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World J Gastroenterol. Oct 28, 2006; 12(40): 6536-6539
Published online Oct 28, 2006. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v12.i40.6536
A p53 genetic polymorphism of gastric cancer: Difference between early gastric cancer and advanced gastric cancer
Sun Young Yi, Woon Jung Lee
Sun Young Yi, Woon Jung Lee, Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Research Center, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Korea
Supported by Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital Clinical Research Grant of 2006
Correspondence to: Sun Young Yi, MD, PhD. Department of Internal Medicine College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Yangcheon-gu Mok-dong 911-1, Seoul, 158-710, Korea. syy@ewha.ac.kr
Telephone: +82-2-26505575 Fax: +82-2-26552076
Received: April 29, 2006
Revised: May 12, 2006
Accepted: May 22, 2006
Published online: October 28, 2006
Abstract

AIM: To investigate the role of the polymorphism of p53 codon 72 in early gastric cancer (EGC) and advanced gastric cancer (AGC) in Korean patients.

METHODS: DNA was extracted from blood samples of gastric cancer patients (n = 291) and controls (n = 216). In the p53 codon 72 genotypes were determined by PCR-RFLP.

RESULTS: Patients with gastric cancer had a significantly higher frequency of the homozygous proline (Pro) allele than the control (P = 0.032). Patients with AGC had a significantly higher frequency of the Arg/Arg (arginine) allele (P = 0.038) than EGC and a similar Pro/Pro allele. The signet ring cell type had a higher frequency of the Pro/Pro allele than other types (P = 0.031). The Pro/Pro genotype carries a 3.9-fold increased risk of developing gastric cancer (95% CI, 1.3-15.4, P = 0.039) when compared to Arg/Arg and Arg/Pro genotypes and to develop EGC is a 5.25 fold increased risk (95% CI, 1.8-19.6, P = 0.021).

CONCLUSION: The Pro/Pro genotype of the p53 codon 72 polymorphism carries a higher risk for gastric cancer in general and is also associated with a much higher risk for EGC than AGC.

Keywords: p53 gene; Polymorphism; Gastric cancer