Recent studies have described the dichotomous function of IL-9 in various cancer diseases. However, its function has still not been analysed in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). In the present study, we evaluated five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of IL-9 (rs1859430, rs2069870, rs11741137, rs2069885, and rs2069884) and determined their associations with the patients’ five-year survival rate. Additionally, we analysed serum IL-9 levels using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Three hundred LSCC patients and 533 control subjects were included in this study. A significant association between the patients’ survival rate and distribution of IL-9 rs1859430 variants was revealed: patients carrying AA genotype had a higher risk of dying (p = 0.005). Haplotypes A-G-C-G-G of IL-9 (rs1859430, rs2069870, rs11741137, rs2069885, and rs2069884) were associated with 47% lower odds of LSCC occurrence (p = 0.035). Serum IL-9 levels were found detectable in three control group subjects (8.99 ± 12.03 pg/mL). In summary, these findings indicate that the genotypic distribution of IL-9 rs1859430 negatively influences the five-year survival rate of LSCC patients. The haplotypes A-G-C-G-G of IL-9 (rs1859430, rs2069870, rs11741137, rs2069885, and rs2069884) are associated with the lower odds of LSCC development.

Background/Aim: Prognosis of advanced stages of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) remains poor. To clarify therapeutic targets and improve survival rate, identification of new specific and prognostic biomarkers of LSCC is required. The study aimed to evaluate the impact of IL-10:rs1800871, rs1800872, rs1800896 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and IL-10 serum levels on LSCC development and determine associations of selected SNPs with patient survival rate. Patients and Methods: A total of 300 LSCC patients and 533 controls were included in the study. Genotyping was carried out using RT-PCR; IL-10 serum levels were analyzed by ELISA. Results: Significant associations were identified between IL-10 rs1800871 variants and advanced stage of LSCC patient group in the codominant, recessive and additive models (OR=0.473, p=0.027; OR=0.510, p=0.040; and OR=0.733; p=0.037). Significant variants of IL-10 rs1800872 were determined in the codominant, recessive and additive models (OR=0.473, p=0.027; OR=0.510, p=0.040; and OR=0.733, p=0.037). The distribution of IL-10 SNPs genotypes did not impact LSCC patient survival rate (respectively, p=0.952; p=0.952; p=0.991). Conclusion: IL-10:rs1800871 and rs1800872 SNPs are associated with advanced stage of LSCC. The genotypic distribution of IL-10 SNPs does not influence the survival rate of LSCC patients.

Background and Objectives: To determine the prevalence of burnout syndrome among otorhinolaryngologists in Lithuania and investigate associations with sociodemographic and professional factors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: Burnout was measured using the validated Lithuanian version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Demographic characteristics and professional characteristics were collected utilizing an anonymous questionnaire. Results: Eighty otorhinolaryngologists (ORL group) and 30 information technology professionals (the control group) were enrolled in this study. A high level of professional burnout in at least one of the subscales was observed in 82.5% of the ORL group subjects. Depersonalization and burnout syndrome were more frequently detected with increasing age in the ORL group (r = 0.2, p < 0.04). Greater satisfaction with salary and working environment resulted in a lower burnout incidence (r = 0.31, p = 0.001). Conclusions: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the incidence of burnout syndrome has been high among Lithuanian otorhinolaryngologists. Demographic and professional characteristics are significantly related to burnout syndrome among Lithuanian otorhinolaryngologists.

Purpose: Results of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) treatment and the 5 year survival rate of these patients remain poor. To purify therapeutic targets, investigation of new specific and prognostic blood-based markers for LSCC development is essential. Methods: In the present study, we evaluated five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs): IL1RAP rs4624606, IL1RL1 rs1041973, IL-6 rs1800795, BLK rs13277113, and TIMP3 rs9621532, and determined their associations with the patients’ 5 year survival rate. Also, we performed a detailed statistical analysis of different LSCC patients’ characteristics impact on their survival rate. Results: Three hundred fifty-three LSCC patients and 538 control subjects were included in this study. The multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed a significant association between patients’ survival rate and distribution of IL1RAP rs4624606 variants: patients carrying AT genotype at IL1RAP rs4624606 had a lower risk of death (p = 0.044). Also, it was revealed that tumor size (T) (p = 0.000), tumor differentiation grade (G) (p = 0.015), and IL1RAP rs4624606 genotype (p = 0.044) were effective variables in multivariable Cox regression analysis prognosing survival of LSCC patients. The specific-LSCC 5 year survival rate was 77%. Conclusions: In summary, our findings indicate that the genotypic distribution of IL1RAP rs4624606 influences the 5 year survival rate of LSCC patients. The results of the present study facilitate a more complete understanding of LSCC at the biological level, thus providing the base for the identification of new specific and prognostic blood-based markers for LSCC development.