Polymorphisms in the androgen receptor and the prostate-specific antigen genes and prostate cancer risk

BACKGROUND. Prostate cancer (PCa) is an androgen-dependent disease. Polymorphic CAG and GGC microsatellites in the androgen receptor (AR) can alter transactivation of androgen-responsive genes in in vitro studies. Potentially, this may influence PCa risk. METHODS. Germline DNA samples and survey data were collected from 591 newly diagnosed PCa cases and 538 population-based controls of similar age (40-64 years), from King County, WA. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence limits were estimated using logistic regression models. RESULTS. No association was detected between PCa and having < 22 versus >= 22 CAG repeats (OR = 1.1; 95% CI 0.9, 1.4) or <= 16GGC versus > 16GGC repeats (OR = 1.0; 95% CI 0.9, 1.4). These findings were unchanged after controlling for body mass index or family history of PCa. No clear relation was detected between APS - 158G/A genotype and risk of PCa or serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. These findings did not differ by stage or grade of PCa. CONCLUSIONS. We found no evidence that risk of PCa is associated with the ARCAG, GGC, or PSA-158 AREI genetic polymorphisms in middle-aged Caucasian men.