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Updated: Jun 26, 2026

En Face Detection of Nitric Oxide and Superoxide in Endothelial Layer of Intact Arteries
Published on: February 25, 2016
Nitric oxide synthase gene polymorphisms and prostate cancer risk
Kyoung-Mu Lee1, Daehee Kang, Sue Kyung Park
1Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, USA. leekyou@mail.nih.gov
Genetic variations in nitric oxide synthase (NOS) genes are linked to aggressive prostate cancer risk. Higher antioxidant intake may modify this risk, suggesting a role for NOS gene polymorphisms in prostate cancer susceptibility.
Area of Science:
- Genetics and Molecular Biology
- Oncology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Nitric oxide (NO) influences cytotoxicity, angiogenesis, and prostate carcinogenesis.
- Environmental factors may modulate NO's role in prostate cancer development.
- Genetic variations in nitric oxide synthase (NOS) genes are potential risk factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between prostate cancer and genetic polymorphisms in NOS2A and NOS3 genes.
- To explore the potential modifying effect of antioxidant intake on these associations.
- To identify genetic susceptibility factors for aggressive prostate cancer.
Main Methods:
- Case-control study using 1320 prostate cancer cases and 1842 controls from the PLCO Cancer Screening Trial.
- Genotyping of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in NOS2A and NOS3 genes.
- Calculation of an antioxidant score based on vitamin E, beta-carotene, and lycopene intake.
Main Results:
- Global tests for NOS gene polymorphisms were significant for prostate cancer, particularly aggressive forms (P=0.01).
- Specific NOS2A and NOS3 SNPs were associated with increased or decreased prostate cancer risk.
- The NOS2A IVS16 + 88 GT/TT polymorphism showed a stronger association with aggressive cancer in individuals with high antioxidant intake (P(interaction)=0.01).
Conclusions:
- NOS gene polymorphisms appear to be genetic susceptibility factors for aggressive prostate cancer.
- Dietary antioxidants may modify the risk associated with certain NOS gene variants.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the complex interplay between genetics, environment, and prostate cancer.
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