Evaluation of SEPP1 and Selenoprotein S Gene Polymorphisms (rs7579 and rs34713741) in Relation to Colorectal Cancer Susceptibility in Subset of Iranian Population: A Case–control Study

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is rated as the second cause of cancer death worldwide. Selenium (Se) has antioxidant activity and antitumor effect, especially in colon cancer. This important role occurs through selenoproteins. Low Se intake or low plasma Se and selenoproteins concentrations are associated with higher risk of CRC. rs7579 polymorphism in 3’ untranslated region of the SEPP1 gene can effect on selenocysteine incorporation during protein synthesis and also effect on microRNA –messengerRNA interaction and sequentially change in SEPP1 expression. rs34713741 polymorphism as a promoter variant in selenoprotein S (SELS) gene can effect on SElS expression and finally lead to increased CRC risk.

A case–control study using 60 CRC patients and 74 noncancerous counterparts were undertaken in order to determine rs7579 and rs34713741 genotypes using real‑time polymerase chain reaction high‑resolution melting method.

We found an association of borderline statistical significance between allele A for rs7579 in SEPP1 and CRC risk (adjusted odds ratio = 1.63; confidential interval = 0.99–2.07; P = 0.05). The frequency of genotypes rs34713741 of the mentioned polymorphisms was not significantly different between case and control groups (P = 0.23 and P = 0.93, respectively).

The results suggest that these polymorphisms probably has not a substantial role in Iranian CRC risk and is not a serious potential factor in risk assessment of mentioned disease among Iranians.