Endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene polymorphisms and genetic susceptibility to prostate cancer

Investigation of the relationship between endothelial nitric oxide synthase T786C polymorphism and PSA, PSA derivatives, and prostate cancer in the Turkish population

Background

Prostate cancer is a slowly progressing cancer. However, it has remained a major medical problem for affected men. Risk factors of prostate cancer include age, race, and prostate cancer family history. Prostate cancer may occur at different frequencies between ethnic populations and countries. Currently, studies on genetic risk factors in prostate cancer aetiology have been increasing. Due to the importance of changes in endothelial nitric oxide synthase in carcinogenesis, we aimed to reveal whether eNOS T786C polymorphism is associated with prostate cancer.

Methods

Archival samples included in this study were whole blood samples taken from patients who were grouped according to prostate biopsy pathology results (BPH, n: 42; PCa, n: 48) and from healthy participants (controls, n:27). DNA was isolated from these whole blood samples and real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis was performed for endothelial nitric oxide synthase T786C polymorphism with LightCycler 480 II. Measured free and total prostate-specific antigen serum levels were evaluated retrospectively.

Results

There was a statistical difference between patient-healthy control and control-healthy control groups regarding genotype distributions for eNOS T786C hism. Controls were more likely to have TC and CC genotypes and C alleles than the other two groups.

Conclusions

Compared to other groups, the percentage of the eNOS786C allele in the control group was found to be higher. As a result of these data, it can be thought that carrying the allele may be protective against the disease.

Gasotransmitters in the tumor microenvironment: Impacts on cancer chemotherapy (Review)

Nitric oxide, carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide are three endogenous gasotransmitters that serve a role in regulating normal and pathological cellular activities. They can stimulate or inhibit cancer cell proliferation and invasion, as well as interfere with cancer cell responses to drug treatments. Understanding the molecular pathways governing the interactions between these gases and the tumor microenvironment can be utilized for the identification of a novel technique to disrupt cancer cell interactions and may contribute to the conception of effective and safe cancer therapy strategies. The present review discusses the effects of these gases in modulating the action of chemotherapies, as well as prospective pharmacological and therapeutic interfering approaches. A deeper knowledge of the mechanisms that underpin the cellular and pharmacological effects, as well as interactions, of each of the three gases could pave the way for therapeutic treatments and translational research.

The role of caveolin-1 and endothelial nitric oxide synthase polymorphisms in susceptibility to prostate cancer

Caveolin-1(cav-1) is overexpressed in prostate cancer (PC) and is associated with progression of the disease. We investigated the effects of CAV1-T29107A and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) G894T polymorphisms on the serum levels of testosterone, NO and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in patients with PC. We genotyped cav-1 and eNOS genes in 112 PC patients and 150 healthy controls by PCR-RFLP. Serum levels of NO 2 - and NO 3 - were measured using spectrophotometry, and serum levels of testosterone and PSA were measured by ELISA. The frequencies of CAV1 genotypes A/T vs. A/A according to the dominant model AT + TT vs. AA genotype and T allele were significantly higher in PC patients in comparison with the control group and considerably increased the risk of disease by 2.19-, 1.44- and 1.6-fold, respectively. AT + TT genotypes were associated significantly with the increased risk of PC in those with smoking or diabetes by 3.08-fold (P = .004). Individuals carrying concurrently the T allele of CAV1 A29107T and the T allele of eNOS G894T genes had a significantly increased risk of PC by 2.52-fold (P = .009). We did not find any significant relationship between eNOS G894T genotypes and alleles with susceptibility to PC. Our results highlighted the significance of CAV1-T29107A SNP but not (eNOS) G894T in the susceptibility to PC in our the population that we have studied.

Genomic profile in association with sport-type, sex, ethnicity, psychological traits and sport injuries of elite athletes: review and future perspectives

In the last few years, some inherited determinants have been associated with elite athletic performance, but its polygenic trait character has limited the correct definition of elite athlete's genomic profile. This qualitative descriptive study aims to summarise the current understanding about genetic and epigenetic factors in elite athletes, as well as their genomic profile in association with sport-type, sex, ethnicity, psychological traits and sport injuries. A narrative review of the literature across a broad cross-section of the elite athletes' genomic profile was undertaken. Elite performance relies on rare gene variants within a great interface between molecular, cellular and behavioural sport-related phenotypes and the environment, which is still poorly understood. ACTN3 rs1815739 and ACE I/D polymorphisms appear to be associated to specific sprint phenotypes and influence the athletic status, i.e., the rs1815739 variant is more influential to 200-m performance and the ACE ID polymorphism is more involved in the longer, 400-m sprint performance. Generally, athletes show endurance-based sports characteristics or power-based sports characteristics, but some studies have reported some genes associations to both sports-based characteristics. Furthermore, genetic studies with larger cohorts of single-sport athletes might be preferable than studies combining athletes of different sports, given the existence of distinct athlete profiles and sport demands. Athletic performance may be influenced by the serotonergic pathway and the potential injury risk (namely stress fracture) might be associated to a genetic predisposition associated to the mechanical loading from the intense physical exercise. The study of gene variants associated to sex and ethnicity-related to athletic performance needs further investigation. The combination of genome-wide association studies addressing the genetic architecture of athletes and the subsequent replication and validation studies might for additional genetic data is mandatory.

Effects of eNOS gene polymorphisms on individual susceptibility to cancer: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Whether endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) polymorphisms are implicated in cancer development remains controversial. Therefore, we performed this study to obtain a more conclusive result on associations between eNOS polymorphisms and cancer.

METHODS

Literature retrieve was conducted in PubMed, Medline and Embase. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

RESULTS

Forty-one studies were enrolled for analyses. Pooled overall analyses showed that rs1799983 (dominant model: p = 0.01; recessive model: p = 0.007; allele model: p = 0.005), rs2070744 (recessive model: p = 0.004) and rs869109213 (recessive model: p < 0.0001; allele model: p = 0.02) polymorphisms were all significantly associated with individual susceptibility to cancer. Further subgroup analyses revealed that rs2070744 and rs869109213 polymorphisms were only significantly associated with individual susceptibility to cancer in Caucasians, whereas the rs1799983 polymorphism was significantly associated with individual susceptibility to cancer in both Caucasians and Asians.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicated that rs1799983, rs2070744 and rs869109213 polymorphisms may serve as genetic biomarkers of cancer in certain ethnicities.

Association Between 12 Polymorphisms of VEGF/Hypoxia/Angiogenesis Pathway Genes and Risk of Urogenital Carcinomas: A Meta-Analysis Based on Case-Control Studies

Objective: Previous studies indicated potential associations between polymorphisms in genes of VEGF/hypoxia/angiogenesis pathway and risk of urogenital carcinomas However, the results were controversial and inconclusive. Here, we conducted an in-depth meta-analysis to investigate the precise associations between polymorphisms in VEGF/hypoxia/angiogenesis related genes and risk of urogenital carcinomas.

Methods: We searched PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library to identify all eligible publications. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) corresponding with the 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to evaluate their associations. Subgroup analysis was conducted to further ascertain such relationship and investigate sources of heterogeneity.

Results: In the end, a total of 96 case-control studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria were enrolled for 12 polymorphisms in 4 VEGF/hypoxia/angiogenesis related genes. The pooled results showed eNOS-rs2070744 polymorphism conferred a significantly increased overall risk of urogenital carcinomas in allele, homozygote, and recessive models, respectively. In addition, eNOS-Intron 4a/b VNTR polymorphism was identified related to an increased risk of urogenital carcinomas in recessive model. And VEGF-rs699947 polymorphism was also identified an increased risk of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in allelic, heterozygote, dominant, homozygote, and recessive models.

Conclusion: To conclude, eNOS-rs2070744 and eNOS-Intron 4a/b VNTR polymorphisms are risk factors for urogenital carcinomas. VEGF-rs699947 polymorphism was also identified as an increased risk factor for renal carcinoma.

Effects of TNFα, NOS3, MDR1 Gene Polymorphisms on Clinical Parameters, Prognosis and Survival of Multiple Myeloma Cases

It is not clear how gene polymorphisms affecting drugs can contributes totheir efficacy in multiple myeloma (MM). We here aimed to explore associations among gene polymorphisms of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), nitric oxide synthesis 3 (NOS3) and multi-drug resistance 1 (MDR1), clinical parameters, prognosis and survival in MM patients treated with VAD (vincristine-adriamycine-dexamethasone), MP (mephalane-prednisolone), autolougus stem cell transplantation (ASCT), BODEC (bortezomib-dexamethasone-cyclophosphamide) and TD (thalidomide-dexamethasone). We analyzed TNFα, NOS 3 and MDR1 in 77 patients with MM and 77 healthy controls. The genotyping was performed with PCR and/or PCR-RFLP. There was no clinically significant difference between MM and control groups when TNF α(-238) and (-857) and MDR1 gene polymorphisms were studied. However, the TNFαgene polymorphism (-308) GG genotype (p=0.012) and NOS3 (+894) TT genotype (p=0.008) were more common in the MM group compared to healthy controls. NOS3 (VNTR) AA (p=0.007) and NOS3 (+894) GG genotypes (p=0.004) were decreased in the MM group in contrast. In conclusion, the NOS3 (+894) TT and TNF α(-308) GG genotypes may have roles in myeloma pathogenesis.

The Association between NOS3 Gene Polymorphisms and Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy Susceptibility and Symptoms in Chinese Han Population

Endothelial NOS (NOS3) has a potential role in the prevention of neuronal injury in hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Thus, we aimed to explore the association between NOS3 gene polymorphisms and HIE susceptibility and symptoms in a Chinese Han population. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the NOS3 gene, rs1800783, rs1800779, and rs2070744, were detected in 226 children with HIE and 212 healthy children in a Chinese Han population. Apgar scores and magnetic resonance image scans were used to estimate the symptoms and brain damage. The association analyses were conducted by using SNPStats and SPSS 18.0 software. The genotype and allele distributions of rs1800779 and rs1799983 displayed no significant differences between the patients and the controls, while the rs2070744 allele distribution was significantly different (corrected P = 0.009). For clinical characteristics, the rs2070744 genotype distribution was significantly different in patients with different Apgar scores (≤5, TT/TC/CC = 6/7/5; 6~7, TT/TC/CC = 17/0/0; 8~9, TT/TC/CC = 6/2/0; 10, TT/TC/CC = 7/1/0; corrected P = 0.006) in the 1001 to 1449 g birth weight subgroup. The haplotype test did not show any associations with the risk and clinical characteristics of HIE. The results suggest that NOS3 gene SNP rs2070744 was significantly associated with HIE susceptibility and symptom expression in Chinese Han population.

G894T and 4a/b polymorphisms of NOS3 gene are not associated with cancer risk: a meta-analysis

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS or NOS3) produces nitric oxide and genetic polymorphisms of NOS3 gene play significant roles in various processes of carcinogenesis. The results from published studies on the association between NOS3 G894T and NOS3 intron 4 (4a/b) polymorphisms and cancer risk are conflicting and inconclusive. However, i n order to assess this relationship more precisely, a meta-analysis was performed with PubMed (Medline), EMBASE and Google web searches until February 2014 to select all published case- control and cohort studies. Genotype distribution data were collected to calculate the pooled odd ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to evaluate the strength of association. A total of 10,546 cancer cases and 10,550 controls were included from twenty four case-control studies for the NOS3 G894T polymorphism. The results indicated no significant association with cancer risk as observed in allelic (T vs G: OR=1.024, 95%CI=0.954 to 1.099, p=0.508), homozygous (TT vs GG: OR=1.137, 95%CI=0.944 to 1.370, p=0.176), heterozygous (GT vs GG: OR=0.993, 95%CI=0.932 to 1.059, p=0.835), recessive (TT vs GG+GT: OR=1.100, 95%CI=0.936 to 1.293, p=0.249) and dominant (TT+GT vs GG: OR=1.012, 95%CI=0.927 to 1.105, p=0.789) genetic models. Similarly, a total of 3,449 cancer cases and 3,691 controls were recruited from fourteen case-control studies for NOS3 4a/b polymorphism. Pooled results indicated no significant association under allelic (A vs B: OR=0.981, 95%CI=0.725 to 1.329, p=0.902), homozygous (AA vs BB: OR=1.166, 95%CI=0.524 to 2.593, p=0.707), heterozygous (BA vs BB: OR=1.129, 95%CI=0.896 to 1.422, p=0.305), dominant (AA+BA vs BB: OR=1.046, 95%CI=0.779 to 1.405, p=0.763) and recessive (AA vs BB+BA: OR=1.196, 95%CI=0.587 to 2.439, p=0.622) genetic contrast models. This meta-analysis suggests that G894T and 4a/b polymorphisms of NOS3 gene are not associated with increased or decreased risk of overall cancer.

Polymorphisms in oxidative stress-related genes are associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma susceptibility

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a complex multifactorial disorder involving both genetic and environmental factors. Polymorphisms of genes encoding nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and antioxidant glutathione-S transferases (GSTs) have been associated with various tumors. We examined the combined role of NOS3, NOS2 and GST polymorphisms in NPC risk in Tunisians. We found that NOS3−786C allele and −786 CC genotype, NOS3+894T allele and +894 GT+TT genotypes, NOS2−277 G allele and −277 GG genotype, and GSTT1 del/del genotype, are more prevalent in NPC patients as compared to healthy controls. Our results suggest that genetically driven dysfunction in red–ox stress pathway could augment the risk in NPC-susceptible individuals.

eNOS Genetic Polymorphisms and Cancer Risk: A Meta-Analysis and a Case-Control Study of Breast Cancer

The association between endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) polymorphisms (intron 4a/b, -786T>C and 894G>T) and cancer risk remains elusive. In addition, no studies focused on their associations with the risk of breast cancer in Chinese Han population. Thus, a meta-analysis was conducted to determine the relationship between eNOS polymorphisms and cancer risk, and then a case-control study in Chinese Han population was performed to assess their associations with breast cancer susceptibility.Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the strength of association. The pooled analysis indicated that eNOS intron 4a/b and -786T>C polymorphisms were significantly associated with an increased risk of overall cancer. In subgroup analyses based on cancer type, the significant association was found between eNOS intron 4a/b polymorphism and prostate cancer risk, eNOS -786T>C polymorphism and risk of prostate, bladder and breast cancers, and eNOS 894G>T polymorphism and breast cancer risk. In subgroup analyses based on ethnicity, eNOS intron 4a/b and -786T>C polymorphisms were associated with an increased risk of cancer in Caucasians. In consistent with our meta-analysis results, a case-control study in Chinese Han population showed significant associations of eNOS -786T>C and 894G>T polymorphisms with the increased risk of breast cancer. In addition, stratified analyses based on pathological type showed that eNOS 894G>T polymorphism was only associated with the risk of infiltrative ductal carcinoma. Stratified analyses by tumor stage showed that eNOS -786T>C polymorphism was only associated with the risk of tumor stage III and IV.In conclusion, our meta-analysis and case-control study suggest that eNOS -786T>C and 894G>T polymorphisms are associated with the increased risk of breast cancer.

Association between three eNOS polymorphisms and cancer risk: a meta-analysis

Polymorphisms in the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene may influence the risk of cancer, but the results are still debatable. Therefore, we performed a systematic review to provide a more complete picture and conducted a meta-analysis to derive a precise estimation. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, EBSCO, Google Scholar and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases until April 2014 to identify eligible studies. Thirty-one studies with cancer patients and controls were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, the polled analysis revealed that the T-786C polymorphism was significantly associated with increased cancer risk under multiple genetic models (C vs T: OR=1.135, 95%CI=1.048-1.228; CC vs TT: OR=1.278, 95%CI=1.045- 1.562; TC vs TT: OR=1.136, 95%CI=1.023-1.261; CC+TC vs TT: OR=1.159, 95%CI=1.047-1.281; CC vs TC+TT: OR=1.204, 95%CI= 1.003-1.447). G894T was associated with significant risk for females (TT vs GG: OR=1.414, 95%CI=1.056-1.892; TT vs GT+GG: OR=1.356, 95%CI=1.108-1.661) and for breast cancer (T vs G: OR=1.097, 95%CI=1.001-1.203; TT vs GG: OR=1.346, 95%CI=1.012-1.789; TT vs GT+GG: OR=1.269, 95%CI=1.028-1.566). Increased susceptibility was revealed for prostate cancer with 4a/b (ba vs bb: OR=1.338, 95%CI=1.013-1.768; aa+ba vs bb: OR=1.474, 95%CI=1.002-2.170). This meta-analysis indicated that the eNOS T-786C polymorphism is associated with elevated cancer risk; the G894T polymorphism contributes to susceptibility to breast cancer and cancer generally in females; and the 4a/b polymorphism may be associated with prostate cancer risk.

Association between endothelial nitric oxide synthase 894G>T polymorphism and prostate cancer risk: a meta-analysis of literature studies

To date, several studies have been conducted to assess the association between endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene 894G > T polymorphism and prostate cancer (PCa) risk, but the results are conflicting. To derive a more precise estimation of the relationship between 894G > T polymorphism and PCa risk, the present meta-analysis was performed. A total of eight case-control studies were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95 % confidence interval (CI) was calculated to evaluate the associations. Our results suggested that 894G > T polymorphism is associated with PCa risk under codominant (GT vs. GG) (OR = 1.11, 95 % CI = 1.01-1.22, P = 0.04) and overdominant (GT vs. GG + TT) (OR = 1.12, 95 % CI = 1.02-1.23, P = 0.02) models in the overall population, while there are no associations observed under dominant (GT + TT vs. GG), recessive (TT vs. GG + GT), and allelic (T vs. G) models. Moreover, when the eligible studies were stratified according to sources of control, significant association between 894G > T polymorphism and susceptibility of PCa was also identified under codominant (OR = 1.12, 95 % CI = 1.01-1.24, P = 0.03) and overdominant (OR = 1.13, 95 % CI = 1.02-1.25, P = 0.02) models when using healthy individuals as control. However, there are no significant associations found under any genetic models when using BPH patients as control group. In conclusion, the present meta-analysis suggested that the eNOS gene 894G > T polymorphism might be a risk factor in the onset of PCa.

Genetic variants within endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene and prostate cancer: a meta-analysis

Several variants within gene-encoding endothelial isoform of nitric oxide synthase have been reported to confer prostate cancer (PCa) susceptibility and/or progression. Nevertheless, studies referring to this issue have yielded inconsistent results. In order to elucidate the involvement of these variants in prostate carcinogenesis, we have conducted a meta-analysis of previously published case-control and relevant case-only studies. Eleven studies comprising in total 3,806 cases and 4,466 controls were included in the meta-analysis which yielded evidence of association of rs2070744 (ORCC = 1.43, 95% CI 1.04-1.97; p = 0.03) and intron 4a/b variant (ORab+aa = 1.47, 95% CI 1.00-2.14; p = 0.05) with PCa risk under recessive and dominant model, respectively. Furthermore, PCa patients carrying 4a/b a allele were found to have an increased risk of cancer progression to a less differentiated form, characterized by a high Gleason score (OR = 2.29, 95% CI 1.51-3.49; p < 0.01) and to higher TNM stage (OR = 2.55, 95% CI 1.71-3.81; p < 0.01). These results support the involvement of NOS3 variants in molecular pathogenesis of PCa.

The Glu298Asp polymorphism in the NOS3 gene and the risk of prostate cancer

The Glu298Asp polymorphism in the NOS3 gene has been implicated as a risk factor for prostate cancer. To date, several studies have evaluated the associations between the Glu298Asp polymorphism and prostate cancer risk; however, the results were inconclusive. The aim of the current study was to perform a meta-analysis to investigate the association between the polymorphism and the risk of prostate cancer. A total of 3,206 cases and 3,880 controls from eight case-control studies were included for data synthesis. The overall results suggested no significant association between the polymorphism and the risk of prostate cancer (OR=1.01, 95% CI=0.92-1.11, p = 0.83 for Asp/Asp+Glu/Asp vs. Glu/Glu). In the stratified analysis according to ethnicity, no significant associations were observed in Asians and Europeans. The current meta-analysis suggested that the Glu298Asp polymorphism of the NOS3 gene might not contribute to the risk of prostate cancer.

Influence of angiotensin I-converting enzyme gene polymorphism on hepatocellular carcinoma risk in China

Growing evidence suggests that the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) genes are associated with risk in a wide range of cancers. The objective of this study was to examine whether two DNA polymorphisms at the ACE insertion/deletion (I/D) and the variable number of tandem repeats in NOS intron 4 (4a/4b) were linked to the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a Chinese population. The polymorphisms at ACE I/D and eNOS 4a/4b were genotyped in 293 HCC patients and 384 healthy control subjects using polymerase chain reaction. The frequencies of the D allele (p=0.003, OR=0.72, 95% CI=0.58-0.90) in the ACE gene of HCC patients were significantly different from the healthy controls, and a significantly decreased HCC risk was associated with the DD genotype in both the recessive (p<0.001, OR=0.19, 95% CI=0.11-0.34) and codominant models (p<0.001, OR=0.26, 95% CI=0.14-0.48). This study provided evidence that the ACE I/D polymorphism is associated with HCC, indicating that the ACE I/D polymorphism contributes to HCC progression in the Chinese population.

Association of eNOS polymorphisms (-786T>C, 4a4b, 894G>T) with colorectal cancer susceptibility in the Korean population

BACKGROUND

Polymorphisms of endothelial nitric oxide synthases (eNOS) have been shown to be associated with cancer susceptibility. However, the results of such studies are conflicting to date. We investigated whether polymorphisms of the eNOS gene correlated with patients with colorectal cancer (CRC), relative to healthy individuals.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In the present study, we analyzed three polymorphisms of eNOS (-786T>C, 4a4b, and 894G>T) in 509 healthy controls and 528 patients with CRC. The genotyping of eNOS polymorphisms was performed using polymerase chain reaction or polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism assays.

RESULTS

We found that the TC+CC genotype of the -786T>C polymorphism was significantly associated with an increased risk of CRC compared with the TT genotype. Similarly, the GT+TT genotype of the 894G>T polymorphism was associated with an increased susceptibility to CRC. However, no evidence was found for any association between the 4a4b polymorphism and CRC risk. In addition, the C/4b/G (-786T>C/4a4b/894G>T) haplotype was significantly associated with increased risk of CRC and C/4b/T (-786T>C/4a4b/894G>T) haplotype was only detected in CRC patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that the eNOS -786T>C and 894G>T polymorphisms may be associated with the development of CRC in the Korean population.

Nitric oxide synthase (eNOS4a/b) gene polymorphism is associated with tumor recurrence and progression in superficial bladder cancer cases

PURPOSE

We investigated the relationship between the distribution of the eNOS4a/b polymorphism and the clinical features of superficial bladder cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study included 201 healthy controls with a mean ± SD age of 62.35 ± 7.96 years and 123 patients with a mean age of 64.03 ± 11.00 years diagnosed with histopathologically confirmed superficial bladder cancer. The eNOS4a/b polymorphism genotype (aa, bb or ab) was identified by polymerase chain reaction. Blood glutathione and plasma malondialdehyde levels were measured by spectrophotometry as an indicator of oxidative stress. We estimated total plasma levels of nitric oxide metabolites using a colorimetric assay kit.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in age or body mass index between patients and controls. Malondialdehyde and nitric oxide metabolite levels were statistically significantly increased (p = 0.000 and 0.024, respectively) and glutathione levels were decreased (p = 0.000) in patients with superficial bladder cancer. The bb genotype of the eNOS4a/b polymorphism is the most frequent one in the Turkish population and the aa genotype was significantly more common in patients with superficial bladder cancer (p = 0.000). Also, the aa plus ab genotype was significantly more common in patients with high grade tumors (p = 0.013) and in those with more progression to muscle invasive disease (p = 0.000). This genotype was also a significant independent risk factor for recurrence after adjusting for smoking status, stage, grade and the presence of carcinoma in situ on logistic regression analyses (OR 3.095, 95% CI 1.21-7.86, p = 0.018).

CONCLUSIONS

The current study suggests that a genotype containing the a allele of the eNOS4a/b polymorphism may be a risk factor for bladder cancer. Additionally, patients harboring the aa plus ab genotype are more likely to experience tumor recurrence and progression.

Increased expression of activated endothelial nitric oxide synthase contributes to antiandrogen resistance in prostate cancer cells by suppressing androgen receptor transactivation

Development of antiandrogen-resistance in advanced prostate cancer involves multiple androgen receptor (AR)-dependent and -independent pathways. Here, we demonstrated that endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) exhibited an overexpression pattern in hormone-refractory prostate cancer and several models of advanced hormone-resistant prostate cancer. We further established a novel in vitro model of antiandrogen-resistant prostate cancer (LNCaP-BC) by long-term bicalutamide treatment. Besides antiandrogen-resistant and other enhanced malignant growth phenotypes, LNCaP-BC cells exhibited an increased activated eNOS expression and NO production, and suppressed AR transactivation status. Treatment with a NOS inhibitor L-NAME could re-sensitize the growth response to bicalutamide and enhance the AR transactivation in LNCaP-BC cells. Together, our present findings indicate that increased NO production by acquired increased expression of activated eNOS could contribute to the antiandrogen-resistant growth of prostate cancer cells, via a mechanism of NO-mediated suppression of AR activity, and also targeting eNOS could be a potential therapeutic strategy for antiandrogen-resistant prostate cancer.

Gene variants in the angiogenesis pathway and prostate cancer

Although the causes of prostate cancer are still unknown, numerous studies support the role of genetic factors in the development and progression of this disease. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in key angiogenesis genes have been studied in prostate cancer. In this review, we provide an overview of the current knowledge of the role of genetic variants in the angiogenesis pathway in prostate cancer risk and progression. Of the 17 prostate cancer genome-wide association studies (GWAS) conducted to date, only one identified disease-associated SNPs in a region of an angiogenesis pathway gene. An association was observed between aggressive disease and three intergenic SNPs (rs11199874, rs10749408 and rs10788165) in a region on chromosome 10q26 that encompasses FGFR2. The majority (27/32, 84.4%) of primary candidate gene studies reviewed had a small (n < 800, 20/32, 62.5%) to medium sample size (n = 800-2000, 7/32, 21.9%), whereas only five (15.6%) had a large sample size (n ≥ 2000). Results from the large studies revealed associations with risk and aggressive disease for SNPs in NOS2A, NOS3 and MMP-2 and risk for HIF1-α. Meta-analyses have so far been conducted on FGFR2, TGF-β, TNF-α, HIF1-α and IL10 and the results reveal an association with risk for SNPs in FGFR2 and TGF-β and aggressive disease for SNPs in IL-10. Thus, existing evidence from GWAS and large candidate gene studies indicates that SNPs from a limited number of angiogenesis pathway genes are associated with prostate cancer risk and progression.

Effects of the T-786C, G894T, and Intron 4 VNTR (4a/b) polymorphisms of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene on the risk of prostate cancer

Several studies have shown that nitric oxide (NO) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) system plays an important role in carcinogenesis. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene polymorphisms significantly affects serum NO concentrations. Studies addressing the relationship between eNOS gene polymorphisms and prostate cancer (CaP) are very scarce. We examined the association between the 3 eNOS gene polymorphisms (T-786C, G894T, and 4a/b) with risk and clinical features of CaP. One hundred seventy patients with CaP (mean age 63.6 ± 12.4 years) and 340 age-matched healthy controls (mean age 64.9 ± 12.9 years) were recruited in this case-control study. Genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RLFP) technique. For T-786C polymorphism, we found that CC genotype was associated to CaP risk [odds ratio (OR) = 3.62, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.89-7.74, P = 0.002), high grade tumor (OR = 2.46, 95% CI:1.78-4.72; P = 0.006), and advanced disease (OR = 4.67, 95% CI: 2.64-8.61; P = 0.002). Neither the CaP risk nor clinical features of CaP were associated with the G894T polymorphism. It was found that, compared with 4a/b bb genotype, the 4a/b "a" variant genotypes were associated with an increased risk of CaP in an allele dose dependent manner (OR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.68-3.44; P = 0.031 for 4a/b ab genotype, and OR = 4.32, 95% CI: 2.21-6.08; P = 0.001 for 4a/b aa genotype). In addition, genotypes with the "a" allele of the eNOS 4a/b polymorphism predispose the patients to high grade (OR = 4.76, 95% CI: 2.74-8.62; P = 0.001) and advanced CaP (OR = 5.28, 95% CI: 3.64-8.72; P = 0.001). Furthermore, the T-Asp-b and C-Asp-b haplotypes were associated with a significantly decreased risk of CaP (OR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.33-0.77; P = 0.004, and OR = 0.39, 95% CI: 0.26-0.61; P = 0.001, respectively). We found significant differences in genotype distribution and allelic frequencies between CaP patients and controls for the T-786C, and 4a/b eNOS polymorphisms.

Combined effects of antioxidant vitamin and NOS3 genetic polymorphisms on breast cancer risk in women

BACKGROUND & AIMS

It is becoming increasingly clear that there is wide heterogeneity in genetic predisposition to breast cancer and that breast cancer risk is determined by interactive effect between genetic and environmental factors.

METHODS

We investigated the combined effects of antioxidant vitamin intake and NOS3 genetic polymorphisms on breast cancer risk in a Korean population (Seoul Breast Cancer Study). Histologically confirmed breast cancer cases (n = 512) and age, menopause status-matched controls (n = 512) with no present or previous history of cancer were recruited from several teaching hospitals in Seoul during 2001-2003. Two genetic polymorphisms of NOS3 (298G > T and -786 T > C) were assessed by single base extension assays.

RESULTS

No overall association between the individual NOS3 genotypes or diplotypes and breast cancer risk was found, although the difference between cases and controls in the frequency of the NOS3 894 G > T polymorphism showed borderline significance (OR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.52-1.06). There was no significant difference in energy intake or the intake of antioxidant vitamins between cases and controls, with the exception of vitamin E (OR = 0.49 lowest vs. highest quartile, P(trend) < 0.01). On the other hand, our results suggest that antioxidant vitamin intake may modify the effects of the NOS3 -786 T > C or 894 G > T genetic polymorphisms on breast cancer risk. Although a multiplicative interaction was not observed, the protective effect of β-carotene intake on breast cancer risk was observed predominantly in individuals with the TG:TG diplotype of NOS3 (OR = 0.68) but not observed with others diplotype. An inverse association between vitamin E intake and breast cancer risk was observed for individuals with the NOS3 786 TC + TT genotype and the NOS3 894 GG genotype. In addition, folic acid had a protective effect in the NOS3 786 TT and NOS3 894 GT + TT genotype.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that intake of antioxidant vitamins might modify the association between genetic polymorphisms of NOS3 and breast cancer risk.

The effects of NOS3 Glu298Asp variant on colorectal cancer risk and progression in Turkish population

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), coded by the gene NOS3, may play an important role in uncontrollable cellular growth in several cancer types. Our study was performed to test the association between Glu298Asp polymorphisms in the NOS3 gene and colorectal cancer risk and progression. In this study, NOS3 Glu298Asp polymorphism was genotyped in 84 patients with colorectal cancer and 99 healthy subjects using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis. There were significant differences in the distribution of NOS3 genotypes and frequencies of the alleles between colorectal cancer patients and controls (P = 0.016, P = 0.006, respectively). The increased frequency of NOS3 Glu298Asp homozygotes genotypes in patients who had advanced tumour stage was statistically significant (P = 0.042). Our findings have suggested that NOS3 Glu298Asp polymorphism might be associated with the risk and progression of colorectal cancer in Turkish population.

Cross-sectional study of risk factors for atherosclerosis in the Azorean population

BACKGROUND

Atherosclerosis-a major cause of vascular disease, including ischemic heart disease (IHD), is a pathology that has a two-fold higher mortality rate in the Azorean Islands compared to mainland Portugal.

AIM

This cross-sectional study investigated the role of genetic variation in the prevalence of atherosclerosis in this population.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A total of 305 individuals were characterized for polymorphisms in eight susceptibility genes for atherosclerosis: ACE, PAI1, NOS3, LTA, FGB, ITGB3, PON1 and APOE. Data were analysed with respect to phenotypic characteristics such as blood pressure, lipid profile, life-style risk factors and familial history of myocardial infarction.

RESULTS

In the total sample, frequencies for hypercholestrolemic, hypertensive and obese individuals were 63.6%, 39.3% and 23.3%, respectively. The genetic profile was similar to that observed in other European populations, namely in mainland Portugal. No over-representation of risk alleles was evidenced in this sample.

CONCLUSIONS

One has to consider the possibility of an important non-genetic influence on the high cholesterolemia present in the Azorean population. Since diet is the most important life-style risk factor for dyslipidemia, studies aiming to evaluate the dietary characteristics of this population and its impact on serum lipid levels will be of major importance.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS3) polymorphisms are associated with high relapse risk in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

BACKGROUND

Angiogenesis has been shown as an important process in hematological malignancies. It consists in endothelial proliferation, migration, and tube formation following pro-angiogenic factors releasing, specially the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which angiogenic effect seems to be dependent on nitric oxide (NO). We examined the association among functional polymorphisms in these two angiogenesis related genes: VEGF (-2578C>A, -1154G>A, and -634G>C) and NOS3 (-786T>C, intron 4 b>a, and Glu298Asp) with prognosis of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

METHODS

The genotypes were determined and haplotypes estimated in 105 ALL patients that were divided in 2 groups: high risk (HR) and low risk of relapse (LR) patients. In addition, event-free survival curves according to genotypes were assessed.

RESULTS

The group HR compared to the LR showed a higher frequency of the alleles -2578C and -634C and the haplotype CGC for VEGF (0.72 vs. 0.51, p<0.008; 0.47 vs. 0.26, p<0.008; and 42.1 vs. 14.5, p<0.006; respectively) and a lower frequency of the haplotype CbGlu (0.4 vs. 8.8,p<0.006), for NOS3.

CONCLUSION

Polymorphisms of VEGF and NOS3 genes are associated with high risk of relapse, therefore may have a prognostic impact in childhood ALL.

An intron 4 VNTR polymorphism of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene is associated with early-onset colorectal cancer

Endothelial-derived nitric oxide, which is produced by endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), may play an important role in colorectal carcinogenesis. However, the putative contribution of common eNOS genetic polymorphisms to colorectal cancer risk remains unknown. We genotyped 3 polymorphisms of eNOS (T-786C, G894T, and intron4b/a) in 727 colorectal adenocarcinoma cases and 736 age- and sex-matched healthy controls in Taiwan. Genotypes of the T-786C and G894T polymorphisms were determined by fluorescence polarization assays and the 27-bp variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) polymorphism in intron 4 (intron4b/a) was analyzed by PCR. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Among younger participants (< or =60 yrs), the intron4a variant genotype was associated with a significantly increased risk of colorectal cancer, compared with the intron4bb genotype (OR = 1.60, 95% CI = 1.04-2.46). In addition, those young individuals bearing a greater number of high-risk genotypes (OR > 1, i.e., CT+TT for T-786C, ba+aa for intron4b/a, and GG for G894T) of eNOS had a higher colorectal cancer risk (p(trend) = 0.039). Compared with younger individuals without any putative high-risk genotypes, those with 3 high-risk genotypes had a significantly greater cancer risk (OR = 1.89, 95% CI = 1.04-3.43). Our results suggest that the eNOS intron4b/a polymorphism may contribute to early-onset colorectal cancer risk in the Taiwanese population.

Nitric oxide synthase gene polymorphisms and prostate cancer risk

Nitric oxide (NO) induces cytotoxicity and angiogenesis, and may play a role in prostate carcinogenesis, potentially modulated by environmental exposures. We evaluated the association of prostate cancer with genetic polymorphisms in two genes related to intracellular NO: NOS2A [inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS); -2892T>C, Ex16 + 14C>T (S608L), IVS16 + 88T>G and IVS20 + 524G>A] and NOS3 [endothelial NOS; IVS1-762C>T, Ex7-43C>T (D258D), IVS7-26A>G, Ex8-63G>T (E298D) and IVS15-62G>T]. Prostate cancer cases (n = 1320) from the screening arm of the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial were frequency matched to controls (n = 1842), by age, race, time since initial screening and year of blood draw. An antioxidant score [range 3-12; low (3-7) versus high (8-12)] was created by summing the quartile levels of vitamin E, beta-carotene and lycopene, which were coded from 1 to 4, respectively. The global tests for all eight single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (excluding NOS2A-2892T>C, with low minor allele frequency) were statistically significant for prostate cancer (P = 0.005), especially for aggressive cancer (stage III-IV or Gleason score > or = 7) (P = 0.01). The NOS2A IVS16 + 88 GT/TT was associated with increased prostate cancer risk (odds ratio = 1.24, 95% confidence interval = 1.00-1.54), whereas the IVS20 + 524 AG/GG was associated with decreased risk (0.77, 0.66-0.90). The NOS3 IVS7-26GG was associated with increased prostate cancer risk (1.33, 1.07-1.64). All these SNPs showed significant associations with aggressive cancer and not for non-aggressive cancer. In the evaluation of effect modification, the effect of the NOS2A IVS16 + 88 GT/TT on aggressive cancer was stronger among subjects with higher antioxidant intake (1.61, 1.18-2.19; P(interaction) = 0.01). Our results suggest that NOS gene polymorphisms are genetic susceptibility factors for aggressive prostate cancer.

Gene expression profile in the peripheral blood of patients with prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer consists of multifactorial and multifocal events, generating differential gene expression in tumor cells.

METHODS

The molecular profile of 14 gene expression was analyzed through cDNA array in blood samples of patients with prostate cancer (PCa) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

RESULTS

Messenger RNA from patient's blood showed significant differences between PCa and BPH groups only for the NOS3 gene, with an occurrence chance for PCa5.8-fold higher than BPH disease.

CONCLUSION

The NOS3 gene expression in the patient's blood may be used as a putative biomarker for prostate cancer.

The -786T>C promoter polymorphism of the NOS3 gene is associated with prostate cancer progression

Background

There is no biological or epidemiological data on the association between NOS3 promoter polymorphisms and prostate cancer. The polymorphisms in the promoter region of NOS3 gene may be responsible for variations in the plasma NO, which may promote cancer progression by providing a selective growth advantage to tumor cells by angiogenic stimulus and by direct DNA damage.

Methods

This study aimed evaluating the NOS3 promoter polymorphisms by PCR-SSCP and sequencing, associating genotypes and haplotypes with NOS3 expression levels through semi-quantitative RT-PCR, and with PCA3 mRNA detection, a specific tumor biomarker, in the peripheral blood of pre-surgical samples from 177 patients; 83 PCa and 94 BPH.

Results

Three novel SNPs were identified -764A>G, -714G>T and -649G>A in the NOS3 gene promoter region, which together with the -786T>C generated four haplotypes (N, T, C, A). NOS3 gene expression levels were affected by the -786T>C polymorphism, and there was a 2-fold increase in NOS3 levels favored by the incorporation of each C allele. NOS3 levels higher than 80% of the constitutive gene expression level (B2M) presented a 4-fold increase in PCa occurrence.

Conclusion

The -786T>C polymorphism was the most important promoter alteration of the NOS3 gene that may affect the PCa progression, but not its occurrence, and the incorporation of the C allele is associated with increased levels of NOS3 transcripts. The NOS3 transcript levels presented a bimodal behavior in tumor development and may be used as a biomarker together with the PCA3 marker for molecular staging of the prostate cancer.

Polymorphisms in angiogenesis-related genes and prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

Angiogenesis is required for development and progression of prostate cancer. Potentially functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in genes important in prostate angiogenesis (VEGF, HIF1A, and NOS3) have previously been associated with risk or severity of prostate cancer.

METHODS

Prostate cancer cases (n = 1,425) and controls (n = 1,453) were selected from the Cancer Prevention Study II Nutrition Cohort. We examined associations between 58 SNPs in nine angiogenesis-related candidate genes (EGF, LTA, HIF1A, HIF1AN, MMP2, MMP9, NOS2A, NOS3, VEGF) and risk of overall and advanced prostate cancer. Unconditional logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios, adjusted for matching factors.

RESULTS

Our results did not replicate previously observed associations with SNPs in VEGF, HIF1A, or NOS3, nor did we observe associations with SNPs in EGF, LTA, HIF1AN, MMP9, or NOS2A. In the MMP2 gene, three intronic SNPs, all in linkage disequilibrium, were associated with overall and advanced prostate cancer (for overall prostate cancer, P(trend) = 0.01 for rs1477017, P(trend) = 0.01 for rs17301608, P(trend) = 0.02 for rs11639960). However, two of these SNPs (rs17301608 and rs11639960) were examined and were not associated with prostate cancer in a recent genome-wide association study using prostate cancer cases and controls from the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovary study cohort. Furthermore, when we pooled our results for these two SNPs with those from the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovary cohort; neither SNP was associated with prostate cancer.

CONCLUSION

None of the SNPs examined seem likely to be importantly associated with risk of overall or advanced prostate cancer.

Overall survival in women with breast cancer: the influence of pepsinogen C gene polymorphism

We aimed to study the role of an insertion/deletion polymorphism in the Pepsinogen C (PGC) gene in the clinical outcome of 172 breast cancer patients. The six polymorphic alleles were amplified using PCR. Our results indicate that patients carrying the allele 6 present a higher 5-year survival mean (83.4% of 6 allele carriers were alive at 5 years vs. only 68.6% of noncarriers, p=0.001), suggesting a role for this polymorphism in the outcome of breast cancer patients. We hypothesize that PGC polymorphism can be a predictive biomarker in breast cancer, contributing to an individual profile of great interest in clinical oncology.

Association of polymorphisms of angiogenesis genes with breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Few studies have systematically explored a pathway approach: to test the association of multiple polymorphisms from multiple genes important to angiogenesis simultaneously with risk of breast cancer. We report our preliminary data evaluating the association of polymorphisms from seven genes known to influence angiogenesis with the likelihood of having breast cancer.

METHODS

We recruited 715 controls and 520 subjects with breast cancer. Subjects provided a blood specimen and completed a questionnaire that included common breast cancer risk factors and breast cancer status. We evaluated candidate polymorphisms in the following genes: Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1 alpha (HIF1alpha), Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), VEGF Receptor 1 (VEGFR-1), VEGFR-2, endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase (eNOS), Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) and Neuropilin-2 (NRP-2). Testing for associations between each polymorphism and the presence or absence of breast cancer was performed.

RESULTS

VEGF-2578 AA and -1498 CC genotypes were more common in cancer cases than controls (P = 0.06 and P = 0.04, respectively). These two genotypes remained significant predictors of breast cancer status after adjusting for non-genetic risk factors estimated by the Gail model (P = 0.03 and P = 0.03, respectively). When comparing women with invasive versus pre-invasive breast cancer, the eNOS-786 TT and eNOS 894 GG genotypes were associated with a greater likelihood of invasive disease and the eNOS 894 GG genotype was associated with a greater likelihood of having metastatic disease.

CONCLUSION

There is an association of the VEGF-2578A and -1498C alleles with increased breast cancer risk. This association remains significant when adjusted for Gail score-related risk factors.

The CYP3A4∗1B polymorphism and prostate cancer susceptibility in a Portuguese population

Testosterone exposure has been implicated in prostate carcinogenesis, and genes that alter its metabolism, such as CYP3A4, have been associated with prostate cancer susceptibility. The aim of our study was to assess the relationship between the CYP3A4 *1B polymorphism and its possible role in the development of prostate cancer. DNA samples obtained from the peripheral blood cells of 414 individuals diagnosed with prostate cancer and 337 healthy male donors were used in this case-control study. The CYP3A4*1B polymorphism was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism methodology. We found no statistically significant differences in the distribution of the CYP3A4*1B genotypes between cases and controls (P = 0.470; odds ratio = 1.191; 95% confidence interval=0.740-1.918), as well as after the stratification of our analysis, according to important clinicopathologic parameters of prostate cancer. Our results suggest that the CYP3A4*1B polymorphism is not associated with prostate cancer risk within the Portuguese population.

Association between FAS polymorphism and prostate cancer development

The role of FAS polymorphisms in prostate cancer has not been studied. Using the PCR-based restriction fragment-length polymorphism methodology, we evaluated FAS gene locus -670 genotypes in DNA from 904 men: 657 prostate cancer patients and 247 healthy controls. We found that carriers of AG or GG genotypes have a statistically significant protection (odds ratio (OR)=0.30; confidence interval (CI): 0.20-0.44 and OR=0.22; CI: 0.12-0.74, respectively) for disease with extra-capsular invasion. Taken together, a 72% protection was found for G allele carriers (OR=0.28; CI: 0.19-0.41). Fas exist as membrane-bound and soluble forms and with opposite roles. They derive from the same gene by alternative splicing. Membrane Fas receptors trigger apoptosis whereas, on the other hand, soluble Fas (sFas) bind to Fas ligand antagonizing Fas-Fas ligand apoptotic pathway. Our results suggest that G allele may reduce sFas levels preventing the apoptotic inhibition caused by the soluble form.

Genetic polymorphisms of NOS3 are associated with the risk of invasive breast cancer with lymph node involvement

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS3) produces nitric oxide which is a mediator of cytotoxic effects potentially associated with breast cancer. We evaluated the role of genetic polymorphisms of NOS3 in breast cancer etiology, in a case-control study conducted in Korea. We recruited 1,385 eligible patients with histologically confirmed incident breast cancer cases and 968 hospital-based controls. Two potentially functional NOS3 polymorphisms in the promoter region (-786T > C) and exon 7 (894G > T, Glu298Asp) were genotyped and individual haplotypes were estimated. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidential intervals (95% CIs) were calculated by unconditional logistic regression, adjusting for age, body mass index, education, family history of breast cancer in first and second degree relatives, age at first full-term pregnancy and parity. There was no overall association between the -786T > C or 894G > T genotype and breast cancer risk. However, the -786C allele was marginally associated with decreased risk for invasive breast cancer with lymph node involvement (OR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.56-1.04). And, compared to TG-TG carriers, all other haplotype pairs were significantly associated with invasive breast cancer with lymph node involvement (OR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.59-0.99). Our results suggest that genetic polymorphisms in NOS3 modify individual susceptibility to invasive breast cancer with lymph node involvement in Korean women.

Promoter polymorphism (-786t>C) in the endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene is associated with risk of sporadic breast cancer in non-Hispanic white women age younger than 55 years

BACKGROUND

Nitric oxide (NO) is constitutively synthesized in the endothelium by endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and acts as a pleiotropic regulator involved in carcinogenesis. Most breast cancers develop from mammary epithelial cells; therefore, NO may play a role in their development. It was hypothesized that eNOS polymorphisms are associated with risk of breast cancer.

METHODS

In the current hospital-based case-control study of 421 non-Hispanic white women with sporadic breast cancer and 423 frequency-matched control subjects, we genotyped 3 polymorphisms of eNOS (i.e., -786T>C, the 27-base pair [bp] variable number of tandem repeats [VNTR] in intron 4, and 894G>T [Glu298Asp]) and assessed their associations with risk of breast cancer.

RESULTS

It was found that, compared with -786TT, the -786C variant genotypes were associated with a significantly increased risk of breast cancer in an allele dose-dependent manner (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.33 [95% confidence interval (95% CI)], 0.99-1.77 for -786TC; and OR, 1.79 [95% CI, 1.11-2.87] for -786CC; P(trend) = .007), but 27-bp VNTR and 894G>T genotypes were not. Stratification analysis demonstrated that the risk associated with -786C variant genotypes (-786TC/CC) was more pronounced in smokers and in those 50 years or older (OR, 1.82 [95% CI, 1.19-2.80] and OR, 2.08 [95% CI, 1.25-3.45], respectively), and in the estrogen and progesterone receptor-negative cases (OR, 1.70 [95% CI, 1.10-2.62] and OR, 1.57 [95% CI, 1.07-2.32], respectively). Furthermore, the C4G haplotype derived from the observed genotypes was also associated with a significantly increased risk of breast cancer (OR, 2.16; 95% CI, 1.07-4.36).

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that eNOS polymorphisms (especially -786T>C) may play a role in the development of sporadic breast cancer.

Gastric cancer in a Caucasian population: Role of pepsinogen C genetic variants

AIM: To study the role of an insertion/deletion polymorphism in the pepsinogen C (PGC) gene, an effective marker for terminal differentiation of the stomach mucosa, in the susceptibility to the development of gastric lesions.

METHODS: The study was performed with 99 samples of known gastric lesions and 127 samples without evidence of neoplastic disease. PCR was employed and the 6 polymorphic alleles were amplified: Allele 1 (510 bp), Allele 2 (480 bp), Allele 3/4 (450/460 bp), Allele 5 (400 bp) and Allele 6 (310 bp).

RESULTS: Our results revealed that Allele 6 carriers seemed to have protection against the development of any gastric lesion (OR = 0.34; P < 0.001), non-dysplastic lesions associated with gastric adenocarcinoma such as atrophy or intestinal metaplasia (OR = 0.28; P < 0.001) or invasive GC (OR = 0.39; P = 0.004).

CONCLUSION: Our study reveals that the Allele 6 carrier status has a protective role in the development of gastric lesions, probably due to its association with higher expression of PGC. Moreover, the frequency of Allele 6 carriers in the control group is far higher than that obtained in Asian populations, which might represent a genetic gap between Caucasian and Asian populations.

Analysis of angiogenesis genes from paraffin-embedded breast tumor and lymph nodes

BACKGROUND

Angiogenesis is important in tumor growth and metastasis. Germ-line polymorphisms critical to the angiogenesis pathway have been shown to confer prognostic information in multiple tumor types. These genes include vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS).

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

We extracted DNA from 53 specimens obtained from 21 patients including a primary breast tumor, and/or a histologically involved lymph node, and/or a histologically normal lymph node. We subsequently genotyped all specimens to evaluate two polymorphisms in the eNOS gene and one polymorphism in the VEGF gene.

RESULTS

Chromatographs were generated in 145/159 (91%) samples. When assessing all polymorphisms by site, chromatographs were generated in 42/51 (83%) samples obtained from the primary tumor and 103/108 (95%) from lymph nodes. Chromatographs were generated in 46/53 (87%) samples from the T(-786)C polymorphism in the 5'-flanking region in the eNOS gene, 49/53 (92%) when assessing the Glu298Asp polymorphism in exon 7 in the eNOS gene and 50/53 samples (94%) for the C(936)T polymorphism in the VEGF gene. There was 100% concordance between analyses from the primary tumor, uninvolved lymph node, and involved lymph node from the same case.

CONCLUSION

We successfully extracted DNA and genotyped several polymorphisms in two genes important in angiogenesis. These genotypes were determined in breast tumors, but also in involved and uninvolved lymph nodes. There was concordance between the genotypes of germline DNA obtained from uninvolved lymph nodes and those determined in tumor samples, implying that the host angiogenic genotype imprints the tumor genotype.

The endothelial nitric oxide synthase Glu-298-Asp polymorphism and its mRNA expression in the peripheral blood of patients with prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia

BACKGROUND

The endothelial nitric oxide synthase (ecNOS) has an important role in vascular development and in the carcinogenesis process of prostate cancer (PCa). The nitric oxide (NO) production may promote cancer progression by providing a selective growth advantage to tumor cells, by angiogenic stimulus and by direct DNA damage.

METHODS

The present study aimed at evaluating the ecNOS Glu-298-Asp polymorphism by the PCR-RFLP technique, associating genotypes with gene expression levels and the tumor biomarker, Prostate Cancer Antigen (DD3), through semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Pre-surgical peripheral blood samples from 160 patients were analyzed: 84 PCa, 11 prostate intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) and 65 benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

RESULTS

The GG and GT Glu-298-Asp genotypes were associated with positive DD3 expression in the peripheral blood, presenting a 3.32-fold higher risk of PCa occurrence. There was no association between genotypes and ecNOS mRNA expression levels; however, the presence of the G allele is closely related to the hematogenous dissemination event of tumoral cells, as evidenced by the DD3 positivity. The higher G allele frequency among pT3 and pT4 staged PCa patients suggests that this would be associated with advanced phenotypes of the disease and may also be contributing to higher NO levels, causing cancer progression.

CONCLUSIONS

The G allele may have a secondary influence on the prostate cancer predisposition, but an essential role on the event of tumor cells hematogenous dissemination, probably due to the angiogenic stimulus.

Characterization of HPV genotype profile in squamous cervical lesions in Portugal, a southern European population at high risk of cervical cancer

A different prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) types has been reported in distinct populations. Although Portugal has a relatively high incidence of cervical cancer within the European Union, no studies have been reported in the Portuguese population. Recently, a clinical trial using a vaccine targeted against HPV-16 demonstrated a high efficacy in preventing HPV-16 cervical lesions. The aim of the present study was the characterization of HPV genotype profile in squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL) and invasive cervical cancer (ICC) from 608 patients using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methodology. We frequently detected HPV-6/11 and HPV-16 in low-grade SIL (HPV-6/11, 18.9%; HPV-16, 44.2%). In high-grade SIL, HPV-16 was demonstrated in 74.2% of those lesions and in 80.0% of the cases with ICC. HPV-18 was found in 3.1%, 0.8% and in 15.0% of low, high SIL and ICC, respectively. The overall prevalence of multiple infections with high-risk HPV was 7.2%. Other types of HPV were detected in 7.0% of all cases. Our results demonstrate a high prevalence of HPV-16 in SIL and ICC in Portuguese women. Therefore, a prophylactic HPV-16/18 vaccine may be effective in the prevention of cervical cancer in a significant number of women from this southern European population.

The influence of smoking and other cofactors on the time to onset to cervical cancer in a southern European population

Cervical cancer is a complex and multifactorial disease. Although there are substantial data supporting the causative role of persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in the development of cervical cancer, the complete course of the disease has never been completely understood. Several risk cofactors have been suggested with controversial results. Portugal has the highest incidence of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) within western Europe and there are no known studies regarding the role of cofactors in SCC. The aim of our study was to evaluate the role of smoking, sexual behaviour, reproductive and contraceptive history, in the time-to-onset (TTO) of severe cervical lesions (HGSIL/SCC) in the Portuguese population. We verified that age of first sexual intercourse under 18 years (odds ratio (OR) 2.8), pregnancy (OR 2.9), first pregnancy under 21 years (2.6), number of pregnancies (OR 2.3-5.4) and parity (OR 1.9-5.7) are risk factors in the development of cervical neoplasia. Smoke exposure index (SEI) was significantly different (P=0.002) between cases and controls. Our results regarding time-to-onset demonstrate that smoking (P<0.001, log rank test), number of sexual partners (P<0.001, log rank test) and use of oral contraceptives (P<0.001, log rank test) are important determinants in the earlier onset of severe cervical lesions. Using this approach, our findings may help to clarify the role of smoking and other cofactors in the persistence and progression of cervical lesions.

Acetylation genotype and the genetic susceptibility to prostate cancer in a southern European population

BACKGROUND

Epidemiologic studies have suggested that environmental factors and diet are important risk factors in the pathogenesis of prostate cancer. The N-acetyltransferases (NAT) are important enzymes in activation and inactivation of various carcinogens, including those found in well-cooked meat and cigarette smoke.

METHODS

We analyzed DNA samples from 146 prostate cancer patients and 174 healthy men. We used PCR-RFLP method to analyze NAT 1 and NAT 2 polymorphisms.

RESULTS

We did not find statistically significant differences in NAT 1 genotypes frequencies between prostate cancer patients and control group. We observed an association of the slow acetylator genotype, NAT 2*6/NAT2*6 with prostate cancer protection (P=0.017; OR=0.31, 95% CI 0.11--0.84). Multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed this association (0.030; OR=0.32, 95% CI 0.12--0.89).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate a role of NAT2 polymorphisms in the carcinogenic pathway of prostate cancer, specifically in a population of Southern Europe.

TP53 codon 72 polymorphism and risk for cervical cancer in Portugal

High-risk human papillomavirus are essential for the development of cervical cancer; however, TP53 is the most frequently altered tumor suppressor gene among tumors and is described as a cofactor for cervical carcinogenesis. TP53 has two common polymorphic forms encoding either proline or arginine, at position 72, and the presence of homozygous arginine has been reported as a risk factor for cervical cancer in many populations. We evaluated the effect of this TP53 polymorphism in a northern Portuguese population. We analyzed blood samples of 385 women; 20 with low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL), 56 with high-grade SIL, 164 with invasive cervical cancer, and 145 healthy controls, using allele specific-polymerase chain reaction methodology. We observed an increased frequency of the Arg/Arg genotype in the cancer group, but no statistical significance was found between cases and controls (P>0.05). Our results indicate that there is no association between the presence of the Arg allele in codon 72 of TP53 polymorphism and risk of cervical cancer in our population.

Leptin and prostate: implications for cancer prevention--overview of genetics and molecular interactions

Leptin's relation with obesity has been clearly demonstrated while its role in oncobiology is still largely unknown. Epidemiological studies on serum leptin provide valuable though controversial data, while in vitro studies consistently show leptin's angiogenic and proliferative potential in cancer. Leptin's activity is mediated by tissue-specific receptors, differentially expressed in organs such as the prostate. The molecular cascades triggered by leptin result in prostatic cell proliferation and angiogenic activity, thus linking the hormone mainly to prostate cancer prognosis. This review also addresses leptin's metabolic interactions with cytokines, growth factors or hormones, establishing perceptive pathways leading to carcinogenesis or prostate cancer progression and metastasis. Better understanding of these mechanisms may help in the development of new and more effective treatments for prostate cancer. The consolidation of leptin molecular genetics profile in prostate cancer patients may help to create susceptibility groups in normal individuals, facilitating a preventive dietary intervention or strategies for chemoprevention. We hypothesize that the balance between androgen and leptin levels may facilitate the increase in the ratio of androgen-independent prostate cancer cells to androgen-dependent cells in the tumour.