The association between -330T/G polymorphism of interleukin 2 gene and bladder cancer

Bladder cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world. Studies have shown that genetic factors may play important roles in the development of this disease. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a cytokine involved in the regulation of proliferation and functional activities of T- and NK-cell. Recombinant IL-2 has been shown to be a promising agent for the activation of immune response against tumors. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of -330T/G polymorphism of the IL-2 gene on the development of bladder cancer in the Chinese population. IL-2 -330T/G polymorphism was detected by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism in 365 bladder cancer cases and 390 age-matched healthy controls. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square test. Results showed that individuals with TG genotype or GG genotype had significantly increased susceptibility to bladder cancer (odds ratio [OR]=1.48, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08-2.02, p=0.014 and OR=2.22, 95%CI: 1.35-3.68, p=0.002). Also, the frequency of the G allele was significantly higher in bladder cancer cases compared with healthy controls (OR=1.40, 95%CI: 1.14-1.73, p=0.002). In conclusion, IL-2 -330T/G polymorphism may be involved in the etiology of bladder in Chinese population.