Association between TNF-α rs1799964 and RAF1 rs1051208 MicroRNA binding site SNP and gastric cancer susceptibility in an Iranian population

Aim The aim of this study was to find the relationship between rs1799964 in TNF-α gene as well as rs1051208 of RAF1 gene SNPs on GC in an Iranian population. Background Gastric cancer (GC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide after lung cancer. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is one of the most important factors in the pathogenesis of this cancer. Single nucleotide polymorphisms have a principle role in gene expression of TNF-α and miRNAs which may lead to gastric cancer. Methods In a case-control study, we investigated the risk of GC in 198 Iranians. For this purpose, 5 mL of peripheral blood was collected in EDTA -containing tube and genomic DNA was isolated. Genotyping of SNPs was also performed by PCR-RFLP; to approve the outcome, 10% of genotyping results with RFLP were sequenced. Results The comparison between case and control groups revealed a significant association between the rs1051208 C allele of RAF1 gene and GC (P = 0.04). We did not observe any remarkable association between TNF-α -1031 in gastric cancer patients and the healthy control group. Conclusion The results indicated that C allele in RAF1 gene plays a role in susceptibility to gastric cancer. Therefore, SNPs are among notable biomarkers for predicting susceptibility to dreadful diseases, especially cancers.