Effect of polymorphisms in XPD, RAI, ASE-1 and ERCC1 on the risk of basal cell carcinoma among Caucasians after age 50

The relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms and skin cancer susceptibility: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

Background

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) interfere with the function of certain genes and thus may influence the probability of skin cancer. The correlation between SNPs and skin cancer (SC) lacks statistical power, however. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify the gene polymorphisms involved in skin cancer susceptibility using network meta-analysis and to determine the relationship between SNPs and SC risk.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched for articles including "SNP" and different types of SC as keywords between January 2005 and May 2022. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess bias judgments. The odds ratio (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were determined to estimate heterogeneity within and between studies. Meta-analysis and network meta-analysis were carried out to identify the SNPs associated with SC. The P-score of each SNP was compared to obtain the rank of probability. Subgroup analyses were performed by cancer type.

Results

A total of 275 SNPs from 59 studies were included in the study. Two subgroup SNP networks using the allele model and dominant model were analyzed. The alternative alleles of rs2228570 (FokI) and rs13181 (ERCC2) were the first-ranking SNPs in both subgroups one and two of the allele model, respectively. The homozygous dominant genotype and heterozygous genotype of rs475007 in subgroup one and the homozygous recessive genotype of rs238406 in subgroup two were most likely to be associated with skin cancer based on the dominant model.

Conclusions

According to the allele model, SNPs FokI rs2228570 and ERCC2 rs13181 and, according to the dominant model, SNPs MMP1 rs475007 and ERCC2 rs238406 are closely linked to SC risk.

Associations of mRNA expression of DNA repair genes and genetic polymorphisms with cancer risk: a bioinformatics analysis and meta-analysis

A systematical bioinformatics and meta-analysis were carried out to establish our understanding of possible relationships between DNA repair genes and the development of cancer. The bioinformatics analysis confirmed that lower XPA and XPC levels and higher XPD, XPF, and WRN levels were observed in 19 types of cancer, and subsequently results indicated that elevated XPA and XPC had a better impact on overall survival, however, higher XPD, XPF, and WRN showed worse influence on cancer prognosis. The meta-analysis included 58 eligible studies demonstrated that harboring XPA rs10817938, XPD rs238406 increased overall cancer risk, however, XPA rs2808668 SNP in overall cancer analysis and XPF rs3136038 in the digestive system remarkably reduced the cancer risk. Moreover, no correlation was investigated for XPC rs1870134, WRN rs1346044 and rs1801195. These suggest that the DNA repair gene was associated with carcinogenesis, and contribute to the prognosis, and the critical SNPs further involved in affecting cancer risk.

A case-control study on association of nucleotide excision repair polymorphisms and its interaction with environment factors with the susceptibility to non-melanoma skin cancer

Aims

To investigate the association of several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within nucleotide excision repair (NER) gene and additional gene- gene and gene- smoking interaction with non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) risk in a Chinese population.

Methods

A total of 1322 participants (939 males, 383 females) were selected, including 660 NMSC patients and 662 control participants. Generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction (GMDR) was used to screen the best interaction combination among SNPs and smoking. Logistic regression was performed to investigate association between 4 SNPs within NER gene, additional gene- gene and gene- smoking interaction on NMSC risk.

Results

NMSC risk was significantly higher in carriers with G allele of rs2228527 than those with AA genotype (AG + GG versus AA), adjusted OR (95%CI) =1.76 (1.24-2.37), and higher in carriers with the G allele of rs2228529 than those with AA genotype (AG + GG versus AA), adjusted OR (95%CI) = 1.66 (1.24-2.13). However, we did not find any direct association of the rs4134822 and rs1799793 with NMSC risk after covariates adjustment. GMDR model indicated a significant interaction combination (p=0.0010), including rs2228529 and current smoking. Overall, the cross-validation consistency of this model was 9/ 10, and the testing accuracy was 60.72%. Current smokers with rs2228529- GA or GG genotype have the highest NMSC risk, compared to never- smokers with rs2228529- AA genotype, OR (95%CI) = 2.92 (1.61-4.29).

Conclusions

We found that the G allele of rs2228527 and the G allele of rs2228529 within NER gene, interaction between rs2228529 and current smoking were all associated with increased NMSC risk.

Association of Environmental Arsenic Exposure, Genetic Polymorphisms of Susceptible Genes, and Skin Cancers in Taiwan

Deficiency in the capability of xenobiotic detoxification and arsenic methylation may be correlated with individual susceptibility to arsenic-related skin cancers. We hypothesized that glutathione S-transferase (GST M1, T1, and P1), reactive oxygen species (ROS) related metabolic genes (NQO1, EPHX1, and HO-1), and DNA repair genes (XRCC1, XPD, hOGG1, and ATM) together may play a role in arsenic-induced skin carcinogenesis. We conducted a case-control study consisting of 70 pathologically confirmed skin cancer patients and 210 age and gender matched participants with genotyping of 12 selected polymorphisms. The skin cancer risks were estimated by odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) using logistic regression. EPHX1 Tyr113His, XPD C156A, and GSTT1 null genotypes were associated with skin cancer risk (OR = 2.99, 95% CI = 1.01–8.83; OR = 2.04, 95% CI = 0.99–4.27; OR = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.00–3.02, resp.). However, none of these polymorphisms showed significant association after considering arsenic exposure status. Individuals carrying three risk polymorphisms of EPHX1 Tyr113His, XPD C156A, and GSTs presented a 400% increased skin cancer risk when compared to those with less than or equal to one polymorphism. In conclusion, GSTs, EPHX1, and XPD are potential genetic factors for arsenic-induced skin cancers. The roles of these genes for arsenic-induced skin carcinogenesis need to be further evaluated.

Susceptibility of XPD and hOGG1 genetic variants to prostate cancer

DNA repair genes are important in maintaining genomic stability and integrity. DNA repair gene polymorphisms, such as those of the human homolog of 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase 1 (hOGG1) and excision repair cross-complementing rodent repair deficiency, complementation group 2/Xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group D (ERCC2/XPD), contribute to carcinogenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of prostate cancer (PCa) risk with hOGG1 and ERCC2/XPD genetic variants. A case-control study of 200 cases including 100 PCa patients and 100 healthy subjects was conducted. Two single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (ERCC2/XPD Arg156Arg and hOGG1 Ser326Cys) were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The results demonstrated a significant association of the XPD156 homozygous (AA, OR=3.80; 95% CI: 1.19-12.18; P=0.017), heterozygous (AC, OR=2.48; 95% CI: 1.02-6.35; P=0.033) and combined (AA+AC, OR=2.76; 95% CI: 1.18-6.84; P=0.011) mutant genotypes with a predisposition to high-risk PCa. In the stratified analysis, predisposition to high-risk PCa was also associated with the mutant genotypes of hOGG1 326 homozygous mutant (GG, OR=2.93; 95% CI: 1-8.74; P=0.033). The results also showed that the A allele of XPD Arg156Arg and the G allele of hOGG1 Ser326Cys were associated with an increased risk of PCa (OR=1.86 and 1.62; 95% CI: 1.13-3.06 and 1-2.67, respectively). In conclusion, the findings of this study demonstrated that the ERCC2/XPD Arg156Arg and hOGG1 Ser326Cys polymorphisms increased the susceptibility to high-risk PCa.

Genetic variability in DNA repair proteins in age-related macular degeneration

The pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is complex and involves interactions between environmental and genetic factors, with oxidative stress playing an important role inducing damage in biomolecules, including DNA. Therefore, genetic variability in the components of DNA repair systems may influence the ability of the cell to cope with oxidative stress and in this way contribute to the pathogenesis of AMD. However, few reports have been published on this subject so far. We demonstrated that the c.977C>G polymorphism (rs1052133) in the hOGG1 gene and the c.972G>C polymorphism (rs3219489) in the MUTYH gene, the products of which play important roles in the repair of oxidatively damaged DNA, might be associated with the risk of AMD. Oxidative stress may promote misincorporation of uracil into DNA, where it is targeted by several DNA glycosylases. We observed that the g.4235T>C (rs2337395) and c.–32A>G (rs3087404) polymorphisms in two genes encoding such glycosylases, UNG and SMUG1, respectively, could be associated with the occurrence of AMD. Polymorphisms in some other DNA repair genes, including XPD (ERCC2), XRCC1 and ERCC6 (CSB) have also been reported to be associated with AMD. These data confirm the importance of the cellular reaction to DNA damage, and this may be influenced by variability in DNA repair genes, in AMD pathogenesis.

A community-based study of nucleotide excision repair polymorphisms in relation to the risk of non-melanoma skin cancer

Nucleotide excision repair (NER) is responsible for protecting DNA in skin cells against ultraviolet radiation-induced damage. Using a candidate pathway approach, a matched case-control study nested within a prospective, community-based cohort was carried out to test the hypothesis that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in NER genes are associated with susceptibility to non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). Histologically-confirmed cases of NMSC (n=900) were matched to controls (n=900) on age, gender, and skin type. Associations were measured between NMSC and 221 SNPs in 26 NER genes. Using the additive model, two tightly linked functional SNPs in ERCC6 were significantly associated with increased risk of NMSC: rs2228527 (odds ratio (OR) 1.57, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.20 – 2.05), and rs2228529 (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.20 – 2.05). These associations were confined to basal cell carcinoma of the skin (BCC) (rs2228529, OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.30 – 2.44; rs2228527 OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.31 – 2.43). These hypothesis-generating findings suggest functional variants in ERCC6 may be associated with an increased risk of NMSC that may be specific to BCC.

Nucleotide excision repair gene ERCC1 polymorphisms contribute to cancer susceptibility: a meta-analysis

Individual studies of the associations between excision repair cross-complimentary group 1 (ERCC1) polymorphisms and cancer susceptibility have shown inconclusive results. To derive a more precise estimation of the relationship between three well-characterised polymorphisms on ERCC1 and the risk of cancer, we performed a meta-analysis based on 48 publications. We used odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to assess the strength of the associations. We found that ERCC1 17677A (rs3212961) variant genotypes were associated with significantly increased overall risk of cancer without substantial heterogeneity (AA versus CC, OR = 1.36, 95% CIs: 1.10-1.68; AC versus CC: OR = 1.11, 95% CIs: 0.99-1.26; dominant comparison: AA/AC versus CC: OR = 1.15, 95% CIs: 1.02-1.29; recessive comparison: AA versus AC/CC: OR = 1.25, 95% CIs: 1.05-1.49). The ERCC1 19007 C (rs11615) allele had null effects on overall risk of cancer; but in the stratified analyses, we observed an elevated association in Asian populations with homozygote variants and hospital-based controls. In addition, during further stratified analyses of cancer groups, homozygote variants were found that are associated with lung cancer and smoking-related cancers. Also, the observed ERCC1 19007 C heterozygote variant contributes to the development of skin cancer. However, the ERCC1 8092C > A (rs3212986) polymorphism did not appear to have an effect on cancer risk. Additionally, no evidence of publication bias was observed in these polymorphisms. Our meta-analysis supports the conclusion that the ERCC1 17677A > C and ERCC1 19007T > C polymorphisms, but not the ERCC1 8092C > A polymorphism, are low-penetrance risk factors for cancer development.

Large common deletions associate with mortality at old age

Copy-number variants (CNVs) are a source of genetic variation that increasingly are associated with human disease. However, the role of CNVs in human lifespan is to date unknown. To identify CNVs that influence mortality at old age, we analyzed genome-wide CNV data in 5178 participants of Rotterdam Study (RS1) and positive findings were evaluated in 1714 participants of the second cohort of the Rotterdam Study (RS2) and in 4550 participants of Framingham Heart Study (FHS). First, we assessed the total burden of rare (frequency <1%) and common (frequency >1%) CNVs for association with mortality during follow-up. These analyses were repeated by stratifying CNVs by type and size. Secondly, we assessed individual common CNV regions (CNVR) for association with mortality. We observed that the burden of common but not of rare CNVs influences mortality. A higher burden of large (≥ 500 kb) common deletions associated with 4% higher mortality [hazard ratio (HR) per CNV 1.04, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02-1.07, P = 5.82 × 10(-5)] in the 11 442 participants of RS1, RS2 and FHS. In the analysis of 312 individual common CNVRs, we identified two regions (11p15.5; 14q21.3) that associated with higher mortality in these cohorts. The 11p15.5 region (combined HR 1.59, 95% CI 1.31-1.93, P = 2.87 × 10(-6)) encompasses 41 genes, of which some have previously been related to longevity, whereas the 14q21.3 region (combined HR 1.57, 95% CI 1.19-2.07, P = 1.53 × 10(-3)) does not encompass any genes. In conclusion, the burden of large common deletions, as well as common CNVs in 11p15.5 and 14q21.3 region, associate with higher mortality.

HapMap-based study of a region encompassing ERCC1 and ERCC2 related to lung cancer susceptibility in a Chinese population

DNA repair genes play a crucial role in carcinogenesis. The paper aims to explore if common variants in ERCC1 are involved in lung cancer susceptibility. A Chinese case-control study included 339 lung cancer cases and 358 controls using five haplotype-tagging SNPs (htSNPs) (rs3212980, rs3212964, rs3212961, rs11615 and rs2298881) from the HapMap database, capturing 95% of the common haplotypic diversity of ERCC1. A combined analysis of eleven htSNPs covering ERCC2 and ERCC1 was performed. No significant association between individual htSNPs and lung cancer susceptibility was observed. There were interactions between rs3212961 and rs2298881and smoking duration (P=0.03 and P=0.01, respectively). Thus, the variant alleles of rs3212961 [OR (95% CI)=1.81(1.03-3.17), P=0.04] and rs2298881 [OR (95% CI)=2.16(1.26-3.70), P=0.005] were associated with risk of lung cancer among long-term smokers (>20 years) but not among never smokers and short-term smokers. No significant associations with lung cancer susceptibility were observed for global or individual haplotypes defined by five htSNPs of ERCC1. A highly differential distribution of haplotypes based on eleven htSNPs covering ERCC2 and ERCC1 were found (global test P=4.3×10(-5)). After Bonferroni correction, haplotypeER2+1-1 [OR (95% CI)=3.63 (1.39-9.47), P=0.005, marginally] and haplotypeER2+1-8 [OR (95% CI)=4.46 (2.03-9.79), P=5.6×10(-5), strongly] were associated with increased risk of lung cancer. The diplotype analysis with haplotypeER2+1-8 was also statistically significant (P<0.001). Haplotype analysis of pathological subtypes revealed that htSNPs of both genes may mainly influence the risk of lung adenocarcinoma. Strong linkage disequilibrium exist in two regions encompassing ERCC2 and ERCC1. These data suggest that common genetic variations in ERCC1 may influence increased risk of smoking-related lung cancer and one of the causative effectors may locate around or within ERCC2.

Effects of selected genetic polymorphisms in xeroderma pigmentosum complementary group D on gastric cancer

DNA repair capacity (DRC) can be altered based on sequence variations in DNA repair genes, which may result in cancer susceptibility. The current study was to evaluate the association between genetic polymorphisms, including associated haplotypes of xeroderma pigmentosum complementary group D (XPD), and individual susceptibility to gastric cancer. Two-hundred-eight patients with gastric cancer and 339 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Their genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes. The genotypes at exon 6, 10 and 23 were identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Unconditional logistic regression model was used to analyze the effects of the polymorphisms, including the corresponding haplotypes, on the susceptibility to develop gastric cancer. The proportion of genotypes GA or AA at exon 10 in cases was showed to be significantly higher than that in controls (P < 0.01, P < 0.01, respectively). The risk of genotype GA or AA carriers to develop gastric cancer was simultaneously much higher (OR = 3.38, 95% CI 2.30-4.95; OR = 6.13, 95% CI 2.45-15.31, respectively). The allele A at exon 10 was also observed to manifest a substantially higher frequency in cases compared to controls (P < 0.01), which might indicate an increased tendency to gastric cancer (OR = 2.40, 95% CI 1.81-3.17). No significant differences were found in the distribution of genotypes at exon 6 or 23 between the two groups (P = 0.23, P = 0.52; P = 0.44, P = 0.56, respectively). By haplotype analysis, haplotype AAA could individually increase incidence of gastric cancer (P < 0.01, OR = 3.39, 95% CI 2.21-5.21). In contrast, haplotypes CGA and AGA were showed a decline in gastric cancer susceptibility (OR = 0.67, 95% CI 0.46-0.97; OR = 0.58, 95% CI 0.41-0.83, respectively). The rest of haplotypes made no statistically significant difference between cases and controls. Taken together, this study demonstrates that the genetic variation at exon 10 and haplotype AAA may be contributing factors in developing gastric cancer.

Genetic polymorphisms in ATM, ERCC1, APE1 and iASPP genes and lung cancer risk in a population of southeast China

Polymorphisms in DNA repair and apoptosis genes are suspected to alter the individual susceptibility to develop lung cancer. We investigated the relationship between polymorphisms in ATM (A60G), ERCC1 (Asn118Asn), APE1 (Asn148Glu) and iASPP (A67T) and the risk of developing lung cancer. A case-control study was conducted with 315 patients with lung cancer and 315 cancer-free controls, matched on age and sex. Genotypes were detected using the ABI 7500 real-time PCR system. The T/T homozygote in ERCC1 (Asn118Asn) was correlated with a strong statistically significant increased risk of developing lung cancer (adjusted OR=2.44; 95% CI=1.13-5.28; P=0.023), especially lung adenocarcinoma (adjusted OR=3.18) and small cell lung cancer (adjusted OR=6.08). For iASPP (A67T), smokers with at least one T allele (A/T+T/T) were more likely to develop lung cancer (95% CI, 1.07-2.84, P=0.026). Subjects carrying the G allele in APE1 (Asn148Glu) had a decreased risk of lung cancer (P<0.05), which showing a protective effect. Our results suggest that polymorphism Asn118Asn in ERCC1, A67T in iASPP and Asn148Glu in APE1 may associated with early onset of lung cancer as well as some specific subtype of lung cancer. Detection of these biomarkers may be helpful for screening this high-risk population for primary preventing.

Modulation of nucleotide excision repair in human lymphocytes by genetic and dietary factors

Gene-environment interactions determine inter-individual variations in nucleotide excision repair (NER) capacity. Oxidative stress was previously found to inhibit NER, thus supplementation with dietary antioxidants could prevent this inhibition, especially in genetically susceptible subjects. To study the effects of genetic polymorphisms in NER-related genes and dietary intake of antioxidants on an individual's NER capacity, lymphocytes of 168 subjects were isolated before and after a 4-week blueberry and apple juice intervention. Twelve genetic polymorphisms in NER genes XPA, XPC, ERCC1, ERCC2, ERCC5, ERCC6 and RAD23B were assessed by multiplex PCR with single base extension. Based on specific genotype combinations, a subset of individuals (n 36) was selected for phenotypical assessment of NER capacity, which was significantly affected by the total sum of low-activity alleles (P = 0.027). The single polymorphism XPA G23A was the strongest predictor of NER capacity (P = 0.002); carriers of low-activity alleles AA had about three times lower NER capacity than XPA GG carriers. NER capacity assessed before and after intervention correlated significantly (R(2) 0.69; P < 0.001), indicating that inter-individual differences in NER capacity are maintained over 4 weeks. Although the intervention increased plasma trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity from 791 (SE 6.61) to 805 (SE 7.90) microm (P = 0.032), on average it did not affect NER capacity. Nonetheless, carriers of twelve or more low-activity alleles seemed to benefit from the intervention (P = 0.013). Among these, carriers of the variant allele for RAD23B Ala249Val showed improved NER capacity upon intervention (P = 0.020). In conclusion, improved NER capacity upon dietary intervention was detected in individuals carrying multiple low-activity alleles. The XPA G23A polymorphism might be a predictor for NER capacity.

The polymorphism of DNA repair gene ERCC2/XPD Arg156Arg and susceptibility to breast cancer in a Chinese population

Polymorphisms in DNA repair genes are good candidates for modifying cancer risk. ERCC2/XPD, a gene involved in nucleotide excision repair and basal transcription, may influence individual DNA repair capacity, particularly of bulky adducts. This is implicated in cancer susceptibility. To detect the association between ERCC2/XPD Arg156Arg and susceptibility to breast cancer in a Chinese population, we conducted a hospital-based case-control study consisting of 129 patients with breast cancer and 205 controls matched by age, gender, and ethnicity. PCR-RFLP was used for genotyping. No associations were found between ERCC2/XPD Arg156Arg and risk of breast cancer (AA/AC versus CC: OR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.49-1.28, P = 0.33; AA versus CC: OR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.49-1.63, P = 0.72; AC versus CC: OR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.44-1.24, P = 0.25). Breast cancer cases with the variant AA genotype were marginally younger (mean age 45 years) than cases with the wild CC genotype (mean age 50 years) (P = 0.05). There were no differences in risk estimates in relation to menopause and occurrence of breast cancer. Our findings do not suggest that ERCC2/XPD Arg156Arg contributes to breast cancer susceptibility in a Chinese population.

Polymorphisms of DNA repair genes: ADPRT, XRCC1, and XPD and cancer risk in genetic epidemiology

Many studies have suggested that adenosine diphosphate ribosyl transferase (ADPRT), X-ray repair cross-complementing 1 (XRCC1), and xeroderma pigmentosum complementary group D (XPD) are three major DNA base excision repair (BER) genes and that they act interactively in stimulating and executing BER processes. Polymorphisms of these genes may influence the rate of gene transcription, the stability of the messenger RNA, or the quantity and activity of the resulting protein. Thus, the susceptibility or severity of several disorders is influenced by possession of specific alleles of polymorphic genes. So, it is plausible that variations and mutations in these genes affect DNA repair capacity in normal populations, and thus facilitate cancer development in normal or exposed individuals. To promote translation of scientific findings for potential clinical application of DNA repair function, we have searched publications relevant to molecular epidemiology studies of associations between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the genes, and several frequent human cancer. We have focused on five particular polymorphisms as our starting point: the T-->C polymorphism (Val762Ala) in exon 17 of ADPRT, the novel transition at the promoter region (-77T-->C) of XRCC1, two common nonsynonymous polymorphisms (Arg194Trp and Arg399Gln), and the C-->A silent polymorphism (Arg156Arg) in exon 6 of XPD. We review here the case-control studies examining whether these polymorphisms are correlated with reduced DNA repair efficiency, their influence on the development of different solid tumors, and their possible interactions with other genetic factors and environmental exposures.

Basal cell carcinomas: attack of the hedgehog

Basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) were essentially a molecular 'black box' until some 12 years ago, when identification of a genetic flaw in a rare subset of patients who have a great propensity to develop BCCs pointed to aberrant Hedgehog signalling as the pivotal defect leading to formation of these tumours. This discovery has facilitated a remarkable increase in our understanding of BCC carcinogenesis and has highlighted the carcinogenic role of this developmental pathway when aberrantly activated in adulthood. Importantly, a phase 1 first-in-human trial of a Hedgehog inhibitor has shown real progress in halting and even reversing the growth of these tumours.

Haplotypes of nine single nucleotide polymorphisms on chromosome 19q13.2-3 associated with susceptibility of lung cancer in a Chinese population

To evaluate the joint effect of nine single nucleotide polymorphisms for three DNA repair genes in the region of chromosome 19q13.2-3 on susceptibility of lung cancer in a Chinese population, we conducted a hospital-based case-control study consisting of 247 lung cancer cases and 253 cancer-free controls matched on age, gender and ethnicity. Associations between the haplotypes and susceptibility of lung cancer were tested. The global test of haplotype association revealed a statistically significant difference in the haplotype distribution between cases and controls (global test: chi(2)=60.45, d.f.=15, P=2.11E-07). The two haplotypes were underrepresented among cases (Hap5 defined by ERCC1118(A)-ERCC2156(C)-ERCC2312(G)-ERCC2751(A)-XRCC1194(T)-XRCC1206(A)-XRCC1280(G)-XRCC1399(G)-XRCC1632(G) and Hap12 defined by ERCC1118(G)-ERCC2156(C)-ERCC2312(G)-ERCC2751(A)-XRCC1194(C)-XRCC1206(A)-XRCC1280(G)-XRCC1399(A)-XRCC1632(G)). Three of the haplotypes were overrepresented among cases (Hap3 defined by ERCC1118(A)-ERCC2156(C)-ERCC2312(G)-ERCC2751(A)-XRCC1194(C)-XRCC1206(A)-XRCC1280(G)-XRCC1399(G)-XRCC1632(G), Hap4 defined by ERCC1118(A)-ERCC2156(C)-ERCC2312(G)-ERCC2751(A)-XRCC1194(C)-XRCC1206(G)-XRCC1280(G)-XRCC1399(G)-XRCC1632(A), and Hap10 defined by ERCC1118(G)-ERCC2156(A)-ERCC2312(G)-ERCC2751(A)-XRCC1194(T)-XRCC1206(A)-XRCC1280(G)-XRCC1399(G)-XRCC1632(G)). Haplotypes 3 and 10 (cases=5.7%, controls=1.0%, OR=6.56, 95%CI=1.83-23.54, P=0.001; cases=13.3%, controls=5.6%, OR=2.73, 95%CI=1.51-4.94, P=0.0006) were the most strongly associated with increased lung cancer risk. There was considerable linkage disequilibrium exists between SNPs both within genes and between genes in the region. The two blocks for solid spine of LD and six htSNPs were found. The haplotype analysis suggested that the biologically effective polymorphisms co-segregate with some of the haplotypes. This result supports the hypothesis that the sub-region is important for lung cancer susceptibility. Haplotype studies using larger study groups will be required to obtain conclusive results.

A haplotype of polymorphisms in ASE-1, RAI and ERCC1 and the effects of tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption on risk of colorectal cancer: a Danish prospective case-cohort study

Background

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are the most frequent type of genetic variation in the human genome, and are of interest for the study of susceptibility to and protection from diseases. The haplotype at chromosome 19q13.2-3 encompassing the three SNPs ASE-1 G-21A, RAI IVS1 A4364G and ERCC1 Asn118Asn have been associated with risk of breast cancer and lung cancer. Haplotype carriers are defined as the homozygous carriers of RAI IVS1 A4364G^A, ERCC1 Asn118Asn^T and ASE-1 G-21A^G. We aimed to evaluate whether the three polymorphisms and the haplotype are associated to risk of colorectal cancer, and investigated gene-environment associations between the polymorphisms and the haplotype and smoking status at enrolment, smoking duration, average smoking intensity and alcohol consumption, respectively, in relation to risk of colorectal cancer.

Methods

Associations between the three individual polymorphisms, the haplotype and risk of colorectal cancer were examined, as well as gene-environment interaction, in a Danish case-cohort study including 405 cases and a comparison group of 810 persons. Incidence rate ratio (IRR) were estimated by the Cox proportional hazards model stratified according to gender, and two-sided 95% confidence intervals (CI) and p-values were calculated based on robust estimates of the variance-covariance matrix and Wald's test of the Cox regression parameter.

Results

No consistent associations between the three individual polymorphisms, the haplotype and risk of colorectal cancer were found. No statistically significant interactions between the genotypes and the lifestyle exposures smoking or alcohol consumption were observed.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the ASE-1 G-21A, RAI IVS1 A4364G and ERCC1 Asn118Asn polymorphisms and the previously identified haplotype are not associated with risk of colorectal cancer. We found no evidence of gene-environment interaction between the three polymorphisms and the haplotype and smoking intensity and alcohol consumption, respectively, in relation to the risk of colorectal cancer.

Polymorphisms in nucleotide excision repair genes, smoking and intake of fruit and vegetables in relation to lung cancer

Polymorphisms in nucleotide excision repair genes have been associated with risk for lung cancer. We examined gene-environment interactions in relation to lung cancer in 430 cases and 790 comparison persons identified within a prospective cohort of 57,053 persons. We included polymorphisms in the XPC, XPA and XPD genes involved in the nucleotide excision DNA repair pathway and analysed possible interactions with smoking and dietary intake of fruit and vegetables in relation to risk for lung cancer. We found that intake of fruit was associated with lower risk for lung cancer only among carriers of the XPA A23G variant genotype. The incidence rate ratio for lung cancer was 0.60 (95% confidence interval: 0.43-0.84; p=0.003) per 50% increase in fruit intake. No convincing interactions were detected between the polymorphisms and smoking.

Current status of excision repair cross complementing-group 1 (ERCC1) in cancer

Cisplatin, carboplatin and oxaliplatin are some of the most widely used anti-cancer agents in solid tumours. The cytotoxicity of platinating agents is directly related to their ability to cause DNA intra-strand crosslinks that trigger a series of intracellular events that ultimately result in cell death. DNA intra-strand crosslinks are processed and repaired by the nucleotide excision repair pathway. It is now clear that nucleotide excision repair (NER) capacity may have a major impact on the emergence of resistance, normal tissue tolerance and patient outcomes. ERCC1 is a key player in NER. In this review, we provide an overview of mammalian NER and then focus on biochemical, structural and pre-clinical aspects of ERCC1. We then present current clinical evidence implicating ERCC1 as a predictive and prognostic marker in cancer. Early evidence also suggests that ERCC1 or the pathways involved in the regulation of ERCC1 expression may be attractive anti-cancer targets. Such agents are expected to potentiate the cytotoxicity of platinating agents and could have a major impact on cancer therapy.

Polymorphisms in nucleotide excision repair genes, arsenic exposure, and non-melanoma skin cancer in New Hampshire

BACKGROUND

Arsenic exposure may alter the efficiency of DNA repair. UV damage is specifically repaired by nucleotide excision repair (NER), and common genetic variants in NER may increase risk for non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC).

OBJECTIVE

We tested whether polymorphisms in the NER genes XPA (A23G) and XPD (Asp312Asn and Lys751Gln) modify the association between arsenic and NMSC.

METHODS

Incident cases of basal and squamous cell carcinoma (BCC and SCC, respectively) were identified through a network of dermatologists and pathology laboratories across New Hampshire. Population-based controls were frequency matched to cases on age and sex. Arsenic exposure was assessed in toenail clippings. The analysis included 880 cases of BCC, 666 cases of SCC, and 780 controls.

RESULTS

There was an increased BCC risk associated with high arsenic exposure among those homozygous variant for XPA [odds ratio (OR) = 1.8; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.9-3.7]. For XPD, having variation at both loci (312Asn and 751Gln) occurred less frequently among BCC and SCC cases compared with controls (OR = 0.8; 95% CI, 0.6-1.0) for both case groups. In the stratum of subjects who have variant for both XPD polymorphisms, there was a 2-fold increased risk of SCC associated with elevated arsenic (OR = 2.2; 95% CI, 1.0-5.0). The test for interaction between XPD and arsenic in SCC was of borderline significance (p < 0.07, 3 degrees of freedom).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate a reduced NMSC risk in relation to XPD Asp312Asn and Lys751Gln variants. Further, these data support the hypothesis that NER polymorphisms may modify the association between NMSC and arsenic.

The DNA repair gene XPD/ERCC2 polymorphisms Arg156Arg (exon 6) and Lys751Gln (exon 23) are closely associated

In the context of a molecular epidemiology study dealing with the effects of individual genetic susceptibility on childhood respiratory morbidity, DNA repair genotypes for the XPD/ERCC2 gene in exon 6 (Arg156Arg) and exon 23 (Lys751Gln) have been analyzed by PCR/RFLP assays in DNA samples isolated from the fetal parts of placentas. The study was performed using a cohort of 729 children born in 1994-1998 in two districts of the Czech Republic. On the basis of these data, we tested the association between the two genotypes. The principal finding of this study is that the exon 6 and exon 23 polymorphisms in the XPD/ERCC2 gene are tightly associated, with persons who are homozygous CC in exon 23 being mostly (81%) homozygous CC in exon 6, and persons homozygous AA in exon 6 mostly (88%) homozygous AA in exon 23. This strong association may have serious consequences for the interpretation of cancer susceptibility and other molecular epidemiology studies dealing with the XPD6 and XPD23 genotypes, since the observed effects of the silent XPD6 polymorphism might be, in fact, the result of XPD23 polymorphism, which is connected with an amino acid substitution in the resulting XPD protein.

No association of ERCC1 C8092A and T19007C polymorphisms to cancer risk: a meta-analysis

ERCC1 (excision repair cross complementation group 1) is a subunit of the nucleotide excision repair complex, which can perform DNA strand incision correction of DNA damage. Association studies on the ERCC1 polymorphisms (C8092A and T19007C) in cancer had shown conflicting results. We performed a meta-analysis from all eligible case-control studies to assess the purported associations. Overall, the 19007C allele (3 853 patients and 4 349 controls) showed no significant effect on cancer risk compared to 19007T allele (P=0.39, odds ratio (OR)=0.95; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.85-1.06, P(heterogeneity)=0.001) in all subjects. Meta-analysis under other genetic contrasts did not reveal any significant association of T19007C to cancer in all subjects, Caucasians and Asians. The 19007C allele (2 279 patients and 2 808 controls) showed no significant effect on lung cancer risk compared to 19007T allele (P=0.72, OR=0.94, 95% CI 0.69-1.29, P(heterogeneity)=0.0001) in all subjects. No significant effect of 8092A allele (3 865 patients and 3 750 controls) on cancer risk in all subjects (P=0.85, OR=1.01, 95% CI 0.94-1.08, P(heterogeneity)=0.92) and in Caucasians and Asians compare to 8092C. No evidences of association of C8092A (501 patients and 620 controls) to squamous cell carcinoma were found. The accumulated evidence indicated ERCC1 T19007C and C8092A might not be risk factors for cancer. Significant between-study heterogeneity existed in T19007C, which arose from a study showing significant protecting effect of 19007C allele compare to 19007T allele in smokers. More studies based on larger, stratified case-control population should be required to further evaluate the role of ERCC1 C8092A and T19007C polymorphisms in different cancer, especially in smokers.

Polymorphisms in the genes ERCC2, XRCC3 and CD3EAP influence treatment outcome in multiple myeloma patients undergoing autologous bone marrow transplantation

Individual variations in the ability to cope with DNA damage by DNA repair may be essential for the response to chemotherapy, since cancer cells from patients with an effective DNA repair may survive treatment. We have studied the effect on time to treatment failure (TTF) and overall survival (OS) of polymorphism in the DNA repair genes ERCC1, ERCC2 and XRCC3, and in the apoptotic genes PPP1R13L and CD3EAP in 348 patients with multiple myeloma undergoing autologous bone marrow transplantation. Carriers of the variant C-allele of ERCC2 K751Q, the variant T-allele of XRCC3 T241M and the variant A-allele of CD3EAP G-21A had a 1.3-fold, 1.8-fold and 1.9-fold longer TTF, respectively, than homozygous wild type carriers (p = 0.006, p = 0.004, p < 0.001). The polymorphism CD3EAP G-21A also had significant effect on OS (p < 0.045). The polymorphism ERCC2 K751Q may to be related to sex, since the prolonged TTF was only seen in women (p = 0.001). Carriers of the combination of variant alleles of ERCC2 K751Q and XRCC3 T241M had 2.8-fold longer TTF (p = 0.0002). This indicates that suboptimal repair of both DNA mechanisms favors prolonged TTF and that polymorphism in ERCC2, XRCC3 and CD3EAP predicts the outcome for patients treated with autologous stem cell transplantation.

XPA A23G, XPC Lys939Gln, XPD Lys751Gln and XPD Asp312Asn polymorphisms, interactions with smoking, alcohol and dietary factors, and risk of colorectal cancer

Polymorphisms in the XPD and the XPC gene have been associated with a lower DNA repair capacity. We determined the risk of colorectal cancer in association with the four polymorphisms XPA A23G, XPC Lys939Gln, XPD Lys751Gln and XPD Asp312Asn, and interactions between the polymorphisms and the environmental factors: smoking intensity, intake of alcohol, red meat, processed meat, fish and poultry, fruits and vegetables and dietary fibres, in relation to development of colorectal cancer in a study population of 405 colorectal cancer cases and a comparison group of 810 persons, nested within the Danish prospective cohort, Diet, Cancer and Health, of 57053 cohort members. No association was found between the XPC Lys939Gln, XPA A23G, XPD Lys751Gln, and XPD Asp312Asn polymorphisms and risk of colorectal cancer. The association of the XPD Lys751Gln polymorphism was statistically significantly different between genders, with a lower risk of colorectal cancer among women carrying the variant allele. We observed a statistically significant interaction between the XPC Lys939Gln polymorphism and consumption of red meat, with a 3.7-fold increase in colorectal cancer risk per 100g red meat intake per day among carriers of the homozygous variant, but virtually no effect of red meat intake among carriers of the wild type allele. In the light of the multiple comparisons being made, this result may be a chance finding. The results showed no interaction between the XPD Lys751Gln, XPA A23G, and XPD Asp312Asn polymorphisms and the environmental factors for the development of colorectal cancer. Overall, the results of the present study indicate that the four polymorphisms are not of major importance in colorectal cancer carcinogenesis.

The effects on human health from stratospheric ozone depletion and its interactions with climate change

Ozone depletion leads to an increase in the ultraviolet-B (UV-B) component (280-315 nm) of solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) reaching the surface of the Earth with important consequences for human health. Solar UVR has many harmful and some beneficial effects on individuals and, in this review, information mainly published since the previous report in 2003 (F. R. de Gruijl, J. Longstreth, M. Norval, A. P. Cullen, H. Slaper, M. L. Kripke, Y. Takizawa and J. C. van der Leun, Photochem. Photobiol. Sci., 2003, 2, pp. 16-28) is discussed. The eye is exposed directly to sunlight and this can result in acute or long-term damage. Studying how UV-B interacts with the surface and internal structures of the eye has led to a further understanding of the location and pathogenesis of a number of ocular diseases, including pterygium and cataract. The skin is also exposed directly to solar UVR, and the development of skin cancer is the main adverse health outcome of excessive UVR exposure. Skin cancer is the most common form of malignancy amongst fair-skinned people, and its incidence has increased markedly in recent decades. Projections consistently indicate a further doubling in the next ten years. It is recognised that genetic factors in addition to those controlling pigment variation can modulate the response of an individual to UVR. Several of the genetic factors affecting susceptibility to the development of squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma and melanoma have been identified. Exposure to solar UVR down-regulates immune responses, in the skin and systemically, by a combination of mechanisms including the generation of particularly potent subsets of T regulatory cells. Such immunosuppression is known to be a crucial factor in the generation of skin cancers. Apart from a detrimental effect on infections caused by some members of the herpesvirus and papillomavirus families, the impact of UV-induced immunosuppression on other microbial diseases and vaccination efficacy is not clear. One important beneficial effect of solar UV-B is its contribution to the cutaneous synthesis of vitamin D, recognised to be a crucial hormone for bone health and for other aspects of general health. There is accumulating evidence that UVR exposure, either directly or via stimulation of vitamin D production, has protective effects on the development of some autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes. Adequate vitamin D may also be protective for the development of several internal cancers and infections. Difficulties associated with balancing the positive effects of vitamin D with the negative effects of too much exposure to solar UV-B are considered. Various strategies that can be adopted by the individual to protect against excessive exposure of the eye or the skin to sunlight are suggested. Finally, possible interactions between ozone depletion and climate warming are outlined briefly, as well as how these might influence human behaviour with regard to sun exposure.

Polymorphisms in COX-2, NSAID use and risk of basal cell carcinoma in a prospective study of Danes

We investigated the risk of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in relation to a number of single nucleotide polymorphisms in genes involved in the inflammatory response. A case-control study including 322 BCC cases and a similar number of controls was nested in a population-based prospective study of 57,053 individuals (aged 50-64 at inclusion) in Denmark. NSAID use was associated with a slightly decreased risk of BCC (IRR=0.85, 95% CI=0.66-1.10). We found that two polymorphisms in COX-2, COX-2 A-1195G and T8473C were associated with risk of BCC. Carriers of the variant allele of COX-2 A-1195G had lower risk of BCC than homozygous wild type carriers (IRR=0.54, 95% CI=0.47-0.89). Homozygous carriers of the variant allele of COX-2 T8473C were at 2.27-fold higher risk of BCC (95% CI=1.31-3.92) than homozygous wild type allele carriers. The polymorphisms IL6 G-174C, IL8 T-251A, PPARgamma2 Pro(12)Ala, IL1beta T-31C, and IL10 C-592A were not associated with risk of BCC. We found no statistically significant interaction between polymorphisms and NSAID use in relation to risk of BCC. While it cannot be ruled out that the present findings are due to chance, the results indicate that high COX-2 expression may increase risk of BCC while NSAID use may be protective.

Impact of some constitutional characteristics on the development of basal cell carcinoma

Background/Aim. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer in the white population. Increasing incidence of BCC imposes the requirement to identify the risk factors due to eventual preventive action. The aim of this study was to assess the role of some constitutional characteristics in development of BCC among the Montenegrin population. Methods. A case-control study was conducted at the Dermatology Department of Clinical Center of Montenegro in Podgorica from 2002?2003. The study group included 100 histopatologically confirmed BCC cases, while the control group consisted of 100 patients from the same department, who did not present skin cancer and who were individually matched to the cases by sex and age (?5 years). All participants were interviewed using an epidemiological questionnaire. For statistical analysis t test and McNemar ?2 test for matched pairs and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used. Results. The risk for development of BCC was increased among the persons with lighter hair color (t = 4.63; df = 99; p < 0.001), fair skin (t = 2.37; df = 99; p = 0.020), lighter eyes color (t = 2.86; df = 99; p = 0.005), with nevuses (OR = 13.13; p = 0.025; 95% IP = 1.39-12.03), and among those whose skin tone after sun exposure remained light (OR = 3.14; p = 0.001; 95%IP = 1.59-6.18). Conclusion. Our study confirmed the significance of constitutional characteristics such as lighter hair color, fair skin, lighter eyes color, and the presence of nevuses in the development of BCC. .

Polymorphism of the DNA repair gene ERCC2 Lys751Gln and risk of lung cancer in a northeastern Chinese population

The ERCC2 gene (excision repair cross-complementing rodent repair deficiency, complementation group 2 [xeroderma pigmentosum D]) (previously XPD), encoding a DNA repair protein, is involved in nucleotide excision repair and basal transcription. To test the effect of the polymorphism ERCC2 Lys751Gln on the risk of lung cancer in a northeastern Chinese population, a hospital-based case-control study was designed consisting of 147 newly diagnosed and previously untreated subjects with lung cancer and 145 cancer-free control subjects matched on age (+/-3 years), gender, and ethnicity. Among the controls, the allele frequency of the C-allele of ERCC2 Lys751Gln was 0.02. The C-allele of ERCC2 Lys751Gln was significantly overrepresented among lung cancer cases (C versus A: adjusted odds ratio OR(adj) = 2.61, 95% CI = 1.12-6.05, P = 0.03). The carriers of AC genotype were at 2.78-fold (OR(adj) = 2.78, 95% CI = 1.12-6.93) higher risk of lung cancer than carriers of the AA genotype. Subdivided by tumor type, carriers of AC genotype had a 4.65-fold higher risk of squamous cell carcinoma of lung compared with carriers of AA genotype (OR(adj) = 4.65, 95% CI = 1.67-12.98, P = 0.003); similar, but not statistically significant estimates were found for adenocarcinoma of lung. In conclusion, our results suggest that ERCC2 Lys751Gln(C) allele is a potential risk marker for lung cancer in this northeastern Chinese population.

Marjolin's ulcer revisited--basal cell carcinoma arising from grenade fragments? Case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Marjolin's ulcer is a rare and often aggressive cutaneous malignancy arising in previously traumatized or chronically inflamed skin.

METHOD

CASE REPORT

A 79-year-old World War II veteran developed basal cell carcinoma (BCC) at the site of a war wound. The tumour developed in relation to several metal grenade fragments. With a disease-free interval of 61 years between injury and onset of complications the patient had one of the longest latency periods of tumour development described so far.

RESULTS

Review of the literature reveals only five cases of relation between grenade fragments and malignancy formation. Presence of foreign bodies has been described as possible aetiology for malignancy development. Explosives and additives contain several mutagenic and tumourigenic substances. We hypothesize a causal connection between the grenade fragments and the development of BCC. Considering the long period of latency between injury and tumour development we suggest grenade injury with left fragments in soft tissue to be a new origin of Marjolin's ulcer.

Polymorphisms in the DNA repair genes XPD (ERCC2) and XPF (ERCC4) are not associated with sporadic late-onset Alzheimer's disease

Nucleotide excision repair (NER) is the most versatile mechanism of DNA repair, recognizing and dealing a variety of helix-distorting lesions. Xeroderma pigmentosum group D (XPD) and group F (XPF) are essential participants in NER pathway. There is evidence that two common polymorphisms of XPD gene (g.22541C>A; exon 6 and g.35931A>C; Lys>Gln; exon 23) may be associated with differential DNA repair activities. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by progressive neuronal loss correlated in time with the symptoms of disease considered. Although deficient DNA repair was proposed in the etiology of AD by several researchers, polymorphisms of DNA repair genes have not been studied in AD yet. We conducted a case-control study including 97 patients with AD and age- and sex-matched 101 control subjects to examine the role of genetic polymorphisms of XPD and XPF (g.30028T>C; exon 11) as a risk factor for AD. The frequencies of the XPD/exon 6, XPD/exon 23, and XPF/exon 11 variant alleles in our control group were 0.41, 0.35, and 0.35, respectively. No significant association was observed between the variant alleles of XPD/exon 6 (OR=0.94, 95% CI=0.63-1.41), XPD/exon 23 (OR=1.24, 95% CI=0.82-1.86) and XPF/exon 11 (OR=1.08, 95% CI=0.72-1.64) and AD. Our results suggest that the polymorphic variants of these NER genes do not contribute to the risk of developing AD.

[Exposure to sun radiation as a risk factor for the occurrence of basal cell carcinoma in the Montenegrian population]

BACKGROUND/AIM

[corrected] Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most frequent form of carcinomas in the whites. Among the environmental factors, the most important risk factor for its occurrence is the expasure to sun radiation. The aim of this study was to assess the role of the sun radiation in the development of basal cell carcinoma BCC in the Montenegrian population.

METHODS

A case-control study was conducted in a period from 2002-2003. The study group included 100 histopatologically confirmed cases with BCC, while the control group included 100 patients from the same population, who did not present skin cancer and who were individually matched with the cases from the study group by sex and age (+/- 5 years). All the participants were interviewed using an epidemiological questionnaire. For statistical analysis, the chi-squared test and univariate logistic regression analysis were used.

RESULTS

The risk for development of BCC was increased in the persons: that always had burns with no tan during the exposure to sunlight (OR = 1.75; 95% CI = 1.20-2.55; p = 0.003); that developed sunburns after two hours of the exposure to sunlight (OR = 3.72; 95% CI = 2.39-5.79; p < 0.001) that kept light tan or remained without changes in childhood and adolescence after the repeated exposures to sunlight (OR = 2.92; 95% CI = 1.89-4.52; p < 0.001) that often had severe and painful sunburns (OR = 4.48; 95% CI = 2.74-7.33; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our study confirmed the significance of sunlight exposure for the development of BCC.

Effects of polymorphisms in ERCC1, ASE-1 and RAI on the risk of colorectal carcinomas and adenomas: a case control study

BACKGROUND

The risk of sporadic colorectal cancer is mainly associated with lifestyle factors and may be modulated by several genetic factors of low penetrance. Genetic variants represented by single nucleotide polymorphisms in genes encoding key players in the adenoma carcinoma sequence may contribute to variation in susceptibility to colorectal cancer. In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether the recently identified haplotype encompassing genes of DNA repair and apoptosis, is associated with increased risk of colorectal adenomas and carcinomas.

METHODS

We used a case-control study design (156 carcinomas, 981 adenomas and 399 controls) to test the association between polymorphisms in the chromosomal region 19q13.2-3, encompassing the genes ERCC1, ASE-1 and RAI, and risk of colorectal adenomas and carcinomas in a Norwegian cohort. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated by binary logistic regression model adjusting for age and gender.

RESULTS

The ASE-1 polymorphism was associated with an increased risk of adenomas, OR of 1.39 (95% CI 1.06-1.81), which upon stratification was apparent among women only, OR of 1.66 (95% CI 1.15-2.39). The RAI polymorphism showed a trend towards risk reduction for both adenomas (OR of 0.70, 95% CI 0.49-1.01) and carcinomas (OR of 0.49, 95% CI 0.21-1.13) among women, although not significant. Women who were homozygous carriers of the high risk haplotype had an increased risk of colorectal cancer, OR of 2.19 (95% CI 0.95-5.04) compared to all non-carriers although the estimate was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

We found no evidence that the studied polymorphisms were associated with risk of adenomas or colorectal cancer among men, but we found weak indications that the chromosomal region may influence risk of colorectal cancer and adenoma development in women.