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Updated: Jul 13, 2026
05:53
Candidate Gene Testing in Clinical Cohort Studies with Multiplexed Genotyping and Mass Spectrometry
Published on: June 21, 2018
IL6 genotypes and colon and rectal cancer
Martha L Slattery1, Roger K Wolff, Jennifer S Herrick
1School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA. mslatter@hrc.utah.edu
Cancer Causes & Control : CCC
|August 19, 2007
Summary
Specific IL6 gene variations and vitamin D receptor genotypes, particularly when combined with aspirin/NSAID use, may influence colorectal cancer risk. These findings highlight inflammation
Area of Science:
- Genetics and Molecular Biology
- Oncology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Inflammation is increasingly recognized as a significant factor in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC).
- Understanding genetic predispositions and environmental interactions is crucial for CRC risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between specific Interleukin-6 (IL6) gene polymorphisms (rs1800795 and rs1800796) and the risk of colorectal cancer.
- To evaluate the joint effects of IL6 polymorphisms, aspirin/NSAID use, and vitamin D receptor (VDR) genotype on CRC risk.
Main Methods:
- A multi-center case-control study involving 1579 colon cancer cases and 1977 controls, and 794 rectal cancer cases and 1005 controls.
- Genotyping for IL6 polymorphisms (rs1800795, rs1800796) and VDR genotype.
- Statistical analysis to assess the association between polymorphisms, lifestyle factors (aspirin/NSAID use), and CRC risk, including interaction analyses.
Main Results:
- The C allele of rs1800796 and the GG genotype of rs1800795 were associated with a reduced risk of colon cancer, but not rectal cancer.
- Significant interactions were observed between IL6 polymorphisms and current aspirin/NSAID use, lowering colon cancer risk.
- CRC risk was also influenced by interactions between VDR and IL6 genotypes, further modified by aspirin/NSAID use.
Conclusions:
- Genetic variations in IL6, in conjunction with aspirin/NSAID use and VDR genotype, play a role in the etiology of colorectal cancer.
- These findings support the link between inflammation-related factors and CRC development.
- Further research is warranted to explore other genes within inflammation pathways influencing CRC risk.
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