Cyclooxygenase-2 Gene Polymorphisms –765G>C and –1195A>G and Mycosis Fungoides Risk

Background: Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is an inducible modulator of inflammation that acts through increasing prostaglandin levels and has been described as a major mediator linking inflammation to cancer. Previous studies supported that COX-2–765G>C and –1195A>G polymorphisms were associated with increased risk of several solid tissue cancers as well as some hematological malignancies. Objective: The aim of the study was to elucidate the association between functional COX-2 genotypes (–765G>C and –1195A>G) polymorphisms and the risk of developing mycosis fungoides (MF). Methods: This was a hospital-based, case-control study of 70 MF patients and 100 MF-free controls. We genotyped COX-2 –1195A>G, –765G>C, and –8473T>C polymorphisms by using the PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Results: The AA genotype in the COX-2 –1195A>G gene polymorphism and the GC genotype in the COX-2 −765G>C gene were significantly more frequent among MF patients compared to controls (p< 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively). Conclusion: The ­results indicate a possible role of COX-2 genes in the pathogenesis of MF. These novel findings may allow for notable future advances, as it will enable the identification of the ­individuals most susceptible to MF.