Polymorphisms in XPC gene and risk for prostate cancer

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in repair gene DNA such as XPC gene can reduce the DNA repair capacity (DRC). Reduced DRC induce genetic instability and may increase the susceptibility to prostate cancer (PC). We conducted a case-controls study to examine the relationship between XPC Lys939Gln and XPC-PAT polymorphisms and the risk for prostate cancer in Tunisian population. We have also correlated molecular results with clinical parameters (Gleason score and TNM status) and lifestyle factors (tobacco status, alcohol consumption, and exposition to professional risk factors) of prostate cancer patients. We have found that the XPC Lys939Gln polymorphism was not associated with a risk of prostate cancer. However the XPC PAT I/I genotype was found to be associated with 3.83-fold increased risk of prostate cancer compared to controls (p = 0.00006; OR 3.83; 95% CI (1.83–8.05)). The test of linkage disequilibrium showed that XPC-PAT polymorphism is in linkage disequilibrium with XPC Lys939Gln variants. The combined analysis of XPC Lys939Gln and XPC-PAT variants showed that patients who inherited (Lys/Gln + PAT D/D) genotypes were protected against prostate cancer development compared to controls. In the other hand, no significant association has been found between XPC polymorphisms and clinical parameters or between XPC polymorphisms and lifestyle factors.