IL1B rs1143634 polymorphism, cigarette smoking, alcohol use, and lung cancer risk in a Japanese population

Genetic variants of interleukin 1B and 6 are associated with clinical outcome of surgically treated lumbar degenerative disc disease

BACKGROUND

Successfully surgically treating degenerative disc diseases can be challenging to the spine surgeons, the long-term outcome relies on both the physical and mental status of the patient before and after treatment. Numerous studies underlined the role of inflammatory cytokines - like interleukin 1B and 6 - in the development of chronic diseases such as failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) and major depressive disorder (MDD) which alter the outcome after spinal surgery. Our aim was to evaluate the associations of IL6 and IL1B gene polymorphisms with the long-term outcome of degenerative lumbar spine surgeries.

METHODS

An international genetical database (GENODISC) was combined with our institute's clinical database to create a large pool with long term follow up data. Altogether 431 patient's data were analysed. Patient reported outcome measures and surgical outcome was investigated in association with IL1B and IL6 SNPs with the help of 'SNPassoc' R genome wide association package.

RESULTS

Interleukin 1B variants analysis confirmed association with improvement of pain after surgery on individual SNP level and on haplotype level, moreover relationship with patient reported outcome and preoperative level of depression was found on individual SNP level. IL6 variants were associated with preoperative depression, somatization and with subsequent surgery.

CONCLUSION

Understanding the complexity of spinal surgery patients' long-term well-being is crucial in effectively treating chronic debilitating somatic diseases and the associated mental illnesses. Further studies should investigate more comprehensively the linkage of chronic physical and mental illnesses focusing on their simultaneous treatment.

TLR4 regulatory region variants reduce the susceptibility of small-cell lung cancer in Chinese population

OBJECTIVES

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) participate in the induction and regulation of immune responses and are closely related to the occurrence and development of small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). This study aimed to investigate the impact of polymorphisms in the regulatory regions of TLRs on the susceptibility of SCLC.

METHODS

The case-control study included 304 SCLC patients and 304 healthy controls. TLRs gene polymorphisms were genotyped by PCR-restrictive fragment length polymorphism analysis and TaqMan assay. Unconditional logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratio (OR) and its 95% confidence interval (95% CI).

RESULTS

Our results showed that TLR4 rs1927914 GG genotype and TLR4 rs7869402 TT genotype reduced the risk of SCLC with OR (95% CI) of 0.54 (0.32-0.90) and 0.47 (0.28-0.80), respectively. Stratified analysis suggested that TLR4 rs1927914 GG genotypes significantly reduced the risk of SCLC among male (OR = 0.35; 95% CI, 0.18-0.69; P < 0.01), the younger patients (OR = 0.49; 95% CI, 0.26-0.94; P = 0.03) and non-drinkers (OR = 0.47; 95% CI, 0.24-0.89; P = 0.02). TLR4 rs7869402 CT or TT genotype significantly reduced the susceptibility to SCLC among male patients (OR = 0.37; 95% CI, 0.19-0.71, P < 0.01), the younger patients (OR = 0.41; 95% CI, 0.22-0.79; P < 0.01), smokers (OR = 0.25; 95% CI, 0.10-0.60; P < 0.01) and drinkers (OR = 0.31; 95% CI, 0.11-0.88; P = 0.03). TLR3 rs5743303, TLR4 rs11536891, TLR5 rs1640816 and TLR7 rs3853839 had no significant correlation with the risk of SCLC.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings emphasized the important role of TLR4 in the development of SCLC.

The Interleukin-1 (IL-1) Superfamily Cytokines and Their Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs)

Interleukins (ILs)-which are important members of cytokines-consist of a vast group of molecules, including a wide range of immune mediators that contribute to the immunological responses of many cells and tissues. ILs are immune-glycoproteins, which directly contribute to the growth, activation, adhesion, differentiation, migration, proliferation, and maturation of immune cells; and subsequently, they are involved in the pro and anti-inflammatory responses of the body, by their interaction with a wide range of receptors. Due to the importance of immune system in different organisms, the genes belonging to immune elements, such as ILs, have been studied vigorously. The results of recent investigations showed that the genes pertaining to the immune system undergo progressive evolution with a constant rate. The occurrence of any mutation or polymorphism in IL genes may result in substantial changes in their biology and function and may be associated with a wide range of diseases and disorders. Among these abnormalities, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) can represent as important disruptive factors. The present review aims at concisely summarizing the current knowledge available on the occurrence, properties, role, and biological consequences of SNPs within the IL-1 family members.

Association of smoking and polygenic risk with the incidence of lung cancer: a prospective cohort study

Background

Genetic variation increases the risk of lung cancer, but the extent to which smoking amplifies this effect remains unknown. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the risk of lung cancer in people with different genetic risks and smoking habits.

Methods

This prospective cohort study included 345,794 European ancestry participants from the UK Biobank and followed up for 7.2 [6.5–7.8] years.

Results

Overall, 26.2% of the participants were former smokers, and 9.8% were current smokers. During follow-up, 1687 (0.49%) participants developed lung cancer. High genetic risk and smoking were independently associated with an increased risk of incident lung cancer. Compared with never-smokers, HR per standard deviation of the PRS increase was 1.16 (95% CI, 1.11–1.22), and HR of heavy smokers (≥40 pack-years) was 17.89 (95% CI, 15.31–20.91). There were no significant interactions between the PRS and the smoking status or pack-years. Population-attributable fraction analysis showed that smoking cessation might prevent 76.4% of new lung cancers.

Conclusions

Both high genetic risk and smoking were independently associated with higher lung cancer risk, but the increased risk of smoking was much more significant than heredity. The combination of traditional risk factors and additional PRS provides realistic application prospects for precise prevention.

Role of IL-1β rs1143634 (+3954C>T) polymorphism in cancer risk: an updated meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis

OBJECTIVE

Oxidative stress caused by the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-1β has been widely investigated for cancer risk. In this study, we focused on the role of IL-1β rs1143634 polymorphism to reveal its impact on cancer development.

METHODS

Related studies with fixed inclusion criteria were selected from electronic databases to May 2021. This meta-analysis was performed with odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Heterogeneity, publication bias and sensitivity analyses were also conducted. Trial sequential analysis (TSA) and in-silico gene expression analysis were performed.

RESULTS

Forty-four case-control studies involving 18,645 patients with cancer and 22,882 controls were included. We observed a significant association of this single nucleotide polymorphism with overall cancer risk in the codominant model 3 (1.13-fold), recessive model (1.14-fold) and allelic model (1.08-fold). Subgroup analysis revealed that rs1143634 elevated the risk of gastric cancer, breast cancer and multiple myeloma. In addition, Asian and mixed populations and hospital-based controls had a significantly higher risk of cancer development. TSA confirmed our findings.

CONCLUSION

Our meta-analysis revealed that the presence of IL-1β rs1143634 polymorphism increases the risk of cancer development. Among polymorphism carriers, the Asian population has a higher risk than other ethnic populations.This meta-analysis was registered retrospectively at INPLASY (https://inplasy.com/, INPLASY2021100044).

Evaluation of IL1B rs1143634 and IL6 rs1800796 Polymorphisms with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Turkish Children

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by genetic, environmental and immunological factors. It is known that neural development processes are affected by immune functions. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between cytokines IL6 and IL1B gene polymorphisms in ASD.Methods: DNA isolations were performed in 95 children diagnosed with ASD and 84 unrelated healthy children, single-nucleotide changes in IL6 (rs1800796) and IL1B (rs1143634) genes were determined by using Real-Time PCR (Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction) method.Results: IL6 rs1800796 polymorphism presented an elevated risk for the development of ASD with CG genotype and dominant model (CG+GG vs. CC), CG+GG carriers (OR = 1.867, p = 0.057; OR = 1.847, p = 0.055, respectively). CT genotype in IL1B rs1143634 polymorphism associated with 2.33 times elevated risk of autism and showed a significant association compared to wild-type CC genotype (p = 0.02). IL1B rs1143634 polymorphism presented a significantly elevated risk for the development of ASD with recessive model (CC+CT vs.TT), TT genotype (OR = 8.145, p = 0.02).Conclusion: This study concludes that rs1143634 is associated with the risk of ASD in Turkish children. Determining these polymorphisms in a larger sample group may contribute to understanding the etiology of ASD and developing new treatment protocols.Abbreviations: ASD: Autism spectrum disorder; DNA: Deoxyribonucleic acid; IL6: Interleukin 6; IL1B: Interleukin 1 beta; Real-time PCR: Real-time polymerase chain reaction; JAK-STAT: The Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription; MAPK: The mitogen-activated protein kinase; 5'UTR: The 5' untranslated region; IL1α: Interleukin 1 alpha; IL-1Ra: Interleukin 1 receptor antagonist; NF-κB: Nuclear factor-kappa B; DSM-V: The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition; M-CHAT: Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers; EDTA: Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid; gDNA: Genomic DNA; HWE: Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium; ANK2: Ankyrin 2; NL3: Neuroligin-3; XRCC4: X-ray repair cross complementing 4.

Elevated Expression Levels of PC3-Secreted Microprotein (PSMP) in Prostate Cancer Associated With Increased Xenograft Growth and Modification of Immune-Related Microenvironment

Prostate cancer (PCa), especially metastatic PCa, is one of the main cancer types accounting for male mortality worldwide. Over decades, researchers have tried to search for effective curative methods for PCa, but many attempts have failed. The therapeutic failure of PCa is usually due to off-target or side effects; thus, finding a key molecule that could prevent PCa metastatic progression has become the most important goal for curing aggressive PCa. In this study, we collected hundreds of PCa tissues and serum and urine samples from patients to verify the upregulated expression of PC3-secreted microprotein (PSMP) in PCa tumor tissues with high Gleason scores. According to biopsy results, PSMP expression was found related to extraprostatic extension (EPE), contributing to PCa metastasis. Mechanistically, recombinant PSMP protein could promote the proliferation both in vitro and in vivo, and rhPSMP could promote epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) of PC3 in vitro. Additionally, PSMP could also influence cytokine production in the xenograft model and monocyte migration and macrophage polarization in vitro. Our most important finding was that neutralizing antibodies against PSMP could suppress xenograft PC3 growth and promote the survival of PC3 metastatic mice model, providing an effective option to cure human PCa.

Levels of peripheral blood polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells and selected cytokines are potentially prognostic of disease progression for patients with non-small cell lung cancer

Polymorphonuclear-MDSC (PMN-MDSC) have emerged as an independent prognostic factor for survival in NSCLC. Similarly, cytokine profiles have been used to identify subgroups of NSCLC patients with different clinical outcomes. This prospective study investigated whether the percentage of circulating PMN-MDSC, in conjunction with the levels of plasma cytokines, was more informative of disease progression than the analysis of either factor alone. We analyzed the phenotypic and functional profile of peripheral blood T-cell subsets (CD3+, CD3+CD4+ and CD3+CD8+), neutrophils (CD66b+) and polymorphonuclear-MDSC (PMN-MDSC; CD66b+CD11b+CD15+CD14-) as well as the concentration of 14 plasma cytokines (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12 p70, IL-17A, IL-27, IL-29, IL-31, and IL-33, TNF-α, IFN-γ) in 90 treatment-naïve NSCLC patients and 25 healthy donors (HD). In contrast to HD, NSCLC patients had a higher percentage of PMN-MDSC and neutrophils (P < 0.0001) but a lower percentage of CD3+, CD3+CD4+ and CD3+CD8+ cells. PMN-MDSC% negatively correlated with the levels of IL1-β, IL-2, IL-27 and IL-29. Two groups of patients were identified according to the percentage of circulating PMN-MDSC. Patients with low PMN-MDSC (≤ 8%) had a better OS (22.1 months [95% CI 4.3-739.7]) than patients with high PMN-MDSC (9.3 months [95% CI 0-18.8]). OS was significantly different among groups of patients stratified by both PMN-MDSC% and cytokine levels. In sum, our findings provide evidence suggesting that PMN-MDSC% in conjunction with the levels IL-1β, IL-27, and IL-29 could be a useful strategy to identify groups of patients with potentially unfavorable prognoses.

Inflammatory Gene Polymorphisms in Lung Cancer Susceptibility

INTRODUCTION

Chronic inflammation has been implicated in carcinogenesis, with increasing evidence of its role in lung cancer. We aimed to evaluate the role of genetic polymorphisms in inflammation-related genes in the risk for development of lung cancer.

METHODS

A nested case-control study design was used, and 625 cases and 625 well-matched controls were selected from participants in the β-Carotene and Retinol Efficacy Trial, which is a large, prospective lung cancer chemoprevention trial. The association between lung cancer incidence and survival and 23 polymorphisms descriptive of 11 inflammation-related genes (interferon gamma gene [IFNG], interleukin 10 gene [IL10], interleukin 1 alpha gene [IL1A], interleukin 1 beta gene [IL1B], interleukin 2 gene [IL2], interleukin 4 receptor gene [IL4R], interleukin 4 gene [IL4], interleukin 6 gene [IL6], prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 gene [PTGS2] (also known as COX2), transforming growth factor beta 1 gene [TGFB1], and tumor necrosis factor alpha gene [TNFA]) was evaluated.

RESULTS

Of the 23 polymorphisms, two were associated with risk for lung cancer. Compared with individuals with the wild-type (CC) variant, individuals carrying the minor allele variants of the IL-1β-511C>T promoter polymorphism (rs16944) (CT and TT) had decreased odds of lung cancer (OR = 0.74, [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.58-0.94] and OR = 0.71 [95% CI: 0.50-1.01], respectively, p = 0.03). Similar results were observed for the IL-1β-1464 C>G promoter polymorphism (rs1143623), with presence of the minor variants CG and CC having decreased odds of lung cancer (OR = 0.75 [95% CI: 0.59-0.95] and OR = 0.69 [95% CI: 0.46-1.03], respectively, p = 0.03). Survival was not influenced by genotype.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides further evidence that IL1B promoter polymorphisms may modulate the risk for development of lung cancer.

MDC and BLC are independently associated with the significant risk of early stage lung adenocarcinoma

Background

This prospective study was designed to investigate the association between ten circulating inflammatory biomarkers and the risk for early stage lung adenocarcinoma.

Methods

All inflammatory biomarkers were measured in 228 patients with early stage (IA to IIB) lung adenocarcinoma and 228 age-, sex- and smoking-matched healthy controls by using the Luminex bead-based assay.

Results

Only two biomarkers were significantly associated with the risk of early stage lung adenocarcinoma after the Bonferroni correction: the multivariate odd ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval or CI) was 0.29 (0.16-0.53) for MDC and 4.17 (2.23-7.79) for BLC for the comparison of patients in the 4^th quartile with the 1^st quartile (both P<0.0001). When analysis was restricted to never smokers (196 patients/196 controls), MDC and BLC were still significantly associated with the risk of early stage lung adenocarcinoma (OR, 95% CI, P: 0.37, 0.21-0.66, P<0.0001 for MDC and 2.78, 1.48-5.22, P =0.001 for BLC). Furthermore, elevated BLC was associated with a 2.90-fold (95% CI: 1.03-8.17, P=0.037) increased risk of subcentimeter lung adenocarcinoma, and there was an increasing trend for BLC with the progression of subcentimeter lung adenocarcinoma.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrated that MDC and BLC were independently associated with the significant risk of early stage lung adenocarcinoma, even in non-smokers and in stage IA patients. BLC was further identified to play a carcinogenic role in the progression of lung adenocarcinoma.

The relationship of cigarette smoking in Japan to lung cancer, COPD, ischemic heart disease and stroke: A systematic review

Background:  To present up-to-date meta-analyses of evidence from Japan relating smoking to major smoking-related diseases.  Methods:  We restricted attention to lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), ischemic heart disease (IHD) and stroke, considering relative risks (RRs) for current and ex-smokers relative to never smokers.  Evidence by amount smoked and time quit was also considered.  For IHD and stroke only, studies had to provide age-adjusted RRs, with age-specific results considered.  For each disease we extended earlier published databases to include more recent studies.  Meta-analyses were conducted, with random-effects RRs and tests of heterogeneity presented.  Results:  Of 40 studies, 26 reported results for lung cancer and 7 to 9 for each other disease.  For current smoking, RRs (95%CIs) were lung cancer 3.59 (3.25-3.96), COPD 3.57 (2.72-4.70), IHD 2.21 (1.96-2.50) and stroke 1.40 (1.25-1.57).  Ex-smoking RRs were lower.  Data for lung cancer and IHD showed a clear tendency for RRs to rise with increasing amount smoked and decrease with increasing time quit.  Dose-response data were unavailable for COPD and unclear for stroke, where the association was weaker.  Conclusions:  Compared to studies in other Asian and Western countries, current smoking RRs were quite similar for IHD and stroke.  The comparison is not clear for COPD, where the Japanese data, mainly from cross-sectional studies, is limited.  For lung cancer, the RRs are similar to those in other Asian countries, but substantially lower than in Western countries.  Explanations for this are unclear, but less accurate reporting of smoking by Japanese may contribute to the difference.

Hypoxia/IL-1α axis promotes gastric cancer progression and drug resistance

OBJECTIVE

The microenvironment of tumors constitutes a unique niche that promotes cancer metastasis and resistance. Two remarkable characteristics of this microenvironment are hypoxia and inflammation. Interleukin-1α (IL-1α), an important inflammatory factor, is frequently upregulated in a variety of cancers. This study aimed to investigate the expression of IL-1α in gastric cancer (GC) and explore the relationship between IL-1α and hypoxia.

METHODS

Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction was performed to characterize IL-1α expression in different GC cell lines under normoxia or hypoxia. IL-1α expression was characterized in relation to tumor stage and lymph node metastasis of GC and the survival of patients. The effect of IL-1α knockdown under normoxia or hypoxia on cell proliferation, migration and sensitivity to cisplatin was also evaluated. Additionally, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) expression in KATO-III cells was either upregulated by ectopic HIF-1α expression or downregulated through shHIF-1α transfection, the effects of which on IL-1α expression was subsequently evaluated.

RESULTS

There was a positive correlation between IL-1α, which was upregulated during hypoxia, and tumor stage, lymph node metastasis and resistance to cisplatin in GC. IL-1α was regulated by HIF1α, and a change in HIF1α expression altered the tumor-promoting effect of IL-1α.

CONCLUSION

The IL-1α/hypoxia axis may be a valuable target for diagnosis and treatment of GC.

Impact of IL1B gene polymorphisms and interleukin 1B levels on susceptibility to spontaneous preterm birth

OBJECTIVE

Genetic factors influence susceptibility to preterm birth (PTB) and the immune pathway of PTB that involves the production of cytokines such as interleukins has been implicated in PTB disease. The aim of this study is to investigate the association of interleukin 1β (IL1B) gene polymorphisms and IL1B levels with spontaneous PTB.

STUDY DESIGN

Peripheral maternal blood from 495 women was used for extraction of DNA and genotyping was carried out using the Sequenom MassARRAY platform. Maternal plasma was used to measure IL1B levels.

RESULTS

There was no significant association between the allelic and genotype distribution of IL1B single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (rs1143634, rs1143627, rs16944) and the risk of PTB among Malaysian Malay women (rs1143634, P=0.722; rs1143627, P=0.543; rs16944, P=0.615). However, IL1B levels were significantly different between women who delivered preterm compared with those who delivered at term (P=0.030); high mean levels were observed among Malay women who delivered at preterm (mean=32.52) compared with term (mean=21.68). IL1B SNPs were not associated with IL1B plasma levels.

CONCLUSION

This study indicates a significant association between IL1B levels and reduced risk of PTB among the Malaysian Malay women. This study shows the impact of IL1B levels on susceptibility to PTB disease; however, the high levels of IL1B observed among women in the preterm group are not associated with IL1B SNPs investigated in this study; IL1B high levels may be because of other factors not explored in this study and therefore warrant further investigation.

Expression of several cytokines in prostate cancer: Correlation with clinical variables of patients. Relationship with biochemical progression of the malignance

BACKGROUND

This work is focused on finding new markers that complement or diagnoses currently used towards improving knowledge histological and statistical aspects that allow us to predict the local stage carcinomas and to identify and understand all the factors related to the progression of this disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Prostates were obtained from: normal prostates from 20 men, diagnosis of BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia) from 35 men and prostate cancer from 86 men. We studied the behavior of cytokines that have been implicated in inflammatory processes: TNF-alfa, IL-6, IL-1, EGF and TGF-B. Expression of these cytokines and its receptors was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Spearman's test, Kaplan-Meier curves, univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Spearman's analysis showed that there was at least one correlation between TGFB-B, IL-6, gp-130, IL-1B, IL-1R, IL-1RII and clinic pathological feature (preoperative serum PSA, clinical t stage, pathological t stage, positive surgical margins, biochemical progression, survival). Immunostaining score was correlated with some of the clinicopathological feature. In Cox multivariate analysis between the prognostic variables (pathological T stage, Gleason score and lymph node) and immunohistochemical parameters (TGF-B, IL-1a, intensity TGFBRI and intensity TGFBRII) only the expression of IL-1a was retained as independent predictors of biochemical progression after radical prostatectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest a role for prostatic expression of TGF-B, IL-1a, TGFBRI and TGFBRII as prognostic markers for prostate cancer. The rational combination of novel agents directed toward the inactivation of TGF-B, IL-1a, TGFBRI and TGFBRII could disrupt complementary tumor cell proliferation pathways.

Association of vitamin D receptor FokI and ApaI polymorphisms with lung cancer risk in Tunisian population

Many studies reported that Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms might influence the cancer risk due to their antiproliferative, antiangiogenic, and apoptotic effects. The aim of this study was to explore the genetic association of VDR polymorphisms with lung cancer risk in Tunisian population. The genotype and haplotype frequencies of four VDR polymorphisms, FokI (rs2228570), BsmI (rs1544410), ApaI (rs7975232) and TaqI (rs731236) were studied using polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis in 240 patients with lung cancer and 280 healthy controls. The distribution of genotype frequencies differed significantly between lung cancer subjects and controls (FokI P adj = 0.002; ApaI P adj = 0.013). Haplotype analyses revealed a significant association between G-A-C and A-C-T haplotypes and lung cancer risk (P corr = 0.0128, P corr = 0.008). When patients were stratified according to gender, age, and smoking, significant associations were detected with FokI and TaqI polymorphisms. We found a lack of association between BsmI, TaqI polymorphisms and lung cancer risk (P > 0.05). Only, the attributable proportion due to interaction and the synergic index for interaction between ApaI polymorphism and smoking were statistically significant (P adj = 0.74, 95 % CI = 0.38-1.20) and (P adj = 0.63, 95 % CI = 0.05-1.21), respectively. Both the additive interaction measures suggested the existence of a biological interaction between SNP ApaI, but not FokI, and smoking. The multiplicative interaction measure was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). This is the first study in Tunisia, which suggested that VDR FokI and ApaI polymorphisms might be risk factors for lung cancer development.

Current evidences on IL1B polymorphisms and lung cancer susceptibility: a meta-analysis

Interleukin 1, beta (IL1B) plays a key role in mediating acute and chronic inflammation, which is further correlated with lung carcinogenesis. Several polymorphisms on IL1B gene have been identified, and a series of epidemiological studies have examined the association between IL1B polymorphisms and lung cancer risk. However, these findings are inconclusive. To derive a precise estimation of the relationship, a meta-analysis was performed. We summarized 12 eligible publications on three commonly studied IL1B polymorphisms (i.e., -31 T/C, -511 T/C, and +3954 C/T) by searching electronic databases. Combined odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated to assess the strength of association between them. Heterogeneity and publication bias were also assessed. We observed a significant association between IL1B polymorphisms and lung cancer. For -31T/C, the overall OR (95% CI) of TT/TC versus CC was 1.23 (1.06-1.43). For +3954 C/T, the overall OR (95% CI) of CC versus TT and CC versus CT/TT were 0.92 (0.86-0.99) and 0.92 (0.86-0.99), respectively. In conclusion, this meta-analysis suggests that the IL1B -31 T/C and +3954 C/T polymorphisms are associated with lung cancer risk. However, larger number of samples and studies with homogeneous lung cancer patients are needed to confirm these findings.

Systematic review and meta-analysis on the association between IL-1B polymorphisms and cancer risk

BACKGROUND

Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, is emerging as a key mediator of carcinogenesis that characterizes host-environment interactions. Epidemiological studies investigating the association between two polymorphisms of IL-1B (-511C/T and +3954C/T) and cancer susceptibility have shown conflicting results. The aim of this study is to derive a more precise estimation of the relationship.

METHODS

Related studies were identified through a systematic literature search of PubMed and Web of Science from their inception to September 15, 2012. Summary odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the IL-1B -511C/T and +3954C/T polymorphisms and cancer risk were calculated. Heterogeneity among studies and publication bias were also tested.

RESULTS

The meta-analysis included 91 case-control studies in 85 publications, 81 studies for the -511C/T (19547 cases and 23935 controls) and 26 studies for the +3954C/T polymorphisms (8083 cases and 9183). The pooled results indicated that IL-1B +3954C/T (dominant model: OR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.01-1.30) was significantly associated with increased overall cancer risk, especially among hospital-based case-control studies (dominant model: OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.02-1.66). As for -511C/T, we observed an inverse relationship in cervical cancer (dominant model: OR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.35-2.23) and hepatocellular carcinoma (dominant model: OR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.47-0.99). Moreover, -511C/T was associated with risk of specific subtypes of gastric carcinoma.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis suggested that both the IL-1B -511C/T and +3954C/T polymorphisms might modulate cancer susceptibility. Further well-designed studies based on larger sample sizes should be performed to confirm the findings.

Genetic Variants in MMP9 and TCF2 Contribute to Susceptibility to Lung Cancer

OBJECTIVE

The Wnt signaling pathway is crucial for pulmonary development and differentiation; dysregulation of the Wnt signaling pathway may impair lung function. Indeed, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of Wnt pathway-related genes have been suggested as risk factors for certain types of cancers. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the influence of SNPs in Wnt-related genes (TCF2, MMP9) on susceptibility to lung cancer.

METHODS

Polymorphisms of TCF2 rs4430796, MMP9 rs2250889, and MMP9 rs17576 were studied in Han Chinese subjects, including 135 patients with lung cancer and 176 controls, using the Sequenom MassARRAY platform. The association of genotypes with susceptibility to lung cancer was analyzed using odds ratio (OR), with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) and χ(2).

RESULTS

The three SNPs (rs4430796, rs2250889, and rs17576) were found to be significantly associated with an increased risk of lung cancer. The AA genotype and AG+AA genotype of rs4430796 showed a significantly increased susceptibility to lung cancer compared with the GG genotype (adjusted OR=6.03, 95% CI: 1.30-28.09, P=0.022; 5.55, 95% CI: 1.20-25.58, P=0.028). Compared with the rs17576 GG genotype, the AG and AG+AA genotypes were also associated with a significant risk (adjusted OR=2.65, 95% CI: 1.60-4.37, P≤0.001; 2.57, 95% CI: 1.59-4.19, P≤0.001) whereas the rs2250889 CG and CG+GG genotypes had 2.97-fold (95% CI: 1.81-4.85; P≤0.001) and 2.80-fold increased associations with lung cancer (95% CI: 1.73-4.54; P≤0.001), respectively, compared with the rs2250889 CC genotype. Furthermore, the association of rs4430796 with lung cancer became insignificant (P>0.05) after adjusting for gender and rs2250889.

CONCLUSION

The three SNPs may play a role in the predisposition of members of the Han Chinese population to lung cancer.

Genetic susceptibility to lung cancer--light at the end of the tunnel?

Lung cancer is one of the most common and deadliest cancers in the world. The major socio-environmental risk factor involved in the development of lung cancer is cigarette smoking. Additionally, there are multiple genetic factors, which may also play a role in lung cancer risk. Early work focused on the presence of relatively prevalent but low-penetrance alterations in candidate genes leading to increased risk of lung cancer. Development of new technologies such as genomic profiling and genome-wide association studies has been helpful in the detection of new genetic variants likely involved in lung cancer risk. In this review, we discuss the role of multiple genetic variants and review their putative role in the risk of lung cancer. Identifying genetic biomarkers and patterns of genetic risk may be useful in the earlier detection and treatment of lung cancer patients.

IL1 receptor antagonist gene IL1-RN variable number of tandem repeats polymorphism and cancer risk: a literature review and meta-analysis

IL1 receptor antagonist (IL1RA) and IL1beta (IL1β), members of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1 (IL1) family, play a potential role against infection and in the pathogenesis of cancers. The variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) polymorphism in the second intron of the IL1 receptor antagonist gene (IL1-RN) and a polymorphism in exon 5 of IL1B (IL1B+3954C>T, rs1143634) have been suggested in predisposition to cancer risk. However, studies have shown inconsistent results. To validate any association, a meta-analysis was performed with 14,854 cases and 19,337 controls from 71 published case–control studies for IL1-RN VNTR and 33 eligible studies contained 7,847 cases and 8917 controls for IL1B +3954. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated from comparisons to assess the strength of the association. There was significant association between the IL1-RN VNTR polymorphism and the risk of cancer for any overall comparison. Furthermore, cancer type stratification analysis revealed that there were significantly increased risks of gastric cancer, bladder cancer and other cancer groups. Infection status analysis indicated that the H. pylori or HBV/HCV infection and IL1-RN VNTR genotypes were independent factors for developing gastric or hepatocellular cancers. In addition, a borderline significant association was observed between IL1B+3954 polymorphism and the increased cancer risk. Although some modest bias could not be eliminated, this meta-analysis suggested that the IL1-RN VNTR polymorphisms may contribute to genetic susceptibility to gastric cancer. More studies are needed to further evaluate the role of the IL1B+3954 polymorphism in the etiology of cancer.

Interleukin gene polymorphisms in pneumoconiosis

Inhaled asbestos fibres are known to cause inflammation processes with the result of lung or pleural fibrosis and malignancies. Interleukins (IL), such as IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-10, have various functions in the regulation of the inflammatory response and in proliferative processes after inhalation of silica dust and can, therefore, influence the pathogenesis of asbestos-induced fibrosis and carcinogenesis. Polymorphisms within these genes may be associated with susceptibility to silica and asbestos-induced lung diseases. Thus, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-10 polymorphisms were examined to determine an association with asbestos or silica-induced fibrosis or malignancies. Association studies were performed in 1180 individuals, using control subjects (n=177), fibrosis patients (n=605), lung cancer (LC) patients (n=364) and malignant mesothelioma (MM) patients (n=34). IL-1β (C-511T; C+3954T), IL-6 (G-174C) as well as IL-10 (G-1082A) polymorphisms were investigated. Compared to a healthy (control) group, a higher risk was seen for malignant mesothelioma patients in all investigated polymorphisms. The IL-6 -174C allele showed a tendency towards a higher risk for fibrosis or asbestos-induced lung cancer (ORasbestosis, 1.338; 95% CI, 0.71-2.53; ORsilicosis, 1.226; 95% CI, 0.54-2.81; ORfibrosis other aetiology, 1.313; 95% CI, 0.58-2.98 and ORLC asbestos, 2.112; 95% CI, 0.75-5.92). The IL-10 -1082A carrier seemed to be at higher risk for silicosis (ORsilicosis, 2.064; 95% CI, 0.78-5.49) but not for asbestosis. In summary, this study did not reveal sufficient evidence for a significant association of the investigated interleukin polymorphisms with asbestos or silica-induced diseases in the population studied.

The role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of lung cancer

INTRODUCTION

It is reported that cancer may arise in chronically inflamed tissue. There is mounting evidence suggesting that the connection between inflammation and lung cancer is not coincidental but may indeed be causal. The inflammatory molecules may be responsible for augmented macrophage recruitment, delayed neutrophil clearance and an increase in reactive oxygen species. The cytokines and growth factors unusually produced in chronic pulmonary disorders have been found to have harmful properties that pave the way for epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and tumor microenvironment. However, the role of inflammation in lung cancer is not yet fully understood.

AREAS COVERED

The role of chronic inflammation in the pathogenesis of lung cancer and some of the possible mechanisms involved, with particular focus on inflammatory mediators, genetic and epigenetic alterations, inflammatory markers, tumor microenvironment and anti-inflammatory drugs are discussed. A framework for understanding the connection between inflammation and lung cancer is provided, which may afford the opportunity to intercede in specific inflammatory damage mediating lung carcinogenesis and therapeutic resistance.

EXPERT OPINION

Advances in tumor immunology support the clinical implementation of immunotherapies for lung cancer. Along with therapeutic benefits, immunotherapy presents the challenges of drug-related toxicities. Gene modification of immunocytokine may lower the associated toxic effects.

Polymorphisms in inflammatory pathway genes, host factors and lung cancer risk in Chinese female never-smokers

Inflammation appears to be important in lung carcinogenesis among smokers, but its role among never-smokers is not well established. We hypothesized that inflammatory medical conditions and gene polymorphisms interact to increase lung cancer risk in never-smokers. We interviewed 433 Singaporean female never-smoker lung cancer patients and 1375 hospital controls, and evaluated six polymorphisms in the interleukin 1-β, interleukin 6 (IL6), cyclooxygenase-2, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ and interleukin 1-β receptor antagonist (IL1RN) genes. Tuberculosis was associated with a non-significant elevated risk of lung cancer [odds ratio (OR) 1.58, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.95-2.62]. There was no effect of asthma, atopy or chronic productive cough individually. However, the presence of one or more of these conditions (asthma, cough or atopy) increased risk (OR 2.24, 95%CI 1.15-4.38) in individuals possessing the T/T genotype at interleukin 1-β -31T/C, but not in those possessing the C/T (OR 0.87, 95%CI 0.51-1.57) or C/C genotypes (OR 0.58, 95%CI 0.27-1.27), and in individuals having the *2 variable number of tandem repeat allele of IL1RN [OR 5.09 (1.39-18.67)], but not in those without (OR 0.93, 95%CI 0.63-1.35). The IL6-634 G allele increased the risk of lung cancer (OR 1.44, 95%CI 1.07-1.94). Lung cancer risk also increased with the number of polymorphism sites where at least 1 'risk' allele was present [interleukin 1-β -31T/C (T allele), IL1RN (*2 allele) and IL6-634C/G (G allele)] among those with asthma, cough or atopy (Ptrend 0.001) but not in those without (Ptrend 0.47). Our results suggest that the effect of inflammatory medical conditions on lung cancer in never-smokers is modulated by host genetic susceptibility and will need to be confirmed in other studies conducted in similar populations.

Pathway-Targeted Pharmacogenomics of CYP1A2 in Human Liver

The human drug metabolizing cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A2, is one of the major P450 isoforms contributing by about 5–20% to the hepatic P450 pool and catalyzing oxidative biotransformation of up to 10% of clinically relevant drugs including clozapine and caffeine. CYP1A2 activity is interindividually highly variable and although twin studies have suggested a high heritability, underlying genetic factors are still unknown. Here we adopted a pathway-oriented approach using a large human liver bank (n = 150) to elucidate whether variants in candidate genes of constitutive, ligand-inducible, and pathophysiological inhibitory regulatory pathways may explain different hepatic CYP1A2 phenotypes. Samples were phenotyped for phenacetin O-deethylase activity, and the expression of CYP1A2 protein and mRNA was determined. CYP1A2 expression and function was increased in smokers and decreased in patients with inflammation and cholestasis. Of 169 SNPs in 17 candidate genes including the CYP1A locus, 136 non-redundant SNPs with minor allele frequency >5% were analyzed by univariate and multivariate methods. A total of 13 strong significant associations were identified, of which 10 SNPs in the ARNT, AhRR, HNF1α, IL1β, SRC-1, and VDR genes showed consistent changes for at least two phenotypes by univariate analysis. Multivariate linear modeling indicated that the polymorphisms and non-genetic factors together explained 42, 38, and 33% of CYP1A2 variation at activity, protein and mRNA levels, respectively. In conclusion, we identified novel trans-associations between regulatory genes and hepatic CYP1A2 function and expression, but additional genetic factors must be assumed to explain the full extent of CYP1A2 heritability.