Interleukin-1β gene polymorphism associated with hepatocellular carcinoma in hepatitis B virus infection

Role of hepatocellular senescence in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma and the potential for therapeutic manipulation

Accumulation of senescent hepatocytes is universal in chronic liver disease (CLD). This study investigates an association between hepatocyte senescence and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and explores the therapeutic role of sirolimus. Background liver biopsies from 15 patients with cirrhosis and HCC and 45 patients with cirrhosis were stained for p16, a marker of cell senescence. STAM™ mice were randomized into 3 groups of 5 at 4 weeks of age and administered vehicle ± sirolimus intraperitoneally, thrice weekly, from 4 to 18 weeks of age. Placebo group was an administered vehicle, early sirolimus group was an administered vehicle with sirolimus, late sirolimus group was an administered vehicle from 4 to 12 weeks then vehicle with sirolimus from 12 to 18 weeks. The primary outcome was HCC nodule development. Senescent hepatocyte burden and senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors were assessed in mice livers. In the human study, age (OR 1.282, 95% CI 1.086-1.513, p = 0.003) and p16 (OR 1.429, 95% CI 1.112-1.838, p = 0.005) were independently associated with HCC. In the animal study, all three groups exhibited similar MASLD activity scores (p = 0.39) and fibrosis area (p = 0.92). The number and the maximum diameter of HCC nodules were significantly lower in the early sirolimus group compared to placebo and late sirolimus group. The gene expression of SASP factors was similar in all groups. Protein levels of some SASP factors (TNFα, IL1β, IL-2, CXCL15) were significantly lower in sirolimus administered groups compared to placebo group. The study demonstrates an independent association between senescent hepatocyte burden and HCC. It indicates a potential chemoprophylactic role for sirolimus through SASP factor inhibition. These early results could inform a future human clinical trial.

Correlation of IL-10 and IL18 with the development of liver cirrhosis associated with hepatitis B virus infection: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Patients who have been infected with the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) are susceptible to developing liver cirrhosis (LC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The objective of this systematic review was to comprehensively scrutinize the existing evidence concerning the association between host genetic polymorphisms and HBV-associated LC.

METHODS

We searched databases of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for relevant articles published from building databases to 25 October 2023.

RESULT

We detected 104 relevant articles, relating to 84 individuals genes. Nine genes had the strong evidence of correlation, including IL-10, IL-18, IL-1B, TGF- β, TLR3, STAT4, IL-1RN, Tim3, and IFN receptors. A positive correlation was found for 33 genes but this data had not yet been replicated, 11 genes had limited or mixed evidence of a correlation, and 34 genes indicated no correlation. IL-10 and IL-18 had the most evidence of correlation. There was a notable amount of diversity in both the design and method of studies and data quality.

CONCLUSION

IL-10 and IL-18 had the most evidence of correlation. There was a notable amount of diversity in both the design and method of studies and data quality. It is of necessary to take into account the fundamental mechanism behind these associations and discern those that are confounded by the coexistence of other LC/HCC risk factors and response to therapy. These results are expected to guide future studies on the genetic susceptibility of HBV-related LC/HCC.

Exploring Hepatocellular Carcinoma Pathogenesis: The Influence of Genetic Polymorphisms

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is influenced by several factors, among which genetic polymorphisms play a key role. Polymorphisms in various genes affect key pathways involved in HCC development, including metabolism, expression of inflammatory cytokines, cell proliferation, and apoptosis regulation. These polymorphisms induce differential effects on susceptibility to HCC, disease progression, and treatment outcomes. Understanding the effect of genetic variations on HCC pathogenesis is essential to elucidate underlying mechanisms and identify potential therapeutic targets. This review explores the diverse roles of genetic polymorphisms in HCC, providing insights into the complex interplay between genetic factors and disease development.

Evaluating the Therapeutic Efficacy of Lactobacillus Strains in the Management of Ulcerative Colitis: An Overview of Recent Advances

Ulcerative Colitis (UC) known as a sub-category of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) is a longterm condition that causes inflammation, irritation, and ulcers in the colon and rectum. Though the precise pathogenesis of UC is not fully understood yet, impaired immune responses and imbalanced intestinal microbiome composition have been regarded as two main key players in colitis pathobiology. As conventional treatments are challenged with limitations and side effects, finding a new therapeutic approach has gained increasing attention. Probiotic bacteria with multifunctional health-promoting properties have been considered novel therapeutic options. There is strong evidence indicating that probiotics exert their therapeutic effects mostly by regulating immune system responses and restoring gut microbiome homeostasis. These results validate the rationale behind the clinical application of probiotics in UC management whether prescribed alone or in combination with conventional therapy. This article explores the pathogenesis of UC, concentrating on the influence of immune dysregulation and intestinal microbiome imbalances. Also, it reviews recent in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies that have demonstrated the efficacy of Lactobacillus species in decreasing UC symptoms by modifying immune responses, restoring gut microbiota balance, and promoting intestinal barrier function.

Host and Viral Factors Influencing Chronic Hepatitis B Infection Across Three Generations in a Family

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection is influenced by both virological and host factors. A total of 5,920 CHB patients were classified into four groups based on HBV seromarkers: three-generation families (CHB grandmother, mother, and child), two-generation families (CHB mother/child pairs), individuals recovered from HBV infection, and a control group. Serological markers, viral load, liver function tests (LFT), HBV mutations, HLA-DQ variations, cytokine polymorphisms, and liver stiffness measurements (LSM) were analyzed using FibroScan. Point mutations in genes such as core/pre-core (G1896A/G1899A), polymerase (H248N, H267Q, N263D), S (G145R, S143L), and X (C1500T, T1464C) were observed in 30% of three-generation pairs and 20% of two-generation pairs. The three-generation group exhibited the highest mean liver stiffness measurement (LSM) (4.94 ± 1.24 kPa), which is considered a predictor for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Subsequent HLA allele analysis identified HLA-DQB105:01 (OR = 0.27) as a risk factor for treatment resistance, while HLA-DQB105 (OR = 0.98), HLA-DQB103 (OR = 0.80), and HLA-DQB104:01 (OR = 0.70) were associated with HBV persistence in both three- and two-generation groups. Higher frequencies of specific polymorphisms, including G/G (TNF-α: 75%; IL-18: 74%), A/A (IL-10: 74.28%), and C/C (IL-1ß: 80%), were significantly linked to persistent infection. Analysis of viral sequences, HLA-DQB1 variations, cytokine polymorphisms, and genetic relationships within the phylogenetic tree revealed that 40% of CHB patients from three-generation families were infected by a shared source of transmission, as indicated by the presence of the same HBV genotype. This study underscores the complex interplay of host and viral factors that influence hepatitis B infection outcomes and suggests potential familial transmission pathways.

HGTDR: Advancing drug repurposing with heterogeneous graph transformers

MOTIVATION

Drug repurposing is a viable solution for reducing the time and cost associated with drug development. However, thus far, the proposed drug repurposing approaches still need to meet expectations. Therefore, it is crucial to offer a systematic approach for drug repurposing to achieve cost savings and enhance human lives. In recent years, using biological network-based methods for drug repurposing has generated promising results. Nevertheless, these methods have limitations. Primarily, the scope of these methods is generally limited concerning the size and variety of data they can effectively handle. Another issue arises from the treatment of heterogeneous data, which needs to be addressed or converted into homogeneous data, leading to a loss of information. A significant drawback is that most of these approaches lack end-to-end functionality, necessitating manual implementation and expert knowledge in certain stages.

RESULTS

We propose a new solution, Heterogeneous Graph Transformer for Drug Repurposing (HGTDR), to address the challenges associated with drug repurposing. HGTDR is a three-step approach for knowledge graph-based drug repurposing: (1) constructing a heterogeneous knowledge graph, (2) utilizing a heterogeneous graph transformer network, and (3) computing relationship scores using a fully connected network. By leveraging HGTDR, users gain the ability to manipulate input graphs, extract information from diverse entities, and obtain their desired output. In the evaluation step, we demonstrate that HGTDR performs comparably to previous methods. Furthermore, we review medical studies to validate our method's top 10 drug repurposing suggestions, which have exhibited promising results. We also demonstrated HGTDR's capability to predict other types of relations through numerical and experimental validation, such as drug-protein and disease-protein inter-relations.

AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION

The source code and data are available at https://github.com/bcb-sut/HGTDR and http://git.dml.ir/BCB/HGTDR.

Interleukin-1β: Friend or foe for gastrointestinal cancers

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer is a malignancy arising in the digestive system and accounts for approximately a third of increasing global cancer-related mortality, especially in the colorectum, esophagus, stomach, and liver. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) is a leukocytic pyrogen recognized as a tumor progression-related cytokine. IL-1β secretion and maturation in inflammatory responses could be regulated by nuclear factor-kappaB-dependent expression of NLR family pyrin domain containing 3, inflammasome formation, and activation of IL-1 converting enzyme. Several studies have documented the pro-tumorigenic effects of IL-1β in tumor microenvironments, promoting proliferation and metastatic potential of cancer cells in vitro and tumorigenesis in vivo. The application of IL-1β inhibitors is also promising for targeted therapy development in some cancer types. However, as a leukocytic pro-inflammatory cytokine, IL-1β may also possess anti-tumorigenic effects and be type-specific in different cancers. This editorial discusses the up-to-date roles of IL-1β in GI cancers, including underlying mechanisms and downstream signaling pathways. Understanding and clarifying the roles of IL-1β would significantly benefit future therapeutic targeting and help improve therapeutic outcomes in patients suffering from GI cancer.

Association of Common Polymorphisms in the Interleukin-1 Beta Gene with Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Caucasian Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B

Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) promotes liver disease progression and hepatocarcinogenesis in chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the promotor region of the IL-1β gene can affect the progression towards liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Aims: We aimed to investigate the association of three common IL-1β SNPs with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related HCC in Caucasian patients. Method: A Caucasian cohort of 99 patients with HBe antigen (Ag)-positive CHB, 255 patients with HBeAg-negative CHB and 278 inactive carriers (IC) were enrolled. 105 patients were diagnosed with liver cirrhosis, and 64 with HCC and cirrhosis. Genotyping of the IL-1β rs1143623, rs1143627 and rs16944 was performed. Results: The rs1143627 TT and rs16944 CC genotypes were more frequent in patients with HCC compared to patients without liver tumours (48% vs. 33%, p = 0.018 and 47% vs. 31%, p = 0.001, respectively). In multivariate analysis, the rs16944 CC genotype was independently associated with HCC (OR = 6.44 [95% CI 1.50-27.59] p = 0.012). The haplotype, including rs1143623 TT and rs16944 CC, was a risk factor for HCC development (OR = 1.55 [95% CI 1.04-2.32] p = 0.031). Conclusions: We identified an association of common IL-1β SNPs with HBV-related HCC in a Caucasian population. The effect was independent of the phases of chronic HBV infection, which are currently regarded as important HCC risk factors.

Serum IL-1β predicts de novo hepatitis B virus reactivation during direct-acting antiviral therapy for hepatitis C, not during anti-cancer/immunosuppressive therapy

De novo hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation occurs during direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients with resolved HBV infection. We evaluated the predictive factors, mechanical insight, and differences of cytokine levels during anti-cancer/immunosuppressive and DAA. Eleven, 35, and 19 HCV-infected patients with previous HBV infection with HBV reactivation during DAA treatment, previous HBV infection without HBV reactivation during DAA treatment, and without HBV infection resolution receiving DAA treatment, respectively, were enrolled. Clinical data and baseline cytokine levels were analyzed. Low baseline serum interleukin (IL)-1β levels predicted de novo HBV reactivation during DAA treatment (odds ratio: 47.6, 95% confidence interval: 6.94-333.3). HCV-infected patients with the IL-1β gene single nucleotide polymorphism rs16944 AA allele had significantly higher IL-1β levels; no HCV-infected patient with the IL-1β AA allele experienced HBV reactivation during DAA treatment. Compared to HCV-infected patients with HBV infection resolution, non-HCV infected patients with or without HBV reactivation during anti-cancer/immunosuppressive therapy or bone marrow transplantation had remarkably lower baseline IL-1β levels. Low IL-1β levels were not associated with HBV reactivation. IL-1β levels before DAA for HCV-infected patients with resolved HBV infection could predict HBV reactivation during DAA treatment.

Association between IL-1B (-511)/IL-1RN (VNTR) polymorphisms and type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) plays an essential role in the immune pro-inflammatory process, which is regarded as one of many factors in the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Several case-control studies have illustrated the association of the IL-1B (-511) (rs16944, Chr 2:112,837,290, C/T Intragenic, Transition Substitution) and IL-1RN (VNTR) (gene for IL-1 receptor antagonist, IL-1RA, 86 bp tandem repeats in intron 2) polymorphisms with T2DM risk. However, the results were inconsistent and inconclusive. We performed a meta-analysis (registry number: CRD42021268494) to assess the association of the IL-1B (-511) and IL-1RN (VNTR) polymorphisms with T2DM risk. Random-effects models were applied to calculate the pooled ORs (odds ratios) and 95% CIs (confidence intervals) to test the strength of the association in the overall group and subgroups stratified by ethnicity, respectively. Between-study heterogeneity and publication bias were evaluated by the Q-test, I² statistic, Harbord test, and Peters test accordingly. Sensitivity analyses were also performed. A total of 12 publications evaluating the association of IL-1B (-511) and IL-1RN (VNTR) polymorphisms with the risk of T2DM development were included. The meta-analysis showed that IL-1RN (VNTR) was related to the increasing development of T2DM risk in the recessive model (OR = 1.62, 95% CI [1.09-2.42], P_het = 0.377, P_z = 0.018) and in the homozygous model (OR = 2.02, 95% CI [1.07-3.83], P_het = 0.085, P_z = 0.031), and the IL-1RN 2* allele was found a significant association with evaluated T2DM risk in all ethnicities (OR = 2.08, 95% CI [1.43-3.02], P_het < 0.001, P_z < 0.001) and in EA (OR = 2.01, 95% CI [1.53-2.66], P_het = 0.541, P_z < 0.001). Moreover, stratification by ethnicity revealed that IL-1B (-511) was associated with a decreased risk of T2DM in the dominant model (OR=0.76, 95% CI [0.59-0.97], P_het = 0.218, P _z = 0.027) and codominant model (OR = 0.73, 95% CI [0.54-0.99], P_het = 0.141, P_z = 0.040) in the East Asian (EA) subgroup. Our results suggest that the IL-1RN 2* allele and 2*2* homozygous polymorphism are strongly associated with increasing T2DM risk and that the IL-1B (-511) T allele polymorphism is associated with decreasing T2DM risk in the EA subgroup.

Inflammasome genes polymorphisms may influence the development of hepatitis C in the Amazonas, Brazil

Hepatitis C is considered a major public health problem caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Viral infections are known to induce production of IL1β through the signaling pathway of inflammasomes. Emerging evidences suggest that Inflammasome genes may influence the immune response against HCV as the host genetic background may contribute to the balance between acute and chronic inflammation. We investigated in 151 patients with chronic hepatitis C and 206 healthy blood donors’ individuals (HD). Polymorphisms in the IL1B and IL18 genes were genotyped by PCR-RFLP, while NLRP3, CARD8, CTSB and AIM2 by RT- PCR. Serum assay of IL-1β cytokine was performed by ELISA. 84 patients presented mild fibrosis (<F2) and 67 advanced fibrosis (≥ F2). Among the HD individuals the NLRP3-rs10754558 C/C genotype correlated with higher IL-1β levels compared to the G/G genotype. Similar pattern was observed in patients with hepatitis C, mean circulating IL-1β levels were 21,96 ± 4.5 and 10,62 ± 3.3pg/mL among the C/C and G/G genotypes, respectively. This pattern holds even after stratification of the patients into mild fibrosis and advanced fibrosis, demonstrating that the NLRP3-rs10754558 or another polymorphism in linkage disequilibrium with it possibly has an influence on the processing of pro-IL-1β. Notably, higher levels of IL-1β (Mann–Whitney test, p<0.0001) were observed among patients (mean ± SEM: 19,24 ±3.pg/mL) when compared with controls (mean ± SEM: 11,80 ±1.0pg/mL). Gene-gene interaction showed that individuals heterogyzotes for both CARD8-rs2009373 and IL1B-rs16944 are less prone to hepatitis C development (p_adj = 0.039). Similarly, herozygote carriers for CTSB-rs1692816 and AIM2-rs1103577 (p_adj = 0.008) or for IL18-rs187238 and NLRP3-rs10754558 (p_adj = 0.005), have less chances to the development of hepatitis C. However, between subgroups of <F2 and ≥F2, individuals homozygous for the T allele of CARD8-rs2009373 and heterozygous for IL18-rs187238 (p_adj = 0.028), have mild form of fibrosis.

Mechanisms by Which Probiotic Bacteria Attenuate the Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Chronic infections with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV), alcoholic liver disease (ALD), and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are the major extrinsic risk factors of HCC development. Genetic background is pivotal in HCC pathogenesis, and both germline mutations and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) are intrinsic risk factors of HCC. These HCC risk factors predispose to hepatic injury and subsequent activation of fibrogenesis that progresses into cirrhosis and HCC. Probiotic bacteria can mitigate HCC risk by modulating host gut microbiota (GM) to promote growth of beneficial microbes and inhibit HCC-associated dysbiosis, thus preventing pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs)-mediated hepatic inflammation. Probiotics have antiviral activities against HBV and HCV infections, ameliorate obesity and risk of NAFLD/NASH, and their antioxidant, anti-proliferative, anti-angiogenic, and anti-metastatic effects can prevent the HCC pathogenesis. Probiotics also upregulate the expression of tumor suppressor genes and downregulate oncogene expression. Moreover, metabolites generated by probiotics through degradation of dietary phytochemicals may mitigate the risk of HCC development. These multiple anticancer mechanisms illustrate the potential of probiotics as an adjuvant strategy for HCC risk management and treatment.

Identification of potential biomarkers of peripheral blood mononuclear cell in hepatocellular carcinoma using bioinformatic analysis: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the cause of an overwhelming number of cancer-related deaths across the world. Developing precise and noninvasive biomarkers is critical for diagnosing HCC. Our research was designed to explore potentially useful biomarkers of host peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) in HCC by integrating comprehensive bioinformatic analysis.

METHODS

Gene expression data of PBMC in both healthy individuals and patients with HCC were extracted from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis were applied to annotate the function of DEGs. Protein-protein interaction analysis was performed to screen the hub genes from DEGs. cBioportal database analysis was performed to assess the prognostic significance of hub genes. The Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) and The Human Protein Atlas (HPA) database analyses were performed to confirm the expression levels of the hub genes in HCC cells and tissue.

RESULTS

A total of 95 DEGs were screened. Results of the GO analysis revealed that DEGs were primarily involved in platelet degranulation, cytoplasm, and protein binding. Results of the KEGG analysis indicated that DEGs were primarily enriched in focal adhesion. Five genes, namely, myosin light chain kinase (MYLK), interleukin 1 beta (IL1B), phospholipase D1 (PLD1), cortactin (CTTN), and moesin (MSN), were identified as hub genes. A search in the CCLE and HPA database showed that the expression levels of these hub genes were remarkably increased in the HCC samples. Survival analysis revealed that the overexpression of MYLK, IL1B, and PLD1 may have a significant effect on HCC survival. The aberrant high expression levels of MYLK, IL1B, and PLD1 strongly indicated worse prognosis in patients with HCC.

CONCLUSIONS

The identified hub genes may be closely linked with HCC tumorigenicity and may act as potentially useful biomarkers for the prognostic prediction of HCC in PBMC samples.

Inflammatory cytokines in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease and cancer

Inflammatory cytokines are highly inducible small glycoproteins or regulatory proteins of low molecular weight secreted by different cell types. They regulate intercellular communication and mediate a number of physiological functions in the human immune system. Numerous prospective studies report that inflammatory cytokines strongly predict coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, heart failure and other adverse cardiac events. Inflammatory cascade is believed to be a causative factor in the development of atherosclerotic process. Several aspects of atherogenesis are accelerated by cytokines. This article provides an overall overview of current understanding of cytokines in various cardiovascular events. Besides, inflammatory cytokines trigger cellular events that can induce malignancy and carcinogenesis. Elevated expression of several cytokines such as interleukin-1, interleukin-6, interleukin-10, tumor necrosis factor-α, macrophage migration inhibitory factor and transforming growth factor-β are involved in tumor initiation and progression. Thus, they exert a pivotal role in cancer pathogenesis. This review highlights the role of several cytokines in various events of tumorigenesis. Actually, this article summarizes the contributions of cytokines in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Interleukin IL-1B gene polymorphism in Tunisian patients with chronic hepatitis B infection: Association with replication levels

Approaches based on association studies have proven useful in identifying genetic predictors for many diseases, including susceptibility to chronic hepatitis B. In this study we were interested by the IL-1B genetic variants that have been involved in the immune response and we analyzed their role in the susceptibility to develop chronic hepatitis B in the Tunisian population. IL-1B is a potent proinflammatory cytokine that plays an important role in inflammation of the liver. Polymorphic gene IL-1 (-511, +3954) was analyzed in a total of 476 individuals: 236 patients with chronic hepatitis B from different cities of Tunisia recruited in Pasteur Institute between January 2017 and December 2018 and 240 controls. Genomic DNA was obtained using the standard salting-out method and genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism. For -511C>T polymorphism a significant association was found between patients and controls when comparing the genotypic (P = 0.007; χ²  = 9.74 and odds ratio [OR] = 0.60; confidence interval [CI] = 0.41-0.89) and allelic (P = 0.001; χ²  = 10.60) frequencies. When the viral load was taken into account a highly significant difference was found (P = 9 × 10^-4 ; χ²  = 10.89). For +3954C>T polymorphism a significant association was found between patients and controls when comparing genotypic (P = 0.0058; χ²  = 7.60 and OR = 1.67; CI = 1.14-2.46) and allelic (P = 0.0029; χ²  = 8.81) frequencies. T allele can be used as a strong marker for hepatitis B virus disease for both polymorphisms.

IL-18 and IL-1β Gene Polymorphisms: The Plausible Risk Factors for Chronic Hepatitis B

Chronic inflammation is the main risk factor for induction of liver cirrhosis and also hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. Although our knowledge is growing regarding molecular mechanisms of immune responses against viruses, the main mechanisms that lead to the progression of chronic inflammation and then CHB are yet to be clarified. IL-18 and IL-1β are the members of the IL-1 family and produced in the cytoplasm of a wide range of immune and nonimmune cells and activated by inflammasome pathways. The cytokines play key roles in the pathologies of CHB. IL-18 and IL-1β productions are altered in CHB patients. It has been hypothesized that the polymorphisms within IL-18 and IL-1β genes may be the main reasons for the induction of chronic inflammation in CHB patients. This review article discusses the related investigations regarding the main correlation between the polymorphisms within IL-18 and IL-1β genes and CHB pathogenesis.

Opisthorchiasis with proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and TNF-α) polymorphisms influence risk of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma in Thailand: a nested case-control study

Background

Chronic inflammation and repeated infection with Opisthorchis viverrini (O. viverrini) induces intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). Inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) are substances in the immune system that promote inflammation and causes disease to progress. Genes that help express proinflammatory cytokines can affect an individual’s susceptibility to disease, especially in cancer-related chronic inflammation. This study aimed to investigate risk factors for ICC with a focus on opisthorchiasis and polymorphisms of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and TNF-α).

Methods

This study was a nested case-control study within a cohort study. 219 subjects who developed a primary ICC were identified and matched with two non-cancer controls from the same cohort based on sex and age at recruitment (±3 years). An O. viverrini-IgG antibody was assessed using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. IL-1β and TNF-α polymorphisms were analyzed using a polymerase chain reaction with high resolution melting analysis. Associations between variables and ICC were assessed using conditional logistic regression.

Results

Subjects with a high infection intensity had higher risk of ICC than those who had a low level (OR = 2.1; 95% CI: 1.2–3.9). Subjects with all genotypes of TNF-α (GG, GA, AA) and high infection intensity were significantly related to an increased risk of ICC (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Polymorphisms of IL-1β and TNF-α are not a risk of ICC, but an individual with O. viverrini infection has an effect on all genotypes of the TNF-α gene that might promote ICC. Primary prevention of ICC in high-risk areas is based on efforts to reduce O. viverrini infection.

Association Between Polymorphisms of Interleukin 1 Family Genes and Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies occurring worldwide and is most frequent type of liver cancer. The risk for developing HCC increases with the severity of inflammation and fibrosis. The members of the interleukin-1 (IL-1) family are primarily proinflammatory cytokines due to their ability to stimulate the expression of genes associated with inflammation and autoimmune diseases. Several studies have suggested that some proinflammatory cytokines, such as the IL-1 family (IL-1α, IL-1β, and IL-1 receptor antagonist) are involved in the pathogenesis of HCC.

Material/Methods

This study aimed to determine whether polymorphisms in the IL-1 family of genes are associated with HCC. We analyzed 178 HCC patients and 397 controls to investigate the association between polymorphisms in IL-1α, IL-1β, and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) genes and HCC in the Korean population. All subjects were genotyped for the selected SNPs in IL-1α, IL-1β, and IL-1RA genes by Golden-Gate SNP Genotyping Assay.

Results

Statistical analysis revealed a significant association at IL-1β between HCC and controls. Three individual polymorphisms (rs1143633, rs3917356, and rs1143627) were found to be associated with HCC. The SNPs of IL-1β gene (rs1143633A>G and rs1143627T>C) protected against HCC in the dominant model (p=0.027, OR=0.59, 95% CI=0.37–0.94; p=0.019, OR=0.56, 95% CI=0.34–0.91). The SNP of IL-1β gene (rs3917356G>A) increased the risk of HCC in the recessive model (p<0.001, OR=2.58, 95% CI=1.53–4.33), whereas other SNPs in IL-1α and IL-1RA showed no significant association between HCC patients and controls.

Conclusions

These results suggest that IL-1β in the IL-1 family contributes to HCC susceptibility.

Interleukin-1 gene cluster Haplotype analysis in the chronic outcome prediction of the Hepatitis B virus infection

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is well known as an important cause of the chronic liver disease. The screening of the genotype of certain cytokines might be helpful to predict the clinical outcome of an HBV infection. The present study investigates the relationship between the polymorphism and haplotypes of the Interleukin-1 (IL-1) gene family, including IL-1-alpha (IL-1A), IL-1-beta (IL-1B,) and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RN), with chronic HBV infection. A total of 297 chronic HBV and 333 matched on sex and age control individuals were genotyped using the standard sequence-specific-polymerase chain reaction primer (SSP-PCR) method. Four different haplotype analysis software packages were applied for data interpretation. The results showed excess genotype A1/A1 and A2/A2 at IL-1RN (40.2%, 39.9%), C/T at IL-1A-889 (55.6%), and C/C at IL-1B-511 (41.1%) in controls while A1/A1 at IL-1RN (59.3%), T/T at IL-1B-31 (46.5%), C/T at IL-1B + 3953 (65%), in chronic HBV infection cases. A total of 148 haplotypes were observed overall (96 in the case group and 89 in the control group). The haplotype combination of genotype A1/A1 at IL1-RN along with a C/T for all three IL-1B polymorphic positions and either C/T or T/T at the IL-1A-899 position may increase the probability of the chronic outcome for the HBV infection.

Components of the Hepatocellular Carcinoma Microenvironment and Their Role in Tumor Progression

This review summarizes recently published data on the mechanisms of tumor cell interaction with the tumor microenvironment. Tumor stroma influences the processes of hepatocarcinogenesis, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, invasion, and metastasis. The tumor microenvironment includes both cellular and noncellular components. Main cellular components of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) stroma are tumor-associated fibroblasts, hepatic stellate cells, immune cells, and endothelial cells that produce extracellular components of tumor microenvironment such as extracellular matrix, various proteins, proteolytic enzymes, growth factors, and cytokines. The noncellular components of the stroma modulate signaling pathways in tumor cells and stimulate invasion and metastasis. The tumor microenvironment composition and organization can serve as prognostic factors in HCC pathogenesis. Current approaches in HCC targeted therapy are aimed at creating efficient strategies for interrupting tumor interactions with the stroma. Recent data on the composition and role of the microenvironment in HCC pathogenesis, as well as new developments in antitumor drug design are discussed.

Gender disparity in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC): multiple underlying mechanisms

On the global scale, hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the main cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) especially in regions of Asia where HBV infection is endemic. Epidemiological studies show that the incidence of inflammation-driven HCC in males is three times as high as in females. Recent studies suggest that sex hormones have a crucial role in the pathogenesis and development of HBV-induced HCC. We found that the estrogen/androgen signaling pathway is associated with decreased/increased transcription and replication of HBV genes and can promote the development of HBV infections by up/downregulating HBV RNA transcription and inflammatory cytokines levels, which in turn slow down the progression of HBV-induced HCC. Additionally, sex hormones can also affect HBV-related HCC by inducing epigenetic changes. The evidence that both morphology and function of the human liver are affected by sex hormones was found over 60 years ago. However, the underlying molecular mechanism largely remains to be elucidated. This review focuses mainly on the molecular mechanisms behind the sex difference in HCC associated with HBV and other factors. In addition, several potential treatment and therapeutic strategies for inflammation-driven HCC will be introduced in this review.

Persistent HPV16/18 infection in Indian women with the A-allele (rs6457617) of HLA-DQB1 and T-allele (rs16944) of IL-1β -511 is associated with development of cervical carcinoma

The aim of this study was to understand the association of human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16/18 infection and polymorphisms in the HLA-DQB1 (rs6457617) and IL-1β -511 (rs16944) loci with the development of uterine cervical cancer (CaCx). The distribution of HLA-DQB1 G > A and IL-1β -511 C/T polymorphisms was determined in HPV-negative cervical swabs from normal women (N = 111) and compared with cervical swabs of HPV-cleared normal women (once HPV infected followed by natural clearance of the infection, N = 86), HPV16/18-positive cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN, N = 41) and CaCx biopsies (N = 107). The A-allele containing genotypes (i.e. G/A and A/A) of HLA-DQB1 was significantly associated with CaCx compared with HPV-negative [OR = 2.56(1.42-4.62), p = 0.001] or HPV-cleared [OR = 2.07(1.12-3.87), p = 0.01] normal women, whereas the T-allele containing genotypes (i.e. C/T and T/T) of IL-1β showed increased risk of CIN [OR = 3.68(0.97-16.35), p = 0.03; OR = 3.59(0.92-16.38), p = 0.03] and CaCx development [OR = 2.03(1.03-5.2), p = 0.02; OR = 2.25(0.96-5.31), p = 0.04] compared with HPV-negative or HPV-cleared normal women. Considering these two loci together, it was evident that the T- and A-alleles rendered significantly increased susceptibility for development of CIN and CaCx compared with HPV-negative and HPV-cleared normal women. Moreover, the T-allele of IL-1β showed increased susceptibility for CIN [OR = 3.62(0.85-17.95), p = 0.04] and CaCx [OR = 2.39(0.91-6.37), p = 0.05] development compared with the HPV-cleared women, even in the presence of the HLA-DQB1 G-allele. Thus, our data suggest that persistent HPV16/18 infection in the cervix due to the presence of the HLA-DQB1 A-allele and chronic inflammation due to the presence of the IL-1β -511 T-allele might predispose women to CaCx development.

Combined effects of six cytokine gene polymorphisms and SNP-SNP interactions on hepatocellular carcinoma risk in Southern Guangxi, China

Cytokine gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are involved in the genesis and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We hypothesized that combined effects of cytokine gene SNPs and SNP-SNP interactions are associated with HCC risk. Six SNPs in cytokine genes (IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10) were genotyped in a study of 720 Chinese HCC cases and 784 cancer-free controls. Although none of these SNPs individually had a significant effect on the risk of HCC, we found that the combined effects of these six SNPs may contribute to HCC risk (OR=1.821, 95% CI=1.078-3.075). This risk was pronounced among smokers, drinkers, and hepatitis B virus carriers. A SNP-SNP interaction between IL-2-330 and IFN-γ-1615 was associated with an increased HCC risk (OR=1.078, 95% CI=1.022-1.136). In conclusion, combined effects of SNPs and SNP-SNP interactions in cytokine genes may contribute to HCC risk.

Role of Sex Hormones in the Development and Progression of Hepatitis B Virus-Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in developed countries. Epidemiological reports indicate that the incidence of HBV-related HCC is higher in males and postmenopausal females than other females. Increasing evidence suggests that sex hormones such as androgens and estrogens play an important role in the progression of an HBV infection and in the development of HBV-related HCC. While androgen is supposed to stimulate the androgen signaling pathway and cooperate to the increased transcription and replication of HBV genes, estrogen may play a protecting role against the progression of HBV infections and in the development of HBV-related HCC through decreasing HBV RNA transcription and inflammatory cytokines levels. Additionally, sex hormones can also affect HBV-related hepatocarcinogenesis by inducing epigenetic changes such as the regulation of mRNA levels by microRNAs (miRNAs), DNA methylation, and histone modification in liver tissue. This review describes the molecular mechanisms underlying the gender disparity in HBV-related HCC with the aim of improving the understanding of key factors underneath the sex disparity often observed in HBV infections. Furthermore, the review will propose more effective prevention strategies and treatments of HBV-derived diseases.

Association of interleukin-1β -511 C/T polymorphism with tobacco-associated cancer in northeast India: a study on oral and gastric cancer

The IL-1β -511 C/T polymorphism is associated with increased IL-1 production and with increased risk of developing cancers. In this study, 251 patients (125 with gastric cancer [GC] and 126 with oral cancer [OC]) and 207 normal controls from northeast (NE) India were genotyped for the IL-1β -511 C/T polymorphism by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and sequencing. Analysis of results showed betel-quid chewing to be a major risk factor (OR = 2.01, 95% CI = 1.05-3.87; P = 0.035) for OC. Inheritance of the IL-1β -511 CT or TT resulted in a 2.6- to 3.05-fold increase in the risk of developing OC relative to that of participants who possessed the reference genotype (OR = 2.57, 95% CI = 1.06-6.22; P = 0.036 and OR = 3.05, 95% CI = 1.22-7.63; P = 0.017), after adjusting for potential confounders. The dominant genetic model also confirmed the presence of the T allele as a significant risk factor for OC (OR = 2.72, 95% CI = 1.15-6.42; P = 0.02). In GC, interaction of the CT genotype with tobacco and betel-quid chewing habits conferred a significant 78% and 89% reduced risk of cancer, respectively. In conclusion, for the NE Indian population, the IL-1β -511 CC and CT genotypes were significantly associated with increased risk of OC. However, the interaction of the CT genotype with risk habits may play a preventive role for GC but not for OC.

Association of Interleukin-1β and Gene Polymorphisms with Liver Pathogenesis in Hepatitis B Virus Infection among Eastern Indian Population

BACKGROUND

Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) is an important member of the family of the proinflammatory cytokines that modulate outcome of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.

OBJECTIVES

This study was designed to investigate the relationship between the polymorphic genotypes of the interleukin-1β (IL-1β) promoter region and the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist gene (IL-1RN) and disease outcome in HBV-infected individuals.

METHODS

DNA was extracted from 395 study subjects including HBV carriers with varying clinical presentations, as well as healthy controls and spontaneously recovered cases (SRC). Polymorphisms in IL-1β (at position -511) and IL-1RN (variable nucleotide tandem repeats, VNTR) were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and PCR based assay respectively.

RESULTS

Among the study subjects, different IL-1β (at position -511) (CC, CT and TT) and IL-1RN (1/1, 1/2, 2/2 and 1/3) polymorphic genotypes were found at variable proportions. Logistic regression analysis revealed, no notable difference at the level of IL-1β promoter (P = 0.244; OR = 0.78; 95% CI = 0.52-1.18) or IL-1RN genotype polymorphism (P = 0.840; OR = 1.03; 95% CI = 0.78-1.36) among the HBV carriers and controls or SRC cases. Pairwise proportion testing showed, IL-1β -511 genotype CC was significantly higher among asymptomatic carriers (ASC) in comparison with liver cirrhosis (LC) patients (P value = 0.028) and healthy control group (P-value = 0.036). IL-1RN genotype 2/2 was considerably higher in LC group than SRC as well as control group. Combinations of IL-1β (-511) and IL-1RN polymorphisms were associated with disease progression, such as CC-1/2 with ASC and TT-2/2 with LC.

CONCLUSION

IL-1β polymorphisms are found to be associated with disease severity. Different polymorphic combinations are associated with degree of disease severity. Overall this is the first report from Eastern India, which shows association of IL-1β polymorphisms with HBV-related hepatic complications.

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.

Interleukin-1 beta polymorphisms are associated with lymph node metastasis in Korean patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma

In this study, we investigated whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the interleukin-1 beta (IL-1B) were associated with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). We also assessed the relationships between IL-1B SNPs and the clinicopathologic characteristics of PTC patients. Ninety-three PTC patients and 324 controls were recruited. The patients with PTC were dichotomized and compared with respect to the clinicopathologic characteristics of PTC. Seven SNPs in the IL-1B gene were selected and genotyped using direct sequencing. Four SNPs (rs1143627, rs3136558, rs1143633, and rs1143643) in the IL-1B gene were significantly associated with PTC (p < 0.05). In clinicopathologic features, 3 SNPs (rs1143630, rs1143633, and rs1143643) showed a strong relationship with lymph node metastasis of PTC. The genotype and allele frequencies of rs1143630 and rs1143643 remained significantly associated with lymph node metastasis after Bonferroni correction for multiple testing. In haplotype analysis, two linkage disequilibrium blocks (block 1 consisted of rs1143627, rs3917356, and rs1143630; block 2 consisted of rs1143633 and rs1143643) also revealed significant associations with lymph node metastasis. Our results suggest that IL-1B polymorphisms may be associated with the risk of PTC in the Korean population. Especially, IL-1B polymorphisms might be a predictive factor for lymph node metastasis of PTC patients.

Association of interferon-alpha gene polymorphisms with chronic hepatitis B virus infection

In this study, the association between the risk of chronic hepatitis B virus infection and the polymorphisms within promoter regions of IFN-α1 and five genes was explored. This association study was performed on 180 Thai patients with chronic HBV infection [hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) = 65 and non-HCC = 115], 173 individuals with self-limited HBV infection and 140 healthy controls. Our results showed that the A allele of -1823G/A SNP within IFNA1 gene was significantly associated with an increased risk of chronic HBV infection as compared to healthy individuals and self-limited HBV group [OR (95% CI) = 2.20 (1.51-3.19), P = 0.000014 and OR (95% CI) = 1.61 (1.12-2.33), P = 0.0073, respectively]. The effect of A allele was similar to autosomal recessive in which the presence of AA genotype when compared to GG and GA conferred the OR of 2.79 (95% CI = 1.72-4.52, P = 0.0000085). By multifactor dimensionality reduction analysis, we found the interaction between IFNA5 (-2529) and IFNA1 (-1823) genes that gave the risk to chronic HBV infection, with the OR (95% CI) of the high-risk to low-risk group was 2.79 (1.77-4.40), P < 0.0001. However, further study in functional significance is required.

Interleukin-1 polymorphism and expression in hepatitis B virus-mediated disease outcome in India

The present study evaluated any possible association among Interleukin-1-beta (IL-1B)-511 and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RN) variable number tandem-repeat (VNTR) genotypes, haplotypes, and IL-1B expression with risk for hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV-HCC) development in India. For this, 406 subjects (153 controls, 67 inactive HBV-carriers, 65 patients with chronic-active HBV, 62 HBV-cirrhotics, and 59 subjects with HBV-HCC) were enrolled in the study. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism, reverse transcriptase-PCR, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods were used for assessing polymorphism, mRNA, and protein levels, respectively, of IL-1. The study revealed no significant association of IL-1B(-511) CT and TT genotypes, while a significant positive association of the IL-1RN (VNTR) 1/2 genotype with HCC development, among controls and carriers. Besides, 2/2 genotypes acted as a potential risk factor for hepatitis and subsequent cirrhosis development, among the same groups. Furthermore, the IL-1 haplotypes 2 and 3 were found to be significant protective factors for hepatitis and subsequent HCC development, among controls. However, haplotype 4 shared a significant negative association with hepatitis only. Moreover, proinflammatory IL-1B levels significantly and steadily elevated with the disease progression to HCC, as compared to controls. These preliminary findings indicate a key role of IL-1 in the HBV-mediated disease chronicity, in the Indian population.

Interleukin-1β enhances the production of soluble MICA in human hepatocellular carcinoma

The production of soluble major histocompatibility complex class I-related chain A (MICA) is thought to antagonize NKG2D-mediated immunosurveillance. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) is elevated in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CH), and this might contribute to the escape of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells from innate immunity. In this study, we investigated the immunoregulatory role of IL-1β in the production of soluble MICA of HCC cells. First, we investigated the correlation between the serum IL-1β levels and soluble MICA in CH patients. Serum IL-1β levels were associated with soluble MICA levels in CH patients. The serum IL-1β levels of CH patients with the HCC occurrence were significantly higher than those of CH patients without HCC. We next examined the MICA production of IL-1β-treated HCC cells. Addition of IL-1β resulted in significant increase in the production of soluble MICA in HepG2 and PLC/PRF/5 cells, human HCC cells. But soluble MICA was not detected in both non-treated and IL-1β-treated normal hepatocytes. Addition of IL-1β did not increase the expressions of membrane-bound MICA on HCC cells. These were observed similarly in various cancer cells including a gastric cancer (MKN1), two colon cancers (HCT116 and HT29) and a cervical cancer (HeLa). Addition of IL-1β also increased the expression of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM)9 in HCC cells, and the knockdown of ADAM9 in IL-1β-treated HCC cells resulted in the decrease in the production of soluble MICA of HCC cells. These findings indicate that IL-1β might enhance the production of soluble MICA by activating ADAM9 in human HCC.

Multiple cytokine expression profiles reveal immune-based differences in occult hepatitis B genotype H-infected Mexican Nahua patients

A high prevalence of occult hepatitis B (OHB) genotype H infections has been observed in the native Mexican Nahua population. In addition, a low incidence of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated hepatocellular carcinoma has been described in Mexico. The immune response to infection among OHB-infected patients has been poorly evaluated in vivo. Therefore, we assessed the expression profiles of 23 cytokines in OHB genotype H-infected Nahua patients. A total of 41 sera samples from natives of the Nahua community were retrospectively analysed. Based on their HBV antibody profiles, patients were stratified into two groups: OHB patients (n = 21) and patients that had recovered from HBV infection (n = 20). Herein, we report distinctive cytokines profiles in OHB-infected individuals. Compared to healthy controls (n = 20) and patients who resolved HBV infection, OHB-infected patients displayed an increase in interleukin (IL)-2 secretion in addition to a characteristic inflammation profile (decrease in IL-8 and tumour necrosis factor-alpha levels and increased levels of tumour growth factor-beta). IL-15 and interferon-gamma levels were reduced in OHB-infected individuals when compared to those patients who resolved HBV infection. In contrast, OHB patients showed an increase in monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 and MCP-2 compared to healthy controls and patients who resolved HBV infection. These findings suggest that cytokine expression can influence the severity of OHB disease and could lead to new investigation into the treatment of liver and other infectious diseases.

miR-22 promotes HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma development in males

PURPOSE

Previous reports have shown that IL-1α-MyD88-IL-6 signaling is essential in promoting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development in a diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced mouse model. We aimed to determine whether interleukin (IL)-1α regulates HCC development in humans.

METHODS

HBV-associated HCC tissue, corresponding adjacent tissue, and normal tissue samples were obtained from 80 male and 36 female patients. IL-1α, ERα, IL-6, and MyD88 were quantified by using real-time PCR and Western blot. Stem-loop PCR was used to quantify miR-22 expression. Luciferase reporter assays were used to study transcriptional regulation.

RESULTS

IL-1α was highly expressed in male tumor adjacent tissue compared with normal tissue (P = 0.025); however, this was not the case for female subjects. A linear relationship was observed between increased IL-1α and decreased ERα expression in male tumor adjacent tissue (r = -0.616, P = 0.004). Our results also indicated that estrogen (E2) was suppressed upon IL-1α secretion in ERα-overexpressed HCC cells. We detected high expression of miR-22 in male tumor adjacent tissue compared with controls (P = 0.027); furthermore, we showed that miR-22 downregulates ERα transcription by targeting the 3'-untranslated region. In the DEN-induced model, IL-1α was highly expressed in sprouting tumors and gradually decreased in conjunction with HCC development.

CONCLUSION

Overexpression of miR-22 in male tumor adjacent tissue was associated with downregulated ERα expression, potentially by attenuating the protective effect of estrogen and causing increased IL-1α expression. These results may explain the high incidence of HBV-associated HCC in the male population.

Association of interleukin-1β gene polymorphism and peritonitis in uremic patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis

OBJECTIVE

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is involved in the disease process of peritonitis. We hypothesize that IL-1 gene polymorphism may have an impact on the occurrence of peritonitis in uremic patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD).

METHODS

Uremic patients were recruited for the study of IL-1β (-511) C/T gene polymorphism in 2002. These patients were then prospectively followed up to monitor their peritoneal membrane characteristics, biochemical parameters, occurrence of peritonitis and patient as well as PD technique survival.

RESULTS

A total of 74 patients were enrolled in the study. During follow-up, at least one episode of peritonitis occurred in 36 patients. Compared with patients without peritonitis, the carriage of C allele in IL-1β gene polymorphism (C/C and C/T genotypes) was significantly associated with the occurrence of peritonitis (p = 0.013). This was further confirmed in the multivariate logistic regression analysis (odds ratio 8.18, p = 0.017).

CONCLUSION

Carriers of C allele were associated with an increased risk of peritonitis.

Interleukin 1 beta (IL1B) promoter polymorphism and cancer risk: evidence from 47 published studies

Interleukin 1β (IL-1B) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine against infection, playing an important role in the pathogenesis of cancers. The -31T/C polymorphism of the interleukin 1β gene (IL1B) has been implicated in cancer risk through its influence on the IL1B transcription. However, results from studies are conflicting. To clarify the association, a meta-analysis was performed for 11 125 cases and 14 415 controls from 47 published case-control studies. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the strength of the association. No significant associations were observed for total cancer from all the comparisons. Through the stratified analyses, there was a statistically significant decreased risk of hepatocellular cancer in carriers of the C allele than non-carriers (CC versus TT: OR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.77-0.98, P(heterogeneity) = 0.103; TC versus TT: OR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.62-0.95, P(heterogeneity) = 0.734; TC + CC versus TT: OR = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.61-0.91, P(heterogeneity) = 0.472). Similarly, decreased risk was observed for gastric cancer of the C/C genotype compared with the T/T genotype (OR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.77-0.98, P(heterogeneity) = 0.103). Using the recessive model, a significantly decreased risk was observed for gastric cancer (OR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.80-0.97, P(heterogeneity) = 0.158), European population (OR = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.73-0.97, P(heterogeneity) = 0.070) and positive infection-matched studies (OR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.60-0.94, P(heterogeneity) = 0.220); however, an increased risk was found for breast cancer (OR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.18-1.61, P(heterogeneity) = 0.116). Although some modest bias could not be eliminated, this meta-analysis suggests that the IL1B -31C allele is a low-penetrance protective factor for the development of cancer, in particular for that associated with infection.

The TNF-α, IL-1B and IL-10 polymorphisms and risk for hepatocellular carcinoma: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

TNF-α-308 G/A, TNF-α-238 G/A, IL-1B-31 T/C, IL-1B-511 C/T, and IL-10-1082 G/A polymorphisms have been reported to influence the risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in many studies; however, the results still remains controversial and ambiguous. The aim of this study was to determine more precise estimations for the relationship between TNF-α, IL-1B, and IL-10 polymorphisms and the risk for HCC by meta-analysis.

METHODS

Electronic searches for all publications were conducted on associations between these variants and HCC in several databases through September 2010. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated to estimate the strength of this association in a random-effect model. Twenty studies were identified, involving 2,763 HCC patients and 4,152 controls.

RESULTS

This meta-analysis showed significant association between TNF-α-308 polymorphism and HCC (AA + GA vs. GG: OR = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.12-2.72). In Caucasian and Asian subgroups, OR values (95% CI) were 1.49 (0.58-3.82) and 1.84 (1.06-3.20), respectively. While the ORs for TNF-α-238 G/A, IL-1B-31 T/C, -511 C/T and IL-10-1082 G/A polymorphisms and HCC were 1.37 (0.95-2.00), 1.24 (0.99-1.55), 1.12 (0.66-1.88) and 0.91 (0.74-1.12), respectively. The sensitivity analysis further strengthened the overall strong positive correlations. No publication bias was observed in this study.

CONCLUSIONS

TNF-α-308 G/A polymorphism is assumed to confer a higher risk for HCC, especially in Asian population. TNF-α-238 G/A, IL-1B-31 T/C, -511 C/T, and IL-10-1082 G/A polymorphisms were not detected to be related to the risk for HCC.

Association between circulating interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) levels and IL-1β C-511T polymorphism with cervical cancer risk in Egyptian women

Cancer cervix is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality among women worldwide. It is believed that the host genetic factors such as inflammation-induced cytokines may play a role in cervical carcinogenesis. The interleukin-1β (IL-1β) gene contains several single nucleotide polymorphisms. One of them, C-511T, which in the promoter region has been associated with increased IL-1β production and with increased risk of developing cancers. We assessed the association between the IL-1β C-511T polymorphism and cervical cancer risk in a case-control study among 100 histopathologically confirmed Egyptian women with cervical cancer and 50 age-matched, cervical cytology negative, healthy controls by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Plasma levels of IL-1β were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. There was significant increase in the mean plasma IL-1β level in cervical cancer cases (43.40 ± 25.95 pg/ml) when compared with controls (30.51 ± 18.28 pg/ml, P = 0.002). The plasma levels above the 75th percentile of controls (IL-1β ≥ 45.74 pg/ml) were significantly associated with a 2.49-fold increased risk of cervical cancer. The significant increase in IL-1β concentration in cervical cancer cases was observed only among cervical cancer cases carrying C-511T variant genotypes. T/T genotype of IL-1β polymorphism was significantly higher in cervical cancer cases compared with controls (57 vs. 38%; OR = 2.16; P = 0.028) and the T allele carriage was significantly associated with cervical cancer risk (OR = 2.00, 95% CI = 1.19-3.38, and P = 0.008). In conclusion, plasma IL-1β level and IL-1β C-511T polymorphism may be considered as candidate biomarkers for cervical cancer in Egyptian women.

Distribution of cytokine gene polymorphisms in Thai population

The distribution of 21 cytokine polymorphisms within 13 cytokine and cytokine receptor genes was analyzed in 102 healthy Thai individuals using the LIFECODES Cytokine SNP Typing kit. The TGFB codon25 marker is monomorphic in the Thai population. The IL1B+3962, IL6-174, and TNFA-238 are very rare polymorphisms, with only 0.01-0.04 minor allele frequency (MAF). The IL4-1098, IL1A-889, and IL10-1082 are found only 0.06-0.08 in Thai. Other cytokine polymorphisms (IL1B-511, IL1R pst1 1970, IL1RN mspa1 11100, IL4RA+1902, IL12B-1188, IFNG+874, TGFB codon10, TNFA-308, IL2-330, IL2+166, IL4-590, IL4-33, IL10-819, and IL10-592) in Thai have MAFs more than 0.10, ranging between 0.13 and 0.47. When comparing the allele and genotype frequencies with public single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) database, most cytokine polymorphisms in Thai show similar distribution to Han Chinese and Japanese, but significantly different from Caucasian and African populations. Only a few markers, including IL4A+1902, TNFA-308, IL1B+3962, and IL2+166 show statistically different distribution among Thai and other Asian populations especially with the Japanese.

Gender-related distribution of the interleukin-1 beta and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist gene polymorphisms in patients with end-stage liver disease

Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) genetic polymorphisms and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL1RN) variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) seem to be related with the occurrence of chronic diseases. This study aimed to verify whether IL-1 beta -511>C/T, -31>T/C, +3953>C/T and IL1RN VNTR were associated to the development of liver cirrhosis. Two hundred forty cirrhotic patients were involved in the study. A significant trend was detected, for increasing cirrhosis frequencies, grouping the patients as follows: females and males carrying neither the IL-1 beta (-511 -31) T-C/T-C or T-C/(T-T or C-C) diplotypes nor any IL1RN A2 allele (138/292), males carrying either the IL-1 beta T-C/T-C or T-C/(T-T or C-C) diplotypes or at least one IL1RN A2 allele (74/147) and males carrying either the IL-1 beta T-C/T-C or T-C/(T-T or C-C) diplotypes and at least one IL1RN A2 allele (28/37) (p < 0.01). IL-1 beta polymorphisms are associated with the occurrence of end stage liver disease. IL-1 beta inflammatory activity appears more pronounced in males.

Circulating IL-1beta levels, polymorphisms of IL-1B, and risk of cervical cancer in Chinese women

PURPOSE

Long-term human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a prerequisite for cervical cancer. IL-1beta and IL-1Ra expression levels play an important role in cervical carcinogenesis. Several functional genetic variants in IL1B and IL-RN have been reported to be associated with IL-1beta expression and cancer susceptibility. In the current study, we hypothesized that plasma IL-1beta levels, IL-1B and IL-RN polymorphisms were candidate biomarkers for cervical cancer.

METHODS

We measured plasma IL-1beta levels and genotyped IL-1B and IL-RN polymorphisms in a case-control study of 404 cervical cancer cases and 404 controls in Chinese women.

RESULTS

The mean plasma IL-1beta levels in cervical cancer cases (42.19 +/- 31.55 pg/ml) was significantly higher than those in controls (34.86 +/- 22.68 pg/ml, P = 0.0002), and plasma IL-1beta levels above the 75% quartiles in controls (IL-1beta > or = 46.94 pg/ml) were associated with a 1.74-fold significantly increased risk of cervical cancer [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.28-2.36], compared with those of lowest quartile. Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that the variant genotypes, IL-1B T-31C TC/CC and C-511T CT/TT, were associated with a significantly increased risk of cervical cancer [adjusted odds ratio (OR), 1.60; 95% CI, 1.16-2.21 for -31TC/CC, and adjusted OR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.10-2.09 for -511CT/TT, respectively), especially among subjects having higher levels of IL-1beta. However, IL-RN VNTR polymorphism was not associated with cervical cancer risk in the current study. Furthermore, the significant differences of IL-1beta concentration between cervical cancer cases and controls were observed only among subjects carrying T-31C or C-511T variant genotypes.

CONCLUSION

Functional IL-1B genotypes may modify plasma IL-1beta concentrations to contribute to the etiology of cervical cancer in Chinese women; however, further perspective studies are warranted to test the causal effects of IL-1beta concentration in cervical carcinogenesis.

Viral hepatocarcinogenesis

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Despite recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of HCC, its prognosis remains dismal. Infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are the major risk factors for HCC. Although both are hepatotropic viral infections, there are important differences between the oncogenic mechanisms of these two viruses. In addition to the oncogenic potential of its viral proteins, HBV, as a DNA virus, can integrate into host DNA and directly transform hepatocytes. In contrast, HCV, an RNA virus, is unable to integrate into the host genome, and viral protein expression has a more critical function in hepatocarcinogenesis. Both HBV and HCV proteins have been implicated in disrupting cellular signal transduction pathways that lead to unchecked cell growth. Most HCC develops in the cirrhotic liver, but the linkage between cirrhosis and HCC is likely multifactorial. In this review, we summarize current knowledge regarding the pathogenetic mechanisms of viral HCC.

Interleukin-1 beta -511C/T genetic polymorphism is associated with age of onset of geriatric depression

The pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1 beta has been implicated in the pathogenesis of major depressive disorder and in cognitive function decline in the elderly. This study tests the hypothesis that a biallelic functional polymorphism in the promoter region of the interleukin-1 beta gene (IL1B -511C/T) affects vulnerability to geriatric depression and its manifestations, including age of onset, depression severity, and cognitive function. We genotyped the IL1B -511C/T polymorphism in 125 elderly inpatients diagnosed with major depression and 282 normal elderly controls. The depressed patients were evaluated at baseline after admission using the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) for depression severity and the Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) for cognitive function; depression age of onset was evaluated by interview and medical records. We found no association between IL1B -511C/T genotypes and geriatric depression susceptibility (P = 0.213), depression severity (HAM-D scores; P = 0.766) or cognitive function (MMSE scores; P = 0.827); however, compared with depressed subjects carrying the -511C allele, depressed subjects who were -511T homozygotes showed a significantly later depression age of onset of 7 years (P = 0.021). Our findings suggest that the IL1B -511C/T polymorphism may be related to age at manifestation among individuals vulnerable to depression, but they do not affect the basic vulnerability to or severity of depression in elderly Chinese adults. Further study is warranted to confirm this finding and to assess its generalization to other ethnic groups.

Genetic variants in inflammation pathway genes and asthma in glioma susceptibility

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in inflammation-related genes have previously been shown to alter risks of developing various cancers. However, the effects of such SNPs on glioma risk remain unclear. We used a multistrategic approach to elucidate the relationship between glioma risk, asthma/allergies, and 23 literature-based functional SNPs in 11 inflammation genes. Genotyping was conducted on 373 histologically confirmed adult glioma patients and 365 cancer-free controls from the Harris County Brain Tumor Study. Deviations from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were assessed using the chi(2)-test, and Akaike's information criterion was used to determine the best genetic model for each SNP. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated both for each SNP individually and for grouped analyses, examining the effects of the numbers of adverse alleles on glioma risk in participants with and without asthma. In the single-locus analysis of the 23 examined SNPs, 1 pro-inflammatory and 2 anti-inflammatory gene SNPs were significantly associated with glioma risk (COX2/PTGS2, rs20417 [OR = 1.41]; IL10, rs1800896 [OR = 1.57]; and IL13, rs20541 [OR = 0.39], respectively). When we examined the joint effects of the risk-conferring alleles of these 3 SNPs, we found a significant trend indicating that the risk increases as the number of adverse alleles increase (P = .005). Stratifying by asthma status, we found that this dose-response-like trend of increasing risk is only present among those without asthma/allergies (P < .0001). Our study indicates that polymorphisms in inflammation genes are associated with glioma susceptibility, especially when a history of asthma/allergies is absent.