International Journal of Hematology and Oncology 2023, Vol 33, Num 4 Page(s): 061-069
CYP2E1 and ALDH2 Gene Polymorphisms in Squamous Cell Head and Neck Cancer in the Turkish Population

Metin Deniz KARAKOC1, Selim KORTUNAY2, Cuneyt Orhan KARA3, Bulent TOPUZ3

1Denizli Public Hospital, Oncology Centre, Department of Cytotoxic Drug Preparation, Denizli, TURKEY
2Pamukkale University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Pharmacology, Denizli, TURKEY
3Pamukkale University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ear, Nose and Throat, Denizli, TURKEY

Keywords: ALDH2, CYP2E1, Head and neck cancer, Polymorphism
Alcohol consumption and smoking habits are risk-enhancing factors for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The CYP450 2E1 (CYP2E1) and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) enzymes play an important role in the metabolism of these carcinogens. Various polymorphisms have been identified on genes that expresses these enzymes. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between the ALDH2 and CYP2E1 polymorphisms and HNSCC susceptibility in the Turkish population. The genomic DNA was isolated from the peripheral blood leukocytes of 79 HNSCC patients and 98 healthy controls. ALDH2 genotyping was performed with the multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. CYP2E1-DraI, CYP2E1-RsaI and CYP2E1-PstI genetic polymorphisms were determined via the PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique. The results of our study demonstrated that CYP2E1-RsaI heterozygous (c1/c2) genotyped individuals have an increased risk for HNSCC susceptibility (OR= 7.79; 95% CI, 0.92-179.64; p= 0.04). No other relationship was found between the other studied polymorphisms and HNSCC. The results are consistent with previous studies, which examined the ALDH2 and CYP2E1 polymorphisms in Caucasian subjects. However, there are still conflicting results in Caucasian races for CYP2E1 RsaI/PstI polymorphisms. Consequently, the c1/c2 genotypes for RsaI polymorphisms may be a risk factor for HNSCC. Larger study populations and multi-centre studies are needed to more precisely demonstrate the susceptibility in the Turkish population.