The V89L polymorphism in the 5α-reductase type 2 gene and risk of prostate cancer

Phillip G. Febbo, Philip W. Kantoff, Elizabeth A. Platz, Daniel Casey, Steve Batter, Edward Giovannucci, Charles H. Hennekens, Meir J. Stampfer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

84 Scopus citations

Abstract

5α-Reductase type 2, the predominant prostatic isozyme of this protein, converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. It has been hypothesized that individuals with greater 5α-reductase activity are at increased risk for prostate cancer (CAP). A single nucleotide polymorphism of the 5α-reductase type 2 gene (SRDSA2) gives rise to a substitution of leucine (leu) for valine (val) at codon 89 (V89L), the presence of which may affect serum androstanediol glucuronide (AAG) levels. We studied the effect of this polymorphism on the risk of prostate cancer in a prospective, nested, case- control design within the Physicians' Health Study. In all controls (n = 799), the leu allele frequency was 0.30. Among the 386 controls with plasma AAG levels available, there was no significant association between AAG levels and V89L genotype. We also detected no significant association between risk for CaP and genotype [odds ratio: val/val = 1.0 (reference), leu/val = 0.96 (95% confidence interval, 0.76-1.20), and leu/leu = 0.84 (95% confidence interval, 0.57-1.24)]. These data do not support a moderate to large effect of the SRD5A2 V89L polymorphism on plasma AAG levels or CaP risk in this predominantly Caucasian cohort, although a small effect cannot be completely excluded.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)5878-5881
Number of pages4
JournalCancer Research
Volume59
Issue number23
StatePublished - Dec 1 1999

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The V89L polymorphism in the 5α-reductase type 2 gene and risk of prostate cancer'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this