Indian studies on genetic polymorphisms and cancer risk

Abstract

Genetic influences on cancer development have been extensively investigated during the last decade following publication of human genome sequence. The present review summarizes case-control studies on genetic polymorphisms and cancer risk in Indians. It is observed that the most commonly studied genes in the Indian population included members of phase I and phase II metabolic enzymes. Other than these genes, genetic polymorphisms for cell cycle and apoptosis-related factors, DNA repair enzymes, immune response elements, growth factors, folate metabolizing enzymes, vitamin/hormone receptors, etc., were investigated. Several studies also evidenced a stronger risk for combined genotypes rather than a single polymorphism. Gene-environment interaction was also found to be a determining factor for cancer development in some experiments. Data for single polymorphism and single cancer type, however, was insufficient to validate an association. It appears that much more experiments involving larger sample size, cross-tabulating genetic polymorphisms and environmental factors are required in order to identify genetic markers for different cancers in Indian populations.

South Asian Cardiovascular Disease & Cancer Risk: Genetics & Pathophysiology

“…In 2003, the Indian Genome Variation Database (IGVdb) was built to catalog and map SNPs among Indian subpopulations, the single most common type of human genome variation [165]. Bag et al recently released a comprehensive literature review of genetic associations with cancer among Indians.…”

“…Bag et al recently released a comprehensive literature review of genetic associations with cancer among Indians. The team’s review of 137 case control studies highlighted significant findings as well as pressing research gaps [165].…”

Analysis of FokI Polymorphism of Vitamin D Receptor Gene in Intervertebral Disc Degeneration

“…Polymorphisms may serve as genetic markers, are responsible for human diversity, and can directly influence the risk factors associated with common diseases. Thus, the polymorphisms are key elements in the research and practice of human genetics (Kalichman and Hunter, 2008;Bag et al, 2012).…”

“…Nowadays, polymorphisms are the basis for the attempt to provide personalized medicine based on genomics, based on the fact that if an individual carries polymorphic variants that increase or decrease the risk for common diseases in adulthood (such as coronary heart disease, cancer, diabetes, endometriosis, or DD) probably presents more complications after the surgery, or influence the effectiveness or safety of specific medications (Bag et al, 2012).…”

Polymorphisms of the Apoptosis-Related FAS and FAS Ligand Genes in Keratoconus and Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy

“…Changes in apoptosis-related genes were reported to associate with several pathologies, including cancer and degenerative diseases (Bag et al 2012;Berndt et al 2013;dos Santos et al 2013;Hyland et al 2014). The Apoptosis Stimulating Fragment (FAS) protein may induce apoptosis upon its ligand (FASLG) binding and this pathway is as a primary mechanism for the induction of apoptosis in many types of cells and tissues (Nagata and Golstein 1995).…”