Abstract:

Objective   This study was designed to examine the relationship between Fas-670 and FasL-844 gene polymorphism and the susceptibility to gastric cancer in North China. Methods   Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes of 234 gastric cancer patients and 321 healthy volunteers. Genotypes at Fas-670 and FasL-844 polymorphic sites were identified by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-PFLP)． Results   No significant difference was found between the two groups in the distribution of the polymorphism at Fas-670 and FasL-844 (P>0.05). A logistic regression analysis indicated that there was no correlation of Fas-670 and FasL-844 gene polymorphism with susceptibility to gastric cancer. After stratification by smoking status, it was found, however, that smokers carrying an Fas670GA genotype had an high risk of gastric cancer compared with those with an Fas-670AA genotype (OR=2.438, 95% CI 1.067~5.569). Conclusions   In North China, the FasL-844 gene polymorphism has no correlation with the susceptibility to gastric cancer. While smokers with an FAS-670GA genotype are more likely to develop gastric cancer relative to those with an Fas-670AA genotype.

Key words: Gastric tumor; Fas; FasL; Polymorphism