Molecular and Lifestyle Determinants of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Bangladesh: Dietary Patterns Independent of HPV and TERT Promoter Mutations
5 affiliations
- 1Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka 1342, Bangladesh.
- 2Biomedical Research Foundation, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh.
- 3National Institute of Cancer Research and Hospital, Mohakhali, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
- 4Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, North South University, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh.
- 5Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail 1902, Bangladesh.
Abstract
Background:: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the sixth most prevalent cancer globally and constitutes a major public health burden in Bangladesh, with approximately 7.5% of all cancer-related deaths. Although tobacco and betel-quid use are recognized risk factors, dietary patterns may also contribute to OSCC development. Objective: This study investigated the association of lifestyle and dietary factors with OSCC in Bangladeshi patients and explored the potential involvement of TERT promoter mutations and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
Methods:: A hospital-based, case–control study was conducted involving 47 histopathologically confirmed OSCC patients and 100 age- and sex-matched healthy controls without cancer or chronic illness. Sociodemographic, lifestyle, and dietary data were collected through a structured questionnaire. Tumor DNA was analyzed for TERT promoter mutations and HPV DNA using PCR and Sanger sequencing. Statistical analyses were performed using multivariable logistic regression to identify significant associations.
Results:: Excessive betel-quid chewing was strongly associated with OSCC (p < 0.01). Among 39 sequenced OSCC samples, 25 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at position –245 (A>G) and one hotspot mutation at position –124 (G>A) of the TERT promoter were identified substantially lower than frequencies reported in other populations. No HPV DNA was detected in any sample. Certain dietary patterns such as low fruit and vegetable intake and high consumption of betel quid were linked to increased OSCC risk.
Conclusion:: Our findings suggest that, in Bangladeshi patients, specific dietary and lifestyle factors, rather than HPV infection or TERT promoter mutations, contribute significantly to OSCC development. Targeted public health strategies emphasizing nutritional awareness and cessation of betel-quid use are recommended.
Related
- Knowledge of gestational diabetes mellitus and its sociodemographic determinants among pregnant women in Bangladesh: a nationwide facility-based cross-sectional study.
- Aortic Haemodynamics Are Independent Longitudinal Determinants of Left Ventricular Function in Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot
- Genetic determinants of serum creatinine and cystatin C independent of kidney function generate bias in filtration markers
- Predicting Fertility Determinants in Bangladesh Using Machine Learning Models
- Trends, patterns, determinants and socio-economic inequality of high-risk fertility behavior (HRFB) among Bangladeshi women: Evidence from Bangladesh Demographic and Health Surveys
BibTeX
@article{liza2026molecular,
title = {{Molecular and Lifestyle Determinants of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Bangladesh: Dietary Patterns Independent of HPV and TERT Promoter Mutations}},
author = {Rokhshana Akter Liza and Enayetur Raheem and Sonia Akter and Md. Nadimul Hasan and Ami Hasan Jamil and Abdullah Al Thufayal and Md. Morshedul Alam and Ashekul Islam and M. Rezaul Karim},
journal = {Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention : APJCP},
year = {2026},
month = jun,
doi = {10.31557/apjcp.2026.27.6.2259},
url = {https://doi.org/10.31557/apjcp.2026.27.6.2259},
note = {CC BY-NC 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Molecular and Lifestyle Determinants of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Bangladesh: Dietary Patterns Independent of HPV and TERT Promoter Mutations
AU - Rokhshana Akter Liza
AU - Enayetur Raheem
AU - Sonia Akter
AU - Md. Nadimul Hasan
AU - Ami Hasan Jamil
AU - Abdullah Al Thufayal
AU - Md. Morshedul Alam
AU - Ashekul Islam
AU - M. Rezaul Karim
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/06/21
JO - Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention : APJCP
DO - 10.31557/apjcp.2026.27.6.2259
UR - https://doi.org/10.31557/apjcp.2026.27.6.2259
AB - Background:: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the sixth most prevalent cancer globally and constitutes a major public health burden in Bangladesh, with approximately 7.5% of all cancer-related deaths. Although tobacco and betel-quid use are recognized risk factors, dietary patterns may also contribute to OSCC development. Objective: This study investigated the association of lifestyle and dietary factors with OSCC in Bangladeshi patients and explored the potential involvement of TERT promoter mutations and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Methods:: A hospital-based, case–control study was conducted involving 47 histopathologically confirmed OSCC patients and 100 age- and sex-matched healthy controls without cancer or chronic illness. Sociodemographic, lifestyle, and dietary data were collected through a structured questionnaire. Tumor DNA was analyzed for TERT promoter mutations and HPV DNA using PCR and Sanger sequencing. Statistical analyses were performed using multivariable logistic regression to identify significant associations. Results:: Excessive betel-quid chewing was strongly associated with OSCC (p < 0.01). Among 39 sequenced OSCC samples, 25 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at position –245 (A>G) and one hotspot mutation at position –124 (G>A) of the TERT promoter were identified substantially lower than frequencies reported in other populations. No HPV DNA was detected in any sample. Certain dietary patterns such as low fruit and vegetable intake and high consumption of betel quid were linked to increased OSCC risk. Conclusion:: Our findings suggest that, in Bangladeshi patients, specific dietary and lifestyle factors, rather than HPV infection or TERT promoter mutations, contribute significantly to OSCC development. Targeted public health strategies emphasizing nutritional awareness and cessation of betel-quid use are recommended.
SN - 1513-7368
SN - 2476-762X
ER -