The association between COX-2 gene rs5275 polymorphism and Nasopharyngeal carcinoma risk

The overexpression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) was correlated with the invasion and lymphatic metastasis and with the clinical stage of Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The C allele of COX-2 gene rs5275 polymorphism disrupts miR-542-3p function to promote COX-2 overexpression. To examine the role of COX-2 gene rs5275 polymorphism in NPC, we determined COX-2 gene rs5275 polymorphism by using a custom-by-design 48-Plex single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) Scan™ Kit. We found that C allele or CC genotype of rs5275 polymorphism in COX-2 gene was associated with an increased risk of NPC. In stratified analyses, COX-2 gene rs5275 polymorphism was associated with the risk of NPC among females, smokers, and drinkers. Based on these results, we concluded that COX-2 gene rs5275 variant contributes to NPC risk in a Chinese population. Larger studies with more diverse ethnic populations are needed to confirm these results.