Cyclooxygenase-2 promoter polymorphism -899G/C is associated with hepatitis B-related liver cancer in a Chinese population of Gansu province

Background Hepatitis B virus infection is closely related to hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC）. Cyclooxygenase-2 （COX-2） is overexpressed in HCC and considered to play a role in hepatic carcinogenesis. In this study, we analyzed the polymorphism of COX-2 promoter -899G/C in healthy controls, chronic hepatitis B （CHB） patients, liver cirrhosis patients, and hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） patients, to investigate the relationship between COX-2 -899G/C polymorphism and the risk for hepatitis B-related liver cancer in a Chinese population from Gansu province. Methods Patients were divided into four groups： 300 patients with CHB, 300 patients with liver cirrhosis, 300 patients with HCC, and 300 healthy controls. The polymorphism of COX-2 -899G/C was detected by PCR-TaqMan probes. The results were analyzed by SPSS 17.0. Results The COX-2 -899G/C genotypes were GG, GC, and CC. Frequencies in CHB were 87.00%, 12.67%, 0.33%; in liver cirrhosis were 85.33%, 14.00%, 0.67%; in HCC were 77.00%, 21.67%, 1.33%; and in healthy controls were 90.67%, 9.00%, 0.33%, respectively. COX-2 -899C carriers may have an increased risk for hepatitis B-related liver cancer. Compared with the frequency of GG genotype, there were significant differences in the frequency of GC genotype between HCC and healthy control groups （0R=2.835, 95%C/： 1.751-4.589）; HCC and CHB groups （OR=1.933, 95%C/： 1.248-2.994）; and HCC and liver cirrhosis groups （OR=1. 175, 95%C/： 1.119-2.628）. Stratification analyses showed that COX-2 -899C allele carriers with a drinking history are more susceptible to develop HCC. Conclusion COX-2 -899C genotype may increase the susceptibility of individuals to hepatitis B-related liver cancer in Gansu province, China.