Background: The current case-control study was conducted in order to elucidate any possible association of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of codon 72 of the p53 gene (Arg72Pro) and sporadic colorectal adenocarcinoma development in a Caucasian population in Greece. The distribution of its alleles, in relation to many clinical parameters of the cancer group, was also investigated.
Materials and methods: Genomic DNA samples from 93 sporadic colorectal adenocarcinoma cases and 95 healthy controls (age and ethnicity matched) were used to genotype the p53 codon 72 polymorphism.
Results: A strong association of the homozygous 72Arg allele with the development of colorectal cancer was observed (Chi-Square = 11,212, p = 0.001, O.R = 2.902, 95% (CI) = 1.540-5.469, for Arg/Arg vs. Arg/Pro and Pro/Pro). When tumor location was accounted for, the Arg/Arg carrier genotypes were associated with an increased incidence of left colon cancer (Chi-Square = 5.256, p = 0.026, OR = 2.975, 95% (CI) = 1.150-7.699).
Conclusion: p53Arg homozygosity is associated with the development of sporadic colorectal adenocarcinoma, in the Greek-Caucasian population studied and this polymorphism may have a significant prognostic value, where tumor location is concerned.