An Interdependence between Estrogen Receptor 1 Gene Polymorphisms and Susceptibility to Breast Cancer

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignant tumor in women around the world. Genetic factors do play a vital role in the development and progression of BC. Genetic alterations in the ESR1 (estrogen receptor 1) gene can lead to estrogen dysfunction and increased risk for BC. Nevertheless, due to genetic diversity, the information from different studies is contradictory and controversial. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the potential relationship between the rs1801132 and rs2234693 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) of the ESR1 gene with susceptibility to BC in the Iranian population. Methods: The genotyping of the rs2234693 and rs1801132 SNPs was assessed in 63 BC patients referred to Imam Hasan Mojtaba Center, which is a charity-based foundation for cancer care in Dezful, Iran, from March 2018 to November 2019. Also, 65 healthy women were selected as a control group. The genotyping of the SNPs was performed using the high-resolution melting (HRM) technique and confirmed by DNA sequencing. Results: The genotype distribution and allele frequency of the rs2234693 SNP were significantly different in BC patients compared to the control group (genotype frequency with P = 0.018 and allele frequency with P = 0.004, OR = 2.085, 95% CI = 1.253 -3.468). In genetic models, rs2234693 increased BC risk in recessive model (P = 0.005, OR = 2.813, 95% CI = 1.363 - 5.802). However, there was no significant difference regarding genotype distribution of the rs1801132 SNP between the BC patients and controls. Conclusions: Our results showed that the CC genotype of the rs2234693 SNP is significantly associated with BC. Accordingly, it can be suggested that the rs2234693 SNP be considered for susceptibility to BC.