RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: There are inconclusive data connecting single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of TNF-α (rs361525) and TNF-ß (rs909253) to potential malignant oral disorder (PMOD) such as lichen planus and oral fibrosis. Here, we have investigated the risk of oral squamous cell carcinoma as well as oral pre-cancerous lesions in North Indian population with the polymorphism of the TNFα/ ß genes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total 500 patients with oral pre-cancer and OSCC and 500 healthy volunteers were genotypes for the TNF-α (-238) G/A (rs361525) and TNF-ß (252) A/G (rs909253) gene polymorphism. Genotypes were identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). Genotype frequencies were evaluated by Chi-square test. RESULTS: Compared to the GG genotype, the GA genotype of TNF-α (G238A) polymorphism (rs361525) has been found to significantly increase the risk of oral disease (OR = 1.99) and especially the risk of lichen planus and OSCC (OR = 2.805 and 5.790, respectively). Similarly, the risk of oral disease was also more in the heterozygote (AG) than the common allele homozygote (AA) of TNF-ß (A252G) polymorphism (rs909253) (OR = 1.483). CONCLUSION: We conclude that the SNPs rs361525 and rs909253 were significantly associated with oral pre-cancer and OSCC.