Can lactase persistence genotype be used to reassess the relationship between renal cell carcinoma and milk drinking? Potentials and problems in the application of Mendelian randomization.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Increased risk of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with milk consumption has been reported from observational studies. Whether this represents a causal association or is a result of confounding or bias is unclear. We assessed the potential for using genetic variation in lactase persistence as a tool for the study of this relationship.

Methods

Using a large, hospital-based case-control study, we used observational, phenotypic, and genetic data to determine whether the MCM6 -13910 C/T(rs4988235) variant may be used as a nonconfounded and unbiased marker for milk consumption.

Results

Consumption of milk during adulthood was associated with increased risk of RCC [odds ratio (OR), 1.35; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.03-1.76; P=0.03]. Among controls, consumption

SUBMITTER: Timpson NJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4141143 | biostudies-literature | 2010 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature