FAS rs2234767 polymorphism confers protection against glioma: a case-control study in Chinese population

Background: Genetic polymorphisms in apoptosis-related genes FAS/FASL may influence susceptibility to glioma, but evidence remains limited, particularly in Chinese populations. This study aimed to investigate the potential association between gene polymorphisms in FAS (rs2234767 and rs1800682) and FASL (rs763110 and rs6700734) and glioma risk in a Chinese cohort. Methods: This case-control study included 107 glioma patients and 110 healthy controls. Four polymorphisms were genotyped using TaqMan real-time PCR. The associations between these genetic variants and glioma risk were evaluated via logistic regression after adjusting for relevant covariates. Furthermore, subgroup analyses stratified by ethnicity, isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) R132H status and histological grade were performed, along with a haplotype-based analysis. Results: The FAS rs2234767 GA genotype was associated with a significantly reduced glioma risk compared to the GG genotype (adjusted OR = 0.461, 95% CI: 0.232–0.917, p = 0.027). This protective effect was particularly evident in the Han subgroup (adjusted OR = 0.275, 95% CI: 0.106–0.716, p = 0.008), IDH1 R132H-positive cases (adjusted OR = 0.362, 95% CI: 0.148–0.884, p = 0.026) and low-grade gliomas (adjusted OR = 0.350, 95% CI: 0.133–0.922, p = 0.034). No notable associations were observed for FASL variants. Haplotype analyses revealed no significant associations. Conclusions: This study suggests a potential protective role of the FAS rs2234767 GA genotype against glioma in the Chinese population, particularly among Han individuals, IDH1 R132H-positive cases and low-grade gliomas. The findings, while insightful, require validation in larger cohorts. Future research should integrate molecular profiling and functional assays to clarify the underlying mechanisms.