The Significant Contribution of Interleukin-16 Genotypes, Smoking, Alcohol Drinking, and Helicobacter Pylori Infection to Gastric Cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Elevated serum interleukin-16 (IL-16) levels have been reported in gastric cancer (GC) tissues; however, the role of IL-16 genotypes in GC susceptibility remains largely unexplored. This study aimed to investigate the contribution of IL-16 genotypes to GC susceptibility and to assess their interactions with smoking, alcohol drinking, and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Polymerase chain reaction-based restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) methodology was employed to determine IL-16 rs4778889, rs11556218, and rs4072111 genotypic characteristics in 161 patients with GC and 483 controls. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed in the distribution of genotypic (p=0.0009) and allelic (p=0.0002) frequencies of IL-16 rs11556218 among cases and controls. Specifically, the frequencies of TG and GG genotypes of IL-16 rs11556218 were 37.3% and 6.8% among patients with GC, respectively, which were higher than those among the controls (26.7% and 2.7%). In contrast, no significant differences were found concerning IL-16 rs4778889 or rs4072111. Notably, individuals with IL-16 rs11556218 TT genotypes exhibited significant protective effects against GC when exposed to risk factors, such as smoking, alcohol drinking, and H. pylori infection. CONCLUSION: IL-16 rs11556218 T allele was associated with reduced susceptibility to GC. Furthermore, carriers of the TT genotype showed protection against GC risk factors, including smoking, alcohol drinking, and H. pylori infection. These findings provide valuable insights into the potential role of IL-16 genotypes in GC development and their interactions with lifestyle and infectious factors.

Primary Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Liver with Good Response to Carboplatin and 5-Flurouracil: A Case Report.

Primary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the liver is a rare disease that is difficult to diagnose until the pathology is confirmed. The age of the patients generally ranges from 18 to 83 years. The pathogenesis of primary SCC of the liver remains unclear and therapeutic guidelines have not yet been established. The overall survival rate may be less than 1 year. The prognosis for patients without surgery is worse than that for patients who undergo surgery. Herein, we report a case of primary SCC of the liver that responded well to intravenous carboplatin and 5-flurouracil (5-FU) with the aim of providing an alternative therapeutic option. A 61-year-old woman with no history of alcohol use disorder, cirrhosis, exposure to hepatotoxic chemicals, or a remarkable family history presented to our hospital with a complaint of epigastric pain, poor appetite, and fatigue, which had occurred 3 days before presentation. Blood tests revealed levels of alpha-fetoprotein of <2.0 ng/mL, carcinoembryonic antigen of 4.39 ng/mL, carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9 of 1306.15 U/mL, CA 125 of 66.3 U/mL, CA 153 of 19.7 U/mL, and SCC antigen of 8.5 ng/mL. Computed tomography scans of the abdomen showed a 5.8-cm lobulated soft-tissue mass with central necrosis in segment 6 of the liver, which caused compression of the common hepatic duct. Pathological examination of the masses revealed squamous cell carcinoma with focal glandular differentiation. The patient underwent palliative chemotherapy with intravenous carboplatin 150 mg (day 1) and 5-FU 1000 mg (days 1−4) instead of surgery. After two cycles of chemotherapy, jaundice and liver function improved. The patient was discharged in stable condition and was followed up in our outpatient department. Although the patient refused to undergo surgery, no tumor recurrence or distant metastasis was found during the 8-month follow-up period. This report highlights that neoadjuvant chemotherapy with carboplatin and 5-FU can be considered for primary SCC of the liver before a liver resection.

Association of Matrix Metallopeptidase-2 Genotypes With Risk of Gastric Cancer in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) plays a critical role in the regulation of the extracellular matrix; however, its genotypes have seldom been examined in gastric cancer (GC). This study aimed to investigate the contribution of MMP-2 promoter -1306 (rs243865) and -735 (rs2285053) genotypes to GC risk in a cohort of Taiwanese individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 121 GC cases and 363 age- and sex-matched controls. The genotypes of MMP-2 were determined by typical polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. RESULTS: The genotypic and allelic frequency analysis showed that MMP-2 rs243865 variant genotypes decreased the risk of GC. Stratification analysis showed that MMP-2 rs243865 genotypes associate with smoking, alcohol drinking, and Helicobacter pylori infection status to confer personal susceptibility to GC. There is no such association for MMP-2 rs2285053 genotype with GC risk. CONCLUSION: The MMP-2 rs243865 genotypes may serve as a novel predictive marker for GC personal susceptibility among Taiwanese.

The Association of MMP9 Promoter Rs3918242 Genotype With Gastric Cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) is highly expressed in gastric cancer but the role of MMP9 is unclear. This study aimed at revealing the association of MMP9 promoter rs3918242 genotypes with gastric cancer risk. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MMP9 rs3918242 genotypes of 121 patients with gastric cancer and 363 healthy individuals were examined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism methodology using serum samples. RESULTS: MMP9 rs3918242 TT genotype carriers had an elevated gastric cancer risk compared to wild-type CC carriers (odds ratio=3.92, 95% confidence interval=1.28-11.99; p=0.0103). Patients with CT/TT genotypes were at higher risk of metastasis (p=0.0178) than those with CC. No correlation was found between MMP9 rs3918242 genotype and gastric cancer risk with smoking or alcohol behavior, nor Helicobacter pylori infection. No correlation was observed for MMP9 rs3918242 genotypic distributions with age, gender, or body mass index. CONCLUSION: Carrying a T allele for MMP9 rs3918242 may be predictive for higher gastric cancer risk, and as a predictor for higher risk of metastasis.

Acute cholangitis detected ectopic ampulla of Vater in the antrum incidentally: A case report.

BACKGROUND: The ampulla of Vater is an opening at the confluence of the common bile duct and pancreatic duct. It is located in the second portion of the duodenum. An ectopic papilla of Vater is an anomalous termination. Few cases have been reported. We report the rare case of a man with an ectopic ampulla of Vater in the pylorus. CASE SUMMARY: An 82-year-old man had experienced abdominal pain and fever with chills 1 d before his presentation. A computed tomography scan of the abdomen demonstrated dilatation of the common bile duct approximately 2.2 cm in width. Gas retention was found in his intrahepatic ducts. Acute cholangitis with pneumobilia was identified, and he was hospitalized. Esophagogastroduo-denoscopy and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography disclosed no ampulla of Vater in the second portion of the duodenum. Moreover, a capsule-like foreign body (pharmaceutical desiccant) approximately 1 cm × 2 cm in size was found at the gastric antrum and peri-pyloric region. After the foreign body was removed, one orifice presented over the pyloric ring in the stomach, a suspected ectopic ampulla of Vater. Subsequently, sludge in the common bile duct was cleaned, and balloon dilatation was performed. The general condition improved daily. The patient was discharged in a stable condition and followed in our outpatient department. CONCLUSION: This case involved an ampulla of Vater in an unusual location. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with balloon dilatation is the main treatment recommended and performed.

Contribution of Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 Genotypes to Colorectal Cancer in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Matrix metalloproteinase-1 is responsible for extracellular matrix regulation, and its genetic role in colorectal cancer (CRC) is unclear. The aim of the study was to investigate the contribution of Matrix metalloproteinase-1 genotypes to CRC risk in Taiwan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 362 cases and 362 controls were included and their MMP-1 -1607 (rs1799705) genotypes were examined. The environmental factors and clinical-pathological records were also analyzed. RESULTS: The genotypic frequency of MMP-1 rs1799750 were different between the CRC and control groups (p for trend=0.0083). 1G/2G and 1G/1G were associated with lower risk (p=0.0438 and 0.0030, adjusted OR=0.73 and 0.54, 95%CI=0.54-0.90 and 0.37-0.83). Among non-smokers, those with 1G/2G and 1G/1G genotypes were at 0.70- and 0.48-fold odds of having CRC. Among non-alcohol drinkers, people with 1G/2G and 1G/1G genotypes were at 0.71- and 0.54-fold odds. The 1G/1G genotype were statistically lower among CRC patients with lymph node metastasis (7.2%) than those without (19.0%). CONCLUSION: The genotypes at MMP-1 rs1799705 play a role in determining susceptibility to CRC risk in Taiwan.

The Association of MMP7 Promoter Polymorphisms With Gastric Cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Few studies have examined the genetic role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) to early detection or prediction in gastric cancer development. In this study, the contribution of MMP7 promoter (A-181G and C-153T) polymorphic genotypes to gastric cancer risk in Taiwanese was investigated for the first time. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 121 cases and 363 controls were enrolled and their MMP7 genotypes at A-181G and C-153T were examined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism methodology using genomic DNA from serum. RESULTS: The GG genotype at MMP7 A-181G was found to represent a risk factor for gastric cancer, especially among smokers. No individual with variant genotype carrier at MMP7 C-153T was found among this Taiwanese population. CONCLUSION: The G allele of MMP7 A-181G may serve as an early predictor for gastric cancer risk in Taiwanese; other gastric cancer markers are still urgently needed.

Contribution of Caspase-8 Genotypes to Colorectal Cancer Risk in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The aim of this study was to examine the role of caspase-8 rs3834129 polymorphism on colorectal cancer (CRC) risk in Taiwanese CRC patients and healthy controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The caspase-8 rs3834129 (-652 6N insertion/deletion) polymorphic genotypes were analyzed in 362 patients with CRC and the same number of age- and gender-matched healthy subjects. The interaction of caspase-8 rs3834129 genotypes with personal behaviors and clinicopathological features were also examined. RESULTS: The percentage of variants ID and DD for caspase-8 rs3834129 genotype were 37.6 and 5.8% in CRC group and 39.0 and 6.6% in the control group, respectively (p for trend=0.7987). The allelic frequency distribution analysis showed that caspase-8 rs3834129 D allele conferred a non-significant lower susceptibility for CRC compared with I allele (OR=0.92, 95%CI=0.74-1.20, p=0.5063). There was no obvious link between caspase-8 rs3834129 genotype and CRC risk among ever-smokers, non-smokers, non-alcohol drinkers or alcohol drinkers. No statistically significant correlation was observed between caspase-8 rs3834129 genotypic distribution and age, gender, tumor size, location or metastasis status. CONCLUSION: Overall, caspase-8 rs3834129 genotypes may not serve as predictors for CRC risk or prognosis.

Contribution of Murine Double Minute 2 Genotypes to Colorectal Cancer Risk in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The genomic role of human mouse double minute 2 (MDM2) in colorectal cancer (CRC) is unclear, therefore, our study aimed to evaluate the contribution of MDM2 genotype to the risk of CRC in Taiwan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this case-control study, MDM2 SNP309 T to G (rs2279744) genotypes were determined and their association with CRC risk were investigated among 362 patients with CRC and 362 age- and gender-matched healthy controls in central Taiwan. In addition, the interaction of MDM2 SNP309 genotypes with personal behaviors and clinicopathological features were also examined. RESULTS: The percentage of variant GG for the MDM2 SNP309 genotype was 30.9% in the CRC group and 24.0% in the control group, respectively (odds ratio (OR)=1.78, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.25-2.86, p=0.0057). The allelic frequency distribution analysis showed that the variant G allele of MDM2 SNP309 conferred a significantly increased susceptibility to CRC compared with the wild-type T allele (OR=1.32, 95% CI=1.14-1.69, p=0.0062). As for the gene-lifestyle interaction, there was an obvious joint effect of MDM2 SNP309 GG genotype on the risk of CRC among ever-smokers and non-alcohol drinkers, but not non-smoker or alcohol drinker subgroups. No statistically significant correlation was observed between MDM2 SNP309 genotypic distributions and age, gender, tumor size, location or metastasis status. CONCLUSION: The genotypes of MDM2 SNP309 may allow forr early detection of and predictor for CRC risk, especially among smokers and non-alcohol drinkers, but not for prognosis. The combined effects of MDM2 SNP309 and other genes (such as matrix metalloproteinases) on CRC susceptibility and prognosis, should also be taken into consideration in the era of precision medicine.

The Contribution of MMP-7 Genotypes to Colorectal Cancer Susceptibility in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play important roles in inflammation and carcinogenesis, but the genotypic role of MMP-7 has never been investigated in colorectal cancer (CRC) among the Taiwanese. Therefore, in this study we aimed to evaluate the contribution of MMP-7 genotypes to the risk of CRC in Taiwan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this case-control study, MMP-7 A-181G and C-153T promoter genotypes were determined and their association with CRC risk were investigated among 362 CRC patients and 362 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. In addition, the interaction of MMP-7 genotypes and personal behaviors were also examined. RESULTS: The percentages of variant AG and GG for MMP-7 A-181G genotypes were 10.5% and 1.7% in the CRC group and 11.9% and 2.2% in the control group, respectively (p for trend=0.7145). The allelic frequency distribution analysis showed that the variant G allele of MMP-7 A-181G conferred a slight but non-significant decreased CRC susceptibility to the wild-type C allele (odds ratio (OR)=0.86, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.64-1.31, p=0.37). Taiwanese all harbour the CC genotype at MMP-7 C-153T. As for the gene-lifestyle interaction, there were no obvious joint effects of MMP-7 A-181G genotype on the risk of CRC among ever smoker, alcohol drinker, non-smoker or non-drinker subgroups. No statistically significant correlation was observed between MMP-7 A-181G genotypic distributions and age, gender, tumor size, location or metastasis status. CONCLUSION: The genotypes of MMP-7 A-181G may play an indirect role in determining personal susceptibility to CRC and prognosis. The further genotyping work on MMP-7 and other genes (such as other MMPs, oncogenes and tumor suppression genes) on CRC susceptibility and prognosis, should be taken into consideration spontaneously in the precision medicine era.

Contribution of matrix metalloproteinases-1 genotypes to gastric cancer susceptibility in Taiwan.

Expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP1), an interstitial collagenase regulating the extracellular matrix, plays a major role in carcinogenesis of gastric cancer, a leading cause of death worldwide. In literature, the single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) promoter -1607 1G/2G (rs1799750) at the MMP1 gene promoter has been reported to alter its own transcription level. While the importance's of the genotype of MMP1 promoter -1607 has not yet been studied in gastric cancer in Taiwan, our aim was to investigate MMP1 promoter -1607 genotypes and gastric cancer (GC) susceptibility in central Taiwan population. In the current hospital-based case-control study, the contribution of MMP1 promoter -1607 genotypes to GC risk was investigated among 121 GC patients and 363 gender- and age-matched healthy controls recruited and genotyped by the polymerase chain reaction-based restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) methodology. We found that the genotypic and allelic frequencies were not differentially distributed between GC patient and control groups. The variant 1G containing genotypes have interactions with cigarrete smoking behaviors and Helicobacter pylori infection status, but not alcoholism on GC susceptibility determination. Our findings suggest that the variant 1G allele on MMP1 promoter -1607 may contribute to GC carcinogenesis and may be useful for GC early detection and prevention when combined with cigarrete smoking behaviors and Helicobacter pylori infection status.

The Contribution of Excision Repair Cross-complementing Group 1 Genotypes to Colorectal Cancer Susceptibility in Taiwan.

AIM: To evaluate the contribution of ERCC1 rs11615 and rs3212986 genotypes regarding the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) in Taiwan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this case-control study, ERCC1 rs11615 and rs3212986 genotypes and their interaction with consumption of cigarettes and alcohol in determining CRC risk were investigated among 362 CRC patients and 362 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. RESULTS: The percentages of CC, CT and TT for ERCC1 rs11615 genotype were 44.2%, 36.2% and 19.6% in the CRC group and 49.7%, 38.4% and 11.9% in the control group, respectively (p for trend=0.0158). The allelic frequency distribution analysis showed that the variant T allele of ERCC1 rs11615 conferred increased CRC susceptibility to the wild-type C allele (odds ratio (OR)=1.34, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.08-1.67, p=0.0079). As for the gene-lifestyle interaction, there were obvious joint effects of ERCC1 rs11615 genotype on the risk of CRC among ever smokers and alcohol drinkers, but not non-smokers or non-drinkers. There is a positive correlation of ERCC1 rs11615 genotype with lymph node metastasis, but not other CRC prognosis, including tumor size and location. CONCLUSION: ERCC1 rs11615 T allele serves as a predictive marker for CRC risk and future studies with larger samples and functional evaluation are warranted to validate these findings.

The Contribution of Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 Genotypes to Hepatocellular Carcinoma Susceptibility in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of proteases which have been shown to be overexpressed in various types of cancers. However, the contribution of MMP1 genotype to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been well studied. This study aimed to evaluate the contribution of MMP1 promoter 1607 genotype to the risk of HCC in Taiwan, where HCC incidence is relatively high in the world. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this case-control study, MMP1 genotype and its interaction with consumption of cigarettes and alcohol in determining HCC risk was investigated among 298 HCC patients and 889 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. RESULTS: The percentages of ever smokers and ever alcohol drinkers were much higher in the case group than in the control group. The percentages of 2G/2G, 1G/2G and 1G/1G for MMP1 promoter 1607 genotype were 37.2%, 38.3% and 24.5% in the HCC group and 34.8%, 44.0% and 21.2% in the control group, respectively (p for trend=0.2048). The allelic frequency distribution analysis showed the variant 1G allele of MMP1 promoter 1607 conferred similar HCC susceptibility as the wild-type 2G allele (odds ratio (OR)=1.01, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.84-1.22, p=0.8735). As for the gene-lifestyle interaction, there was an obvious protective effect of MMP1 promoter 1607 1G allele on the risk of HCC among non-smokers, but not non-smokers, even alcohol drinkers or non-drinkers. CONCLUSION: The 1G allele of MMP1 promoter 1607 may have a protective effect on HCC risk for non-smokers in Taiwan and further validations are needed in other population groups.

Baicalin Scavenged Reactive Oxygen Species and Protected Human Keratinocytes Against UVB-induced Cytotoxicity.

Ultraviolet B (UVB), with a wavelength of 280-320 nm, represents one of the most important environmental factors for skin disorders, including sunburn, hyperpigmentation, solar keratosis, solar elastosis and skin cancer. Therefore, protection against excessive UVA-induced damage is useful for prevention of sunburn and other human diseases. Baicalin, a major component of traditional Chinese medicine Scutellaria baicalensis, has been reported to possess antioxidant and cytostatic capacities. In this study, we examined whether baicalin is also capable of protecting human keratinocytes from UVB irradiation. The results showed that baicalin effectively scavenged reactive oxygen species (ROS) elevated within 4 h after UVB radiation and reversed the UVB-suppressed cell viability and UVB-induced apoptosis after 24 h. Our results demonstrated the utility of baicalin to complement the contributions of traditional Chinese medicine in UVB-induced damage to skin and suggested their potential application as pharmaceutical agents in long-term sun-shining injury prevention.

Effects of interleukin-10 polymorphisms and smoking on the risk of gastric cancer in Taiwan.

Gastric cancer is the second cause of death from cancer worldwide and its prevalence and mortality rates are still very high in developed countries. Interleukin-10 (IL10) is a pleiotropic cytokine produced by macrophages which can suppress and stimulate the immune response in tumorigenesis signaling. However, the contribution of IL10 genomic variants to gastric cancer is still largely unknown. In the present study, we aimed at investigating the role of IL10 genotypes in gastric cancer risk. The promoter single nucleotide polymorphisms on IL10, A-1082G (rs1800896), T-819C (rs3021097) and A-592C (rs1800872), were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method among 716 Taiwanese people (358 patients gastric cancer and 358 cancer-free controls). The results showed that there was a significant difference between the patient and control groups in the genotypic frequency distribution of IL10 A-1082G genotypes (p=0.0004). In addition, those carrying the G allele were found to have a higher risk for gastric cancer compared with those with the A allele (p=3.19×10(-5)). Furthermore, personal cigarrete smoking habits enhanced the gastric cancer risk for those IL10 A-1082G AG and GG carriers. In conclusion, AG and GG genotype at IL10 A-1082G, together with smoking, synergistically contribute to individual susceptibility for gastric cancer in Taiwan.

The significant association of CCND1 genotypes with gastric cancer in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Gastric cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide. Due to the complex initiation and intricate progression mechanisms, early detection and effective treatment of gastric cancer are both difficult to achieve. The genetic polymorphisms encoding critical protein cyclin D1 (CCND1) to regulate cell cycle transition from G1 phase to S phase may determine the susceptibility of individuals to gastric cancer. The study aimed to examine the contribution of CCND1 genotypes to gastric cancer risk in Taiwan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The genotypes of CCND1 A870G (rs9344) and G1722C (rs678653) were determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis among 358 gastric patients and 358 cancer-free controls, and the distribution of genotypic and allelic frequencies among the two groups were compared. RESULTS: The results showed that there were significant differences between gastric cancer and control groups in the distribution of the genotypes (p=6.86×10(-4)) and allelic frequency (p=0.0016) in the CCND1 A870G genotype. In addition, individuals who carried the AG or GG genotype had 0.55- and 0.51-fold of odds ratios of developing gastric cancer compared to those who carried the AA genotype (95% confidence intervals [CI]=0.39-0.76 and 0.32-0.81, respectively). There was no such association of CCND1 G1722C with gastric cancer. Furthermore, there was an obvious interaction of the CCND1 A870G genotype with personal smoking habit on gastric cancer risk (p=0.0005). CONCLUSION: Cell-cycle regulation may play a role in gastric cancer initiation and development and the CCND1 A870G genotype maybe a useful biomarker for detection of early gastric cancer.