Contribution of epigenetic risk factors but not p53 codon 72 polymorphism to the development of cervical cancer in Northeastern Thailand

Relationships between cervical cancer and risk factors were investigated in Northeastern Thailand. Cases (n=90) with squamous cell cervical cancer (SCCA) and age matched healthy controls (n=100) were recruited. The p53 codon 72 polymorphism, proline and arginine allele, was studied by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. There was no significant difference in the allele and the genotype distribution between the SCCA and the control groups (P>0.05). Significant difference was observed in the number of sexual partners (P<0.003), age at the first sexual intercourse (P<0.03) and number of parities (P<0.006). After adjusted by age and p53 genotype, significant difference was still observed in the number of sexual partners (P=0.017). The partnersʹ smoking increased the risk to develop SCCA. Increased odds ratios were observed when the partner had smoking history both at present (3.31; P<0.003) and in the past (3.36; P<0.003). The p53 polymorphism itself may not be a risk factor for cervical cancer in Northeastern Thailand. Much attention should be paid to the presence of other risk factors such as sexual behaviors and smoking habits in the prevention of cervical cancer in this region.