Polymorphisms in the apoptosis-associated genes FAS and FASL and risk of oral cancer and malignant potential of oral premalignant lesions in a Taiwanese population.
BACKGROUND
Our aim was to measure the relationship of FAS (-1377G>A and -670A>G), FASL (-844C>T) gene variants and risk of oral cancer.


METHODS
Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis was used to determine the FAS and FASL polymorphisms in 294 oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), 53 oral submucous fibrosis (OSF), and 84 oral leukoplakia (OL) patients, as well as in 333 healthy controls. A standardized questionnaire was applied to collect demographic data, and potential confounding factors. JMP statistical software was used to analyze the association.


RESULTS
FAS and FASL polymorphisms were not correlated with OSCC development or the malignant potential of OL by simple and multivariate logistic regression. However, a two- to fourfold difference in the risks of betel quid chewing, alcohol consumption, and smoking on OSCC development were observed between participants with different FAS polymorphisms. FAS polymorphisms were significantly correlated with the malignant potential of OSF. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that FAS A(-1377)-G(-670) vs. G(-1377)-A(-670) haplotype (OR = 2.26, 95% CI = 1.16-4.41) was correlated with the malignant potential of OSF.


CONCLUSIONS
We suggest that FAS and FASL polymorphisms are not significantly correlated with OSCC development or malignant potential of OL. The impact of substance usage on OSCC development could be differentiated by FAS polymorphisms. FAS A(-1377)-G(-670) haplotype may play a role in the malignant potential of OSF.
Wang
Li-Hsuan
LH
Division of Molecular Diagnosis, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Ting
Shuo-Chun
SC
Chen
Chung-Ho
CH
Tsai
Chi-Cheng
CC
Lung
Oliver
O
Liu
Ta-Chih
TC
Lee
Chia-Wen
CW
Wang
Yen-Yun
YY
Tsai
Chin-Ling
CL
Lin
Ying-Chu
YC
D000241:Adenosine; D000428:Alcohol Drinking; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000235:genetics*; D001114:Areca; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000235:genetics; D003596:Cytosine; D053222:Fas Ligand Protein / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D014644:Genetic Variation / Q000235:genetics; D006147:Guanine; D006239:Haplotypes; D006801:Humans; D007972:Leukoplakia, Oral / Q000235:genetics; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics*; D009914:Oral Submucous Fibrosis / Q000235:genetics; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012150:Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length; D020641:Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide / Q000235:genetics*; D011230:Precancerous Conditions / Q000235:genetics*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking; D013624:Taiwan; D013941:Thymine; D019014:fas Receptor / Q000235:genetics*
C491901:FAS protein, human; D053222:Fas Ligand Protein; D019014:fas Receptor; D006147:Guanine; D003596:Cytosine; D000241:Adenosine; D013941:Thymine