Association of folate intake, dietary habits, smoking and COX-2 promotor-765G > C polymorphism with K-ras mutation in patients with colorectal cancer

Abstract EN

Background : Understanding the role of environmental and molecular influences on the nature and rate of K-ras mutations in colorectal neoplasms is crucial.

COX-2 polymorphisms 765 G > C may play a role in carcinogenic processes in combination with specific life-style conditions or dependent on the racial composition of a particular population.

If mutational events play an important role in colorectal carcinogenesis sequence, one can hypothesize that modification of these events by life-style or other factors would be a useful prevention strategy.

Aim of work : To explore the association between K-ras mutation and potential variables known or suspected to be related to the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) as well as determining the possible modulating effect of the COX-2 polymorphism, 765 G > C.

Subjects and methods : The study was conducted on 80 patients with colorectal cancer from Tropical Medicine and Gastrointestinal Tract endoscopy Departments and those attending clinic of the National Cancer Institute, Cairo University during the period extending from April 2009 to March 2010.

Full history taking with emphasis on the risk factors of interest, namely age, sex, family history, smoking and dietary history.

Serum CEA and CA19-9, RBCs folic acid and occult blood in stool.