Association of NQO1 Pro187Ser polymorphism with the risks for colorectal cancer and colorectal adenoma: a meta-analysis

The NQO1 polymorphism C609T (Pro187Ser) and cancer susceptibility: a comprehensive meta-analysis

Background:

Evidence is increasingly emerging about multiple roles for the NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 enzyme in cancer. The C609T (rs1800566, Pro187Ser) null polymorphism of the NQO1 gene contributes significantly to the variation in enzymatic activity across different populations. NQO1 C609T polymorphism was thoroughly investigated with respect to cancer susceptibility. The results were inconsistent partly due to low sample sizes. The aim of the present work was to perform a meta-analysis to assess association for all common cancer sites separately and in combination.

Methods:

Our meta-analysis involved 92 studies including 21 178 cases and 25 157 controls. Statistical analysis involved individual cancer sites and the combined cancer risk. Association was tested under different genetic models.

Results:

We found a statistically significant association between the variant T allele and overall cancer risk in the worldwide population (for the TT vs CC model, OR=1.18 (1.07–1.31), P=0.002, I²=36%). Stratified analysis revealed that this association was largely attributed to the Caucasian ethnicity (for the TT vs CC model, OR=1.28 (1.12–1.46), P=0.0002, I²=1%). Stratification by tumour site showed significant association for bladder cancer in the worldwide population (for the TT vs CC model, OR=1.70 (1.17–2.46), P=0.005, I²=0%), and in the Asian population (for the TT vs CC model, 1.48 (1.14–1.93), P=0.003, I²=16%). Positive association was also found for gastric cancer in the worldwide population under the dominant model (OR=1.34 (1.09–1.65), P=0.006, I²=15%).

Conclusion:

Our results indicate that the C609T polymorphism of the NQO1 gene is an important genetic risk factor in cancer.

Association of NAT2 polymorphisms with risk of colorectal adenomas: Evidence from 3,197 cases and 4,681 controls

Previous studies have implicated NAT2 polymorphisms as risk factors for various types of cancer. Colorectal adenomas are recognized as a pre-neoplastic lesion. A growing body of research documenting the association of NAT2 polymorphisms with the risk of colorectal adenomas has yielded conflicting results. The aim of the present study was to derive a more precise estimation of this association. Meta-analyses assessing the association of NAT2 variants with colorectal adenomas were conducted and subgroup analyses on smoking status and the source of the controls were also performed. Eligible studies were identified for the period before March 2012. A total of seven case-control studies, including 3,197 cases and 4,681 controls, were selected following extensive searching and screening. In the overall data, no associations between NAT2 polymorphisms and colorectal adenomas were observed [odds ratio (OR), 1.04; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.90-1.21]. However, in the subgroup analysis concerning smoking status, slow acetylator variants were revealed to be correlated with increased colorectal adenoma risk in individuals who have smoked (OR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.04-1.64). In conclusion, the data of the present study suggested that NAT2 polymorphisms may be a risk factor for colorectal adenomas in individuals who have a history of smoking.