Association of Leukocyte Telomere Length and Genes Involved in its Regulation With Oral Carcinoma

Background/aim: This study aimed to determine the relationship between the relative leukocyte telomere length (RLTL) and gene polymorphisms involved in its regulation with the occurrence of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Patients and methods: Patients with OSCC and healthy subjects were examined. Genotyping and RLTL measurement were carried out using rPCR.

Results: The OSCC group had longer telomeres than controls (p=0.001). Minor allele T at TERF1rs1545827 may increase RLTL shortening (p=0.047). TNKS2rs10509639 A/G and A/G+G/G genotypes were associated with a 2.6-fold increased odd (p=0.012) and a 2.4-fold increased odd (p=0.019) of RLTL elongation compared to A/A genotype. The A/G genotype was associated with a 2.6-fold increased odd (p=0.011) compared to the A/A+G/G genotypes. Each G allele was associated with a 2.1-fold increased odd of longer RLTL (p=0.036).

Conclusion: Longer telomeres were found in patients with OSCC than in controls. The TERF1 rs1545827 and the TNKS2 rs10509639 polymorphisms were associated with an increase in RLTL.