Evaluation of miR-27a, miR-181a, and miR-570 Genetic Variants with Gallbladder Cancer Susceptibility and Treatment Outcome in a North Indian Population

Introduction miR-27a, miR-181a, and miR-570 genetic variants have been found to play an important role in many cancers, but their contribution in gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) has not been explored. Therefore, we investigated the role of these micro RNA (miRNA) genetic variants in terms of GBC susceptibility, therapeutic response, toxicities associated with chemo-radiotherapy and survival outcome. Methods This study included 606 GBC patients and 200 healthy controls. From among the larger study cohort, 219 patients receiving adjuvant or palliative chemo-radiotherapy as per disease status were followed up for toxicity profile. Treatment response was recorded in 159 patients who received palliative chemo-radiotherapy. Genotypes were determined using allelic discrimination assay. Statistical analysis was carried out with SPSS version 16. Generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction (GMDR) analysis was performed for gene–gene interactions. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression tests. Results In univariate logistic regression analysis, no association with any of the studied polymorphisms was found in overall GBC susceptibility. Furthermore, univariate and multivariate analyses revealed no significant association with response to chemo-radiotherapy. In GMDR analysis, miR-27a rs895819 , miR-570 rs4143815 , and miR-181a rs12537 combination was found as the best gene–gene interaction model for susceptibility and treatment response. Furthermore, miR-27a rs895819 miR-181a rs12537 was associated with neutropenia toxicity in patients undergoing chemo-radiotherapy. However, miRNA variants had no influence over the survival outcomes of GBC patients (locally advanced, metastatic). Conclusion In conclusion, the miRNA variants cumulatively influence GBC susceptibility and treatment outcomes.