Myeloperoxidase −463G > A polymorphism and risk of primary lung cancer in a Korean population

Background: Myeloperoxidase (MPO) contributes to pulmonary carcinogenesis through activation of a wide range of tobacco smoke procarcinogens, including benzo[a]pyrene and aromatic amines. A −463G > A polymorphism in the promoter region of the MPO gene has been shown to reduce MPO expression and activity. It is therefore possible that carriers of the −463A allele may be at decreased risk of lung cancer. To test this hypothesis we have investigated the association between the −463G > A polymorphism of MPO gene and the risk of lung cancer in a Korean population. Methods: The MPO genotype was determined in 432 lung cancer patients and 432 healthy controls that were frequency-matched for age and gender. Results: In the current study, the risk estimate for lung cancer of the combined −463 AA + GA genotype was not significantly different from that of the −463GG genotype (adjusted OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 0.72–1.47). In addition, we observed no evidence of effect modification by age, gender, smoking history or tumor histology. Conclusions: These results suggest that the MPO −463G > A polymorphism does not significantly affect the susceptibility to lung cancer in Koreans.