Genetic variations in microRNAs and the risk and survival of renal cell cancer

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of short non-coding, single-stranded RNAs, which perform posttranscriptional regulatory functions as tumor suppressors or oncogenes. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in microRNAs (miRNAs) genes are currently being identified for contributing to cancer risk, prognosis and survival. We investigated whether genetic variations of miRNAs were associated with the risk and prognosis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). We genotyped four common miRNA SNPs (i.e. miR-146a rs2910164, miR-149 rs2292832, miR-196a2 rs11614913 and miR-499 rs3746444) to assess their associations with RCC risk in a two-stage case-control study (355 cases and 362 controls in discovery set, meanwhile 647 cases and 660 controls in validation set), as well as RCC survival in 311 patients. We found that the miR-196a2 SNP rs11614913 was associated with RCC susceptibility in recessive model [CC versus TT/TC, adjusted odds ratio = 0.65, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.52-0.83] and with survival of RCC in dominant model (TC/CC versus TT, adjusted hazard ratio = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.18-0.89). Meanwhile, the rs11614913 CC genotype was associated with the significantly decreased expression of miR-196a-5p in 26 renal cancer tissues (P = 0.018). Moreover, luciferase reporter assays revealed the potential effect of rs11614913 SNP on the binding of miR-196a-3p to its targets. These results suggested that the miR-196a2 rs11614913 may contribute to the genetic susceptibility and prognosis for RCC, which may act as a biomarker for RCC occurrence and prognosis.

Retroperitoneal laparoscopic extravascular stent placement for renal nutcracker syndrome: initial experience

OBJECTIVE

To report our initial experience in treating renal nutcracker syndrome by retroperitoneal laparoscopic extravascular stenting.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Two male patients, aged 13 and 16 years, were diagnosed with nutcracker syndrome and received retroperitoneal laparoscopic extravascular stent placement. The perioperative data were collected and evaluated. The follow-up was 10 and 18 months.

RESULTS

Both procedures were successful without obvious complications. Total operative time was 65 and 50 min, estimated blood loss was 110 and 70 ml, and postoperative hospital stay was 4 and 6 days. The symptom of gross hematuria ceased 3 and 6 days after surgery. Both patients had normal findings during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of nutcracker syndrome by retroperitoneal laparoscopic extravascular stent placement is a safe and feasible procedure, especially for youngsters in the period of physical development. Longer follow-up and further experience are needed to evaluate the efficacy of this procedure.

A potentially functional polymorphism in the promoter region of miR-34b/c is associated with renal cell cancer risk in a Chinese population

Members of the miR-34 family have been shown to be transcriptional targets of the tumour suppressor gene P53. Aberration expression of miR-34 impairs p53-mediated cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. A single nucleotide polymorphism T > C (rs4938723) located within the CpG island in the promoter region of pri-miR-34b/c may affect its expression and has been suggested to influence cancer risk. In this study, we genotyped rs4938723 using the TaqMan method to explore the relationship between this polymorphism and the risk of renal cell cancer (RCC) in a case-control study of 710 RCC patients and 760 control subjects. We found that individuals carrying the CC genotype had a significantly increased RCC risk compared with those with TT or TT/TC genotypes [odds ratio (OR) = 1.53, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.06-2.21 for CC vs. TT and OR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.05-2.10 for CC vs. TT/TC). Furthermore, the increased risk was more evident in the subgroups of older subjects (OR = 1.80, 95% CI = 1.08-3.01), males (OR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.08-2.51), smokers (OR = 2.07, 95% CI = 1.16-3.69) and drinkers (OR = 1.94, 95% CI = 1.01-3.73), although no interaction between rs4938723 and these characteristics was observed. Twenty-seven normal tissues adjacent to tumour were used to evaluate the association between the expression level of miR-34b/c and the polymorphism, which revealed higher expression levels of miR-34b/c in normal renal tissues with TT+TC genotypes than in those with CC genotypes (P < 0.01). Furthermore, a luciferase gene assay in 293-T cells showed that the luciferase activities with rs4938723 T allele are higher than that with C allele (P < 0.05). These results suggest that the miR-34b/c rs4938723 C allele may increase susceptibility to RCC by decreasing the activity of pri-miR-34b/c promoter.

Retroperitoneal laparoscopic technique in treatment of complex renal stones: 75 cases

Background

In most hospitals, several options for the management of renal stones are available: shockwave lithotripsy, endourologic treatment, or surgery. Choice of treatment is based on the anatomic characteristics of the patient, and the location and size of the stones. In this study we assessed a retroperitoneal laparoscopic technique for treatment of complex renal stones.

Methods

Seventy-five patients, including 53 men and 22 women with a mean age of 47.8 years (range 18–74 y), underwent retroperitoneal laparoscopy for the treatment of complex renal stones between July 2006 and November 2012 in our hospital.

Results

The retroperitoneal laparoscopic procedures for treatment of complex renal stones were completely successful in 73 cases, while 2 cases converted to open surgery. The operative time was 85–190 min with a mean of 96 min. The estimated blood lost was 20–400 mL with a mean of 80 mL. After the operation 7 patients experienced urinary leakage. Ultrasonography, x-ray of the kidney, ureter and bladder, and intravenous urography were reviewed at post-procedural follow-up at 6–82 months. No hydronephrosis aggravation was found, and there was no calculus recurrence.

Conclusion

The merits of retroperitoneal laparoscopy for the treatment of complex renal stones include sparing the nephron, less bleeding, short hospitalization, quick postoperative recovery, and controllable procedure after training Success depends on the experience of surgeons and judicious selection of cases.

Co-incubation of human spermatozoa with anti-VDAC antibody reduced sperm motility

BACKGROUND

Voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC), a channel protein, exists in the outer mitochondrial membrane of somatic cells and is involved in multiple physiological and pathophysiological processes. Up until now, little has been known about VDAC in male germ cells. In the present study, the relationship between VDAC and human sperm motility was explored.

METHODS

Highly motile human spermatozoa were incubated in vitro with anti-VDAC antibody. Total sperm motility, straight line velocity (VSL), curvilinear velocity (VCL), and average path velocity (VAP) were recorded. Intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)]i), pH value (pHi), and ATP content were determined.

RESULTS

Co-incubation with anti-VDAC antibody reduced VSL, VCL, and VAP of spermatozoa. Co-incubation further reduced [Ca(2+)]i. Anti-VDAC antibody did not significantly alter total sperm motility, pHi and intracellular ATP content.

CONCLUSION

The data suggest that co-incubation with anti-VDAC antibody reduces sperm motility through inhibition of Ca(2+) transmembrane flow. In this way, VDAC participates in the modulation of human sperm motility through mediating Ca(2+) transmembrane transport and exchange.

A prostate biopsy strategy based on a new clinical nomogram reduces the number of biopsy cores required in high-risk patients

Background

The nomograms used for prostate cancer risk assessment in Western countries are not directly applicable to Chinese males; consequently, we have developed a new model to evaluate the risk of them developing this disease.

Methods

A total of 1104 patients who had undergone trans-rectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided 12 + 1-core prostate biopsy were retrospectively evaluated in the first stage of the study. Age, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), the free/total PSA ratio (f/t), digital rectal examination (DRE) findings, the presence of a hypoechoic mass revealed using ultrasound, ultrasonic detection of microcalcifications, prostate volume (PV) and PSA density were considered as predictive factors. Multiple logistic regression analysis involving a backward elimination selection procedure was used to select independent predictors. We compared positive rates regarding 6-core and 12-core biopsy schemes at different risk levels. In the second stage of the study, 238 cases were evaluated using our nomogram. In higher risk patients, we employed a 6 + 1 core biopsy. Positive rates in the first and second stages of the study were compared.

Results

Age, the baseline median natural logarithm of PSA (Ln[PSA]), Ln(PV), f/t, rate of abnormal DRE findings and rate of hypoechoic masses detected using TRUS were the factors that were finally submitted into our nomogram. A significantly greater area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve was obtained for the nomogram than for PSA level alone (0.853 vs. 0.761). A cancer probability cutoff value of 0.5 suggested no significant difference between the 6-core and 12-core biopsy schemes at higher risk levels. In the second stage of the study we verified that in patients with a cancer probability cutoff value >0.5, a 6 + 1-core biopsy could be used without a reduction in the positive detection rate, and significantly reducing the number of biopsy cores required.

Conclusions

A nomogram based on data from Chinese males was developed to predict the positive detection rate, ratio of positive cores and Gleason score at each risk level. According to this nomogram, a reasonable biopsy strategy could be constituted to reduce the number of biopsy cores required in subjects at high risk.

Interdigitating dendritic cell sarcoma presenting in the kidney combined with retroperitoneal leiomyosarcoma: A case report and literature review

Interdigitating dendritic cell sarcoma (IDCS) and retroperitoneal leiomyosarcoma are rare tumors. The optimal diagnosis, treatment and prognosis remain unknown. The current case report presents a 46-year-old male who exhibited with a left renal mass combined with a periprostatic mass. The patient underwent surgery twice, respectively for the resection of the two masses. The postoperative pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of IDCS presenting in the kidney and retroperitoneal leiomyosarcoma in the pelvis. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first report of IDCS in the kidney and of the combined appearance of IDCS and retroperitoneal leiomyosarcoma in the same patient.

Transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of intractable seminal vesiculitis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the efficacy and safety of transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of intractable seminal vesiculitis.

METHODS

This prospective observational study enrolled patients with intractable seminal vesiculitis. The transurethral seminal vesiculoscope was inserted into the bilateral ejaculatory ducts and seminal vesicles, via the urethra. The ejaculatory ducts and seminal vesicles were visualized to confirm the diagnosis of seminal vesiculitis and to determine the cause of the disease. The seminal vesicles were washed repeatedly using 0.90% (w/v) sodium chloride before a 0.50% (w/v) levofloxacin solution was injected into the seminal vesicles.

RESULTS

A total of 114 patients participated in the study and 106 patients underwent bilateral seminal vesiculoscopy. Six patients with postoperative painful ejaculation were treated successfully with oral antibiotics and α-blockers. Two patients with postoperative epididymitis were treated successfully with a 1-week course of antibiotics. Haematospermia was alleviated in 94 of 106 patients (89%), and their pain and discomfort had either disappeared or had been obviously relieved, following treatment.

CONCLUSION

Transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy is effective for diagnosing and treating intractable seminal vesiculitis.

Radiofrequency ablation versus partial nephrectomy for the treatment of clinical stage 1 renal masses: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Over the past two decades, the clinical presentation of renal masses has evolved, where the rising incidence of small renal masses (SRMs) and concomitant minimal invasive treatments have led to noteworthy changes in paradigm of kidney cancer. This study was to perform a proportional meta-analysis of observational studies on perioperative complications and oncological outcomes of partial nephrectomy (PN) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA).

METHODS

The US National Library of Medicine's life science database (Medline) and the Web of Science were exhaustly searched before August 1, 2013. Clinical stage 1 SRMs that were treated with PN or RFA were included, and perioperative complications and oncological outcomes of a total of 9 565 patients were analyzed.

RESULTS

Patients who underwent RFA were significantly older (P < 0.001). In the subanalysis of stage T1 tumors, the major complication rate of PN was greater than that of RFA (laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN)/robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN): 7.2%, open partial nephrectomy (OPN): 7.9%, RFA: 3.1%, both P < 0.001). Minor complications occurred more frequently after RFA (RFA: 13.8%, LPN/RPN: 7.5%, OPN: 9.5%, both P < 0.001). By multivariate analysis, the relative risks for minor complications of RFA, compared with LPN and OPN, were 1.7-fold and 1.5-fold greater (both P < 0.01), respectively. Patients treated with RFA had a greater local progression rate than those treated by PN (RFA: 4.6%, LPN/RPN: 1.2%, OPN: 1.9%, both P < 0.001). By multivariate analysis, the local tumor progression for RFA versus LPN/RPN and OPN were 4.5-fold and 3.1-fold greater, respectively (both P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The current data illustrate that both PN and RFA are viable strategies for the treatment of SRMs. Compared with PN, RFA showed a greater risk of local tumor progression but a lower major complication rate, which is considered better for poor candidates. PN is with no doubt the golden treatment for SRMs, and LPN has been widely accepted as the first option for nephron-sparing surgery by experienced urologists. RFA may be the best option for select patients with significant comorbidity.

Genetic variation in DROSHA 3'UTR regulated by hsa-miR-27b is associated with bladder cancer risk

Purpose

miRNAs can regulate the biological processes, including differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis. DICER and DROSHA are two members of RNase III family, playing pivotal roles in the pathway of miRNAs biogenesis. In this study, we hypothesized that genetic variations of the DICER and DROSHA genes were associated with the bladder cancer risk.

Experimental Design

We performed a case-control study of 685 bladder cancer cases and 730 controls to investigate the association between the seven functional SNPs of DICER and DROSHA genes and bladder cancer risk. We then evaluated the functionality of the important SNPs.

Results

We found that rs10719T>C polymorphism located in 3’ untranslated region (UTR) of DROSHA gene was associated with the increased risk of bladder cancer. Stratified analysis suggested that rs10719TC/CC genotype can increase risk of bladder cancer among male patients (Adjusted OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.05-1.70, P = 0.018), and ever smokers (1.56, 1.14-2.14, 0.006), compared with TT genotype. Furthermore, DROSHA rs10719T>C polymorphism was predicted to regulate the binding activity of hsa-miR-27a/b. Luciferase reported gene assay confirmed that rs10719 T to G substitution disrupted the binding site for hsa-miR-27b, resulting the increased levels of DROSHA protein.

Conclusions

Taken together, these findings suggested that DROSHA rs10719T>C polymorphism may be associated with bladder cancer risk in a Chinese population, and hsa-miR-27b can influence the expression of DROSHA protein by binding with 3’UTR.

One-carbon metabolism pathway gene variants and risk of clear cell renal cell carcinoma in a Chinese population

Background

One-carbon metabolism is the basement of nucleotide synthesis and the methylation of DNA linked to cancer risk. Variations in one-carbon metabolism genes are reported to affect the risk of many cancers, including renal cancer, but little knowledge about this mechanism is known in Chinese population.

Methods

Each subject donated 5 mL venous blood after signing the agreement. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China. 18 SNPs in six one-carbon metabolism-related genes (CBS, MTHFR, MTR, MTRR, SHMT1, and TYMS) were genotyped in 859 clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) patients and 1005 cancer-free controls by the Snapshot.

Results

Strong associations with ccRCC risk were observed for rs706209 (P = 0.006) in CBS and rs9332 (P = 0.027) in MTRR. Compared with those carrying none variant allele, individuals carrying one or more variant alleles in these two genes had a statistically significantly decreased risk of ccRCC [P = 0.001, adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 0.73, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.06–0.90]. In addition, patients carrying one or more variant alleles were more likely to develop localized stage disease (P = 0.002, adjusted OR = 1.37, 95%CI = 1.11–1.69) and well-differentiated ccRCC (P<0.001, adjusted OR = 1.42, 95%CI = 0.87–1.68). In the subgroup analysis, individuals carrying none variant allele in older group (P = 0.007, adjusted OR = 0.67, 95%CI = 0.49–0.91), male group (P = 0.007, adjusted OR = 0.71, 95%CI = 0.55–0.92), never smoking group (P = 0.002, adjusted OR = 0.68, 95%CI = 0.53–0.88) and never drinking group (P<0.001, adjusted OR = 0.68, 95%CI = 0.53–0.88) had an increased ccRCC risk.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the polymorphisms of the one-carbon metabolism-related genes are associated with ccRCC risk in Chinese population. Future population-based prospective studies are required to confirm the results.

Diversity of cultivable β-glycosidase-producing micro-organisms isolated from the soil of a ginseng field and their ginsenosides-hydrolysing activity

This research aimed to explore the diversity of cultivable β-glycosidase-producing micro-organisms in ginseng field soil. Fifty-three strains showing β-glucosidase activity were isolated from a ginseng field, using a newly designed Esculin-R2A agar. All the isolated strains belonged to the genus Agrobacterium, Arthrobacter, Burkholderia, Dyella, Edaphobacter, Luteibacter, Mucilaginibacter, Paenibacillus, Phenylobacterium, Pseudomonas, Sphingomonas and Streptomyces. The main β-glucosidase-producing micro-organisms in the ginseng field soil were Sphingomonas, Burkholderia, Luteibacter and Streptomyces, while concentrations of Agrobacterium, Arthrobacter, Paenibacillus and Pseudomonas were relatively low. Of these micro-organisms, the strain GS 09 could hydrolyse major ginsenosides Rb1, Rb2 and Rc to the active metabolite compound K. The strain GS 09 belonged to the genus Sphingomonas, and its 16S rRNA gene sequence showed 100% similarities with that of Sphingomonas asaccharolytica.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This is the first study to provide information of cultivable β-glycosidase-producing micro-organisms in ginseng field soil. The strain GS 09 has potential to be applied on the preparation for minor ginsenoside C-K in pharmaceutical industry.

Functional promoter -94 ins/del ATTG polymorphism in NFKB1 gene is associated with bladder cancer risk in a Chinese population

Background

A functional -94 insertion/deletion polymorphism (rs28362491) in the promoter of the NFKB1 gene was reported to influence NFKB1 expression and confer susceptibility to different types of cancer. This study aims to determine whether the polymorphism is associated with risk of bladder cancer.

Materials and methods

TaqMan assay was used to determine genotype among 609 cases and 640 controls in a Chinese population. Logistic regression was used to assess the association between the polymorphism and bladder cancer risk, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to determine NFKB1 mRNA expression.

Results

Compared with the ins/ins/ins/del genotypes, the del/del genotype was associated with a significantly increased risk of bladder cancer [adjusted odd ratio (OR)  = 1.92, 95% confidence interval (CI)  = 1.42–2.59]. The increased risk was more prominent among subjects over 65 years old (OR  = 2.37, 95% CI  = 1.52–3.70), male subjects (OR  = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.40–2.79) and subjects with self-reported family history of cancer (OR  = 3.59, 95% CI  = 1.19–10.9). Furthermore, the polymorphism was associated with a higher risk of developing non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (OR  = 2.07, 95% CI  = 1.51–2.85), grade 1 bladder cancer (OR  = 2.40, 95% CI  = 1.68–3.43), single tumor bladder cancer (OR  = 2.04, 95% CI  = 1.48–2.82) and smaller tumor size bladder cancer (OR  = 2.10, 95% CI  = 1.51–2.92). The expression of NFKB1 mRNA in bladder cancer tissues with homozygous insertion genotype was higher than that with deletion allele.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the -94 ins/del ATTG polymorphism in NFKB1 promoter may contribute to the etiology of bladder cancer in the Chinese population.

Functional promoter -31G/C variant of Survivin gene predict prostate cancer susceptibility among Chinese: a case control study

Background

Abnormal expression of Baculoviral inhibitor of apoptosis repeat-containing 5 (BIRC5, also called as survivin), a novel member of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) family, has implications in many types of cancer and is considered as a new therapeutic target. We suppose that genetic variant rs9904341 in the 5′ UTR region of survivin gene may be associated with the development and progression of prostate cancer (PCa) in Chinese population.

Methods

TaqMan assay method was used to genotype the polymorphism in the hospital-based case–control analysis of 665 patients with PCa and 710 age-matched cancer-free controls. The genetic associations with the occurrence and progression of PCa were calculated by logistic regression.

Results

Our results indicated that compared with GG genotypes, there was a statistically significant increased risk of PCa associated with those with CC genotypes [odds ratios (ORs) = 1.57, 95%confidence intervals (CIs) = 1.17-2.13, P = 0.004]. Moreover, stratification analysis revealed that the association was more pronounced in subgroups of nondrinkers, nonsmokers and those without a family history of cancer (all P < 0.05). In addition, we observed that PSA ≥ 20 was more frequent in patients carrying GC/CC genotypes than in those with a wild type genotype.

Conclusion

The functional survivin rs9904341 genetic variant may have a substantial influence on the PCa susceptibility and evolution.

Diagnosis and treatment of cystic renal cell carcinoma

Background

To summarize the diagnosis and treatment of cystic renal cell carcinoma (CRCC).

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted on 13 patients with CRCC at our center from August 2004 to April 2012. The pathologic features, clinical manifestation, imaging characteristics, treatment, and prognosis of CRCC were summarized according to available literature.

Results

Of the 13 patients, 11 were diagnosed with CRCC by preoperative B ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT) scan. The remaining two cases were initially misdiagnosed with simple renal cysts. Open radical nephrectomy was performed on two of the 13 cases, laparoscopic radical nephrectomy on seven cases, and open partial nephrectomy on four cases. All diagnoses of CRCC were confirmed by pathological examination. After the operation, all patients had an uneventful recovery. During the follow-up (range, 6–60 months), the serum creatinine concentrations and GFR of the partially removed kidneys remained stable within the normal range. No tumor recurrence or metastasis occurred.

Conclusions

By combining imaging examinations (B ultrasonography and CT scan) with intraoperative pathological examination, most cases of CRCC can be diagnosed and treated promptly and accurately. Nephrectomy is the first-line therapy. Nephron-sparing surgery should be preferred for CRCC. After a successful operation, the prognosis of CRCC is good.

miR-152 controls migration and invasive potential by targeting TGFα in prostate cancer cell lines

BACKGROUND

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of short non-coding RNAs that function in diverse biological processes. Aberrant miR-152 expression has been frequently reported in various malignant tumors. However, the mechanism of miR-152 in prostate cancer (PCa) remains unclear. This study aims to determine the function of miR-152 in PCa cells and identify the novel molecular targets regulated by miR-152.

METHODS

The expression levels of transforming growth factor-alpha (TGFα) were determined in three samples of PCa and adjacent non-tumorous tissues by Western blot analysis. miR-152 levels in 48 primary PCa and 15 non-malignant tissue samples were measured by qRT-PCR. The effects of forced miR-152 expression or TGFα knockdown on PCa cells were evaluated by cell migration and invasion assays, as well as Western blot analysis. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to identify binding sites between miR-152 and TGFα 3'-UTR.

RESULTS

TGFα was upregulated in PCa tissue samples compared with that in adjacent normal ones. miR-152 expression was significantly decreased in primary PCa samples compared with that in non-malignant samples. Patients with Gleason scores >7 exhibited lower miR-152 levels than those with lower scores. Moreover, low miR-152 expression is correlated with advanced pathological T-stages. Forced miR-152 expression or TGFα knockdown significantly reduced the migratory and invasive capabilities of PCa cells in vitro. TGFα is a direct target gene of miR-152.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that miR-152 can act as a tumor suppressor that targets TGFα. miR-152 is a promising molecular target that inhibits PCa cell migration and invasion.

IL-8 -251T/A and IL-12B 1188A/C polymorphisms are associated with gout in a Chinese male population

OBJECTIVES

Gout is caused by monosodium urate (MSU) crystal-induced inflammation of the joints and periarticular tissues. MSU crystals activate NALP3 and mediate interleukin (IL)-1β generation from its inactive pro-form, resulting in cellular activation and an IL-8-mediated neutrophil influx into the joint. IL-8 and IL-12 are important chemokines related to the initiation and amplification of acute and chronic inflammatory processes. In this study, we investigated whether the IL-8 -251T/A and IL-12 1188A/C polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to gout in a Chinese Han male population.

METHODS

Overall, 387 patients with gout and 576 controls were included in this study. Genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). An association analysis was carried out using the χ2 test. A genotype-phenotype analysis was also conducted.

RESULTS

The T allele of IL-8 -251 was associated with risk of gout [p = 0.031 (odds ratio (OR) 1.229, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.019-1.483]. There was a clear link between the IL-12 1188 AA and AC genotypic and A allelic frequencies between gout cases and controls (p < 0.001, df = 2 by genotype; p < 0.001, OR 1.404, 95% CI 1.165-1.691 by allele).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that the IL-8 -251T/A and IL-12B 1188A/C polymorphisms may be relevant host susceptibility factors for the development of gout.

CASP8 promoter polymorphism, mRNA expression and risk of prostate cancer among Chinese men

Caspase-8 (CASP8) plays a key role in apoptosis. We examined by genotyping whether the -652 six-nucleotide insertion-deletion (6N ins/del) polymorphism in the CASP8 promoter region was associated with prostate cancer risk in a hospital-based case-control study of 406 Chinese prostate cancer patients and 408 age-matched cancer-free controls. Additionally, 23 prostate cancer tissues were analyzed for CASP8 mRNA expression. We found a significantly decreased prostate cancer risk for the 6N ins/del genotype [adjusted odds ratio (OR)=0.68; 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.51-0.92] and del/del genotype (OR=0.34; 95% CI=0.19-0.63) compared with the ins/ins genotype. The 6N del allele was associated dose-dependently with decreased prostate cancer risk (P_trend = 0.001). RT-PCR showed that individuals with the 6N del allele had lower CASP8 mRNA levels than those with the ins/ins genotype (P = 0.024). These findings suggested that the CASP8-652 6N ins/del polymorphism may affect the susceptibility to prostate cancer and reduce prostate cancer risk among Chinese men.

Association between lncrna PCGEM1 polymorphisms and prostate cancer risk

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer (PCa) gene expression marker 1 (PCGEM1), a long noncoding RNA, has drawn increasing attention for its important role in PCa. However, the association between genetic variations in the PCGEM1 gene and risk of PCa has not been investigated yet.

METHODS

We investigated the effect of two tagging single-nucleotide polymorphism (tSNPs; rs6434568 and rs16834898) in PCGEM1 gene on PCa risk in the Chinese men. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the association.

RESULTS

We found a significantly decreased risk of PCa for rs6434568 AC and AC/AA genotype (adjusted OR=0.76, 95% CI=0.60-0.97 for AC; adjusted OR=0.76, 95% CI=0.61-0.96 for AC/AA), as well as rs16834898 AC and AC/CC genotype (adjusted OR=0.76, 95% CI=0.59-0.97 for AC; adjusted OR=0.79, 95% CI=0.62-0.99 for AC/CC), compared with the CC and AA genotypes, respectively. When we evaluated these two tSNPs together based on the risk alleles (that is, rs6434568 C and rs16834898 A), we found that the combined genotypes with four risk alleles were associated with an increased risk of PCa compared with those carrying 0-3 risk alleles (1.53, 1.19-1.97), and this increased risk was more pronounced among subjects of≤70 years (1.80, 1.24-2.62), Gleason score≥7 (1.68, 1.28-2.22) and PSA level≥20 (1.64, 1.24-2.18).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicated that PCGEM1 polymorphisms may contribute to PCa risk in Chinese men. Additional functional analyses are required to detect the detailed mechanism underlying the observed association.