Association between rs2119882 (MT1A) Melatonin Receptor Polymorphism and Childhood Leukemia Using RFlP-PCR Method

Melatonin is a well-known neuroendocrine reproductive hormone-based hormone that has an important role in the circadian clock system and has potent antioxidant properties. New studies have also suggested an antitumor role for melatonin. The role of melatonin receptors is proven in many cancers, including colon and breast cancers, but so far, no study has been performed in children with leukemia. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate MT1A receptor polymorphism in children with leukemia using RELP-PCR.

In this case-control study, 84 patients and 70 healthy individuals were included. After informed consent had been obtained, 10 ml of peripheral blood were taken from the participants. Genomic DNA was extracted using salting-out method and PCR-RFLP was used to evaluate the frequency of allelic and genotypic polymorphisms.

The genotypes of MT1 gene rs2119882 polymorphism in control group included 40% TT genotype, 50% TC genotype, and 10% CC genotype. In patients, 40% had TT genotype, 35% had TC genotype, and 25% had CC genotype. Chi-square test showed a significant difference in genotypes between the groups studied (P<0.05).

This study confirmed the association between MT1 gene rs2119882 polymorphism and increased risk of childhood leukemia, Therefore, screening for melatonin receptor polymorphism can be helpful in prognosis and prevention of disease and appropriate treatment strategies in this cancer.