Role of Caspase-9 Gene Ex5+32 G>A (rs1052576) Variant in Susceptibility to Primary Brain Tumors.

Background/aim: This study is the first to evaluate the relationship of caspase-9 (CASP-9) gene polymorphism with the risk for primary brain tumor development.

Materials And Methods: The study group included 43 glioma and 27 meningioma patients and 76 healthy individuals. CASP-9 gene Ex5+32 G>A (rs1052576) polymorphism was analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

Results: Individuals with the CASP-9 GG genotype had significantly decreased risk of developing a glioma brain tumor (p=0.024). Additionally, the GA genotype was significantly lower in patients with glioma than the control group (p=0.019). A significantly decreased risk of developing glioma was found in the A allele carrier group (p=0.024). However, there was no statistically significant relationship between CASP-9 polymorphism and brain meningioma (p=0.493).

Conclusion: CASP-9 (rs1052576) mutant A allele seems to be a protective factor for glioma brain tumor. Future studies with a larger sample size will clarify the possible roles of CASP-9 gene in the etiology and progression of primary brain tumors.