Search

Objective To test the hypothesis that sexual dysfunction in elderly men with benign prostatic hyperplasia leads to prostatic inflammation, diagnosed by prostatic fluid interleukin-8 (IL-8), which lowers the positive predictive value of prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Methods Overall, 160 men with lower urinary tract symptoms between 50 and 75 years of age with an elevated PSA level of more than 4 ng/ml with normal digital rectal examination and 50 age-matched controls with normal PSA level were prospectively evaluated for prostatic fluid IL-8 levels. Erectile dysfunction was measured by self-administered questionnaire of the Sexual Health Inventory for Men. Total and free serum PSA levels and IL-8 in prostatic fluid were measured 6 to 8 weeks after a course of 400 mg of ofloxacin and 20 mg of piroxicam given daily for 2 weeks. Transrectal ultrasonography–guided biopsy was done only when PSA level did not decrease less than 4 ng/ml. Results Mean ages of patients and controls were 63.18 (standard deviation [SD]±7.10) and 60.18 (SD+6.02) years, respectively. Mean concentration of IL-8 in prostatic fluid of the patients was significantly higher, i.e., 6678 pg/ml (SD±1985.7) than in control, i.e., 1543 pg/ml (SD±375.7) ( P <0.001). Following anti-inflammatory treatment, there was a significant decrease in the mean level of IL-8 from baseline to 5622 pg/ml (SD±1870.66) ( P <0.001). Corresponding to this, a significant decrease was noted in total PSA levels to less than 4 ng/ml in 105 (65.62%) patients. Men with the highest levels of IL-8 had a greater degree of erectile dysfunction. Conclusion Men with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia and erectile dysfunction had significant inflammation of the prostate to cause spurious rise in PSA level resulting in an unnecessary biopsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: Prostate cancer (CaP) is a heterogeneous, multifactorial, and multifocal disease. Therefore, the search for a combination of functional polymorphisms using cell cycle and apoptotic genes as tumor markers is fundamental for a more precise and reliable diagnosis. In the present study, we investigated the diagnostic value of 3 different genes associated with CaP carcinogenesis, encoding for cell cycle (MDM2, CCND1) and apoptotic (Fas) genes that are differentially expressed in CaP. Methods: In a hospital-based case control study of northern India, blood samples were obtained from 192 CaP patients and 224 cancer-free age matched unrelated healthy controls of similar ethnicity. They were genotyped for MDM2 G309T, CCND1 G870A, Fas A670G, and G1377A polymorphisms using polymerase chain restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. Results: MDM2 309GG variant was at reduced risk for developing CaP (P = 0.041; OR, 0.59). Whereas CCND1 AA genotype demonstrated increased risk (P = 0.018; OR, 1.86). The diplotype analysis of Fas G670A and G1377A (G-A) was observed to be associated with a significant increase in CaP risk (P = 0.024; OR, 1.63). Conclusion: Findings based on current sample size our results suggested a positive association of CCND1AA genotype and diplotype analysis of Fas G670A and G1377A (G-A) to be associated with CaP risk that could influence the pathophysiology, thereby modulating the risk of CaP. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background and Aims: P53 gene variants BstUI RFLP at codon 72 in exon 4, 16-bp tandem repeat in intron 3 and Msp I RFLP in intron 6 and P73 gene variants of G4C14-to-A4T14 (GC/AT), exon 2 polymorphism, which respectively codes for four functionally different protein isoforms, have been shown to modulate susceptibility to different types of human neoplasms. We undertook this study to evaluate the role of P53 and P73 SNPs in prostate cancer in a Northern Indian population. Methods: P53 and P73 genotypes were assessed in a hospital-based case-control study comprised of 177 prostate cancer cases and 265 healthy controls. After the extraction of genomic DNA from blood, genotyping was done using PCR-RFLP and PCR-CTPP methods, respectively. Results: A significant association was found in P53 intron 6 G>A and P53 R72P G>C polymorphism with PCa risk. In P53 intron 6 G>A polymorphism the heterozygous genotype (GA) showed marginal risk with the disease (OR = 1.48, 95% CI = 0.999–2.220). Individuals with heterozygous genotype only (GC) of P53 R72P G>C polymorphism demonstrated PCa risk (OR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1–2.199). Haplotypes G-C-D and A-G-D (OR = 1.58, 95% CI = 1.125–2.241 and OR = 2.70, 95% CI = 1.767–4.143, respectively) were also found to be associated with an increased risk of PCa. Conclusions: Our study provided evidence that the P53 intron 6 G>A and R72P G>C polymorphisms were associated with a higher risk of prostate cancer in a Northern Indian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is an enzyme involved in the synthesis of prostaglandins and thromboxanes, which are regulators of processes that are relevant to cancer development. It is involved in carcinogenesis, immune response suppression, apoptosis inhibition, angiogenesis, and tumor cell invasion and metastasis. The gene for COX-2, designated as prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS-2), carries polymorphisms, such as -765G>C, 1195G>A in the promoter region, and 8473T>C in the 3''-untranslated region (UTR), which have been associated with susceptibility to malignant disease. Methods: We undertook a case-control study of 212 urothelial bladder cancer (UBC) cases and 250 controls to investigate the association between COX-2 polymorphism and bladder cancer susceptibility, using the polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method and also investigated gene–environment interactions. Results: Cox-2 765G>C, a variant(C) allele carrier, was at an increased risk of UBC (odds ratio [OR] = 1.90; P = .004); however, –1195G>A; –1290A>G; and 3''UTR 8473T>C polymorphisms of COX-2 gene were not significantly associated with UBC. 765G>C also was associated with the invasive stage of a bladder tumor (OR = 2.73; P = .033). High risk for UBC also was observed with respect to COX-2 haplotypes C-765T8473A-1195A-1290 (OR = 3.47; P = .014). In case-only analysis, COX-2 765 variant allele carrier genotypes also showed an increased risk among former and current smokers (OR = 3.06; P = .041 and OR = 4.39; P = .032, respectively). Conclusion: COX-2 -765G>C polymorphism confers UBC susceptibility particularly in smokers and in patients with invasive tumors. 765C allele carrier genotypes also are influenced with a high risk of recurrence in Bacillus Calmette-Guérin-treated patients. Collectively, these findings confirm that the COX-2 -765G>C polymorphism is a risk factor for the development of bladder cancer and can provide a plausible mechanistic explanation. Further validation in large population-based studies is needed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Azoospermia factor locus (AZF) is assumed to contain the genes responsible for spermatogenesis. Deletions in these genes are thought to be pathologically involved in some cases of male infertility associated with azoospermia or oligozoospermia. An attempt was made to establish the prevalence of micro-deletions on the Y chromosome in 79 infertile North Indians with azoospermia and oligozoospermia. Detail clinical examinations as well as endocrinological parameters were also done. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) micro-deletion analysis was done in 79 infertile men. For this, genomic DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood. Seven sets of primers were used encompassing AZFa, AZFb and AZFc regions. Micro-deletions in five of the 79 cases (6.3%) showed deletions of at least one of the STS markers. Deletions were detected with known and unknown aetiology and at least in one of the infertile male with varicocele. AZF micro-deletions seen in idiopathic infertile males suggest the need for molecular screening in non-idiopathic cases. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective Genome-wide association studies have confirmed association of TP63C/T rs710521, TERTC/T rs2736098, and SLC14A1C/T rs17674580 gene variants with susceptibility to bladder cancer (BC) in European and White population. However, the risk conferred for BC for above gene variants in North Indians is unknown. We therefore, studied the association of TP63C/T , TERTC/T , and SLC14A1C/T single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with a risk of BC susceptibility in North Indian cohort. Material and methods In histologically confirmed 225 BC cases and 240 healthy controls, 3 SNPs were genotyped by real-time polymerase chain reaction. To evaluate the SNP effects on BC susceptibility, odds ratio (OR) and CI 95% were calculated. Results In case of TP63C/T , the variant genotype (TT) showed significant reduced risk for BC ( P = 0.045, OR = 0.53). Combining heterozygous and variant genotypes also demonstrated reduced risk for BC ( P < 0.001, OR = 0.54). In case of TERTC/T , heterozygous genotype (CT) as well as variant genotype (TT) showed significant risk for BC susceptibility ( P = 0.031, OR = 1.77 and P = 0.004, OR = 2.78, respectively) along with T allelic level ( P <0.001, OR = 4.19). Furthermore, in case of SLC14A1C/T gene polymorphism, the variant genotype (TT) showed significant high risk for BC susceptibility ( P = 0.006; OR = 3.01) along with variant T allelic level ( P = 0.003, OR = 1.52). Interestingly, smoking was also found to modulate risks for BC in case of TERT and SLC14A1 variant genotype (TT). Further clinical confounding factor, namely, tumor grade/stage level of cases, supports the genotypic data with TERT and SLC14A1 showing a risk for BC susceptibility. Conclusion Our results suggested that polymorphism in TERTC/T and SLC14A1C/T confirmed high risk for BC in North Indian population. However, TP63C/T showed reduced risk of BC susceptibility. More replicate studies with large sample size and diverse ethnicity are required to validate these observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Purpose: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been implicated in progression and metastases of different tumors. The balance between the MMPs and their natural inhibitors (tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases; TIMP) seem to be an important factor related to its role. The purpose of this study was to evaluate polymorphisms in the MMP-3 and TIMP-3 genes for their associations with prostate cancer (PCa) risk in North Indians. Materials and methods: Genotypes were determined by PCR-RFLP (Polymerase Chain Reaction Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism) method in 150 PCa patients and 200 age matched controls of similar ethnicity. Results: We found significant association in the MMP-3(1171)5A/6A and TIMP-3 (1298) C/T polymorphism with PCa risk. Variant genotype (5A/5A) of MMP-3(1171)5A/6A polymorphism had a high PCa risk (p =0.037, OR=3.52, 95%CI=1.08–11.5). Individuals with TIMP-3 (1298) CT genotype as well as T allele showed reduced risk of PCa (p <0.001; OR=0.31; 95%CI=0.18–0.52, and p =0.001; OR=0.49; 95%CI=0.32–0.75). This effect was even more evident in case of T allele carrier (CT+TT) (p <0.001; OR=0.36; 95%CI=0.22–0.59). Overall no significant association was observed statistically in MMP-3 and TIMP-3 with any of the grading stages and smoking habits in PCa. Haplotype analysis of MMP-3 showed that A-5A-A was associated with three folds (OR=3.06; 95%CI=1.71–5.47; p <0.001) increased risk in PCa patients. Conclusion: This is the first reported association between polymorphisms in the MMP-3 and TIMP-3 gene and PCa risk and supports the hypothesis that the protease/antiprotease balance has an important role. Due to the small sample size further investigations need to be done to prove a statistical significant correlation between the MMP/TIMP expression and clinicopathological parameters. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background and Aims: Chemokines and transcription factor NF-κB play a pivotal role in development of carcinoma of the bladder (CaB). The present study was conducted to analyze the association of chemokines IL-8 −251 T>A and +678 C>T and NF-κB −94 (ATTG) insertion/deletion polymorphisms with the risk of CaB and outcome after bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) immunotherapy in a cohort of northern India. Methods: Histologically confirmed 205 CaB cases and 270 controls were included. Of these, 71 patients were treated with BCG immunotherapy. Genotyping was done using allele-specific PCR methodology. Results: The variant genotype (AA) of IL-8 −251 polymorphism was associated with more than 2-fold risk of CaB (OR 2.12; p = 0.003; 95% CI 1.28–3.52). None of the other genotypes showed association with CaB risk. Subsequently, the diplotype −251A/+678T demonstrated a 1.8-fold increased risk for CaB (OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.37–2.47). Furthermore, −251 AA genotypes reduced the risk of recurrence after BCG immunotherapy (AA; HR 0.12; 95% CI 0.04–0.41). Subsequently, improved recurrence-free survival (mean recurrence-free survival for GG, GA and AA genotypes was 24, 39 and 53 months respectively). Similarly, NF-κB ATTG Ins/Ins genotype was at reduced risk of recurrence after BCG treatment compared to Del/Del genotype, which exhibited a 2.5-fold increased risk of recurrence in patients treated with BCG immunotherapy (HR, 2.53; 95% CI 1.00–6.36). Subsequently, mean recurrence-free survival (Ins/Ins, 41; Ins/Del, 44 and Del/Del, 10 months; log rank, 0.030). Conclusions: Our results suggested that the IL-8 −251T>A polymorphism may be a relevant host susceptibility factor for bladder carcinoma development and may influence outcome after BCG immunotherapy. Similarly, NF-κB ATTG polymorphism may also modify risk-free survival of BCG-treated patients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background and Aims: Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is an immunosuppressive cytokine that may promote tumor growth and metastasis in later stages of cancer development. DNA sequence variations in IL-10 gene may lead to altered production and/or activity, and this can modulate an individual''s susceptibility to urothelial bladder cancer (UBC). To test this hypothesis, we investigated the association of rs 1800896 and rs 3021097 polymorphisms in IL-10 gene and their haplotypes with the risk of UBC in a Northern Indian population. Methods: We analyzed two single nucleotide polymorphisms of IL-10 gene at G-1082A (rs 1800896) and C-819T (rs 3021097) in 214 histologically confirmed UBC patients and 385 matched controls by allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (AS-PCR). Results: IL-10 C-819T CT, TT genotypes and T carriers (CT + TT) had significant association with UBC susceptibility (OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.09–2.80; OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.09–3.01 and OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.14–2.75, respectively). Similarly, GA, AA genotypes and A carriers (G-1082A) demonstrated increased risk for UBC (OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.04–3.50; OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.08–3.74 and OR 1.95, 95% CI 1.09–3.50, respectively). TT (C-819T) and T carriers showed protective association with high-risk tumors; (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.13–0.88 and OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.17–0.97, respectively). We did not observe any association of IL-10 polymorphisms with smoking habits and UBC risk. Conclusions: The study suggested that the low-producing genotypes of IL-10 (C-819T and G-1082A) polymorphisms are associated with increased UBC risk. Individuals with (C-819T) TT genotype and T carriers, however, showed a protective association with high-risk tumors. Our data suggest that IL-10 G-1082A and C-819T polymorphisms may be used as a molecular marker of urothelial bladder cancer. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives: Prostate cancer (PC) varies widely by geographic location and ethnicity. American men have a high PC risk but most have localized disease. In contrast, Asian Indians have a low PC risk but most are diagnosed with metastatic disease. Epidemiological and genetic data suggest an important role of genetic susceptibility in PC. Most studies were performed in whites. Substantially less is known about gene variation–associated PC in low-risk populations. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of RNASEL and MSR1 in Asian-Indian men with advanced PC. Methods: We genotyped DNA samples obtained from 113 cases and 245 age-matched controls (Northern India). Results: For RNASEL, we identified 8 variants (7 novel and 1 previously published, D541E), including 4 exonic, 3 intronic, and 1 change in the 3′-noncoding region. Of these, we detected a novel 4-bp truncation mutation (Val51ArgfsX2) in 2 controls. For MSR1, we identified 4 novel variants (2 intronic and 2 exonic) and 2 previously reported variants (P275A and promoter −4,637 A>G). We also genotyped 3 common MSR1 variations (promoter −14,742 A>G, IVS5-59 C>A, and IVS7 delinsTTA). We found no associations among any of the sequence variations and PC. Three major haplotypes account for most of all MSR1 haplotypes in Asian Indians. Haplotype frequencies were not significantly different between cases and controls. Conclusions: Our results do not support a role for RNASEL, or MSR1 mutations in advanced Asian-Indian PC. This study warrants additional investigations of these genes in etiology particularly among individuals from diverse ethnic and geographic groups. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objectives: To evaluate whether polymorphism of interleukin (IL)-1β gene (exon 5 and promoter region) and IL-1 receptor antagonist (Ra), 86-bp variable number tandem repeat, are associated with transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder, because cytokines have been hypothesized to be important in cancer development. Methods: The study included 120 patients with bladder cancer (age range 32 to 69 years) and 150 age-matched controls (age range 25 to 62 years). The polymorphisms were identified by polymerase chain reaction/restriction fragment length polymorphism method and IL-1Ra polymorphism by variable number of identical tandem repeat analysis. Genotype distribution and allelic frequencies between patients and controls were compared. Results: A significant difference was found in the frequency distribution of the IL-1Ra gene polymorphism in patients with bladder cancer compared with the normal control group (P <0.001), but no difference was found in the frequencies of the IL-1β promoter region and exon 5 genotypes between patients with bladder cancer and controls (P = 0.112 and P = 0.953, respectively). Conclusions: This is perhaps the first report on polymorphic changes in gene encoding IL-1Ra in patients with bladder cancer from India. Our data suggest that IL-1Ra intron 2 polymorphism seems to play a prominent role among the IL-1 gene cluster with respect to bladder cancer, and the association studies appear to be plausible in determining the cancer susceptibility and risk. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Polymorphisms in genes encoding CYPs (Phase I) and ABCB1 (Phase III) enzymes may attribute to variability of efficacy of taxanes. The present study aims to find the influence of CYP and ABCB1 gene polymorphisms on taxanes based clinical outcomes. 132 breast cancer patients treated with taxanes based chemotherapy were genotyped for CYP3A4*1B, CYP3A5*3, CYP1B1*3, CYP2C8*3, ABCB1 1236C>T, 2677G>T/A and 3435C>T polymorphisms using PCR-RFLP. Associations of genetic variants with clinical outcomes in terms of response in 58 patients receiving neo-adjuvant chemotherapy (NACT), and chemo-toxicity in 132 patients were studied. Multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) analysis was performed to evaluate higher order gene–gene interactions with clinical outcomes. Pathological response to taxane based NACT was associated with GA genotype as well as A allele of CYP3A5*3 polymorphism (Pcorr =0.0465, Pcorr =0.0465). Similarly, association was found in dominant model of CYP3A5*3 polymorphism with responders (Pcorr =0.0465). Haplotype analysis further revealed A CYP3A4 –A CYP3A5 haplotype to be significantly associated with responders (Pcorr =0.048). In assessing toxicity, significant association of variant (TT) genotype and T allele of ABCB1 2677G>T/A polymorphism, was found with ‘grade 1 or no leucopenia’ (Pcorr =0.0465, Pcorr =0.048). On evaluating higher order gene–gene interaction models by MDR analysis, CYP3A5*3; ABCB11236C>T and ABCB1 2677G>T/A; ABCB1 3435C>T and CYP1B1*3 showed significant association with treatment response, grade 2–4 anemia and dose delay/reduction due to neutropenia (P=0.024, P=0.004, P=0.026), respectively. Multi-analytical approaches may provide a better assessment of pharmacogenetic based treatment outcomes in breast cancer patients treated with taxanes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background & aim: The progression rate of chronic kidney disease (CKD) to its end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and the development and severity of various complications, are indirectly influenced by genetic and epigenetic factors. Chemokines are small inducible pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are implicated in many biological processes like migration of leukocytes, angiogenesis, tumor growth and metastasis. We tested association of four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) viz. CCL2I/D, CCL2A2518G, CXCL12G801A and CXCR2(+1208)C/T among individuals with ESRD (end stage renal disease) and normal healthy controls from North Indian population. Materials and method: CCL21/D, CCL2A2518G, CXCL12G801A and CXCR2(+1208)C/T were genotyped in blood samples of hospital-based case-control study comprising of 200 ESRD cases and 200 healthy controls using Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) and ARMS (Amplification Refractory Mutation Specific) PCR methodology. Results: A significant association was found in CXCL12G801A with ESRD risk. In case of CXCL12G801A polymor-phism heterozygous (GA) genotype showed significant risk (p = 0.039; OR = 1.55) whereas A allele carrier (GA + AA) also exhibited risk with ESRD (p = 0.045, OR = 1.59). In CXCR2(+1208)C/T polymorphism, the heterozygous genotype (CT) showed significant risk for ESRD (p = 0.028; OR = 1.65) and combination of CT + TT demonstrated significant high risk for ESRD (p = 0.036; OR = 1.52). In case of CCL21/D, the variant genotype (D/D) showed reduced risk for ESRD patients. Upon analyzing the gene-gene interaction between CXCR2 and CXCL12, the combination (CT-GA) showed 2.65 fold risk for ESRD (p = 0.018). Conclusion: Our results indicated that polymorphism in CXCU2G801A and CXCR2( +1208)C/T showed high risk for ESRD in North Indian population. However, CCL2I/D showed reduced risk and CCL2A2518G exhibited no association. Study with large sample size and diverse ethnicity is required to validate these observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: IL-12 and IL-18 are immunomodulatory cytokines that play important roles in host immune response against cancers. Variation in DNA sequence in gene promoter may lead to altered IL-18 production and/or activity, and hence can modulate an individual''s susceptibility to BC. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the relationship of IL-18 gene promoter −137 G/C and −607C/A polymorphisms and IL12 (−16974) A/C with the risk of BC in North Indian population. Polymorphisms in IL-18 and IL-12 genes were analyzed in 200 BC patients and 200 age, ethnicity and sex-matched controls, using restriction fragment length polymorphism-polymerase chain reaction (PCR-RFLP) and amplification refractory mutation specific-polymerase chain reaction (ARMS) method. The concentrations of IL-18 in serum were determined by ELISA. Significant association was observed with IL18 (−137) G/C heterozygous genotype (GC) with 1.96 folds risk of BC as well at C allele carrier and variant C allele having 2 fold and 1.6 fold risk for BC respectively. IL18 (−607) C/A, heterozygous CA genotype also showed a high risk (OR=1.59) for BC. While IL12 (−16974) A/C heterozygote genotype and C allele carrier demonstrated reduced risk of BC. Hetero genotype of IL18 (−137) G/C was associated with risk of recurrence (HR=2.35) in superficial BC patients receiving BCG treatment thus showing least survival. The distributions of IL-18 gene haplotypes were not significantly different between patients and controls. Serum IL-18 levels were significantly higher in BC patients than in the healthy subjects (p=0.025). Serum IL-18 levels was also significantly associated with IL18 (−137) G/C in heterozygous genotype (GC) (p=0.048). Our results suggest that IL-18 gene polymorphism contributes to bladder cancer risk whereas IL-12 is protective. A relation between IL18 (−137) G/C in heterozygous genotype with elevated IL-18 serum level and bladder cancer risk has been registered in the present study. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background and Aims: Impairment of the immune system may contribute to the risk for having cancer as Toll-like receptors are important for innate immunity. We examined the association between candidate disease-susceptibility polymorphisms in the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) like TLR2 (−196 to−174del), TLR3 (C1377T), TLR4 (Thr399Ile) and TLR9 (G2848A) genes in patients with bladder cancer in a North Indian population. Methods: SNPs were comprised of TLR2 (−196 to −174 Del), TLR3(C1377T), TLR4 (Thr399Ile) and TLR9 (G2848A) genes. Allelic and genotypic frequencies of these TLRs SNP from histopathologically confirmed patients of bladder cancer (n = 200) and unrelated healthy controls of similar ethnicity (n = 200) were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis. Results: In TLR2 I/D gene polymorphism, the combination of ID+DD showed a significant 3-fold increased risk (p = 0.001). TLR2 with heterozygous genotype ID showed a 3-fold risk and combination of heterozygous and variant genotype (ID+DD) also showed a 5-fold risk with tumor stage/grade of patients with bladder cancer. The other genotypes of TLR3, 4 and 9 did not exhibit any significant association with bladder cancer risk. Conclusions: Our results suggested the involvement of TLR2 (−196 to−174 del) in bladder cancer susceptibility; however, TLR3, 4 and 9 genes were not associated with risk of bladder cancer, implicating that polymorphisms in these tested TLRs genes are not likely to be associated with increased risk for developing bladder cancer. Functional studies in ethnically diverse populations may provide a more comprehensive involvement of innate immunity in identifying the disease-associated variants for the etiology of bladder cancer. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background and Aims: The importance of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) in tumor progression is well documented. MMP2/TIMP2 system has a significant impact on the development and progression of cancer and genetic polymorphisms in the promoters of MMP2 (−1306C/T, 735C/T) and TIMP2 (−418G/A, −303C/T) are correlated with decreased enzyme activity. We sought to determine whether genetic polymorphisms in MMP2 and TIMP2 polymorphisms may be associated with varying risk of prostate cancer (PCa) in men in North India. Methods: Genotyping was done by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism method in 190 histologically confirmed PCa patients and 200 unrelated, healthy, age-matched individuals of similar ethnicity. Results: Patients with MMP2 (-1306) CT genotype as well as T allele were at higher risk of PCa (p = 0.018; OR = 1.68 and p = 0.015; OR = 1.52). This effect was even more evident in the case of the T allele carrier (CT + TT) (p = 0.011; OR = 1.71). MMP2 (735) C>T, TIMP2 (−418) G>C and TIMP2 (−303) C>T polymorphism demonstrated no association. However, TIMP2 (−418) GC was found to be involved in progression of PCa but not in initiation. Haplotype results demonstrated that MMP2 (1306T–735C) and TIMP2 (418G-303T) were associated with a 1.5- and 1.8-fold increased risk, respectively. Conclusions: Our data indicated that MMP2-1306C>T gene polymorphism contributes to PCa susceptibility. These findings suggested MMP2 variants as a predictor of PCa progression risk among North Indian men. We assume that analysis of these gene polymorphisms can help identify patient subgroups at high risk of poor disease outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To explore the association between xerodema pigmentosum group D (XPD) Asp312Asn and Lys751Gln and apurinic apyrimidic endonuclease 1 (APE1) Asp148Glu gene polymorphism and risk of bladder cancer (BC) susceptibility. Methods: This hospital-based case-control study included 206 patients with newly diagnosed bladder transitional cell carcinoma and 250 cancer-free controls who had been frequency matched by age, sex, and ethnicity. Polymorphisms in XPD Asp312Asn and Lys751Gln and APE1 Asp148Glu gene using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism and amplification refractory mutation system were genotyped. Results: The XPD Asp312Asn AA genotype was associated with an elevated risk of BC (odds ratio [OR] 3.30, P = .001.) The AA genotype was significantly associated with nonmuscle-invasive BC (OR 4.62, corrected P = .003). Both the heterozygous GA and the homozygous AA was associated with a greater risk of low-grade (grade 1) BC (OR 2.51, corrected P = .006 and OR 5.21, corrected P = .003, respectively). The APE1 GG genotype showed a decreased risk of BC (OR 0.27, P = .027.) Haplotype AC (codon 312A-codon 751C) of XPD demonstrated an association with a greater susceptibility to BC (OR 2.16, correct P = .0008). Conclusions: Reduced DNA repair capacity due to XPD Asp312Asn AA genotype might be a risk factor for BC. The AA genotype predisposed to a greater risk at the initial stage and grade of BC. The APE1 148GG genotype conferred a protective association with BC susceptibility. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Interindividual heterogeneity in expression of ABCB1 gene has been suspected to be one of the factors resulting in cyclosporin (CsA) pharmacokinetic variation. The present study explored the association of ABCB1 SNPs on CsA dose requirements and dose-adjusted C2 levels (CsA level/daily dose requirement) in renal allograft recipients. Methods: Daily doses (mg/kg/day) and dose-adjusted C2 levels (μg/mL per mg/kg/day) at 1 and 3 months for 155 recipients on CsA therapy were compared according to allelic status of ABCB1 c.1236C>T, c. 2064-76T>A, c.2677G>T and c.3435C>T. Results: Dose-adjusted C2 levels were lower in ABCB1 c.2677G>T GG genotype as compared to GT/TT genotypes at 1 and 3 months, suggesting that for a given dose their CsA blood concentration is lower (p = 0.009 and p = 0.043). GG genotype was further associated with lower allograft survival as revealed by Kaplan-Meier analysis (p = 0.021). Conclusions: Identification of ABCB12677GG patients may have a clinically significant impact on allograft outcome and may be helpful in providing pre-transplant pharmacogenetic information to individualize CsA dosing. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Cytokines mediate many immune and inflammatory responses contributing to tumorigenesis. The present study evaluated polymorphisms of IL4, IL6, and TNF (previously TNFA) genes influencing risk in development of transitional cell carcinoma of bladder and recurrence after bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) immunotherapy. The study included 136 unrelated histopathologically confirmed cases and 200 population-based controls. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral leukocytes and genotyped for polymorphism in IL4 intron 3, with point mutations identified by amplification refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR) in IL6–174 G/C and by PCR–restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis in TNF–308 G/A. The IL6 variant C/C exhibited significant association with bladder cancer risk (odds ratio OR = 2.811, P = 0.004), but IL4 and TNF genetic variants did not. Significant association was observed for IL4 (B1/B2+B2/B2) with high-grade or late-stage tumor for TaG3+T1 and T2+ (OR = 5.950, and 6.342 respectively) and with smoking (P = 0.004, OR = 4.202). Low recurrence risk was observed in BCG-treated patients carrying C/C genotype of IL6 (hazard ratio = 0.298, P = 0.03), and also higher recurrence-free survival (log rank P = 0.021). TNF and IL4 demonstrated no association of bladder cancer risk and BCG therapy. The low-producing variant C/C of IL6 may be a risk factor for bladder cancer, whereas high-producing genotypes of IL4 (B1/B2+B2/B2) may predispose to higher risk in patients with high-grade or late-stage tumor and smoking habits. The low-producing C/C IL6 genotype, which favors Th1 response, may be a beneficial prognostic indicator for treatment and survival of BCG-treated patients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Cytokines are known to be important mediators during renal graft outcome. The present study was therefore, conducted to determine the impact of IL-1β and its receptor antagonist polymorphism on allograft outcome. We evaluated single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) in interleukin-1 gene cluster, IL-β (promoter region -511 and exon-5 +3954) and IL-1Ra (86-hp VNTR) in 136 renal transplant recipients and 150 normal healthy controls by polymerase chain restriction based (PCR-RFLP) analysis. Recipients were HLA matched and clinically characterized including delayed graft function (DGF), rejection episode (RE) and stable graft function (SGF). Haplotypes and linkage disequilibrium (LD) were determined using SNPAnalyzer software. Significant difference was observed for the frequency distribution of the three sites of IL-1 gene among patients and controls (p<0.001, 0.022 and <0.001 respectively). When RE and DGF were compared to SGF, only IL-1Ra showed significant differences among RE and SGF (p=0.014) and DGF and SGF (p=0.020). The presence of 1/2 genotype showed 18 folds risk in RE and 10 folds in DGF (OR=18.000 and OR=10.667 respectively). The majority of recipients with SGF had 1-4 HLA mismatch whereas RE had 5-8 mismatches. Risk for rejection increased >6 folds (OR=6.571; p<0.01) for 5-8 mismatches. Haplotypes constructed with the combination of three polymorphisms in IL-1 gene cluster showed significant difference between RE and SGF group. LD value for IL-1β (promoter region) and IL-1Ra and IL-1β promoter and exon-5 gene in the control group indicated strong association among the variants (D′=0.37, p<0.0001 and D′=0.29, p 0.002). Our study demonstrate that genetically determined low production of IL-1Ra may be a risk factor for RE and DGF and that IL-1β/IL-1Ra haplotype influences the impact of allograft outcome. These findings may significantly abet in better perception of the survival of the graft. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]