Polymorphism of the insulin gene is associated with increased prostate cancer risk
2003

Insulin Gene Polymorphism and Prostate Cancer Risk

Sample size: 339 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Ho G Y F, Melman A, Liu S-M, Li M, Yu H, Negassa A, Burk R D, Hsing A W, Ghavamian R, Chua S C Jr

Primary Institution: Albert Einstein College of Medicine

Hypothesis

Is there a relationship between the insulin gene polymorphism and the risk of prostate cancer?

Conclusion

The study found that the homozygous CC genotype of the +1127 INS-PstI marker is associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer.

Supporting Evidence

  • Men with the homozygous CC genotype had a 1.74 odds ratio for prostate cancer compared to other genotypes.
  • The association was stronger among nondiabetic subjects.
  • Linkage disequilibrium was observed between the +1127 INS-PstI marker and other SNPs in the region.

Takeaway

This study suggests that a specific change in the insulin gene may make some men more likely to get prostate cancer.

Methodology

A case-control study was conducted with 191 prostate cancer cases and 148 controls, genotyping for three markers in the TH-INS-IGF2 region.

Potential Biases

Potential population stratification bias, especially among Hispanic participants.

Limitations

The study had a small sample size and lacked fasting blood samples to measure insulin levels.

Participant Demographics

The cases included 54% African Americans, 22% Caucasians, 21% Hispanics, and 3% others.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.055

Confidence Interval

1.74 (0.99–3.05)

Statistical Significance

p=0.055

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1038/sj.bjc.6600747

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