The benefits of leisure activities on healthy life expectancy for older people with diabetes.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to examine whether leisure activities can help reduce years lived with disability and increase healthy life expectancy of diabetics aged 50 years and above. METHODS: Analysis was based on five waves of follow-up survey data (Taiwan Longitudinal Study of Aging, TLSA) from 1996 to 2011. A total of 5131 participants aged 50 years and above in 1996 were included in the analysis, and gender, leisure activity participation, and diabetes mellitus were used as primary variables to examine the variation trend in health status in the participants. The health status in the various waves of surveys was measured using the activities of daily living scale, and nondisabled was defined as healthy. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to calculate the life expectancy (LE) and healthy life expectancy (HLE) of the people aged 50 years and above. RESULTS: The diabetes older people with a high frequency of leisure activities have longer HLE than those with lower activity frequency. Using 50-year-old diabetic women as an example, the LE (HLE) of those with six or more leisure activities and those with three or fewer leisure activities was 30.40 (25.34) and 24.90 (20.87), respectively. The LE (HLE) of men with the same conditions was 24.79 (22.68) and 20.30 (18.45), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study used life expectancy and healthy life expectancy as markers to evaluate health benefits and provided evidence that leisure activities can help extend the life span and maintain the health status of middle-aged and older diabetics.

Associations of Matrix Metalloproteinase-8 Genotypes to Renal Cell Carcinoma in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) presents a formidable clinical challenge due to its aggressive behavior and limited therapeutic options. Matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) has recently emerged as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for various cancers. However, the genetic involvement of MMP-8 in RCC has remained largely obscure. This study aimed to elucidate the role of MMP-8 genotypes in RCC susceptibility. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique was employed to scrutinize the genotypes of MMP-8 C-799T (rs11225395), Val436Ala (rs34009635), and Lys460Thr (rs35866072) among 118 RCC patients and 590 controls. Furthermore, potential associations between MMP-8 genotypes and age, sex, smoking, alcohol consumption, hypertension, diabetes, and family history status in relation to RCC risk were assessed. RESULTS: No significant disparities in the distribution of MMP-8 rs11225395, rs34009635, and rs35866072 genotypes were observed between the RCC case and control cohorts (p>0.05). Individuals with CT and TT genotypes at MMP-8 rs11225395 exhibited 0.86- and 0.80-fold RCC risks, respectively (OR=0.57-1.31 and 0.42-1.55, p=0.5585 and 0.6228, respectively). Intriguingly, hypertensive individuals carrying the MMP-8 rs11225395 CT or TT genotype demonstrated an elevated risk for RCC compared to those with wild-type CC genotype (p=0.0440). No interactions of MMP-8 genotypes with age, sex, smoking, alcohol consumption, or diabetes status were evident (all p>0.05). No significant association was discerned for MMP-8 rs34009635 or rs35866072 genotypes. CONCLUSION: MMP-8 genotypes appear to have a modest influence on individual susceptibility to RCC. Hypertensive patients with the CT or TT MMP-8 rs11225395 genotype may have an elevated risk of RCC.

Impacts of Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 Genotypes on Renal Cell Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) is elevated in various renal diseases, including renal cell carcinoma. However, the role of MMP9 genotype in this context remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between MMP9 promoter rs3918242 genotypes and the risk of renal cell carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The MMP9 rs3918242 genotypes of 118 patients with renal cell carcinoma and 590 healthy subjects were determined using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. RESULTS: The results indicated that individuals carrying the CT or TT genotype of MMP9 rs3918242 did not exhibit an increased risk of renal cell carcinoma compared to wild-type CC carriers (odds ratio=1.20 and 2.68, 95% confidence interval=0.75-1.92 and 0.89-8.03; p=0.5270 and 0.1420, respectively). However, individuals with the CT and TT genotypes had a higher prevalence of renal cell carcinoma than those with the CC genotype when they also had hypertension (p=0.0010), diabetes (p=0.0010), or a family history of cancer (p<0.00001). No correlation was observed between MMP9 rs3918242 genotypic distribution and age (60 years or younger vs. older than 60 years) or sex (both p>0.05). Additionally, no correlation was found between MMP9 rs3918242 genotype and the risk of renal cell carcinoma in individuals with smoking or alcohol consumption habits. CONCLUSION: Carrying the T allele for MMP9 rs3918242 may predict a higher risk of renal cell carcinoma among individuals diagnosed with hypertension, diabetes, or with a family history of cancer.

Impacts of Mir146a Genotypes on Bladder Cancer Risk in Taiwan.

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in mir146a and mir196a and bladder cancer (BLCA) risk in Taiwan. The genotypes of mir146a rs2910164 and mir196a rs11614913 were determined in 375 BLCA patients and 375 healthy controls using PCR-RFLP methodology, and their associations with BLCA risk were evaluated. The study also measured the serum expression level of mir146a using quantitative RT-PCR. The results showed that the distributions of CC, CG and GG genotypes of mir146a rs2910164 were 31.7%, 45.6% and 22.7% in the control group, and 21.9%, 44.3% and 33.8% in the case group, respectively. In logistic regression analyses, the heterozygous variant genotype CG carriers showed a marginally significant association with increased BLCA risk (OR = 1.41, 95% CI = 0.99-2.01), while the homozygous variant genotype GG carriers had a 2.17-fold increased risk of BLCA (OR = 2.17, 95%CI = 1.46-3.21). Moreover, carriers of the GG/CG genotypes had significantly higher serum levels of mir146a than those with the CC genotype (p < 0.0001), indicating a genotype-phenotype correlation. In contrast, mir196a rs11614913 was not associated with BLCA risk. Therefore, the genotypes of mir146a rs2910164 may serve as a useful biomarker for predicting the risk of BLCA.

Association of Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 Genotypes With Prostate Cancer Risk.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed malignancies among males, especially in Western populations. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) plays a critical role in extracellular regulation and metastasis. However, its genotypes have seldom been examined among patients with prostate cancer (PCa). Therefore, the purpose of the study was to evaluate the association of genotypes at MMP-2 promoter -1306 (rs243865) and -735 (rs2285053) with PCa risk in a Taiwanese cohort. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The profiles of MMP-2 rs243865 and rs2285053 genotypes were examined among 218 PCa patients and 436 healthy controls by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism methodologies. RESULTS: The percentages of wild-type CC, and variant CT and TT genotypes on MMP-2 rs243865 were 88.5, 10.6, and 0.9% in the PCa case group and 85.6, 13.5, and 0.9% in the control group, respectively (p for trend=0.5544). The allelic frequency distribution showed that the variant T allele at MMP-2 rs24386 5 was not associated with PCa risk (p=0.3250). As for MMP-2 rs2285053, the results were also non-significant. In addition, there was no association between the genotypes of MMP-2 rs243865 or rs2285053 with age or smoking status on PCa risk. CONCLUSION: rs11568818 and rs11568819 at MMP-2 promoter region played minor roles in determining individual PCa risk.

Association of Matrix Metalloproteinase-7 Genotypes With Prostate Cancer Risk.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed malignancies among males worldwide. It has been shown that MMP-7 gene is closely correlated with prostate carcinogenesis. However, the role of the MMP-7 genotypes has been seldom examined among prostate cancer patients. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to evaluate the contribution of MMP-7 promoter genotypes A-181G (rs11568818) and C-153T (rs11568819) to prostate cancer risk in Taiwan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred and eighteen prostate cancer patients and 436 sex- and age-matched healthy controls were genotyped for MMP-7 rs11568818 and rs11568819 by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism and direct sequencing methodologies. RESULTS: The percentages of wild-type AA, and variant AG and GG genotypes on MMP-7 rs11568818 were 85.3, 13.5, and 1.2% among the prostate cancer cases and 87.6, 10.1, and 2.3% among the healthy controls, respectively (p for trend=0.2557). Interestingly, no MMP-7 rs11568819 genotypes were identified among Taiwanese. The allelic frequency distribution also showed that the variant G allele of MMP-7 rs11568818 seemed not to be a determinant of prostate cancer risk (p=0.7977). There was no joint effect between the genotypes of MMP-7 rs11568818 and age and smoking status on prostate cancer risk. CONCLUSION: rs11568818 and rs11568819 at MMP-7 promoter region, played no role in determining personal susceptibility to prostate cancer in Taiwan.

Association of Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 Genotypes With Bladder Cancer Risk.

AIM: There is very little literature reporting the association of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP1) with personal susceptibility to bladder cancer. In the current study, we carried out the first examination of the contribution of MMP1 rs1799750 to bladder cancer risk in Taiwanese. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 375 bladder cancer cases and 375 healthy controls were genotyped for MMP1 rs1799750 via polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism methodology and this was evaluated for association with clinicopathological factors. RESULTS: The frequencies of MMP1 rs1799750 2G/2G, 1G/2G, and 1G/1G genotypes were 35.7%, 44.8% and 19.5% in the group with bladder cancer and 32.5%, 46.4%, and 21.1% in the healthy control group (p for trend=0.6362). The odds ratios (ORs) for bladder cancer risk after adjusting for age and gender for those carrying 1G/2G and 1G/1G genotypes at MMP1 rs1799750 were 0.88 (95% CI=0.62-1.24, p=0.4357) and 0.83 (95% CI=0.61-1.26, p=0.3990), respectively, compared with the wild-type 2G/2G genotype. In allelic frequency analysis, the adjusted OR for those carrying the 1G allele at MMP1 rs1799750 was 0.87 (95% CI=0.71-1.23, p=0.3479) compared to those people carrying a 2G allele. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicated that the genotypes at MMP1 rs1799750 appear to play little role in determining personal susceptibility to bladder cancer for Taiwanese.

Association Between Low Serum Testosterone and the Development of Metabolic Syndrome in Elderly Taiwanese Men.

PURPOSE: To assess the association between serum testosterone (T) and metabolic syndrome (MS) in different age groups in Taiwanese men. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male participants, regardless of age or any underlying disease, were identified from MJ Health Screening Center in Taiwan from 2007 to 2016 for this cross-sectional study. They were divided into three groups according to age, and further classified according to MS diagnosis. Basic patient characteristics with relevant parameters were obtained. One-way ANOVA of mean T values between different numbers of measures that exceeds the cut-off values of MS components was performed to assess the relationship of T and MS. Logistic regression analysis was also used to estimate the risk for MS with each increment in T, age, and BMI. RESULTS: A total of 4,931 men were included. The MS group had significantly lower serum T levels compared to the non-MS group in each age group. The one-way ANOVA found the mean value of T was significantly higher in patients without MS component (6.19±2.12 ng/mL) than those with 1-5 MS components (with one MS component: 5.48±2.13 ng/mL, two MS components: 4.93±2.03 ng/mL, three MS components: 4.37±1.60 ng/mL, four MS components: 4.13±2.89 ng/mL, five MS components: 3.74±1.27 ng/mL, and P<0.001). There was no significant difference between the patients with three components and the patients with four or five components. Logistic regression models with age stratification showed T with lower odds ratio (OR) for MS after adjusting for BMI in those ≥65 years old (OR=0.693; 95% CI=0.559-0.858; P<0.001); 50-64 years old (OR=0.868; 95% CI=0.802-0.940; P<0.001) and <50 years old (OR=0.810; 95% CI=0.758-0.865; P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Lower serum T was strongly associated with MS, with the predictive value increasing with age in Taiwanese men.

Significant Association of Interleukin-16 Genetic Variations to Taiwanese Lung Cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Interleukin-16 has been reported to exhibit tumoricidal effects, however, the contribution of IL-16 genotypes to lung cancer is still largely unrevealed. This study aimed at investigating whether IL-16 genotypes contribute to lung cancer susceptibility. MATERIALS AND METHODS: IL-16 rs4778889, rs11556218, and rs4072111 genotypic characteristics were determined among 358 lung cancer patients and 716 controls via the polymerase chain reaction-based restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) methodology. RESULTS: The highlight finding is that the distributions of genotypic (p=8.6E-10) and allelic (p=0.0001) frequencies of IL-16 rs11556218 was significantly different between cases and controls. In detail, the frequencies of IL-16 rs11556218 heterozygous variant TG and homozygous variant GG were 36.6 and 7.3% among the lung cancer patients, significantly higher than those among the controls (22.5% and 2.6%). On the other way, no difference was observed regarding IL-16 rs4778889 or IL-16 rs4072111. CONCLUSION: The present study indicates IL-16 rs11556218 G allele is significantly associated with increased Taiwan lung cancer risk.

The role of genotype/phenotype at apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease Rs1130409 in renal cell carcinoma.

The DNA repair capacity plays a critical role in maintaining the genomic stability and gatekeeping for individual cancer risk. In this study, we aim at evaluation the role of the Asp148Glu (rs1130409) variant at apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease (APE) gene in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) risk and the contribution of different genotypes to its transcriptional mRNA levels. In the case-control study, 92 RCC patients and 580 cancer-free patients matched by age and gender were recruited. The apurinic/APE genotyping work was conducted with typical restriction fragment length polymorphism methodology after polymerase chain reaction. At the meanwhile, thirty renal tissue samples with variant genotypes were examined for their apurinic/APE mRNA and protein expressions by real-time quantitative reverse transcription method and Western blotting. The results showed that compared with the wild-type TT genotype, the people with TG and GG genotypes of apurinic/APE Asp148Glu had 0.88- and 1.09-fold risk of RCC, respectively. We have also examined the in vivo transcriptional (RNA) and translational (protein) levels with renal tissues of various apurinic/APE Asp148Glu genotypes, revealing that the apurinic/APE mRNA and protein were of similar levels among people of TT, TG, or GG genotypes. There was no joint gene-environment effect of apurinic/APE Asp148Glu genotype and smoking habit on RCC risk. The evidence indicated that apurinic/APE Asp148Glu genotypic variants did not alter its mRNA and protein expression among RCC patients. The genotype of apurinic/APE Asp148Glu may not serve as a proper predictive marker for RCC risk in Taiwan.

The Association of MMP7 Genotype With Pterygium.

BACKGROUND/AIM: In literature, few studies have examined the diagnostic or prognostic potential of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) in pterygium, whose formation and progression are closely related to imbalance in the extracellular microenvironment. In this study, we investigated the contribution of MMP7 promoter (A-181G and C-153T) polymorphic genotypes to pterygium risk. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 134 cases and 268 controls were collected and their MMP7 genotypes at A-181G and C-153T were examined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism methodology. RESULTS: The AA, AG and GG genotypes at MMP7 promoter A-181G were non-significantly differentially distributed between the two groups at 85.8, 11.2 and 3.0%, respectively, in pterygium cases and 88.4, 9.7 and 1.9% in controls, respectively (p for trend=0.6822). There was no polymorphic genotype for MMP7 C-153T among our Taiwanese cohort. CONCLUSION: A-181G and C-153T genotypes at MMP7 do not have a direct role in determining Taiwanese susceptibility to pterygium.

Association of Matrix Metalloproteinase-7 Genotypes with the Risk of Bladder Cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The breakage of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) has been reported to be one of the mechanisms required for tumor invasion, and the expression of MMP-7 in serum is correlated with poor prognosis of urinary bladder cancer patients. However, the role of the MMP-7 genotypes has been seldom examined among bladder cancer patients. Therefore, this study aimed at examining the promoter polymorphic MMP-7 genotypes A-181G and C-153T among Taiwanese bladder cancer patients and evaluate the contribution of the genotypic variants of MMP-7 to bladder cancer risk in Taiwan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three hundred and seventy-five bladder cancer patients and the same number of gender- and age-matched healthy controls were genotyped for A-181G and C-153T in the promoter of MMP-7 via polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism methodology. RESULTS: The frequencies of AA, AG and GG at A-181G of the promoter of MMP-7 were 89.1, 8.8 and 2.1% in the bladder cancer patient group and 87.5, 10.9 and 1.6% in the matched healthy control group, respectively (p for trend=0.5475). There was no polymorphic genotype for MMP-7 C-153T among the Taiwanese population. The comparisons in allelic frequency distribution also support the findings that the G allele may not be the determinant allele for bladder cancer in Taiwan. In addition, the results showed that there is no significant association of the bladder risk with the MMP-7 A-181G genotype, even after adjustment for the possible confounding factors. Furthermore, there is no interaction of the genotypes of MMP-7 with age, gender, smoking and alcohol consumption on bladder cancer risk. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that the two MMP-7 polymorphisms, - A-181G and C-153T, do not play a major role in determining personal susceptibility to bladder cancer in Taiwan.

The Contribution of Interleukin-12 Genetic Variations to Taiwanese Lung Cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death and a better marker for advanced personalized therapeutic approaches, such as immunotherapies, is in urgent need. Interleukin-12 (IL-12) is a cytokine that has been reported to exhibit potent tumoricidal effects, however, the contribution of IL-12 genotypes to lung cancer is still largely unrevealed. The aim of this study was to investigate whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in IL-12A and IL-12B are associated with lung cancer in a Taiwanese population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Genotypes of 358 lung cancer patients and 716 controls were determined by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. RESULTS: The distributions of genotypic (p=0.0036) and allelic (p=0.0005) frequencies of IL-12A rs568408 demonstrated significant differences between cases and controls. In detail, the AA genotype of IL-12A rs568408 was associated with a significantly elevated risk of lung cancer compared with the GG genotype (odds ratio(OR)=2.41, 95% confidence interval(CI)=1.36-4.29, p=0.0021). No difference was observed regarding IL-12A rs2243115 and IL-12B rs3212227 genotypes between the case and control groups. In addition, the results of interaction analysis showed that the AA genotype of IL-12A rs568408 was associated with elevated lung cancer risk, especially among those with smoking habits (p=0.0043). CONCLUSION: IL-12A rs568404 AA genotype may contribute to the etiology and serve as a genomic determinant of lung cancer in Taiwanese, especially smokers.

The Association of Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 Promoter Polymorphisms with Prostate Cancer in Taiwanese Patients.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The family of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) is responsible for the maintenance of extracellular matrix component homeostasis and the association of MMP-1 genetic polymorphisms with personal susceptibility to prostate cancer has only been investigated in Turkish and Japan populations and never in Taiwan. In the current study, we aimed to examine the contribution of a polymorphism in the promoter region of MMP-1 to Taiwan prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The MMP-1 rs1799705 polymorphic genotypes were genotyped among 218 prostate cancer patients and 436 healthy controls by the typical polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) methodology. RESULTS: The percentages of 2G/2G, 1G/2G, and 1G/1G for MMP-1 -1607 genotypes were 36.2, 40.4 and 23.4% in the prostate cancer group and 33.7, 44.3, and 22.0% in the healthy control group (p trend=0.6362), respectively. The odds ratios (ORs) after adjusting for age and smoking status for those carrying 1G/2G and 1G/1G genotypes at MMP-1 -1607 were 0.84 (95%CI=0.55-1.21, p=0.3862) and 0.94 (95%CI=0.67-1.53, p=0.9586), respectively, compared to those carrying the wild-type 2G/2G genotype. Supporting these findings, the adjusted OR for those carrying the 1G allele at MMP-1 -1607 was 1.03 (95%CI=0.71-1.45, p=0.6910), compared to those carrying the wild-type 2G allele. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that the polymorphic genotypes at MMP-1 promoter -1607 may play a major role in determining personal cancer susceptibility for prostate cancer in Taiwan.

Association of benign prostatic hyperplasia and subsequent risk of bladder cancer: an Asian population cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: Few studies discussed the link between benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and bladder cancer. We performed this cohort study to investigate whether there is an association between BPH and subsequent risk of bladder cancer. METHODS: We identified 35,092 study subjects including 17546 BPH patients and 17546 comparisons from the National Health Insurance database. The comparison cohort was frequency matched with age and index-year. We measured subsequent bladder cancer rates (per 1000 person-years) in two cohorts. Attributable risks (ARs) was calculated based on the bladder cancer rates in two cohorts. The hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for bladder cancer were estimated via Cox proportional hazard regression. RESULTS: BPH patients had a higher bladder cancer rate than comparisons (AR = 0.81 per 1000 person-years) and exhibited 4.69- and 4.11-fold increases in bladder cancer risk in the crude and adjusted Cox models, respectively (95% CIs = 4.15-6.99 and 2.70-6.26). The AR was highest in patients aged 65-74 years old (AR = 1.33). BPH patients with chronic kidney disease were at an elevated bladder cancer risk. Regarding the association between bladder cancer and transurethral prostatectomy (TURP), BPH patients who underwent TURP were at a higher risk of bladder cancer (AR = 1.69; HR = 6.17, 95% CI = 3.68-10.3) than those who did not (AR = 0.69; HR = 3.73, 95% CI = 2.43-5.74). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, BPH patients were found to have an increased risk of subsequent bladder cancer. Based on the limitations of retrospective nature, further studies are needed.

The Association of MMP-8 Genotypes with Pterygium.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Pterygium is composed of proliferating fibrovascular tissue, and its formation and progression are closely related to the homeostasis of the extracellular microenvironment. However, few studies have examined the contribution of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) to either diagnostic or prognostic potential in pterygium. In this study, we investigated the contribution of a polymorphism in the promoter region of MMP-8 (-799C/T) and two non-synonymous polymorphisms (Val436Ala and Lys460Thr) to pterygium. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, 134 patients with pterygium and 268 non-cancer controls patients were collected and the MMP-8 -799C/T, Val436Ala and Lys460Thr polymorphic genotypes of each subject were examined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). RESULTS: The results showed that the three polymorphisms investigated were not significantly associated with risk of pterygium. In addition, the stratified analysis showed that there was no interaction between MMP-8 genotype with age or gender on pterygium risk determination. CONCLUSION: Polymorphisms at MMP-8 -799C/T, Val436Ala and Lys460Thr may not mainly contribute to determining personal susceptibility to pterygium in the Taiwanese examined.

The Contribution of MMP-7 Promoter Polymorphisms in Renal Cell Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Mounting evidence has suggested that polymorphisms in the promoters of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) genes are associated with the risk of many types of cancer, but no study has ever explored these polymorphisms as biomarkers for renal cell cancer (RCC). Recently, it was suggested that serum MMP-7 levels have both diagnostic and prognostic potential for RCC. In this study, we focused on the contribution of two functional polymorphisms in the promoter region of MMP-7 (A-181G and C-153T) to RCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: These two polymorphisms were genotyped in 92 patients with RCC and 580 controls by PRC-RFLP analysis. RESULTS: The results showed that there is no significant association of the RCC risk with the MMP-7 A-181G genotype, even after adjusted for the possible confounding factors. The MMP-7 C-153T polymorphism was not identified among the subjects investigated. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that the two MMP-7 polymorphisms A-181G and C-153T do not play a major role in determining personal susceptibility to RCC in Taiwan.

Association of Enhancer of Zeste 2 (EZH2) Genotypes with Bladder Cancer Risk in Taiwan.

AIM: Bladder cancer is the sixth most common cancer worldwide and its incidence is particularly high in many developed regions including southwestern Taiwan. However, the genetic contribution to the etiology of bladder cancer is not well-understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of the enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) genotypes with Taiwan bladder cancer risk. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three polymorphic variants of EZH2 were analyzed regarding their association with bladder cancer risk, and three hundred and seventy-five patients with bladder cancer and same number of age- and gender-matched healthy controls recruited were genotyped by the PCR-RFLP method. RESULTS: Among the three polymorphic sites examined, the genotypes of EZH2 rs887569 (C to T), but not rs41277434 (A to C) or rs3757441 (T to C), were positively associated with bladder cancer risk (p for trend =0.0146). Individuals with the EZH2 rs887569 TT genotypes were associated with decreased cancer risk than those with wild-type CC genotype. The stratified analyses showed that EZH2 rs887569 TT genotypes had protective effects on non-smokers but obviously not on smokers. CONCLUSION: Our findings provide evidence that the T allele of EZH2 rs887569 may be associated with the lower risk of bladder cancer development, especially among non-smokers.

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.

The Role of IL-10 Promoter Polymorphisms in Renal Cell Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) accounts for approximately 3% of all cancer-related mortalities worldwide and the risk factors for the development of RCC have not yet been fully elucidated. Mounting proteomic evidence suggests that inflammatory process plays a role in RCC etiology and interleukin-10 (IL-10) is an important immunosuppressive cytokine. However, little is known on the contribution of IL-10 genotypes to RCC. This study aimed at evaluating the contribution of IL-10 promoter A-1082G (rs1800896), T-819C (rs3021097), A-592C (rs1800872) genetic polymorphisms to the risk of RCC in Taiwan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Associations of the three IL-10 polymorphic genotypes with the risk of RCC were examined among 92 RCC patients and 580 age- and gender-matched cancer-free controls by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) methodology. RESULTS: The pilot results showed that the percentages of TT and TC for IL-10 T-819C genotypes were significantly higher in the RCC patient group than those in the healthy control group. The CC genotype carriers were of lower risk for RCC (odds ratio (OR)=0.33, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.12-0.93, p=0.0369). There is no difference in the distribution of A-1082G or A-592C genotype between the RCC and control groups. CONCLUSION: The CC genotype of IL-10 T-819C genotype may have a protective effect on RCC risk in Taiwan. Further investigation with larger sample size in addition to genotype-phenotype correlation and intracellular mechanisms are our future work.