IL-8 -251A/T polymorphism is associated with decreased cancer risk among population-based studies: evidence from a meta-analysis

Growing evidence suggests that interleukin-8 (IL-8) play pivotal roles in the pathogenesis of cancer through the modulation of tumour immune response or enhanced angiogenesis. A single nucleotide polymorphism, -251A/T, has been identified in the promoter region of the IL-8 gene and has been shown to influence its production. Results from previous studies on the association of -251A/T polymorphism with different cancer types remained contradictory. To assess the effect of -251A/T of IL-8 on cancer susceptibility, we conducted a meta-analysis, up to May 2009, of 14,876 cases with different cancer types and 18,465 controls from 45 published case-control studies. Summary odds ratios and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for IL-8 polymorphism and cancer were estimated using fixed- and random-effects models when appropriate. The AA/AT genotypes were associated with a significantly increased risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma when compared with TT genotype (OR=1.48; 95% CI, 1.16-1.89). Moreover, significantly elevated risks were observed in 'other cancers', and also in African population when population is concerned. Interestingly, when stratified separately by population-based studies and hospital-based studies, significantly elevated risk was found among hospital-based studies (OR=1.21, 95% CI, 1.07-1.37), whereas significantly decreased risk was found among population-based studies (OR=0.90, 95% CI, 0.83-0.97). This meta-analysis shows that IL-8 -251A/T polymorphism may play a complex role in cancer development.