Polymorphisms in MSH2 gene and risk of gastric cancer, and interactions with lifestyle factors in a Chinese population.

Background: Although polymorphisms in DNA mismatch repair (MMR) gene MSH2 have been associated with risks of many cancers, little is known about their etiology role in gastric cancer (GC) and the potential interacting role with lifestyle factors known to damage DNA.

Methods: A population-based study was conducted in 3 counties (Jintan, Taixing and Huaian) of Jiangsu Province, the high-risk areas of GC in China. We investigated the association of polymorphisms IVS12-6T>C and IVS10+12G>A in MSH2 gene with the risk of GC and the potential gene-lifestyle interaction.