POLYMORPHIC SIGNATURES OF IL-1RA GENE AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH CANCER SUSCEPTIBILITY AND PROGRESSION IN SOUTHERN INDIA

Abstract

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, with genetic and immunological factors playing a central role in its onset and progression. The interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) gene, an immune-regulatory gene, influences inflammation-driven tomourigenesis and angiogenesis. Variations in IL-1RA may therefore serve as potential biomarkers of cancer susceptibility. This study investigated the association of IL-1RA variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) polymorphisms with breast, cervical, and lung cancers in a Southern India cohort. Peripheral blood samples were collected from cancer patients and healthy controls. Genomic DNA was extracted using the salting-out method, and IL-1RA VNTR polymorphisms were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by agarose gel electrophoresis. DNA banding patterns were quantified, and genotype frequencies were analysed statistically.

The observed p-values for breast, cervical, and lung cancers were 0.329, 0.190, and 0.346, respectively. Cervical cancer patients displayed the broadest allelic diversity and showed the most significant association with IL-1RA VNTR polymorphisms. Breast cancer patients exhibited increased homozygous allele I and II genotypes, while lung cancer patients showed a restricted profile dominated by allele VI. IL-1RA VNTR polymorphisms exhibit cancer-specific patterns in Southern India, with cervical cancer showing the strongest association. These findings suggest that IL-1RA genetic variability may influence cancer susceptibility and progression, supporting its potential utility as a predictive biomarker. Larger-scale studies are warranted to confirm its role in cancer risk assessment