The association between EGF A61G polymorphism and risk of colorectal cancer in a Chinese population: a case-control study

Epidermal Growth factor (EGF) could induce colorectal cancer (CRC) cell to develop epithelial mesenchymal-transition and enhance their ability to invade and migrate. Several studies have thrown light on the association between EGF gene polymorphism and risk of CRC, but with conflicting results. Therefore, we determined EGF A61G polymorphism by using PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism method in 341 CRC cases and 472 controls in a Chinese population. Our results showed that EGF A61G polymorphism increased the risk of CRC in a Chinese population (GG vs AA: adjusted OR: 1.92; 95% CI: 1.27–2.91; P=0.002; GG+AG vs AA: adjusted OR: 1.43; 95% CI: 1.05–1.94; P=0.022; GG vs AG+AA: adjusted OR: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.15–2.39, P=0.007; G vs A: OR: 1.39; 95% CI: 1.14–1.69, P=0.001). Stratified analyses revealed that the significant association was more evident in the females, smokers, drinkers, and old subjects (age ≥60 years). Furthermore, the GG and/or AG genotype carriers were more likely to have larger tumor size and lymph node metastasis. In conclusion, EGF A61G polymorphism is a genetic contributor to CRC in a Chinese Han population.