Transforming Growth Factor β Signaling Pathway Associated Gene Polymorphisms May Explain Lower Breast Cancer Risk in Western Indian Women
2011

Genetic Factors Linked to Lower Breast Cancer Risk in Indian Women

Sample size: 436 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Narendra N. Joshi, Mithila D. Kale, Sujata S. Hake, Sadhana Kannan

Primary Institution: Tata Memorial Centre (TMC), Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, India

Hypothesis

Do TGFβ1 and TGFBR1 gene polymorphisms influence breast cancer risk in Indian women?

Conclusion

The study suggests that specific genetic variants may contribute to a lower risk of breast cancer in western Indian women compared to Parsi women.

Supporting Evidence

  • The frequency of the TGFB1*C allele was higher in Maharashtrian women compared to Parsi women.
  • Lower incidence rates of breast cancer in Indian women compared to White women were noted.
  • Significant protective effects of the TGFB1*29C allele were observed in younger Maharashtrian women.

Takeaway

Some genes can help protect Indian women from getting breast cancer, especially younger ones.

Methodology

A case-control study comparing genetic polymorphisms in breast cancer patients and healthy controls from two distinct communities.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to the ethnic homogeneity of the study population.

Limitations

The study's power is limited due to the small sample size, which may affect the reliability of the findings.

Participant Demographics

Participants included premenopausal Maharashtrian women and Parsi women, with a mean age of 33.1 years for controls and 39.1 years for patients in the Maharashtrian group.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.01

Confidence Interval

95% CI 0.25–0.81

Statistical Significance

p<0.01

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0021866

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