Genetic polymorphism of CCR2-64I increased the susceptibility of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Old and Emerging Therapeutic Targets

Liver cancer, predominantly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), globally ranks sixth in incidence and third in cancer-related deaths. HCC risk factors include non-viral hepatitis, alcohol abuse, environmental exposures, and genetic factors. No specific genetic alterations are unequivocally linked to HCC tumorigenesis. Current standard therapies include surgical options, systemic chemotherapy, and kinase inhibitors, like sorafenib and regorafenib. Immunotherapy, targeting immune checkpoints, represents a promising avenue. FDA-approved checkpoint inhibitors, such as atezolizumab and pembrolizumab, show efficacy, and combination therapies enhance clinical responses. Despite this, the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a challenge, as the complex tumor ecosystem and the immunosuppressive microenvironment associated with it hamper the efficacy of the available therapeutic approaches. This review explores current and advanced approaches to treat HCC, considering both known and new potential targets, especially derived from proteomic analysis, which is today considered as the most promising approach. Exploring novel strategies, this review discusses antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (CAR-T), and engineered antibodies. It then reports a systematic analysis of the main ligand/receptor pairs and molecular pathways reported to be overexpressed in tumor cells, highlighting their potential and limitations. Finally, it discusses TGFβ, one of the most promising targets of the HCC microenvironment.

Significant association of MCP1 rs1024611 and CCR2 rs1799864 polymorphisms with colorectal cancer and liver metastases susceptibility and aggressiveness: A case-control study

BACKGROUND

The MCP-1/CCR2 axis is one of the major chemokine signaling pathways that play a crucial role in the tumor microenvironment and has been involved in triggering various tumor progression mechanisms, such as increasing the immunosuppressive cells recruitment and promoting tumor cell proliferation and invasiveness.

AIM

The current study investigated the association of MCP1 (rs1024611) and CCR2 (rs1799864) genes variants with the risk as well as prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) and colorectal liver metastases (CRLM).

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A retrospective cohort study involved 408 patients (284 CRC and 124 CRLM), and 284 healthy control was conducted. Genotyping of selected polymorphisms was performed by PCR-RFLP assays and confirmed by microchip and capillary electrophoresis.

RESULTS

The results highlighted a positive association between MCP1 rs1024611 (non-AA) and CCR2 rs1799864 (GA) genotypes with increased CRC and CRLM risk. Correlation between SNPs and clinicopathological characteristics revealed a positive association between MCP1 rs1024611 and CCR2 rs1799864 (dominant model) and CRC poor prognosis features. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed a significant association between MCP1 rs1024611 non-AA carriers and decreased survival rate. Neoadjuvant treatment showed an improvement in CRC and CRLM survival rates among carriers of MCP1 and CCR2 wild-type genotype. FOLFIRI chemotherapy exhibits reduced survival rates for patients who carried mutated genotypes of MCP1 and CCR2 polymorphisms.

CONCLUSION

Considering our results, we suggest That both MCP1 and CCR2 polymorphisms may constitute independent factors for CRC and CRLM occurrence and can be helpful targets for an efficient therapeutic approach.

Relationship between the Monocyte Chemo-attractant Protein-1 gene rs1024611 A>G Polymorphism and Cancer Susceptibility: A Meta-analysis Involving 14,617 Subjects

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory and inducible chemokines are the hallmarks of malignancy. Monocyte chemo-attractant protein-1 (MCP-1) is a crucial chemokine implicated in infection and inflammation. Methods: We performed an updated meta-analysis of thirty independent case-control studies with 6,777 cancer cases and 7,840 controls to determine if the MCP-1 gene rs1024611 A > G variant is associated with the risk of cancer. Results: The G allele carriers of rs1024611 in the MCP-1 gene might have a null association with cancer risk in overall comparison. In a subgroup analysis by ethnicity, we identified a marked association between the MCP-1 G allele rs1024611 polymorphism and cancer risk in the Caucasian populations (GG vs. AA: OR = 1.72, 95% CI, 1.12-2.64, P = .013, and GG vs. AG/AA: OR = 1.82, 95% CI, 1.19-2.78, P = .006). The potential bias in literature selection was witnessed in this meta-analysis (G vs. A: P _Begg's =  0.187, P_Egger's =  0.049; and GG/GA vs. AA: P _Begg's =  0.069, P_Egger's =  0.024). The adjusted ORs and CIs of the nonparametric "trim-and-fill" method demonstrated the reliability of these findings. The outcome of heterogeneity analysis indicated that heterogeneity might be due to small sample sizes (<1000 subjects), cancer types (bladder cancer, other cancers), ethnicity (Asians), and population-based studies. However, the sensitivity analysis validated the reliability of the findings. Conclusion: In conclusion, this updated meta-analysis showed that the G carrier of the MCP-1 gene rs1024611 is associated with susceptibility to cancer in Caucasian.

Dual CCR5/CCR2 targeting: opportunities for the cure of complex disorders

The chemokine system mediates acute inflammation by driving leukocyte migration to damaged or infected tissues. However, elevated expression of chemokines and their receptors can contribute to chronic inflammation and malignancy. Thus, great effort has been taken to target these molecules. The first hint of the druggability of the chemokine system was derived from the role of chemokine receptors in HIV infection. CCR5 and CXCR4 function as essential co-receptors for HIV entry, with the former accounting for most new HIV infections worldwide. Not by chance, an anti-CCR5 compound, maraviroc, was the first FDA-approved chemokine receptor-targeting drug. CCR5, by directing leukocytes to sites of inflammation and regulating their activation, also represents an important player in the inflammatory response. This function is shared with CCR2 and its selective ligand CCL2, which constitute the primary chemokine axis driving the recruitment of monocytes/macrophages to inflammatory sites. Both receptors are indeed involved in the pathogenesis of several immune-mediated diseases, and dual CCR5/CCR2 targeting is emerging as a more efficacious strategy than targeting either receptor alone in the treatment of complex human disorders. In this review, we focus on the distinctive and complementary contributions of CCR5 and CCR2/CCL2 in HIV infection, multiple sclerosis, liver fibrosis and associated hepatocellular carcinoma. The emerging therapeutic approaches based on the inhibition of these chemokine axes are highlighted.

Chemokine genetic polymorphism in human health and disease

Chemokine receptor-ligand interaction regulates transmigration of lymphocytes and monocytes from circulation to the inflammatory sites. CC chemokine receptors, chemokine receptor 2(CCR2) and 5 (CCR5) are important in recruitment of immune cells as well as non-immune cells under pathological condition. CCR2, CCR5 and their ligands (CCL2 and CCL5) are major contributor to the autoimmune and inflammatory diseases and cancer. Currently studies are being done to explore genetic variations in chemokine genes and their involvement in diseases that could make clear disease severity and deaths. Conflicting results of studies in different populations and diseases promoted to investigate chemokines genetic polymorphisms in miscellaneous diseases. This study is aimed to evaluate the influence of chemokines genetic polymorphisms in pathogenesis and outcome of prevalent non infectious diseases. Present study demonstrates the likely role played by genetic variations in drug response and evolution. Moreover this study highlights chemokine as therapeutic target and diagnostic biomarker in pathological condition.

Association between Interleukin-18 Polymorphisms and Hepatocellular Carcinoma Occurrence and Clinical Progression

We investigated the association between interleukin-18 (IL-18) polymorphisms and the susceptibility and clinicopathological state of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In total, 901 participants, including 559 healthy controls and 342 patients with HCC, were recruited. The allelic discrimination of -607A/C (rs1946518) and -137G/C (rs187238) polymorphisms of IL-18 was assessed through real-time polymerase chain reaction by performing the TaqMan assay. The IL-18 -137G/C polymorphism but not the -607A/C polymorphism showed a significant association with the risk of HCC. Participants carrying the IL-18 -137 polymorphism with heterozygous G/C and homozygous CC genotypes showed a 1.987-fold increase (95% CI = 1.301-3.032; p = 0.001) in the risk of HCC compared with those homozygous for wild-type G/G. The 342 patients with HCC carrying the IL-18 -137G/C polymorphism were positive for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection with an adjusted odds ratio of 1.668. Moreover, the 142 HBV positive patients with HCC and the IL-18 -137 polymorphism were positive for at least one C genotype and showed significant vascular invasion (p = 0.018). Furthermore, the level of α-fetoprotein was high in the patients carrying the IL-18 -137 polymorphism with GC+CC alleles (p = 0.011). In conclusion, the IL-18 -137G/C polymorphism with a GC+CC genotype could be a factor that increases the risk of HCC. Furthermore, the correlation between the IL-18 -137G/C polymorphism and HCC-related HBV infection is a risk factor for vascular invasion and has a synergistic effect that can further enhance HCC prognosis.

Chemokines and their receptors play important roles in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma

The chemokine system consists of four different subclasses with over 50 chemokines and 19 receptors. Their functions in the immune system have been well elucidated and research during the last decades unveils their new roles in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The chemokines and their receptors in the microenvironment influence the development of HCC by several aspects including: inflammation, effects on immune cells, angiogenesis, and direct effects on HCC cells. Regarding these aspects, pre-clinical research by targeting the chemokine system has yielded promising data, and these findings bring us new clues in the chemokine-based therapies for HCC.

CCR2-64I polymorphism is associated with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer in Tunisian patients

Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) in genes coding for chemokines may be associated with some cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of CCR2-64I and CXCL12-3'A SNPs on the susceptibility and the clinicopathological characteristics of NSCLC (Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer) in the Tunisian population. 170 NSCLC patients and 225 healthy controls screened by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis were enrolled. A significant association for the homozygous genotype CCR2 64I/64I with lung cancer risk was observed (P=0.004). An increased significant frequency of the -64I allele (P=0.0006) was noted in the patient's group. Clinical analysis indicated a positive association of the -64I allele among squamous cell lung carcinoma patients (P=0.003). The CCR2 mRNA extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was found highly expressed in NSCLC patients compared to controls. The same higher levels were found in patients carrying the CCR2 64I/64I genotype. No significant association was retrieved with CXCL12-3'A polymorphism. In conclusion, our results revealed that the subjects with -64I allele of CCR2-64I gene polymorphism, expressed a significantly higher risk for NSCLC risk without influence on its pathological progression.

TIMP-3 -1296 T>C and TIMP-4 -55 T>C gene polymorphisms play a role in the susceptibility of hepatocellular carcinoma among women

The purpose of this study was to investigate genetic impact of TIMP-3 -1296 T>C (rs9619311) and TIMP-4 -55 T>C (rs3755724) gene polymorphisms on the susceptibility and clinicopathological characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A total of 759 subjects, including 530 healthy controls and 229 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, were recruited in this study. Allelic discrimination of TIMP-3 -1296 T>C (rs9619311) and TIMP-4 -55 T>C (rs3755724) polymorphisms was assessed with the ABI StepOne™ Real-Time PCR System. Among women group, individuals with TC or CC alleles of TIMP-3 -1296 T>C gene polymorphism protected against HCC (AOR = 0.35, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.12-0.97; p = 0.04) compared to individuals with TT alleles, after adjusting for other confounders. Also, women with TC alleles and with TC or CC alleles of TIMP-4 -55 T>C polymorphisms had a 2.52-fold risk (95%CI = 1.23-5.13; p = 0.01) and 2.47-fold risk (95%CI = 1.26-4.87; p = 0.008) of developing HCC compared to individuals with TT alleles, after adjusting for other confounders. There was no synergistic effect between gene polymorphism and environmental risk factors, including tobacco and alcohol consumptions and clinical statuses of HCC as well as serum expression of liver-related clinicopathological markers. In conclusion, gene polymorphisms of TIMP-3 -1296 T>C (rs9619311) and TIMP-4 -55 T>C (rs3755724) play a role in the susceptibility of HCC among Taiwan women.

The 2518 A/G polymorphism in the MCP-1 gene and cancer risk: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The 2518 A/G polymorphism in the MCP-1 gene has been extensively studied for associations with cancer; however, results from replication studies have been inconsistent. The aim of this investigation was to determine links with risk of cancer by meta-analysis.

METHODS

We searched Pubmed, Embase, CNKI, Weipu and Wanfang databases, covering all case-control studies until March, 2013. Statistical analyses were performed using the Revman 5.0 software.

RESULTS

A total of 11 case-control studies met our inclusion criteria, including 1,422 cases and 2,237 controls. The results indicated that the MCP-1 2518 gene polymorphism had no association with cancer risk overall (GG vs.GA+ AA: OR = 0.89, 95%CI = 0.61-1.28, P = 0.52). However, in the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, a decrease of cancer risk was found in Asian populations (GG vs.GA+ AA: OR = 0.79, 95%CI = 0.63-0.99, P = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis suggested that the 2518A/G polymorphism of MCP-1 gene is associated with risk of cancer among Asian, but not in Caucasian populations.

Transforming growth factor-β and toll-like receptor-4 polymorphisms are not associated with fibrosis in haemochromatosis

AIM: To investigate the role of genetic polymorphisms in the progression of hepatic fibrosis in hereditary haemochromatosis.

METHODS: A cohort of 245 well-characterised C282Y homozygous patients with haemochromatosis was studied, with all subjects having liver biopsy data and DNA available for testing. This study assessed the association of eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in a total of six genes including toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), oxoguanine DNA glycosylase, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, chemokine C-C motif receptor 2 and interleukin-10 with liver disease severity. Genotyping was performed using high resolution melt analysis and sequencing. The results were analysed in relation to the stage of hepatic fibrosis in multivariate analysis incorporating other cofactors including alcohol consumption and hepatic iron concentration.

RESULTS: There were significant associations between the cofactors of male gender (P = 0.0001), increasing age (P = 0.006), alcohol consumption (P = 0.0001), steatosis (P = 0.03), hepatic iron concentration (P < 0.0001) and the presence of hepatic fibrosis. Of the candidate gene polymorphisms studied, none showed a significant association with hepatic fibrosis in univariate or multivariate analysis incorporating cofactors. We also specifically studied patients with hepatic iron loading above threshold levels for cirrhosis and compared the genetic polymorphisms between those with no fibrosis vs cirrhosis however there was no significant effect from any of the candidate genes studied. Importantly, in this large, well characterised cohort of patients there was no association between SNPs for TGF-β or TLR4 and the presence of fibrosis, cirrhosis or increasing fibrosis stage in multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION: In our large, well characterised group of haemochromatosis subjects we did not demonstrate any relationship between candidate gene polymorphisms and hepatic fibrosis or cirrhosis.

Association between MCP-1 -2518A/G polymorphism and cancer risk: evidence from 19 case-control studies

Background

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) may affect the development of diseases. The -2518A/G polymorphism in the regulatory region of the monocyte chemo-attractant protein-1 (MCP-1) gene has been reported to be associated with cancer risk. However, the results of previous studies were inconsistent. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to obtain a more precise estimation of the relationship between the -2518A/G polymorphism and cancer risk.

Methodology/Principal Findings

We performed a meta-analysis, including 4,162 cases and 5,173 controls, to evaluate the strength of the association between the −2518A/G polymorphism and cancer risk. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were used to assess the strength of association. Overall, the results indicated that the −2518A/G polymorphism was not statistically associated with cancer risk. However, sub-group analysis revealed that individuals with GG genotypes showed an increased risk of cancer in digestive system compared with carriers of the A allele (GG vs. AA: OR = 1.43, 95%CI = 1.05–1.96, P_{heterogeneity} = 0.08; GG vs. AG/AA: OR = 1.29, 95%CI = 1.02–1.64, P_{heterogeneity} = 0.14). In addition, the increased risk of GG genotype was also observed in Caucasians (GG vs. AG/AA: OR = 1.81, 95%CI = 1.10–2.96, P_{heterogeneity} = 0.02).

Conclusion

This meta-analysis suggests that the MCP-1 −2518A/G polymorphism may have some relation to digestive system cancer susceptibility or cancer development in Caucasian. Large-scale and well-designed case-control studies are needed to validate the findings.

Association of polymorphisms in the MCP-1 and CCR2 genes with the risk of cancer: a meta-analysis

Studies investigating the impact of polymorphisms on monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and CC chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) on the risk of cancer have reported inconsistent results. We performed a meta-analysis of 23 eligible studies to summarize the data describing the association between cancer risk and polymorphisms in MCP-1 A2518G and CCR2 V64I. Q-statistics and I(2) statistics were calculated to examine heterogeneity and summary odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated using a random effects model. Potential sources of heterogeneity were investigated via subgroup and sensitivity analyses, and publication biases were estimated. Overall, MCP-1 and CCR2 polymorphisms showed no significant associations with cancer risk (MCP-1-2518A/G, GG + GA vs. AA: OR=0.94, 95% CI=0.76-1.17; CCR2 V64I, AA+AG vs. GG: OR=1.27, 95% CI=0.87-1.86). However, strong evidence of heterogeneity was found among the investigated studies, and subgroup analyses were therefore conducted according to study location, cancer type, source of controls, and presence of deviation from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE). When the data were stratified by study location, the increased risk of cancer among A allele carriers of CCR2 V64I was observed only in studies conducted in Asian countries (AA+AG vs. GG: OR=1.65; 95% CI=1.25-2.18). This meta-analysis suggests that genetic polymorphisms of CCR2 V64I may influence the susceptibility of cancer in Asian countries. Further well-designed studies with larger sample sizes should be conducted.

CCR2 deficiency, dysregulation of Notch signaling, and spontaneous pulmonary arterial hypertension

In pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), there is overexpression of the chemokine, C-C chemokine ligand type 2 (CCL2), and infiltration of myeloid cells into the pulmonary vasculature. Inhibition of CCL2 in animals decreases PAH, suggesting that the CCL2 receptor (CCR2) plays a role in PAH development. To test this hypothesis, we exposed wild-type (WT) and CCR2-deficient (Ccr2(-/-)) mice to chronic hypobaric hypoxia to induce PAH. After hypoxic stress, Ccr2(-/-) mice displayed a more severe PAH phenotype, as demonstrated by increased right ventricular (RV) systolic pressures, RV hypertrophy, and tachycardia relative to WT mice. However, these mice also exhibited increased RV systolic pressures and increased pulmonary artery muscularization under normoxic conditions. Moreover, Ccr2(-/-) mice displayed decreased pulmonary vascular branching at 3 weeks of age and increased vascular muscularization at birth, suggesting that an abnormality in pulmonary vascular development leads to spontaneous PAH in these animals. No significant differences in cytokine responses were observed between WT and Ccr2(-/-) mice during either normoxia or hypoxia. However, Ccr2(-/-) mice displayed increased Notch-3 signaling and dysregulated Notch ligand expression, suggesting a possible cause for their abnormal pulmonary vascular development. Our findings imply that CCR2 does not directly contribute to the development of PAH, but does play a previously unrecognized role in pulmonary vasculature development and remodeling wherein the absence of CCR2 results in spontaneous PAH, most likely via dysregulation of Notch signaling. Our results demonstrate that CCR2 has impacts beyond leukocyte recruitment, and is required for the proper expression of Notch signaling molecules.

Relationship between CCR2-V64I polymorphism and cancer risk: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The role of CCR2-V64I polymorphism in various cancers has been reported in many studies. However, results from published studies on the association between CCR2-V64I polymorphism and cancer risk are conflicting. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to estimate the overall cancer risk associated with the polymorphism.

METHODS

Electronic searches of PubMed and EMBASE were conducted for all publications on the association between this variant and cancer. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were used to access the strength of this association.

RESULTS

Sixteen studies with 2661 cancer patients and 5801 healthy controls were included. Overall, significant association was found between the CCR2-V64I polymorphism and cancer risk (OR=1.84, 95% CI=1.35-2.51, AA vs GA/GG, P=0.37). In the subgroup analysis stratified by cancer types, there was a significant association between this polymorphism and bladder cancer (OR=2.06, 95% CI=1.02-4.15, AA vs GA/GG, P=0.11), cervical cancer (OR=3.34, 95% CI=1.48-7.50, AA vs GG, P=0.56), and oral cancer (OR=2.04, 95% CI=1.46-2.84, GA vs GG, P=0.70). In the subgroup analysis stratified by ethnicities, an increased cancer risk was also found in Europeans (OR=2.31, 95% CI=1.45-3.68, AA vs GA/GG, P=0.16) and Asians (OR=1.88, 95% CI=1.12-3.16, AA vs GA/GG, P=0.92).

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis suggested that CCR2-V64I polymorphism may contribute to an increased risk of cancer.

Protective effect of CCR5-Δ32 against HIV infection by the heterosexual mode of transmission in a Polish population

Effects of chemokine receptor alleles (CCR5-Δ32 and CCR2-64I) on susceptibility to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection were studied in a Polish population. The CCR5 and CCR2 genotypes were determined for 311 healthy, HIV-negative individuals (control group), 121 exposed to HIV infection but uninfected (EU group), and 470 HIV-positive patients. The frequency of the alleles in the control group was calculated as 0.12 for both CCR5-Δ32 and CCR2-64I. The logistic regression method was used to analyze the effects of the described factors. A protective effect was observed for the CCR5-Δ32 allele but only in the case of heterosexual exposure. Prevalence of the CCR5-Δ32/+ genotype in HIV(+) patients infected via the heterosexual route (n=61; 8.2%) was much lower than in the control group (n=311; 21.5%); in the heterosexually exposed uninfected group it was slightly higher (n=28; 25%). This suggested that in this mode of infection, the native CCR5 expression level was crucial for establishment of infection. Individuals with the CCR5-Δ32 allele have more than three times less chance of infection in the case of HIV heterosexual exposure (odds ratio, 3.37; 95% confidence interval, 1.055-10.76). However, a protective effect of the CCR5-Δ32/+ genotype was not observed in the case of intravenous drug users (IDUs). The rates of the genotype were similar in HIV-infected IDU individuals (n=356; 17.7%) and in exposed uninfected patients (n=84; 15.5%), not significantly different from control group. No effect of the CCR2 genotype was observed. The analysis revealed that the important factor increasing infection risk was, in particular, hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection (odds ratio, 12.9). Moreover, the effect of HCV infection was found to be age dependent. Susceptibility to HIV infection resulting from HCV positivity became weaker (6% per year) with increasing age.

The role of chemokine and chemokine receptor gene variants on the susceptibility and clinicopathological characteristics of bladder cancer

The gene variants of the chemokine and chemokine receptor genes associated with inflammation may be involved in cancer initiation and progression. The aim of this study was to explore the possible association of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) A2518G, stromal cell derived factor 1 (SDF-1) 3'A and chemokine receptors CCR2A V64I, CCR5 Δ32, CCR5 59029 and CXCR4 gene polymorphisms with the risk and clinicopathological characteristics of bladder cancer (BC) in a Turkish population. The genotyping was done by PCR and PCR-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) methods in 142 histologically confirmed BC patients and 197 controls. The SDF-1 3'AA genotype conferred significantly increased susceptibility to BC. The carriers with AA genotype or at least one A allele of CCR2 had an increased risk of developing BC. CCR5 wt/Δ32 genotype and CCR5 Δ32 allele were also observed to be involved in the susceptibility to BC. Additionally, the combination of CCR2 V64I and CCR5 Δ32 (i.e., GG-wt/Δ32) was found to be associated with BC risk. With respect to the stage of BC, the AA genotype of SDF-1 and at least one T allele of CXCR4 were significantly associated with high T stage as compared to GG genotype of SDF-1 and CC genotype of CXCR4. Furthermore, BC patients with AA genotype or at least one A allele of CCR2 had an increased risk of high grade and stage tumors as compared to those with GG genotype. Our results suggest that the genetic variants of SDF-1 3'A, CCR2A V64I and CCR5 Δ32 gene polymorphisms may modify the BC risk. Furthermore, SDF-1 3'A, CCR2A V64I and CXCR4 gene polymorphisms may contribute to the muscle invasive BC in a Turkish population.

Epidermal growth factor +61 G/A polymorphism and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in a Chinese population

BACKGROUND

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a risk factor of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in China. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) plays an important role in tumorigenesis. The association between EGF +61 G/A polymorphism and the risk of HCC is still controversial and ambiguous.

AIM

The objective of this study was to investigate the association between EGF +61 G/A polymorphism and the risk of HCC in a Chinese population.

METHODS

A hospital-based case-control study was designed in a Chinese population. EGF +61 G/A polymorphisms were determined in 120 chronic HBV-infected HCC patients, 120 chronic HBV-infected cirrhotic patients, and 120 healthy controls. The genotype frequency of this polymorphism was determined by using a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism assay.

RESULTS

EGF +61 GG (odds ratio=2.76, 95% confidence interval=1.03, 7.38; p=0.04) and G allele frequencies (odds ratio=1.59, 95% confidence interval=1.08, 2.34; p=0.02) in the HCC group were higher than those in the cirrhosis group. EGF +61 A and G allele frequencies in healthy subjects were 28.8% and 71.2%. No relationship between EGF +61 G/A gene polymorphism and HCC risk was found among our recruited HCC patients and healthy controls.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that EGF +61 GG genotype is associated with a higher risk of chronic HBV-infected HCC in the Chinese population.

Influence of glutathione-S-transferase theta (GSTT1) and micro (GSTM1) gene polymorphisms on the susceptibility of hepatocellular carcinoma in Taiwan

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most frequent malignant neoplasms worldwide and is the second leading cause of cancer death in Taiwan. Genetic polymorphism has been reported as a factor for increased susceptibility of HCC. Glutathione-S-transferases theta (GSTT1) and micro (GSTM1) play essential roles in detoxification of ingested xenobiotics and modulation of the susceptibility of gene-related cancer. The aim of this study was to estimate the relationships between these two gene polymorphisms and HCC risk and clinicopathological status in Taiwanese.

METHODS

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to determine gene polymorphisms of 102 patients with HCC and 386 healthy controls.

RESULTS

Both gene polymorphisms were not associated with the clinical pathological status of HCC and serum levels of liver-related clinical pathological markers. While no relationship between GSTM1 gene polymorphism and HCC susceptibility was found, individuals of age <56 years old with GSTT1 present genotype have a risk of 2.77-fold (95% CI: 1.09-7.09) for HCC compared to that with null variant, after adjustment for other confounders.

CONCLUSIONS

GSTT1 and GSTM1 null genotypes do not associate with increased risk of HCC.