HuGE systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrate association of CASP-3 and CASP-7 genetic polymorphisms with cancer risk

Polymorphisms and NIHL: a systematic review and meta-analyses

Background

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) has always been a global public health problem, which is related to noise exposure and genetic factors. Many researchers have tried to identify the polymorphisms that cause different individuals' susceptibility to NIHL. We conducted a meta-analysis of the most frequently studied polymorphisms to identify those genes that may be associated with NIHL and may provide value in risk prevention.

Methods

PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database, Embase, Wang Fang, Web of Science and Cochrane library were searched, and qualified studies on the correlation between polymorphism and NIHL susceptibility were screened, and then polymorphisms cited in at least three studies were selected for meta-analysis. Fixed- or random-effects models were used to calculate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Statistical I² tests and sensitivity analyses were used to detect interstudy heterogeneity and test the statistical stability of overall estimates, respectively. Egger's tests were applied to detect publication bias among included studies. All of the above analyses were performed using stata 17.0.

Results

64 genes were initially selected and introduced in 74 papers. Among them, 10 genes (and 25 polymorphisms) have been reported in more than 3 papers. Twenty five polymorphisms participated in the meta-analysis. Of the 25 polymorphisms, only 5 were significantly associated with the risk of AR: rs611419 (GRHL2) polymorphism and rs3735715 polymorphism (GRHL2), rs208679 polymorphism (CAT), rs3813346 polymorphism (EYA4) were significantly associated with the susceptibility of NIHL, rs2227956 polymorphism (HSP70) was significantly associated with the susceptibility of white population NIHL, and the remaining 20 gene polymorphisms were not significantly associated with NIHL.

Conclusion

We found polymorphisms that are valuable for the prevention of NIHL and polymorphisms that are not related to NIHL. This is the first step to establish an effective risk prediction system for the population, especially for high-risk groups, which may help us better identify and prevent the occurrence of NIHL. In addition, our research results contribute to the in-depth exploration of NIHL.

Systematic review registration

https://inplasy.com/inplasy-2023-6-0003/, identifier INPLASY202360003.

Prevention of nephrotoxicity induced by amikacin: The role of misoprostol, A prostaglandin E1 analogue

Amikacin (AK) is an aminoglycoside that is widely used to treat life-threatening Gram-negative infections, especially in intensive care units. Despite its wide clinical indications, AK causes serious side effects such as kidney toxicity. AK was found to lead to tissue damage primarily through apoptosis and oxidative stress. Therefore, it was investigated whether misoprostol (MP), which has antioxidant and antiapoptotic properties, had a beneficial effect on kidney damage caused by AK. It was observed that kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) mRNA, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr), NADPH oxidase-4 (NOX-4) and Caspase-3 (CAS-3) levels increased in the AK-treated group in comparison with the control group, while uric acid, albumin, and total protein levels were decreased. In rats that were treated with AK+MP, the levels of KIM-1 mRNA, BUN, Cr, NOX-4 and CAS-3 were significantly decreased in comparison with the AK group, while uric acid, albumin and total protein levels increased. According to the obtained results, MP was found to be quite effective in the protection of kidneys from the toxic effects of AK.

The E3 Ligase TRIM25 Impairs Apoptotic Cell Death in Colon Carcinoma Cells via Destabilization of Caspase-7 mRNA: A Possible Role of hnRNPH1

Therapy resistance is still a major reason for treatment failure in colorectal cancer (CRC). Previously, we identified the E3 ubiquitin ligase TRIM25 as a novel suppressor of caspase-2 translation which contributes to the apoptosis resistance of CRC cells towards chemotherapeutic drugs. Here, we report the executioner caspase-7 as being a further target of TRIM25. The results from the gain- and loss-of-function approaches and the actinomycin D experiments indicate that TRIM25 attenuates caspase-7 expression mainly through a decrease in mRNA stability. The data from the RNA pulldown assays with immunoprecipitated TRIM25 truncations indicate a direct TRIM25 binding to caspase-7 mRNA, which is mediated by the PRY/SPRY domain, which is also known to be highly relevant for protein-protein interactions. By employing TRIM25 immunoprecipitation, we identified the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein H1 (hnRNPH1) as a novel TRIM25 binding protein with a functional impact on caspase-7 mRNA stability. Notably, the interaction of both proteins was highly sensitive to RNase A treatment and again depended on the PRY/SPRY domain, thus indicating an indirect interaction of both proteins which is achieved through a common RNA binding. Ubiquitin affinity chromatography showed that both proteins are targets of ubiquitin modification. Functionally, the ectopic expression of caspase-7 in CRC cells caused an increase in poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) cleavage concomitant with a significant increase in apoptosis. Collectively, the negative regulation of caspase-7 by TRIM25, which is possibly executed by hnRNPH1, implies a novel survival mechanism underlying the chemotherapeutic drug resistance of CRC cells. The targeting of TRIM25 could therefore offer a promising strategy for the reduction in therapy resistance in CRC patients.

Screening of crosstalk and pyroptosis-related genes linking periodontitis and osteoporosis based on bioinformatics and machine learning

Background and objective

This study aimed to identify crosstalk genes between periodontitis (PD) and osteoporosis (OP) and potential relationships between crosstalk and pyroptosis-related genes.

Methods

PD and OP datasets were downloaded from the GEO database and were performed differential expression analysis to obtain DEGs. Overlapping DEGs got crosstalk genes linking PD and OP. Pyroptosis-related genes were obtained from literature reviews. Pearson coefficients were used to calculate crosstalk and pyroptosis-related gene correlations in the PD and OP datasets. Paired genes were obtained from the intersection of correlated genes in PD and OP. PINA and STRING databases were used to conduct the crosstalk-bridge-pyroptosis genes PPI network. The clusters in which crosstalk and pyroptosis-related genes were mainly concentrated were defined as key clusters. The key clusters' hub genes and the included paired genes were identified as key crosstalk-pyroptosis genes. Using ROC curve analysis and XGBoost screened key genes. PPI subnetwork, gene-biological process and gene-pathway networks were constructed based on key genes. In addition, immune infiltration was analyzed on the PD dataset using the CIBERSORT algorithm.

Results

A total of 69 crosstalk genes were obtained. 13 paired genes and hub genes TNF and EGFR in the key clusters (cluster2, cluster8) were identified as key crosstalk-pyroptosis genes. ROC and XGBoost showed that PRKCB, GSDMD, ARMCX3, and CASP3 were more accurate in predicting disease than other key crosstalk-pyroptosis genes while better classifying properties as a whole. KEGG analysis showed that PRKCB, GSDMD, ARMCX3, and CASP3 were involved in neutrophil extracellular trap formation and MAPK signaling pathway pathways. Immune infiltration results showed that all four key genes positively correlated with plasma cells and negatively correlated with T cells follicular helper, macrophages M2, and DCs.

Conclusion

This study shows a joint mechanism between PD and OP through crosstalk and pyroptosis-related genes. The key genes PRKCB, GSDMD, ARMCX3, and CASP3 are involved in the neutrophil extracellular trap formation and MAPK signaling pathway, affecting both diseases. These findings may point the way to future research.

Revealing the Mechanism of Astragali Radix against Cancer-Related Fatigue by Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking

Background

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is an increasingly appreciated complication in cancer patients, which severely impairs their quality of life for a long time. Astragali Radix (AR) is a safe and effective treatment to improve CRF, but the related mechanistic studies are still limited.

Objective

To systematically analyze the mechanism of AR against CRF by network pharmacology.

Methods

TCMSP was searched to obtain the active compounds and targets of AR. The active compound-target (AC-T) network was established and exhibited by related visualization software. The GeneCards database was searched to acquire CRF targets, and the intersection targets with AR targets were used to make the Venny diagram. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of intersection targets was established, and further, the therapeutic core targets were selected by topological parameters. The selected core targets were uploaded to Metascape for GO and KEGG analysis. Finally, AutoDock Vina and PyMOL were employed for molecular docking validation.

Results

16 active compounds of AR were obtained, such as quercetin, kaempferol, 7-O-methylisomucronulatol, formononetin, and isorhamnetin. 57 core targets were screened, such as AKT1, TP53, VEGFA, IL-6, and CASP3. KEGG analysis manifested that the core targets acted on various pathways, including 137 pathways such as TNF, IL-17, and the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway. Molecular docking demonstrated that active compounds docked well with the core targets.

Conclusion

The mechanism of AR in treating CRF involves multiple targets and multiple pathways. The present study laid a theoretical foundation for the subsequent research and clinical application of AR and its extracts against CRF.

Relationship Between CASP9 and CASP10 Gene Polymorphisms and Cancer Susceptibility: Evidence from an Updated Meta-analysis

Caspase-9 (CASP9) and caspase-10 (CASP10) polymorphisms were associated with human cancers; however, the results remain controversial. In this meta-analysis, we aimed to estimate the relationship among CASP9 (rs1052576, rs1052571, rs4645978, rs4645981, rs4645982, rs2308950) and CASP10 (rs13006529, rs13010627, rs3900115) polymorphisms and the overall risk of cancers. Relevant studies were obtained from Web of Science, MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus, and Google scholar databases (updated January 1, 2021). Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were measured to estimate the strength of association. Our meta-analysis included 40 studies. The rs4645981 significantly enhanced the risk of cancer under TT vs. CC (OR = 2.42), TC vs. CC (OR = 1.55), TT+ TC vs. CC (OR = 1.66), TT vs. TC + CC (OR = 1.91), and T vs. C (OR = 1.57) inheritance models. As for the rs1052571 variant, increased risk of cancer was observed under TT vs. CC (OR =1.22), TC vs. CC (OR = 1.17), and TT+ TC vs. CC (OR = 1.18) models. The stratified analysis showed a significant correlation between rs4645978 or rs4645981 polymorphisms and cancer risk, while in Asians rs4645978 conferred an increased risk of colorectal, lung, and prostate cancer. Both rs4645981 and rs1052576 polymorphisms were correlated with an enhanced risk of lung cancer. In conclusion, our meta-analysis suggested that CASP9 rs4645981 and rs1052571 polymorphisms are associated with overall cancer risk. More studies on larger populations are warranted to validate these associations.

Association of TNF-α rs1800629, CASP3 rs72689236 and FCGR2A rs1801274 Polymorphisms with Susceptibility to Kawasaki Disease: A Comprehensive Meta-Analysis

Kawasaki Disease (KD) is a multifactorial condition at the junction of infectious diseases, immunology, rheumatology, and cardiology. The aim of this study is to derive a more precise estimation of the association of TNF-α rs1800629, CASP3 rs72689236 and FCGR2A rs1801274 polymorphisms with risk of KD. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, CNKI databases were searched to identify all relevant studies. Pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using CMA 2.2 software. Results: A total of 25 studies including eleven studies on TNF-α rs1800629, five studies on CASP3 rs72689236 and nine studies on FCGR2A rs1801274 were selected. Overall, pooled data revealed that CASP3 rs72689236 and FCGR2A rs1801274 polymorphisms were significantly associated with an increased risk of KD. However, there was no significant association between TNF-α rs1800629 and KD. Conclusions: This meta-analysis suggested that CASPS rs72689236 and FCGR2A rs1801274 polymorphisms may modulate individual susceptibility to KD.

The effect of CASP3 rs4647610 and rs4647602 polymorphisms on tumour size and cancer stage in papillary thyroid carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most frequent form of thyroid cancer whose incidence has increased in recent years. Dysregulated apoptosis is known in the pathogenesis of various cancers. Caspase-3 is an important apoptotic component and its abnormal function may play a key role in cancer pathogenesis. We tested the hypothesis of a link between CASP3 single nucleotide polymorphisms rs4647610 and rs4647602 on PTC and its clinical outcomes.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 134 PTC patients and 151 healthy controls were genotyped for CASP3 rs4647610 and rs4647602 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using PCR-RFLP method.

RESULTS

Allele and genotype frequencies of both SNPs were not different between cases and controls. The combined genotypes and haplotypes were not linked to PTC. However, the frequencies of CASP3 rs4647610 GA and AA genotypes were higher in PTC patients with larger tumour size (≥1 cm), and the rs4647610 SNP was associated with increased tumour size in the dominant model (OR 3.4 [95% CI, 1.1-11], P = 0.04). The CASP3 rs4647602CA and AA genotypes were higher in PTC patients with lower TNM stage (I-II) compared to higher stages (III-IV). No association was observed between CASP3 polymorphisms and other PTC outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Although CASP3 rs4647610 and rs4647602 SNPs are not associated with PTC, rs4647610 is linked to larger tumour size, and rs4647602 to lower stage of cancer.

Association of genetic polymorphisms in CASP7 with risk of ischaemic stroke

Caspase 7 (CASP7) is located on chromosome 10q25.3 that has been identified to be a susceptibility locus of ischaemic stroke (IS) by genome-wide association study. Elevated CASP7 was observed in IS, acting as a key apoptotic mediator in the development of IS. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between genetic polymorphisms in CASP7 and risk of IS. The CASP7 polymorphisms were genotyped using a TaqMan allelic discrimination assay. The expression levels of CASP7 mRNA were examined using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and luciferase activity was analyzed using the Dual Luciferase reporter assay. The rs12415607 in the promoter of CASP7 was associated with a reduced risk of IS (AA vs. CC: adjusted OR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.38-0.80, P = 0.002; CA/AA vs. CC: adjusted OR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.54-0.91, P = 0.007; AA vs. CC/CA: adjusted OR = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.46-0.90, P = 0.01; A vs. C: adjusted OR = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.62-0.89, P = 0.001). Moreover, the rs12415607 AA genotype carriers exhibited lower levels of CASP7 mRNA and the rs12415607 A allele decreased the promoter activity. These findings indicate that the rs12415607 A allele induces lower levels of transcriptional activity and CASP7 mRNA, and thus is associated with a reduced risk of IS.

Staphylococcus aureus Exploits the Host Apoptotic Pathway To Persist during Infection

Staphylococcus aureus is a deadly pathogen that causes fatal diseases in humans. During infection, S. aureus secretes nuclease (Nuc) and adenosine synthase A (AdsA) to generate cytotoxic deoxyadenosine (dAdo) from neutrophil extracellular traps which triggers noninflammatory apoptosis in macrophages. In this manner, replicating staphylococci escape phagocytic killing without alerting the immune system. Here, we show that mice lacking caspase-3 in immune cells exhibit increased resistance toward S. aureus Caspase-3-deficient macrophages are resistant to staphylococcal dAdo and gain access to abscess lesions to promote bacterial clearance in infected animals. We identify specific single nucleotide polymorphisms in CASP3 as candidate human resistance alleles that protect macrophages from S. aureus-derived dAdo, raising the possibility that the allelic repertoire of caspase-3 may contribute to the outcome of S. aureus infections in humans.IMPORTANCE Caspase-3 controls the apoptotic pathway, a form of programmed cell death designed to be immunologically silent. Polymorphisms leading to reduced caspase-3 activity are associated with variable effects on tumorigenesis and yet arise frequently. Staphylococcus aureus is a human commensal and a frequent cause of soft tissue and bloodstream infections. Successful commensalism and virulence can be explained by the secretion of a plethora of immune evasion factors. One such factor, AdsA, destroys phagocytic cells by exploiting the apoptotic pathway. However, human CASP3 variants with loss-of-function alleles shield phagocytes from AdsA-mediated killing. This finding raises the possibility that some caspase-3 alleles may arise from exposure to S. aureus and other human pathogens that exploit the apoptotic pathway for infection.

A meta-analysis of caspase-8 -652 6N del polymorphism and digestive tract cancer risk

Caspase-8 (CASP8) is one key regulator of apoptosis of T lymphocytes and is encoded by the CASP8 gene. It has been reported that the six-nucleotide deletion polymorphism (-652 6N del) of the CASP8 gene had effect on some cancer risk. Few studies explored the association between CASP8 gene polymorphism and digestive tract cancer risk. To evaluate the association between the CASP8 -652 6N del polymorphism and the risk of digestive tract cancer, we conducted this meta-analysis. We found that CASP8-652 6N del polymorphism was associated with a significantly reduced risk of digestive tract cancer in the co-dominant model (del/del vs. ins/ins: OR= 0.82, 95%CI= 0.72-0.95; del/ins vs. ins/ins: OR= 0.92, 95%CI= 0.87-0.97; dominant model (del/ins+ del/del vs. ins/ins: OR= 0.91, 95%CI= 0.87-0.96, recessive model: del/del vs. del/ins+ ins/ins: OR= 0.85, 95%CI= 0.75-0.97). In the stratified analysis by cancer types, we found that all genetic models had protective effect on gastric cancer. Similar results were observed for colorectal cancer under heterozygote comparison and dominant model, but not under homozygote comparison or recessive model. In addition, a significantly decreased risk was found on esophageal cancer for most genetic models, except heterozygote comparison. When stratified by ethnicity and source of control, an evidently decreased risk was identified in the Asian populations and population-based studies. In conclusion, there exists an association between the CASP8 -652 6N del polymorphism and reduced digestive cancer risk, especially among Asians and population-based studies.

Genetic variants in SLC22A3 contribute to the susceptibility to colorectal cancer

Previous a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) of colorectal cancer in Japanese population has identified a risk region at the chromosome 6q26‐q27 associated with colorectal cancer risk. However, the causal gene at this locus remained unclear. In our study, we enrolled a total of 14 candidate functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at 6q26‐q27 (318 kb), and then genotyped them by TaqMan method in a Chinese population including 1,147 colorectal cancer cases and 1,203 controls. Among that, 5 SNPs were identified statistical association with colorectal cancer risk by logistic regression analysis. Of which, SNP rs420038 G > A in SLC22A3 was related to decreased risk of colorectal cancer (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 0.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.67–0.94, p = 0.007), and also associated with lower expression of SLC22A3 (p = 0.040) using expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analysis. Moreover, by the luciferase assays, we found that compared to the G allele of rs420038, the A allele could suppress the activity of the promoter in SLC22A3. Furthermore, the expression of SLC22A3 was significantly higher in colorectal cancer tissues than that in paired normal tissues (p < 0.001). Meanwhile, the phenotypes of proliferation, migration, invasion, cell cycle and apoptosis of colorectal cancer cell were significantly affected by SLC22A3 in vitro. Our results revealed a novel susceptible locus, rs420038 in SLC22A3, which may be involved in colorectal cancer development and progression.

What's new?

The identification of genes or loci associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) susceptibility can facilitate the discovery of molecular pathways underlying CRC development and progression. Here, the authors investigated a risk region at chromosome 6q26‐q27, which previously was linked to CRC susceptibility in a Japanese population. Analyses of candidate functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at 6q26‐q27 revealed a novel functional SNP, rs420038 G>A, in the SLC22A3 gene. While expression of SLC22A3 was elevated in CRC tissues, the novel SNP was associated with decreased CRC risk in a Chinese population. The A allele of rs420038 significantly suppressed SLC22A3 promoter activity.

Associations of genetic variation in CASP3 gene with noise-induced hearing loss in a Chinese population: a case-control study

BACKGROUND

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a complex disease caused by environmental and genetic risk factors. This study explored the relationship between the genetic variations in the CASP gene and the risk of developing NIHL among Chinese workers exposed to occupational noise.

METHODS

A case-control study of 272 NIHL workers and 272 normal-hearing workers matched for age, sex and years of noise exposure was conducted. Fifteen single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the CASP1, CASP3, CASP4, CASP5, CASP6, CASP8, CASP9, CASP10 and CASP14 genes were genotyped using the polymerase chain reaction-ligase detection reaction method. Using conditional logistic regression models, the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of genetic variations associated with NIHL risk were calculated.

RESULTS

Two SNPs in the CASP3 gene were associated with NIHL risk. For rs1049216, TT genotype was associated with a decreased risk of NIHL (OR = 0.246, 95% CI = 0.069-0.886) when compared with the CC genotype. For rs6948, the AC and CC genotype were associated with a decreased NIHL risk (OR = 0.568, 95% CI = 0.352-0.916) compared with AA genotype. There were joint effects of working time and CASP3 polymorphisms on NIHL risk (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Genetic variations in the CASP3 gene and the joint effects of working time and CASP3 polymorphisms may modify the risk of developing NIHL.

Caspase polymorphisms and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma

The aim of our study was to determine the impact of genetic polymorphisms in the caspase (CASP) genes on prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We genotyped 7 potentially functional polymorphisms in CASP3, CASP7, CASP8, CASP9, CASP10 genes in 362 HCC patients of receiving surgical resection of HCC tumor. The associations of genotype and haplotype with overall survival (OS) and disease free survival (DFS) were analyzed by using the Cox proportional hazards model. We found that the CASP9 rs4645981 C allele was significantly associated with positive effect on DFS (P = 0.011 and 0.016 for CT+CC vs. TT in univariate and multivariate analysis, respectively), CT genotype was associated with a better OS of HCC than the TT genotype both in univariate and multivariate analysis (P = 0.048 and 0.041, respectively). Moreover, the CASP3 rs2705897 GT genotype showed marginally significant association with decreased OS and DFS, compared with the GG genotype. One haplotype TT/TG in CASP3 (constructed by rs12108497 T>C and rs2705897 T>G) was significantly associated with decreased OS and DFS, compared to the common haplotype TT/TT both in univariate analysis (P = 0.021 and 0.026, respectively) and multivariate analysis (P = 0.025 and 0.030, respectively). The haplotype GT/GT in CASP9 (constructed by rs4645978 A>G and rs4645981 C>T) was significantly associated with decreased DFS both in univariate and multivariate analysis (P = 0.012 and 0.010, respectively). In conclusion, the CASP9 rs4645981 polymorphism, CASP3 and CASP9 haplotypes may be useful prognosis markers for HCC patients with surgical resection of tumor.

Genetic Polymorphisms in the Apoptosis-Associated Gene CASP3 and the Risk of Lung Cancer in Chinese Population

Caspase-3 (CASP3) plays a central role in executing cell apoptosis and thus in carcinogenesis. We previously investigated the relationship between functional polymorphisms in CAPS3 829 A>C and 20541 C>T and risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. However little is known about the role of CASP3 variants in susceptibility to lung cancer. To figure out the contribution of CASP3 polymorphisms to lung cancer risk, genotypes of 1000 lung cancer patients and 1000 controls were conducted by RFLP-PCR (restriction fragment length polymorphism PCR). The transcriptional activity of CASP3 829 A>C was examined by dual luciferase reporter assay. Logistic regression was applied to calculate Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Compared with CASP3 829 AA genotype, AC and CC genotype had significantly increased risk of lung cancer with OR (95% CI) of 1.33 (1.09–1.63) and 1.55 (1.19–2.01), respectively. To further explore the possible impact of 829 A>C SNP on CASP3 transcriptional activity, we detected the dual luciferase activity of PGL3-promoter vectors containing 829A or 829C alleles in lung cancer cell lines and found that report gene expressions driven by 829A containing CASP3 promoter were 1.64-fold, 1.94-fold greater than those driven by CASP3 829C containing counterparts in A549 and NCI-H1975 cells (P<0.001). When stratified by sex, the significantly increased risk associated with CASP3 829 AC or CC genotype was obviousl in males with OR (95% CI) of 1.42 (1.11–1.81) and 1.51 (1.11–2.05), but not in females. When stratified by age, we found that CASP3 829 AC or CC genotype contributed to the risk of lung cancer in youngers with OR (95% CI) of 2.73 (1.71–4.34) and 4.02 (2.20–7.32), but not in elder group. We also found that 829AC or 829CC genotype increased adenocarcinoma risk compared with the AA genotype with OR (95%CI) of 1.33 (1.04–1.70) and 1.51(1.09–2.07). CASP3 polymorphism and smoking interaction was demonstrated related with higher risk of lung cancer. We achieved that the CASP3 829AC or 829CC genotypes was associated with increased risk of lung cancer in both non-smoker and smoker group, with OR (95%CI) of 1.48 (1.08–2.02) and OR (95%CI) of 1.64 (1.09–2.48) among non-smokers and OR (95%CI) of 2.68 (1.89–3.81) and OR (95%CI) of 3.23 (2.21–4.92) among smokers, respectively. Among carriers with 20541CT genotype, the ORs (95%CI) of risk with lung cancer for smoking <16, 16–28, or > 28 pack-years were 1.16(0.65–2.07), 1.66(0.98–2.82) and 5.01(3.31–7.58) compared with the 20541CC carriers. And among carriers with 20541CT genotype, the ORs (95%CI) were 0.86(0.33–2.20), 2.12(0.83–5.41) and 5.71(2.68–12.16). These results highlight apoptosis-related CASP3 as an important gene in human carcinogenesis and further support the CASP3 polymorphisms confer to the lung cancer susceptibility.

Old, new and emerging functions of caspases

Caspases are proteases with a well-defined role in apoptosis. However, increasing evidence indicates multiple functions of caspases outside apoptosis. Caspase-1 and caspase-11 have roles in inflammation and mediating inflammatory cell death by pyroptosis. Similarly, caspase-8 has dual role in cell death, mediating both receptor-mediated apoptosis and in its absence, necroptosis. Caspase-8 also functions in maintenance and homeostasis of the adult T-cell population. Caspase-3 has important roles in tissue differentiation, regeneration and neural development in ways that are distinct and do not involve any apoptotic activity. Several other caspases have demonstrated anti-tumor roles. Notable among them are caspase-2, -8 and -14. However, increased caspase-2 and -8 expression in certain types of tumor has also been linked to promoting tumorigenesis. Increased levels of caspase-3 in tumor cells causes apoptosis and secretion of paracrine factors that promotes compensatory proliferation in surrounding normal tissues, tumor cell repopulation and presents a barrier for effective therapeutic strategies. Besides this caspase-2 has emerged as a unique caspase with potential roles in maintaining genomic stability, metabolism, autophagy and aging. The present review focuses on some of these less studied and emerging functions of mammalian caspases.