Association between three XRCC1 polymorphisms and susceptibility to pancreatic cancer

The X-ray repair cross complementing 1 gene (XRCC1) is involved in the repair of single strand breaks in DNA, induced by ionizing radiation and alkylating agents. Association between XRCC1 polymorphisms and susceptibility to pancreatic cancer has been inconsistent. To address this, the present updated meta-analysis was conducted. The maximum range of databases were searched for studies reporting on the association between susceptibility to pancreatic cancer and three XRCC1 polymorphisms, published from January 1, 2006, to August 1, 2017. The strength of associations was applied to calculate odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. Based on present search criteria, nine reports, including 11 case-control studies, were identified as acceptable. Results of the Q-test revealed a positive association between the rs1799782 C/G polymorphism and susceptibility to pancreatic cancer in both the total population and population of European descent. However, results of the H-test did not show any association. Furthermore, both rs139599857 G/A and rs72554204 T/C polymorphisms were found to be negatively associated with susceptibility to pancreatic cancer. The current study suggests that two XRCC1 polymorphisms are potentially associated with pancreatic cancer risk. Further studies, with larger sample sizes and gene environment interactions, should be conducted to confirm present results.