Characterization of genetic polymorphisms in oral cancer-related genes pertaining to oxidative stress, carcinogen detoxifying, and DNA repair: A case-control study

Background: The genetic polymorphism in the DNA repair and maintenance genes leads to mutations and deregulated growth hormones which have implications in cancer. Apart from identified carcinogens such as tobacco, specific genetic polymorphisms correspond to an individual's risk of oral cancer. The current study aims at identification of differences in genetic polymorphisms in subjects with and without oral cancer in Karad, India. Aim/Objectives: The aim of the study was to characterize genetic polymorphisms in oral cancer-related genes pertaining to oxidative stress, carcinogen detoxifying, and DNA repair. Methodology: A hospital-based case-control was conducted with 150 subjects sorted into cases (n = 75) and controls (n = 75). The polymerase chain reaction-based restriction fragment length polymorphism assay was used to genotype the polymorphisms of selected DNA repair, detoxifying, and oxidative stress-related genes. Results: In the cases group, among the DNA repair set, Gene-1 (XRCC1), Gene-3 (XRCC3), Xeroderma Pigmentosum Group-D gene (XPD), and human 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase (hOGG1) showed significant genetic polymorphism. Similarly, the genetic polymorphism in the carcinogen detoxifying genes-n-acetyl transferase, GSTP1, and oxidative stress-related gene catalase were noted. Statistical Analysis: The Cramer's V/odds ratio was applied to estimate the association of genetic risk factors with oral cancer. Conclusion: The polymorphisms of XRCC1, XRCC3, XPD, and hOGG1 genes were associated with a higher susceptibility to oral cancer as compared to controls. This information may be a useful novel marker in oral oncology for primary prevention and intervention.