IL-8 -251A/T polymorphism is associated with decreased cancer risk among population-based studies: evidence from a meta-analysis

Enhancing antitumor immunity: the role of immune checkpoint inhibitors, anti-angiogenic therapy, and macrophage reprogramming

Cancer treatment has long been hindered by the complexity of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and the mechanisms that tumors employ to evade immune detection. Recently, the combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and anti-angiogenic therapies has emerged as a promising approach to improve cancer treatment outcomes. This review delves into the role of immunostimulatory molecules and ICIs in enhancing anti-tumor immunity, while also discussing the therapeutic potential of anti-angiogenic strategies in cancer. In particular, we highlight the critical role of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in angiogenesis. Moreover, we explore the potential of macrophage reprogramming to bolster anti-tumor immunity, with a focus on restoring macrophage phagocytic function, modulating hypoxic tumor environments, and targeting cytokines and chemokines that shape immune responses. By examining the underlying mechanisms of combining ICIs with anti-angiogenic therapies, we also review recent clinical trials and discuss the potential of biomarkers to guide and predict treatment efficacy.

Transcriptomic and histologic analyses preliminarily reveal the immune-metabolic response mechanism to saline-alkaline in large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea)

There are large areas of saline-alkaline waters worldwide, the utilization of which would greatly enhance the development of aquaculture productivity. To elucidate the regulatory mechanisms underlying the adaptation of large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) to saline-alkaline water, this study analyzed the growth performance, tissue histology, and gills transcriptome profiles of L. crocea in both seawater (CK) and saline-alkaline water (EX) groups. Growth indices statistics revealed that L. crocea can adapt to saline-alkaline water, with growth performance comparable to that of the CK group. Histological examination revealed partial cellular detachment and structural relaxation in the gills tissue of the EX group, while liver and kidney tissues appeared normal. Transcriptome analysis revealed 3821 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with 1541 DEGs up-regulated and 2280 DEGs down-regulated. GO enrichment analysis indicated that up-regulated DEGs were enriched in terms related to metabolite production during biological activities, while down-regulated DEGs were associated with terms related to maintaining cellular activities. KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that up-regulated DEGs were enriched in pathways related to the synthesis and metabolism of amino acids and lipids, such as the PPAR signaling pathway and glutathione metabolism. The down-regulated DEGs were predominantly enriched in immune-related signaling pathways, including the Toll-like receptor signaling pathway and NOD-like receptor signaling pathway. Further analysis revealed that genes such as lipoprotein lipase A (lpla), branched-chain amino acid aminotransferase 2 (bcat2), interleukin 8 (il8), interleukin 10 (il10), and interferon regulatory factor 7 (irf7) were involved in the adaptation of L. crocea to saline-alkaline water culture conditions. This study provides a basis for understanding the adaptability of large yellow croaker to saline-alkaline water and lays the foundation for the rational utilization of fishery water resources.

A Meta-Analysis of Association Between Interleukin Polymorphisms (rs4073, rs1800925, rs1179251, rs1179246, rs2227485, rs17855750, and rs153109) and Colorectal Cancer Risk

Interleukins (ILs) play a significant role in triggering the inflammatory response in blood vessels and immune cells. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to investigate the relationship between IL-8 (rs4073), IL-13 (rs1800925), IL-22 (rs1179251, rs1179246, and rs2227485), and IL-27 (rs17855750 and rs153109) polymorphisms and the risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC). Four databases were searched up until October 13, 2023, without any restrictions, to find relevant studies. The association was evaluated using crude odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals in five genetic models. A total of twenty-three articles were entered into the meta-analysis. The pooled ORs (p-values) for the IL-8 (rs4073) polymorphism were 0.98 (0.63), 0.93 (0.44), 0.89 (0.13), 0.94 (0.38), and 0.99 (0.90) for studies following HWE without heterogeneity, and for all studies with high heterogeneity were 1.03 (0.69), 1.30 (0.07), 1.04 (0.71), 1.12 (0.20), and 1.23 (0.06). For the IL-13 (rs1800925) polymorphism, the pooled ORs were 1.44 (0.06), 2.58 (0.0004), 1.72 (0.16), 1.82 (0.09), and 2.37 (0.001) in AHHDR models, respectively. The pooled ORs of IL-22 (rs1179251) polymorphism for AHHDR models were 0.97 (0.92), 0.92 (0.90), 0.98 (p = 0.95), 1.08 (0.87), and 0.96 (0.82), respectively. The pooled ORs of IL-22 (rs1179246) polymorphism for AHHDR models were 0.98 (0.67), 0.97 (0.80), 0.92 (0.36), 0.93 (0.42), and 1.02 (0.84), respectively. The pooled ORs of IL-22 (rs2227485) polymorphism for AHHDR models were 1.47 (0.02), 2.03 (0.02), 1.28 (0.29), 1.52 (0.06), and 1.70 (0.04), respectively. The pooled ORs of IL-27 (rs17855750) polymorphism for AHHDR models were 0.53 (0.46), 0.19 (0.28), 1.10 (0.60), 0.55 (0.58), and 0.27 (p = 0.05), respectively. The pooled ORs of IL-27 (rs153109) polymorphism for AHHDR models were 1.28 (0.007), 1.45 (0.002), 1.40 (0.0002), 1.41 (< 0.0001), and 1.20 (0.09), respectively. The results reported that just the TT genotype of IL-13 (rs1800925), the T allele and TT genotype of IL-22 (rs2227485), and the G allele and GG, AG and GG + AG genotypes of IL-27 (rs153109) polymorphisms had an elevated risk in CRC patients.

Expression of immune regulatory factors, chemokines and growth factors in differentiated gastric cancer cells treated with an anticancer bioactive peptide combined with oxaliplatin

Gastric cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors of the digestive system. An anticancer bioactive peptide (ACBP) was previously shown to have an important role in inhibiting the differentiation of the MKN-45, N87 and GES-1 cell lines. However, to date, research on the effects of inflammatory factors in MKN-45, N87 and GES-1 cell lines after treatment with ACBP combined with oxaliplatin (OXA) has not been performed. To investigate the expression of immune regulatory factors, tumor growth factors and chemotactic factors in differentiated gastric cancer cells treated with ACBP combined with OXA, the expression of cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-1 receptor antagonist, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6-10, IL-12, IL-13, IL-15, IL-17, Eotaxin, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interferon (IFN)-γ, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, IFN-γ-induced protein-10, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB, MIP-1β, regulated upon activation, normal T cell expressed and presumably secreted, TNF-α and VEGF, was assessed with cell experiments using the Bio-Plex ProT Human Cytokine 27-plex Assay. The results indicated that immune regulatory factor, tumor growth factor and chemotactic factor expression levels were different after treatment with ACBP alone or ACBP combined with OXA. IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-17, IL-9, IL-10, IL-15, bFGF, GM-CSF and PDGF-BB expression was decreased in MKN-45 and N87 cells after ACBP treatment (P<0.01) and ACBP+OXA treatment (P<0.01) compared with the control cells, which indicated that ACBP inhibited tumor growth by regulating these cytokines, and the combination treatment inhibited tumor growth by regulating these cytokines. MIP-1β, MCP-1 and IL-13 expression was decreased in MKN-45 and N87 cells after the combination treatment compared with ACBP treatment alone, which indicated that ACBP combined with OXA was able to inhibit tumor growth by regulating these cytokines, while the mechanism of action of the ACBP and OXA is actually different, e.g. for OXA, this would be to cause DNA damage response. Therefore, the ACBP and OXA combination treatment may be closely associated with tumor progression and metastasis with immunological competence by MCP-1, MIP-1β and IL-13 expression.

Identification of immune-related mechanisms of cetuximab induced skin toxicity in colorectal cancer patients

Skin rash is a well-known predictive marker of the response to cetuximab (Cmab) in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). However, the mechanism of skin rash development is not well understood. Following exposure to EGFR-targeted therapies, changes in IL-8 levels have been reported. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between skin rash and inflammatory cytokine levels, including IL-8. Between 2014 and 2017, we prospectively enrolled 38 mCRC patients who underwent chemotherapy with either Cmab or bevacizumab (Bmab) at two hospitals. We performed multiplex cytokine ELISA with 20 inflammatory cytokines including E-selectin, GM-CSF, IFN-alpha, IFN-γ, IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-13, IL-17A, IP-10, MCP-1, MIP-1 alpha, MIP-1 beta, P-selectin, sICAM-1, and TNF-alpha at baseline before cycle 1, 24 h after cycle 1, before cycle 2 (= 14 d), and before cycle 3 (= 28 d). Cytokine levels were compared using ANOVA after log-transformation. IL-8 genotypes in 30 patients treated with Cmab were determined using the polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism technique. Depending on the RAS mutational status, 30 and eight patients were treated with Cmab and Bmab-based chemotherapy, respectively. Skin rash developed in 23 (76.6%) of the 30 patients treated with Cmab plus FOLFIRI, after cycle 1. Only the mean log-transformed serum IL-8 level in patients with skin toxicity was statistically lower (2.83 ± 0.15) than in patients who did not experience skin toxicity (3.65 ± 0.27) and received Bmab (3.10 ± 0.26) (ANOVA test, p value = 0.0341). In addition, IL-8 polymorphism did not affect IL-8 levels, skin toxicity, or tumor response in Cmab treated patients. This study suggests that the inflammatory cytokine levels might be affected by Cmab exposure and are associated with the development of skin rash in mCRC patients. Further studies are warranted to evaluate this interaction in Cmab treated patients.

Interleukin-8 genetic diversity, haplotype structure and production differ in two ethnically distinct South African populations

A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), 251 bases upstream from the IL-8 transcription start (-251A>T, rs4073), has been extensively investigated in cancers and inflammatory and infectious diseases in predominantly European and Asian populations. We sequenced the IL-8 gene of 109 black and 32 white South African (SA) individuals and conducted detailed characterization of gene variation and haplotype structure. IL-8 production in phytohaemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of a subset (black: N = 22; white: N = 32) of these individuals was measured using ELISA. Select variants were genotyped for additional black individuals (N = 141), and data from the 1000 Genomes Project were used for haplotype analysis and comparative purposes. In white individuals, the -251A>T SNP formed part of a prevalent six-variant haplotype [haplotype frequency (HF): 61%], Hap-1C, involving the following variants: -251A>T; +394T>G (rs2227307); +780C>T (rs2227306); +1240->A (rs2227541); +1635C>T (rs2227543) and +2770A>T (rs2227543). Hap-1C (-251T+394T+780C+1240+A+1635C+2770A) was composed of two three-variant sub-haplotypes [Hap-1Ca: -251T+394T+1240+A; Hap-1Cb: +780C+1635C+2770A) sharing similarities with haplotypes identified in the black population. Hap-1C was found to be present in European, East and South Asian populations. Four haplotypes were identified in the black population with the two prevalent haplotypes each comprised of two variants: Hap-1B [-251A>T and +1240->A; -251T+1240+A; HF: 14%] and Hap-2B [-743T>C (rs2227532) and +2452A>C (rs2227545); -743C+2452C; HF: 13%]. Populations did not differ in unstimulated PBMC IL-8 production. Upon PHA stimulation, PBMCs from white individuals produced more IL-8 (P = 0.04), suggesting the -251T allele is responsible for higher production, however further analysis revealed that Hap-1C (and constituent sub-haplotypes), did not associate with IL-8 production. Populations did however differ in monocyte number with the white population having significantly more monocytes compared to the black population (P = 0.025), and furthermore monocyte number strongly correlated with IL-8 production in both population groups (black: p = 0.0002, r = 0.71; white: P = 0.0005, r = 0.59). Hap-1B, Hap-2B, and a SNP located one base pair upstream of the IL-8 ATG start codon, +100C>T SNP (rs2227538), all associated with higher IL-8 production in the black population - individuals harbouring at least one of these haplotypes/variant associated with higher IL-8 production (P = 0.003) compared to individuals without. The black population was enriched for individuals harbouring Hap-1B and/or Hap-2B compared to the 1000 Genomes project sub-Saharan African population (P = 0.006), suggesting that SA black individuals may be high IL-8 producers. Given the paucity of IL-8-related studies that have been conducted in populations from sub-Saharan Africa, this study has significantly increased our understanding of this important chemokine in the South African population.

Long Noncoding RNA HULC Promoter Polymorphism rs1041279 Is Associated with an Increased Risk of Cervical Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma upregulated long noncoding RNA (HULC), identified as an oncogene in cervical cancer, is involved in not only the clinical stage, lymph node metastasis, and depth of cervical invasion but also outcome. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between 3 polymorphisms (i.e., rs1041279, rs3005167, and rs7770772) in the promoter of HULC and the risk of cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC). The polymorphisms were genotyped using the multiplex ligase detection reaction assay. The promoter activity was measured using the dual-luciferase reporter assay kit. The rs1041279 GG genotype and G allele revealed a significantly higher risk of CSCC compared with the rs1041279 CC genotype and C allele (GG vs. CC, adjusted OR = 1.79, 95% CI, 1.17-2.73, P = 0.007; G vs. C, adjusted OR = 1.36, 95% CI, 1.09-1.69, P = 0.006). Haplotype analysis revealed that the rs3005167C-rs7770772G-rs1041279C or rs3005167C-rs7770772G-rs1041279G haplotype had a significantly higher risk of CSCC compared to the rs3005167G-rs7770772G-rs1041279C haplotype (CGC vs. GGC, OR = 2.38, 95% CI, 1.53-3.75, P < 0.001; CGG vs. GGC, OR = 3.76, 95% CI, 2.12-6.68, P < 0.001). Dual-luciferase reporter assay showed that the rs1041279 G promoter resulted in higher transcriptional activity compared with the rs1041279 C (P < 0.01). Additionally, the rs1041279 GG genotype carriers had an increased level of HULC expression (P = 0.03). These findings suggest that the HULC rs1041279 may be a useful marker for the etiology of CSCC.

Association of IL-8 gene promoter -251 A/T and IL-18 gene promoter -137 G/C polymorphisms with head and neck cancer risk: a comprehensive meta-analysis

Purpose

No consensus exists on the impact of polymorphisms in cytokines (such as interleukin IL-8 and IL-18) on cancer risk; moreover, there is very little evidence regarding head and neck cancer (HNC).

Methods

Thus, a meta-analysis including 22 studies with 4731 cases and 8736 controls was conducted to evaluate this association. The summary odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 8 (CXCL8, which encodes IL-8) and IL-18 polymorphisms and HNC risk were estimated.

Results

The results showed a significantly increased risk of HNC susceptibility for IL18 −137 G/C in five genetic models, but, interestingly, no significant association was found for the CXCL8 −251 A/T polymorphism. When stratified by cancer type, an increased risk of nasopharyngeal cancer was found for both −137 G/C and −251A/T. When the studies were stratified by ethnicity and genotyping method, there were significant associations between Asian populations and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) studies for −137 G/C, and African populations for −251 A/T in some genetic models. A positive association was also found between the population-based groups in some models for −137 G/C; conversely, significantly decreased risk was found among the −251 A/T hospital-based group. Meta-regression was also conducted. The publication year, control source, and cancer type contributed to CXCL8 −251 A/T heterogeneity; however, no factors were found that contributed to IL-18 −137 G/C heterogeneity. Marginal significance was found in the recessive model for IL-18 −137 G/C by Egger’s test, whereas no publication bias was detected for CXCL8 −251 A/T.

Conclusions

The results indicate that the IL-18 −137 G/C polymorphism is associated with HNC risk, especially nasopharyngeal cancer, in Asian populations and, when using PCR-RFLP, CXCL8 −251 A/T polymorphisms play a complex role in HNC development.

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

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

Pathogenesis of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms: Role and Mechanisms of Chronic Inflammation

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are a heterogeneous group of clonal diseases characterized by the excessive and chronic production of mature cells from one or several of the myeloid lineages. Recent advances in the biology of MPNs have greatly facilitated their molecular diagnosis since most patients present with mutation(s) in the JAK2, MPL, or CALR genes. Yet the roles played by these mutations in the pathogenesis and main complications of the different subtypes of MPNs are not fully elucidated. Importantly, chronic inflammation has long been associated with MPN disease and some of the symptoms and complications can be linked to inflammation. Moreover, the JAK inhibitor clinical trials showed that the reduction of symptoms linked to inflammation was beneficial to patients even in the absence of significant decrease in the JAK2-V617F mutant load. These observations suggested that part of the inflammation observed in patients with JAK2-mutated MPNs may not be the consequence of JAK2 mutation. The aim of this paper is to review the different aspects of inflammation in MPNs, the molecular mechanisms involved, the role of specific genetic defects, and the evidence that increased production of certain cytokines depends or not on MPN-associated mutations, and to discuss possible nongenetic causes of inflammation.

Association of IL8 -105G/A with mastitis somatic cell score in Chinese Holstein dairy cows

The single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the 5' upstream of bovine IL8 gene were investigated in 810 Chinese Holstein cows from 35 bull families in a dairy farm in Shanghai using polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) technique. The Real-time PCR and Western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein levels of genotype Chinese Holstein dairy cows. The results showed that one SNP -105G>A was detected, designating three genotypes (GG, GA and AA) with respective frequencies of 0.38, 0.46, and 0.16. The significant association of the SNP -105G>A with somatic cell score (SCS) was identified. Genotype GG had a significantly lower SCS than genotype GA or AA (P < 0.01), and the relative mRNA expression and protein level of GG was found to be the highest. These results suggest that the genotype GG may be a useful genetic marker for mastitis resistance selection and breeding in Chinese Holstein dairy cows.

Low IL-8 is associated with anxiety in suicidal patients: genetic variation and decreased protein levels

OBJECTIVE

Recent studies indicate that inflammation may play a role in the pathophysiology of suicidality. Interleukin-8 (IL-8) is a chemokine that in addition to its function in the immune system also exert neuroprotective properties. The involvement of this chemokine in neuropsychiatric conditions is incompletely known.

METHOD

We measured plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) IL-8, as well as the genotype frequency of a single nucleotide polymorphism (-251A/T, rs4073) in the promoter region of the IL8 gene, in suicide attempters (n=206) and healthy controls (n=578).

RESULTS

Plasma and CSF levels of IL-8 were significantly lower in suicide attempters with anxiety than in healthy controls. IL-8 in both plasma and CSF correlated negatively with symptoms of anxiety. Compared with the population-based cohort, the IL-8-251T allele was more prevalent among female suicide attempters. Furthermore, suicide attempters carrying this allele showed more severe anxiety. This correlative study warrants further mechanistic studies on the effects of IL-8 in the central nervous system.

CONCLUSION

We suggest that IL-8 might be involved in the biological mechanisms mediating resilience to anxiety. Thus, our findings highlight the chemokine IL-8 as a potential target for future development of anti-anxiety treatments and suicide prevention.

TGFβ and IL10 have an impact on risk group and prognosis in childhood ALL

BACKGROUND

Cytokines and their genes have been described to have an influence on incidence and prognosis in malignant, infectious and autoimmune disease. We previously described the impact of cytokine production on prognosis in paediatric standard-risk acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL).

PROCEDURE

In this study, we investigated the influence of cytokine gene polymorphisms (TNFα, TGFβ, IL10 and IFNγ) on frequency, risk group and prognosis in 95 paediatric ALL-patients. We further report on intracellular production of these cytokines in T-cells.

RESULTS

IL10 high-producer-haplotypes were reduced in ALL-patients compared with healthy controls and resulted in a reduced relapse rate compared with low-producer haplotypes. TGFβ high-producer-haplotypes were correlated with a high initial blast-count (codon 25: G/G) and were elevated in high-risk ALL-patients (codon 10: T/T). IL10 was positively and IFNγ-production was negatively correlated with initial blast-count. At diagnosis the expression of TNFα and IFNγ was reduced in patients compared with healthy controls. This was more pronounced in high-risk and in T-ALL-patients.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that gene-polymorphisms of the regulatory/anti-inflammatory cytokines, TGFβ and IL10, but not of the pro-inflammatory cytokines, IFNγ and TNFα, have an impact on prognosis and risk-group of ALL. However, the reduced capacity to produce pro-inflammatory cytokines at diagnosis may serve as another important, functional risk factor. These data may help in further risk stratification and adaptation of therapy-intensity in paediatric patients with ALL.

Age-related macular degeneration: insights into inflammatory genes

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects approximately 8.7% of elderly people worldwide (>55 years old). AMD is characterized by a multifactorial aetiology that involves several genetic and environmental risk factors (genes, ageing, smoking, family history, dietary habits, oxidative stress, and hypertension). In particular, ageing and cigarette smoking (including oxidative compounds and reactive oxygen species) have been shown to significantly increase susceptibility to the disease. Furthermore, different genes (CFH, CFI, C2, C3, IL-6, IL-8, and ARMS2) that play a crucial role in the inflammatory pathway have been associated with AMD risk. Several genetic and molecular studies have indicated the participation of inflammatory molecules (cytokines and chemokines), immune cells (macrophages), and complement proteins in the development and progression of the disease. Taking into consideration the genetic and molecular background, this review highlights the genetic role of inflammatory genes involved in AMD pathogenesis and progression.

Association between interleukin-8 -251A/T polymorphism and risk of lung cancer: a meta-analysis

This study is to evaluate the association between IL-8 -251A/T polymorphism and lung cancer risk in diverse populations. We performed a meta-analysis of six case-control studies that included 3,265 lung-cancer cases and 3,607 case-free controls. Overall, results showed that the IL-8 -251A/T polymorphism was not associated with a significantly increased risk of lung cancer in all genetic models. However, stratified by ethnicity, a significantly increased risk was found among Asians. In conclusion, IL-8 -251A/T polymorphism is associated with lung cancer susceptibility in Asians and the -251 A allele may increase risk of lung cancer in Asians.

The polymorphism interleukin-8 -251A/T is associated with a significantly increased risk of cancers from a meta-analysis

Emerging evidences show that interleukin-8 (IL-8) has important regulatory functions in tumorigenesis. IL-8 -251A/T is a single nucleotide polymorphism in the promoter region of the IL-8 gene and affects IL-8 production. Analysis of previous studies on the association of -251A/T polymorphism with different cancer types remained to be illustrated. To further assess the effect of -251A/T polymorphism on cancer risks, we performed this meta-analysis, up to November 2013, of 12,917 cases with different cancer types and 17,689 controls from 47 published case-control designed studies. Statistical analyses were performed using STATA 11.0 software. Crude odds ratios (ORs) with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the strength of associations. ORs with 95 % CIs for IL-8 -251A/T polymorphism and cancer were estimated using fixed- and random-effects models when appropriate. Significantly increased risks were found in overall under the models of A allele vs. T allele, AA vs. TT, and AA vs. AT/TT. Significantly elevated risks were observed in breast cancer under the models of A allele vs. T allele, AT vs. TT, AA/AT vs. TT, and AA vs. AT/TT, and in nasopharyngeal carcinoma under the models of AT vs. TT, AA/AT vs. TT, and AA vs. AT/TT. We found that significantly elevated risks were observed in the Asian population and hospital-based studies in all comparison models. Thus, this meta-analysis indicates that IL-8 -251A/T polymorphism is associated with a significantly increased risk of cancers and may provide evidence-based medical certificate to study the cancer susceptibility.

Lack of association of a common polymorphism in the 3' -UTR of interleukin 8 with non small cell lung cancer in Kashmir

BACKGROUND

Chronic inflammation is considered as an important factor in the pathogenesis of lung cancer. The presence of inflammatory cells and higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the tumor microenvironment and their surrounding tissues is gaining much importance in research.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred ninety NSCLC cases and 200 age, smoking and sex matched controls were evaluated for association of IL-8 -251 (rs4073) and IL-8 -845 (rs2227532) in our population. Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) was used followed by direct sequencing for the detection of SNPs.

RESULTS

The IL-8 -845 polymorphism was not found in our population. No significant association was observed between the IL-8 -251 AT genotypes and IL-8 -25 AA genotypes and NSCLC (p=0.05) in our population. The IL-8 -251 A allele was also non-significant (p=0.05) in NSCLC patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, this report reveals lack of association between IL-8 - 251 A/T polymorphism and NSCLC in our Kashmir Valley population.

Interleukin-4 and -8 gene polymorphisms and risk of gastric cancer in a population in Southwestern China

BACKGROUND

Gastric carcinogenesis is a complicated process that involves environmental and genetic factors like interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-8. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in their genes are associated with changed levels of gene expression. Here, we investigated the association between IL4-590 C>T and IL8-251T>A and gastric cancer (GC) risk in Sichuan of Southwestern China.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We surveyed the research subjects using a self-designed questionnaire with questions on demographic factors and putative risk factors. Approximately 2-5ml of whole blood was collected after field survey to analyze IL4-590 C>T and IL8-251T>A genotypes using MALDI-TOF MS.

RESULTS

Our study recruited 308 pairs of GC patients and controls, including 224 (72.7%) men and 84 (27.3%) women in each group. There were 99 cardia and 176 noncardia GC patients in the case group. The case and control groups had an average age of 57.7±10.6 (mean±SD) and 57.6±11.1 years. GC patients reported a significantly greater proportion of family history of cancer (29.9% vs 10.7%, p<0.01) and drinking (54.6% vs 43.2%, p<0.01) than did controls. Variant genotypes of IL-4-590 C>T and IL-8-251 T>A were not associated with overall GC risk (adjusted OR, 0.89; 95%CI, 0.61-1.28 for CT or CC vs TT; adjusted OR, 1.14; 95%CI, 0.86-1.79 for TA or AA vs TT). Stratification analysis of two SNPs for risk by subsites only found that variant IL-8-251 TA or AA genotype was associated with increased noncardia GC risk (adjusted OR, 2.58; 95%CI, 1.19-5.57). We did not observe interactions between the IL-8-251 T>A genotype and smoking (adjusted OR, 0.38; 95%CI, 0.08-1.79) or drinking (adjusted OR, 0.36; 95%CI, 0.08-1.65) for risk of noncardia GC.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicate no association between the two SNPs of IL-4-590 and IL-8-251 with overall GC risk, while the IL-8-251 TA or AA genotype conferred risk of cardia GC. Our findings contribute to the evidence body for risk of SNPs associated with the development of gastric cancer in this region.

Haplotypes in IL-8 Gene Are Associated to Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Case-Control Study

Background

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the main cause of blindness in the developed world. The etiology of AMD is multifactorial due to the interaction between genetic and environmental factors. IL-8 has a role in inflammation and angiogenesis; we report the genetic characterization of IL-8 allele architecture and evaluate the role of SNPs or haplotypes in the susceptibility to wet AMD, case-control study.

Methods

Case-control study including 721 AMD patients and 660 controls becoming from Italian population. Genotyping was carried out by Real Time-PCR. Differences in the frequencies were estimated by the chi-square test. Direct sequencing was carried out by capillary electrophoresis trough ABI3130xl.

Results

rs2227306 showed a p–value of 4.15*10⁻⁵ and an Odds Ratio (OR) for T allele of 1.39 [1.19–1.62]. After these positive results, we sequenced the entire IL-8 regulatory and coding regions of 60 patients and 30 controls stratified for their genotype at rs2227306. We defined two different haplotypes involving rs4073 (A/T), rs2227306 (C/T), rs2227346 (C/T) and rs1126647 (A/T): A-T-T-T (p-value: 2.08*10⁻⁹; OR: 1.68 [1.43–1.97]) and T-C-C-A (p-value: 7.07*10⁻¹¹; OR: 0.60 [0.51–0.70]). To further investigate a potential functional role of associated haplotypes, we performed an expression study on RNA extracted from whole blood of 75 donors to verify a possible direct correlation between haplotype and gene expression, failing to reveal significant differences.

Conclusions

These results suggest a possible secondary role of IL-8 gene in the development of the disease. This paper outlines the importance of association between inflammation and AMD. Moreover IL-8 is a new susceptibility genomic biomarker of AMD.

Comparative study and meta-analysis of meta-analysis studies for the correlation of genomic markers with early cancer detection

A large number of common disorders, including cancer, have complex genetic traits, with multiple genetic and environmental components contributing to susceptibility. A literature search revealed that even among several meta-analyses, there were ambiguous results and conclusions. In the current study, we conducted a thorough meta-analysis gathering the published meta-analysis studies previously reported to correlate any random effect or predictive value of genome variations in certain genes for various types of cancer. The overall analysis was initially aimed to result in associations (1) among genes which when mutated lead to different types of cancer (e.g. common metabolic pathways) and (2) between groups of genes and types of cancer. We have meta-analysed 150 meta-analysis articles which included 4,474 studies, 2,452,510 cases and 3,091,626 controls (5,544,136 individuals in total) including various racial groups and other population groups (native Americans, Latinos, Aborigines, etc.). Our results were not only consistent with previously published literature but also depicted novel correlations of genes with new cancer types. Our analysis revealed a total of 17 gene-disease pairs that are affected and generated gene/disease clusters, many of which proved to be independent of the criteria used, which suggests that these clusters are biologically meaningful.

Polymorphism of inflammatory genes and arsenic methylation capacity are associated with urothelial carcinoma

Chronic exposure to arsenic can generate reactive oxidative species, which can induce certain proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8). TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8 have been shown to be involved in the development and progression of various cancers, including bladder cancer. This study aimed to investigate the joint effect of the polymorphism of TNF-α -308 G/A, IL-6 -174 G/C, IL-8 -251 T/A and urinary arsenic profiles on urothelial carcinoma (UC) risk. This study evaluated 300 pathologically-confirmed cases of UC and 594 cancer-free controls. Urinary arsenic species were detected using high-performance liquid chromatography-linked hydride generator and atomic absorption spectrometry. The polymorphism of TNF-α -308 G/A, IL-6 -174 G/C and IL-8 -251 T/A was determined using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. The joint effects on UC risk were estimated by odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals using unconditional logistic regression. We found that the TNF-α -308 A/A and IL-8 -251 T/T polymorphisms were significantly associated with UC. Moreover, significant dose-response joint effect of TNF-α -308 A/A or IL-8 -251 T/T genotypes and arsenic methylation indices were seen to affect UC risk. The present results also showed a significant increase in UC risk in subjects with the IL-8 -251 T/T genotype for each SD increase in urinary total arsenic and MMA%. In contrast, a significant decrease in UC risk was found in subjects who carried the IL-8 -251 T/T genotype for each SD increase in DMA%.

Common polymorphisms in angiogenesis

A wide variety of diseases have a significant genetic component, including major causes of morbidity and mortality in the western world. Many of these diseases are also angiogenesis dependent. In humans, common polymorphisms, although more subtle in effect than rare mutations that cause Mendelian disease, are expected to have greater overall effects on human disease. Thus, common polymorphisms in angiogenesis-regulating genes may affect the response to an angiogenic stimulus and thereby affect susceptibility to or progression of such diseases. Candidate gene studies have identified several associations between angiogenesis gene polymorphisms and disease. Similarly, emerging pharmacogenomic evidence indicates that several angiogenesis-regulating polymorphisms may predict response to therapy. In contrast, genome-wide association studies have identified only a few risk alleles in obvious angiogenesis genes. As in other traits, regulatory polymorphisms appear to dominate the landscape of angiogenic responsiveness. Rodent assays, including the mouse corneal micropocket assay, tumor models, and a macular degeneration model have allowed the identification and comparison of loci that directly affect the trait. Complementarity between human and animal approaches will allow increased understanding of the genetic basis for angiogenesis-dependent disease.

Genetic variants in the chemokines and chemokine receptors in Chagas disease

Clinical symptoms of Chagas' disease occur in 30% of the individuals infected with Trypanosoma cruzi and are characterised by heart inflammation and dysfunction. Chemokines and chemokine receptors control the migration of leukocytes during the inflammatory process and are involved in the modulation of Th1 or Th2 responses. To determine their influence, we investigated the possible role of CCL5/RANTES and CXCL8/IL8 chemokines, and CCR2 and CCR5 chemokines receptors cluster gene polymorphisms with the development of chagasic cardiomyopathy. Our study included 260 Chagas seropositive individuals (asymptomatic, n=130; cardiomyopathic, n=130) from an endemic area of Colombia. Genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and TaqMan SNP genotyping assay. We found statistically significant differences in the distribution of the CCR5 human haplogroup (HH)-A (p=0.027; OR=3.78, 95% CI=1.04-13.72). Moreover, we found that the CCR5-2733 G and CCR5-2554 T alleles are associated, respectively, with a reduced risk of susceptibility and severity to develop chagasic cardiomyopathy. No other associations were found to be significant for the other polymorphisms analysed in the CCR5, CCR2, CCL5/RANTES and CXCL8/IL8 genes. Our data suggest that the analysed chemokines and chemokine receptor genetic variants have a weak but important association with the development of chagasic cardiomyopathy in the population under study.

A meta-analysis of interleukin-8 -251 promoter polymorphism associated with gastric cancer risk

Background

Potential functional allele A/T single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of Interleukin 8 (IL-8) promoter -251has been implicated in gastric cancer risk.

Methods

We aimed to explore the role of A/T SNP of IL-8 -251 in the susceptibility to gastric cancer through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Each initially included article was scored for quality appraisal. Desirable data were extracted and registered into databases. Eighteen studies were ultimately eligible for the meta-analysis of IL-8 - 251 A/T SNP. We adopted the most probably appropriate genetic model (codominant model). Potential sources of heterogeneity were sought out via stratification and sensitivity analyses, and publication biases were estimated.

Results

Between IL-8 -251 AA genotype with gastric cancer risk, statistically significant association could be noted with overall gastric cancer, evidently noted in Asians, witnessed in high quality subgroup, and apparently noted in intestinal-type gastric cancer.

Conclusions

Our meta-analysis indicates that IL-8 -251 AA genotype is associated with the overall risk of developing gastric cancer and may seem to be more susceptible to overall gastric cancer in Asian populations. IL-8 -251 AA genotype is more associated with the intestinal-type gastric cancer. IL-8 -251 AA genotype is not associated with Helicobacter Pylori infection status in our meta-analysis.

Impact

The analyses suggest that IL-8 -251 AA genotype may be an important biomarker of gastric cancer susceptibility for Asians, especially for Chinese Han population, the assumption that needs to be further confirmed in future well-designed studies in China.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms as susceptibility, prognostic, and therapeutic markers of nonsmall cell lung cancer

Lung cancer is a major public health problem throughout the world. Among the most frequent cancer types (prostate, breast, colorectal, stomach, lung), lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Among the two major subtypes of small cell lung cancer and nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC), 85% of tumors belong to the NSCLC histological types. Small cell lung cancer is associated with the shortest survival time. Although tobacco smoking has been recognized as the major risk factor for lung cancer, there is a great interindividual and interethnic difference in risk of developing lung cancer given exposure to similar environmental and lifestyle factors. This may indicate that in addition to chemical and environmental factors, genetic variations in the genome may contribute to risk modification. A common type of genetic variation in the genome, known as single nucleotide polymorphism, has been found to be associated with susceptibility to lung cancer. Interestingly, many of these polymorphisms are found in the genes that regulate major pathways of carcinogen metabolism (cytochrome P450 genes), detoxification (glutathione S-transferases), adduct removal (DNA repair genes), cell growth/apoptosis (TP53/MDM2), the immune system (cytokines/chemokines), and membrane receptors (nicotinic acetylcholine and dopaminergic receptors). Some of these polymorphisms have been shown to alter the level of mRNA, and protein structure and function. In addition to being susceptibility markers, several of these polymorphisms are emerging to be important for response to chemotherapy/radiotherapy and survival of patients. Therefore, it is hypothesized that single nucleotide polymorphisms will be valuable genetic markers in individual-based prognosis and therapy in future. Here we will review some of the most important single nucleotide polymorphisms in the metabolic pathways that may modulate susceptibility, prognosis, and therapy in NSCLC.

Impact of interleukin-8 gene polymorphisms and environmental factors on oral cancer susceptibility in Taiwan

OBJECTIVES

Interleukin-8 (IL-8), which is an angiogenic chemokine with a high expression level in tumor tissues, plays important roles in developing many human malignancies including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). This study was designed to examine the association of IL-8 gene polymorphisms with the susceptibility and clinicopathological characteristics of OSCC.

METHODS

A total of 270 patients with OSCC and 350 healthy control subjects were recruited. Four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of IL-8 genes were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) genotyping analysis.

RESULTS

Results showed that four IL-8 SNPs (-251 T/A, +781 C/T, +1633 C/T, and +2767 A/T) were not associated with oral cancer susceptibility as well as clinicopathological parameters. But among 345 smokers, IL-8 polymorphisms carriers with betel quid chewing were found to have a 17.41- to 23.14-fold risk to have oral cancer compared to IL-8 wild-type carriers without betel quid chewing. Among 262 betel quid chewers, IL-8 polymorphisms carriers with smoking have a 10.54- to 20.44-fold risk to have oral cancer compared to those who carried wild type without smoking.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that the combination of IL-8 gene polymorphisms and environmental carcinogens might be highly related to the risk of oral cancer.

Relationship of interleukin-8 gene polymorphisms with hepatocellular carcinoma susceptibility and pathological development

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most frequent malignant neoplasms worldwide, and the second leading cause of death from cancer in Taiwan. Interleukin-8 (IL-8) is an angiogenic chemokine with important roles in the development and progression of many human malignancies including HCC. This study investigates the effects of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the IL-8 gene on the susceptibility and clinicopathological characteristics of HCC.

METHODS

One hundred thirty-one HCC patients and 340 control subjects were analyzed for four IL-8 SNPs (-251 T/A, +781 C/T, +1633 C/T, and +2767 A/T) using PCR-RFLP genotyping analysis.

RESULTS

After adjusting for other confounders, results show that individuals with the IL-8 +781 T/T polymorphic genotype had a significantly lower risk of developing HCC than those with the wild-type (C/C) genotype (AOR = 0.346; 95% CI: 0.132-0.909). Multiple regression analysis showed that the presence of T/A or A/A at IL-8 -251 may indicate higher potential risk of hepatitis B infection (AOR = 2.847; 95% CI: 1.083-8.656). Additionally, these four IL-8 SNPs did not associate with liver-related clinicopathological markers in serum.

CONCLUSIONS

Genetic polymorphism at IL-8 +781 is an important factor in determining susceptibility to HCC in the Taiwanese population.

-251 T/A polymorphism of the interleukin-8 gene and cancer risk: a HuGE review and meta-analysis based on 42 case-control studies

The -251T/A (rs4073), a single nucleotide polymorphism, has been identified in the promoter region of the interleukin-8 (IL-8) gene. It's presence could influence the production of IL-8 protein by regulating the transcriptional activity of the gene. A large number of studies have been performed to evaluate the role of -251T/A polymorphism on various cancers, with inconsistent results being reported. In this paper, we summarized 13,189 cases and 16,828 controls from 42 case-control studies and attempted to assess the susceptibility of -251T/A polymorphism to cancers by a comprehensive meta-analysis. Pooled odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated by using the random-effects model. Publication bias, subgroup, and sensitivity analysis were also performed. Results showed that the carriers of the -251A allele had about a 12-21% increased risk for the reviewed cancer, in total. The carriers of -251A had an elevated risk to breast cancer, gastric cancer and nasopharyngeal cancer and a reduced risk to prostate cancer, but no evidence was found to indicate that the -251A allele predisposed its carriers to colorectal and lung cancers. When stratified separately by 'racial descent' and 'study design', it was found that the carriers of the -251A allele among the African group, Asian group and hospital-based case-control study group were at a higher risk for cancer, but not in European group and population-based case-control study. These results show that -251A allele is susceptible in the development of low-penetrance cancers.

The association between ATM D1853N polymorphism and breast cancer susceptibility: a meta-analysis

Background

Emerging evidence suggests that ataxia telangiectasia-mutated (ATM) is involved in numerous damage repair signaling pathways and cell-cycle checkpoints. Heterozygous carriers of ATM-mutations have an increased risk for the development of breast cancer. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the association between ATM exon39 5557G > A (D1853N, rs1801516) polymorphism and breast cancer susceptibility with the use of a meta-analysis.

Methods

By searching PubMed and Embase databases, a total of 9 epidemiological studies with 4,191 cases and 3,780 controls were identified. Crude odds ratios (ORs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for ATM D1853N polymorphism and breast cancer risk were calculated using fixed- or random-effects model based on the degree of heterogeneity among studies.

Results

No significant association between the ATM D1853N polymorphism and breast cancer risk was observed in overall analysis (GA versus GG: OR = 1.18; 95% CI, 0.90-1.53; AA versus GG: OR = 0.77; 95% CI, 0.58-1.03; dominant model: OR = 1.16; 95% CI, 0.89-1.51; and recessive model: OR = 0.78; 95% CI, 0.59-1.04, respectively).

Conclusion

Our results indicate that ATM D1853N polymorphism is not a risk factor for developing breast cancer.

RAD51 135G/C polymorphism and breast cancer risk: a meta-analysis from 21 studies

Growing evidence suggests that RAD51 plays a pivotal role in the repair of DNA double-strand breaks and the maintenance of genomic stability. A single nucleotide polymorphism, 135G/C, has been identified in the 5' untranslated region of the RAD51 gene and has been shown to influence gene transcription activity. Previous studies yielded conflicting results as to the association of 135G/C polymorphism with breast cancer. We aimed to assess the effect of 135G/C of RAD51 on breast cancer susceptibility with the use of a meta-analysis. We performed a meta-analysis of 21 published case-control studies up to April 2010. We found that the CC genotype was associated with a significantly increased risk of breast cancer when compared with the GG, CG, and CG/GG genotypes. Subgroup analyses showed that individuals carrying the CC genotype were associated with an elevated tumor risk in European populations and in sporadic breast cancer. After stratified analyses according to manuscript quality, the CC genotype was associated with a significantly increased risk of breast cancer compared with the CG genotype in studies of both higher and lower quality. However, significantly elevated risk was found in studies of higher quality, but not in studies of lower quality when homozygote and a recessive comparison model were tested. This meta-analysis indicates that RAD51 135G/C polymorphism may be identified as a susceptibility locus for breast cancer.