Base excision repair DNA genetic variant OGG1 Ser326Cys among Saudi population: a comparative approach with worldwide ethnic group variations

BACKGROUND: DNA integrity is affected by both internal and external damage, but repair mechanisms usually restore it. Base excision repair (BER) is crucial for genome maintenance, with mutations in BER genes linked to higher cancer risk. The 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase-1 (OGG1) gene is vital in the BER pathway. Polymorphisms in DNA repair genes can reduce repair efficiency and elevate cancer risk. This study examined the frequency of the OGG1 exon 7 C>G (Ser326Cys) variant in the Saudi population and compared it globally.METHODS: The PubMed (Medline) internet database was examined for epidemiological studies on various ethnic groups. Allele and genotype frequencies of OGG1exon 7 C>G was determined. All statistical analysis was done using SPSS 21 software.RESULTS: The minor allele (G) frequency in Saudi population was 24%. It was higher in comparison with Iraq, Iran, Italy, Germany, USA, Pakistan and Belarus. Subsequently, Minor allele frequency G was found higher in Thailand (50%), Türkiye (33%), South Korea (52%), Japan (46%), India (27%), Algeria (29%), Canada (28%), China (36%), and Norway (27%) compare to Saudi population. Significant frequency distributions of variant genotype were observed for Thailand (P=0.041), and South Korea (P=0.012) compared with Saudi Arabian population.CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study indicate that, in comparison to other ethnic populations, the frequency of the OGG1exon 7 C>G DNA repair gene shows a different pattern in the Saudi population, which may be related to ethnic variance. This might help with cancer propensity in various ethnic groups and high-risk screening of those exposed to environmental toxins.