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Association between FAS polymorphism and prostate cancer development

Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases volume 11, pages 94–98 (2008)Cite this article

Abstract

The role of FAS polymorphisms in prostate cancer has not been studied. Using the PCR-based restriction fragment-length polymorphism methodology, we evaluated FAS gene locus −670 genotypes in DNA from 904 men: 657 prostate cancer patients and 247 healthy controls. We found that carriers of AG or GG genotypes have a statistically significant protection (odds ratio (OR)=0.30; confidence interval (CI): 0.20–0.44 and OR=0.22; CI: 0.12–0.74, respectively) for disease with extra-capsular invasion. Taken together, a 72% protection was found for G allele carriers (OR=0.28; CI: 0.19–0.41). Fas exist as membrane-bound and soluble forms and with opposite roles. They derive from the same gene by alternative splicing. Membrane Fas receptors trigger apoptosis whereas, on the other hand, soluble Fas (sFas) bind to Fas ligand antagonizing Fas–Fas ligand apoptotic pathway. Our results suggest that G allele may reduce sFas levels preventing the apoptotic inhibition caused by the soluble form.

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Acknowledgements

We thank the Liga Portuguesa Contra o Cancro—Centro Regional do Norte (Portuguese League Against Cancer), Yamanouchi—Astellas European Foundation and FCT—Fundação Ciência Tecnologia (PTDC/SAU-FCF/71552/2006) for their support. Grant sponsor: Liga Portuguesa Contra o Cancro-Centro Regional do Norte (Portuguese League Against Cancer).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Molecular Oncology Unit, Instituto Português de Oncologia, Porto, Portugal

    L Lima & R Medeiros

  2. Department of Urology, Instituto Português de Oncologia, Porto, Portugal

    A Morais & F Lobo

  3. Department of Urology, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa (Zona Central), Lisboa, Portugal

    F M Calais-da-Silva & F E Calais-da-Silva

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  1. L Lima
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Correspondence to R Medeiros.

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Lima, L., Morais, A., Lobo, F. et al. Association between FAS polymorphism and prostate cancer development. Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis 11, 94–98 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.pcan.4501002

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