A polymorphism of the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist plays a prominent role within the interleukin-1 gene cluster in vulvar carcinogenesis.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

The interleukin-1 (IL-1) family, that is, IL-1alpha and beta and the IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA), is known to modulate various tumorigenic and tumoricidal effects in humans. Its biological function in squamous cell carcinogenesis of various anatomical sites has been stressed. Although various studies showed a certain association between genes encoding the IL-1 family and human malignancies, no data with respect to vulvar cancer have been published to date.

METHODS:

We ascertained four polymorphisms of the IL-1alpha gene (IL1A C[-889]T), the IL-1beta gene (IL1B promoter C[-511]T and IL1B exon 5 position +3953), and the IL-1RA gene (IL1RN intron 2) in 68 patients with surgically treated squamous cell vulvar cancer and 228 healthy Caucasian controls.

RESULTS:

Presence of the minor allele of the IL1RN polymorphism was found to be protective for vulvar cancer [odds ratio (OR)=0.5, P=0.03], the other investigated polymorphisms showed no association with the disease and the investigated clinicopathological parameters. In a multivariate analysis, only the established prognosticators were associated with patients' survival.

CONCLUSION:

We are the first to report on polymorphisms in genes encoding cytokines in patients with vulvar cancer. Reflecting its biological role, the common IL1RN intron 2 polymorphism seems to play a prominent role within the IL-1 gene cluster with respect to vulvar carcinogenesis.

• Authors: Christoph Grimm, Ingrid Berger, Caroline Tomovski, Robert Zeillinger, Nicole Concin, Sepp Leodolter, Heinz Koelbl, Clemens B Tempfer, Lukas A Hefler
• Journal: Gynecologic oncology (Gynecol Oncol) Vol. 92 Issue 3 Pg. 936-40 (Mar 2004) ISSN: 0090-8258 [Print] United States
• PMID: 14984963 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• IL1RN protein, human
• Interleukin 1 Receptor Antagonist Protein
• Interleukin-1
• Sialoglycoproteins

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Alleles
• Carcinoma, Squamous Cell (genetics, immunology, pathology)
• Cell Transformation, Neoplastic (genetics, immunology, pathology)
• Exons
• Female
• Humans
• Interleukin 1 Receptor Antagonist Protein
• Interleukin-1 (genetics)
• Middle Aged
• Multigene Family
• Neoplasm Staging
• Polymerase Chain Reaction
• Polymorphism, Genetic
• Promoter Regions, Genetic
• Sialoglycoproteins (genetics)
• Vulvar Neoplasms (genetics, immunology, pathology)