Cyclooxygenase-2 Gene Polymorphisms –765G>C and –1195A>G and Mycosis Fungoides Risk

Abstract

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is an inducible modulator of inflammation that acts through increasing prostaglandin levels and has been described as a major mediator linking inflammation to cancer. Previous studies supported that COX-2<i></i>–765G&#x3e;C and –1195A&#x3e;G polymorphisms were associated with increased risk of several solid tissue cancers as well as some hematological malignancies. <b><i>Objective:</i></b> The aim of the study was to elucidate the association between functional COX-2 genotypes (–765G&#x3e;C and –1195A&#x3e;G) polymorphisms and the risk of developing mycosis fungoides (MF). <b><i>Methods:</i></b> This was a hospital-based, case-control study of 70 MF patients and 100 MF-free controls. We genotyped COX-2 –1195A&#x3e;G, –765G&#x3e;C, and –8473T&#x3e;C polymorphisms by using the PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The AA genotype in the COX-2 –1195A&#x3e;G gene polymorphism and the GC genotype in the COX-2 −765G&#x3e;C gene were significantly more frequent among MF patients compared to controls (<i>p</i>&#x3c; 0.001 and <i>p</i> = 0.002, respectively). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> The ­results indicate a possible role of COX-2 genes in the pathogenesis of MF. These novel findings may allow for notable future advances, as it will enable the identification of the ­individuals most susceptible to MF.