Relationship between esophageal cancer and p21 polymorphisms in Eastern Anatolia population of Turkey

Esophageal cancer is the eighth most common cancer type worldwide. The incidence of esophageal cancer is quite high in the eastern region of Turkey. p21, which regulates the cell growth cycle, is crucial for normal growth and differentiation. Many epidemiological studies have examined the association of p21 polymorphisms with esophagus and other cancers. The aims of this study were to investigate the incidence and possible relationship of p21 polymorphisms (rs1059234 C/T, rs1801270 C/A and rs3176352 G/C) in patients with esophageal cancer in Turkey's Eastern Anatolia region. These polymorphisms can affect protein expression and play a role in cancer susceptibility. In the literature it has been found in some studies in other populations, but did not find a study showing the relationship between this polymorphism with esophageal cancer in Turkey. This study was performed on samples collected from 69 patients and 101 healthy control groups between 2017 and 2018. Genotyping was performed by Taqman Assay method in real time PCR and the results were determined by statistical analysis. There was no statistically significant difference between patients and controls in allele and genotype frequencies of p21 polymorphisms. There is also no association between these polymorphisms and other clinical features. However, we observed that the risk of esophageal cancer was associated with other factors such as cancer in the family, smoking, Van herbed cheese, tandoor fumes and reflux. Our findings indicate that in Eastern Anatolia population of Turkey, other demografic factors may increase the esophageal cancer risk, but there is no association between p21 polymorphisms (rs1059234 C/T, rs1801270 C/A and rs3176352 G/C and risk of esophageal cancer (p>0,05). Further studies with larger number of cases and other genetic factors are necessary to verify this study. Keywords: Genotyping, Real Time PCR, esophageal cancer, p21, polymorphism,