An Insertion/Deletion Polymorphism at miRNA-122 Binding Site in the IL1A Is Associated with a Reduced Risk of Cervical Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Objective: Previous studies have shown that miRNA plays a key role in cervical carcinogenesis. Interleukin (IL)-1α can promote tumor growth, invasion, migration, and angiogenesis. An insertion/deletion polymorphism (rs3783553) in the IL1A 3′ untranslated region may disrupt a binding site for miR-122 and miR-378 and thus change the transcription of IL-1α. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between the rs3783553 polymorphism and the risk of cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC). Methods: Polymerase chain reaction was used to genotype the IL1A rs3783553 polymorphism in 235 patients with CSCC and 326 controls. Results: We found that the ins/ins genotype had a decreased risk to develop CSCC (odds ratio [OR]=0.48, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.25–0.95). However, no significant association was observed between the IL1A rs3783553 genotype and clinical features. Conclusion: These findings indicate that the IL1A rs3783553 polymorphism may be associated with the etiology of CSCC.