results: The AG genotype of IL-10 rs1800871 was statistically significantly lower in the inactive PA group than in the control group (22.7% vs. 40.6%, p = 0.027). The TG genotype of IL-10 rs1800872 was also statistically significantly lower in the inactive PA group than in the control group (22.7% vs. 40.6%, p = 0.027). A binary logistic regression analysis of the polymorphisms in the IL-10 gene in PA and control groups based on the pituitary adenoma activity showed that the AG genotype of IL-10 rs1800871 increased the chance of inactive PA by 2.2-fold in codominant (OR: 2.272, CI: 1.048–4.925, p = 0.038) and overdominant (OR: 2.326, CI: 1.086–4.982, p = 0.030) models. Moreover, the TG genotype of IL-10 rs1800872 increased the probability of inactive PA by 2.2-fold in codominant (OR: 2.272, CI: 1.048–4.925, p = 0.038) and overdominant (OR: 2.326, CI: 1.086–4.982, p = 0.030) models. The association of the IL-10 polymorphisms with PA invasiveness and recurrence in PA and control groups did not yield statistically significant results. Conclusions: IL-10 rs1800871 and IL-10 rs1800872 may be associated with the development of inactive PA.

Interleukin-10 (IL-10) 1082 promoter polymorphisms and plasma IL-10 levels in patients with bacterial sepsis

Background. Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is a multifunctional cytokine which has been seen to play a relevant role in the pathogenesis of sepsis. We examined the association between a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in IL-10-1082G/A in patients with sepsis in Cali city.Methods. A total of 100 patients with sepsis and 50 control subjects were enrolled in this study. Blood samples were collected from all patients in EDTA containing tubes. IL-10-1082G/A gene promoter polymorphism was analyzed by Sequence Specific Polymerase Chain Reaction (SS-PCR), while levels of serum IL-10 were measured by Enzyme Linked Immunoassay Assay (ELISA) in patients with sepsis and healthy controls.Results. AA homozygous genotype was found more frequently in patients (32%), compared with controls (18%). AA homozygous patients showed an increased risk of developing infection by Gram-negative bacteria (OR = 2,875; 95% CI = 1.162-7.113; p = 0.020), and significantly high plasma levels of IL-10 (OR = 4.800, 95% CI 1.652-13.944; p = 0.002). AA homozygous patients high plasma IL-10 levels have greater risk of developing sepsis (63.6%; OR = 4,894; 95% CI: 1,337-17,909; p = 0.002). In this group, Afro-Colombian individuals were overrepresented among the sepsis patients with high plasma IL-10 levels (OR = 1.661; 95% CI: 1.408-1.959; p = 0.036).Conclusion. Our study concluded that AA genotype of IL-10-1082G/A polymorphism is a risk factor for high IL-10 production and development of sepsis by Gram negative bacteria, especially in Afro-Colombian patients.

The Role of PARP1 in Monocyte and Macrophage Commitment and Specification: Future Perspectives and Limitations for the Treatment of Monocyte and Macrophage Relevant Diseases with PARP Inhibitors

Modulation of PARP1 expression, changes in its enzymatic activity, post-translational modifications, and inflammasome-dependent cleavage play an important role in the development of monocytes and numerous subtypes of highly specialized macrophages. Transcription of PARP1 is governed by the proliferation status of cells at each step of their development. Higher abundance of PARP1 in embryonic stem cells and in hematopoietic precursors supports their self-renewal and pluri-/multipotency, whereas a low level of the enzyme in monocytes determines the pattern of surface receptors and signal transducers that are functionally linked to the NFκB pathway. In macrophages, the involvement of PARP1 in regulation of transcription, signaling, inflammasome activity, metabolism, and redox balance supports macrophage polarization towards the pro-inflammatory phenotype (M1), which drives host defense against pathogens. On the other hand, it seems to limit the development of a variety of subsets of anti-inflammatory myeloid effectors (M2), which help to remove tissue debris and achieve healing. PARP inhibitors, which prevent protein ADP-ribosylation, and PARP1‒DNA traps, which capture the enzyme on chromatin, may allow us to modulate immune responses and the development of particular cell types. They can be also effective in the treatment of monocytic leukemia and other cancers by reverting the anti- to the proinflammatory phenotype in tumor-associated macrophages.

Bhlhe40 is an essential repressor of IL-10 during Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection

The cytokine IL-10 antagonizes pathways that control Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection. Nevertheless, the impact of IL-10 during Mtb infection has been difficult to decipher because loss-of-function studies in animal models have yielded only mild phenotypes. We have discovered that the transcription factor basic helix-loop-helix family member e40 (Bhlhe40) is required to repress Il10 expression during Mtb infection. Loss of Bhlhe40 in mice results in higher Il10 expression, higher bacterial burden, and early susceptibility similar to that observed in mice lacking IFN-γ. Deletion of Il10 in Bhlhe40^-/- mice reverses these phenotypes. Bhlhe40 deletion in T cells or CD11c⁺ cells is sufficient to cause susceptibility to Mtb Bhlhe40 represents the first transcription factor found to be essential during Mtb infection to specifically regulate Il10 expression, revealing the importance of strict control of IL-10 production by innate and adaptive immune cells during infection. Our findings uncover a previously elusive but significant role for IL-10 in Mtb pathogenesis.

Interleukin-10 -1082A > G (rs1800896) polymorphism is associated with diabetic retinopathy in type 2 diabetes

AIM

To investigate whether the -1082A > G polymorphism (rs1800896) in the interleukin-10 (IL10) gene is associated with diabetic retinopathy (DR) in Brazilians with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

This case-control study included 847 outpatients with type 2 diabetes and 145 healthy blood donors. Four hundred and two patients had no DR, 253 had non-proliferative DR (NPDR), and 192 had proliferative DR (PDR). Genotyping was done by real-time PCR.

RESULTS

Genotype and allele frequencies were similar in patients and blood donors. In relation to the presence and severity of DR, the AA genotype was overrepresented among patients with NPDR, whereas the GG genotype was more frequent among patients with PDR. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the AA genotype was independently associated with increased risk of NPDR, after controlling for duration of diabetes, body mass index, and insulin use (adjusted OR = 1.50; 95% CI = 1.04-2.17). The GG genotype, however, did not remain associated with increased risk of PDR (adjusted OR = 1.49; 95% CI = 0.78-2.86).

CONCLUSIONS

This study identified, for the first time, an independent association of the -1082A > G polymorphism in the IL10 gene with NPDR in type 2 diabetes. This finding provides additional evidence supporting that genetic variants of IL10 are involved in the pathogenesis of DR.

Genetic Polymorphisms in Cytokine Genes in Colombian Patients with Ocular Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is caused by infection with the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which has the capacity to infect all warm-blooded animals worldwide. Toxoplasmosis is a major cause of visual defects in the Colombian population; however, the association between genetic polymorphisms in cytokine genes and susceptibility to ocular toxoplasmosis has not been studied in this population. This work evaluates the associations between polymorphisms in genes coding for the cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) (rs1799964, rs1800629, rs1799724, rs1800630, and rs361525), interleukin 1β (IL-1β) (rs16944, rs1143634, and rs1143627), IL-1α (rs1800587), gamma interferon (IFN-γ) (rs2430561), and IL-10 (rs1800896 and rs1800871) and the presence of ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) in a sample of a Colombian population (61 patients with OT and 116 healthy controls). Genotyping was performed with the "dideoxynucleotide (ddNTP) primer extension" technique. Functional-effect predictions of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were done by using FuncPred. A polymorphism in the IL-10 gene promoter (-1082G/A) was significantly more prevalent in OT patients than in controls (P = 1.93e-08; odds ratio [OR] = 5.27e+03; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.18 to 8.739; Bonferroni correction [BONF] = 3.48e-07). In contrast, haplotype "AG" of the IL-10 gene promoter polymorphisms (rs1800896 and rs1800871) was present at a lower frequency in OT patients (P = 7e-04; OR = 0.10; 95% CI = 0.03 to 0.35). The +874A/T polymorphism of IFN-γ was associated with OT (P = 3.37e-05; OR = 4.2; 95% CI = 2.478 to 7.12; BONF = 6.07e-04). Haplotype "GAG" of the IL-1β gene promoter polymorphisms (rs1143634, rs1143627, and rs16944) appeared to be significantly associated with OT (P = 0.0494). The IL-10, IFN-γ, and IL-1β polymorphisms influence the development of OT in the Colombian population.

An Infectious Disease-Associated Il12b Polymorphism Regulates IL-12/23 p40 Transcription Involving Poly(ADP-Ribose) Polymerase 1

IL-12 and IL-23 are important host defense factors produced by APCs against certain intracellular and extracellular pathogens. Their dysregulation has also been implicated in several autoimmune diseases. The nucleotide polymorphism in the promoter region of Il12b (rs41292470 consisting of the long or short allele) encoding the shared subunit of IL-12 and IL-23, p40, has been reported to associate with susceptibility to infectious diseases and autoimmune disorders. How these genetic variants impact Il12b expression at the molecular level was unclear. We established an Il12b promoter-luciferase reporter system containing the long or short allele driving the reporter gene expression and found that the long allele (infection-resistant) displayed ∼2-fold higher transcriptional activity than the short allele (infection-susceptible), associated with a selective and differential nuclear binding activity to the two alleles in activated macrophages. DNA pull-down assays coupled with mass spectrometry analyses identified the specific DNA binding activity as poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1). Small hairpin RNA-mediated knockdown of the endogenous PARP-1 expression resulted in reduced p40 mRNA expression and Il12b promoter activity. Bone marrow-derived macrophages from PARP-1-deficient mice had decreased p40 expression at both mRNA and protein levels. Furthermore, selective PARP-1 inhibitors resulted in impaired production of IL-12p40 and IL-23 in bone-marrow derived macrophages and PBMCs. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay revealed that PARP-1 could bind specifically to Il12b in LPS-stimulated macrophages. Our study opens the way for further elucidating the molecular mechanism whereby allele-specific immune responses to foreign and self-antigens mediated by IL-12/IL-23 are controlled in an individually variable manner.

Marcadores moleculares en el diagnóstico y pronóstico de sepsis, sepsis grave y choque séptico

Introducción. A pesar de los importantes avances en el entendimiento de la patofisiología de la sepsis, la mortalidad que genera sigue siendo alta.Objetivo. Describir el estado del arte de los biomarcadores moleculares propuestos hasta el momento como potenciales marcadores para el diagnóstico y pronóstico de sepsis, sepsis grave y choque séptico.Materiales y métodos. Se analizaron los registros de los últimos 14 años que se encontraban en PubMed, en The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) y en Illinois Automatic Computer (ILLIAC) con los términos sepsis, genetic polymorphisms, genetic variation y molecular marker. Se clasificaron los artículos por año de publicación y solo se tuvieron en cuenta los publicados durante los últimos 10 años.Resultados. La búsqueda arrojó 3 370 referencias que cubren más de 30 genes con polimorfismos genéticos que pueden ser empleados como potenciales marcadores de polimorfismos. Estos fueron evaluados para su uso en las diferentes manifestaciones de sepsis, su diagnóstico y progresión. Se describen 20 genes marcadores: cuatro asociados con bacteremia (TLR-1, TLR-2, Proteína C y Selectina-E), nueve con sepsis (IL-1B, IL-1A, IL-6, TNF-α, TLR-1, MBL-1, Hsp70, PAI-1 y MIF-1), siete con sepsis grave (IL-1RN, IL-10, TNF-α, CD14, TREM-1, Caspasa 12 y DEFB-1), cinco con choque séptico (TNF-B, TLR-4, Hsp70, MBL-1 y CD14 ) y tres con disfunción multiorgánica (TLR-1, PAI-1 y Proteína C).Conclusión. Los polimorfismos genéticos, en su mayoría, han sido probados clínicamente como marcadores de diagnóstico y pronóstico en la sepsis con resultados prometedores por la alta especificidad y sensibilidad en la práctica clínica.

Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Quercetin on RAW 264.7 Mouse Macrophages Induced with Polyinosinic-Polycytidylic Acid

Quercetin (3,3′,4′,5,6-pentahydroxyflavone) is a well-known antioxidant and a flavonol found in many fruits, leaves, and vegetables. Quercetin also has known anti-inflammatory effects on lipopolysaccharide-induced macrophages. However, the effects of quercetin on virus-induced macrophages have not been fully reported. In this study, the anti-inflammatory effect of quercetin on double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-induced macrophages was examined. Quercetin at concentrations up to 50 μM significantly inhibited the production of NO, IL-6, MCP-1, IP-10, RANTES, GM-CSF, G-CSF, TNF-α, LIF, LIX, and VEGF as well as calcium release in dsRNA (50 µg/mL of polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid)-induced RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages (p < 0.05). Quercetin at concentrations up to 50 μM also significantly inhibited mRNA expression of signal transducer and activated transcription 1 (STAT1) and STAT3 in dsRNA-induced RAW 264.7 cells (p < 0.05). In conclusion, quercetin had alleviating effects on viral inflammation based on inhibition of NO, cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors in dsRNA-induced macrophages via the calcium-STAT pathway.

TNF-α and IL10 gene polymorphisms in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis

OBJECTIVE

Postmenopausal osteoporosis is a common disorder characterized by decreased bone mineral density (BMD). Proinflammatory cytokines are among the significant factors involved in bone turnover. They are the stimulants of bone resorption, acting directly on osteoclasts and osteoclast precursors. In this study, we examined the TNF-α (-308G>A) (rs1800629) and IL10 (-1082G>A) (rs1800896), (-592C>A) (rs1800872) polymorphisms in postmenopausal women with BMD T-scores less than and greater than or equal to -2.5 SD.

STUDY DESIGN

This study included 224 postmenopausal women with BMD T-scores lower than -2.5 SD (mean: -3.02±0.53) and 238 postmenopausal women with BMD T-scores -2.5 SD and greater (mean: -1.33±0.51).

RESULTS

There was a decrease in the frequency of IL10 1082 G allele carriers (GG and GA genotypes) in women with T-scores below -2.5 SD (GG+GA vs AA: OR=0.65, 95% CI=0.44-0.97, p=0.037). With regard to the TNF-α -308 G>A polymorphism, in the women with T-scores below -2.5 SD, the increased frequency of GG homozygotes and G allele carriers was detected (AA+GA vs GG: OR=0.54, 95% CI=0.35-0.82, p=0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of our study suggest an association between TNF-α -308G>A and IL10 -1082G>A polymorphisms and postmenopausal osteoporosis.

IL10 Promoter Polymorphisms are Associated with Rheumatic Heart Disease in Saudi Arabian Patients

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is an inflammatory disease that develops following streptococcal infections. IL10 helps to balance immune responses to pathogens. IL10 polymorphisms have been associated with RHD, although results remain inconclusive. Our aim was to investigate the association between IL10 polymorphisms and RHD in Saudi Arabian patients. IL10 promoter polymorphisms (-1082A/G, -829C/T, and -592C/A) were genotyped in 118 RHD patients and 200 matched controls using the TaqMan allelic discrimination assay. There was a significant difference in IL10-1082 genotype frequency between patients and controls (p = 0.01). -1082G allele carriage (GG+GA vs AA) and the (-1082, -819, -592) GCC haplotype carriage were associated with an increased risk of RHD (p = 0.004, OR 2.1, 95% CIs 1.7-3.4 and p = 0.004, OR 2, 95% CIs 1.3-3.4, respectively). The ACC haplotype was associated with a decrease in RHD risk (p = 0.015, OR 0.6, 95% CIs 0.4-0.9). IL10 promoter polymorphisms may play an important role in the development of RHD and provide an opportunity for therapeutic stratification.

A Common SNP of IL-10 (-1082A/G) is Associated With Increased Risk of Premenopausal Breast Cancer in South Indian Women

BACKGROUND

Evading the immune destruction and angiogenesis has been the two hallmarks of cancer. Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is a cytokine with immune suppressing (pro-tumorigenic) and anti-angiogenic (anti-tumorigenic) properties, thus making the role of IL-10 in tumorigenesis enigmatic. Previous studies have suggested a critical role of IL10 altered expression in complex process of tumor-microenvironment, co-evolution and tumorigenesis.

OBJECTIVES

Evaluating the role of IL10 (-1082A/G) gene promoter polymorphism in breast cancer patients from South India.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A case-control study was conducted with a total of 285 individuals, these include 125 histologically confirmed breast cancer patients and 160 age and sex matched controls. Genotypes were determined by allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (AS-PCR), followed by agarose gel electrophoresis. Statistical analysis was done to test the significance of results obtained.

RESULTS

Statistical analysis revealed that AA genotype of the Il-10 -1082A/G polymorphism is significantly associated with breast cancer (AA vs. AG: χ(2) = 14.46, P = 0.0001432, OR = 2.854, 95% CI = 1.68 - 4.849). Up on stratifying subjects based on cancer stage, age at onset, menopausal status, AA genotype has associated with all the sub groups, except for post-menopausal women. There was no significant association which was observed with respected to hormonal status (ER, PR) and Her2/neu status.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study suggests that IL-10 AA genotype as a risk factor in the etiology of breast cancer in the South Indian population.

The Role of Infection and Inflammation in Stillbirths: Parallels with SIDS?

It has been suggested that stillbirths are part of the spectrum of infant deaths that includes sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). This paper examines the hypothesis that risk factors associated with stillbirths might contribute to dysregulation of inflammatory responses to infections that could trigger the physiological responses leading to fetal loss. These include genetic factors (ethnic group, sex), environmental (infection, cigarette smoke, obesity), and developmental (testosterone levels) factors. Interactions between the genetic, environmental, and developmental risk factors are also considered, e.g., the excess of male stillborn infants in relation to the effects of testosterone levels during development on pro-inflammatory responses. In contrast to SIDS, inflammatory responses of both mother and fetus need to be considered. Approaches for examining the hypothesis are proposed.

Individual genome sequencing identified a novel enhancer element in exon 7 of the CSFR1 gene by shift of expressed allele ratios

The sequencing of individual genetic information may provide a powerful tool for elucidating the mechanism by which individual SNPs affect promoter function. Here, we assessed the genome of a Russian male that was previously sequenced. The RNA-Seq data from blood cells revealed 234 candidate transcripts with shifts of greater than 1.5-fold from equal biallelic transcription. Of these genes, the CSF1R gene had variations in genic regions that affected the association of RORalpha with its target binding site in vivo. The results of a reporter assay confirmed that a single nucleotide substitution, rs2228422, within the RORalpha recognition motif altered the ability of the enhancer to regulate CSF1R gene transcription. Notably, 31% of Europeans and only 3% of Asians are homozygous for a RORalpha responsive "A" allele, but no association with diseases of rs2228422 has been found thus far.

Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Wogonin on RAW 264.7 Mouse Macrophages Induced with Polyinosinic-Polycytidylic Acid

Wogonin (5,7-dihydroxy-8-methoxyflavone) is an active flavonoid compound originally isolated from Scutellaria radix, which has been used to treat lung inflammation in Korea, China, and Japan. Wogonin has been known to inhibit inducible nitric oxide synthase and have the anti-tumor properties. However, the effects of wogonin on virus-induced macrophages are not fully reported. In this study, the anti-inflammatory effect of wogonin on double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-induced macrophages was examined. Wogonin restored the cell viability in dsRNA [polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid]-induced RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages at concentrations of up to 50 μM. Wogonin significantly inhibited the production of nitric oxide, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, IP-10, G-CSF, GM-CSF, LIF (IL-6 class cytokine), LIX/CXCL5, MCP-1, M-CSF, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, MIP-2, RANTES/CCL5, TNF-α, and VEGF as well as calcium release and mRNA expression of signal transducer and activated transcription 1 (STAT1) and STAT3 in dsRNA-induced RAW 264.7 cells (P < 0.05). In conclusion, wogonin has anti-inflammatory properties related with its inhibition of nitric oxide, cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors in dsRNA-induced macrophages via the calcium-STAT pathway.

Therapeutic applications of PARP inhibitors: anticancer therapy and beyond

The aim of this article is to describe the current and potential clinical translation of pharmacological inhibitors of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) for the therapy of various diseases. The first section of the present review summarizes the available preclinical and clinical data with PARP inhibitors in various forms of cancer. In this context, the role of PARP in single-strand DNA break repair is relevant, leading to replication-associated lesions that cannot be repaired if homologous recombination repair (HRR) is defective, and the synthetic lethality of PARP inhibitors in HRR-defective cancer. HRR defects are classically associated with BRCA1 and 2 mutations associated with familial breast and ovarian cancer, but there may be many other causes of HRR defects. Thus, PARP inhibitors may be the drugs of choice for BRCA mutant breast and ovarian cancers, and extend beyond these tumors if appropriate biomarkers can be developed to identify HRR defects. Multiple lines of preclinical data demonstrate that PARP inhibition increases cytotoxicity and tumor growth delay in combination with temozolomide, topoisomerase inhibitors and ionizing radiation. Both single agent and combination clinical trials are underway. The final part of the first section of the present review summarizes the current status of the various PARP inhibitors that are in various stages of clinical development. The second section of the present review summarizes the role of PARP in selected non-oncologic indications. In a number of severe, acute diseases (such as stroke, neurotrauma, circulatory shock and acute myocardial infarction) the clinical translatability of PARP inhibition is supported by multiple lines of preclinical data, as well as observational data demonstrating PARP activation in human tissue samples. In these disease indications, PARP overactivation due to oxidative and nitrative stress drives cell necrosis and pro-inflammatory gene expression, which contributes to disease pathology. Accordingly, multiple lines of preclinical data indicate the efficacy of PARP inhibitors to preserve viable tissue and to down-regulate inflammatory responses. As the clinical trials with PARP inhibitors in various forms of cancer progress, it is hoped that a second line of clinical investigations, aimed at testing of PARP inhibitors for various non-oncologic indications, will be initiated, as well.

Functional Aspects of PARP1 in DNA Repair and Transcription

Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) is an ADP-ribosylating enzyme essential for initiating various forms of DNA repair. Inhibiting its enzyme activity with small molecules thus achieves synthetic lethality by preventing unwanted DNA repair in the treatment of cancers. Through enzyme-dependent chromatin remodeling and enzyme-independent motif recognition, PARP1 also plays important roles in regulating gene expression. Besides presenting current findings on how each process is individually controlled by PARP1, we shall discuss how transcription and DNA repair are so intricately linked that disturbance by PARP1 enzymatic inhibition, enzyme hyperactivation in diseases, and viral replication can favor one function while suppressing the other.

Cytokine phenotype, genotype, and renal outcomes at cardiac surgery

BACKGROUND

Cardiac surgery modulates pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine balance involving plasma tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) together with urinary transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGFβ1), interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL1ra) and tumour necrosis factor soluble receptor-2 (TNFsr2). Effects on post-operative renal function are unclear. We investigated if following cardiac surgery there is a relationship between cytokine (a) phenotype and renal outcome; (b) genotype and phenotype and (c) genotype and renal outcome. Since angiotensin-2 (AG2), modulates TGFβ1 production, we determined whether angiotensin converting enzyme insertion/deletion (ACE I/D) genotype affects urinary TGFβ1 phenotype as well as renal outcome.

METHODS

In 408 elective cardiac surgery patients we measured pre- and 24 h post-operative urinary TGFβ-1, IL1ra and TNFsr2 and pre- and 2 h post-operative plasma TNFα and IL-10. Post-operative responses were compared for each cytokine in patients grouped according to presence or absence of renal dysfunction defined as a drop from baseline eGFR of greater than 25% (as calculated by the method of modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD)) occurring (1) within the first 24 and (2) 48 postoperative hours (early renal dysfunction), (3) on the fifth postoperative day (late renal dysfunction) or (4) at any time throughout the 5 day postoperative period (early and late combined). Patient genotype was determined for TNF/G-308A, TGFβ1-509 C/T, IL10/G-1082A and ACE I/D.

RESULTS

Post-operative plasma IL-10 and urinary TGFβ1 responses were significantly higher in patients who developed early renal dysfunction. IL1ra and TNFsr2 responses were significantly lower 24h post-operatively in patients who developed late renal dysfunction. Genotype did not alter cytokine phenotype or outcome. CONCLUSIONS/INFERENCES: Cytokine profiling may help predict early and late renal dysfunction. Genotypes studied did not alter phenotype or outcome.

Host genetic risk factors for community-acquired pneumonia

This study was conducted to establish the contribution of genetic host factors in the susceptibility to community acquired pneumonia (CAP) in the Russian population. Patients with CAP (n=334), volunteers without a previous history of CAP, constantly exposed to infectious agents, control A group (n=141) and a second control group B consisted of healthy persons (n=314) were included in the study. All subjects were genotyped for 13 polymorphic variants in the genes of xenobiotics detoxification CYP1A1 (rs2606345, rs4646903, and rs1048943), GSTM1 (Ins/del), GSTT1 (Ins/del), ABCB1 rs1045642); immune and inflammation response IL-6 (rs1800795), TNF-a (rs1800629), MBL2 (rs7096206), CCR5 (rs333), NOS3 (rs1799983), angiotensin-converting enzyme ACE (rs4340), and occlusive vascular disease/hyperhomocysteinemia MTHFR (rs1801133). Seven polymorphic variants in genes CYP1A1, GSTM1, ABCB1, NOS3, IL6, CCR5 and ACE were associated with CAP. For two genes CYP1A1 and GSTM1 associations remained significant after correction for multiple comparisons. Multiple analysis by the number of all risk genotypes showed a highly significant association with CAP (P=2.4×10(-7), OR=3.03, 95% CI 1.98-4.64) with the threshold for three risk genotypes. Using the ROC-analysis, the AUC value for multi-locus model was estimated as 68.38.

Role of interleukin 10 transcriptional regulation in inflammation and autoimmune disease

Interleukin 10 (IL-10) is a cytokine with potent anti-inflammatory properties that plays a central role in limiting host immune response to pathogens, thereby preventing damage to the host and maintaining normal tissue homeostasis. Dysregulation of IL-10 is associated with enhanced immunopathology in response to infection as well as increased risk for development of many autoimmune diseases. Thus a fundamental understanding of IL-10 gene expression is critical for our comprehension of disease progression and resolution of host inflammatory response. In this review, we discuss modes of regulation of IL-10 gene expression in immune effector cell types, including signal transduction, epigenetics, promoter architecture, and post-transcriptional regulation, and how aberrant regulation contributes to immunopathology and disease progression.

Increased poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation in skeletal muscle tissue of pediatric patients with severe burn injury: prevention by propranolol treatment

Activation of the nuclear enzyme poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) has been shown to promote cellular energetic collapse and cellular necrosis in various forms of critical illness. Most of the evidence implicating the PARP pathway in disease processes is derived from preclinical studies. With respect to PARP and burns, studies in rodent and large animal models of burn injury have demonstrated the activation of PARP in various tissues and the beneficial effect of its pharmacological inhibition. The aims of the current study were to measure the activation of PARP in human skeletal muscle biopsies at various stages of severe pediatric burn injury and to identify the cell types where this activation may occur. Another aim of the study was to test the effect of propranolol (an effective treatment of patients with burns) on the activation of PARP in skeletal muscle biopsies. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase activation was measured by Western blotting for its product, poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR). The localization of PARP activation was determined by PAR immunohistochemistry. The results showed that PARP becomes activated in the skeletal muscle tissue after burns, with the peak of the activation occurring in the middle stage of the disease (13-18 days after burns). Even at the late stage of the disease (69-369 days after burn), an elevated degree of PARP activation persisted in some of the patients. Immunohistochemical studies localized the staining of PAR primarily to vascular endothelial cells and occasionally to resident mononuclear cells. There was a marked suppression of PARP activation in the skeletal muscle biopsies of patients who received propranolol treatment. We conclude that human burn injury is associated with the activation of PARP. We hypothesize that this response may contribute to the inflammatory responses and cell dysfunction in burns. Some of the clinical benefit of propranolol in burns may be related to its inhibitory effect on PARP activation.

The interleukin-10-1082 promoter polymorphism and cancer risk: a meta-analysis

Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is a multifunctional cytokine with both immunosuppressive and anti-angiogenic properties and play an important role in the pathogenesis of cancer. IL-10-1082A>G polymorphism is the most extensively studied polymorphism in the IL-10 gene in cancer susceptibility. To date, a number of case-control studies were conducted to investigate the association between IL-10-1082A>G polymorphism and cancer risk in humans. However, the association between the IL-10-1082A>G polymorphism and cancer risk is still ambiguous. In an effort to solve this controversy, we performed a meta-analysis based on 61 case-control studies, including 14,499 cancer cases and 16,967 controls. We used odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to assess the strength of the association. In the stratified analyses by specific cancer type, increased risk was found in lung cancer (OR = 3.16, 95% CI = 1.16-8.63 for GA versus AA; OR = 2.07, 95% CI = 1.16-3.70 for GG versus AA; OR = 3.17, 95% CI = 1.31-7.68 for GA/GG versus AA) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.02-1.36 for GA versus AA; OR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.02-1.35 for GA/GG versus AA). The meta-analysis also indicated that the variant genotypes were associated with a moderately increased risk in Asians in all genetic models (OR = 1.80, 95% CI = 1.17-2.76 for GA versus AA; OR = 3.32, 95% CI = 1.62-6.82 for GG versus AA; OR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.07-2.60 for GA/GG versus AA; OR= 2.93, 95% CI = 1.43-6.03 for GG versus AA/GA). The meta-analysis suggested that the IL-10-1082A>G polymorphism was associated with increased risk of cancer in Asians and lung cancer and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. To draw comprehensive and true conclusions, more researches with larger numbers of worldwide participants are needed to examine associations between IL-10-1082A>G polymorphism and cancer risk.

Helicobacter pylori activation of PARP-1: usurping a versatile regulator of host cellular health

Chronic infection of the human stomach by Helicobacter pylori is an important risk factor for gastric cancer. H. pylori produces a cache of virulence factors that promote colonization and persistence, which, in turn, contributes to a robust inflammatory response at the host-pathogen interface. Recently, we reported that H. pylori activates the abundant nuclear regulator poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP)-1, resulting in the production of the catabolite poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR). PARP-1 is emerging as a key player in establishing homeostasis at the host-pathogen interface. In this article, we summarize the discovery of H. pylori-dependent PARP-1 activation, and discuss potential roles for PARP-1 in H. pylori-mediated gastric disease. In light of the remarkable successes that have reported for treating inflammatory disorders and cancers with PARP-1 inhibitors, we discuss the prospects of targeting PARP-1 for treatment of H. pylori-associated gastric disease.

Regulation of interleukin-10 gene expression in macrophages engulfing apoptotic cells

Apoptosis and the rapid clearance of apoptotic cells (ACs) by professional or nonprofessional phagocytes are normal and coordinated processes that ensure controlled cell growth and stress response with nonpathological outcomes. Uptake of ACs by phagocytes is thought to suppress autoimmune responses through the release of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-10 (IL-10), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), and inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines. The production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines by phagocytes is highly regulated as part of an intrinsic mechanism to prevent inflammatory and autoimmune reactions in a physiological state. Production of IL-10 by phagocytes during clearance of ACs is critical to ensuring cellular homeostasis and suppression of autoimmunity. The molecular mechanism whereby IL-10 production is induced by ACs is only beginning to be understood. This review summarizes our recent work in this aspect of an essential physiological and homeostatic process.