RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 The (-590 C/T) Polymorphism in the Interleukin-4 Gene is Associated with Increased Risk for Early Stages of Corolectal Adenocarcinoma JF In Vivo JO In Vivo FD International Institute of Anticancer Research SP 1031 OP 1035 VO 21 IS 6 A1 ATHANASIOS YANNOPOULOS A1 NIKOLAOS NIKITEAS A1 AGAPI CHATZITHEOFYLAKTOU A1 CHRISTOS TSIGRIS YR 2007 UL http://iv.iiarjournals.org/content/21/6/1031.abstract AB Background: In the light of the known association between several carcinomas and the -590C/T polymorphism, which affects transcription of the antitumor interleukin-4 (IL-4) gene, the purpose of this study was to investigate the possible contribution of this polymorphism to the development of colorectal cancer. Materials and Methods: The -590C/T polymorphism was examined in DNA samples of 93 patients with colorectal cancer (adenocarcinomas) and 108 healthy controls of comparable ethnicity, age and gender. Results: The detected allele and carrier frequencies for the high expression T allele in the patient group were significantly decreased in comparison with that of the control group (13.44% versus 22.22%, and 21.51% versus 36.11%, respectively, p<0.01). The same pattern was observed between controls and patients in initial cancer stages. Conclusion: These findings indicate that IL-4 gene expression-related polymorphism is associated with the development of initial stages of colorectal cancer, while in advanced stages IL-4 levels appear to be less important. Copyright © 2007 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved