Genetic Association Between Polymorphisms in lncRNA <i>ANRIL</i> and Gastric Cancer Susceptibility

<b><i>Objective:</i></b> Genetic variations of long noncoding RNAs are potential biomarkers for gastric cancer (GC). However, reports on the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in antisense noncoding RNA in the INK4 locus (<i>ANRIL</i>) and GC risk are few. This case-control study aimed to evaluate the association between SNPs in <i>ANRIL</i>, GC risk, and subgroups in a Korean population. <b><i>Methodology:</i></b> The TaqMan genotyping assay of six SNPs in <i>ANRIL</i> was performed in 419 patients with GC and 348 controls. <b><i>Results:</i></b> After adjusting for age and gender, the following significant associations were identified: rs2157719 in the dominant model (TC+CC vs. TT) with decreased GC risk in the lymph node metastasis (LNM)-negative subgroup (<i>p</i> = 0.045, adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.65, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.43-0.99); rs1333040 in the recessive model (CC vs. TT+TC) with increased risk in the undifferentiated subgroup (<i>p</i> = 0.032, AOR = 1.92, 95% CI = 1.06-3.50); and rs4977574 in the dominant model (AG+GG vs. AA) with decreased risk in the LNM-positive, tumor stage III (A+B+C), and undifferentiated subgroups (<i>p</i> = 0.007, AOR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.39-0.86; <i>p</i> = 0.028, AOR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.42-0.95; and <i>p</i> = 0.049, AOR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.40-1.00, respectively). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Our findings suggest that these SNPs in <i>ANRIL</i> are associated with GC risk and influence GC development. Further studies are needed to confirm our results in different ethnic groups and larger populations.