Interferon-γ and Interleukin-10 Gene Polymorphisms are not Predictors of Chronic Hepatitis C (Genotype-4) Disease Progression

IL-10 polymorphism genotypes, haplotypes, and diplotypes are associated with colorectal cancer predisposition and outcome in Tunisian population

Background and aim

As the presence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the interleukin (IL)-10 gene continues to be a major challenge in the development of effective therapies for digestive cancers, this case-control study was conducted to assess the possible influence of genotype, haplotype and diplotype for two SNPs (-1082A/G (rs1800896) and -592A/C (rs1800872)) located in the promoter region of IL-10 gene on the incidence, severity and prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) in Tunisians.

Methods

IL-10 gene SNPs were analyzed in 130 CRC cases and 165 healthy subjects (HS) using PCR-SSP.

Results

For the IL-10 -1082A/G SNP, the comparison of genotype frequencies between cases and HS groups showed that the G allele significantly reduced CRC risk under the recessive model (GG vs. AA + AG: OR [95%CI] = 0.44 [0.21-0.93], p = 0.03). Conversely, a positive association was observed between the codominant model (AG vs. AA + GG) and high susceptibility (OR [95%CI] = 1.65 [1.02-2.63], p = 0.04). After stratification by disease site, the recessive model was also found to reduce susceptibility to colon cancer (OR [95%CI] = 0.18 [0.04-0.72], p = 0 0.01), while the homozygote model (AA vs. GG) was suggested as a risk factor (OR [95%CI] = 5.16 [1.31-23.26], p = 0.02). Furthermore, the codominant model (AG vs. AA + GG) doubled the risk of rectum cancer (OR [95%CI] = 1.98 [1.07-3.70], p = 0.03). For the IL-10 -592A/C SNP, the codominant model (AC vs. AA + CC) has a protective effect against the development of CRC (OR [95%CI] = 0.59 [0.36-0.94], p = 0.03). The IL-10 gene haplotype was not associated with CRC risk. A stratified analysis by disease site demonstrated that the presence of Hap3 (-1082G and -592C alleles) specifically reduced the risk of developing colon cancer (OR [95%CI] = 0.51 [0.32-0.80], p = 0.003). Moreover, homozygous Hap3/Hap3 diplotype significantly reduced susceptibility to CRC (OR [95%CI] = 0.35 [0.14-0.85], p = 0.02). Interestingly, this diplotype has not been identified in colon cancer patients. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the homozygous Hap2/Hap2 diplotype was significantly associated with decreased overall survival (Log-rank: p = 0.01). This association was also observed in the colon cancer subgroup (Log-rank: p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Our findings provide preliminary indications that the -1082A/G and -592/AC SNPs within the IL-10 gene may exhibit significant associations with the pathogenesis and prognostic outcomes of CRC. However, further investigations are still warranted to validate and establish the veracity of our findings.

Association between IL-10 gene polymorphisms (- 1082 A/G, -819 T/C, -592 A/C) and hepatocellular carcinoma: a meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis

BACKGROUND

The carcinogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma is complicated, and genetic factor may have the role in the malignant transformation of liver cells. IL-10 gene polymorphisms have been investigated for their potential roles in hepatocellular carcinoma This study aimed to investigate the relationship between polymorphisms of IL-10 (-1082 A/G, -819 T/C, -592 A/C), and hepatocellular carcinoma by performing a meta-analysis with eligible individual studies.

METHODS

This study followed the PRISMA 2020 Checklist. Relevant studies were searched in health-related databases. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale criteria were used to evaluate the studies quality. Pooled odds ratio (OR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to determine the strength of association between each polymorphism and hepatocellular carcinoma using five genetic models. Stratification was done by ethnic groups. Trial sequential analysis (TSA) was performed to determine the required information size.

RESULTS

Fifteen case-control studies (n = 8182) were identified. Overall, the heterozygous model showed a marginal significant association only between IL-10 (-1082 A/G) and hepatocellular carcinoma risk (OR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.67-1.00, 9 studies). On stratification, IL-10 (-1082 A/G) was significantly associated with hepatocellular carcinoma risk in the non-Asian population under dominant (OR: 0.62, 95% CI: 0.45-0.86, 4 studies), heterozygous (OR: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.43-0.85) and allelic models (OR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.64-0.99). IL-10 (-819 T/C) was significantly associated with hepatocellular carcinoma risk only among non-Asians under the dominant (OR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.02-2.13, 8 studies), recessive (OR: 1.99, 95% CI: 1.03-3.86, and homozygous models (OR: 2.18, 95% CI: 1.13-4.23). For IL-10 (-592 A/C) with 11 studies, there was no significant association with hepatocellular carcinoma in all five genetic models (P values > 0.5). TSA plots indicated that the information size for firm evidence of effect was sufficient only for the analysis of IL-10 (-592 A/C), but not for the - 1082 A/G or -819 T/C.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggest that IL-10 (-1082 A/G and - 819 T/C) polymorphisms are associated with hepatocellular carcinoma in ethnic-specific manner. However, this evidence is not conclusive because the sample size was insufficient. IL-10 (-592 A/C) polymorphism was not associated with hepatocellular carcinoma albeit with sufficient information size. Future well-designed large case-control studies on IL-10 (-1082 A/G and - 819 T/C) with different ethnicities are recommended.

Gene polymorphisms of inflammatory factors in liver cirrhosis

Introduction: Studies on the association between gene polymorphisms of various inflammatory factors and liver cirrhosis have been inconsistent. The purpose of this study was to comprehensively summarize the available evidence on the association between gene polymorphisms of inflammatory factors and liver cirrhosis through a systematic review. Methods: We searched databases of PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library for relevant articles published from building databases to 25 September 2022. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to investigate the association between gene polymorphisms of various inflammatory factors and liver cirrhosis. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to assess the strength of association. Results: A total of 43 articles were included in the systematic review and of them, 22 articles were included in the meta-analysis. The gene polymorphisms of IL-10-1082 GA + AA vs. GG (OR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.12-1.83), IL-10-1082 AA vs. GG (OR = 2.03, 95% CI = 1.36-3.02), IL-18 -137 GG vs. CC (OR = 3.84, 95% CI = 1.29-11.40), TGF-β1 -509 T vs. C (OR = 2.52, 95% CI = 1.42-4.48), and IFN-γ +874 T vs. A (OR = 1.98, 95% CI = 1.32-2.98) were associated with liver cirrhosis significantly and no association was observed in other gene polymorphisms included in the meta-analysis. The review of inflammatory factors gene polymorphisms that were only reported by a single study indicated 19 gene polymorphisms were risk factors and 4 gene polymorphisms were protective factors for liver cirrhosis, while the association between other 27 gene polymorphisms and liver cirrhosis were not statistically significant. Discussion: This study suggests that IL-10 -1082G/A, IL-18 -137G/C, TGF-β1 -509T/C, and IFN-γ +874T/A were potentially associated with the risk of liver cirrhosis susceptibility. These findings may provide comprehensive evidence for genetic susceptibility and immunogenetic pathology of liver cirrhosis.

The TNF-α rs361525 and IFN-γ rs2430561 polymorphisms are associated with liver cirrhosis risk: a comprehensive meta-analysis

Background

Inflammation serves as an essential driver of liver cirrhosis (LC) incidence. Accordingly, a meta-analysis was carried out to explore the association between specific polymorphisms in the interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) genes and the incidence of LC based on comparisons of genotype and allele frequencies.

Objectives

To study the relationship between TNF-α rs361525 and IFN-γ rs2430561 polymorphisms and the risk of LC.

Methods

A database search was performed for all studies published as of September 10, 2022. The strength of risk relationships was assessed based on odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Pooled analyses were conducted for one common TNF-α polymorphism (rs361525) as well as one common IFN-γ polymorphism (rs2430561). Both of these SNPs were identified as LC-related risk factors. Specifically, rs361525 was related to LC incidence in both alcoholic liver cirrhosis (OR: 1.86, 95%CI: 1.03-3.34) and hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related cirrhosis cases (OR: 1.44, 95%CI: 1.00-2.06) when using an allelic contrast model. Moreover, rs2430561 was significantly related to LC in an Asian population (OR: 1.45, 95%CI: 1.13-1.86) and in the context of HBV-related cirrhosis (OR: 1.48, 95%CI: 1.13-1.93) when using an allelic contrast model.

Conclusion

These findings indicate that rs361525 and rs2430561 represent LC-related risk factors, although additional large-scale clinical and case-control studies will be vital to confirm these results.

Machine Learning Prediction Models for Diagnosing Hepatocellular Carcinoma with HCV-related Chronic Liver Disease

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Considered as one of the most recurrent types of liver malignancy, Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) needs to be assessed in a non-invasive way. The objective of the current study is to develop prediction models for Chronic Hepatitis C (CHC)-related HCC using machine learning techniques.

METHODS

A dataset, for 4423 CHC patients, was investigated to identify the significant parameters for predicting HCC presence. In this study, several machine learning techniques (Classification and regression tree, alternating decision tree, reduce pruning error tree and linear regression algorithm) were used to build HCC classification models for prediction of HCC presence.

RESULTS

Age, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), alkaline phosphate (ALP), albumin, and total bilirubin attributes were statistically found to be associated with HCC presence. Several HCC classification models were constructed using several machine learning algorithms. The proposed HCC classification models provide adequate area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) and high accuracy of HCC diagnosis. AUROC ranges between 95.5% and 99%, plus overall accuracy between 93.2% and 95.6%.

CONCLUSION

Models with simplistic factors have the power to predict the existence of HCC with outstanding performance.

IL-10 Polymorphisms and Haplotypes Predict Susceptibility to Hepatocellular Carcinoma Occurrence in Patients with Hepatitis C Virus Infection from Northeast India

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection leads to variable outcomes, ranging from prolonged slow hepatic damage leading to cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Polymorphism in cytokines IL-10 and IL-12 that impact the immune response to HCV infection may play a role in determining this outcome. This study was aimed to determine if polymorphisms in IL-10 and IL-12B contribute to HCV susceptibility and the risk of developing HCC in patients from Northeast India. IL-10 - 1082, -819, -592 polymorphisms and IL-12B -1188 polymorphisms were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism in a total of 266 HCV-infected patients and 100 age- and sex-matched controls. In the HCV-infected subjects, 110 patients had chronic hepatitis C (CHC), 96 with liver cirrhosis, and 60 with HCC. Serum levels of IL-10 were also measured and correlated with disease severity. Haplotype analysis for IL-10 polymorphisms was carried out. Statistical data were analyzed using SPSS ver. 22.0. The frequency of IL-10 - 592 AA genotype/A allele was significantly higher in HCC patients than in CHC patients. The intermediate IL-10-producing ACC haplotype was significantly more frequent in HCC and cirrhotic patients than in CHC patients. No significant association was found for IL-10 - 819, -592 and IL-12B -1188 polymorphisms with the susceptibility to HCV infection or occurrence of HCC in HCV-infected patients. IL-10 - 592 CA polymorphism and IL-10 ACC haplotype are significant biomarkers of HCC in HCV-infected patients from Northeast India. Higher serum levels of IL-10 were also linked to higher disease severity.

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Association between Polymorphisms in Genes of IL-12 Signaling Pathway and Hepatocellular Carcinoma Risk

We performed an updated meta-analysis and systematic review to explore the associations between polymorphisms in genes of IL-12 signaling pathway and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk. Diverse databases were retrieved to identify entire available studies, and odds ratios (ORs) correspondence with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were performed to assess their associations. Finally, 6 polymorphisms in five genes of the IL-12 signaling pathway were extracted from 39 case-control studies, 26 publications. We identified that STAT4-rs7574865 polymorphism was significantly associated with an increased risk of HCC in allelic contrast, dominant, homozygote and recessive models. However, we failed to uncover any significant association between other polymorphisms in genes of IL-12 signaling pathway and HCC risk, including IL18-rs1946518 and -rs187238, IFN-γ-rs2430561, IL12A-rs568408, IL12B-rs3212227 and STAT4-rs7574865. When the subgroup analysis was conducted based on Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium (HWE) status, we identified that IFN-γ-rs2430561 polymorphism was significantly associated with an increased risk of HCC in homozygote and recessive models of these studies whose control groups were conformed to HWE. To sum up, our study suggests that STAT4-rs7574865 is a risk factor for HCC. Further well-designed large sample size studies are warranted to shed new light on these findings.

Distribution of IL28B and IL10 polymorphisms as genetic predictors of treatment response in Pakistani HCV genotype 3 patients

There are over 10 million hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients in Pakistan. For these patients, a combination of interferon with ribavirin is the most economical and easily available treatment. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms in interleukin genes have been reported to be associated with the pathogenesis and clearance of HCV, and sustained virologic response (SVR). An interleukin 28B (IL28B) gene polymorphism has been shown to modify treatment outcomes, but the effects of interleukin 10 (IL10) polymorphisms have not been previously assessed in the Pakistani population. The present study was conducted with 302 subjects categorized into two groups: 100 healthy volunteers (Group I) and 202 patients with chronic HCV (Group II). Patients within Group II were further divided into two subgroups according to therapeutic response: SVR (responders = 132) and NR (non-responders/relapsers = 70). IL28B (rs8099917, rs12979860) and IL10 (rs1800872, rs1800871, rs1800896) gene polymorphisms were studied in all subjects. A significant difference in the distribution of IL28B rs12979860C/T genotypes between the two groups (p<0.05) was observed, while of the three IL10 polymorphisms, a significant difference was only shown for rs1800896 A/G. Haplotype analysis (IL28B and IL10) showed a significant association of TTGTC and TTGTA when comparing the groups. There was a strong association of the favorable alleles rs8099917T and rs12979860C in the SVR group as compared with the NR group (p<0.05), and rs1800896 also showed an association with the SVR group as compared to the NR group (p<0.004). Haplotype analysis showed significant associations when comparing the SVR and NR subgroups, i.e. TCATC (p=0.009), TTGTA (p=0.005), TCATA (p<0.0005), TCACA (p=0.002), GTGCC (p=0.002) and TCGTC (p=0.005). IL28B (rs8099917 and rs12979860) and IL10 (rs1800896) polymorphisms alone, or in combination, are good predictors of therapeutic response in HCV-3a patients.

Interleukin 10 gene single nucleotide polymorphisms in Polish patients with chronic hepatitis C: Analysis of association with severity of disease and treatment outcome

It is suggested that interleukin 10 (IL-10), as a modulator of immune response, is likely to influence the elimination of hepatitis C virus (HCV), the progression of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and the response to interferon-based therapy in CHC patients. The aim of the study was to analyze the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of IL-10 gene with severity of liver disease (degree of inflammation and stage of fibrosis) and outcome of pegylated interferon alpha and ribavirin combined therapy (sustained virological response (SVR) and relapse) in 196 Polish CHC patients infected with HCV genotype 1. The analysis included IL-10 promoter SNPs: -1082(A/G) rs1800896, -819(C/T) rs1800871, -592(C/A) rs1800872 and SNP in the 3' UTR of IL-10 gene: +4529(A/G) rs3024498. Genotyping was performed using PCR-RFLP and HRM analysis. It was demonstrated that the -592C allele is associated with mild hepatic inflammation. Moreover, it was found that the -819C allele might be associated with SVR and that the ACCA haplotype and intermediate IL-10 producer ACC haplotype are associated with SVR and non-relapse. It can be concluded that IL-10 SNPs are associated with severity of disease and response to therapy and may be considered as potential prognostic and predictive markers in CHC.

Interleukin-10.rs1800896 and Interleukin-18.rs1946518 gene polymorphisms could not predict the outcome of hepatitis C virus infection in Egyptian patients treated with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin

A single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the interleukin (IL)-28B gene was used as a major predictor of the response to treatment in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Data examining the role of IL-10 and IL-18 gene polymorphisms among HCV genotype 4 (G4)-infected Egyptians in response to pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) plus ribavirin (RBV) therapy are limited. This study investigated the impact of SNP at IL-10.rs1800896 (at position -1082) and IL-18.rs1946518 genes (at position -607) on the response to PEG-IFN/RBV therapy in HCV-infected Egyptians. This study was carried out on 100 HCV patients treated with PEG-IFN plus RBV and 100 healthy controls. The HCV patients included 50 treatment non-responders (NR) and 50 subjects with sustained virologic response (SVR). Genomic DNA from venous blood of subjects was extracted and IL-10.rs1800896 and IL-18.rs1946518 genotypes were determined using allele-specific amplification and SYBR Green real-time PCR. Linkage disequilibrium between the two SNPs was estimated using Haploview software. The frequency of the IL-10.rs1800896 AA, AG and GG genotypes among non-responders were 16 %, 70 % and 14 % while among SVR subjects, the frequency was 34 %, 60 % and 6 %, respectively (p=0.073). On the other hand, the frequency of the IL-18.rs1946518 AA, AC and CC genotypes among non-responders was 14 %, 50 % and 36 %, respectively, while among responders, these frequencies were 28 %, 44 % and 28 %, (p = 0.220). Both markers were in linkage equilibrium (D' = 0.23; r (2) = 0.052). SNPs in the IL-10.rs1800896 and IL-18.rs1946518 genes could not predict the outcome of HCV infection in Egyptians treated with PEG-IFN/RBV.