Affiliation:
1. Laboratory of Cancer Genetics, School of Medical Sciences University of Campinas Campinas Brazil
2. Department of Anesthesiology, Oncology, and Radiology, School of Medical Sciences University of Campinas Campinas Brazil
Abstract
AbstractBackgroundSerotonin (5‐HT) is involved in regulating tumor growth, as well as psychiatric disorders. It is synthesized by tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) and acts through 5‐HT receptors (HTRs). Single‐nucleotide variations (SNVs) in TPH1 rs623580 (T>A), TPH2 rs4570625 (G>T), and HTR1D rs674386 (G>A) may affect 5‐HT levels. However, the effect of these SNVs on oropharynx carcinoma (OPC) is unknown.MethodsDNA from 251 patients with OPC and 254 controls was analyzed by RT‐PCR. Transcriptional activity of TPH1 rs623580 and HTR1D rs674386 was studied by luciferase assays. Multivariate statistical tests were utilized to evaluate group differences and survival outcomes.ResultsTPH1 TT was more frequent in patients than in controls (OR: 1.56, p = 0.03). Patients with HTR1D GG/GA showed invasive tumors (p = 0.01) and shorter survival (HR: 1.66, p = 0.04). TPH1 TT (0.79‐fold, p = 0.03) and HTR1D GG (0.64‐fold, p = 0.008) presented lower transcriptional activity.ConclusionOur data suggest that SNVs in 5‐HT modulating genes can influence OPC.