OBJECTIVE: The Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax), belonging to the Bcl-2 family, 
plays a pivotal role in mitochondria-dependent apoptosis. The aims of this study 
are to revalidate the functional significance of Bax G(-248)A polymorphism, and 
investigate its association with lung cancer risk in Chinese population.
METHODS: The biological function of Bax G(-248)A was tested by luciferase 
assays, and its effects on lung cancer risk was determined by case-control 
analysis of 989 patients with lung cancer and 990 controls.
RESULTS: Bax -248A allele exhibited significantly higher transcriptional 
activity compared with G allele. The Bax-248A allele carriers yielded a 
significantly decreased risk of lung cancer, compared with -248G allele carriers 
(OR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.48 approximately 0.90, P = 0.01). Furthermore, a 
significant gene-smoking interaction between Bax G(-248)A polymorphism and 
smoking existed among the light smokers.
CONCLUSION: Bax G(-248)A polymorphism is associated with lung cancer 
susceptibility in Chinese population.