Association of microRNA SNP variations and SNP-SNP interactions with breast cancer in Yemeni women

Background The role of microRNA (miRNA) single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in breast cancer has been investigated across various populations; however, no published data exist on the association between miRNA SNP-SNP interactions and breast cancer.Methods This study aimed to evaluate the associations of miRNA SNPs (miR-27a, miR-196a-2, miR-146a, and miR-499a) and miRNA SNP-SNP interactions with breast cancer in Yemeni women. A case-control study was conducted in 200 women with breast cancer and 200 normal women.Results The dominant models of miR-27a and miR-196a-2 SNPs showed protection against breast cancer (OR = 0.40; 0.66, p = 0.00001; 0.046), whereas the additive models of miR-27a and miR-196a-2 were associated with an increased risk of breast cancer (OR = 2.04; 1.44, p = 0.00002; 0.028, respectively). The interactions of miR-27a AG with miR-196a-2 CC and miR-27a AG with miR-196a-2 CT were significantly associated with an increased risk of breast cancer (OR = 2.19; 4.36, Bonferroni p = 0.04; 0.0016, compared to the reference group miR-27a AA with miR-196a-2 CC, respectively.Conclusion The study demonstrates that miRNA SNP-SNP interaction enhanced the risk of breast cancer in Yemeni women and provides information about the genetic risk factors that affect the region’s susceptibility to breast cancer.