Association of Genetic Variants of the Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) Gene (Fok-I, Taq-I & Bsm-I) with Susceptibility of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in a North Indian Population

Several genetic studies worldwide have recommended VDR as candidate gene for determining risk of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). We investigated the association between VDR gene polymorphisms and the risk of BPH in an Indian male population. Three polymorphic sites of VDR gene, viz., Fok-I, Taq-I and Bsm-I were genotyped in 160 BPH patients and 160 controls. Logistic regression models were used to determine the genetic effects using SPSS statistical software. A statistically significant association between VDR genotype (Taq-I and Bsm-I) and BPH (p=0.02 & 0.03) was obtained. In exploratory analyses, we also examined the association with responder and non-responder subgroups of patients for association of VDR (Taq-I) genotype with drug responsiveness. Our results established that Taq-I and Bsm-I genetic variants of VDR gene influence susceptibility BPH in Indian population. VDR genotypes specifically, Taq-I polymorphic variant is significantly associated with the improvement of BPH patients with standard drug therapy.