N-acetyltransferase 1 (NAT1) genotype: A risk factor for urinary bladder cancer in a Lebanese population

Abstract

In Lebanon, bladder cancer is the second most incident cancer among men. This study investigates a possible association between N-acetyltransferase 1 (NAT1) genotype, a drug-metabolizing enzyme coding gene, and bladder cancer in Lebanese men. A case-control study (54 cases and 105 hospital-based controls) was conducted in two major hospitals in Beirut. Cases were randomly selected from patients diagnosed in the period of 2002-2008. Controls were conveniently identified and selected from the same settings. Data was collected using interview questionnaire and blood analysis. NAT1 genotypes were determined by PCR-RFLP. Statistical analysis revolved around univariate, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression models, along with checks for effect modification. Results showed N A T 1 * 14 A allele, smoking, occupational exposure to combustion fumes, and prostate-related symptoms, to be risk factors for bladder cancer. The odds of carrying at least one N A T 1 * 14 A allele are 7 times higher in cases compared to controls (OR = 7.86, 95% CI: 1.5340.39). A gene-environment interaction was identified for N A T 1 * 14 A allele with occupational exposure to combustion fumes. Among carriers of N A T 1 * 14 A allele, the odds of bladder cancer dropped to 2.03 from 3.72. Our study suggests N A T 1 * 14 A allele as a possible biomarker for bladder cancer. Further research is recommended to confirm this association. © 2012 Ibrahim A. Yassine et al.