Genetic Polymorphisms in NLRP3 Inflammasome-Associated Genes in Patients with B-Cell Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Zhi-He Liu,1 Lin Zhang,2 Fan-Jing Jing,1 Shu-Xin Xiao,1 Yan Gao,1 Hai-Yan Bian,1 Xia Zhao1 1Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266000, Shandong, People’s Republic of China; 2Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis and Regenerative Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266000, Shandong, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Xia ZhaoDepartment of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiangsu Road, Shinan District, Qingdao, 266000, Shandong, People’s Republic of ChinaTel/Fax +8653282911201Email alice-xia@163.comPurpose: The role of NLRP3 inflammasome in the progression of many diseases has been increasingly recognized. However, the function of this molecular assembly in the development and progression of B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma remains unclear.Patients and Methods: In this study, we investigated the polymorphisms in the NLRP3 inflammasome associated genes in 281 patients with B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and 385 age- and gender-matched healthy controls.Results: We found that IL-18 (rs1946518) and NFκB-94 ins/del (rs28362491) contributed to susceptibility to B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Specifically, the allele “G” in IL-18 (rs1946518) and allele “ins” in NFκB-94 ins/del (rs28362491) were significantly associated with the risk of disease. The AA genotype of CARD8 (rs2043211) and the higher level of serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) led to statistically poorer B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma survival. Less frequent genotype TT of CARD8 (rs2043211) was observed in patients with higher LDH level, clinical stages III–IV of disease, and IPI 3– 5, although the relationship did not reach statistical significance. However, IPI is an independent prognostic factor for B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.Conclusion: IL-18 (rs1946518) and NFκB-94 ins/del (rs28362491) gene polymorphisms appear to be the factors influencing the risk of B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. CARD8 (rs2043211) polymorphisms are important factors for the survival of patients with this disease.Keywords: NLRP3, inflammasome, B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, susceptibility, survival