Genetic association between IL-27 rs153109 polymorphism and cancer risk in Chinese population: a meta-analysis

IL-27 plays an important role in anti-cancer activity. The -964A/G polymorphism in IL-27 gene has been implicated in susceptibility to cancer, but the results were conflicting. The aim of this study was to assess the association between this polymorphism and cancer risk. Pubmed and Wanfang database were searched for all publications concerning IL-27 -964A/G polymorphism and cancer risk. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to assess the strength of association. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata 11.0 software. A total of eight case–control studies including 2044 cancer cases and 2197 controls were identified. Overall, significant association between IL-27 -964A/G polymorphism and cancer risk was observed (GG versus AA: OR?=?1.26, 95% CI?=?1.03–1.52; GG versus AG?+?AA: OR?=?1.20, 95% CI?=?1.00–1.44). In subgroup analysis based on cancer type, significant association was found in colorectal cancer (GG versus AA: OR?=?1.55, 95% CI?=?1.07–2.27; AG versus AA: OR?=?1.31, 95% CI?=?1.02–1.67). The current meta-analysis suggests that IL-27 -964A/G polymorphism might enhance cancer risk. However, large-scale and well-designed studies are still needed to confirm the result of our meta-analysis. The association of IL-27 polymorphism with colorectal cancer may provide insight for future therapies.     

Relationship between PPARγ Pro12Ala gene polymorphism and type 2 diabetic nephropathy risk in Asian population: results from a meta-analysis

Abstract

The relationship between peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) Pro12Ala gene polymorphism and type 2 diabetic nephropathy (T2DN) risk in Asians is still unclear. This study was performed to evaluate if there was an association between the PPARγ Pro12Ala gene polymorphism and T2DN risk in Asians using meta-analysis. The relevant reports were searched and identified from PubMed, Cochrane Library and CBM-disc (China Biological Medicine Database) on 1 October 2013, and eligible studies were included and synthesized. Ten reports were recruited into this meta-analysis for the association of the PPARγ Pro12Ala gene polymorphism with T2DN risk. The Pro12Ala gene polymorphism in the Asian population was shown to be not associated with T2DN risk (Ala/Ala: OR?=?0.67, 95% CI: 0.22–2.00, p?=?0.47; Pro/Pro: OR?=?1.77, 95% CI: 0.82–1.65, p?=?0.39; Ala allele: OR?=?0.74, 95% CI: 0.47–1.16, p?=?0.19). In the sensitivity analysis according to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE), the control source from hospital, the control source from population, the genotyping methods using PCR-RFLP, the genotyping methods using Taqman, sample size of case (≥100), the association of the PPARγ Pro12Ala gene polymorphism with T2DN risk was also not found. Interestingly, in the sensitivity analysis according to sample size of case (<100), Ala allele was associated with T2DN risk, but not the Pro/Pro genotype. However, the sample size for sensitivity analysis according to sample size of case (<100) was relatively small and therefore, the results should be interpreted with care. In conclusion, the PPARγ Pro12Ala gene polymorphism was not associated with T2DN risk in Asians. However, Ala allele was associated with T2DN risk when the sample size of case was less than 100. Nonetheless, additional studies are required to firmly establish a correlation between the PPARγ Pro12Ala gene polymorphism and T2DN risk in Asians.     

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the association of transforming growth factor β receptor I 6A/9A gene polymorphism with ovarian cancer risk

Abstract

Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in women. This meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the association of transforming growth factor β receptor I (TβR-I) 6A/9A gene polymorphism with ovarian cancer risk. The association literatures were identified from PubMed and Cochrane Library on 1 October 2013, and eligible reports were recruited and synthesized. Four reports were recruited into this meta-analysis for the association of TβR-I 6A/9A gene polymorphism with ovarian cancer risk. 6A allele and 6A/6A genotype of TβR-I were associated with the ovarian cancer risk (6A: OR?=?1.24, 95% CI: 1.02–1.51, p?=?0.03; 6A/6A: OR?=?2.30, 95% CI: 1.01–5.22, p?=?0.05). However, TβR-I 9A/9A genotype was not associated with the risk of ovarian cancer (OR?=?0.82, 95% CI: 0.66–1.02, p?=?0.08). In conclusion, TβR-I 6A allele and 6A/6A genotype are associated with the ovarian cancer risk. However, more studies should be performed to confirm this relationship in the future.     

Glutathione S-transferase P1 gene polymorphism and bladder cancer susceptibility: an updated analysis

Studies investigating the association between glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) gene polymorphism and bladder cancer (BC) risk have reported conflicting results. In order to clarify the effect of GSTP1 polymorphism on the BC susceptibility, we conducted an updated system review of published epidemiology studies to provide more precise evidence. We performed a systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). 20 studies with 4,428 BC cases and 5,457 controls were identified. The combined analyses based on all studies showed that there was a significant difference in the genotype distribution in GSTP1(A313G) polymorphism between BC cases and controls not only in Asians (GG vs. AA?+?AG, OR?=?1.59, 95?% CI?=?1.01?C2.51) but also in Caucasians (GG vs. AA?+?AG, OR?=?1.51, 95?% CI?=?1.11?C2.06). Upon stratification for smoking status, we observed no statistically significant difference in genotype distribution of GSTP1 in ever-smokers. Combination of the high-risk genotypes (GSTM1 null?+?GSTT1 null?+?GSTP1 313 A/G or G/G) demonstrated further increase in the BC risk (OR?=?6.64, 95?%CI?=?3.63?C12.16). This meta-analysis suggests that GSTP1 313 G/G polymorphism is a strong predisposing risk factor for BC.     

Association of vitamin D receptor BsmI (rs1544410) gene polymorphism with the chronic kidney disease susceptibility

Abstract

Association of vitamin D receptor (VDR) BsmI (rs1544410) gene polymorphism with the chronic kidney disease (CKD) susceptibility from the published reports are still conflicting. This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between VDR BsmI (rs1544410) gene polymorphism and the risk of CKD. The association studies were identified from PubMed, Cochrane Library and China Biological Medicine Database on 1 March 2014, and eligible investigations were included and synthesized using meta-analysis method. Nine reports were recruited into this meta-analysis for the association of VDR BsmI gene polymorphism with CKD susceptibility. In this meta-analysis for overall populations, the BsmI B allele BB genotype and bb genotype were not associated with the risk of CKD (B allele: OR?=?1.12, 95% CI: 0.88–1.44, p?=?0.36; BB genotype: OR?=?1.15, 95% CI: 0.81–1.62, p?=?0.43; bb genotype: OR?=?0.86, 95% CI: 0.61–1.20, p?=?0.36). Furthermore, VDR BsmI gene polymorphism was not associated with CKD susceptibility in Asians and in Caucasians. In conclusion, the BsmI gene polymorphism was not associated with CKD susceptibility in overall populations, in Asians and in Caucasians. However, more studies should be conducted to confirm it.     

Two Novel Susceptibility SNPs for Ischemic Stroke Using Exome Sequencing in Chinese Han Population

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of ischemic stroke (IS) have been performed on several cohorts of Caucasian or African population and Japanese, resulting in somewhat inconsistent conclusion. We aimed to identify susceptibility loci for IS by exome sequencing in a Chinese Han population. Exome sequencing was used to screen susceptibility loci among 100 cases and 100 matched controls. Significant SNPs from the first stage were verified in up to 3,554 participants from three hospital-based case–control studies. In the initial exome sequencing analysis, rs10489177 in c1orf156 gene located on chromosome 1q24 (p?<?1?×?10^?8) and rs17118 in XYLB gene located on chromosome 3p21 (p?<?1?×?10^?6) were found to be significantly associated with IS. In the following validation stage, significantly increased odds ratios were observed in individuals with rs10489177 GG (OR?=?2.02, 95 % CI?=?1.35–3.03) or rs17118 AA genotype (OR?=?1.50, 95 % CI?=?1.17–1.91). The rs10489177 GG genotype was associated with significantly increased risk for IS in individuals without hypertension (OR?=?2.78, 95 % CI?=?1.59–4.86) and in individuals without diabetes (OR?=?1.93, 95 % CI?=?1.27–2.94). In contrast, the rs17118 AA genotype may significantly increase the risk for IS, particularly for individuals with hypertension (OR?=?1.73, 95 % CI?=?1.08–2.78) and for individuals without diabetes (OR?=?1.52, 95 % CI?=?1.17–1.98) or non-smoker (OR?=?1.59, 95 % CI?=?1.16–2.19). Collectively, our study identified two novel loci (rs17118 and rs10489177) which were associated with an increased risk for IS in Chinese Han populations. Further studies are needed to confirm these associations in other populations and elucidate the biological mechanisms underlying the observed associations.     

Association of glutathione S-transferase P1 gene polymorphism with the susceptibility of lung cancer

The conclusions of the published reports on the relationship between glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) gene polymorphism and the risk of lung cancer are still debated. GSTP1 is one of the important mutant sites reported at present. This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the association between GSTP1 and the risk of lung cancer. The association investigations were identified from PubMed and Cochrane Library, and eligible studies were included and synthesized using meta-analysis method. Forty-four reports were included into this meta-analysis for the association of GSTP1 A/G gene polymorphism and lung cancer susceptibility, consisting of 12,363 patients with lung cancer and 13,948 controls. The association between GSTPI G allele and lung cancer risk was found in this meta-analysis (OR 1.08, 95?% CI 1.02–1.15, P?=?0.01). However, the GG genotype and AA genotype were not associated with the susceptibility of lung cancer. Furthermore, there was no association between GSTP1 A/G gene polymorphism and the risk of lung cancer in Caucasians, and East-Asians. In conclusion, GSTP1 G allele is associated with the lung cancer susceptibility. However, more studies on the relationship between GSTP1 A/G gene polymorphism and the risk of lung cancer should be performed in the future.     

Association of angiotensin II type-1 receptor A1166C gene polymorphism with the susceptibility of end-stage renal disease

Abstract

Association between angiotensin II type-1 receptor (AT1R) A1166C gene polymorphism and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) risk is still controversial. This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the association of AT1R A1166C gene polymorphism with ESRD susceptibility. The search was performed in the databases of PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library as of 1 May 2012, and the eligible investigations were recruited for this meta-analysis. Nineteen literatures were identified for the analysis of association between AT1R A1166C gene polymorphism and ESRD susceptibility. There was no association between AT1R A1166C gene polymorphism and ESRD susceptibility for overall populations, Caucasians, Asians and Turkish population. Interestingly, CC genotype was associated with a higher risk of ESRD in Africans (OR?=?3.36, 95% CI: 1.42–7.99, p?=?0.006). However, C allele and AA genotype were not associated with the ESRD risk in African population. In conclusion, CC genotype might be a risk factor for the ESRD susceptibility in African population. However, more case-control association investigations on larger, stratified populations are required in the future.     

Cyclin D1 G870A polymorphism is associated with an increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in the Turkish population: Case–control study

Background: A common G to A polymorphism (G870A) in the splice donor region of exon 4 of cyclin D1 (CCND1) gene generates two mRNAs (cyclin D1a and D1b) through an alternative splicing at the site of this polymorphism. Cyclin D1a and b proteins differ in their COOH-terminus, a region involved in protein degradation. We examined the association between this CCDN1 genotype and the susceptibility to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a Turkish population. Methods: The genotype frequency of this polymorphism was determined by using a polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP) assay. Hospital-based case–control study was designed consisting of 160 diagnosis subjects with hepatocellular carcinoma and 160 cancer-free control subjects matched on age, gender, smoking and alcohol status. Results: The allele frequencies of case subjects (A, 0.55; G, 0.45) were significantly different from those of control subjects (A, 0.42; G, 0.58) (p = 0.002). The odds ratios (ORs) for the CCND1 870 GA and AA genotypes when compared with the GG genotypes were 1.39 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.82–2.36, p = 0.22) and 2.52 (95% CI 1.38–4.62, p = 0.003) respectively. The presence of at least one CCND1 870A allele was associated with increased risk for HCC (OR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.06–2.82, p = 0.03). When combining the GG and GA genotypes as a reference genotype, we found that the OR for the AA genotype was 2.06 (95% CI 1.24–3.44, p = 0.006). Conclusion: Our results suggest that the CCND1 G870A single nucleotide polymorphism is associated with an increased risk of HCC in our Turkish population.     

miR-499 rs3746444 polymorphism is associated with cancer development among Asians and related to breast cancer susceptibility

To derive a more precise estimation of the relationship between miR-499 rs3746444 polymorphism (A>G) and cancer risk, a meta-analysis was performed. A total of 9 studies including 6,077 cases and 7,199 controls were involved in this meta-analysis. Overall, no significantly elevated cancer risk was associated with miR-499 G allele when all studies were pooled into the meta-analysis (AG vs. AA: OR?=?1.14, 95?% CI?=?0.98–1.32; GG vs. AA: OR?=?1.12, 95?% CI?=?0.95–1.33; dominant model: OR?=?1.13, 95?% CI?=?0.99–1.29; recessive model: OR?=?1.05, 95?% CI?=?0.83–1.33). In the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, significantly increased risk was only found for Asians (dominant model: OR?=?1.22, 95?% CI?=?1.02–1.46). When stratified by study design, no statistically significantly elevated risks were found in hospital-based studies or population-based studies. In the subgroup analysis by cancer type, significant cancer risk change was only found for breast cancer when miR-499 G allele was included (dominant model: OR?=?1.13, 95?% CI?=?1.01–1.26). In conclusion, this meta-analysis suggests that the miR-499 rs3746444 polymorphism (A>G) is a low-penetrant risk factor for cancer development among Asians and may contribute to breast cancer susceptibility.     

Leptin rs2167270 G > A (G19A) polymorphism may decrease the risk of cancer: A case-control study and meta-analysis involving 19 989 subjects

Accumulating evidence has suggested that leptin (LEP) is very important for the development of cancer. Recently, a number of case-control studies about the relationship of the rs2167270 G > A (G19A) variants in the LEP gene with the risk of cancer have yielded inconsistent results. In this study, we have carried out a case-control study [1063 esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma (EGJA) cases and 1677 controls] in a Chinese population. Furthermore, we carried out a pooled-analysis of 13 studies involving 8059 cancer patients and 11 930 controls to assess whether the LEP G19A locus was associated with overall cancer susceptibility. Odds ratios (ORs) with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were harnessed to evaluate the potential association. In our case-control study, we found an association between the carriers of LEP 19A allele and EGJA risk. In addition, the results of meta-analysis also suggested significant associations with cancer risk (A vs G: OR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.88–0.97, P = 0.001; AA vs GG: OR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.74–0.93, P = 0.001, GA/AA vs GG: OR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.88–0.99, P = 0.023 and AA vs GG/GA: OR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.74–0.92, P < 0.001). Upon conducting a stratified analysis, we found that LEP 19A allele might decrease the susceptibility of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and colorectal cancer (CRC). In a stratified-by-ethnicity analysis, significant associations were also found in Asians, Caucasians, and mixed populations. We can conclude that the LEP G19A polymorphism constitutes a decreased risk of cancer.     

Association between the −1438G/A and T102C polymorphisms of 5-HT2A receptor gene and obstructive sleep apnea: a meta-analysis

The serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptor has been implicated in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the 5-HT2A gene have been found in OSA, the most common being ?1438G/A and T102C; however, studies of the association between 5-HT2A SNPs and OSA risk have reported inconsistent findings. A meta-analysis was performed to quantitatively review the association between ?1438G/A and T102C SNPs and OSA. Five studies, including 791 subjects for ?1438G/A genotype and 1,068 subjects for T102C genotype, were selected. Pooled data analysis of the ?1438G/A genotype indicated a significantly increased OSA risk was associated with two variant genotypes (AA vs. AG+GG: OR 3.023, 95 % CI 2.169–4.213, P = 0.506 for heterogeneity; A allele carriers vs. GG: OR 1.938, 95 % CI 0.879–4.274, P = 0.012 for heterogeneity). Stratification analysis by gender supported the association in males, but not females. For the T102C genotype, no significantly increased OSA risk was associated with the two variant genotypes (CC vs. CT+TT: OR 1.065, 95 % CI 0.787–1.442, P = 0.361 for heterogeneity; C allele carriers vs. TT: OR 0.979, 95 % CI 0.737–1.3, P = 0.9 for heterogeneity).In conclusions, meta-analysis indicated that the ?1438G/A, and not T102C, polymorphism of 5-HT2A is a positive risk factor of OSA, especially in males.     

Association between CTLA-4 exon-1 +49A/G polymorphism and systemic lupus erythematosus: an updated analysis

The results of studies on association between CTLA-4 exon-1 +49A/G (rs231775) polymorphism and susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus are controversial. To derive a more precise estimation of the relationship between the CTLA-4 exon-1 +49A/G polymorphism and SLE, a meta-analysis of 18 published case-control studies was performed. 18 studies meeting our inclusion criteria comprising 1806 SLE cases and 2,490 controls were included. The effect summary odds ratio (OR) and 95 % confidence intervals were obtained. Publication bias was tested by funnel plot, Egger's test and heterogeneity was assessed. The combined results showed that there were significant differences in genotype distribution between SLE cases and control on the basis of all studies, GG versus AA (OR = 1.53, 95 % CI: 1.12-2.10), GG versus GA/AA (OR = 1.30, 95 % CI: 1.04-1.64), GG versus GA (OR = 1.27, 95 % CI: 1.03-1.55). When stratifying for the race, the phenomenon was found that SLE cases had a significantly higher frequency of GG/GA versus AA (OR = 1.58, 95 % CI: 1.23-2.03), GG versus AA (OR = 1.89, 95 % CI: 1.23-2.91), GG versus GA/AA(OR = 1.39, 95 % CI: 1.03-1.89), GA versus AA(OR = 1.38, 95 % CI: 1.06-1.80) and G versus A(OR = 1.34, 95 % CI: 1.07-1.67) than control in Asians. Our meta-analysis results suggest that CTLA-4 exon-1 +49A/G polymorphism might be a risk factor for SLE susceptibility, at least in Asians. The large sample and well-designed study based on different ethnic groups should be considered in future associated studies to clarify the association of CTLA-4 exon-1 +49A/G polymorphism with SLE susceptibility.     

Association of vitamin D receptor BsmI (rs1544410) gene polymorphism with the intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) level among patients with end-stage renal disease

Abstract

Association of vitamin D receptor (VDR) BsmI (rs1544410) gene polymorphism with the intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) level among patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) from the published reports is still conflicting. This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between VDR BsmI (rs1544410) gene polymorphism and the iPTH level among patients with ESRD. The association studies were identified from PubMed, and Cochrane Library on 1 March 2014, and eligible investigations were included and synthesized using meta-analysis method. Six reports were recruited into this meta-analysis for the association of VDR BsmI gene polymorphism with iPTH level among patients with ESRD. In this meta-analysis, the iPTH level in ESRD patients carrying BsmI Bb genotype was higher than that in ESRD patients carrying bb genotype in overall populations (Bb versus bb: OR?=?61.40, 95% CI: 19.65–103.16, p?=?0.004). However, the iPTH level in ESRD patients carrying BB genotype was not significant different from that in ESRD patients with Bb genotype and bb genotype in overall populations (BB versus Bb: OR?=??18.30, 95% CI: ?126.28–89.69, p?=?0.74; BB versus bb: OR?=?22.85, 95% CI: ?70.81–116.51, p?=?0.63). Furthermore, the results for Caucasians were similar to those in overall populations. In conclusion, the iPTH level in ESRD patients carrying BsmI Bb genotype was higher than that in ESRD patients carrying bb genotype in overall populations and in Caucasians. However, more studies should be conducted to confirm it.     

The genetic association between osteoprotegerin gene polymorphisms and fracture risk in Chinese Han population

This article put the genetic association exploration of osteoprotegerin (OPG) gene polymorphisms in promoter region (A-163G, T-245G) and fracture risk first and hoped to explain the ethology of fracture. The genotyping of OPG gene polymorphisms was conducted with the method of polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism in 125 fracture patients and 138 relative controls. The genotype frequencies of selected controls based on OPG gene polymorphisms were checked by the χ² test whether conformed to Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (HWE). The relative risk was represented with odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) between gene polymorphism and disease. The linkage disequilibrium (LD) and haplotype were also analyzed. The genotypes distributions of selected controls in OPG polymorphisms conformed to HWE. The G allele of A-163G polymorphism carriers had the tendency to suffer from fracture in the same condition, compared with A allele carriers (OR = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.04–2.55). TG and TG/GG genotypes of OPG T-245G polymorphism also showed the increased risk of fracture development, but not TT genotype (OR = 2.22, 95% CI = 1.15–4.28; OR = 2.45, 95% CI = 1.28–4.68). Likely, the mutant allele G had an abnormally higher frequency in cases than controls (14.00% and 6.16%). These two polymorphisms existed the LD and the haplotype G _-163–G _-245 obviously increased the risk of fracture. OPG A-163G, T-245G polymorphisms were associated with the onset of fracture and both the independent risk factors.     

The ?4817 G>A (rs2238136) variant of the vitamin D receptor gene: a probable risk factor for colorectal cancer

Vitamin D appears to have anti-tumor activities in the large bowel. Our aim was to investigate whether -4817 G>A (rs2238136) polymorphism located at 5'-untranslated region (5'-UTR) of the human vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene was associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) risk. We conducted a case-control study and VDR genotypes, determined by Bpu10I restriction endonuclease digestion of PCR-amplified DNA, were performed on 327 cases with CRC and 327 controls. The distribution of VDR -4817 G>A genotypes and alleles differed significantly between cases with CRC and controls even after adjustment for confounding factors such as age, BMI, sex, and smoking status. Individuals carrying the "AA" genotype had a 2.09-fold increased risk compared with those with "GG" genotype (P?=?0.016, OR?=?2.09, 95% CI?=?1.15-3.78) and a 1.87-fold increased risk compared with those with "GG and GA" genotypes (P?=?0.033, OR?=?1.87, 95% CI?=?1.05-3.33) for CRC. Furthermore, the VDR "A" allele was significantly overrepresented in cases with CRC than controls (P?=?0.044; OR?=?1.28, 95% CI?=?1.01-1.63). Interestingly, the analysis of the SNP revealed that all these associations were stronger for women subjects than for all subjects combined. These data indicated for the first time a direct association between "AA" genotype of VDR gene -4817 G>A polymorphism and CRC, with a stronger association for female subjects. However, our findings remain to be confirmed in other populations.     

Quantitative assessment of the association between TAP2 rs241447 polymorphism and cancer risk

The findings regarding the relation of transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP) to cancer risk have been inconsistent. The aim of this study was to comprehensively evaluate the association between TAP2 rs241447 polymorphism and cancer susceptibility. A meta-analysis of nine investigations with 2800 cases and 1620 controls was conducted to gain a better understanding of the effect of TAP2 rs241447 polymorphism on cancer risk. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to evaluate the strength of the correlation between TAP2 gene polymorphism and cancer susceptibility. The pooled results from TAP2 rs241447 polymorphism showed a decreased risk of cancer in two dominant genetic models (GG + AG vs AA: OR = 0.86, 95% CI, 0.75-0.99; AG vs AA: OR = 0.85, 95% CI, 0.73-0.99). From the subgroup analysis, decreased cancer susceptibility was found in Caucasians (GG + AG vs AA: OR = 0.82, 95% CI, 0.68-0.99), especially among the subgroup of cervical carcinoma (GG + AG vs AA: OR = 0.82, 95% CI, 0.69-0.96; AG vs AA: OR = 0.83, 95% CI, 0.70-0.99). Overall, the results suggest that TAP2 rs241447 polymorphism contributes to decreased cancer susceptibility.     

The −1082A/G polymorphism in the Interleukin-10 gene and the risk of rheumatoid arthritis: A meta-analysis

A large number of studies have shown that the −1082A/G polymorphism (rs1800896) in the Interleukin-10 gene (IL-10) is implicated in the susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the results are inconsistent and inconclusive. The aim of this study is to analyze the association between the −1082A/G polymorphism in the IL-10 gene and the RA risk by meta-analysis. A total of 1480 cases and 1413 controls in 10 case–control studies were included in this meta-analysis. The results indicated that the G allele carriers (GG + GA) had a 25% decreased risk of RA, when compared with the homozygote AA (odds ratio (OR) = 0.75, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.59–0.93). In the analysis in Europeans, significant decreased risks were associated with the G allele carriers (OR = 0.73 and 95% CI: 0.57–0.93 for GG + GA vs. AA). The results from this meta-analysis provide evidence for the association between the IL-10 −1082A/G polymorphism and the risk of RA. To further evaluate gene × gene and gene × environment interactions between the polymorphisms in the IL-10 gene and RA risk, more studies with large groups of patients are required.     

Association between the C.1161G>A and C.1779C>G Genetic Variants of XRCC1 Gene and Hepatocellular Carcinoma Risk in Chinese Population

The human X-ray repair complementing group 1 gene (XRCC1) is an important candidate gene influencing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) susceptibility. The objective of this study was to detect the association between c.1161G>A and c.1779C>G variants of XRCC1 gene and HCC risk. This study was conducted in Chinese population consisting of 623 HCC cases and 639 controls. These two genetic variants could be genotyped by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. The association of XRCC1 gene variants with the risk of HCC was investigated under different genetic models. Our findings suggested that the genotypes/alleles from c.1161G>A and c.1779C>G genetic variants were statistically associated with HCC risk. As for the c.1161G>A, the AA genotype was statistically associated with the increased risk of HCC compared to GG wild genotype (OR = 2.36, 95% CI 1.63-3.40, P < 0.001). As for the c.1779C>G, the risk of HCC was significantly higher for GG genotype compared to CC wild genotype (OR = 2.17, 95% CI 1.51-3.12, P < 0.001). Furthermore, significant differences in the risk of HCC were also detected in other genetic models for these two variants. The allele-A of c.1161G>A and allele-G of c.1779C>G variants may contribute to the susceptibility of HCC (A versus G: OR = 1.48, 95% CI 1.26-1.75, P < 0.001 and G versus C: OR = 1.51, 95% CI 1.28-1.78, P < 0.001). Our data indicated that these two variants of XRCC1 gene were statistically associated with HCC risk in Chinese population.     

Association between Tumor Necrosis Factor-α 308G/A Gene Polymorphism and Silicosis Susceptibility: A Meta-Analysis

Background

Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) 308 G/A gene polymorphism has been reported to be associated with susceptibility to silicosis. However, the relevant study results are still inconsistent.

Objective and Methods

A meta-analysis was performed in order to drive a more precise estimation of the relationship between TNF-α-308 G/A gene polymorphism and susceptibility to silicosis. Electronic databases were searched and nine separate studies were included. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) and the corresponding 95% confidence internal (CI) were calculated by a fixed effect model.

Results

A total of 1267 cases and 1214 controls were included. In the overall analysis, significantly increased silicosis risk was found (for GA+AA vs. GG OR=1.45, 95%CI: 1.20-1.760, P=1.58E4; for GA vs. GG: OR=1.53, 95%CI=1.25-1.86, P=3.11E5; for A allele vs. G allele: OR=1.27, 95%CI=1.08-1.50, P= 0.004). In the subgroup analysis, significantly increased silicosis risk was also found among Asians (for GA+AA vs. GG: OR=1.63, 95%CI=1.27-2.08, P=1.01E4), for GA vs. GG: OR=1.71, 95%CI=1.33-2.20, P=3.44E5), for A allele vs. G allele: OR=1.45, 95%CI=1.17-1.80, P=0.001). However, no significantly increased risk was found among non-Asians for all genetic models.

Conclusions

TNF-α-308 G/A polymorphism might lead to an increased risk of silicosis susceptibility, especially for Asians. However, further studies with large sample sizes should be conducted to confirm the association.