title: Interleukin-10 polymorphisms, cancer susceptibility and prognosis.
abstract: Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is a multifunctional cytokine with both immunosuppressive and anti-angiogenic functions and may have both tumour-promoting and -inhibiting properties. A large number of polymorphisms (primarily single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)) have been identified in the IL-10 gene promoter. Convincing evidence that certain of these polymorphisms are associated with differential expression of IL-10 in vitro and in some cases in vivo has been obtained and a number of studies have investigated associations between IL-10 polymorphisms and cancer susceptibility/prognosis. The results from 22 studies in 13 different malignancies are reviewed. In 17 of these studies, positive associations between IL-10 genotype or haplotype and disease susceptibility and/or progression were reported. In some of these cancers genotypes associated with low IL-10 expression were a risk factor for disease or disease progression, while in others genotypes associated with high IL-10 expression were a risk factor. Published findings in breast cancer are as yet conflicting. Most, but not all of the studies reviewed are based on small sample sizes and a limited number of IL-10 polymorphisms. However, the preliminary data obtained thus far indicate that larger studies are required in a number of cancers, in order to confirm initial results, extend studies to include more detailed genotype/haplotype analysis and combine genotype and gene expression studies in the same subjects. Such studies will contribute significantly to our understanding of the biological role of IL-10 in cancer development.
authors.affiliation: Molecular Pathology Department, Southampton University, Hospitals NHS Trust, Southampton, UK. martin.howell@nbs.nhs.uk
authors.forename: W Martin
authors.initials: WM
authors.lastname: Howell
authors.forename: Matthew J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Rose-Zerilli
mesh_terms: D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D016753:Interleukin-10 / Q000235:genetics*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics*; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D011379:Prognosis
chemical_list: D016753:Interleukin-10