Genetic polymorphisms of p53 and GSTP1, but not NAT2, are associated with susceptibility to squamous-cell carcinoma of the esophagus

Abstract

The interaction of genetic and environmental factors can determine an individual's susceptibility to various cancers. We present a hospital-based case-control study, which included 90 patients of esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma (ESCC) and 254 healthy people in Taiwan, to investigate the effects of genetic polymorphisms of p53, GSTPI and NAT2 on the risk of ESCC. Polymorphisms of p53, NAT2 and GSTPI were determined by PCR-RFLP. The codon 72 p53 Pro allele was more frequently found in ESCC patients [odds ratio (OR) 1.86, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04-3.35 for Arg/Pro genotype and OR 2.56, 95% CI 1.29-5.08 for Pro/Pro genotype]. In cigarette smokers, the frequency of GSTPI lle/lle genotype was higher in ESCC patients (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.4-5.7). Among alcohol drinkers, borderline significance was also found for GSTPI lle/lle genotype (OR 2.0, 95% CI 0.9-4.4). Results were not similar for the NAT2 genetic polymorphism. Using logistic analyses, we found that individuals with p53 Pro/Pro genotype had a significantly higher risk of developing ESCC than those with Arg/Arg genotype (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.1-5.1), after adjusting for other significant environmental risk factors. This result remained similar (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.0-4.8 for p53 Pro/Pro vs. Arg/Arg), even after further adjustment for NAT2 and GSTPI polymorphisms. The codon 72 p53 Pro/Pro genotype in the general population and GSTPI lle/lle in cigarette smokers may predict a higher risk of developing ESCC. (C) 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.