Polymorphisms in the XPG gene and risk of gastric cancer in Chinese populations

FOXO3 polymorphisms influence the risk and prognosis of rhabdomyosarcoma in children

Background

Rhabdomyosarcoma(RMS) is the most common soft tissue sarcoma in children and single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs) in certain genes influence risk of RMS. Although FOXO3 had been reported in multiple cancers including RMS, the role of FOXO3 polymorphisms in RMS remains unclear. In this case-control study, we evaluated the association of FOXO3 SNPs with RMS risk and prognosis in children.

Methods

Four FOXO3 SNPs(rs17069665 A>G, rs4946936 T>C, rs4945816 C>T and rs9400241 C>A) were genotyped in 110 RMS cases and 359 controls. The associations between FOXO3 polymorphisms and RMS risk were determined by odds ratios(ORs) with 95% confidence intervals(CIs). The associations of rs17069665 and rs4946936 with overall survival in RMS children were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test. Functional analysis in silico was performed to estimate the probability that rs17069665 and rs4946936 might influence the regulation of FOXO3.

Results

We found that rs17069665 (GG vs. AA+AG, adjusted OR=2.96; 95%CI [1.10-3.32]; P=0.010) and rs4946936 (TC+CC vs. TT, adjusted OR=0.48; 95%CI [0.25-0.90]; P=0.023) were related to the increased and decreased RMS risk, respectively. Besides, rs17069665(P<0.001) and rs4946936(P<0.001) were associated with decreased and increased overall survival in RMS patients, respectively. Functional analysis showed that rs17069665 and rs4946936 might influence the transcription and expression of FOXO3 via altering the bindings to MYC, CTCF, and/or RELA.

Conclusions

This study revealed that FOXO3 polymorphisms influence the RMS susceptibility and prognosis in children, and might altered the expression of FOXO3. FOXO3 polymorphism was suggested as a biomarker for RMS susceptibility and prognosis.

Genetic variants of m7G modification genes influence neuroblastoma susceptibility

Objective

Neuroblastoma is a life-threatening pediatric solid tumor whose etiology remains unclear. N7-methylguanosine (m7G) is one of the most important epigenetic modifications of RNA, which plays a crucial role in tumorigenesis. The m7G-mediated genes METTL1 and WDR4 also have been reported to be dysregulated in various cancers. However, the implications of METTL1 and WDR4 in neuroblastoma have not been clarified.

Methods

Given the oncogenic potential of m7G modification, we performed a case-control study to assess the association of METTL1 and WDR4 genes polymorphisms with neuroblastoma risk in a Chinese population consisting of 402 cases and 473 controls. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were applied to evaluate the associations between studied polymorphisms and neuroblastoma risk. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) was adjusted for age and gender.

Results

Overall, four polymorphisms were significantly associated with neuroblastoma risk, including METTL1 rs2291617 (recessive model: adjusted OR = 1.59, 95 % CI = 1.08-2.34, P = 0.019), WDR4 rs2156316 (dominant model: adjusted OR = 0.74, 95 % CI = 0.57-0.97, P = 0.028), WDR4 rs6586250 (dominant model: adjusted OR = 0.59, 95 % CI = 0.42-0.84, P = 0.004) and WDR4 rs15736 (dominant model: adjusted OR = 0.60, 95 % CI = 0.42-0.85, P = 0.004). Stratified analysis showed stronger correlations between significant polymorphisms and neuroblastoma risk among subgroups divided by age, gender, tumor origin, and clinical stage. Furthermore, expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analysis revealed that significant polymorphisms were associated with the expression of the adjacent genes.

Conclusions

Our study indicated that four polymorphisms in m7G-mediated genes contribute to neuroblastoma susceptibility in the eastern Chinese population. However, our findings should be verified further by large-scale and well-designed studies.

miR-100 rs1834306 a > G polymorphism decreases neuroblastoma risk in Chinese children

BACKGROUND

Neuroblastoma is a common malignant tumor stemming from the sympathetic nervous system in children, which is often life-threatening. The genetics of neuroblastoma remains unclear. Studies have shown that miRNAs participate in the regulation of a broad spectrum of biological pathways. The abnormity in the miRNA is associated with the risk of various cancers, including neuroblastoma. However, research on the relationship of miRNA polymorphisms with neuroblastoma susceptibility is still in the initial stage.

METHODS

In this research, a retrospective case-control study was conducted to explore whether miR-100 rs1834306 A > G polymorphism is associated with neuroblastoma susceptibility. We enrolled 402 cases and 473 controls for the study. The logistic regression analysis was adopted to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between miR-100 rs1834306 A > G and neuroblastoma risk.

RESULTS

Our results elucidated that the miR-100 rs1834306 A > G polymorphism was associated with the decreased risk of neuroblastoma (AG versus AA: adjusted OR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.53-0.98, and P = 0.038). The subsequent stratified analysis further found that rs1834306 AG/GG genotype reduced the risk of neuroblastoma in the subgroup with tumors of the mediastinum origin (adjusted OR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.41-0.95, and P = 0.029).

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, miR-100 rs1834306 A > G polymorphism was shown to associate with decreased neuroblastoma risk in Chinese children, especially for neuroblastoma of mediastinum origin. This conclusion needs to be verified in additional large-size case-control studies.

Insulin receptor substrate-1 gene polymorphism and lipid panel data in type 2 diabetic patients with comorbid obesity and/or essential hypertension

Objective. The hallmarks of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are insulin resistance (IR) and insulin receptor substrate (IRS) proteins essential for the insulin signaling. IRS-1 gene has not only been shown to be associated with T2DM, but also has indicated that it may significantly correlate with diabetic complications, such as coronary heart disease and obesity. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes of the lipid panel data in T2DM patients with comorbid obesity and/or essential hypertension in connection with the IRS-1 (rs2943640) polymorphism. Methods. The study involved 33 T2DM patients and 10 healthy individuals. The IRS-1 (rs2943640) polymorphism was genotyped using a TaqMan real-time polymerase chain reaction method. Blood serum lipid panel data were determined with commercially available kits using a Cobas 6000 analyzer. Results. Analysis of the serum lipid panel data depending on the presence of the C/A alleles of IRS-1 (rs2943640) polymorphism in T2DM patients, regardless of the presence/absence of comorbidities, showed significantly lower level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and significantly higher level of non-HDL-C in the carriers of C allele vs. carriers of A allele. In T2DM patients with comorbid obesity and essential hypertension, proatherogenic lipid changes were found in both C and A alleles carriers. Analysis of the effect of IRS-1 (rs2943640) genotypes on serum lipid panel data in T2DM patients, regardless of the presence/absence of comorbidities, showed that the CC genotype carriers had more pronounced pro-atherogenic changes vs. carriers of СА and АА genotypes. In the comorbid course of T2DM (both in combination with obesity and obesity and essential hypertension), pro-atherogenic changes were found in the carriers of the CA genotype of IRS-1 (rs2943640) polymorphism. Conclusions. The presence of the C allele of IRS-1 (rs2943640) polymorphism in both homo-zygous and heterozygous states indicates increased risk of pro-atherogenic changes in T2DM patients with comorbid obesity and/or essential hypertension.

Polymorphisms in ERCC4 and ERCC5 and risk of cancers: Systematic research synopsis, meta-analysis, and epidemiological evidence

The variants of DNA repair genes have been widely reported to be associated with cancer risk in the past decades. As were two crucial members of nucleotide excision repair pathway, ERCC4 and ERCC5 polymorphisms are linked with susceptibility to multiple cancers, but the conclusions were controversial. In this updated meta-analysis concerned with ERCC4 and ERCC5 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), 160 eligible publications were identified, and we exerted the meta-analysis of correlations between 24 variants and 19 types of cancer. Venice criteria and the false-positive report probability were used to evaluate a cumulative evidence of significant associations. We conducted functional annotations for those strong associations using data from the Encyclopedia of DNA Elements (ENCODE) Project. We obtained 11 polymorphisms significantly related to changed susceptibility to 11 cancers (p < 0.05). Strong evidence was assigned to four variant-related cancer risks in Asians (ERCC4 rs744154 with bladder cancer, ERCC5 rs2296147 with esophageal cancer, ERCC5 rs17655 with laryngeal cancer and uterine cancer, and ERCC5 rs751402 with gastric cancer), moderate to six SNPs with a risk of eight cancers, and weak to nine SNPs with nine cancers. Data from ENCODE and other public databases showed that the loci of these SNPs with strong evidence might fall in putative functional regions. In conclusion, this paper summarizes comprehensive evidence that common variants of ERCC4 and ERCC5 genes are strongly associated with the risk of bladder cancer, esophageal cancer, laryngeal cancer, uterine cancer, and gastric cancer and elucidates the crucial role of the DNA repair genes in the genetic predisposition to human cancers.

Genetic Variations in Nucleotide Excision Repair Pathway Genes and Risk of Allergic Rhinitis

Background

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is the most frequent inflammatory disorder in the nasal mucosa that remains unclear etiology. Mounting studies suggested that genetic instability could trigger and worsen the inflammatory response. The nucleotide excision repair (NER) system is an important pathway in maintaining the stability of the genome. Therefore, the genetic variations in NER pathway genes may have potential effects on AR risk.

Methods

We evaluated the correlation between 19 candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in NER pathway genes and AR susceptibility by a case-control study in a Chinese population, which contains 508 AR cases and 526 controls.

Results

Three independent SNPs were identified as significantly associated with AR susceptibility, including ERCC1 rs2298881 C > A (recessive model: adjusted odds ratios (OR) = 0.30, 95%confidence interval (CI) = 0.18–0.50, P < 0.0001), ERCC1 rs11615 G > A (dominant model: adjusted OR = 1.44, 95%CI = 1.04–2.01, P = 0.030), and XPC rs2228001 A > C (dominant model: adjusted OR = 0.68, 95%CI = 0.49–0.95, P = 0.024). Stratified analysis showed that ERCC1 rs2298881 AA genotype was correlated with a lower risk of AR among all the subgroups compared with rs2298881 CC/CA genotype. XPC rs2228001 AC/CC genotype reduced AR risk among the following subgroups: age > 60 months, clinical stage I and III.

Conclusion

Our finding showed that genetic variations in NER pathway genes: ERCC1 and XPC may affect the risk of AR, which will provide new insights into the genetics of AR from the perspective of DNA damage repair.

Insulin receptor substrate 1 gene variations and lipid profile characteristics in the type 2 diabetic patients with comorbid obesity and chronic pancreatitis

Objective. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of diseases that develops in a setting of polymorbid processes or more often promotes their development, forming in this spectrum the phenomenon of comorbidity. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in the lipid panel data in T2DM patients with comorbid obesity and chronic pancreatitis (CP) taking into account the C/A polymorphism of the insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) gene (rs2943640). Methods. The study involved 34 T2DM patients and 10 healthy individuals. The rs2943640 IRS1 gene polymorphism was genotyped using the TaqMan real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Blood serum lipid panel data were determined with commercially available kits on a Cobas 6000 analyzer. Results. In patients with only T2DM and T2DM + comorbid obesity, an association between IRS1 gene polymorphism (rs2943640) and lipid profile abnormalities with maximum changes of the lipid characteristics recorded in C/C genotype carriers was found. Within the C/C genotype of the IRS1 gene (rs2943640) in type 2 diabetic patients with comorbid obesity and CP, significantly lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels and significantly higher levels of triglycerides (TG), non-HDL-C and remnant cholesterol (RC) in relation to type 2 diabetic patients with comorbid obesity were found. At the same time, within the C/A genotype of the IRS1 gene (rs2943640), significant changes of lipid panel data were found in type 2 diabetic patients with comorbid obesity relative to the control group (p<0.001). Conclusions. Our data indicate that the presence of the C allele of IRS1 gene (rs2943640) in both homozygous and heterozygous states may indicate increased risk of dyslipidemia in type 2 diabetic patients with comorbidities.

miR-938 rs2505901 T>C polymorphism increases Hirschsprung disease risk: a case-control study of Chinese children

Aim: To explore the association between miR-938 rs2505901 T>C polymorphism and Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) risk in Chinese children. Materials & Methods: We conducted a case-control study in a Chinese population with 1381 cases and 1457 controls. The associated correlation strengths were assessed by adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% CIs. Results: The results revealed that the rs2505901 TC and rs2505901 TC/CC genotype were related to an increased HSCR risk compared to the risk contributed by the rs2505901 TT genotype. A stratification analysis showed that the rs2505901 TC/CC genotype promoted the progression of HSCR more significantly in patients with the short-segment HSCR subtype. Conclusion: Our study indicated that miR-938 rs2505901 T>C polymorphism is significantly associated with HSCR risk in Chinese children. This result needs to be confirmed with well-designed studies.

MYBL2 Gene Polymorphism Is Associated With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Susceptibility in Children

Purpose

Although MYBL2 had been validated to participate in multiple cancers including leukemia, the role of MYBL2 polymorphisms in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) was still not clear. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the association between MYBL2 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and ALL risk in children.

Methods

A total of 687 pediatric ALL cases and 971 cancer-free controls from two hospitals in South China were recruited. A case-control study by genotyping three SNPs in the MYBL2 gene (rs285162 C>T, rs285207 A>C, and rs2070235 A>G) was conducted. The associations were assessed by odds ratios (ORs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup and stratification analyses were conducted to explore the association of rs285207 with ALL risk in terms of age, sex, immunophenotype, risk level, and other clinical characteristics. The false-positive report probability (FPRP) analysis was performed to verify each significant finding. Functional analysis in silico was used to evaluate the probability that rs285207 might influence the regulation of MYBL2 .

Results

Our study demonstrated that rs285207 was related to a decreased ALL risk (adjusted OR = 0.78; 95% CI = 0.63-0.97, P = 0.022) in the dominant model. The associations of rs285207 with ALL risk appeared stronger in patients with pre B ALL (adjusted OR=0.56; 95% CI=0.38-0.84, P=0.004), with normal diploid (adjusted OR=0.73; 95% CI=0.57-0.95, P=0.017), with low risk (adjusted OR=0.68; 95% CI=0.49-0.94, P=0.021), with lower WBC (adjusted OR=0.62; 95% CI=0.43-0.87, P=0.007) or lower platelet level (adjusted OR=0.76; 95% CI=0.59-0.96, P=0.023). With FPRP analysis, the significant association between the rs285207 polymorphism and decreased ALL risk was still noteworthy (FPRP=0.128). Functional analysis showed that IKZF1 bound to DNA motif overlapping rs285207 and had a higher preference for the risk allele A. As for rs285162 C>T and rs2070235 A>G, no significant was found between them and ALL risk.

Conclusion

In this study, we revealed that rs285207 polymorphism decreased the ALL risk in children, and rs285207 might alter the binding to IKZF1, which indicated that the MYBL2 gene polymorphism might be a potential biomarker of childhood ALL.

The correlation between polymorphisms in the XPC gene and glioma susceptibility in a Chinese pediatric population

BACKGROUND

A previous study revealed that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in coding genes play a key role in tumorigenesis, genetic disorders, and drug resistance. Xeroderma pigmentosum group C (XPC) protein is a key DNA damage recognition factor that is required for maintaining the genomic stability. However, the correlation between XPC polymorphisms and glioma susceptibility is still unclear. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the correlation between XPC polymorphisms and pediatric glioma susceptibility.

METHODS

A total of 399 participants (171 glioma patients and 228 controls) were enrolled to evaluate the correlation between XPC polymorphism and pediatric glioma susceptibility. The count data of two groups was analyzed by chi-squared (χ²) test. Moreover, logistic regression was used to assess the strength of XPC polymorphisms associated with glioma susceptibility.

RESULTS

We identified that XPC rs1870134 G>C reduced pediatric glioma susceptibility. Compared to participants with rs1870134 GG/GC genotypes, those with rs1870134 CC genotype had a significantly lower risk for glioma [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) =0.10, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.01 to 0.78, P=0.028]. Patients with 4-5 genotypes have higher risk of glioma than those with 0-3 genotypes (AOR =1.59, 95% CI: 1.04 to 2.43, P=0.031). The stratified analysis showed that the risky effects of rs2228000 CT/TT genotypes and rs2229090 GC/CC genotypes were more predominant among children aged ≥60 months, astrocytic tumors, and clinical stage I.

CONCLUSIONS

We found for the first time that XPC polymorphisms had a statistically significant correlation with pediatric glioma susceptibility in a Chinese population. The XPC rs2228000 CT/TT and rs2229090 GC/CC genotypes could both increase the risk of pediatric glioma in subgroups with females, astrocytic tumors, and clinical stage I. The XPC polymorphism has potential to be a useful adjunct method to screen pediatric glioma.

XPG is Modulated by miR-4715-3p and rs873601 Genotypes in Lung Cancer

Objective

XPG (Xeroderma pigmentosum group G, XPG), a single strand-specific DNA endonuclease in the nucleotide excision repair pathway, has been implicated in lung cancer. Potentially functional rs873601 in XPG is consistently associated with gastrointestinal cancer, and miR-4715-3p, targeting 3UTR of XPG, also influences the process of gastrointestinal carcinogenesis, however, the relationships between XPG and miR-4715-3p and rs873601 in lung cancer have not been elucidated.

Methods

A case-control study included 264 lung cancer patients and 264 cancer-free healthy controls and was designed to determine the relationships between rs873601 and lung cancer and the effect of miR-4715-3p on XPG expression in lung cancer. Fifty matched cases and controls were randomly selected from the lung cancer and control groups to assess the relationships between the expression levels of miR-4715-3p and XPG determined by using qRT-PCR. The association of rs873601 with lung cancer was analyzed by mass spectrometry, and function prediciton of rs873601 genotypes explored by web-based bioinformatics.

Results

miR-4715-3p in the lung cancer group was significantly increased compared with that in the control group (P = 0.011), upregulation of miR-4715-3p correlated with an increase in XPG mRNA (r = 0.399, P <0.05) in the lung cancer group. The AA genotype was associated with increased risk of lung cancer compared with the AG and GG genotypes of rs873601 (AG vs AA: OR = 0.231, 95% CI: 0.155–0.345, P <0.001 GG vs AA: OR = 0.300, 95% CI: 0.131–0.719, P = 0.003). The genetic association remained significant after adjustment for age, sex, smoking, and drinking, and rs873601-AA was associated with an increase in XPG mRNA in the lung cancer group. The results of web-based bioinformatics analysis indicated rs873601 genotypes might change XPG-RNA stability and bindability between XPG and miR-4715-3p.

Conclusion

Our data characterized that miR-4715-3p and rs873601 genotypes modified XPG expression in lung cancer. These findings may help to elucidate the mechanisms governing lung cancer.

YTHDF1 gene polymorphisms and neuroblastoma susceptibility in Chinese children: an eight-center case-control study

Neuroblastoma is one of the most common life-threatening extracranial tumors that mainly occurs in children, and its genetic etiology remains largely obscure. RNA m6A modification has been thought to play a key role in cancer progression. YTHDF1 is the critical downstream gene by which RNA m6A modification exerts its functions. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the YTHDF1 gene may affect its expression and biological activity, thereby leading to abnormalities in the regulation of downstream m6A-modified RNA and eventually promoting the initiation and development of tumors. Here, we attempted to evaluate the contributions of two polymorphisms (rs6011668 C>T and rs6090311 A>G) in the YTHDF1 gene to neuroblastoma susceptibility in 898 cases and 1734 controls that originated in China. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated in the logistic regression models to evaluate the associations between selected polymorphisms and neuroblastoma risk. Overall, either in a single locus or combination analysis, no significant association with neuroblastoma risk was found for either of the two selected polymorphisms. However, the stratified analysis showed that rs6090311AG/GG genotypes significantly reduced the neuroblastoma risk in males (adjusted OR=0.77, 95% CI=0.62-0.96, P=0.018). Moreover, we found that subjects with 2 protective genotypes had a lower tumor risk in males than in those with 0-1 protective genotypes (adjusted OR=0.77, 95% CI=0.62-0.96, P=0.018). In summary, our study indicates that YTHDF1 gene polymorphisms may weakly contribute to neuroblastoma susceptibility. Our findings should be further verified by well-designed studies with larger sample sizes.

XPG gene polymorphisms and glioma susceptibility: a two-centre case-control study

Background: Glioma, the most common tumour in children next to leukaemia, is difficult to treat, with a poor prognosis and high recurrence rate. Xeroderma pigmentosum group G (XPG) plays a key role in the nucleotide excision repair pathway, which may modulate individual susceptibility to developing cancer. We hypothesized links between XPG variants and glioma in children.Methods: We tested our hypothesis in a study comparing 171 glioma cases with 228 age and sex matched controls, determining XPG polymorphisms rs2094258 C > T, rs751402 C > T, rs2296147 T > C, rs1047768 T > C, rs873601 G > A by standard molecular genetic methods.Results: rs2094258 C > T was associated with a decreased glioma risk, but carrying the rs1047768 C or rs873601 A allele brought an increased risk. Subjects carrying 5 risk genotypes had a significantly increased glioma risk at an adjusted odds ratio of 1.97 (95% confidence Interval 1.26-3.08)(p = 0.003) when compared with those carrying 0-4 risk genotypes. Furthermore, children with 5 risk genotypes had a higher glioma risk when aged >60 months, were more likely to be male, and with subtypes of astrocytic tumours, and low-grade clinical stage, when compared to those with 0-4 risk genotypes. Preliminary functional exploration suggested that rs2094258 is linked with the expression of its surrounding genes in the expression quantitative trait locus analysis.Conclusion: Certain variants of XPG are risk factors for paediatric glioma, and so may be useful in early diagnosis.

H19 gene polymorphisms and Wilms tumor risk in Chinese children: a four-center case-control study

BACKGROUND

Wilms tumor is the most common pediatric renal cancer. However, genetic bases behind Wilms tumor remain largely unknown. H19 is a critical maternally imprinted gene. Previous studies indicated that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the H19 can modify the risk of several human malignancies. Epigenetic errors at the H19 locus lead to biallelic silencing in Wilms tumors. Genetic variations in the H19 may be related to Wilms tumor susceptibility.

METHODS

We conducted a four-center study to investigate whether H19 SNP was a predisposing factor to Wilms tumor. Three polymorphisms in the H19 (rs2839698 G > A, rs3024270 C > G, rs217727 G > A) were genotyped in 355 cases and 1070 cancer-free controls, using Taqman method. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to evaluate the strength of the associations.

RESULTS

We found that all of these three polymorphisms were significantly associated with Wilms tumor risk alterations. The rs2839698 G > A polymorphism (AG vs. GG: adjusted OR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.57-0.96, p = 0.024; AA vs. GG: adjusted OR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.05-2.22, p = 0.027), the rs3024270 C > G polymorphism (CG vs. CC: adjusted OR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.46-0.81, p = 0.0007; and the rs217727 polymorphism (AG vs. GG: adjusted OR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.58-0.99, p = 0.035). The Carriers of 1, 2, and 1-2 risk genotypes were inclined to develop Wilms tumor compared with those without risk genotype (adjusted OR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.02-1.80, p = 0.037; adjusted OR = 1.84, 95% CI = 1.27-2.67, p = 0.001; adjusted OR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.17-1.92, p = 0.002, respectively). The stratified analysis further revealed that rs2839698 AA, rs217727 AA, and 1-2 risk genotypes could strongly increase Wilms tumor risk among children above 18 months of age, males, and with clinical stage I+II disease.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that genetic variations in the H19 may confer Wilms tumor risk.

Associations between WTAP gene polymorphisms and neuroblastoma susceptibility in Chinese children

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have revealed that WTAP is related to multiple types of cancer. Recently, WTAP has been reported as an independent prognostic factor in patients with neuroblastoma.

METHODS

To explore the association between three WTAP polymorphisms (rs9457712 G>A, rs1853259 A>G and rs7766006 G>T) and neuroblastoma susceptibility in Chinese populations, we performed this case-control study including 898 neuroblastoma cases and 1,734 controls. We genotyped these potentially functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) by TaqMan assays. The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) by logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between WTAP SNPs and the risk of neuroblastoma.

RESULTS

No significant associations were observed in the overall analysis between any of the three WTAP polymorphisms and the risk of neuroblastoma. However, in the age ≤18 months subgroup, we found that the rs1853259 AG/GG genotype exerted protective effects against neuroblastoma (adjusted OR =0.77, 95% CI: 0.59-0.998, P=0.048), whereas the presence of 1-2 combined risk genotypes significantly increased the risk of neuroblastoma (adjusted OR =1.32, 95% CI: 1.02-1.71, P=0.036).

CONCLUSIONS

WTAP gene polymorphisms only have a weak impact on the risk of neuroblastoma in the Chinese children. Further case-control studies, preferable on larger sample sizes, are needed to validate our results.

Association Between Arg72Pro Polymorphism in TP53 and Malignant Abdominal Solid Tumor Risk in Hunan Children

Pediatric solid tumors are heterogeneous and comprise various histological subtypes. TP53, a tumor suppressor, orchestrates the transcriptional activation of anti-cancer genes. The gene coding for this protein is highly polymorphic, and its mutations are associated with cancer development. The Arg72Pro polymorphism in TP53 has been associated with susceptibility to various types of cancer. Here, in this hospital-based study, we evaluated the association of this polymorphism with susceptibility toward malignant abdominal solid tumors in children in the Hunan province of China. We enrolled 162 patients with neuroblastoma, 60 patients with Wilms' tumor, and 28 patients with hepatoblastoma as well as 270 controls. Genotypes were determined using a TaqMan assay, and the strength of the association was assessed using an odds ratio, within a 95% confidence interval identified using logistic regression models. Our results showed that the Arg72Pro polymorphism did not exhibit significant association with susceptibility toward pediatric malignant abdominal solid tumors. Stratification analysis revealed that this polymorphism exerts weak sex- and age-specific effects on Wilms' tumor and hepatoblastoma susceptibility, respectively. Overall, our results indicate that the Arg72Pro polymorphism may have a marginal effect on susceptibility toward pediatric malignant abdominal solid tumors in Hunan, and this finding warrants further confirmation.

HMGA2 gene polymorphisms and Wilms tumor susceptibility in Chinese children: a four-center case-control study

Wilms tumor is a kidney malignancy that typically occurs in children. Aberrant expression of HMGA2 gene is commonly seen in many malignant tumors. Yet, HMGA2 gene polymorphisms on Wilms tumor risk are not established. We carried out the first four-center case-control study with 355 patients and 1,070 controls to assess the association of HMGA2 polymorphisms (rs6581658 A>G, rs8756 A>C, and rs968697 T>C) with Wilms tumor risk. All of these three polymorphisms in single could not impact Wilms tumor risk. Stratified analysis revealed a contributing Wilms tumor risk role of rs968697 TC/CC in subgroup of male (TC/CC vs. TT: adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.46, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.03-2.08, P = 0.035). However, we found that presence of 1-3 protective genotypes were less likely to develop tumor in subgroup of female (adjusted OR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.48-0.99, P = 0.045). Our findings suggest that HMGA2 gene polymorphisms might influence Wilms tumor predisposition in a weak manner, under certain circumstances.

YTHDC1 gene polymorphisms and hepatoblastoma susceptibility in Chinese children: A seven-center case-control study

BACKGROUND

Hepatoblastoma is a commonly occurring embryonal tumors in children. N6-methyladenosine (m6 A) plays a critical role in gene expression, thus contributing to the occurrence and progression of cancer. RNA splicing is regulated by the nuclear m6 A reader YTHDC1, yet the roles of YTHDC1 polymorphisms in hepatoblastoma remain unclear.

METHODS

We conducted a seven-center case-control study to determine the association between YTHDC1 gene polymorphisms (rs2293596 T>C, rs2293595 T>C and rs3813832 T>C) and hepatoblastoma susceptibility. We recruited 313 hepatoblastoma patients and 1446 healthy controls.

RESULTS

There was no significant association between all of these polymorphisms and hepatoblastoma susceptibility in single locus or combined analysis. Stratification analysis revealed that rs2293596 TC/CC genotype carriers had a higher risk of developing hepatoblastoma in the subgroup of clinical stages III + IV [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.80, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.18-2.76, p = 0.007]. In addition, 3 risk genotype carriers are more likely to develop hepatoblastoma in the subgroup of clinical stages III + IV (adjusted OR = 1.80, 95% CI = 1.18-2.76, p = 0.007). Furthermore, false-positive probability analysis was used to notarize our findings. Haplotype analysis indicated that there was no significant association between inferred haplotypes of YTHDC1 gene based on observed genotypes and hepatoblastoma risk.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, our findings suggest that the rs2293596 T>C polymorphism may contribute to hepatoblastoma susceptibly and YTHDC1 gene polymorphisms may have a cumulative effect on hepatoblastoma risk.

Association between miR-492 rs2289030 G>C and susceptibility to Hirschsprung disease in southern Chinese children

OBJECTIVE

Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) originates from disruption of normal neural crest cell migration, differentiation, and proliferation during the fifth to eighth weeks of gestation. This results in the absence of intestinal ganglion cells in the distal intestinal tract. However, genetic variations affecting embryonic development of intestinal ganglion cells are unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigated the potential value of miR-492 rs2289030 G>C as a marker of susceptibility to HSCR.

METHODS

In this case-control study in southern Chinese children, we collected samples from 1473 controls and 1470 patients with HSCR. TaqMan genotyping of miR-492 rs2289030 G>C was performed by real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that there was no significant association between the presence of the miR-492 rs2289030 G>C polymorphism and susceptibility to HSCR by evaluating the values of pooled odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Similarly, among different HSCR subtypes, rs2289030 G>C was also not associated with HSCR in hierarchical analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that the miR-492 rs2289030 G>C polymorphism is not associated with susceptibility to HSCR in southern Chinese children. These results need to be further confirmed by investigating a more diverse ethnic population of patients with HSCR.

lncRNA-uc003opf.1 rs11752942 A>G polymorphism decreases neuroblastoma risk in Chinese children

Recent studies have revealed that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play critical roles in the tumorigenesis and proliferation of human cancer. Several polymorphisms of lncRNAs have been found to be involved in the risk of neuroblastoma (NB). However, studies on the relationship between polymorphisms in lncRNA exons and NB are infrequent. We evaluated the association between rs11752942 A > G polymorphism in lnc-RNA-uc003opf.1 exon and neuroblastoma susceptibility by performing a hospital-based study with 275 patients and 531 controls. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) assessed by using logistic regression models were used to determine the strength of the association. We found that the rs11752942 G allele is significantly associated with decreased neuroblastoma risk (AG vs. AA: adjusted OR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.53-0.98, P = 0.038; and AG/GG vs. AA: adjusted OR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.55-0.99, P = 0.045) after adjusting for age and gender. This association was more prominent in females, subjects with tumor in the mediastinum or early-stage. Furthermore, the expression quantitative trait locus analysis indicated that rs11752942 G was associated with decreased expression of its neighboring gene LRFN2 mRNA. These results indicate that lncRNA-uc003opf.1 may be a novel potentially functional lncRNA that may be used as a predictive marker, for it might contribute to decreased neuroblastoma risk.

Association between METTL3 gene polymorphisms and neuroblastoma susceptibility: A nine-centre case-control study

Neuroblastoma ranks as the most commonly seen and deadly solid tumour in infancy. The aberrant activity of m6 A-RNA methyltransferase METTL3 is involved in human cancers. Therefore, functional genetic variants in the METTL3 gene may contribute to neuroblastoma risk. In the current nine-centre case-control study, we aimed to analyse the association between the METTL3 gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and neuroblastoma susceptibility. We genotyped four METTL3 gene SNPs (rs1061026 T>G, rs1061027 C>A, rs1139130 A>G, and rs1263801 G>C) in 968 neuroblastoma patients and 1814 controls in China. We found significant associations between these SNPs and neuroblastoma risk in neither single-locus nor combined analyses. Interestingly, in the stratified analysis, we observed a significant risk association with rs1061027 AA in subgroups of children ≤ 18 months of age (adjusted OR = 1.87, 95% CI = 1.03-3.41, P = .040) and females (adjusted OR = 1.86, 95% CI = 1.07-3.24, P = .028). Overall, we identified a significant association between METTL3 gene rs1061027 C>A polymorphism and neuroblastoma risk in children ≤18 months of age and females. Our findings provide novel insights into the genetic determinants of neuroblastoma.

Association of MYC gene polymorphisms with neuroblastoma risk in Chinese children: A four-center case-control study

BACKGROUND

Neuroblastoma is one of the most common malignant tumors in childhood. Polymorphisms in proto-oncogene MYC are implicated in many cancers, although their role in neuroblastoma remains unclear. In the present study, we attempted to investigate the association between MYC gene polymorphisms and neuroblastoma susceptibility in Chinese children.

METHODS

We included two MYC polymorphisms (rs4645943 and rs2070583) and assessed their effects on neuroblastoma risk in 505 cases and 1070 controls via the Taqman method.

RESULTS

In single and combined locus analysis, no significant association was found between the two selected polymorphisms and neuroblastoma susceptibility. In stratification analysis, the rs4645943 CT/TT genotypes were significantly associated with a decreased neuroblastoma risk in subjects with tumors originating from other sites [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 0.42, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.21-0.84, p = 0.013]. Meanwhile, the presence of one or two protective genotypes was significantly associated with a decreased neuroblastoma risk in subjects with tumors arising from other sites (adjusted OR = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.26-0.96, p = 0.036).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study indicates that MYC gene polymorphisms may have a weak effect on the neuroblastoma risk, which neeeds to be verified further.

Association of TP53 rs1042522 C>G and miR-34b/c rs4938723 T>C polymorphisms with hepatoblastoma susceptibility: A seven-center case-control study

BACKGROUND

Hepatoblastoma is a rare malignancy originating from pluripotent stem cells with unknown etiology. An understanding of the etiology in pediatric hepatoblastoma has been hampered by the unavailability of sufficient patient samples. To date, only a few epidemiological studies with small sample sizes have been performed investigating risk factors for hepatoblastoma. TP53 and pri-miR-34b/c genes are implicated in the tumorigenesis, yet the role of their polymorphisms in hepatoblastoma susceptibility remains unknown.

METHODS

We conducted a seven-center case-control study to explore the genetic variants predisposing to hepatoblastoma susceptibility. In our study, we genotyped two functional polymorphisms, the TP53 rs1042522 C>G (Arg72Pro) and miR-34b/c rs4938723 T>C, in 313 cases and 1446 controls using the TaqMan method.

RESULTS

Single loci analysis showed that neither TP53 rs1042522 C>G, nor miR-34b/c rs4938723 T>C significantly modified hepatoblastoma risk. In the stratification analysis, we identified that the miR-34b/c rs4938723 TC/CC genotypes were associated with a decreased risk in patients with clinical stages III + IV hepatoblastoma (adjusted odds ratio = 0.53, 95% confidence interval = 0.33-0.84, P=0.007] compared to the rs4938723 TT genotype. Subsequent analysis further showed that the combination of TP53 and miR-34b/c variant genotypes had no impact on susceptibility hepatoblastoma.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, TP53 rs1042522 C>G and miR-34b/c rs4938723 T>C may not confer hepatoblastoma susceptibility. These findings may aid in our understanding of the genetic etiology of hepatoblastoma.

miR-618 rs2682818 C>A polymorphism decreases Hirschsprung disease risk in Chinese children

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous non-coding small RNAs that play an important role in the development of many malignant tumors. In addition, recent studies have reported that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in the miRNA functional region was inextricably linked to tumor susceptibility. In the present study, we investigated the susceptibility between miR-618 rs2682818 C>A and Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) in the Southern Chinese population (1470 patients and 1473 controls). Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used for estimating the strength of interrelation between them. We found that the CA/AA genotypes of miR-618 rs2682818 were associated with a decreased risk of HSCR when compared with the CC genotype (OR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.72–0.99, P=0.032). Based on the stratified analysis of HSCR subtypes, the rs2682818 CA/AA genotypes were able to significantly lessen the risk of HSCR compared with CC genotype in patients with long-segment HSCR (adjusted OR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.52–0.93, P=0.013). In conclusion, our results indicated that the miR-618 rs2682818 C>A polymorphism was associated with a reduced risk of HSCR in Chinese children, especially in patients with long-segment HSCR (L-HSCR) subtype.

TP53 Arg72Pro polymorphism and neuroblastoma susceptibility in eastern Chinese children: a three-center case-control study

TP53 is a tumor suppressor gene that regulates cell growth, apoptosis and DNA repair. Previous studies have reported the contribution of TP53 Arg72Pro (rs1042522 C>G) polymorphism to pathogenesis of multiple tumors. Hence, we evaluated the association between this polymorphism and neuroblastoma susceptibility in eastern Chinese children. The Taqman genotyping assay was performed in 373 patients and 762 controls. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the strength of the association. No significant association was found between the TP53 gene rs1042522 C>G polymorphism and neuroblastoma susceptibility in the overall analysis (CG vs. CC: adjusted OR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.70-1.22, P=0.567; GG vs. CC: adjusted OR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.69-1.42, P=0.947; CG/GG vs. CC: adjusted OR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.72-1.23, P=0.639; or GG vs. CC/CG: adjusted OR = 1.04, 95% CI = 0.75-1.43, P=0.814) and stratified analysis by age, gender, sites of origin, and clinical stages. The TP53 gene rs1042522 C>G polymorphism may not be a risk factor for neuroblastoma in eastern Chinese children. Future studies are needed to confirm this negative result and to reveal additional functional TP53 variants predisposing to neuroblastoma.

Relationship between DLEC1 and PBX3 promoter methylation and the risk and prognosis of gastric cancer in peripheral blood leukocytes

PURPOSE

Aberrant DNA methylation could regulate the expression of tumor suppressor gene DLEC1 and oncogene PBX3 and was related to the occurrence and prognosis of gastric cancer (GC). In this study, the associations between DLEC1 and PBX3 promoter methylation in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) and the risk and prognosis of GC were investigated.

METHODS

The methylation status of DLEC1 and PBX3 promoter in PBLs of 368 GC cases and 382 controls was detected by the methylation-sensitive high-resolution melting (MS-HRM) method. Logistic and Cox regression were adopted to analyze the associations of DLEC1 and PBX3 methylation with GC risk and prognosis, respectively. Confounding biases were controlled by propensity score (PS).

RESULTS

Compared with negative methylation (Nm), DLEC1-positive methylation (Pm) was associated with increased GC risk in PS (OR 2.083, 95% CI 1.220-3.558, P = 0.007), but PBX3 Pm was not associated with GC risk. In the elderly group (≥ 60 years), DLEC1 Pm was associated with increased GC risk (OR 2.951, 95% CI 1.426-6.104, P = 0.004). The combined effects between DLEC1 methylation and consumption of dairy products, fried food intake and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection on GC risk were discovered (ORc 3.461, 95% CI 1.847-6.486, P < 0.001, ORc 3.246, 95% CI 1.708-6.170, P < 0.001 and ORc 2.964, 95% CI 1.690-5.197, P < 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, DLEC1 and PBX3 methylation were not associated with GC prognosis.

CONCLUSION

DLEC1 methylation in PBLs and the combined effects of gene-environment can influence GC risk.

Association of polymorphisms in MALAT1 with the risk of endometriosis in Southern Chinese women

Endometriosis is a common estrogen-dependent inflammatory disease characterized by the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterine cavity, which causes infertility and pelvic pain. Polymorphisms in MALAT1 have been demonstrated to play crucial roles in many diseases. However, the roles of MALAT1 polymorphisms in the etiology of endometriosis have not been well documented. We genotyped three MALAT1 polymorphisms in 555 endometriosis patients and 535 female control participants using quantitative polymerase chain reaction with TaqMan probes. To estimate the associations between MALAT1 polymorphisms and endometriosis risk, an unconditional logistic regression model was conducted to calculate an odds ratio (OR) and the 95% confidence interval (CI), adjusting for age, abortion history, number of deliveries, Body Mass Index (BMI), and The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage. We found that the MALAT1 rs591291 C > T polymorphism significantly enhanced endometriosis risk (heterogeneous: adjusted OR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.00-1.85, P = 0.050; homogenous: adjusted OR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.03-2.33, P = 0.037; dominant: adjusted OR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.05-1.88, P = 0.021). In stratification analyses, these associations were more predominant in the patients younger than 35 years old, with a relatively high number of deliveries and with a BMI between 25 and 29.9. Compared with wild-type CCG haplotype carriers, individuals with TCC haplotypes had a higher risk of developing endometriosis. The MALAT1 rs591291 C > T polymorphism was associated with a significant increase in endometriosis risk.

Association of polymorphisms in MALAT1 with the risk of endometrial cancer in Southern Chinese women

BACKGROUND

Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecologic malignancy worldwide. Polymorphisms in MALAT1 have been demonstrated to play critical roles in cancer. However, the roles of MALAT1 polymorphisms in the etiology of endometrial cancer have not been well documented.

METHODS

We genotyped three MALAT1 polymorphisms in 249 endometrial cancer cases and 446 cancer-free female controls using quantitative polymerase chain reaction with TaqMan probes. To estimate the association between MALAT1 polymorphisms (rs591291 C>T, rs664589 C>G, and rs4102217 G>C) and the risk of endometrial cancer, an unconditional logistic regression model was conducted to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and the 95% confidence interval (CI), adjusting for surgery history, menopause, number of deliveries, BMI, and FIGO stage.

RESULTS

We found that the MALAT1 rs664589 C>G polymorphism was significantly associated with endometrial cancer risk (heterogeneous: adjusted OR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.34-0.93, P = .026; homogenous: adjusted OR = 3.74, 95% CI = 1.12-12.45, P = .032; and recessive: adjusted OR = 4.06, 95% CI = 1.22-13.48, P = .022). Stratified analysis further demonstrated that the MALAT1 rs664589 C>G polymorphism significantly increased the risk of endometrial cancer susceptibility in patients with no history of surgery, more deliveries, BMI between 25 and 29.9, and FIGO stages II-III. Compared with the wild-type GCG haplotype carriers, individuals with CGG haplotypes had a higher risk of developing endometrial cancer.

CONCLUSION

The MALAT1 rs664589 C>G polymorphism was associated with a significant increase in endometrial cancer risk.

HMGA2 Polymorphisms and Hepatoblastoma Susceptibility: A Five-Center Case-Control Study

BACKGROUND

Hepatoblastoma is a rare disease. Its etiology remains obscure. No epidemiological reports have assessed the relationship of High Mobility Group A2 (HMGA2) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with hepatoblastoma risk. This case-control study leads as a pioneer to explore whether HMGA2 SNPs (rs6581658 A>G, rs8756 A>C, rs968697 T>C) could impact hepatoblastoma risk.

METHODS

We acquired samples from 275 hepatoblastoma cases and 1018 controls who visited one of five independent hospitals located in the different regions of China. The genotyping of HMGA2 SNPs was implemented using the PCR-based TaqMan method, and the risk estimates were quantified by odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

In the main analysis, we identified that rs968697 T>C polymorphism was significantly related to hepatoblastoma risk in the additive model (adjusted OR=0.73, 95% CI=0.54-0.98, P=0.035). Notably, participants carrying 2-3 favorable genotypes had reduced hepatoblastoma risk (adjusted OR=0.71, 95% CI=0.52-0.96, P=0.028) in contrast to those carrying 0-1 favorable genotypes. Furthermore, stratification analysis revealed a significant correlation between rs968697 TC/CC and hepatoblastoma risk for males and clinical stage I+II. The existence of 2-3 protective genotypes was correlated with decreased hepatoblastoma susceptibility in children ≥17 months old, males, and clinical stage I+II cases, when compared to 0-1 protective genotype.

CONCLUSION

To summarize, these results indicated that the HMGA2 gene SNPs exert a weak influence on hepatoblastoma susceptibility. Further validation of the current conclusion with a larger sample size covering multi-ethnic groups is warranted.

Common genetic variants in pre-microRNAs are associated with cervical cancer susceptibility in southern Chinese women

Cervical cancer is a commonly diagnosed cancer among females. Polymorphisms in pre-microRNAs have been demonstrated to play critical roles in cancer. However, the roles of pre-microRNA polymorphisms in the aetiology of cervical cancer have not been well documented. We genotyped eight pre-microRNA polymorphisms in 290 cervical cancer patients and 445 cancer-free female controls using quantitative polymerase chain reaction with TaqMan probes. To estimate the association between pre-microRNA polymorphisms and the risk of cervical cancer, an unconditional logistic regression model was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI), adjusting for age, menopause, delivery, and abortion. We found that the pre-miR-137 rs1625579 T > G polymorphism was associated with a significant decrease in cervical cancer risk (TG/GG versus TT: adjusted OR (AOR) = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.27-0.81; TG versus TT: AOR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.34-0.91). We also observed a significant association between the pre-miR-27a rs895819 T > C polymorphism and decreased cervical cancer risk (TC/CC versus TT: AOR = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.44-0.96). Stratified analysis further demonstrated that the pre-miR-137 rs1625579 T > C and pre-miR-27a rs895819 T > C polymorphisms significantly reduced the risk of cervical cancer susceptibility in patients younger than 49 years, those who experienced fewer abortions, and clinical stage I patients. Moreover, the pre-miR-137 rs1625579 T > G polymorphism showed protective effects in premenopausal women, squamous cell carcinoma patients, and patients with unclassified types of pathologies; the pre-miR-27a rs895819 T > C polymorphism was also associated with a decreased risk in patients older than 49 years, menopausal women, and women who had experienced vaginal pregnancies. The pre-miR-137 rs1625579 T > G and pre-miR-27a rs895819 T > C polymorphisms may provide protective effects against susceptibility to cervical cancer risk.

HMGA2 Gene rs8756 A>C Polymorphism Reduces Neuroblastoma Risk in Chinese Children: A Four-Center Case-Control Study

BACKGROUND

Neuroblastoma, mainly affecting children, is a lethal malignancy arising from the developing sympathetic nervous system. The genetic etiology of neuroblastoma remains mostly obscure. High mobility group AT-hook 2 (HMGA2), an oncogenic gene, is up-regulated in many tumors. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) often modify cancer susceptibility. However, no studies are investigating the association between HMGA2 SNPs and neuroblastoma susceptibility.

METHODS

We conducted a four-center case-control study to evaluate the association between three HMGA2 polymorphisms (rs6581658 A>G, rs8756 A>C and rs968697 T>C) and neuroblastoma susceptibility in a Chinese population with 505 cases and 1070 controls. Logistic regression was performed to evaluate the strength of the association.

RESULTS

We found that the rs8756 AC/CC genotypes were associated with a reduced neuroblastoma risk when compared to rs8756 AA genotype [Adjusted odds ratio (OR)=0.74, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.56-0.99, P=0.039]. Carriers with 3 protective genotypes have lower neuroblastoma susceptibility than those without or with 0-2 protective genotypes. The stratified analysis revealed that the protective effects of rs8756 AC/CC genotypes were more predominant among children of age > 18 months, males, and subgroups with the tumor in the mediastinum. Furthermore, haplotype analysis uncovered that haplotype ACC significantly reduced neuroblastoma risk.

CONCLUSION

Our study indicated HMGA2 rs8756 A>C polymorphism is significantly associated with decreased neuroblastoma risk.

LINC00673 rs11655237 C>T and susceptibility to Wilms tumor: A five-center case-control study

BACKGROUND

Wilms tumor, a frequently occurring pediatric renal cancer worldwide, originated from the embryonal nephric mesenchyme. However, epidemiological data on the association between LINC00673 polymorphisms and Wilms tumor risk are scant. This case-control study was conducted to investigate the potential role of the LINC00673 rs11655237 C>T polymorphism in the susceptibility to Wilms tumor.

METHODS

In the present study, we conducted a genotyping analysis of LINC00673 rs11655237 C>T in 414 cases and 1199 controls recruited from five hospitals in China. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated from multiple logistic regression models to determine the association of LINC00673 rs11655237 C>T polymorphism and Wilms tumor susceptibility.

RESULTS

No significant association between the LINC00673 rs11655237 C>T polymorphism and Wilms tumor risk was observed (CT versus CC: adjusted OR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.71-1.15; TT versus CC: adjusted OR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.50-1.49; TT/CT versus CC: adjusted OR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.71-1.13; and TT versus CC/CT: adjusted OR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.52-1.53). We also failed to make any remarkable findings for this genotype in the stratification analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, we failed to provide any evidence in favor of the significant susceptibility of rs11655237 C>T polymorphism in LINC00673 to Wilms tumor. These data could be useful for reinforcing our understanding of the potential contribution of LINC00673 rs11655237 C>T to Wilms tumor susceptibility.

Association between the miRNA-149 rs2292832 T>C polymorphism and Kawasaki disease susceptibility in a southern Chinese population

Background

Kawasaki disease (KD), which is characterized by vasculitis, is prone to occur in patients under 5 years of age, has an ambiguous etiology, and displays coronary artery lesions as the chief complication. Previous studies have linked miRNA‐149 to cancers, and rs2292832 T>C is related to allergic diseases and inflammatory bowel disease, which both show immune system disorders and coronary artery disease. Therefore, we performed a study concentrating on the association between the miRNA‐149 rs2292832 T>C polymorphism and KD susceptibility.

Methods

The subjects enrolled were 532 children with KD and 623 controls. We used TaqMan real‐time PCR to obtain the genotypes of the rs2292832 T>C polymorphism.

Results

Ultimately, no significant association was found between the miRNA‐149 rs2292832 T>C polymorphism and KD susceptibility, even in stratification analysis.

Conclusion

Our results indicated that in southern Chinese patients, the miRNA‐149 rs2292832 T>C polymorphism did not affect KD susceptibility, which needs to be further confirmed.

FOXO3 gene polymorphisms influence the risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Chinese children

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in children and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in certain genes influence risk of ALL. Although FOXO3 had been demonstrated to be involved leukemia, the role of FOXO3 polymorphisms was still not clear. In the present study, we explored the association of FOXO3 SNPs with ALL risk in Chinese children. We genotyped four polymorphisms (rs17069665 A>G, rs4945816 T>C, rs4946936 C>T, and rs9400241 A>C) of FOXO3 in 425 ALL cases and 1339 health controls. The associations were estimated by odds ratios (ORs) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Further analyses were performed to explore associations of rs17069665 and rs9400241 with ALL susceptibility in terms of age, gender, immunophenotype, minimal residual disease (MRD), and other clinical characteristics. We found rs17069665 related to the increased ALL risk (OR = 1.76; 95% CI = 1.02-3.04), rs9400241 related to decreased ALL risk (OR = 0.80; 95% CI = 0.64-0.99). The effects of rs17069665 on ALL risk were more predominant in males and children < 10 years, and patients with lower rates of platelet or neutrophil. As for rs9400241, the effects were more predominant in children < 10 years, and in patients with pre B ALL, positive MRD, anemia, or hepatomegaly. In conclusion, FOXO3 gene polymorphisms influence the risk of ALL in children and might be a potential biomarker for ALL susceptibility.

MYCN gene polymorphisms and Wilms tumor susceptibility in Chinese children

BACKGROUND

Wilms tumor, derived from embryonic cells, accounts for a large proportion of pediatric renal tumors. MYCN encoded by MYCN proto-oncogene, a member of the MYC family, is a BHLH transcription factor. It plays a critical role in tumorigenesis and predicts poor clinical outcomes in various types of cancer. However, the role of MYCN remained unclarified in Wilms tumor. In this study, we investigated the association between MYCN gene polymorphisms and Wilms tumor susceptibility.

METHODS

Four MYCN gene polymorphisms (rs57961569 G > A, rs9653226 T > C, rs13034994 A > G, and rs60226897 G > A) were genotyped in 183 cases and 603 controls. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to evaluate the association between MYCN gene polymorphisms and Wilms tumor susceptibility.

RESULTS

Overall, no significant association was found for any of the four MYCN gene polymorphisms. Interestingly, in the stratification analysis, the rs57961569 was found to be associated with decreased Wilms tumor susceptibility in the children older than 18 months (AOR = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.42-1.00, P = .050). Moreover, older children carrying 2-4 risk genotypes were at increased risk of Wilms tumor (OR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.001-2.40, P = .0497). Haplotype GCAA was shown to significantly increased Wilms tumor risk (AOR = 2.40, 95% CI = 1.12-5.14, P = .024).

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrated that these MYCN gene polymorphisms might be low penetrant variants in Wilms tumor.

Association between PHOX2B gene rs28647582 T>C polymorphism and Wilms tumor susceptibility

Wilms tumor is one of the most common pediatric solid tumors. The pair-like homeobox 2b (PHOX2B) gene is an important transcription factor that regulates cellular proliferation and differentiation in early life. The association between PHOX2B single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and Wilms tumor risk has not been investigated. Therefore, we conducted a case-control study involving 145 Wilms tumor patients and 531 controls to explore the association between the PHOX2B rs28647582 T>C polymorphism and Wilms tumor susceptibility. The association between the PHOX2B rs28647582 T>C polymorphism and Wilms tumor susceptibility was assessed by odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Our results indicated that PHOX2B rs28647582 T>C polymorphism did not significantly alter Wilms tumor susceptibility. However, in the stratified analysis, we found that TC/CC genotypes significantly increased Wilms tumor risk among children older than 18 months (adjusted OR = 1.77, 95% CI = 1.07-2.95, P=0.027) and those with clinical stages III+IV (adjusted OR = 1.75, 95% CI = 1.09-2.82, P=0.022), when compared with those with TT genotype. Our study suggested that PHOX2B rs28647582 T>C was weakly associated with Wilms tumor susceptibility. Our conclusions need further validation with a larger sample size.

Lack of associations between LIG3 gene polymorphisms and neuroblastoma susceptibility in Chinese children

Accumulating evidence suggests that dysregulation of the DNA non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) repair system is a causative factor in many cancers, including high-risk neuroblastoma. A number of studies have shown that polymorphisms in the DNA ligase III (LIG3) gene, one of the key genes in the error-prone alternative NHEJ (a-NHEJ) pathway for DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair, are associated with a variety of cancers. Nevertheless, whether LIG3 polymorphisms contribute to neuroblastoma risk remains unknown. We investigated the correlation between neuroblastoma susceptibility and two LIG3 polymorphisms (rs1052536 C>T and rs4796030 A>C) among 469 neuroblastoma patients and 998 healthy controls from China. Our results failed to detect any relationship between the analyzed SNPs and neuroblastoma risk in either overall analysis or stratification analysis. These results suggest that rs1052536 C>T and rs4796030 A>C are unrelated to neuroblastoma susceptibility in the Chinese population. Further studies with larger sample sizes and multiple ethnicities are necessary to verify our results.

AURKA rs8173 G>C Polymorphism Decreases Wilms Tumor Risk in Chinese Children

Wilms tumor is the most common type of renal malignancy in children. Previous studies have demonstrated that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the AURKA gene could predispose to several human malignancies. We recruited 145 cases and 531 cancer-free controls to investigate whether AURKA gene variants modify Wilms tumor susceptibility. Three AURKA SNPs (rs1047972 C>T, rs2273535 T>A, and rs8173 G>C) were genotyped by the Taqman methodology. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the strength of association between AURKA SNPs and Wilms tumor risk. We found that only the rs8173 G>C polymorphism was significantly associated with Wilms tumor risk (GC vs. GG: adjusted OR (AOR) = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.35-0.73, P=0.0002; GC/CC vs. GG: AOR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.42-0.88, P=0.008). Stratification analysis revealed that rs8173 GC/CC genotypes were associated with Wilms tumor risk among children aged >18 months (AOR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.34-0.93, P=0.024), male children (AOR = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.33-0.90, P=0.017), and children with clinical stage III + IV diseases (AOR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.35-0.90, P=0.017). Haplotype analysis indicated that the CAG haplotype was significantly associated with increased Wilms tumor risk. In conclusion, our findings indicated that the AURKA rs8173 G>C polymorphism was associated with decreased Wilms tumor risk in Chinese children.

Association of XPG rs2094258 polymorphism with gastric cancer prognosis

BACKGROUND

The xeroderma pigmentosum group G (XPG) gene at chromosome 13q33 consists of 15 exons, which may be related to the occurrence and development of gastric cancer (GC).

AIM

To examine the association of several common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the XPG gene with GC risk and survival.

METHODS

Five SNPs of XPG (rs2094258, rs751402, rs873601, rs2296147, and rs1047768) were genotyped by PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism in 956 histologically confirmed GC cases and 1012 controls in North China. GC patients were followed for survival status and, if deceased, cause of death. Logistic regression and Cox regression were used for analysing associations of XPG SNPs with risk of GC and prognosis, respectively. For rs2094258, heterozygous model (CT vs CC), homozygous model (TT vs CC), recessive model (TT vs CT + CC), and dominant model (TT + CT vs CC) were analyzed.

RESULTS

None of the examined loci were statistically associated with GC risk, although rs2296147 was marginally associated with GC risk (P = 0.050). GC patients with the rs2094258 CT + CC genotype showed worse survival than those with the TT genotype (log-rank test, P = 0.028), and patients with the CC genotype had a tendency of unfavourable prognosis compared with those with the TT + CT genotype (log-rank test, P = 0.039). The increase in C alleles of rs2094258 [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.19, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02-1.45, P = 0.037] were associated with the long-term survival of GC cases. Other risk factors for survival included tumor differentiation (HR = 4.51, 95%CI: 1.99-8.23, P < 0.001), lymphovascular invasion (HR = 1.97, 95%CI: 1.44-3.01, P < 0.001), and use of chemotherapy (HR = 0.81, 95%CI: 0.63-0.98, P = 0.041).

CONCLUSION

The XPG rs2094258 polymorphism may be associated with overall survival in GC patients.

Contribution of interaction between genetic variants of interleukin-11 and Helicobacter pylori infection to the susceptibility of gastric cancer

Background

Gastric cancer (GC) ranks the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. We aimed to clarify the relevance of genetic variants of IL-11, a hub of various carcinogenic pathways, as well as their interactions with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in the development of GC.

Methods

A case-control study with 880 GC cases and 900 healthy controls was conducted in a Chinese population. Six tagSNPs were detected by Taqman Allelic Discrimination assay, while H. pylori status was detected by Typing Detection Kit for Antibody to H. pylori and serum IL-11 level was measured using ELISA method.

Results

We found that rs1126760 (C vs T: OR=1.39, 95% CIs=1.13-1.70, P=0.002) and rs1126757 (C vs T: OR=0.82, 95% CIs=0.72-0.93, P=0.002) were significantly associated with susceptibility of GC. Even adjusted for Bonferroni correction, the results were still significant (P=0.002×6=0.012). IL-11 rs1126760 was significantly associated with higher serum and expression level of IL-11, while rs1126757 was significantly associated with lower serum IL-11 level (P<0.001). Significant interaction with H. pylori infection was identified for rs1126760 (P for interaction =0.005). Higher expression of the IL-11 gene was significant with development and poor prognosis of GC.

Conclusion

Our study provides strong evidence that genetic variants of the IL-11 gene may interact with H. pylori infection and contribute to the development of GC. Further studies with larger sample size and functional experiments are needed to validate our findings.

KRAS rs7973450 A>G increases neuroblastoma risk in Chinese children: a four-center case-control study

BACKGROUND

Neuroblastoma is one of the most common extracranial solid pediatric tumors. KRAS plays an important role in regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in KRAS have been shown to modify susceptibility to multiple tumors, but no specific molecular epidemiology study was reported regarding neuroblastoma.

METHODS

We conducted a four-center case-control study to explore the association between KRAS gene polymorphisms (rs12587 G>T, rs7973450 A>G, rs7312175 G>A) and neuroblastoma susceptibility with 505 Chinese children and 1070 matched controls.

RESULTS

We found that rs7973450 A>G was associated with significantly increased neuroblastoma risk [GG vs. AA: adjusted odds ratio (OR)=4.26, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.28-14.19, P=0.018; GG vs. AA/AG: adjusted OR=4.27, 95% CI=1.28-14.24, P=0.018]. The stratified analysis further demonstrated that rs7973450 GG genotype carriers had a higher risk to develop neuroblastoma in the subgroups of males, tumor originated from the adrenal gland and clinical stages III+IV.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, our results suggested that rs7973450 A>G was associated with increased neuroblastoma risk.

Impact of PSCA gene polymorphisms in modulating gastric cancer risk in the Chinese population

Previous studies have identified the prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA) gene rs2294008 C > T and rs2976392 G > A polymorphisms to be associated with the risk of gastric cancer, the results of which are inconsistent. The present study aimed to evaluate the association between the two polymorphisms and the gastric cancer risk in the Chinese population. A hospital-based case-control study was conducted on 549 cases and 592 healthy controls. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were applied to evaluate the association of the two polymorphisms on the gastric cancer risk. We found that both rs2294008 (CT vs. CC, OR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.20-1.99, P<0.001 and CT+TT vs. CC, OR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.09-1.74, P=0.008) and rs2976392 (GA vs. GG, OR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.25-2.07, P<0.001 and GA+AA vs. GG, OR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.20-1.92, P<0.001) were associated with an increased gastric cancer. In the combined analysis of the two polymorphisms, subjects with more than one risk genotype have a significantly increased risk of gastric cancer (OR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.09-1.75, P=0.008) in comparison with those without any risk genotypes. In conclusion, our findings verified that the PSCA gene rs2294008 and rs2976392 polymorphisms were both significantly associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer in the Chinese population. Well-designed functional studies are to be warranted to confirm these findings.

Investigation of association between LINC00673 rs11655237 C>T and Wilms tumor susceptibility

BACKGROUND

Wilms tumor (WT) is the most common pediatric renal malignancy. Previous genome-wide association studies have identified that the LINC00673 rs11655237 C>T polymorphism is associated with the risk of several types of cancer. However, few studies have investigated the association between LINC00673 rs11655237 C>T and WT susceptibility.

METHOD

We genotyped LINC00673 rs11655237 C>T in 145 patients with WT and 531 cancer-free controls recruited from southern Chinese children. The strength of association was estimated by odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Our study indicated that there was no significant association between LINC00673 rs11655237 C>T polymorphism and WT risk under all the tested genetic models (CT vs CC: adjusted OR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.63-1.40; TT vs CC: adjusted OR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.22-1.59; TT/CT vs CC: adjusted OR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.61-1.31; and TT vs CC/CT: adjusted OR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.23-1.61). Further stratified analysis detected no significant association, either.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, we failed to find any association between the LINC00673 rs11655237 C>T polymorphism and WT risk. This finding needs to be verified in larger studies and other populations.

Polymorphisms in XPC Gene and Risk of Uterine Leiomyoma in Reproductive Women

XPC gene belongs to DNA repair pathway, which is involved in the development of uterine leiomyoma. However, its relationships with leiomyoma risk were never reported. We here hypothesized that XPC gene was associated with the risk of uterine leiomyoma. In this case-control study with a total of 391 leiomyoma cases and 493 tumor-free controls in a reproductive women population in South China, two missense polymorphisms rs2228001 A > C (Lys939Gln) and rs2228000 C > T (Ala499Val) were genotyped by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Then, the associations between these two polymorphisms and leiomyoma risk were investigated. It was revealed that the rs2228000 CT/TT variant genotypes had a decreased leiomyoma risk (adjusted odds ratio = 0.73, 95% confidence interval = 0.54-0.94) compared with rs2228000 CC genotype. Further stratified analysis also revealed that the protective effect of rs2228000 CT/TT on the risk of uterine leiomyoma was more evident among subjects who were younger than 35 years old compared with those with larger tumors (diameter of tumor >5 cm), and those with fewer number of myomas (only one). However, no significant association was observed for leiomyoma risk for rs2228001 A > C. This study indicated that genetic variations in XPC gene are associated with leiomyoma susceptibility in a reproductive women population. It warrants further confirmation in larger prospective studies with different populations.

Risk Modulation of Oral Pre Cancer and Cancer with Polymorphisms in XPD and XPG Genes in North Indian Population

Background:

Environmental carcinogens cause DNA damages which if not repaired properly, may increase the risk of cancer. The Xerodermapigmentosum group D (XPD) and group G (XPG) genes are essential genes for DNA repair and alteration in DNA repair causes cancer. The present study aimed to evaluate the relationship between XPD and XPG polymorphisms and risk of oral pre cancer and cancer.

Methods:

Present study genotyped 302 samples of oral diseases and 300 controls for XPD (A/C) and XPG (G/C) polymorphisms with PCR-RFLP method.

Results:

Our result showed that compared to AA genotype frequency of AC and CC genotype for XPD(A/C) polymorphism were significantly lower among cases than in control and are associated with decreased risk of oral diseases (OR= 0.621 and 0.603 respectively). In contrast with reference to GG genotype the frequency of CC genotype of XPG (G/C) was significantly higher in case than in control population (p value=0.004) and found to increase the risk of oral diseases (OR= 2.077). Particularly C allele for XPD A/C polymorphism was found to be associated with decreased risk of Lichen planus and increased risk of ( OR = 0.470 and 1.541 respectively) oral cancer. While C allele of XPG G/C polymorphism significantly increased the risk of Oral Submucous Fibrosis and Leukoplakia (OR= 1.879 and 1.837 respectively) but not of Lichen planus and oral cancer. In combined genotype analysis from the aforesaid polymorphisms presence of C allele for XPD (A/C) polymorphisms were found to decrease the risk of oral diseases. However, the same C allele was observed to increase the chance of having high stage disease (OR= 5.71) with nodal involvement (OR= 6.78) once the cancer been initiated.

Conclusion:

This work shows association of XPD (A/C), XPG (G/C) polymorphisms with the development of pre oral cancer as well as oral cancer and its clinical courses.

LIG3 gene polymorphisms and risk of gastric cancer in a Southern Chinese population

DNA ligase III (LIG3) has been implicated in the etiology of cancer. However, few studies have accessed the association of LIG3 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with gastric cancer risk, especially in Chinese population. The current study was undertaken to investigate contribution of LIG3 gene polymorphisms to gastric cancer risk. We first applied TaqMan assay to genotype three LIG3 gene SNPs (rs1052536 C > T, rs3744356 C > T, rs4796030 A > C) in 1142 patients with gastric cancer and 1173 healthy controls. And then, we adopted unconditional multivariate logistic regression analysis to estimate the association between LIG3 SNP genotypes and gastric cancer risk. In all, no positive association was found between the three LIG3 SNPs and gastric cancer risk in single locus analysis or combined risk genotypes analysis. However, compared with participants with rs4796030 AA genotype, participants with the AC/CC had a decreased risk of developing tumors from cardia at an adjusted OR of 0.68 (95% CI = 0.48-0.96, P = 0.026). In addition, we found that participants harboring 2-3 risk genotypes were at a significantly increased risk of developing tumor from cardia (adjusted OR = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.16-2.28, P = 0.005). These results suggest that genetic variations in LIG3 gene may play a weak role in modifying the risk of gastric cancer. Future functional studies should be performed to elucidate the biological role of LIG3 polymorphisms in gastric cancer carcinogenesis.

PARP1 gene polymorphisms and neuroblastoma susceptibility in Chinese children

Neuroblastoma is a heterogeneous cancer frequently occurring in childhood. Germline mutations of PARP1 oncogene are implicated in several types of cancer. However, whether common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in PARP1 gene are associated with neuroblastoma risk has received relatively few attentions. In this multi-center study, we aimed to elucidate the contributing role of PARP1 SNPs in neuroblastoma risk. We successfully genotyped three potentially functional PARP1 SNPs (rs1136410 A>G, rs2666428 T>C, rs8679 A>G) in 469 neuroblastoma cases and 998 controls. We did not detect any significant association between the analyzed SNPs and neuroblastoma risk in single SNP analysis. However, stratified analysis revealed that rs1136410 AG/GG carriers were more likely to develop tumors arising from mediastinum (AG/GG vs. AA: adjusted OR=1.65, 95% CI=1.06-2.56, P=0.028). Moreover, rs2666428 TC/CC carriers were at significantly lower risk to develop tumors from "other sites" (TC/CC vs. TT: adjusted OR=0.44, 95% CI=0.20-0.96, P=0.040). Our findings failed to provide evidence of the conferring role of the PARP1 gene polymorphisms in the risk of neuroblastoma. Further investigations of the association between PARP1 gene SNPs and neuroblastoma risk are warranted.

APEX1 Polymorphisms and Neuroblastoma Risk in Chinese Children: A Three-Center Case-Control Study

Neuroblastoma is a life-threatening extracranial solid tumor, preferentially occurring in children. However, its etiology remains unclear. APEX1 is a critical gene in the base excision repair (BER) system responsible for maintaining genome stability. Given the potential effects of APEX1 polymorphisms on the ability of the DNA damage repair, many studies have investigated the association between these variants and susceptibility to several types of cancer but not neuroblastoma. Here, we conducted a three-center case-control study to evaluate the association between APEX1 polymorphisms (rs1130409 T>G, rs1760944 T>G, and rs3136817 T>C) and neuroblastoma risk in Chinese children, consisting of 469 cases and 998 controls. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to evaluate the associations. No significant association with neuroblastoma risk was found for the studied APEX1 polymorphisms in the single locus or combination analysis. Interestingly, stratified analysis showed that rs1130409 GG genotype significantly reduced the risk of tumor in males. Furthermore, we found that carriers with 1-3 protective genotypes had a lower neuroblastoma risk in the children older than18 months and male, when compared to those without protective genotypes. In summary, our data indicate that APEX1 gene polymorphisms may have a weak effect on neuroblastoma susceptibility. These findings should be further validated by well-designed studies with larger sample size.

Associations between H19 polymorphisms and neuroblastoma risk in Chinese children

BackgroundH19 polymorphisms have been reported to correlate with an increased susceptibility to a few types of cancers, although their role in neuroblastoma has not yet been clarified.Materials and methods We investigated the association between three single polymorphisms (rs2839698 G>A, rs3024270 C>G, and rs217727 G>A) and neuroblastoma susceptibility in Chinese Han populations. Three hundred ninety-three neuroblastoma patients and 812 healthy controls were enrolled from the Henan and Guangdong provinces. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to determine the strength of the association of interest.Results Separated and combined analyses revealed no associations of the rs2839698 G>A, rs3024270 C>G or rs217727 G>A polymorphisms and neuroblastoma susceptibility. In the stratification analysis, female children with rs3024270 GG genotypes had an increased neuroblastoma risk (adjusted OR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.04-2.50, P=0.032).Conclusion The rs3024270 GG genotype might contribute to an increased neuroblastoma susceptibility in female Chinese children.