Gene expression of P16 and LUNX in patients undergoing anthracosis and its relationship with non-small cell lung cancer.

Background: Anthracosis of the lungs occurs due to the deposition of carbon and silica in the mucosa and sub mucosa, manifested as black lesions. The association of anthracosis with lung cancer has yet to be clearly elucidated. Thus, the current study aimed to assess the expression of P16 and LUNX to evaluate the association of anthracotic lesions in the lungs with the occurrence of non-small cell lung cancer. Materials and Methods: Forty biopsy samples were taken from the center and 40 from the margins of black anthracotic lesions in the lungs; RNA was extracted from the samples and cDNA was synthesized. Real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed to assess the expression of P16 and LUNX genes.Results: A reduction in P16 gene expression was noted at the center compared to the margins of the lesions and this difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). However, LUNX gene had significantly higher expression at the center compared to margins (P<0.001). Conclusion: Decreased expression of P16 and increased expression of LUNX tumor genes were noted at the center of anthracotic lesions. Since LUNX gene is specifically expressed in NSCLC, its increased expression at the center of anthracotic lesions may show an association between anthracosis and NSCLC. Thus, anthracotic patients may carry a high risk for NSCLC. Keywords: P16, LUNX, Anthracotic, Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.