Influence of vascular endothelial growth factor single nucleotide polymorphisms on tumour development in cutaneous malignant melanoma

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent regulator of vasculogenesis and tumour angiogenesis. We have investigated whether the VEGF -2578, -1154, +405 and +936 SNPs and associated haplotypes confer susceptibility to and/or influence prognosis in cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) skin cancer. A total of 152 CMM patients and 266 controls were genotyped for VEGF promoter SNPs by ARMS-PCR. Strong linkage disequilibrium between the -2578, -1154 and +405 SNPs was detected (association, rho = 0.488-0.965), but not between these SNPs and SNP +936 (association, rho = 0.004-0.130). No SNPs or three SNP haplotypes (-2578, -1154, +405) were significantly associated with CMM, although a number of non-significant trends were observed. However, the VEGF -1154 AA genotype and -2578, -1154, +405 CAC haplotype were both significantly associated with less advanced (Stage 1) disease (P = 0.03). In addition, the VEGF -1154 AA genotype was associated with thinner primary vertical growth phase tumours (P = 0.002), while VEGF -1154 GG was associated with thicker primary tumours (P = 0.02). These preliminary results indicate that VEGF genotype may influence tumour growth in CMM, possibly via the effects of differential VEGF expression on tumour angiogenesis.     

Case-control study of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) genetic variability in Alzheimer's disease

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a major regulator of angiogenesis and blood vessel function. Recent evidence indicates that VEGF facilitates memory and learning through stimulating angiogenesis and neurogenesis in the rat hippocampal dendate gyrus. Abnormal regulation of VEGF expression has been reported in the pathogenesis of both atherosclerosis and motoneuron degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, with low VEGF-producing polymorphisms (-2578 allele A and -634 allele G) conferring increased susceptibility for the development of the disorders. We tested whether these polymorphisms downregulating expression of VEGF might increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD). So, we performed a case-control study in 362 Spanish AD patients and 428 healthy controls. The current study does not demonstrate an association between VEGF (-2578) and VEGF (-634) genotypes or haplotypes and AD.     

VEGF polymorphisms and severity of atherosclerosis

Introduction: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent angiogenic factor, and neovascularisation has been shown to be important in atherosclerotic plaque development. There is some disagreement as to whether VEGF acts as a pro-atherosclerotic or anti-atherosclerotic factor. In the present study we have sought to clarify this by determining genotypes and haplotypes for three reportedly functional VEGF SNPs in a large series of well documented coronary atherosclerosis patients. Methods: VEGF –2578, –1154, and –634 single nucleotide polymorphisms were genotyped in 984 subjects from the Southampton Atherosclerosis Study, using the 5'' nuclease assay for allelic discrimination (TaqMan). Results: VEGF –2578 genotypes showed a significantly different distribution in patients without myocardial infarction when stratified according to number of diseased arteries. VEGF –2578 was also associated with mean number of stenotic segments in the same patient group. The AA genotype was a risk factor and CC was protective. These associations were significant before and after adjustment for classic risk factors, and were reflected in associations between VEGF haplotypes and the number of diseased arteries and stenotic segments. As VEGF –2578 CC has been provisionally shown to be associated with higher VEGF expression than the AA genotype, these results are consistent with a protective effect for VEGF in atherosclerosis development. Some changes in VEGF –1154 genotype frequencies were also detected, but no significant associations were detected for any one particular genotype. Conclusions: This study provides preliminary evidence that VEGF polymorphism is associated with development of atherosclerosis, possibly via regulation of VEGF expression, supporting a protective effect for VEGF in atherosclerosis. These results require replication in an independent study group, combined with study of additional candidate polymorphisms in the VEGF gene.     

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Gene Polymorphisms May Predict the Risk of Acute Graft-versus-Host Disease following Allogeneic Transplantation: Preventive Effect of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Gene on Acute Graft-versus-Host Disease

Microvessel injury is associated with the development of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), whereas high levels of posttransplantation vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) have a protective effect on severe acute GVHD (aGVHD) and transplantation-related mortality. The current study aimed to determine the impact of VEGFA gene single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on the risk of aGVHD after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT). Using polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism, 4 VEGFA SNPs— -2578 C>A (rs699947), -460 T>C (rs833061), +405 G>C (rs2010963), and +936 C>T (rs3025039)—were analyzed in 98 recipients. Strong linkage disequilibrium was noted among loci -2578, -460, and +405, but not among these loci and locus +936. Accordingly, 4 haplotypes were generated based on the genotypes of -2578, -460, and +405: CTC (47.9%), CTG (26.7%), ACG (24.2%), and CCC (1.0%). The group with low VEGF production (ie, +936CT genotype and 2 copies of the ACG haplotype) had a higher incidence of aGVHD. Significant associations were found between the risk of grade 2-4 aGVHD and the +936 CT (P = .006), -2578 AA (P = .003), and -460 CC (P = .002) genotypes and the ACG haplotype (P = .003). No association between the VEGFA SNPs and chronic GVHD was observed. The VEGFA SNPs might predict a lower risk of aGVHD. Our findings suggest that VEGF may have a protective role in the pathogenesis of aGVHD.     

Lack of Association of the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Gene Polymorphisms with Kawasaki Disease in Taiwanese Children

INTRODUCTION: Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute febrile vasculitis of unknown etiology that mainly occurs in infants and children. Clinical and histopathologic findings suggest that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is involved in the coronary artery lesions (CALs) development in KD. This study hypothesized that specific VEGF gene polymorphisms and their haplotypes are associated with KD susceptibility and CAL development in Taiwanese children. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The VEGF -2578 A/C, -634 G/C, and +936 C/T single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped in 156 children with KD and 672 ethnically matched healthy controls using the Pre-Developed TaqMan Allelic Discrimination Assay. RESULTS: No significant differences in genotype, allele, carrier, and haplotype frequencies of the three SNPs were found between healthy controls and children with KD or between patients with and without CAL. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that VEGF -2578 A/C, -634 G/C, and +936 C/T SNPs do not confer increased susceptibility to KD or to CAL development.     

Single nucleotide polymorphisms in VEGF gene are associated with an increased risk of osteosarcoma

We aimed to assess whether the five common SNPs can affect the risk of osteosarcoma, and its association with demographic characteristics of osteosarcoma. 165 osteosarcoma patients and 330 cancer-free controls were enrolled into our study. Five common SNPs in VEGF gene, -2578C/A (rs699947), -1156G/A (rs1570360), +1612G/A (rs10434), +936C/T (rs3025039) and -634G/C (rs2010963), were detected by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Conditional logistic regression analyses found that individuals with AA genotype and A allele of rs699947 were associated with an increased risk of osteosarcoma. Individuals with GG genotype and G allele of rs2010963 were associated with an increased risk of osteosarcoma. By stratified analysis, AA genotype of rs699947 was associated with an increased risk of osteosarcoma in those with shorter age, males and a family history of cancer, and GG genotype of rs2010963 was correlated with an increased risk of osteosarcoma in those with shorter age, females and a family history of cancer. Our study suggests that rs699947 and rs2010963 polymorphisms may play a role in the pathogenesis of osteosarcoma.     

Association of the hOGG1 Ser326Cys polymorphism with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Amyotropic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal and progressive neurodegenerative disease causing the loss of motoneurons of the brain and the spinal cord. The etiology of ALS is still uncertain, but males are at increased risk for the disease than females. Several studies have suggested that motoneurons in ALS might be subjected to the double insult of increased DNA oxidative damage and deficiencies in DNA repair systems. Particularly, increased levels of 8-oxoguanine and impairments of the DNA base excision repair system have been observed in neurons of ALS patients. There is evidence that the Ser326Cys polymorphism of the human 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase 1 (hOGG1) gene is associated with a reduced DNA repair activity. To evaluate the role of the hOGG1 Ser326Cys polymorphism in sporadic ALS (sALS), we screened 136 patients and 129 matched controls. In the total population, we observed association between both the Cys326 allele (p=0.02) and the combined Ser326Cys+Cys326Cys genotype (OR=1.65, 95% CI=1.06-2.88) and increased risk of disease. After stratification by gender, the Cys326 allele (p=0.01), both the Ser326Cys genotype (OR=2.14, 95% CI=1.09-4.19) and the combined Ser326Cys+Cys326Cys genotype (OR=2.15, 95% CI=1.16-4.01) were associated with sALS risk only in males. No significant association between the Ser326Cys polymorphism and disease phenotype, including age and site of onset and disease progression, was observed. Present results suggest a possible involvement of the hOGG1 Ser326Cys polymorphism in sALS pathogenesis.     

血管内皮生长因子基因多态性与先天性心脏病相关性的Meta分析

目的 评价血管内皮生长因子（VEGF）等位基因、基因型、基因单倍型多态性与先天性心脏病（CHD）的相关性.方法 检索Cochrane图书馆、Medline、PubMed、EMBASE、中国期刊全文数据库、万方数据库及中国生物医学文献数据库,检索起止时间均为建库至2011年12月,并且对重要文献的参考文献采取手工回溯检索.获取VEGF与CHD相关性的病例对照研究和传递不平衡检验文献.对文献进行质量评价.采用RevMan 5.1.1软件进行异质性检验,根据检验结果选择适当的效应模型进行Meta分析.结果 6篇文献共10项独立研究纳入分析,漏斗图检验存在发表偏倚.Meta分析结果显示：① VEGF C-2578A和G-1154A位点等位基因变异显著增加DiGeorge综合征患者的CHD易感性,OR分别为1.40（95%CI：1.04～1.16）和1.87（95%CI：1.27～2.75）;G-634C位点的等位基因变异显著增加普通病例的CHD易感性,OR=1.29,95%CI：1.02～1.62.② G-1154A位点（AA＋AG）为DiGeorge综合征患者合并CHD的危险因素,OR=2.10,95%CI：1.32～3.34.③单倍型AAG在DiGeorge综合征患者中显著增加CHD易感性,OR=1.82,95%CI：1.31～2.54;单倍型CGC显著降低普通病例CHD风险的保护作用,OR=0.79,95%CI：0.63～0.99.结论 VEGF等位基因、基因型、基因单倍型多态性与CHD易感性存在一定的相关性,且在DiGeorge综合征患者与普通患者间存在差异;在不伴DiGeorge综合征的人群中,特定单倍型（CGC）则有显著降低CHD风险的保护作用,其作用机制尚需进一步明确.     

Impact of VEGF polymorphisms on the severity of peripheral artery disease in diabetic patients

Objective. To determine the potential genotype vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene differences in diabetic patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which might be associated with different stages of the vascular disease. Methods. A study was conducted with type 2 diabetic patients with PAD [n = 70; 32 intermittent claudication and 38 critical limb ischaemia (CLI)]. Genotyping of the VEGF gene insertion/deletion ? 2549, ? 2578 C/A and +405 G/C polymorphisms was done in both groups and correlated them with the severity of PAD. We compared serum VEGF levels in both groups. Results. There was a higher frequency of +405 CC and ? 2578 CC genotypes in claudication group [(31.3% vs. 5.4%, p = 0.01) and (37.5% vs. 15.8%, p = 0.05), respectively]. The presence of +405 GG and ? 2578 AA genotypes was more common among CLI patients [(57.8% vs. 37.5%, p = 0.01) and (42.1% vs. 18.8%, p = 0.05), respectively]. There were higher serum VEGF levels in patients with CLI (p = 0.029). Conclusions. We found preliminary evidence regarding the association between VEGF polymorphisms and different stages of PAD in diabetic patients.     

Genetic polymorphisms of vascular endothelial growth factor in severe pre-eclampsia

Several lines of evidence support the hypothesis that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia (PE). VEGF is a key component in the regulation of vascular remodelling and the survival of cytotrophoblasts in the placenta. In this case-control study, we aimed to test whether VEGF genetic polymorphisms are associated with the risk of severe PE. We enrolled 84 nulliparous pregnant women with severe PE (PE group). Their VEGF G(+405)C and VEGF C(-2578)A genotypes were determined by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) from venous blood samples and were compared with the corresponding VEGF genotypes of 96 nulliparous patients with uncomplicated pregnancies (control group). Carriers of the VEGF(+405)G allele occurred less frequently in PE than in the control group [P = 0.039; adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.28, range: 0.08-0.93]. Hypertension and proteinuria were diagnosed earlier (by 1.6 weeks and 1.9 weeks, respectively) in PE patients with VEGF(-2578)A only after adjustment of this association for risk factors of PE. Our results suggest that carriers of VEGF(+405)G allele have a decreased susceptibility to PE and that the progression of PE may be modified by the presence of VEGF(-2578)A allele. Nevertheless, the clinical significance of these findings remains to be determined.     

Caspase 9 promoter polymorphisms and risk of primary lung cancer

Caspase-9 (CASP-9) is an initiator CASP in the apoptosome-driven apoptosis pathway and plays an important role in the development and progression of cancer. Polymorphisms in the promoter region of the CASP-9 gene may influence the promoter activity of this gene, thereby modulating susceptibility to lung cancer. To test this hypothesis, we examined the association of four polymorphisms [-1263A>G, -905T>G, -712C>T and -293_-275delCGTGAGGTCAGTGCGGGGA (-293del)] in the CASP-9 promoter with the risk of lung cancer in a Korean population. The CASP-9 genotypes were determined in 432 lung cancer patients and 432 healthy controls that were frequency-matched for age and gender. The -1263 GG genotype was associated with a significantly decreased risk of lung cancer compared with the -1263 AA genotype or combined -1263 AA+AG genotype [adjusted odds ratio (OR)=0.64, 95% confidence interval (95% CI)=0.42-0.98, P=0.04 and adjusted OR=0.67, 95% CI=0.46-0.97, P=0.01, respectively]. For the -712C>T polymorphism, individuals with at least one -712T allele were at a significantly increased risk of lung cancer compared with those harboring the -712 CC genotype (adjusted OR=1.42, 95% CI=1.06-1.89, P=0.02). Consistent with the results of genotype analyses, the -1263G/-712C (G-C) haplotype was associated with a significantly decreased risk of lung cancer [adjusted OR=0.59, 95% CI=0.47-0.75, P and Bonferroni corrected P (Pc)<0.001]. Moreover, the risk of lung cancer decreased in a dose-dependent manner as the number of the G-C haplotypes increased (adjusted OR=0.60, 95% CI=0.45-0.81, P=0.0007 and Pc=0.0014 for the G-C heterozygotes and adjusted OR=0.34, 95% CI=0.17-0.68, P=0.0023 and Pc=0.0046 for the G-C homozygotes; P(trend)<0.001). The promoter assay revealed the G-C haplotype to have a significantly higher promoter activity than the -1263G/-712T and -1263A/-712C haplotypes. These results suggest that CASP-9 promoter polymorphisms affect CASP-9 expression and contribute to genetic susceptibility to lung cancer.     

Association between COX-2 polymorphisms and non-small cell lung cancer susceptibility

Aim: To explore the association between COX-2 polymorphisms and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) susceptibility. Methods: We collected fasting peripheral venous blood from 60 cases with NSCLC and 62 healthy controls through physical examinations, and applied PCR-RFLP to analyze COX-2 polymorphisms of two groups. Results: With respect to detecting COX-2 rs689466 and rs5275 polymorphisms, the distribution frequency of mutant genotype AA of COX-2 rs689466 in case group was higher than that in control group, which possessed significant difference between two groups (P < 0.05). Carriers with AA genotype were 4.05 times at risk of NSCLC than those with GG genotype (P = 0.04, OR=4.05, 95% CI = 1.14-14.43). The distribution of mutant genotype CC of COX-2 rs5275 was different between two groups, and carriers with genotype CC were at 5.70 times higher risk of NSCLC than those with genotype TT. After corrected by sex, gender, smoking and drinking factors, AA genotype of COX-2 rs689466 and CC genotype of COX-2 rs5275 still contributed to increased risk of NSCLC (OR=4.22, 95% CI=1.10-16.17, OR=6.95, 95% CI=1.27-38.11). After analyzed of linkage disequilibrium (LD) and haplotypes of alleles in two SNPs, the distribution frequency of A-C haplotype in case group was higher than that in control group, with significant difference between two groups (P < 0.05). After corrected by sex, gender, smoking and drinking factors, statistical difference was still found in the total distribution of A-C haplotype between two groups (P = 0.03, OR=6.11, 95% CI=1.16-32.2). Conclusions: COX-2 rs689466 and rs5275 polymorphisms may be related to NSCLC susceptibility. And A-C haplotype might be a susceptibility haplotype for NSCLC.     

Association of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene A1298C polymorphism with male infertility: a meta-analysis

Published data on the association between the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene A1298C (rs1801131) polymorphism and male infertility risk are inconclusive. To derive a more precise estimation of the relationship, a meta-analysis was performed. In this meta-analysis, a total of seven case-control studies including 1633 cases and 1735 controls were selected to evaluate the possible association. Crude odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the strength of association in the additive model, dominant model, recessive model, and allele-frequency genetic model. In the overall analysis, the frequency of the C1298 allele (C vs. A) was significantly associated with susceptibility to male infertility (OR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.00-1.26). A subgroup analysis of the subjects showed that MTHFR 1298C was associated with significant increased risk of azoospermia in homozygote comparison (CC vs. AA) and recessive mode (CC vs. AA/AC) (OR = 1.66 for CC vs. AA genotype; OR = 1.67 for CC vs. AA/AC genotype). However, no statistically significant increased risk of oligoasthenoteratozoospermia was found in any of the genetic models. In conclusion, this meta-analysis supports that the MTHFR A1298C polymorphism is capable of causing male infertility susceptibility, especially azoospermia.     

Absence of angiogenic genes modification in Italian ALS patients

To investigate the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiogenin (ANG) as genetic determinants in the susceptibility to sporadic ALS in Italian patients. VEGF genotype and haplotype analysis revealed no association between any variants and the risk of ALS. Regarding ANG gene, no mutation was detected and the rs11701 polymorphism, previously described as associated with ALS, was not differently distributed between patients and controls. Overall, our data argue against the hypothesis of both genes as risk factors for motoneuron neurodegeneration, at least in an Italian population.     

VEGF promoter haplotype and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a cytokine essential for angiogenesis. A recent study found that haplotypes, determined by three SNPs (-2,578C/A, - 1,154 G/A, and - 634G/C) in the VEGF upstream promoter/leader sequence, were associated with risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS). We used samples and data from a case-control study to examine the relation of ALS to VEGF haplotype. Genotypes at each of the three polymorphic sites were determined using allele-specific primer extension reactions followed by MALDI-TOF. We found a 3-fold increased risk among individuals homozygous for the AAG or AGG haplotypes (95%CI = 0.7 - 13.4), consistent with the findings of the previous study. Given the wide confidence interval, our findings should be interpreted cautiously.     

Association of vascular endothelial growth factor gene polymorphisms with behcet disease in a Korean population

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is important for angiogenesis and inflammation, both of which are codependent and contribute to the pathophysiology of Behcet disease (BD). The increased expressions of VEGF have been observed in the active stage and in the ocular inflammation of BD. Polymorphisms of the VEGF gene have been associated with chronic inflammatory disease including rheumatoid arthritis. We sought to investigate whether polymorphisms on the regulatory region of the VEGF gene are associated with susceptibility of Korean patients with BD. One hundred one native Korean patients with BD and 138 healthy unrelated controls were recruited. Genotype and allele frequencies of the four selected polymorphisms (-2578, -1154, -634, and 936) were not different between the BD group and controls. Among the BD patients, the frequency of the -634 CC genotype decreased in patients with uveitis (2.6% vs. 20.6%, adjusted OR = 0.100, 95% CI 0.011-0.875, p = 0.037), although it became insignificant after correction for multiple comparisons. These results indicate that the VEGF gene polymorphisms are not associated with BD in the Korean population, but they may be involved in the development of the ocular inflammation of BD.     

血管内皮生长因子基因多态性与克罗恩病的相关性CSCD

目的探讨血管内皮生长因子（vascular endothelial growth factor,VEGF）基因多态性与克罗恩病（Crohn’S disease,CD）易感性的关系。方法收集275例CD患者和495名性别、年龄相匹配的健康对照者,采用SNaPshot技术检测VEGF基因rs699947和rs3025039位点的等位基因和基因型频率。结果CD组与对照组之间整体比较,VEGF基因rs699947和rs3025039位点的变异等位基因和基因型频率差异无统计学意义（P均〉o．05）。分层分析发现,结肠型CD患者中rs699947的变异等位基因（A）和基因型（CA＋AA）频率显著高于对照组（P=0．006,95％CI：1．143～2．234;P=0．005,95％CI：1．203～2．900）。与对照组相比,回肠受累（回肠末段型＋回结肠型）的CD患者中,rs699947的变异等位基因（A）和基因型（CA4-AA）频率偏低（P=0．033,95％CI：0．524～0．974;P=0．043,95％CI：0．481～0．989）。此外,非狭窄非穿透型CD患者中rs3025039纯合子变异基因型（TT）频率低于对照组（0．62％vs．4．85％,P=0．036,95％CI：0．016～O．870）。结论VEGF基因rs699947位点基因变异可能增加结肠型CD的发病风险,但在回肠受累的CD患者中可能发挥保护作用。VEGF基因rs3025039位点的纯合子变异基因型（TT）携带者中非狭窄非穿透型CD的发病风险可能降低。     

Role of VEGF gene variability in longevity: a lesson from the Italian population

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene polymorphisms have been associated with an increased risk of developing a wide variety of disorders from diabetes to neurodegenerative diseases suggesting functions not confined to its vascular effects originally described. Based on the VEGF protective roles undisclosed in pathological conditions, we evaluate whether VEGF variability might be a determinant also for longevity. Four polymorphisms (−2578C/A, −1190G/A, −1154G/A and −634G/C) within the VEGF gene promoter region in 490 unrelated Italian healthy subjects have been analysed. Significant changes of allele, genotype (−2578/AA versus −2578/CC: OR = 2.08, p = 0.007; −1190/AA versus −1190/GG: OR = 2.01, p = 0.011) and haplotype (AAGG: 10.4% versus 14.9%, p = 0.03) frequency distributions were observed between young/elderly (25–84 years old) and long-lived (85–99 years old) subjects. These results suggest that VEGF gene variability can be inserted among the genetic factors influencing the lifespan.     

−1154G/A and −2578C/A polymorphisms of the vascular endothelial growth factor gene in Tunisian Alzheimer patients in relation to β-amyloid (1–42) and total tau protein

Recent evidences indicate that polymorphisms within the promoter region of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene may elevate the risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD). To further investigate, we have analyzed association between promoter polymorphisms of the VEGF gene in 93 AD patients and age and sex matched 113 controls from Tunisian population. The distribution of genotype and allele frequencies of the VEGF (−2578C/A) and (−1154G/A) polymorphisms did not differ significantly between AD and control groups (p > 0.05). In the subgroup of ApoE ?4 carriers, the −2578A was observed to be significantly higher in the AD patients than in the control individuals. After adjusting the data by gender, age and the ApoE ?4 status using logistic regression, the −2578A allele was found to increase the risk for sporadic AD by 1.7-fold. The present study provides the evidence that the −2578A allele may be associated with the development of AD in the individuals with ApoE ?4 allele. In addition, AD patients carrying the −2578A allele had lower Aβ42 (p = 0.029) levels than those without this allele, particularly in subjects with ApoE ?4 allele.     

Association of IL-8 (-251)T/A polymorphism with susceptibility to and aggressiveness of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Interleukin-8 (IL-8) is an angiogenic chemokine that plays a potent role in both development and progression of many human malignancies including nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). In the present study, we evaluated the susceptibility and prognostic implications of the (-251) T/A genetic variation in IL-8 in NPC. We used the allele-specific polymerase chain reaction to characterize the variation of the IL-8 promoter region for 160 unrelated Tunisian patients with NPC and 169 healthy control subjects. There was a significant association between the homozygotes IL-8 (-251) AA genotype and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (OR = 2.46; P = 0.004). The presence of the IL-8 (-251) AA genotype was highly associated with elevated NPC risk for male patients. A significant association was demonstrated between the IL-8 (-251) AA genotype and the aggressive forms of NPC as defined by large tumor size, lymph node metastasis, and advanced stages. Moreover, the presence of the IL-8 (-251) AA genotype indicated a significant association with decreased overall survival. Our findings suggest that the IL-8 promoter polymorphism is associated with increased nasopharyngeal carcinoma risk, particularly in males, as well as disease progress, supporting our hypothesis for IL-8 involvement in NPC pathogenesis.