AA genotype of PLIN1 13041A>G as an unfavourable predictive factor of malnutrition associated with fat mass loss in locally advanced head and neck cancer male patients treated with radiotherapy

Introduction Malnutrition is a frequently diagnosed condition in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients after radiation therapy (RTH). Malnutrition causes adipose tissue dysfunction associated with intensified lipolysis and disruption of the activity of mechanisms that protect adipose tissue against this process, which include the protective function of perilipin. Material and methods The purpose of this study was the evaluation of the predictive value of 13041A>GPLIN1polymorphism in the development of malnutrition related to adipose tissue loss in a group of 80 patients with locally advanced HNC treated by means of radical radiation therapy. Results After the completion of RTH, men with AA genotype had significantly lower fat mass (FM compared to men with G haplotype; FM: 13.84 +/- 6.36 kg and 19.06 +/- 6.30 kg (p = 0.009). In consequence of RTH, the AA genotype carriers lost an average of 37.01% adipose tissue mass and patients with GA and GG genotypes lost 12.82 and 0.31% (p = 0.035), respectively. AA genotype was also associated with higher chance of >= 10%, >= 20% and >= 30% FM loss in the course of RTH (OR = 13.78; 5.78; 2.28). Conclusions The evaluation of such molecular factors as SNP 13041A>G may have higher predictive value in the development of malnutrition associated with severe loss of fat mass than the subjective scales, e.g., SGA and NRS-2002. The presence of AA genotype on men with HNC before RTH may facilitate earlier nutritional intervention and supportive treatment aimed at limiting or preventing body mass and fat mass loss during the applied treatment.

Automated summary

This study found that the 13041A>G polymorphism in the GPLIN1 gene is associated with adipose tissue loss and malnutrition development in HNC patients after radiation therapy. Men with the AA genotype had lower fat mass after RTH, and had higher risk of fat tissue loss. The presence of the AA genotype may help facilitate early nutritional intervention and supportive treatment for preventing body mass and fat mass loss during treatment.