Four microRNA gene polymorphisms are associated with Iraqi patients with colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause to global cancer-related mortality. The development of colorectal cancer is linked to hereditary variables that exhibit variability. The objective of this investigation was to assess the potential correlation between microRNA gene polymorphisms and colorectal cancer (CRC) throughout the Iraqi population. DNA samples were obtained from a cohort of 100 individuals diagnosed with the (CRC) disease, as well as 100 samples as control group. Four primers were designed to amplify four specific high-frequency variants found within microRNA molecules. These variants include Mir146a G\C, Mir423 A\C, Mir196a2, and Mir370. The genotyping of the PCR fragments was performed using the single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) method, followed by direct sequencing of each genotype. Genotyping experiments confirmed the variability of four targeted variants, namely Mir146a G\C, Mir 423 A\C, Mir196a2, and Mir370 tend to exhibit a significant association with (CRC). Individuals with Mir146a: GC and Mir 423 A\C genotype showed a possible association with the increased risk of (CRC), respectively (P = 0.001; OD 0.50; CI 95% 0.33–0.76; P = 0.002; OD 0.53; CI 95% 0.36–0.80). Individuals with Mir196a2: TT and Mir370 GG genotype exhibited a potential association with (CRC) (P = 0.017; OD 0.44; CI 95% 0.22–0.86; P ≤ 0.001; OD 0.24; CI 95% 0.11–0.50). The study reveals that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in microRNA have a notable and distinct correlation with the heightened susceptibility to colorectal cancer (CRC).