Association between TNF-α rs1800629 polymorphism and the risk of myocardial infarction: A meta-analysis.

The tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) G-308A polymorphism has been suggested to be a susceptibility factor for myocardial infarction (MI). However, differing results from various studies have led to controversial conclusions. Hence, we performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the association between TNF-α G-308A polymorphism and MI. Reported studies published before March 30, 2015 were included and analyzed from the PubMed and Embase databases. Study selection and data extraction were carried out independently by two authors. The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to evaluate the association between the selected variables using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis v2.2 software. In total, 12 publications with 13 case-control studies consisting of 6037 cases and 7262 controls were included in our meta-analysis. The overall results showed that there was no significant association between TNF-α G-308A polymorphism and MI risk [A vs G: OR = 1.18, 95%CI = 0.94-1.48; AA vs GG: OR = 1.23, 95%CI = 0.74-2.05; GA vs GG: OR = 1.22, 95%CI = 0.98-1.51; (GA+AA) vs G: OR = 1.21, 95%CI = 0.96-1.54; AA vs (GG+GA): OR = 1.16, 95%CI = 0.72-1.88]. However, when subgroup analysis was performed according to the stages of MI, results indicated that there was a significant association between TNF-α G-308A polymorphism and the risk of acute MI. Other subgroup analyses revealed no significant associations. Current evidence suggests that TNF-α G-308A polymorphism may be associated with increased risk for acute MI.

The TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway mediates the growth of colon cancer.

OBJECTIVE: We studied the involvement of the TLR4/NF-κB pathway in the growth of colon cancer using human colon cancer specimens, human colon cancer SW620 cell line, and nude mouse xenograft model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Tissue samples were surgically harvested. The human colon cancer SW620 cell line was pre-treated with the TLR4 inhibitor CRX-526 and stimulated with LPS. The nude mouse xenograft model was established by subcutaneous injection of SW620 cells with or without CRX-526, the TLR4 inhibitor. The study outcomes were mRNA and protein expressions of TLR4 and NF-κB p65 in specimens of colon cancer and adjacent normal tissue, SW620 cell line, and xenografts. In addition, we studied production of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 in culture supernatants of LPS-stimulated SW620 cells. RESULTS: Both mRNA and protein expressions of TLR4 and NF-κB in colon cancer specimens were higher than those in the adjacent normal tissue. LPS up-regulated expression of TLR4 and NF-κB, and stimulated production of IL-6 and IL-8 in SW620 cells. These effects were attenuated by CRX-526. TLR4 inhibition was also effective in the nude mouse xenograft model, as tumor sizes were significantly smaller, and expressions of TLR4 and NF-κB significantly lower, in the mice treated with CRX-526. CONCLUSIONS: The TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway is activated in colon cancer, causing production of IL-6 and IL-8, and, thereby, tumor growth and metastasization. Inhibition of TLR4 attenuates up-regulation of NF-κB and inhibits tumor growth.