A Genetic Variant in miR-124 Decreased the Susceptibility to Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in a Chinese Kazakh Population

Aims: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is characterized by high prevalence and mortality worldwide, and it is very highly prevalent in China. ESCC is caused by various factors, including microRNAs (miRNAs) whose expression have been shown to play a major role in tumor generation. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in miRNAs could affect susceptibility to numerous cancers. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between SNPs in miR-124 and ESCC risk in the Chinese Kazakh population. Methods: A total of 239 Chinese Kazakh patients with ESCC and 227 healthy Chinese Kazakh individuals were recruited in this study. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry was used to analyze the miR-124 rs531564 genotype. Results: Allele G of the miR-124 rs531564 polymorphism significantly reduced the risk of ESCC in the Chinese Kazakh population [odds ratio (OR) = 0.711; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.508–0.996; p = 0.047]. The dominant model indicated that the CG+GG gen...