Association of NQO1 and ESR1 polymorphisms with hepatocellular carcinoma susceptibility

Aims: With the purpose of investigating the association between NQO1 and ESR1 polymorphisms and the susceptibility to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and providing scientific basis for the prevention and treatment of the disease, this case-control study was designed. Methods: The genotypes of NQO1, ESR1 gene polymorphisms were detected by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method in 97 HCC patients and 72 healthy persons. The χ2 test was used to calculate the differences of genotypes, alleles in gene polymorphisms and the other indexes between the case and control groups as well as Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) in controls. The relative risk intensity was represented by odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Results: The genotype and allele distributions in both of NQO1 rs10517 and ESR1 rs9322354 in two groups had statistical significant differences (P<0.05). Not only HBsAg state affects the onset of HCC but also it existed the interaction with NQO1 rs10517 and ESR1 rs9322354 polymorphims to regulate HCC susceptibility (P<0.05). What’s more, in present study, NQO1 rs10517 and ESR1 rs9322354 were proved the interaction and the mutations of them occurred into one individual simultaneously, which significantly increased the susceptibility of HCC (OR=4.396, 95% CI=1.097-17.621). Conclusion: NQO1 and ESR1 polymorphisms are susceptible factors for HCC. The interaction between them increases the onset risk of HCC.