5-methyltetrahydrofolate-homocysteine methyltransferase gene polymorphism (MTR) and risk of head and neck cancer.

• Grant number: 10/05231-2
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants - Publications - Scientific article
• Start date: May 01, 2010
• End date: October 31, 2010
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Genetics - Human and Medical Genetics
• Principal Investigator: Eny Maria Goloni Bertollo
• Grantee: Eny Maria Goloni Bertollo
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP). Secretaria de Desenvolvimento Econômico (São Paulo - Estado). São José do Rio Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The functional effect of the A>G transition at position 2756 on the MTR gene (5-methyltetrahydrofolate-homocysteine methyltransferase), involved in the folate metabolism, may be a risk factor for head and neck cancer (HNSCC). The frequency of the MTR A2756G (rs1805087) polymorphism between HNSCC patients and individuals without any history of neoplasias was compared. Additionally, the association of this polymorphism with clinical histopathological parameters was evaluated. Seven hundred and five individuals were included in this study. The PCR-RFLP technique was used to genotype the polymorphism. For statistical analysis the chi-square test (univariate analysis) was used for comparisons between the groups and multiple logistic regression (multivariate analysis) for interactions between the polymorphism and risk factors and clinical histopathological parameters. Using univariate analysis, the results did not show significant differences in allelic and genotypic distributions between both groups. Multivariate analysis showed that tobacco and alcohol consumption (p <0.001), the AG genotype (p = 0.019) and G allele (p = 0.028) may be predictors of the disease and there was a higher frequency of the G polymorphic allele in men with HNSCC in relation to male controls (p = 0.008). The analysis of polymorphism regarding clinical histopathological parameters did not show any association with the primary site, aggressiveness, lymph node involvement or extension of the tumor. In conclusion, our data provide evidence that supports an association between the polymorphism and the risk of HNSCC. However, studies of other enzymes involved in the folate metabolism, and plasma concentrations may contribute to the understanding of the factors involved in the etiology of HNSCC. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

GALBIATTI, A. L. S.; RUIZ, M. T.; CHICOTE-BISELLI, P. M.; RAPOSO, L. S.; MANIGLIA, J. V.; PAVARINO-BERTELLI, E. C.; GOLONI-BERTOLLO, E. M.. 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate-homocysteine methyltransferase gene polymorphism (MTR) and risk of head and neck cancer. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, v. 43, n. 5, p. 445-450, MAY 2010. (10/05231-2)