A Comprehensive Understanding of the Anticancer Mechanisms of FDY2004 Against Cervical Cancer Based on Network Pharmacology

Herbal drugs are continuously being developed and used as effective therapeutics for various cancers, such as cervical cancer (CC); however, their mechanisms of action at a systemic level have not been explored fully. To study such mechanisms, we conducted a network pharmacological investigation of the anti-CC mechanisms of FDY2004, an herbal drug consisting of Moutan Radicis Cortex, Persicae Semen , and Rhei Radix et Rhizoma. We found that FDY2004 inhibited the viability of human CC cells. By performing pharmacokinetic evaluation and network analysis of the phytochemical components of FDY2004, we identified 29 bioactive components and their 116 CC-associated pharmacological targets. Gene ontology enrichment analysis showed that the modulation of cellular functions, such as apoptosis, growth, proliferation, and survival, might be mediated through the FDY2004 targets. The therapeutic targets were also key components of CC-associated oncogenic and tumor-suppressive pathways, including PI3K-Akt, human papillomavirus infection, IL-17, MAPK, TNF, focal adhesion, and viral carcinogenesis pathways. In conclusion, our data present a comprehensive insight for the mechanisms of the anti-CC properties of FDY2004.

Association of TNF-α-308G/A, -238G/A, -863C/A, -1031T/C, -857C/T polymorphisms with periodontitis susceptibility: Evidence from a meta-analysis of 52 studies

The association between tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α-308G/A, -238G/A, -863C/A, -1031T/C, and -857C/T) polymorphism and either chronic (CP) or aggressive (AgP) periodontitis susceptibility was conflicting. This meta-analysis aimed to quantitatively estimate the association.A total of 52 studies involving 5519 patients and 7260 controls were identified through a search of multiple electronic databases. Odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals using allele, homozygous, heterozygous, dominant, and recessive genetic models were computed to assess the strength of the association.The TNF-α-308G/A polymorphism was significantly associated with decreased risks of CP (GG vs AA: OR = 0.353, P < .001; GG+GA vs AA: OR = 0.480, P < .001) and AgP (G vs A: OR = 0.651, P < .001; GG vs AA: OR = 0.306, P < .001; GG+GA vs AA: OR = 0.384, P < .001) in Asians. There were no associations between TNF-α-238G/A, -863C/A, -1031T/C, -857C/T polymorphism and susceptibility to AgP. No associations were also found between CP susceptibility and TNF-α-238G/A, -857C/T polymorphism.These findings supported that TNF-α-308G/A polymorphism might be the protective factors of CP and AgP in Asians, and TNF-α-238G/A, -863C/A, -1031T/C, -857C/T polymorphism is not linked to AgP susceptibility.

Association of TNF-a (rs361525 and rs1800629) with susceptibility to cervical intraepithelial lesion and cervical carcinoma in women from Republic of North Macedonia

Cervical cancer (CCa) is one of the most common malign diseases in women associated with human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus is an initiating factor, but not sufficient for the development of cervical intraepithelial lesions (CIN) and CCa. The disease might be a result of the influence of host's genetic factors and polymorphisms in inflammatory-related genes that modify the immune response to HPV and attribute to cancer susceptibility. We carried out a study to determine the association between TNF-a-238G/A and TNF-a-308 G/T polymorphisms with HPV-positive CIN and CCa in women living in the Republic of North Macedonia. Using multiplex SNaPshot analysis for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), we analysed the genotype and allele distributions of TNF-a-238G/A and TNF-a-308 G/T in 134 cases (HPV-positive and histologically confirmed CIN and CCa) and in 113 controls (cytological and HPV-negative women). For further analysis, the case group was stratified in three subgroups (all cases: CINs+ CCa- group; CIN2+ -group and CIN1- group). Data analysed using the odds ratio (OR) and chi-square test showed the frequency of AA genotypes and A alleles are not significantly higher in cases compared to the controls for both SNPs: AA of TNF-a-238 (0.7% versus 0%) and TNF-a-308 (1.5% versus 0.9%) as well as A allelic frequency (3.0% versus 1.7%) and (13.1% versus 10.6), respectively. The comparison of the case's subgroups with the control group did not show a statistically significant difference. Compared to controls, TNF-a-238G/A and TNF-a-308 G/T are not associated with the risk of HPV associated CIN or CCa in the studied women.

Association of Polymorphisms in Cytokine genes with susceptibility to Precancerous Lesions and Cervical Cancer: A systematic review with meta-analysis

Objectives: This study investigated the relationship between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in cytokine genes and the susceptibility to Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions (SIL), cervical cancer and HPV infection through a systematic review with meta-analysis. To verify the effect of SNPs, we also analyzed the transcription factor binding affinity using bioinformatics tools.Methods: Seven electronic databases (MEDLINE, Scielo, BIREME, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Science Direct) were searched for case-control studies.Results: A total of 35 relevant case-control studies were meta-analyzed, including 7 cytokine genes and 15 SNPs. SNPs in IL-17A (rs2275913, rs3748067); IL-17 F (rs763780); IL-12A (rs568408); IL-12B (rs3212227); TNFA (rs1800629, rs361525); IL-1B (rs16944); IL-6 (rs1800795); IL-10 (rs1800896) genes were associated with increased risk for cervical cancer. No association was observed between meta-analyzed polymorphisms and SIL. Additional bioinformatics analysis suggested a possible transcriptional regulation pathway of the TNFA and IL-10 genes through the MZF1 (TNFA -308 G > A and IL-10 - 1082A>G) and ZNF263 (TNFA -238 G > A) transcription factors binding.Conclusion: Overall, 10 SNPs in cytokine genes were associated with increased risk for cervical cancer. Therefore, in our meta-analysis, these SNPs demonstrated to be potential biomarkers for predicting or identifying cases of high risk for SIL and cervical cancer.

Associations of the -238(G/A) and -308(G/A) TNF-α Promoter Polymorphisms and TNF-α Serum Levels with the Susceptibility to Gastric Precancerous Lesions and Gastric Cancer Related to Helicobacter pylori Infection in a Moroccan Population

Objective:

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) induces the production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), which is closely related to a gastric epithelial injury. TNF-α gene polymorphism and TNF-α serum levels are associated with various malignant conditions. Identification of the ideal marker for gastric cancer (GC) is still the leading aim of several trials. Physio-pathological considerations of GC led us to investigate the association of two TNF-α promoter polymorphisms (-308G>A and -238G>A), and TNF-α serum levels with the susceptibility to gastric precancerous (PL) and GC.

Methods:

Patients suffering from gastric lesions (65 chronic gastritis, 50 PL, 40 GC) related to H. pylori ‎infection , and 63 healthy controls (HC) were involved in this study. Individuals are genotyped by TNF-α gene promoter sequencing and TNF-α serum levels are measured by ELISA quantitative method.

Results:

Regarding TNF-α-308 G/A locus, we noticed higher risk for GC (OR=4.3, CI 1.5-11.9, p-value=0.005) and PL (OR=3.4, CI 1.2-9.2, p-value=0.01) for individuals with AA/GA genotypes compared to GG genotype. Concerning TNF-α-238 G/A locus, we noticed higher risk for GC (OR=5.9, CI 1.2-27.5, p-value=0.01) and PL (OR=4.8, CI 1.3-18, p-value=0.01) for individuals with GG genotype compared to AA/GA genotypes. We noticed that TNF-α serum levels have been increased together with gastric lesions severity. Moreover, TNF-α-308 and TNF-α-238 A alleles seemed to, respectively, upregulate and downregulate TNF-α serum levels.

Conclusion:

The TNF-α -308 A allele has a promotive effect for GC progression, whereas the TNF-α -238 A allele has a protective function against GC progression. High levels of TNF-α seemed to be associated with the aggressiveness of gastric lesions. TNF-α gene polymorphisms and TNF-α serum levels might be helpful to select those patients who are at high risk for GC.

Genetic polymorphisms in tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-10 are associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer

Most cases of cervical cancer are the result of infection with specific high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Investigating the genetic basis of the host immune response, particularly cytokine function, could help further characterize the progression of cervical HPV infection into neoplasia. Prior studies have demonstrated a correlation between genetic variants of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α, TNF gene) and/or interleukin-10 (IL-10, IL10 gene) and cervical cancer susceptibility. However, some of the results have been contradictory. We sought to resolve these discrepancies by carrying out our study in a large cohort of Chinese women. In order to assess the association of TNF and IL10 genotypes with cervical cancer susceptibility, the polymorphisms in TNF (-238 G/A, -308 G/A) and IL10 (-592 C/A, -819 C/T, -1082 A/G) were genotyped and odds ratios for the genotype and allele frequencies between cervical cancer patients and healthy controls were calculated. Also, the functional relevance of these polymorphisms was evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and in vitro lymphocyte proliferation assays. The TNF-238 AA genotype frequency was lower in patients than in controls (p < 0.05). TNF-308 AA, IL10-592 CA/AA, and IL10-819 CC/CT genotype frequencies were higher in cervical cancer patients than in controls (p < 0.05). The frequency of the TNF-238 A allele was significantly lower in patients, while the frequency of the -308 A allele was significantly higher (p < 0.05). No significant differences between patients and controls were found in the genotype or allele frequencies of IL10-1082 A/G (p > 0.05). Furthermore, the combinations of TNF-238 GA or GG and IL10-592 CC; TNF-238 GA or GG and IL10-592 CA or AA; TNF-308 AA and IL10-592 CC; and TNF-308 AA and IL10-592 CA or AA in cervical cancer patients were statistically significant (p < 0.0167). Upon stimulation with PHA, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with the TNF-308AA genotype exhibited significantly higher proliferation rates, elevated IL-4, TGF-β levels, and lower IL-2 levels (p < 0.05). For IL10-592C/A, the AA and CA genotypes were significantly associated with higher proliferation rates, elevated IL-4 and IL-10 levels (p < 0.05). We also found that for TNF-308 G/A or IL10-592 C/A variants, the combination of TNF-308 GG or GA with IL10 CA or AA had an association with the severity of cervical cancer. Taken together, these results suggest that TNF-308 AA and IL10-592 CA/AA genotypes may increase susceptibility to cervical cancer by altering the immune response of an individual.

Polymorphisms of TNF-α -308 G/A and IL-8 -251 T/A Genes Associated with Urothelial Carcinoma: A Case-Control Study

Cigarette smoking and exposure to environmental tobacco smoke are well-known risk factors for urothelial carcinoma (UC). We conducted a hospital-based case-control study involving 287 UC cases and 574 cancer-free controls to investigate the joint effects of cigarette smoking and polymorphisms of inflammatory genes on UC risk. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) -308 G/A and interleukin-8 (IL-8) -251 T/A polymorphisms were determined using a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. People who had ever smoked and those who were exposed to environmental tobacco smoke had significantly increased UC odds ratios (ORs) of 1.65 and 1.68, respectively. Participants who had smoked more than 18 pack-years had a significantly increased UC OR of 2.64. People who had ever smoked and who carried the A/A genotype of the TNF-α -308 G/A polymorphism had a significantly higher UC OR (10.25) compared to people who had never smoked and who carried the G/G or G/A genotype. In addition, people who had ever smoked and who carried the IL-8 -251 T/T genotype had a significantly increased UC OR (3.08) compared to people who had never smoked and who carried the T/A or A/A genotype. In a combined analysis of three major risk factors (cumulative cigarette smoking, the TNF-α -308 A/A genotype, and the IL-8 -251 T/T genotype), subjects with any one, any two, and all three risk factors experienced significantly increased UC ORs of 1.55, 2.89, and 3.77, respectively, compared to individuals with none of the risk factors. Conclusions. Our results indicate that the combined effects of cumulative cigarette exposure and the TNF-α -308 A/A genotype and/or the IL-8 -251 T/T genotype on UC OR showed a significant dose-response relationship.

State of Art of Cancer Pharmacogenomics in Latin American Populations

Over the past decades, several studies have shown that tumor-related somatic and germline alterations predicts tumor prognosis, drug response and toxicity. Latin American populations present a vast geno-phenotypic diversity due to the great interethnic and interracial mixing. This genetic flow leads to the appearance of complex characteristics that allow individuals to adapt to endemic environments, such as high altitude or extreme tropical weather. These genetic changes, most of them subtle and unexplored, could establish a mutational profile to develop new pharmacogenomic therapies specific for Latin American populations. In this review, we present the current status of research on somatic and germline alterations in Latin America compared to those found in Caucasian and Asian populations.

Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-308G/A promoter polymorphism in colorectal cancer in ethnic Kashmiri population - A case control study in a detailed perspective

Background

Inflammation constitutes one of the important components of colorectal cancer (CRC) pathogenesis. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), a cytokine and an important inflammatory mediator plays a pivotal role in the malignant cellular proliferation, angiogenesis, tissue invasion and metastasis in CRC. The studies on association of various polymorphisms in human TNF-α gene including TNF-α-308G/A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) are limited, mixed and inconclusive.

Materials and methods

The aim of this study was to analyze the association of TNF-α-308G/A promoter SNP with colorectal cancer (CRC) susceptibility and development risk and also to evaluate the modifying effects of possible TNF-α-308G/A genotypes on different risk factors of CRC in ethnic population of Kashmir, India through a case–control setup. The genotype frequencies of TNF-α-308G/A promoter SNP were compared between 142 CRC patients and 184 individually matched healthy controls by using polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. The associations between the TNF-α-308G/A SNP and CRC risk were examined through conditional logistic regression models adjusted for multiple possible confounding (third) variables. Further, the associations between this SNP and various clinico-pathological parameters, demographic variables and environmental factors within the case group subjects with regard to CRC risk were also evaluated.

Results

The association between the TNF-α-308G/A SNP and the modulation of risk of CRC was not found to be significant (p value = 0.156). The effect of less common TNF-α-308A allele on the risk of colorectal cancer was also not found to be significant (p value = 0.175). The variant genotype (AA) was nonexistent in the study population. Further, we found no significant effect modulation of CRC risk by wild and heterozygous TNF-α-308G/A SNP genotypes in presence of different possible risk factors (p > 0.05). We also found no significant association of TNF-α-308G/A SNP with the subsets of various characteristics of the case group subjects under study (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

This study indicates that there is no significant association between the TNF-α-308G/A promoter SNP and the risk of developing CRC in ethnic Kashmiri population. However, in order to substantiate our findings, this study needs to be replicated with bigger sample size and should involve other ethnically defined populations with high CRC risk.

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.

Lack of Associations between TNF-αPolymorphisms and Cervical Cancer in Thai women

The risk of developing cervical cancer in women infected with human papillomavirus (HPV) may be influenced by an individual's genetic susceptibility. Published data linking single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-?) promoter region at positions -308G>A (rs1800629) and -238G>A (rs361525) to cervical cancer risk have been inconclusive. In this study, we examined 251 cervical specimens and classified them into two groups according to their cytological findings: 121 cancer cases and 130 controls (low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion and normal cytology). All specimens were typed by PCR and sequencing for TNF-αpromoter -308G>A (rs1800629) and -238G>A (rs361525). The genotype distribution of SNPs in either rs1800629 or rs361525 did not significantly demonstrate higher frequency in the cancer group (p=0.621 and p=0.68, respectively). Based on these results, neither the TNF-αpromoter -308G>A (rs1800629) nor the -238G>A (rs361525) polymorphism presents a major risk factor for cervical cancer among Thai women. Larger studies are necessary to elucidate possible genetic mechanisms influencing cervical cancer development.

Role of cytokines in genesis, progression and prognosis of cervical cancer

Cytokine research is currently at the forefront in cancer research. Deciphering the functions of these multiple small molecules, discovered within the cell and in intercellular spaces, with their abundance and pleotrophism, was initially a great challenge. Advances in analytical chemistry and molecular biology have made it possible to unravel the pathophysiological functions of these polypeptides/proteins which are called interleukins, chemokines, monokines, lymphokines and growth factors. With more than 5 million women contracting cervical cancer every year this cancer is a major cause of mortality and morbidity the world over, particularly in the developing countries. In more than 95% of cases it is associated with human papilloma virus (HPV) infection which is persistent, particularly in those with a defective immune system. Although preventable, the mere magnitude of prevalence of HPV in the world population makes it a dominating current health hazard. The discovery of cytokine dysregulation in cervical cancer has spurted investigation into the possibility of using them as biomarkers in the early diagnosis of cases at high risk of developing cancer. Their critical role in carcinogenesis and progression of cervical cancer is now being revealed to a great extent. From diagnostics to prognosis, and now with a possible role in therapeutics and prevention of cervical cancer, the cytokines are being evaluated in all anticancer approaches. This review endeavours to capture the essence of the astonishing journey of cytokine research in cervical neoplasia.

Association of single nucleotide polymorphisms in tumor necrosis factor-alpha with cervical cancer susceptibility

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) polymorphisms have been reported to play an important role in the development of cervical cancer. But the results remain inconclusive. We performed this study to provide a comprehensive assessment of the association by means of a meta-analysis in which all published studies were included. The studies investigating the associations between cervical cancer risk and TNF-α polymorphisms were identified through PubMed, Embase, CNKI, and Chinese BioMedical Literature Database. OR and 95% CI (odds ratio and 95% confidence interval) were calculated using either the fixed or random effects model to assess the associations. We eventually included eighteen case-control studies of SNP -308 G>A and nine studies of SNP -238 G>A. Meta-analysis of the former polymorphism suggested significantly increased risk of cervical cancer associated with the A allele (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.02-1.38). Subgroup analysis according to ethnicity showed similar results in Caucasians (A vs. G: OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.02-1.54; AA vs. GG: OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.04-2.08; AA vs. GA+GG: OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.04-2.08). For SNP -238 G>A, a protective association was observed in overall comparisons (A vs. G: OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.51-0.80; AA+GA vs. GG: OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.49-0.79) and subgroup analysis of Caucasians (A vs. G: OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.53-0.83; AA+GA vs. GG: OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.51-0.82). Our meta-analysis indicates that TNF-α polymorphisms may confer susceptibility to cervical cancer in an ethic-specific fashion.

TNF-α -308 G/A as a risk marker of cervical cancer progression in the Polish population

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

There are inconclusive data on the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) -308 G/A (rs1800629) polymorphism as a risk factor for cervical carcinogenesis.

METHODS

Using high-resolution melting curve analysis, we investigated the prevalence of the TNF-α -308 G/A transition (rs1800629) in patients with cervical cancer (n = 362) and control subjects (n = 399).

RESULTS

The p trend value calculated for the TNF-α -308 G/A transition was statistically significant (p trend = 0.026) for all patients. Logistic regression analysis with adjustment for age demonstrated that the A/A versus G/G genotype was significantly associated with cervical tumors. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) was 1.599 (95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.017-2.513; p = 0.042). Stratification of patients on the basis of the tumor stage revealed no contribution of the TNF-α -308 G/A transition to cervical cancer in stages I and II. However, we found a significant trend for the p value, as well as the contribution of TNF-α -308 G/A to cervical cancer, in stages III and IV. The p trend value was 0.003 in this group of patients. Moreover, logistic regression analysis with adjustment for age demonstrated that the adjusted OR for A/A versus G/G was 2.014 (95 % CI 1.122-3.613; p = 0.019) and the adjusted OR for A/A or A/G versus G/G was 1.583 (95 % CI 1.025-2.444; p = 0.038) for cervical cancer in stages III and IV.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that the TNF-α -308 G/A transition is a risk factor for cervical cancer, particularly in stages III and IV.

Association of 42 SNPs with genetic risk for cervical cancer: an extensive meta-analysis

Background

A large number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with cervical cancer have been identified through candidate gene association studies and genome-wide association studies (GWAs). However, some studies have yielded different results for the same SNP. To obtain a more comprehensive understanding, we performed a meta-analysis on previously published case–control studies involving the SNPs associated with cervical cancer.

Methods

Electronic searches of PubMed and Embase were conducted for all publications about the association between gene polymorphisms and cervical cancer. One-hundred and sixty-seven association studies were included in our research. For each SNP, three models (the allele, dominant and recessive effect models) were adopted in the meta-analysis. For each model, the effect summary odds ratio (OR) and 95% CI were calculated. Heterogeneity between studies was evaluated by Cochran’s Q test. If the p value of Q test was less than 0.01, a random effect model was used; otherwise, a fixed effect model was used.

Results

The results of our meta-analysis showed that: (1) There were 8, 2 and 8 SNPs that were significantly associated with cervical cancer (P < 0.01) in the allele, dominant and recessive effect models, respectively. (2) rs1048943 (CYP1A1 A4889G) showed the strongest association with cervical cancer in the allele effect model (1.83[1.57, 2.13]); in addition, rs1048943 (CYP1A1 A4889G) had a very strong association in the dominant and recessive effect model. (3) 15, 11 and 10 SNPs had high heterogeneity (P < 0.01) in the three models, respectively. (4) There was no published bias for most of the SNPs according to Egger’s test (P < 0.01) and Funnel plot analysis. For some SNPs, their association with cervical cancer was only tested in a few studies and, therefore, might have been subjected to published bias. More studies on these loci are required.

Conclusion

Our meta-analysis provides a comprehensive evaluation of cervical cancer association studies.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12881-015-0168-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (-238 / -308) and TNFRII-VNTR (-322) Polymorphisms as Genetic Biomarkers of Susceptibility to Develop Cervical Cancer Among Tunisians

Host genetic factors may confer susceptibility to Cervical Cancer. TNF-α as pro-inflammatory cytokine participates in the maintenance of immune homeostasis. Allelic variation of immuno-modulatory genes is associated with alteration in immune function. This study investigated the associations between TNF-α-308G>A, -238G>A, and TNFRII - VNTR-322 and cervical cancer in Tunisian women. Genotypes of those polymorphisms were detected in 130 cases and 260 controls. The variant heterozygote -308 G/A was associated with a 41% decreased risk of cervical cancer (GG vs A/A; p = 0.002; OR = 0.41; 95% CI =0.23-0.76). Furthermore, compared with dominant variant G/G, the (G/A+A/A) genotypes was significantly associated with a decreased risk of CC (GG vs G/A+A/A; p = 0.026; OR = 0.62; 95% CI = 0.40-0.97). The FIGO stratified analysis showed that the minor variant A/A and combined G/A+A/A of TNFα-238 G>A and TNFα-308 G>A increased the risk of the tumor evolution, respectively, (P = 0.011; OR = 2.98; 95% CI = 1.16-7.72) (P = 0.008; OR = 2.76; 95% CI = 1.20-6.41), (P = 0.000; OR = 16.33; 95% CI = (5.10-55.23) (P = 0.000; OR = 7.54; 95% CI = 2.68-22.29). There was statistically significant relationship between the incidence of the TNF-α mutations and the clinical progression of cancer according to the FIGO classification. In our study, the haploview analysis revealed no LD between rs1800629 and rs361525. TNF-α and TNFRII polymorphisms might be genetic risk factors for cervical cancer in Tunisian population.

Association between TNF-α-308 G/A gene polymorphism and gastric cancer risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) has been found to be associated with gastric carcinogenesis, but individually published results have been inconclusive. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between the TNF-α-308 G/A polymorphism and gastric cancer risk.

METHODS

MEDLINE, EMBASE and the COCHRANE library databases were searched for relevant articles to identify all available data. The odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) from each study were used to assess the association between the TNF-α-308 G/A polymorphism and gastric cancer risk.

RESULTS

This meta-analysis included 30 studies (32 datasets) involving 7009 gastric cancer cases and 12,119 control subjects. Overall, a significant association was found between the TNF-α-308 G/A polymorphism and gastric cancer in AA+GA vs. GG (dominant contrast model) (OR=1.20, 95% CI=1.07-1.34, p=0.001). With stratification based on ethnicity, the TNF-α-308 G/A polymorphism was correlated with gastric cancer risk in Caucasians, using the dominant contrast model (OR=0.74, 95% CI=0.57-0.96, p=0.02), but not in East Asians and other ethnic groups. In the comprehensive subgroup analysis, a significant association was also found in recent articles (published after 2005), population-based high-quality studies, hospital-based high-quality studies, studies using the TaqMan method and non-cardia subgroups. However, the TNF-α-308 G/A polymorphism was not associated with specific histological types of gastric cancer risk.

CONCLUSIONS

The TNF-α-308 G/A polymorphism may contribute to susceptibility to gastric cancer in Caucasians, especially for non-cardia gastric cancer, as most strongly demonstrated in high-quality studies and in studies using the TaqMan genotyping method. Furthermore, we recommend the TaqMan method as the preferred genotyping method in DNA polymorphism studies.

Four tumor necrosis factor alpha genes polymorphisms and periodontitis risk in a Chinese population

BACKGROUND

Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of generalized aggressive periodontitis (AgP) and chronic periodontitis (CP). The objective of the present study was to evaluate the association of four TNF-alpha gene polymorphisms (-1031T/C, -857C/T, -308G/A and -238G/A) with susceptibility to AgP and CP in a Chinese population.

METHODS

A hospital-based case-control study was conducted in in patients with CP (n = 180), AgP (n = 180) and healthy controls (n = 180). Gene promoter polymorphisms were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay. Genotype and allele frequencies were analyzed using the chi-square test and logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

TNF-alpha -1031CC genotype was significantly higher [odds ratio (OR) = 2.36, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.03, 5.43; P = 0.04] in patients with CP compared with healthy controls. TNF-alpha -308AA genotype was significantly higher (OR = 2.71, 95% CI = 1.09, 6.73; P = 0.03) in patients with AgP compared with healthy controls. No association was found of TNF-alpha -857C/T and -238G/A polymorphisms with susceptibility to AgP or CP.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data demonstrated that TNF-alpha -1031CC genotype was a risk factor for CP, and that TNF-alpha -308AA genotype was a risk factor for AgP. But there is a lack of association of TNF-alpha -857C/T and -238G/A polymorphisms with susceptibility to AgP or CP in a Chinese population.

Prognostic value of combined serum biomarkers in predicting outcomes in cervical cancer patients

BACKGROUND

We evaluated the prognostic value of pretreatment serum biomarkers in predicting outcomes in cervical cancer patients subjected to treatment.

METHODS

Serum samples collected from 60 cervical cancer patients and 60 age-matched healthy individuals were used for the detection of 22 biomarkers, prior to therapy. Cox multivariate analysis and classification and regression tree analysis (CART) were performed to evaluate the prognostic factors.

RESULTS

Cox multivariate analysis disclosed that carbohydrate antigen 153 (CA153), squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) are associated with prognosis in cervical cancer. CART analysis led to the stratification of patients into 3 groups: (1) serum concentrations of CA153 ≥17.60 μg/l, (2) serum concentrations of CA153 <17.60 μg/l and TNF-α ≥10.60 pg/ml, and (3) serum concentrations of CA153 <17.60 μg/l and TNF-α <10.60 pg/ml. The 2-y overall survival rates for Groups 1, 2 and 3 were 33.3%, 60.0% and 93.9%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher serum concentrations of TNF-α, SCC and CA153 before therapy are independently associated with poor prognosis in patients with stage I and II disease. Combined usage of these three biomarkers allows efficient evaluation of outcomes in cervical cancer patients.

The association between tumor necrosis factor alpha promoter polymorphisms and ankylosing spondylitis: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Studies investigating the association between tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha promoter polymorphisms and ankylosing spondylitis have reported conflicting results. We here performed a meta-analysis based on the evidence currently available from the literature to make a more precise estimation of this relationship.

METHODS

We performed a systematic search of the National Library of Medline and Embase databases before January 2013. This meta-analysis included 14 case-control studies, which included 1607 ankylosing spondylitis cases and 1910 controls.

RESULTS

The combined results based on all studies showed that ankylosing spondylitis cases had a significantly lower frequency of -308GA [OR (codominant model)=0.81, 95% CI=0.66, 0.99, P=0.04], -857CT [OR (codominant model)=0.55, 95% CI=0.32, 0.94, P=0.03], -863AA [OR (codominant model)=0.11, 95% CI=0.01, 0.94, P=0.04], -863CA [OR (codominant model)=0.32, 95% CI=0.18, 0.58, P<0.001], and -1031TC [OR (codominant model)=0.44, 95% CI=0.25, 0.77, P=0.004] genotype. However, ankylosing spondylitis cases had a significantly higher frequency of -238AA [OR (recessive model)=7.43, 95% CI=3.66, 15.05, P<0.001] and -850TT [OR (recessive model)=2.49, 95% CI=1.16, 5.34, P=0.02; OR (codominant model)=2.83, 95% CI=1.28, 6.25, P=0.01] genotype. In the subgroup analysis by race, we found that ankylosing spondylitis cases had a significantly higher frequency of -238AA [OR (recessive model)=7.43, 95% CI=3.66, 15.05, P<0.001] genotype in Caucasians and lower frequency of -857CT [OR (codominant model)=0.53, 95% CI=0.30, 0.94, P=0.03] in Asians.

CONCLUSIONS

Our meta-analysis suggests that TNF-alpha promoter polymorphisms at positions -238, -308, -850, -857, -863 and -1031 could have a small influence on ankylosing spondylitis susceptibility. But there is a lack of association of the TNF-alpha-376G/A and -646G/A polymorphisms with ankylosing spondylitis.