The interleukin-18 -607A/C polymorphism is not associated with risk for oral cancer.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the association of angiogenesis-inhibitor interleukin-18 (IL-18) with risk for oral cancer, with regard to the recently found contribution of cytokines to carcinogenesis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

The -607A/C polymorphism in the promoter region of the IL-18 gene, which affects transcription, was studied in 149 patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma and 89 matched healthy controls.

RESULTS:

The detected carrier and allele frequencies of the low transcription A allele were not significantly different in patients in comparison with controls (63.1% versus 60.7%, p = 0.78 and 40.9% versus 42.7%, p = 0.77, respectively). The same non-significant pattern was observed in subgroups of patients regarding cancer stage, family history of cancer or thrombosis, as well as smoking or heavy drinking habits.

CONCLUSION:

Despite the known inhibitory effect of IL-18 in angiogenesis, IL-18 gene expression is not a contributing factor in oral oncogenesis.

• Authors: Eleftherios Vairaktaris, Zoe Charalambus Serefoglou, Christos Yapijakis, Chatzitheofylaktou Agapi, Stavros Vassiliou, Emeka Nkenke, Vylliotis Antonis, Spyridonidou Sofia, Friedrich Wilhelm Neukam, Efstratios Patsouris
• Journal: Anticancer research (Anticancer Res) 2007 Nov-Dec Vol. 27 Issue 6B Pg. 4011-4 ISSN: 0250-7005 [Print] Greece
• PMID: 18225563 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Interleukin-18

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Alleles
• Carcinoma, Squamous Cell (genetics, immunology)
• Female
• Humans
• Interleukin-18 (genetics)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Mouth Neoplasms (genetics, immunology)
• Polymorphism, Genetic
• Promoter Regions, Genetic
• Transcription, Genetic