Association between XRCC1 and XRCC3 gene polymorphisms and risk of thyroid cancer

We conducted a case-control study to examine the role of genetic polymorphisms in XRCC1 at codons 194 (Arg>Trp), 280 (Arg>His) and 399 (Arg>Gln) and XRCC3 at codon 241 (Thr>Met) in the risk of TC. This study included 276 consecutive primary TC patients and 552 control subjects. The genotypes of XRCC1 at codons 194 (Arg>Trp), 280 (Arg>His) and 399 (Arg>Gln) and XRCC3 at codon 241 (Thr>Met) were analyzed by PCR-RFLP. TT and CT+TT genotypes of XRCC1 194 (Arg>Trp) were significantly associated with increased risk of TC, and CC and TC+CC genotypes of XRCC3 241 (Thr>Met) revealed a significant associated with the TC risk. We only found that XRCC1 194 (Arg>Trp) and XRCC3 241 (Thr>Met) polymorphisms had interaction with smoking and drinking habits. In conclusion, the current study suggests that XRCC1 194 (Arg>Trp) and XRCC3 241 (Thr>Met) polymorphisms may be associated with TC risk in a Chinese population, especially in smokers and drinkers.