PARP1 Polymorphisms Increase the Risk of Gastric Cancer in a Chinese Population

Background and Objective: Poly(adenosine diphosphate [ADP]-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1), a protein involved in the DNA repair mechanism, plays an important role in carcinogenesis. In this study, we investigated whether single nucleotide polymorphisms of PARP1 contribute to gastric cancer (GC) and its precursor lesions (gastric precancerous lesions; GPL) in a case-control study conducted in the Hexi area of China, a high-risk area for GC. Methods: PARP1 162C>G (Phe54Leu) and 2819A>G (Lys940Arg) polymorphisms were genotyped by real-time PCR using a TaqMan assay in 140 GC cases, 110 GPL cases, and 120 controls. Data were statistically analyzed using the chi-squared test and a logistic regression model. Results: The presence of the PARP1 2819G allele was associated with an increased risk of GC (odds ratio [OR] 2.354; 95% CI 1.140, 4.861; p = 0.018), especially for cardia GC and diffuse-type GC (ORs 2.988 and 3.784, respectively). We also observed an interaction between Helicobacter pylori infection, GC family history, and the presence of the PARP1 2819G allele. In contrast, the PARP1 162C>G polymorphism was not significantly associated with GPL or GC. Conclusion: The study suggests that the PARP1 2819G allele is associated with an increased risk of GC. In addition, H. pylori-positive status and family history jointly contribute to a higher risk of GC.