Investigating the INSIG2 Gene rs6726538 Variant as a Novel Marker for Cervical Cancer

Background: previous studies have implicated the INSIG2 rs6726538 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) as a potential risk factor for cervical cancer. Our objective was to examine the correlation between this genetic variation and the vulnerability of Iraqi women to cervical cancer. Methods: this case-control study analyzed rs6726538 genotypes and allele frequencies in 109 cervical cancer cases and 109 healthy controls. Logistic regression calculated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The rs6726538 SNP was genotyped using tetra-primer ARMS-PCR. Results: the AT genotype occurred more frequently in cases than controls (52.2% vs 34%, OR 0.783, 95% CI 0.38-1.25, p = 0.0391). The TT genotype was less common but showed a non-significant decreased cancer risk versus AA (OR 0.336, 95% CI 0.17-0.96, p = 0.0707). The T allele was significantly higher in cases (36.3% vs 20.6% in controls, p = 0.0023), while the A allele was higher in controls (79.4% vs 63.7% in cases, p = 0.05). Conclusion: this preliminary data indicates that the rs6726538 T allele and TT genotype may be associated with increased cervical cancer risk, while the A allele and AA genotype could have a protective effect. However, larger studies are required to validate these initial findings on how this SNP may impact cervical cancer susceptibility.