Association of common IL-10 promoter gene variants with the susceptibility to head and neck cancer in Tunisia

Abstract

Background/aim : We investigated the association of three IL-10 promoter single-nucleotide polymorphisms and altered IL-10 plasma levels with the risk of head and neck cancer (HNC). Material and methods : Study subjects comprised 194 HNC patients [137 nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) and 57 laryngeal cancer (LC)], and 263 healthy controls. Genotyping of rs1800896 (-1082A>G), rs1800871 (-819C>T), and rs1800872 (-592A>C) IL-10 variants was performed by real-time PCR; IL-10 levels were measured by Enzyme Amplified Immuno Sensitivity Assay (EAISA). Results : Carriage of rs1800896 A/A genotype was more frequent in HNC and NPC cases, but was less frequent in controls than LC patients. Significant differences in IL-10 levels was seen between rs1800896A/G genotype-carrying NPC cases and controls. Positive association with NPC and LC was seen for rs1800871C/C, and carriage of rs1800872A/A genotype and A allele were associated with higher risk of HNC and NPC, but not LC. GT rs1800896-rs1800871 haplotype was more frequent among HNC and NPC cases than controls, in contrast to GC haplotype, which has a protective effect. Positive association was found between TA haplotype and LC. Conclusion : Our results demonstrate that IL-10-1082, IL-10-819 and IL-10-592 variants, and haplotypes GC and GT constitute biomarkers for early detection of HNC, especially NPC subtype. IL-10 -819T/C and TA haplotype may be used as biomarkers for early detection of LC. Keywords: Head and neck cancer, Interleukin-10, laryngeal cancer, nasopharyngeal cancer, Tunisia