Association of transforming growth factor-β1 gene polymorphisms with genetic susceptibility to nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Abstract

Background Nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) is multifactorial, and the genetic background may be a crucial etiologic factor. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is a multifunctional cytokine, it promotes tumor growth and metastasis in later stages of phase of cancer development. Variations in the DNA sequence in the TGF-β1 gene may lead to altered TGF-β1 production and/or activity, and so this can modulate an individual's susceptibility to NPC. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the association of the TGF-β1 polymorphisms and their haplotypes with the risk of NPC in a Chinese population. Methods We analyzed 2 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of TGF-β1 gene promoter − 509C/T and 869T/C (Leu10Pro) at exon one in 108 patients with NPC and 120 age- and sex-matched controls in a Chinese population, using a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) strategy. Results There were significant differences in the genotype and allele distribution of − 509C/T and 869T/C (Leu10Pro) polymorphisms of the TGF-β1 gene among cases and controls. The − 509T and 869C alleles carriers were associated with a significantly increased risk of NPC as compared with the non-carriers (OR = 1.64, 95% CI, 1.13−2.39, P = 0.009 and OR = 1.70, 95% CI, 1.17−2.46, P = 0.006, respectively). Consistent with the results of the genotyping analyses, the − 509T/869C haplotype was associated with a significantly increased risk of NPC as compared with the − 509C/869T haplotype (OR = 1.68; 95% CI, 1.14−2.48; P = 0.009). Conclusion TGF-β1 − 509C/T and 869T/C polymorphisms, and their haplotypes are significantly associated with the risk of NPC. Our data suggests that TGF-β1 − 509C/T and 869T/C polymorphisms could be used as genetic susceptibility markers of the NPC.