Abstract
Background: T-cells play a critical role in the immunological surveillance network against cancer formation. The activation of T-cells is initiated by binding of T-cell receptors (TCR) with antigen epitopes. Polymorphisms of TCR-γ microsatellite (short tandem repeats, STR) marker has been associated with early-onset colorectal cancer. The aim of this study was to test the relationship of TCR-γ STR genetic polymorphisms and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Materials and Methods: A total of 225 chronic hepatitis B- or C-related HCC and liver cirrhosis patients were enrolled in this study. The other 225 sex-matched cirrhotic patients without HCC were recruited as controls. Their TCR-γ STR polymorphisms at loci D7S1818 and D7S2206 were measured by polymerase chain reaction. Dietary habits and other possible risk factors for HCC were also assessed by a structured questionnaire. Results: Compared to controls, the HCC patients were older in age (64.9±10.3 vs. 53.5±10.1 years, p<0.001) and had a higher percentage of family history of HCC (13.3% vs. 7.6%, p=0.045) and habitual alcohol use (23.1% vs. 15.6%, p=0.042). A total of 20 genotypes of TCR-γ D7S1818 STR were detected. Of these, the genotype 16 (13/14 of repeat number of GATA) had a higher percentage in the HCC groups than in the controls (13.8% vs. 6.7%, p=0.013). After adjustment for age, family history of HCC and habitual alcohol use, the TCR-γ genotype 16 remained a significant risk factor for HCC (OR: 2.18, 95% CI: 1.02-4.65, p=0.045). Conclusion: The TCR-Á STR polymorphism may be associated with HCC susceptibility.
- Received April 11, 2006.
- Accepted June 5, 2006.
- Copyright© 2006 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved