OBJECTIVETo study the distribution of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase(PARP) pseudogene polymorphism and the association with susceptibility to lung cancer in Chinese people.

METHODSThe subjects of this study included 63 patients with lung cancer and 82 healthy controls matched in gender and age. Genome DNA was extracted from white blood cells. Products from PCR with a pair of specific primer were electrophoresized in agarose including EB. Under ultraviolet, observation and imaging were performed.

RESULTSThere was no significant difference in genotype between the cases and controls. The frequencies of B allele in cases and controls were 0.095 and 0.116 respectively. Whether there was B allele or not, smoking was a risk factor of lung cancer (P<0.05). As the genotype was AA and AB or BB, smoking OR was 2.28 and 4.83 respectively. Among non-smokers, the risk at lung cancer did not increase in AB or BB genotypes(P=0.202).

CONCLUSIONFrequency of B allele is relatively lower in Chinese people than in other races. In smokers, B allele may be a susceptible marker of lung cancer, and there is synergistic function between B allele and smoking.