Association between pro-(IL-8) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokine variants and their serum levels and H. pylori-related gastric carcinogenesis in northern India

Exploring the pathogenesis of chronic atrophic gastritis with atherosclerosis via microarray data analysis

Although several studies have reported a link between chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) and atherosclerosis, the underlying mechanisms have not been elucidated. The present study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms common to both diseases from a bioinformatics perspective. Gene expression profiles were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Data on atherosclerosis and CAG were downloaded from the GSE28829 and GSE60662 datasets, respectively. We identified the differentially expressed genes co-expressed in CAG and atherosclerosis before subsequent analyses. We constructed and identified the hub genes and performed functional annotation. Finally, the transcription factor (TF)-target genes regulatory network was constructed. In addition, we validated core genes and certain TFs. We identified 116 common differentially expressed genes after analyzing the 2 datasets (GSE60662 and GSE28829). Functional analysis highlighted the significant contribution of immune responses and the positive regulation of tumor necrosis factor production and T cells. In addition, phagosomes, leukocyte transendothelial migration, and cell adhesion molecules strongly correlated with both diseases. Furthermore, 16 essential hub genes were selected with cytoHubba, including PTPRC, TYROBP, ITGB2, LCP2, ITGAM, FCGR3A, CSF1R, IRF8, C1QB, TLR2, IL10RA, ITGAX, CYBB, LAPTM5, CD53, CCL4, and LY86. Finally, we searched for key gene-related TFs, especially SPI1. Our findings reveal a shared pathogenesis between CAG and atherosclerosis. Such joint pathways and hub genes provide new insights for further studies.

Modeling the Progression of Placental Transport from Early- to Late-Stage Pregnancy by Tuning Trophoblast Differentiation and Vascularization

The early-stage placental barrier is characterized by a lack of fetal circulation and by a thick trophoblastic barrier, whereas the later-stage placenta consists of vascularized chorionic villi encased in a thin, differentiated trophoblast layer, ideal for nutrient transport. In this work, predictive models of early- and late-stage placental transport are created using blastocyst-derived placental stem cells (PSCs) by modulating PSC differentiation and model vascularization. PSC differentiation results in a thinner, fused trophoblast layer, as well as an increase in human chorionic gonadotropin secretion, barrier permeability, and secretion of certain inflammatory cytokines, which are consistent with in vivo findings. Further, gene expression confirms this shift toward a differentiated trophoblast subtype. Vascularization results in a molecule type- and size-dependent change in dextran and insulin permeability. These results demonstrate that trophoblast differentiation and vascularization have critical effects on placental barrier permeability and that this model can be used as a predictive measure to assess fetal toxicity of xenobiotic substances at different stages of pregnancy.

Overlapping cytokines in H. pylori infection and gastric cancer: A tandem meta-analysis

Background

Previous evidence indicated that Helicobacter pylori-induced inflammation is the first step towards gastric carcinogenesis. However, investigations of the immunological factors driving this process have shown inconsistencies. We aimed to present a thorough summary of all researched cytokines in relation to H. pylori infection and GC and relate these to global GC risk.

Methods

We performed a systematic review and tandem meta-analysis identifying all published studies reporting on serum cytokine levels in H. pylori-infected cases vs. non-infected controls and gastric cancer cases vs. non-gastric cancer controls, with sub-analyses performed to identify global regional differences in cytokine induction and their correlation with GC incidence.

Results

Only levels of systemic IL-6 (standardized mean difference [SMD]:0.95, 95%CI [0.45;1.45]) and TNF-α (SMD:0.88, 95%CI [0.46; 1.29]) were significantly increased upon H. pylori infection. Sub-analysis showed that of IL-6 levels were increased upon H. pylori infection in East Asian, Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian cohorts, but not in North America, Europe, Russia and Africa. Serum levels of IL-6, IL-7, IL-10, IL-12, and TNF-α were significantly raised in GC. Exploration of the relationship between serum cytokines changes upon H. pylori infection and regional differences in risk of GC development indicated that the SMD of IL-6 serum levels presents a significant correlation with the relative incidence of GC (r=0.81, p=0.00014).

Conclusion

This study shows that H. pylori infection and GC are associated with increased IL-6 and TNF-α levels. Particularly, IL-6 shows region-specific increases that correlate with GC incidence, making it a key contender for the cause of this disease.

A quest for cytocompatible metal organic frameworks in non-viral gene therapy: Relevance of zeolitic imidazolate framework-8

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are an emerging group of nanomaterials for successful biomedical applications in gene therapy. The most commonly biocompatible MOFs are zinc-based ZIFs, zirconium-based UiOs, and iron-based MILs. However, despite increasing applications, a comparative study to underscore the critical factors for determining effective gene delivery by such MOFs is lacking. Herein, we evaluate the potential of UiO-66 and MIL-88B and ZIF-8 for gene therapeutics delivery; revealing the comparative importance of ZIF-8. Cytotoxicity assays proved insufficient for selecting the ideal gene delivery MOF vehicle. Synthesis conditions such as ability of the MOF scaffold to envelop the gene during in-situ synthesis, post-treatment such as washing, and gene loading efficiency proved to be the critical factors in determining the favourable MOF from the material selection perspective. Rapid in-situ synthesis under physiological conditions, successful gene loading, and low concentration requirements favour ZIF MOFs as gene delivery vehicles. Impact on cellular physiology, metabolism, and architecture revealed neutrality of the delivery system; and relative effects on pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines suggest immunomodulatory impact.

Berberine for gastric cancer prevention and treatment: Multi-step actions on the Correa's cascade underlie its therapeutic effects

Gastric carcinoma (GC) is a complex multifactorial disease occurring as sequential events commonly referred to as the Correa's cascade, a stepwise progression from non-active or chronic active gastritis, to gastric precancerous lesions, and finally, adenocarcinoma. Therefore, the identification of novel agents with multi-step actions on the Correa's cascade and those functioning as multiple phenotypic regulators are the future direction for drug discovery. Recently, berberine (BBR) has gained traction owing to its pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-ulcer, antibacterial, and immunopotentiation activities. In this article, we investigated and summarized the multi-step actions of BBR on Correa's cascade and its underlying regulatory mechanism in gastric carcinogenesis for the first time, along with a discussion on the strength of BBR to prevent and treat GC. BBR was found to suppress H. pylori infection, control mucosal inflammation, and promote ulcer healing. In the gastric precancerous lesion phase, BBR could reverse mucosal atrophy and prevent lesions in intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia by regulating inflammatory cytokines, promoting cell apoptosis, regulating macrophage polarization, and regulating autophagy. Additionally, the therapeutic action of BBR on GC was partly realized through the inhibition of cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis; induction of apoptosis and autophagy, and enhancement of chemotherapeutic drug sensitivity. BBR exerted multi-step actions on the Correa's cascade, thereby halting and even reversing gastric carcinogenesis in some cases. Thus, BBR could be used to prevent and treat GC. In conclusion, the therapeutic strategy underlying BBR's multi-step action in the trilogy of Correa's cascade may include "prevention of gastric mucosal inflammation (Phase 1); reversal of gastric precancerous lesions (Phase 2), and rescue of GC (Phase 3)". The NF-κB, PI3K/Akt, and MAPK signaling pathways may be the key signaling transduction pathways underlying the treatment of gastric carcinogenesis using BBR. The advantage of BBR over conventional drugs is its multifaceted and long-term effects. This review is expected to provide preclinical evidence for using BBR to prevent gastric carcinogenesis and treat gastric cancer.

Enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis activates IL-8 expression through Stat3 in colorectal cancer cells

Background

Enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis (ETBF) has been implicated in colorectal carcinogenesis through the actions of its toxin, B. fragilis toxin (BFT). Studies on colorectal cell lines have shown that treatment with BFT causes disruption of E-cadherin leading to increased expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokine, IL-8. Stat3 activation has also been associated with ETBF-related colitis and tumour development. However, a link between E-cadherin, IL-8 and Stat3 has not been investigated in the context of ETBF infection.

Results

We found that co-culture of HT-29 and HCT116 colorectal cell lines with ETBF, had a similar effect on activation of IL8 gene and protein expression as treatment with purified BFT. Inhibition of Stat3 resulted in a decrease in IL-8 gene and protein expression in response to ETBF in both cell lines. A reduction in E-cadherin expression in response to ETBF treatment was not restored by blocking Stat3.

Conclusion

We found that treatment of colorectal cancer cell lines with live cultures of ETBF had the equivalent effect on IL-8 expression as the use of purified toxin, and this may be a more representative model of ETBF-mediated colorectal carcinogenesis. IL-8 gene and protein expression was mediated through Stat3 in HT-29 and HCT116 cells, whereas disruption of E-cadherin appeared to be independent of Stat3 signalling.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13099-022-00489-x.

Central and peripheral effects of L-citrulline on thermal physiology and nitric oxide regeneration in broilers

The mechanism that mediates L-citrulline (L-Cit) hypothermia is poorly understood, and the involvement of nitric oxide signaling has not been fully elucidated. Therefore, this study aimed to determine L-Cit's influence on body temperature and to ascertain the central and peripheral mechanisms associated with this response. Chicks responded to intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of L-Cit with high and low body temperatures (P < 0.05) depending on the dose tested, for both the surface and rectal temperatures. Peripheral (i.p.) L-Cit injection did not affect body temperature responses. Nitric oxide (NO) concentration and NO synthase (NOS) were influenced with varying doses of L-Cit. Hypothalamic NO was increased at 4 µg L-Cit whereas, plasma iNOS was elevated at 2µg L-Cit treatment. However, i.p. L-Cit did not change the NO content, rather it induced higher (P < 0.05) plasma tNOS and iNOS activity, and further upregulated iNOS and nNOS gene expression in the hypothalamus. In addition, ICV L-Cit potentiated a pro- versus anti-inflammatory milieu with the induction of IL-8, IL-10, and TGFβ (P < 0.05), which may be related to the changes in body temperature. Following ICV L-Cit administration, it was observed that L-Cit caused dose variable changes in the ultrastructure of hypothalamic neurons. The lowest dose was associated with a higher number of dead or degenerating neurons, whereas the highest L-Cit dose had fewer neuronal numbers with larger sizes. Therefore, this study shows that central and peripheral L-Cit administration imposes changes in body temperature, nitric oxide production, and inflammatory responses, in a dose-dependent manner.

Autophagy mediates ER stress and inflammation in Helicobacter pylori-related gastric cancer

Autophagy is a cellular degradation mechanism, which is triggered by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the autophagy gene ATG16L1 (rs2241880, G-allele) has been shown to dysregulate autophagy and increase intestinal endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Here, we investigate the role of this SNP in H.pylori-mediated gastric carcinogenesis and its molecular pathways. ATG16L1 rs2241880 was genotyped in subjects from different ethnic cohorts (Dutch and Australian) presenting with gastric (pre)malignant lesions of various severity. Expression of GRP78 (a marker for ER stress) was assessed in gastric tissues. The effect of ATG16L1 rs2241880 on H.pylori-mediated ER stress and pro-inflammatory cytokine induction was investigated in organoids and CRISPR/Cas9 modified cell lines. Development of gastric cancer was associated with the ATG16L1 rs2241880 G-allele. Intestinal metaplastic cells in gastric tissue of patients showed increased levels of ER-stress. In vitro models showed that H.pylori increases autophagy while reducing ER stress, which appeared partly mediated by the ATG16L1 rs2241880 genotype. H.pylori-induced IL-8 production was increased while TNF-α production was decreased, in cells homozygous for the G-allele. The ATG16L1 rs2241880 G-allele is associated with progression of gastric premalignant lesions and cancer. Modulation of H.pylori-induced ER stress pathways and pro-inflammatory mediators by ATG16L1 rs2441880 may underlie this increased risk.

Association of Interleukin-10 Polymorphisms with Susceptibility to Colorectal Cancer and Gastric Cancer: an Updated Meta-analysis Based on 106 Studies

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to explore the association of IL-10 polymorphisms with susceptibility to colorectal cancer (CRC) and gastric cancer (GC).

METHODS

PubMed, Scopus, Embase, SciELO, medRxiv, China Biology Medicine Disc, DeepDyve, CNKI, and Web of Science were used to identify all relevant articles published up to 20th June 2021, without any restrictions on ethnicity. Summary odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to determine the strength of the associations.

RESULTS

A total of 106 case-control studies were included. For CRC, 15 studies with 2772 cases and 3719 controls on -1082A/G, 11 studies with 3259 cases and 4992 controls on -592C/A, and 3 studies with 477 cases and 544 controls on -819 T/C were selected. For GC, 31 studies with 6229 cases and 8666 controls on -1082A/G, 27 studies with 5457 cases and 8381 controls on -592C/A, and 19 studies with 3556 cases and 6218 controls on -819 T/C were included. Pooled data showed a significant association between IL-10-819 T/C polymorphism and CRC susceptibility in overall population, but not for IL-10-1082A/G and -592C/A polymorphisms. However, IL-10-592C/A polymorphism was associated with CRC risk in Asians. A significant association of IL-10-1082A/G polymorphism with the GC risk was found. In the ethnicity subgroup analysis, a significant association was found between IL-10-1082A/G polymorphism and GC risk among Asians. The IL-10-819 T/C was not associated with GC risk in overall population and by ethnicity.

CONCLUSIONS

Our pooled data show a significant association of IL-10-819 T/C and IL-10-1082A/G polymorphisms with CRC and GC in overall population, respectively. However, other factors may influence these associations, and large-scale studies with adequate methodological quality are necessary to confirm the impact on CRC and GC risk.

Helicobacter pylori-Induced Inflammation: Possible Factors Modulating the Risk of Gastric Cancer

Chronic inflammation and long-term tissue injury are related to many malignancies, including gastric cancer (GC). Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), classified as a class I carcinogen, induces chronic superficial gastritis followed by gastric carcinogenesis. Despite a high prevalence of H. pylori infection, only about 1–3% of people infected with this bacterium develop GC worldwide. Furthermore, the development of chronic gastritis in some, but not all, H. pylori-infected subjects remains unexplained. These conflicting findings indicate that clinical outcomes of aggressive inflammation (atrophic gastritis) to gastric carcinogenesis are influenced by several other factors (in addition to H. pylori infection), such as gut microbiota, co-existence of intestinal helminths, dietary habits, and host genetic factors. This review has five goals: (1) to assess our current understanding of the process of H. pylori-triggered inflammation and gastric precursor lesions; (2) to present a hypothesis on risk modulation by the gut microbiota and infestation with intestinal helminths; (3) to identify the dietary behavior of the people at risk of GC; (4) to check the inflammation-related genetic polymorphisms and role of exosomes together with other factors as initiators of precancerous lesions and gastric carcinoma; and (5) finally, to conclude and suggest a new direction for future research.

Association between Inflammation and Function of Cell Adhesion Molecules Influence on Gastrointestinal Cancer Development

Gastrointestinal cancer is highly associated with inflammatory processes inducing the release of cytokines from cancer or immune cells, including interferons, interleukins, chemokines, colony-stimulating factors, and growth factors, which promote or suppress tumor progression. Inflammatory cytokines within the tumor microenvironment promote immune cell infiltration. Infiltrating immune, and tumor-surrounding stromal cells support tumor growth, angiogenesis, metastasis, and immunosuppression through communication with inflammatory cytokines and cell adhesion molecules. Notably, infiltrating immune and tumor cells present immunosuppressive molecules, such as programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and CD80/CD86. Suppression of cytotoxic T cells promotes tumor avoidance of immune surveillance and greater malignancy. Moreover, glycosylation and sialylation of proteins hyperexpressed on the cancer cell surface have been shown to enhance immune escape and metastasis. Cytokine treatments and immune checkpoint inhibitors are widely used in clinical practice. However, the tumor microenvironment is a rapidly changing milieu involving several factors. In this review, we have provided a summary of the interactions of inflammation and cell adhesion molecules between cancer and other cell types, to improve understanding of the tumor microenvironment.

ASSOCIATION OF IL-8 -251T>A (RS4073) POLYMORPHISM WITH SUSCEPTIBILITY TO GASTRIC CANCER: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS BASED ON 33 CASE-CONTROL STUDIES

BACKGROUND

The role of -251A>T polymorphism in the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-8 (IL-8) gene in gastric cancer was intensively evaluated, but the results of these studies were inconsistent.

OBJECTIVE

Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to provide a comprehensive data on the association of IL-8 -251T>A polymorphism with gastric cancer.

METHODS

All eligible studies were identified in PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Wanfang and CNKI databases before September 01, 2019. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were derived from a fixed effect or random effect model.

RESULTS

A total of 33 case-control studies with 6,192 cases and 9,567 controls were selected. Overall, pooled data showed that IL-8 -251T>A polymorphism was significantly associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer under all five genetic models, i.e., allele (A vs T: OR=1.189, 95% CI 1.027-1.378, P=0.021), homozygote (AA vs TT: OR=1.307, 95% CI 1.111-1.536, P=0.001), heterozygote (AT vs TT: OR=1.188, 95% CI 1.061-1.330, P=0.003), dominant (AA+AT vs TT: OR=1.337, 95% CI 1.115-1.602, P=0.002) and recessive (AA vs AT+TT: OR=1.241, 95% CI 1.045-1.474, P=0.014). The stratified analysis by ethnicity revealed an increased risk of gastric cancer in Asians and mixed populations, but not in Caucasians. Moreover, stratified by country found a significant association in Chinese, Korean and Brazilian, but not among Japanese.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis suggests that the IL-8 -251T>A polymorphism is associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer, especially by ethnicity (Asian and mixed populations) and country (Chinese, Korean and Brazilian).

[Association between interleukin-8 rs4073 polymorphisms and susceptibility to neonatal sepsis]

OBJECTIVE

To study the association between interleukin-8 (IL-8) rs4073 polymorphisms and susceptibility to sepsis in full-term neonates through a prospective study.

METHODS

A total of 50 neonates who were diagnosed with sepsis based on positive blood culture from January to December 2017 were enrolled as the sepsis group. Fifty neonates who had clinical symptoms and negative blood culture were enrolled as the clinical sepsis group. Fifty neonates without infection were enrolled as the control group. Sequencing was used to detect the polymorphisms of IL-8 rs4073. The three groups were compared in terms of the frequencies of genotypes and alleles. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association of IL-8 rs4073 genotypes with sepsis in full-term neonates.

RESULTS

There were significant differences in the frequencies of genotypes and alleles at IL-8 rs4073 among the three groups (P<0.05). The logistic regression analysis showed that a low gestational age and TT genotype at IL-8 rs4073 were risk factors for the pathogenesis of sepsis in neonates (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The full-term neonates with TT genotype at IL-8 rs4073 may be susceptible to sepsis.

Interleukin-8 associated with chemosensitivity and poor chemotherapeutic response to gastric cancer

Background

Gastric cancer (GC) patients have been found to have developed chemotherapy resistance that has resulted in a lowering of their overall survival rates. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) could be responsible as the predictive biomarkers in monitoring drug resistance. We have developed a protocol to monitor drug treatment by testing ex vivo chemosensitivity and cytokine levels of primary gastric cultures obtained from endoscopic biopsies.

Methods

We studied 49 patients with distal GC who underwent primary surgical resection between June 2014 and December 2016 in the northern endemic region of Thailand. The clinical and pathological data of patients were recorded, and the cancer sub-type was classified. The correlation of cytokine IL-6 and IL-8 protein expression levels and chemotherapy sensitivity in primary gastric cultures was investigated. Endoscopic biopsies were collected before and/or after chemotherapy treatment followed by FOLFOXIV regimen (oxaliplatin + 5-FU/leucovorin). The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was performed to examine ex vivo chemosensitivity to cisplatin, oxaliplatin, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and irinotecan. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to investigate cytokine levels.

Results

Ex vivo drug treatment of 49 primary gastric cultures from naive patients revealed a significant correlation between basal levels of IL-8 and chemosensitivity to cisplatin (P=0.001) and oxaliplatin (P=0.001). IL-8 protein expression levels were significantly decreased in the early phase after cisplatin and oxaliplatin treatments leading to an increase in cell sensitivity to drug treatments. Among 49 patients, 11 patients were classified as partial or poor responders after drug interventions, in which case, second endoscopic biopsies were performed for determination of chemosensitivity and cytokine levels. The results demonstrated significant decreases in sensitivity to cisplatin (P=0.049) and oxaliplatin (P=0.014), meanwhile IL-8 protein expression levels were significantly increased by P=0.0423 in both drug treatments. There was no correlation of IL-6 and drug resistance when treatments of the primary gastric cultures involved each of the four chemotherapeutic drugs (P=0.0663).

Conclusions

Upregulation of IL-8 after drug intervention might be useful as predictive biomarker in monitoring drug resistance in GC patients; however, this needs to be confirmed among a larger number of patients and with control groups that are properly age-paired. The established primary gastric culture could serve as a valuable tool for chemotherapy screening, while the repeated usage of platinum drugs may result in drug resistance via upregulation of IL-8 levels.

Low Systemic Levels of Chemokine C-C Motif Ligand 3 (CCL3) are Associated with a High Risk of Venous Thromboembolism in Patients with Glioma

A tight interplay between inflammation and hemostasis has been described as a potential driver for developing venous thromboembolism (VTE). Here, we investigated the association of systemic cytokine levels and risk of VTE in patients with glioma. This analysis was conducted within the prospective, observational Vienna Cancer and Thrombosis Study. Patients with glioma were included at time of diagnosis or progression and were observed for a maximum of two years. Primary endpoint was objectively confirmed VTE. At study entry, a single blood draw was performed. A panel of nine cytokines was measured in serum samples with the xMAP technology developed by Luminex. Results: Overall, 76 glioma patients were included in this analysis, and 10 (13.2%) of them developed VTE during the follow-up. Chemokine C-C motif ligand 3 (CCL3) levels were inversely associated with risk of VTE (hazard ratio [HR] per double increase, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.385, 95% CI: 0.161–0.925, p = 0.033), while there was no association between the risk of VTE and serum levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-11, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), respectively. In conclusion, low serum levels of CCL3 were associated with an increased risk of VTE. CCL3 might serve as a potential biomarker to predict VTE risk in patients with glioma.

ASSOCIATION OF INTERLEUKIN-10 -592A>C AND -819T>C POLYMORPHISMS WITH GASTRIC CANCER RISK: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS OF 44 CASE-CONTROL STUDIES

INTRODUCTION

A series of studies have evaluated the association between -592A>C and -819T>C polymorphisms in the promoter regions of Interleukin-10 (IL-10) and gastric cancer (GC) risk. However, the results remain inconclusive.

OBJECTIVE

To better understand the association of the polymorphisms with GC risk, we performed a comprehensive meta-analysis.

METHOD

An electronic search was performed of several databases to identify relevant studies up to April 2018.

RESULTS

A total of 44 case-control studies, including 26 studies on IL-10 -592A>C (5,332 cases and 8,272 controls) and 18 studies on IL-10 -819T>C (3,431 cases and 6,109 controls) were selected. Overall, -592A>C polymorphism was associated with the risk of GC under the heterozygote model (OR=1.153, 95% CI=1.020-1.305, p=0.023), but not -819T>C polymorphism. When stratified by ethnicity, significant association was only observed in the Asians under the allele model (OR=1.153, 95% CI=1.007-1.320, p=0.040) and the heterozygote model (OR=1.218, 95% CI=1.076-1.379, p=0.002) for -592A>C.

CONCLUSION

The current meta-analysis results inconsistent with previous meta-analyses; showed that the IL-10 -592A>C polymorphism, but not -819T>C polymorphism, may be contributed to the susceptibility of GC in overall and Asian populations.

Resolution of Gastric Cancer-Promoting Inflammation: A Novel Strategy for Anti-cancer Therapy

The connection between inflammation and cancer was initially recognized by Rudolf Virchow in the nineteenth century. During the last decades, a large body of evidence has provided support to his hypothesis, and now inflammation is recognized as one of the hallmarks of cancer, both in etiopathogenesis and ongoing tumor growth. Infection with the pathogen Helicobacter pylori is the primary causal factor in 90% of gastric cancer (GC) cases. As we increase our understanding of how chronic inflammation develops in the stomach and contributes to carcinogenesis, there is increasing interest in targeting cancer-promoting inflammation as a strategy to treat GC. Moreover, once cancer develops and anti-cancer immune responses are suppressed, there is evidence of a substantial shift in the microenvironment and new targets for immune therapy emerge. In this chapter, we provide insight into inflammation-related factors, including T lymphocytes, macrophages, pro-inflammatory chemokines, and cytokines, which promote H. pylori-associated GC initiation and growth. While intervening with chronic inflammation is not a new practice in rheumatology or gastroenterology, this approach has not been fully explored for its potential to prevent carcinogenesis or to contribute to the treatment of GC. This review highlights current and possible strategies for therapeutic intervention including (i) targeting pro-inflammatory mediators, (ii) targeting growth factors and pathways involved in angiogenesis in the gastric tumor microenvironment, and (iii) enhancing anti-tumor immunity. In addition, we highlight a significant number of clinical trials and discuss the importance of individual tumor characterization toward offering personalized immune-related therapy.

Association of IL-1B+3954 and IL-1RN Polymorphisms in Chronic Gastritis and Peptic Ulcer

BACKGROUND

Helicobacter pylori are the main cause of chronic inflammation and peptic ulcer. We aimed to determine if IL-1B+3954 and IL-1RN polymorphisms are associated with the risk of chronic gastritis and peptic ulcer in Iranian population.

METHODS

In this case-control study, from 198 individuals enrolled by Mohammadi Hospital, Bandar Abbas, southern Iran from 2012 to 2014 and who showed the symptoms of chronic gastritis and 84 with peptic ulcer participated in the case group, two biopsies were taken from the body, antrum, or ulcer edge of each patient. Individuals without chronic gastritis or peptic ulcer were selected as the control group and we also confirmed the presence of anti-H. pylori serum IgG in 321 control subjects. IL-1B+3954C/T polymorphism was analyzed through PCR-RFLP, while the IL-1RN polymorphism was analyzed via PCR-based VNTR.

RESULTS

IL-1B+3954 TT was associated with a high risk of gastritis and peptic ulcer [Odds Ratio (OR)]=2.63, 95% Confidence Interval (CI)= (1.47-4.70) (OR=3.40, CI=1.72-6.71) respectively and the IL-1B+3954 T allele was associated with chronic gastritis (OR=1.64, 95% CI=1.13-2.36). Moreover, patient carrying IL-1RN L/2 and allele 2 showed an increased risk of peptic ulcer (OR=2.97, CI=1.72-5.11, OR=1.64, CI=1.13-2.36), respectively.

CONCLUSION

IL-1B and IL-1RNare associated with an increased risk for chronic gastritis and peptic ulcer disease.

RIP3 mediates IL-33 production in gastric epithelial cells with intestinal metaplasia

AIM

To explore the relationship between receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (RIP3) signaling pathway and gastric intestinal metaplasia (GIM), and the regulatory effect of this signaling pathway on inflammatory cytokines.

METHODS

Gastric tissues from healthy controls, patients with chronic non-atrophic gastritis, patients with GIM, and patients with dysplasia were collected to detect the expression of RIP3 in GIM by immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR. Human gastric epithelial cell line GES-1 was stimulated with sodium deoxycholate (DCA) to observe the relationship between CDX2, a key gene involved in intestinal metaplasia, and RIP3 signaling pathway. The regulation of inflammatory cytokines by RIP3 was also assessed.

RESULTS

Compared with the control and chronic non-atrophic gastritis groups, the expression of RIP3 mRNA in the gastric mucosa of GIM patients and dysplasia patients was up-regulated, and the expression of RIP3 protein in the gastric epithelium of GIM patients and dysplasia patients was also up-regulated. In GES-1 cells stimulated with DCA, the expression of CDX2 protein and the RIP3 signaling pathway-associated proteins was increased in a concentration-dependent manner, accompanied by up-regulation of IL-33 expression. Necrostatin-1 (Nec-1), a specific inhibitor of the RIP3 signaling pathway, had no effect on CDX2 expression, but significantly down-regulated the expression of RIP3 and IL-33.

CONCLUSION

RIP3 has no effect on the occurrence of GIM, but it may affect GIM progression by regulating the expression of IL-33 in gastric epithelial cells with intestinal metaplasia, suggesting that it may be a potential therapeutic target for preventing GIM progression.

ASSOCIATION OF INTERLEUKIN-10 -1082 A/G (RS1800896) POLYMORPHISM WITH SUSCEPTIBILITY TO GASTRIC CANCER: META-ANALYSIS OF 6,101 CASES AND 8,557 CONTROLS

BACKGROUND

The promoter -1082 A/G (rs1800896) polymorphism of Interleukin-10 (IL-10) gene have been widely reported and considered to have a significant role on gastric cancer risk, but the results are inconsistent.

OBJECTIVE

To clarify the association, we conducted a meta-analysis to investigate the associations IL-10 -1082 A/G polymorphism with gastric cancer.

METHODS

Eligible articles were identified by searching databases including PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar up to August 03, 2017. Odds ratios (OR) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the association.

RESULTS

A total of 30 case-control studies with 6,101 cases and 8,557 controls were included in this meta-analysis. Overall, a significant association between IL-10 -1082 A/G polymorphism and gastric cancer risk was observed under the allele model (G vs A: OR=1.305, 95% CI=1.076-1.584; P=0.007), heterozygote model and (GA vs AA: OR=1.252, 95% CI=1.252-1.054; P=0.011) and dominant model (GG+GA vs AA: OR=1.264, 95% CI=1.053-1.516; P=0.012). In the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, increased gastric cancer risk were found in Asians under the allele model (G vs A: OR=1.520, 95% CI=1.172-1.973; P=0.002), homozygote model (GG+GA vs AA: OR=1.571, 95% CI=1.023-2.414; P= 0.039), heterozygote model (GA vs AA: OR=1.465, 95% CI=1.192-1.801; P≤0.001) and dominant model (GG+GA vs AA: OR=1.448, 95% CI=1.152-1.821; P=0.002), but not among Caucasian and Latinos populations.

CONCLUSION

These results suggested that the IL-10 -1082 A/G (rs1800896) polymorphism might contribute to the gastric cancer susceptibility, especially among Asians.

Associations between cytokine gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to Helicobacter pylori infection and Helicobacter pylori related gastric cancer, peptic ulcer disease: A meta-analysis

Objectives

The aim of this study is to clarify the associations between IL-1B31C/T, IL-1B-511C/T, IL-8-251T/A gene polymorphisms and the risk of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection together with H. pylori-related gastric cancer (GC), peptic ulcer disease (PUD).

Methods

All eligible literature published up to July 2016 were identified by searching Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science and CNKI. Pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated using a fixed or random effects model.

Results

29 case-control studies were eligible, and each of them may focus on more than one gene polymorphism. Ultimately, there were 21 studies (3159 cases and 2816 controls) for IL-1B-31C/T, 16 studies (2486 cases and 1989 controls) for IL-1B-511C/T polymorphisms, 9 studies (1963 cases and 1205 controls) for IL-8-251T/A polymorphisms. Overall, an increased risk of H. pylori infection was found for IL-1B-31C/T polymorphisms in total population [OR = 1.134, 95%CI = 1.008–1.275 for recessive model; OR = 1.145, 95%CI = 1.007–1.301 for TT vs CC model]. While, for IL-1B-511C/T and IL8-251T/A polymorphisms, no evidence indicated that they were associated with the risk of H. pylori infection in all genetic models. Furthermore, we found an increased risk of H. pylori-related GC with IL-1B-511C/T polymorphisms [OR = 1.784, 95%CI = 1.289–2.469 for recessive model; OR = 1.772, 95%CI = 1.210–2.594 for TT vs CC model] and IL8-251A/T polymorphisms [OR = 1.810, 95%CI = 1.229–2.667 for recessive model; OR = 1.717, 95%CI = 1.143–2.580 for TT vs AA model], an increased risk of H. pylori-related PUD with IL8-251T/A polymorphisms [OR = 1.364, 95%CI = 1.010–1.843 for recessive model; OR = 1.427, 95%CI = 1.039–1.959 for AA vs TT model].

Conclusions

IL-1B-31C/T gene polymorphisms might increase H. pylori infection risk. IL-1B-511-C/T and IL-8-251T/A gene polymorphisms might act as a risk factor to H. pylori-related diseases including GC or PUD

Investigation of association between IL-8 serum levels and IL8 polymorphisms in Chinese patients with sepsis

OBJECTIVE

To assess the clinical relevance of IL8 gene polymorphisms in patients with sepsis and its association with systemic IL-8 levels.

METHODS

PCR and DNA sequencing were used to examine the polymorphism of IL8 in 152 patients with sepsis and in 199 healthy volunteers in China. The distribution frequencies of the genotype and allele were compared among different groups. The serum IL-8 was measured by ELISA and analyzed in relation to polymorphisms of IL8.

RESULTS

The homozygote TT genotype and T allele of rs4073 (genotype: p=0.01, allele: p=0.002), the homozygote CC genotype and C allele (genotype: p=0.03, allele: p=0.003) of rs2227306, homozygote AA genotype and A allele of re1126647 (genotype: p=0.01, allele: p=0.002) were associated with susceptibility to sepsis in males. Serum IL-8 levels were significantly increased in patients with sepsis but showed no correlation with IL8 rs4073, rs2227306 and rs1126647 polymorphisms.

CONCLUSIONS

The male population carrying the homozygote TT genotype and T allele of rs4073, the homozygote CC genotype and C allele of rs2227306 and homozygote AA genotype and A allele of rs1126647 are more susceptible to sepsis, suggesting there is a protective effect in females carrying these genotypes and alleles respectively. There was no association between rs4073, rs2227306 and rs1126647 polymorphisms and serum levels of IL-8 in patients with sepsis.