Association of TAP1 Gene Polymorphism in Human Papilloma Virus Related Oropharyngeal Cancer

Abstract

Background: Polymorphisms of TAP1 gene might be pertinent in development of cancer by altering the immune response. We studied the association of TAP1 gene polymorphism with HPV related oropharyngeal cancer. Methods: This prospective study consisted of 200 subjects divided into three groups; Group A—HPV positive oropharyngeal cancer (17/100), Group B—HPV negative oropharyngeal cancer (83/100) and Group C—Controls. TAP1ile333val polymorphism genotyping was performed by ARMS-PCR. Results: No significant difference was observed in the distribution of Val/Val genotype of Group A in comparison to Group C (OR = 0.663, 95% CI = 0.164 - 2.688, p = 0.742) and Group B (OR = 1.725, 95% CI = 0.388 - 7.675, p = 0.677) and thus was not associated with HPV associated cancer. But the frequency of Val/Val genotype was found to be significantly decreased in Group B as compared to controls and was linked with increased risk of oropharyngeal cancers (OR = 0.38, 95% CI = 0.15 - 0.97, p = 0.048). Conclusion: TAP1i333v gene polymorphism was not associated with HPV positive oropharyngeal cancer; however decreased frequency of Val/Val genotype raises the risk of oropharyngeal cancer.