FAS c.-671A>G polymorphism and cervical cancer risk: a case-control study and meta-analysis

This study aimed to investigate the association between FAS c.-671A>G polymorphism and cervical cancer risk in a case control setting, followed by a meta-analysis of the published literatures. The case control study involved genotyping of the polymorphism in 185 histopathologically confirmed cervical cancer patients and 209 cancer-free female controls utilizing PCR-RFLP technique, followed by logistic regression analyses. Meta-analysis was then conducted under homozygous, heterozygous, dominant, recessive and allele contrast models to combine data from 12 studies which consisted of 2798 cases and 3039 controls. Our case control analysis revealed a significant association of the variant allele (G) and the homozygous variant genotype (GG) of the FAS polymorphism with an increased risk of cervical cancer. Subgroup analysis by ethnicity further confirmed the risk association in Malays (P < 0.05), but not among non-Malays (P > 0.05). However, results of meta-analysis suggested a lack of association between the polymorphism and cervical cancer risk in all the five genetic models analyzed. In conclusion, while the FAS c.-671A>G polymorphism may serve as a biomarker for cervical cancer risk prediction among the Malays, there is a limited usability of the polymorphism as a cervical cancer risk biomarker in other populations.