Impact of single nucleotide polymorphism in IL-4, IL-4R genes and systemic concentration of IL-4 on the incidence of glioma in Iraqi patients

Genetic variations in AURORA cell cycle kinases are associated with glioblastoma multiforme

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most frequent type of primary astrocytomas. We examined the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in Aurora kinase A (AURKA), Aurora kinase B (AURKB), Aurora kinase C (AURKC) and Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) mitotic checkpoint genes and GBM risk by qPCR genotyping. In silico analysis was performed to evaluate effects of polymorphic biological sequences on protein binding motifs. Chi-square and Fisher statistics revealed a significant difference in genotypes frequencies between GBM patients and controls for AURKB rs2289590 variant (p = 0.038). Association with decreased GBM risk was demonstrated for AURKB rs2289590 AC genotype (OR = 0.54; 95% CI = 0.33-0.88; p = 0.015). Furthermore, AURKC rs11084490 CG genotype was associated with lower GBM risk (OR = 0.57; 95% CI = 0.34-0.95; p = 0.031). Bioinformatic analysis of rs2289590 polymorphic region identified additional binding site for the Yin-Yang 1 (YY1) transcription factor in the presence of C allele. Our results indicated that rs2289590 in AURKB and rs11084490 in AURKC were associated with a reduced GBM risk. The present study was performed on a less numerous but ethnically homogeneous population. Hence, future investigations in larger and multiethnic groups are needed to strengthen these results.

PubMed-indexed neurosurgical research productivity of Iraq-based neurosurgeons

Background:

Research is a central component of neurosurgical training and practice and is increasingly viewed as a quintessential indicator of academic productivity. In this study, we focus on identifying the current status and challenges of neurosurgical research in Iraq.

Methods:

An online PubMed Medline database search was conducted to identify all articles published by Iraq-based neurosurgeons between 2003 and 2020. Information was extracted in relation to the following parameters: authors, year of publication, author’s affiliation, author’s specialty, article type, article citation, journal name, journal impact factor, and topic. This data were then tabulated and analyzed.

Results:

Between 2003 and 2021, a total of 52 PubMed indexed papers were published from Iraq. All publications have been clustered in the period of 2012–2020. From 2012 to 2016, only four papers were published, one per year. The number of publications increased from 2017 to 2021, with an average of 12 publications per year. The most common article type was “case reports” (n = 14). Neurotrauma (n = 10) and vascular neurosurgery (n = 10) were the two most common topics. Most of the studies came from the city of Bagdad (n = 46), with just nine studies coming from peripheral governorates. The Neurosurgery Teaching Hospital in Bagdad was the neurosurgery center with the highest research output (n = 38).

Conclusion:

The number of publications per year has been showing a, relatively, promising trend since 2012. However, to promote sustained growth in academic productivity, a strategic plan that acknowledges the political, financial, and health-system-related challenges are urgently needed.

Associations of interleukin-4 and interleukin-4 receptor loci with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma susceptibility

Some functional polymorphisms in immune-regulating genes could affect the development of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). We enrolled 721 patients with ESCC and 1,208 healthy controls to explore the roles of rs2227282 (C > G) and rs2243283 (C > G) loci in the interleukin-4 (IL4) gene and rs1801275 loci in the interleukin-4 receptor (IL4R) gene for the occurrence of ESCC. As for IL4, the single nucleotide polymorphism rs2227282 (C > G) conferred an overall decreased risk for ESCC (adjusted P = 0.005, power = 0.816 in GG vs. CC genetic models). A stratification analysis of IL4 rs2227282 (C > G) and rs2243283 (C > G) and IL4R rs1801275 (A > G) loci with the ESCC risk revealed that the IL4 rs2243283 (C > G) polymorphism was a protective factor for the susceptibility to ESCC in some subgroups (women: power = 0.932 in CG vs. CC and 0.956 in CG/GG vs. CC; subjects aged ≥63 years: power = 0.844 in CG/GG vs. CC; never-smokers: power = 0.893 in CG vs. CC and 0.882 in CG/GG vs. CC; never-drinkers: power = 0.904 in CG vs. CC and 0.862 in CG/GG vs. CC). We also investigated the association of IL4 rs2227282 and rs2243283 and IL4R rs1801275 loci with the lymph node status. However, a null relationship was found. In conclusion, the present study highlighted that IL4 rs2227282 (C > G) and rs2243283 (C > G) loci are protective factors for the occurrence of ESCC.

The Influence of NDRG1 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms on Glioma Risk and Prognosis in Chinese Han Population

Glioma is a highly fatal malignant tumor with a high recurrence rate, poor clinical treatment effect, and prognosis. We aimed to determine the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of NDRG1 and glioma risk and prognosis in the Chinese Han population. 5 candidate SNPs were genotyped by Agena MassARRAY in 558 cases and 503 controls; logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between SNPs and glioma risk. We used multi-factor dimensionality reduction to analyze the interaction of 'SNP-SNP'; the prognosis analysis was performed by log-rank test, Kaplan-Meier analysis, and Cox regression model. Our results showed that the polymorphisms of rs3808599 was associated with the reduction of glioma risk in all participants (OR 0.41, p = 0.024) and the participants ≤ 40 years old (OR 0.30, p = 0.020). rs3802251 may reduce glioma risk in all participants (OR 0.79, p = 0.008), the male participants (OR 0.68, p = 0.033), and astrocytoma patients (OR 0.81, p = 0.023). rs3779941 was associated with poor glioma prognosis in all participants (HR = 2.59, p = 0.039) or astrocytoma patients (HR = 2.63, p = 0.038). We also found that the key factors for glioma prognosis may include surgical operation, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. This study is the first to find that NDRG1 gene polymorphisms may have a certain association with glioma risk or prognosis in the Chinese Han population.

Interleukin 4 Affects Epilepsy by Regulating Glial Cells: Potential and Possible Mechanism

Epilepsy is a chronic brain dysfunction induced by an abnormal neuronal discharge that is caused by complicated psychopathologies. Recently, accumulating studies have revealed a close relationship between inflammation and epilepsy. Specifically, microglia and astrocytes are important inflammatory cells in the central nervous system (CNS) that have been proven to be related to the pathogenesis and development of epilepsy. Additionally, interleukin 4 (IL-4) is an anti-inflammatory factor that can regulate microglia and astrocytes in many aspects. This review article focuses on the regulatory role of IL-4 in the pathological changes of glial cells related to epilepsy. We additionally propose that IL-4 may play a protective role in epileptogenesis and suggest that IL-4 may be a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of epilepsy.

Association between Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms and Glioma Risk: A Systematic Literature Review

This study aimed to determine the main single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that are associated with an increased or decreased risk of glioma development in healthy individuals. We conducted a systematic review of the articles published in English on the PUBMED database between January 2008 and December 2017. Our search resulted in a total of 743 articles; however, only 56 were included in this review. A total of 148 polymorphisms were found, which involved 64 different genes. The polymorphisms that were most associated with an increased risk of glioma development were polymorphic variants rs179782, rs13181, and rs3791679 of the genes XRCC1, ERCC2, and EFEMP1, respectively.

Association of cytokine Th2 gene polymorphisms with autoimmune thyroid diseases in Tunisian population

Autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD) including Graves' disease (GD) and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) are complex genetic diseases. Th2 cytokines act on the development of AITD. This study was conducted on Tunisian patients with AITD to investigate the association of Th2 cytokine gene polymorphisms and haplotype combination with GD or HT risk. A total of 156 controls, 160 patients with HT and 88 patients with GD were genotyped for IL-4 rs2243250, IL-5 rs2069812, IL-6 rs1800796 and IL-13 rs1800925 polymorphisms by PCR-RFLP. The AITD risk was assessed by a logistic regression analysis using the SNP stats statistical program. False-positive report probability (FPRP) was estimated to evaluate significant findings. IL-13 rs1800925 was associated with GD, after adjustment for age and gender, in codominant, dominant and allele genetic models (p = .0072; p = .0018; p = .012, respectively). Significant association of the IL-6 rs1800796C/G genotype with GD was also detected (p = .025). Furthermore, increased risk of HT was still found for IL-13 rs1800925T allele (p = .039, OR = 1.39) and for IL-4 rs2243250T/T genotype both in codominant (p = .033, OR = 2.59) and recessive (p = .011, OR = 2.73) models after adjustment for age and gender. Interestingly, haplotype analysis performed on the IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 genes revealed a high risk of HT with CTT haplotype (p = .008, OR = 2.12). However, the CCT haplotype is a protective factor (OR = 0.36). Patients carrying the CT haplotype with only one minor allele had a moderate risk of HT (OR = 1.56). The FPRP analysis showed that the association of IL-13 rs1800925 polymorphism with GD and HT and the association of CTT haplotype with HT were noteworthy. In conclusion, the IL-4, IL-5, IL-6 and IL-13 polymorphism may play a role in susceptibility to GD and HT in the Tunisian population. Furthermore, gene-gene interaction between the IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 significantly increases the risk of AITD. Further studies with larger numbers of individuals are needed to confirm the results.

Relationship between circulating inflammatory factors and glioma risk and prognosis: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory factors have been considered a significant factor contributing to the development and progression of glioma. However, the relationship between circulating inflammatory factors and glioma risk as well as their prognostic values in glioma patients is still inconclusive. Here, we performed a meta-analysis to address this issue.

METHODS

Relevant articles were identified through PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Wanfang database, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) from inception to February 2019. The weighted mean differences (WMDs) or standard mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to describe the predictive ability of the levels of circulating inflammatory factors on glioma risk. To evaluate the prognostic values of the circulating inflammatory factors in glioma, hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% CIs were used.

RESULTS

Thirty-one studies comprising 2587 patients were included. The overall analysis showed that increased circulating interleukin-6 (IL-6) [SMD 0.81 (95% CI: 0.21-1.40; P = .008)], interleukin-8 (IL-8) [SMD 1.01 (95% CI: 0.17-1.84; P = .018)], interleukin-17 (IL-17) [SMD 1.12 (95% CI: 0.26-1.98; P = .011)], tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) [SMD 1.80 (95% CI: 1.03-2.56; P = .000)], transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) [SMD 10.55 (95% CI: 5.59-15.51; P = .000)], and C-reactive protein (CRP) [SMD 0.95 (95% CI: 0.75-1.15; P = .000)] levels were significantly associated with glioma risk. On the other hand, our results showed that circulating IL-6 [HR 1.10 (95% CI: 1.05-1.16; P = .000)] and CRP [HR 2.02 (95% CI: 1.52-2.68; P = .000)] levels were highly correlated with a poor overall survival (OS) rate in glioma patients.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that increased circulating IL-6, IL-8, IL-17, TNF-α, TGF-β, and CRP levels are significantly associated with increased glioma risk. Moreover, our meta-analysis suggests that circulating IL-6 and CRP may serve as powerful biomarkers for a poor prognosis in glioma patients.

Genetic Association between Interleukin-4 Receptor Polymorphisms and Cancer Susceptibility: A Meta-Analysis Based on 53 Case-Control Studies

Polymorphisms in interleukin-4 receptor (IL-4R) gene have been reported susceptible to a variety of cancer types, nevertheless, data from these publications remained inconsistent and controversial. We further performed a comprehensive meta-analysis to present a precise estimation of its relationship. Extensive retrieve was performed in PubMed, Google Scholar and Web of Science up to May 25, 2018. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were conducted to evaluate the overall strength of the associations in five genetic models, as well as in subgroup analyses, stratified by ethnicity, cancer type or source of control. Q-test, Egger's test and Begg's funnel plot were applied to evaluate the heterogeneity and publication bias. In-silico analysis was managed to demonstrate the relationship of IL-4R expression correlated with cancer tissues. Finally, 31 publications including 53 case-control studies were enrolled, with 24,452 cases and 24,971 controls. After a comprehensive analysis, no significant evidence was revealed for the association between four IL-4R polymorphisms (rs1801275, rs1805010, rs1805015, rs2057768) and cancer susceptibility in the overall population, as well as the subgroup analysis stratified by ethnicity, cancer type, the genotyping method or the source of control. To sum up, no evidence was identified between IL-4R polymorphisms and overall cancer susceptibility. Further well-designed studies with large sample sizes will be continued on this issue of interest.

Polymorphism rs4787951 in IL-4R contributes to the increased risk of renal cell carcinoma in a Chinese population

OBJECTIVE

Interleukins are important molecules involved in tumor formation. In this study, the association between renal cell carcinoma (RCC) risk and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on IL-4/IL-13/IL-4R was assessed.

METHODS

We recruited 620/623 cases/controls and conducted a case-control study. Five tagSNPs (i.e., IL-4R rs8832, IL-4R rs4787951, IL-13 rs1881457, IL-13 rs2066960 and IL-13 rs2069744) were selected. Odds ratios (ORs) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were obtained to appraise the association between SNPs and RCC susceptibility. Luciferase report assay and EMSA were conducted to investigate whether SNPs could affect binding affinity of transcription factors to target genes.

RESULTS

IL-4R rs4787951T>C was significantly associated with RCC susceptibility. Individuals carrying CC genotypes had a significant increment in RCC risk compared with TT genotype carriers (adjusted OR = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.07-2.28, P = 0.020). By stratified analyses, more pronounced association was found in the female, diabetic or without smoking, drinking and hypertension group. Besides, SNP rs4787951 could influence the binding affinity of IL-4R to transcription factors. Sequence surrounding allele T was prone to bind transcription factor NFATc.

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed that IL-4R rs4787951T>C was associated with susceptibility of RCC and could be a predictive biomarker for RCC risk.

Integration of Biomarkers Into a Signature Profile of Persistent Traumatic Brain Injury Involving Autoimmune Processes Following Water Hammer Injury From Repetitive Head Impacts

OBJECTIVES

To assemble an algorithm that will describe a "Signature" predictive of an individual's vulnerability to persistent traumatic brain injury (TBI).

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Studies of athletes and warriors who are subjected to repeated head impacts with rapid acceleration/deceleration forces are used to assist in the diagnosis and management of TBI-affected individuals. Data from multiple areas, including clinical, anatomical, magnetic resonance imaging, cognitive function, and biochemical analyses, are integrated to provide a Signature of persistent TBI.

RESULTS

Studies to date indicate that susceptibility to TBI results from an interaction between host genetic and structural vulnerability factors and force and torque of impact on the head and torso. The host factors include molecular markers affecting immune and inflammatory responses to stress/insult as well as anatomical features such as the degree of transcortical fiber projections and vascular malformations. The host response to forceful impact includes the release of intracellular neural proteins and nucleic acids into the cerebrospinal fluid and vascular compartment as well as mobilization of cytokines and macrophages into the central nervous system with subsequent activation of microglia and inflammatory responses including autoimmune processes. Maximum impact to the base of the sulci via a "water hammer effect" is consistent with the localization of microvascular and inflammatory responses in the affected brain region.

CONCLUSIONS

An assessment of an individuals' predisposition to persistent TBI with delayed cognitive deficits and behavioral changes requires an understanding of host vulnerability (genetic factors and brain structure) and external stressors (force and torque of impact as well as repetitive head injury and time interval between impacts). An algorithm that has utility in predicting vulnerability to TBI will include qualitative and quantitative measures of the host factors weighted against post impact markers of neural injury. Implementation of the resulting "Signature" of vulnerability at early stages of injury will help inform athletes and warriors, along with commanders and management, of the risk/benefit approaches that will markedly diminish health care costs to the nation and suffering to this population. This report attempts to define a strategy to create such an algorithm.

Associations of common IL-4 gene polymorphisms with cancer risk: A meta-analysis

Cancer incidence is dramatically increasing worldwide, therefore improved prediction and therapeutic methods are needed. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in cytokine genes may contribute to carcinogenesis. Interleukin (IL)-4 gene polymorphisms have been intensively studied with regard to their associations with cancer. However, the results of these previous studies remain inconclusive. The present study, therefore, aimed to conduct a meta-analysis of previously published studies in order to clarify the association of IL-4 with cancer risk. Eligible published articles were searched in Medline, PubMed, Embase and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases up to March 2016. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were used to identify potential associations between IL-4 genetic polymorphisms and the risk of cancer. A meta-analysis was then performed on 10,873 patients and 14,328 controls for IL-4 rs2243250 polymorphism, 3,970 patients and 5,686 controls for IL-4 rs2070874 polymorphism, and 1,896 patients and 2,526 controls for IL-4 rs79071878 polymorphism. A significant association with cancer risk was observed for rs2243250 and rs79071878 polymorphisms. In the subgroup analysis by cancer type, rs2243250 polymorphism was demonstrated to be associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer and breast cancer, rs2070874 polymorphism was correlated with leukemia and oral carcinoma, and rs79071878 polymorphism was relevant to bladder carcinoma risk. In the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, IL-4 rs2243250 polymorphism was demonstrated to be associated with cancer risk in both Caucasian and Asian populations, rs2070874 was associated with cancer risk in Asian populations, while rs79071878 polymorphism was associated with cancer risk in Caucasian populations. In conclusion, the present results suggested that the IL-4 rs2243250 and rs79071878 polymorphisms were associated with cancer susceptibility. Further subgroup analyses revealed that the effects of IL-4 gene polymorphisms on cancer risk may vary by cancer type and by ethnicity.

Risk allelic load in Th2 and Th3 cytokines genes as biomarker of susceptibility to HPV-16 positive cervical cancer: a case control study

Background

Alterations in the host cellular immune response allow persistent infections with High-Risk Human Papillomavirus (HR-HPV) and development of premalignant cervical lesions and cervical cancer (CC). Variations of immunosuppressive cytokine levels in cervix are associated with the natural history of CC. To assess the potential role of genetic host immunity and cytokines serum levels in the risk of developing CC, we conducted a case–control study paired by age.

Methods

Peripheral blood samples from patients with CC (n = 200) and hospital controls (n = 200), were used to evaluate nine biallelic SNPs of six cytokine genes of the adaptive immune system by allelic discrimination and cytokines serum levels by ELISA.

Results

After analyzing the SNP association by multivariate logistic regression adjusted by age, CC history and smoking history, three Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10) and one Th3 (TGFB1) cytokine were significantly associated with CC. Individuals with at least one copy of the following risk alleles: T of SNP (−590C > T IL-4), C of SNP (−573G > C IL-6), A of SNP (−592C > A IL-10), T of SNP (−819C > T IL-10) and T of SNP (−509C > T TGFB1), had an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 2.08 (95 % CI 1.475–2.934, p = 0.0001), an OR of 1.70 (95 % CI 1.208–2.404, p = 0.002), an OR of 1.87 (95 % CI 1.332–2.630, p = 0.0001), an OR of 1.67 (95 % CI 1.192–2.353, p = 0.003) and an OR of 1.91 (95 % CI 1.354–2.701, p = 0.0001), respectively, for CC. The burden of carrying two or more of these risk alleles was found to have an additive effect on the risk of CC (p trend = 0.0001). Finally, the serum levels of Th2 and Th3 cytokines were higher in CC cases than the controls; whereas IFNG levels, a Th1 cytokine, were higher in controls than CC cases.

Conclusion

The significant associations of five SNPs with CC indicate that these polymorphisms are potential candidates for predicting the risk of development of CC, representing a risk allelic load for CC and can be used as a biomarker of susceptibility to this disease.