Investigating laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma: clinical features and the role of TAS2R16 polymorphisms and its protein levels.

BACKGROUND

Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is the second most common malignancy of the respiratory tract after lung cancer, presents symptoms like hoarseness, sore throat, and dysphagia, and about 150,000 new cases are diagnosed worldwide annually. Risk factors such as tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, and genetic variations, including TAS2R16 polymorphisms, significantly influence LSCC development. Recent research suggests TAS2R16, a bitter taste receptor, may play a role in inflammation regulation and could be linked to cancer susceptibility, particularly in individuals with alcohol and nicotine dependency.

METHODS

A total of 312 LSCC patients and 320 healthy controls participated in the study. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was extracted using salting-out technology. Real time polymerase chain reaction was used for genotyping. Using the ELISA technique, serum levels were measured.

RESULTS

The distribution of TT, CT, and CC genotypes of TAS2R16 rs860170 is statistically significantly different in groups: LSCC patients, both early-stage and late-stage LSCC patients, patients without metastasis and control group. Results showed that TAS2R16 rs1357949 GG and AG genotypes together are associated with decreased odds of developing LSCC in non-smoking patients under the dominant model. Also, each rs1357949 G allele was found to decrease the odds of LSCC occurrence in non-smokers under the additive model. TAS2R16 serum levels in the LSCC were greater in TAS2R16 rs978739 CT genotype carriers than in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

The distribution of TAS2R16 rs860170 genotypes varies notably between LSCC patients, including those at early and late stages, as well as those without metastasis. Additionally, rs1357949 GG and AG genotypes show a protective effect against LSCC development in non-smokers, with the G allele reducing the odds of occurrence. Higher serum levels of TAS2R16 were observed in LSCC patients with the rs978739 CT genotype, suggesting a potential link between these genetic variations and LSCC pathophysiology.