Association of a variant in the tumor necrosis factor alpha gene with risk of cervical cancer

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine involved in the regulation of the immune system and potentially the progression of cervical neoplastic lesions. In this study, we aimed to explore the possible relationship between polymorphisms of the TNF-alpha gene and susceptibility to cervical cancer. The relationship between a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the TNF-alpha gene (rs1800629) and the risk of cervical cancer was evaluated in a total of 445 subjects with (n = 153), or without (n = 292) cancer. Genotyping was performed using a Taq-Man based real time PCR method. Logistic regression analysis showed that individuals with AG/AA genotypes had an increased risk of cervical cancer compared to those with a GG genotype (OR 3.79, 95% CI 2.4-5.7, < 0.001). Our findings demonstrated that a genetic variant in the TNF-alpha gene (rs1800629) was associated with increased level and risk of developing cervical cancer, suggesting its potential use as a genetic risk factor for cervical neoplasia.