Investigation of Cyclooxygenase-2 Gene Polymorphism in Patients with Gastric Cancer and Healthy Individuals in Northern Iran

Abstract

Background: Gastric cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the world. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is a pro-inflammatory enzyme and an important mediator of tumor cell proliferation and angiogenesis. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between COX-2 gene polymorphism and the risk of developing gastric cancer. Methods: This case-control study was carried out on 150 patients with gastric cancer and 150 healthy individuals. Genomic DNA was extracted using a modified method of protein precipitation at high salt concentrations. Polymorphisms of the COX-2 gene were investigated by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Results: In this study, the frequency of GG genotype and CC genotype was significantly higher in patients with gastric cancer and healthy individuals, respectively (P < 0.05). However, the frequency of CC genotype did not significantly differ between the 2 study groups. Conclusions: We demonstrated that the homozygous GG genotype of COX-2 is significantly more frequent in patients with gastric cancer compared to healthy individuals. This could indicate the possible role of COX-2 in the development or progression of gastric cancer.