Lack of Association between TNF-α Promoter Polymorphism and Prostate Carcinoma Susceptibility in Eastern Croatian Population

Abstract

A single nuclear polymorphisms (SNPs) in the promoter region of the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) gene are involved in regulation of expression levels of TNF-α and therefore are associated with oncogenesis of several cancers. Aim of our study was to investigate the effect of G→A polymorphism at –308 position in the promoter region of the TNF-α gene on prostate cancer (CaP) susceptibility in a subset of patients from Eastern Croatia. Study population consisted of 240 patients (120 with CaP, 120 controls). They were genotyped for TNF-α G-308A polymorphism using real-time PCR (LightCycler Instrument, Roche Diagnostics) and melting curve analysis method. c² test was used to compare distribution of TNF-α polymorphism genotypes between patients and control group. Relative risk was estimated by the odds ratio (OR). There was no significant statistical difference (c²=0.000, DF=1, p=1, OR=1, 95%CI=0.5537-1.8059) between patients and control group. Besides, data of CaP patients were stratified according to pathohistological diagnosis (PHD) by Gleason score and groups were compared according to TNF-a genotypes. Also, all patients and CaP patients were grouped according to prostate volume (V) into three groups: V<50ml, V50-100ml, V>100ml. These groups were also compared according to TNF-a genotypes. There were no significant statistical differences between any of groups. Our findings suggest that TNF-α –308 SNP is not associated with CaP in Eastern Croatia population.