Multiple ADH genes are associated with upper aerodigestive cancers
Mia Hashibe1, James D McKay, Maria Paula Curado
1International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France.
Nature Genetics
|May 27, 2008
Summary
Certain alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) gene variants, specifically rs1229984 (ADH1B) and rs1573496 (ADH7), offer significant protection against upper aerodigestive cancers. These protective effects are more pronounced with higher alcohol consumption.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Cancer Research
- Metabolism
Background:
- Alcohol consumption is a major risk factor for upper aerodigestive tract cancers.
- Alcohol metabolism, primarily by alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) enzymes, plays a crucial role in cancer development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between specific alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) gene variants and the risk of upper aerodigestive cancers.
- To determine if genetic variations in ADH influence cancer risk based on alcohol consumption levels.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of six ADH genetic variants in a large cohort comprising over 3,800 aerodigestive cancer cases and 5,200 controls.
- Statistical evaluation of gene variants' protective effects against cancer, considering individual studies and overall data.
- Assessment of the interaction between gene variants and alcohol consumption levels.
Main Results:
- Two ADH gene variants, rs1229984 (ADH1B) and rs1573496 (ADH7), demonstrated significant protective effects against aerodigestive cancer.
- The protective association of these variants strengthened with increased alcohol consumption.
- The effects of the two identified gene variants were independent of each other.
Conclusions:
- Specific alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) gene variants (rs1229984 and rs1573496) are significantly protective against upper aerodigestive cancers.
- Genetic variations in ADH enzymes, particularly ADH1B and ADH7, are implicated in the etiology of these cancers.
- Multiple ADH genes likely contribute to the development of upper aerodigestive cancers.
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