ALDH2 1510 G/A (Glu487Lys) polymorphism interaction with age in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Recent molecular epidemiological studies have revealed a possible association of the acetaldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH2) 1510 G/A (Glu487Lys) polymorphism with various cancers including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). To further elucidate the significance of this polymorphism in HNSCC development, the relationship between ALDH2 1510 G/A and clinicopathological parameters, cigarette smoking or alcohol intake was evaluated in patients with HNSCC. DNA samples from 192 patients with primary HNSCC and 192 age- and gender-matched healthy controls were genotyped and statistically evaluated. Although there was no significant difference in the genotype distribution of ALDH2 1510 G/A between cases and controls, we found that the frequency of the ALDH2 genotypes with the mutated A (Lys) allele was greater in patients aged <66 years than in those aged > or = 66 years (p = 0.034). This tendency became more evident in patients with the habit of drinking (n = 143; p = 0.009). The association of ALDH2 1510 G/A with age remained significant after multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed for the patients (odds ratio for an age interval for 1 year, 0.970; 95% confidence interval, 0.943-0.998). The present data suggest a possible interaction between the ALDH2 1510 G/A polymorphism and age in HNSCC.