A genetic polymorphism of the osteoprotegerin gene is associated with an increased risk of advanced prostate cancer
2008

Genetic Link Between Osteoprotegerin Gene and Prostate Cancer Risk

Sample size: 556 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Narita Naofumi, Yuasa Takeshi, Tsuchiya Norihiko, Kumazawa Teruaki, Narita Shintaro, Inoue Takamitsu, Ma Zhiyong, Saito Mitsuru, Horikawa Yohei, Satoh Shigeru, Ogawa Osamu, Habuchi Tomonori

Primary Institution: Akita University School of Medicine

Hypothesis

Polymorphisms in the osteoprotegerin gene may act as genetic modifiers in the development and progression of prostate cancer.

Conclusion

The variant C allele of the 950 T/C polymorphism in the OPG promoter may protect against the progression of prostate cancer.

Supporting Evidence

  • Patients with the TC and TT genotypes had a significantly increased risk of extraprostatic and metastatic disease.
  • The presence of the T allele of the OPG 950 T/C polymorphism was an independent risk factor predicting survival.
  • No significant differences in genotype frequencies were found between prostate cancer patients and controls for the 149 T/C polymorphism.

Takeaway

This study looked at how certain genes might affect the risk of getting advanced prostate cancer, finding that one gene variant could help protect against it.

Methodology

The study involved genotyping two polymorphisms in the osteoprotegerin gene among 361 prostate cancer patients and 195 controls.

Potential Biases

Potential selection bias in control group selection.

Limitations

The study's findings may not be generalizable beyond the Japanese population.

Participant Demographics

Native Japanese men, including 361 prostate cancer patients and 195 healthy controls.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.031

Confidence Interval

1.072 – 4.341

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2407-8-224

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