MnSOD genotype and prostate cancer risk as a function of NAT genotype and smoking status.

BACKGROUND Cigarette smoke contains carcinogenic aromatic and heterocyclic amines that are metabolized by N-acetyltransferase (NAT). These carcinogens also produce reactive oxygen species that are metabolized by manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD). The association between prostate cancer (PCA) and the polymorphism of MnSOD and NAT, and cigarette smoking was investigated. PATIENTS AND METHODS DNA samples from 187 PCA patients and 175 age-matched controls were genotyped for MnSOD, NAT1 and NAT2 by PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis and DNA sequencing. RESULTS MnSOD AA genotype, as compared to MnSOD VV and VA, was associated with PCA (odds ratio, 1.65; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-2.66. There was no association of PCA with NAT or smoking. Results of exploratory analyses of the data suggest that the association of PCA and MnSOD exists only in the subpopulation of rapid NAT1 genotypes and smokers. CONCLUSION The present study demonstrates the association of PCA and MnSOD. Oxidative stress and cigarette smoking may play an important role in the carcinogenesis of the prostate in those who have MnSOD AA and rapid NAT1 genotypes.