ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION:

In the development of colorectal cancer, various environmental and genetic factors including smoking have a leading role. Sulfotransferases (SULT) 1A1 gene is an enzyme which has a role in the phase II metabolism of xenobiotic compounds and catalyses the sulfation reactions of some carcinogenetic substances such as polysiclic aromatic hydrocarbons and arylamins existing in tobacco smoke. This study focused on the question whether SULT1A1 R213H polymorphism is a risk factor in the development of colorectal cancer and on its association with the cigarette.

METHODS:

From the blood taken from individuals (99 patients and 106 control) comprising the study population, DNA was isolated through kit method. Genotypes were determined using PCR and RFLP methods.

RESULTS:

For SULT1A1 R213H polymorphism the frequencies of GG, AG and AA genotypes were % 56.5, % 37.4 and % 6.1 in control group, while in patients % 58.5, % 31.1 and %10.4, respectively.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION:

When the control group and the individuals with colorectal cancer consisting of the patients are compared, no statistically significant relation was found in terms of genotype (p=0.413). No interrelationship between smoking and the genotypes was determined in terms of the disease risk (p=0.078). Apart from these, it was also determined that smoking increases the risk of colorectal cancer 2.63 fold independently of the genotypes (p=0.03).