Interaction of XRCC 1 and XPD Gene Polymorphisms with Lifestyle and Environmental Factors Regarding Susceptibility to Lung Cancer in a High Incidence Population in North East India Bhaskar

Exposure to tobacco smoke, fumes and airborne particulates in the indoor environment and ionizing radiations are regarded as triggering factors for DNA damages (Sterpone and Cozzi, 2010; Tang et al., 2010). Converging lines of evidence suggest that cancer can be initiated by DNA damage, which if not repaired, can cause errors during DNA synthesis (Maynard et al., 2009). Humans are routinely exposed to mutagenic and carcinogenic aromatic amines via smoking, cooking of food and other sources (Zheng and Lee, 2009). DNA sodamaged is typically repaired by certain DNA-repairing enzymes. These enzymes are fundamental for the maintenance of genomic integrity in case of replication errors. Therefore individuals with impairment in DNA repair capability are often at an elevated risk of cancer development (Berwick and Vineis, 2000). In humans more than 100 proteins are involved in DNA repair system (Lopez-Cima et al., 2007). These proteins are implicated