ABSTRACT
Prostate cancer is now recognized as one of the most important medical problems in male population. Epigenetic regulation of gene expression by promoter methylation and histone acetylation, proinflammatory enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 and somatic mutations in a variety of genes with diverse biological functions has been implicated in prostate cancer development and progression.
Subject(s)
Prostatic Neoplasms/genetics , Disease Progression , Epigenesis, Genetic , Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic , Genome-Wide Association Study , Humans , MaleABSTRACT
Cytokine gene polymorphisms have been associated with modified gene expression and cytokine production. Gamma interferon (IFN-γ) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of kidney transplant rejection. This study evaluated the association between IFN-γ gene polymorphisms and the history of acute allograft rejection in 53 adult first-transplant recipients receiving cadaveric kidney grafts. They were followed up in a single centre until 2006, for a median time of 4 years after transplantation (1-22 years). IFN-γ gene polymorphisms +874 T/A (rs2430561) were determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). T/T high IFN-γ genotype was found in 12, intermediate T/A in 29 and low A/A in 12 patients. Twenty-six acute kidney rejection episodes were evidenced in 20 patients, of which none occurred in the 12 patients with low IFN-γ genotype A/A. Age, gender, number of HLA (human leukocyte antigen) mismatches, ABO blood groups, HLA, time after transplantation, creatinine clearance and immunosuppressive regimens were excluded as confounding factors associated with IFN-γ genotype distribution between rejectors and non-rejectors. IFN-γ gene polymorphisms could be an important risk factor for acute kidney transplant rejection, whereas the low A/A IFN-γ genotype could be protective against rejection.