The influence of an IL-4 variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) polymorphism on breast cancer susceptibility

BACKGROUNDS: Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most widespread cancers globally. Understanding the etiology of BC may help in determining the various risk factors involved in its malignancy. Certain genetic mutations are considered to play a key role in increasing the risk of BC. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we explored the correlation between a variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) polymorphism in the IL-4 gene and BC. METHODS: PCR and subsequent gel electrophoresis were used to genotype this variant in 360 Jordanian women (180 BC patients and 180 controls). In addition, phenotype–genotype analysis was carried out. RESULTS: Our findings illustrate that there is no significant relationship between the variant genotypes in the IL-4 gene and BC among Jordanian females. Other than body mass index and tumor differentiation (p< 0.05), none of the clinical and pathological parameters of BC patients exhibited any association with the variant genotypes. CONCLUSIONS: From this study, we propose that the IL-4 genetic variant does not impact BC development and progression but that it could influence the disease prognosis.