Relationship between Gene Polymorphisms and Gastrointestinal Tumors Development: Perspective from Eastern Part of Turkey.

BACKGROUND

Gastric and esophageal cancers are 2 of the most prevalent cancer types worldwide. Polymorphisms in the genes that code the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) enzyme increase the formation of both cancer types. In this study, it was aimed to research the relationship between the existence of and polymorphisms in patients with gastric and esophageal cancer and the lifespans of patients.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

This prospective study was performed at Van Yuzuncu Yil University. Included in the study were 30 patients with esophageal tumors, 70 patients with gastric tumors, and 61 healthy volunteers. From each of the patients, 5 mL of blood was drawn. DNA was isolated via kits with spin-column technology.

RESULTS

It was concluded that the risk of developing gastric cancer was 4.13 times higher in individuals who had the genotype of the polymorphism when compared to those who had the genotype, while the risk was 2.91 times higher in individuals who had the genotype when compared to those who had the genotype (P = 0.001, P = 0.027). Carriers of the genotype of the polymorphism had 2.89 times higher risk of developing esophageal cancer when compared to those who had the genotype (P = 0.033). It was determined that individuals who had the 1298 genotype were not at higher risk of developing esophageal cancer when compared to those with the genotype (P = 0.863). It was concluded that individuals who had the genotype of the polymorphism were not at higher risk of developing gastric and esophageal cancers when compared to those who had the genotype (P > 0.05). There was no difference in terms of the life spans of the patients with regards to the genotypes (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The results showed that the polymorphism on the MTHFR gene can be a risk factor for gastric and esophageal cancer in eastern Turkey. These polymorphisms may have no effect on the life spans of the patients.