Interactions among GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1 polymorphisms, cruciferous vegetable intake and breast cancer risk

Isothiocyanates are anticarcinogenic phytochemicals found in cruciferous vegetables that both induce and are substrates for the gluthatione S-transferases (GSTs). The GSTs are phase II metabolizing enzymes involved in metabolism of various bioactive compounds. Functional polymorphisms in GST genes have been identified and may interact with cruciferous vegetable intake to affect cancer risk. We examined this hypothesis using data from the Long Island Breast Cancer Study Project, a population-based case-control study conducted in Long Island, NY, from 1996 to 1997. Cruciferous vegetable intake in the previous year was assessed via modified Block food frequency questionnaire. DNA was extracted from blood samples (n = 1052 cases and n = 1098 controls) and genotyped for GSTM1 deletion, GSTT1 deletion and GSTP1 Ile105Val using multiplex polymerase chain reaction and Taqman assays. Unconditional logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). We found an 86% increase in the OR for breast cancer among carriers of the GSTM1 null, GSTT1 null and GSTP 105Ile/Ile genotypes (OR = 1.86, 95% CI = 1.12, 3.08) and a 36% decrease in the OR among carriers of GSTM1 present, GSTT1 null and GSTP1 105Ile/Val + Val/Val genotypes (OR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.42, 0.97) compared with GSTM1 present, GSTT1 present and GSTP1 105Ile/Ile carriers. We found no joint effects among GST polymorphisms and cruciferous vegetable intake and breast cancer risk. In conclusion, we found associations between specific combinations of three GST gene polymorphisms and breast cancer risk but these did not modify the association between cruciferous vegetable intake and breast cancer. Additional studies are needed to confirm the associations observed.     

GSTT1, GSTM1 and GSTP1 genetic polymorphisms and interaction with tobacco, alcohol and occupational exposure in esophageal cancer patients from North India

Glutathione S-transferases(GSTs) are detoxification enzymes that provide critical defense against carcinogens. Our hypothesis was that altered frequencies of GST genotypes and environmental exposures might be associated with increased susceptibility for the development of esophageal cancer. A total of 100 esophageal cancer patients and 137 age and gender matched healthy controls were analyzed for GST polymorphisms. Frequencies of GSTT1 null, GSTM1 null and GSTP1 genotypes did not differ between patients and controls. However, a two-fold risk was observed for GSTM1 null genotype in adenocarcinoma (OR(odds ratio) 2.1; 95% CI(confidence intervals)=0.53-8.6). Further, we used a case only design to study gene-environment interactions in esophageal cancer. In patients with smoking habits, GSTM1 null and GSTP1 ile/ile genotype were at higher risk for esophageal cancer (OR 1.5; 95% CI=0.50-4.4 and OR 1.3; 95% CI=0.40-3.5), respectively. A moderate risk for cancer was observed from alcohol usage along with GSTM1 null(OR 1.3; 95% CI=0.50-3.6) and GSTP1 val/val genotypes(OR 1.2; 95% CI=0.20-5.7). Interaction of GST genotypes with occupational exposure did not affect risk for esophageal cancer. These findings suggest that genetic polymorphisms of GSTT1, GSTM1, and GSTP1 are not associated with higher risk of esophageal cancer. However, interaction of smoking or alcohol with GSTM1 null or GSTP1 ile/ile moderately increases the risk for esophageal cancer in North Indian population.     

Glutathione S-transferase M1, T1 and P1 polymorphisms: susceptibility and outcome in lung cancer patients

The glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are a superfamily of genes whose products are phase II enzymes, catalyzing the conjugation of reactive intermediates to soluble glutathione. Some of the GSTs are polymorphic and may play a role in lung cancer susceptibility. We investigated whether genetic polymorphisms of GSTM1, GSTP1 and GSTT1 genes modulated lung cancer risk and affect survival among lung cancer patients. We determined the GST genotypes in 422 study subjects, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse PCR and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). Logistic Regression analysis was carried out to find the association of various polymorphisms and GSTs and lung cancer. The influence of the genetic polymorphisms on patient survival was estimated using the method of Kaplan-Meier survival function. Cox Proportional Hazard models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) for deaths. GSTT1 -/- genotype conferred a higher odds ratio of 2.9 (P = 0.001) compared to the GSTT1+/+. So also, the GSTP1 GG genotype too had higher risk compared to the GSTP1 AA genotype (OR = 2.3, P = 0.033). When the combined GST M1, GSTT1 and GSTP1 genotypes were examined, patients with the combinations GSTM1 null and GSTT1 null had a significant OR of 3.6. So also the combinations GSTT1-/- GSTP1 AA (P = 0.005) and GSTT1-/- GSTP1 AG/GG (P = 0.001) came out to be significant. There were some significant interactions between GST genotypes with tobacco smoking and also for clinicopathological factors. Regarding survival analysis, no association of GSTM1 or GSTP1 genes with survival was noted. The GSTT1 -/- genotype along with stage was significantly associated with overall survival and found to be an independent prognostic factors for shorter lung cancer survival.     

Glutathione S-transferases M1, T1, and P1 and breast cancer.

We examined associations for glutathione S-transferases M1 (GSTM1), T1 (GSTT1), and P1 (GSTP1) genotypes and breast cancer in the Carolina Breast Cancer Study, a population-based, case-control study in North Carolina. Odds ratios were close to the null value for each GST locus among African-American women (278 cases and 271 controls) and white women (410 cases and 392 controls), as well as pre- and postmenopausal women. For women with a history of breast cancer in one or more first-degree relatives, odds ratios were 2.1 (95% confidence interval, 1.0-4.2) for GSTM1 null and 1.9 (0.8-4.6) for GSTT1 null genotypes. Among women with a family history, age at diagnosis was significantly earlier for those with the GSTM1 null genotype. We did not observe strong evidence for modification of odds ratios for smoking according to GST genotypes. There was no evidence for combined effects of GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 genotypes, and there were no combined effects for GST genotypes and the catechol O-methyltransferase genotype. We conclude that GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 genotypes do not play a strong role in susceptibility to breast cancer. However, the role of GST genotypes in age at onset and risk of breast cancer among women with a family history merits further investigation.     

GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 polymorphism and lung cancer risk in relation to tobacco smoking

The impact of genetic polymorphisms in GSTM1, GSTP1 or GSTT1 on susceptibility to lung cancer has received particular interest since these enzymes play a central role in detoxification of major classes of tobacco carcinogens. In the current German study we investigated the role of GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1 polymorphisms as a genetic modifier of risk for individuals with lung cancer as susceptible genotypes especially in relation to tobacco smoking. The GSTM1, the GSTP1 as well as GSTT1-polymorphism were determined by real time PCR analysis in 446 lung cancer patients and 622 controls. The observed allele frequencies of the GSTP1 polymorphism in the population were within the range described for Caucasians. Multivariate analyses of lung cancer patients, who carried at least one mutant variant allele of GSTP1 (OR=1.03; 95%-CI: 0.76-1.39) did not show any elevated risks. GSTM1 or GSTT1 null-genotypes were found in 47.3% resp. 18.5% of the controls and in 52.5% resp. 16.8% of the cancer patients. The estimated risk of the GSTM1 null genotype for lung cancer was OR=1.34 (95%-CI: 0.99-1.81) and for the GSTT1 null genotype OR=0.88 (95%-CI: 0.59-1.32). When analyzed by histology no individual subtype of lung cancer was strongly associated with the polymorphisms. Lung cancer risk rose significantly with higher cumulative cigarette consumption confirming the association with smoking-related lung cancer risk. Stratified analysis between tobacco smoking and variant genotypes revealed for heavy smokers (>60 pack-years) increasing risks at the presence for at least one copy of the GSTP1 variant allele OR=50.56 (95%-CI: 15.52-164.79). The corresponding risks for GSTM1 null genotypes were OR=112.08 (95%-CI: 23.02-545.71) and for the GSTT1 null-genotype OR=158.49 (95%-CI: 17.75-1415.06) in smokers >60 pack-years. Analysing the interaction between tobacco smoking and the genotypes, combined smoking and having the susceptible genotypes did not show a joint effect. In this study polymorphisms of the GSTM1, GSTT1 or GSTP1 had no relevant modifying effect on lung cancer risk and cumulative smoking dose.     

GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 genotypes in relation to breast cancer risk and frequency of mutations in the p53 gene.

The glutathione S-transferase (GST) genes are involved in the metabolism of various carcinogens. Deletion polymorphisms in the GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes and an A-G polymorphism in the GSTP1 gene were investigated in relation to breast cancer risk in 500 breast cancer patients and 395 controls. The effects of the GST genotypes on the frequency and pattern of p53 mutations in 388 breast carcinomas were also studied. A suggestive trend of increasing risk of breast cancer with increasing number of G alleles of the GSTP1 was observed (P for trend, 0.11). The GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms did not show an association with breast cancer. No increase in risk was observed with a combination of genotypes. A statistically significant association was observed between the GSTT1 genotype and p53 mutation status of the tumors, with patients carrying the GSTT1 null genotype more frequently having mutations in the p53 gene compared with patients with a GSTT1 gene present (24.6% versus 12.4%; P = 0.019). There was also a suggestive trend for the GG genotype of the GSTP1 gene, but it was not statistically significant (P = 0.19). No association was observed with the type or location of mutations. We conclude that the GSTP1 and GSTT1 genes could play a role in carcinogenesis in the breast, possibly through increased frequency of mutations in tumor suppressor genes such as p53.     

Glutathione S-transferase T1 null-genotype is associated with an increased risk of lung cancer

Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are involved in detoxification of carcinogens, e.g., from tobacco smoke. Therefore, polymorphisms in the GST genes have been considered as potential modifiers of individual cancer risk. In a population-based case-cohort study where cases and the subcohort sample were matched on duration of smoking, we investigated the occurrence of lung cancer and histological subtypes of lung cancer in relation to deletion polymorphism in both GSTM1 and GSTT1, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in GSTP1 (Ile105Val and Ala114Val) and a 3 base pair deletion polymorphism in GSTM3. We further investigated the effects of the GST polymorphisms on lung cancer risk within subgroups of subjects defined by gender and age. The results showed a 2.4-fold (CI = 1.31-4.41) increased risk of lung cancer in GSTT1 null-genotype carriers but no significant effects of the polymorphisms in GSTM1, GSTM3, GSTP1-105 or GSTP1-114. The association was strongest in lower age groups, with a 9.6-fold increase in risk for subjects with the GSTT1 null-genotype in the 50-55 years age interval (CI = 3.03-30.59). Positive associations were found for GSTT1 within all major histological subtypes. Squamous cell carcinoma was the histological type most strongly associated with the GSTT1 genotype, with a 5.0-fold (CI = 2.26-11.18) increase in risk for subjects carrying the GSTT1 null-genotype. The effects of the GSTT1 null-genotype seemed stronger in the presence of the GSTM1 null-genotype or the GSTP1-105 variant allele. These results suggest that the GSTT1 null-genotype is associated with an increased risk of lung cancer, especially in younger individuals.     

Genetic Variation of GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1 Genes in a South Indian Population

The glutathione S transferase (GST) family of enzymes play a vital role in the phase II biotransformation ofenvironmental carcinogens, pollutants, drugs and other xenobiotics. GSTs are polymorphic and the polymorphismsin GST genes have been associated with cancer susceptibility and prognosis. Moreover, distinct ethnic differenceshave been observed in the type and frequency of GST gene polymorphisms. Hence, the present study was aimed todetermine the frequencies of GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1 polymorphisms in 255 healthy random volunteers fromSouth India. The GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotypes were determined by PCR and GSTP1 by PCR-RFLP using peripheralblood DNA.The GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotype frequencies were found to be 22.4% and 17.6% respectively. TheGSTP1 allelic frequency was 0.78 for the Ile allele and 0.22 for the Val allele and the genotype frequency was 58.4%for Ile/Ile, 38.4% for Ile/Val, and 3.1% for Val/Val. Comparison of the frequencies of GST polymorphisms observedin the present study with other Indian and world populations revealed a distinctive nature of the South Indianpopulation with respect to polymorphims at the GST gene loci. A better understanding of carcinogen metabolizinggene distribution should contribute to risk assessment of humans exposed to environmental carcinogens.     

Association of GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 gene polymorphisms with the risk of prostate cancer: a meta-analysis.

The glutathione S-transferase (GST) gene superfamily encodes for enzymes involved in conjugation of electrophilic compounds to glutathione. Several polymorphisms in the GST genes have been implicated as risk factors for prostate cancer. We did a meta-analysis of 11 studies with GSTM1 genotyping (2,063 prostate cancer cases and 2,625 controls), 10 studies with GSTT1 genotyping (1,965 cases and 2,554 controls), and 12 studies with GSTP1 genotyping (2,528 cases and 3,076 controls). The random effects odds ratio was 1.08 [95% confidence interval (95% CI), 0.93-1.25, no significant between-study heterogeneity] for the GSTM1 null versus nondeleted genotype and 0.90 (95% CI, 0.73-1.12; P = 0.03 for heterogeneity) for the GSTT1 null versus nondeleted genotype. Overall, the random effects odds ratio was 1.05 (95% CI, 0.90-1.21; P < 0.01 for heterogeneity) for the GSTP1-Val versus GSTP1-Ile allele. For all three polymorphisms, there was a trend for the presence of an association in the earliest published studies, but this did not seem to be validated in subsequent research. For GSTT1, larger studies gave different results than smaller ones. The meta-analysis shows that these three polymorphisms are unlikely to be major determinants of susceptibility to prostate cancer on a wide population basis.     

Glutathione S-transferase M1, M3, P1, and T1 genetic polymorphisms and susceptibility to breast cancer.

This study was undertaken to examine if glutathione S-transferase (GST) M1, M3, P1, and T1 genotypes affected breast cancer risk in Finnish women. The study population consisted of 483 incident breast cancer cases and 482 healthy population controls. Genotyping analyses were performed by PCR-based methods, and odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by unconditional logistic regression adjusting for known or suspected risk factors for breast cancer. When the genes were studied separately, the only significant finding was between GSTM1 null genotype and postmenopausal breast cancer risk (OR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.03-2.15). Conversely, when the potential combined effects of the at-risk genotypes were examined, significant associations were observed only among premenopausal women. Although only a moderate risk of breast cancer was seen for premenopausal women concurrently carrying the GSTM3*B allele containing genotypes and the GSTP1 Ile/ Ile genotype (OR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.02-4.18), the risk rose steeply if they simultaneously lacked the GSTT1 gene (OR, 9.93, 95% CI, 1.10-90.0). A borderline significant increase in the risk of breast cancer was also seen for premenopausal women with the combination of GSTM1 null, GSTP1 Ile/Ile, and GSTT1 null genotypes (OR, 3.96; 95% CI, 0.99-15.8). Our findings support the view that GST genotypes contribute to the individual breast cancer risk, especially in certain combinations.     

Glutathione S-Transferase P1 Variant Plays a Major Contribution to Decreased Susceptibility to Liver Cancer in Thais

Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) play important roles in carcinogenic biotransformation processes, whichvary among individuals. Polymorphisms of the encoding genes are associated with alteration of detoxificationcapacity, resulting in a variable risk of cancer development. The present study was performed to determine theeffects of polymorphisms in GST (M1, P1, and T1) genes on susceptibility to liver cancer in Thais. We recruited140 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) patients and 280 healthy volunteers forour unmatched case-control based association study. GSTM1 deletion and heterozygous deletion were determinedand discriminated by semi-quantitative denaturing high performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC). Apolymerase chain reaction - restriction fragment length polymorphisms (PCR-RFLPs) approach was utilized todetect the GSTP1 Ile105Val variant, while the GSTT1 null allele was detected by multiplex PCR. With resultsfor single locus associations, only GSTP1 Ile/Val showed a significant decrease in the risk of liver cancer (OR=0.58;95% CI: 0.36-0.90; p-value=0.016). GSTP1 (Ile/Val) interacted with the GSTT1 wild type to further decreasesusceptibility to liver cancer (OR=0.41; 95% CI: 0.18-0.93; p-value=0.029). Moreover, three locus interactionsof GSTP1 (Ile/Val or Val/Val) with either wild type or null alleles of both GSTM1 and GSTT1 decreased risk ofliver cancer. In conclusion the GSTP1 null genotype apparently causes decreased risk of liver cancer in Thais.The findings point to GSTP1 Ile105Val as a possible protective allele against liver cancer risk.     

Meta- and pooled analyses of GSTM1, GSTT1, GSTP1, and CYP1A1 genotypes and risk of head and neck cancer.

Sequence variation in the GSTM1, GSTT1, GSTP1, and CYP1A1 genes may potentially alter susceptibility to head and neck cancers, although evidence from previous studies has not been consistent. To explore these associations, we conducted a meta-analysis of 31 published case-control studies (4635 cases and 5770 controls) and a pooled analysis of original data from nine published and two unpublished case-control studies (2334 cases and 2766 controls). In the meta-analysis, the summary odds ratios (ORs) for head and neck cancer were 1.23 [95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.06-1.42] for the GSTM1 null genotype, 1.17 (95% CI, 0.98-1.40) for the GSTT1 null genotype, 1.10 (95% CI, 0.92-1.31) for carrying the GSTP1 Val105 allele, and 1.35 (95% CI, 0.95-1.82) for carrying the CYP1A1 Val462 allele. The pooled analysis ORs were 1.32 (95% CI, 1.07-1.62) for the GSTM1 null genotype, 1.25 (95% CI, 1.00-1.57) for the GSTT1 null genotype, 1.15 (95% CI, 0.86-1.53) for carrying the GSTP1 Val105 allele, and 0.98 (95% CI, 0.75-1.29) for carrying the CYP1A1 Val462 allele. Increasing risk of head and neck cancer was observed with inheritance of increasing numbers of modest risk genotypes at the three GST loci (P for trend = 0.04), with the combination of carrying the GSTM1 null, GSTT1 null, and GSTP1 Val105 alleles conferring an OR of 2.06 (95% CI, 1.11-3.81). In conclusion, both the meta- and pooled analysis support modest associations of GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotypes with head and neck cancer risk, and our pooled analysis supports the notion of greater risk when genotypes at multiple GST loci are considered in a multigenic model.     

Glutathione s-transferase polymorphisms (GSTM1, GSTP1 and GSTT1) and the risk of acute leukaemia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Glutathione s-transferase (GST) polymorphisms (GSTM1, GSTP1 and GSTT1) have been considered as risk factors for developing acute leukaemia in a number of studies; however the overall results of such studies are inconsistent. To investigate a putative association of GST polymorphisms with the risk of acute leukaemia, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of 30 published case-control studies. To take into account the possibility of heterogeneity across the studies, a statistical test was performed. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) were assessed using both a fixed-effects and a random-effects model. The pooled OR of acute leukaemia risks associated with GSTM1 null genotype, GSTP1 Val105 allele and GSTT1 null genotype were 1.22 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07-1.38), 1.07 (95% CI 1.00-1.13) and 1.19 (95% CI 1.00-1.41), respectively. Significantly increased risk of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia associated with GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes was observed. Their pooled ORs were 1.24 (95% CI 1.17-1.31) and 1.30 (95% CI 1.06-1.60), respectively. We also found substantial evidence of heterogeneity between the studies. Our results suggest that GSTM1 and GSTT1, but not GSTP1 polymorphisms, appear to be associated with a modest increase in the risk of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. It is conceivable that GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes may thus play a role in leukemogenesis. A review of the 30 case-control studies indicates that greater attention should be paid to the design of future studies.     

Polymorphisms at the glutathione S-transferase GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1 loci: risk of ovarian cancer by histological subtype

The phase II glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) GSTT1, GSTM1 and GSTP1 catalyse glutathione-mediated reduction of exogenous and endogenous electrophiles. These GSTs have broad and overlapping substrate specificities and it has been hypothesized that allelic variants associated with less effective detoxification of potential carcinogens may confer an increased susceptibility to cancer. To assess the role of GST gene variants in ovarian cancer development, we screened 285 epithelial ovarian cancer cases and 299 unaffected controls for the GSTT1 deletion (null) variant, the GSTM1 deletion (null) variant and the GSTP1 codon 104 A-->G Ile-->Val amino acid substitution variant. The frequencies of the GSTT1, GSTM1 and GSTP1 polymorphic variants did not vary with tumour behaviour (low malignant potential or invasive) or p53 immunohistochemical status. There was a suggestion that ovarian cancers of the endometrioid or clear cell histological subtype had a higher frequency of the GSTT1 and GSTM1 deletion genotype than other histological subgroups. The GSTT1, GSTM1 and GSTP1 genotype distributions did not differ significantly between unaffected controls and ovarian cancer cases (overall or invasive cancers only). However, the GSTM1 null genotype was associated with increased risk of endometrioid/clear cell invasive cancer [age-adjusted OR (95% CI) = 2.04 (1.01-4.09), P = 0.05], suggesting that deletion of GSTM1 may increase the risk of ovarian cancer of these histological subtypes specifically. This marginally significant finding will require verification by independent studies.     

Polymorphism in GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 and Susceptibility to Lung Cancer in a Japanese Population

Polymorphisms in glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) may predispose to lung cancer through deficient detoxification ‍of carcinogenic or toxic constituents in cigarette smoke, although previous results have been conflicting. Three GST ‍polymorphisms (GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1) were determined among 86 male patients with lung carcinomas and ‍88 healthy male subjects. We found no significant increase in the risk of lung cancer for any genotypes for the nulled ‍GSTM1 [odds ratio (OR)=2.0; 95% confidence interval (95% CI)= 0.8-5.3], the nulled GSTT1 (OR=2.0; 95% CI=0.8- ‍5.1) or the mutated (the presence of a Val-105 allele) GSTP1 (OR=0.96; 95% CI=0.4-5.5). The GST polymorphisms ‍alone may thus not be associated with susceptibility to lung carcinogenesis in male Japanese. However, individuals ‍with a concurrent lack of GSTM1 and GSTT1 had a significantly increased risk (OR=2.7; 95% CI=1.0-7.4) when ‍compared with those having at least one of these genes. No other combinations were associated with lung cancer ‍risk. These results suggest that there may be carcinogenic intermediates in cigarette smoke that are substrates for ‍both GSTM1 and GSTT1 enzymes and that lung cancer risk is increased for individuals who are doubly deleted at ‍GSTM1 and GSTT1 gene loci. Additional large studies are needed to confirm this observation.     

Association of glutathione S-transferase M1, T1, and P1 polymorphisms with renal cell carcinoma: evidence from 11 studies

The glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are a gene superfamily of phase II metabolic enzymes that has attracted a considerable attention as a candidate gene for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) based on its enzyme function as a key factor in biotransformation pathways. In the past decade, a number of case–control studies were conducted to investigate the association of GST genetic polymorphisms and RCC risk. However, studies on the association between GST (GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1) polymorphisms and RCC remain to be conflicting. To derive a more precise estimation of the relationship, a meta-analysis of 2,189 cases and 3,817 controls from 11 case–control studies was performed. Overall, the summarized odds ratio for RCC of the GSTM1 null and GSTT1 null polymorphisms was 1.02 (95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.91–1.15, P?=?0.70) and 1.28 (95 % CI 0.96–1.72, P?=?0.09), respectively. No significant results were observed in heterozygous and homozygous genotypes when compared with wild-type genotype for GSTP1 I105V polymorphism. However, the GSTM1–GSTT1 interaction analysis showed that the dual null genotype of GSTM1/GSTT1 was significantly associated with an increased RCC risk (odds ratio (OR)?=?1.42, 95 % CI 1.14–1.76, P?=?0.001). In the stratified analyses by ethnicity, significant gene–disease association was obtained among Asians for GSTT1 and GSTP1 polymorphisms. In our meta-analysis, the associations between variations of GSTs and RCC may vary in different ethnic populations, and the interaction between unfavorable GST genotypes may exist.     

Glutathione S-transferase M1, T1, and P1 polymorphisms and survival among lung cancer patients.

Glutathione S-transferase (GST) enzymes detoxify therapeutic drugs and reactive oxidants, so GST polymorphisms may influence survival after diagnosis of cancer. We evaluated survival according to GST polymorphisms in a population-based series of lung cancer patients. The study subjects (n = 274) were men diagnosed with lung cancer from 1993 through 1996 who participated in a case control study and provided a blood sample for genotyping. The presence of the GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes were assayed by multiplex PCR. Genotype at the GSTP1 Ile(105)Val substitution was determined by PCR and oligonucleotide ligation assay. The study subjects were followed for vital status through 2000, and overall survival was evaluated in Kaplan-Meier survival functions and Cox proportional hazards models. Subjects with the GSTM1 null genotype had shorter survival; the proportion of GSTM1 null subjects surviving at 5 years was 0.20 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.14-0.27], compared with 0.29 (95% CI 0.22-0.37) for GSTM1 present subjects. The relative risk of death associated with GSTM1 null genotype, adjusted for stage at diagnosis and histology, was 1.36, 95% CI 1.04-1.80. There was no association between GSTT1 or GSTP1 genotype and survival in the overall study population, nor in a subgroup of patients treated with chemotherapy (n = 130). For GSTM1, our results are consistent with a previous study, which also observed that the GSTM1-null genotype, which confers susceptibility to lung cancer, was associated with shorter survival. Future studies of lung cancer survival should take into account GSTM1 genotype as well as investigate underlying mechanisms.     

Urinary polyphenols, glutathione S-transferases copy number variation, and breast cancer risk: results from the Shanghai women's health study

In vitro studies have found that flavanol epigallocatechin (EGC) and flavonols, but not flavanol epicatechin (EC), activate glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), a family of phase II enzymes that detoxify reactive oxygen species, such as catechol estrogen metabolites. This study was designed to investigate prospectively whether urinary excretion of tea polyphenols interacts with GST polymorphisms to influence breast cancer risk. We conducted a study of 352 incident breast cancer cases and 701 individually matched controls nested within the Shanghai Women's Health Study cohort of women aged 40-70 yr at baseline. Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry was used to measure urinary excretion of flavanols and flavonols. Real-time multiplex PCR was used to quantify the copy number variation in the GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes. Urinary excretion of flavonols and flavanols, particularly EGC (P = 0.02), was significantly higher among women null for GSTM1 than those positive for GSTM1. Flavonols and flavanols (EGC in particular) were associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer among those null for GSTM1 and GSTT1, with a P-value of 0.04 for the interaction between EGC and GSTM1 polymorphism. In contrast, among women possessing both GSTM1 and GSTT1, breast cancer risk increased with levels of flavonols, particularly kaempferol. The differential associations between polyphenols and breast cancer risk by GST polymorphisms, if confirmed, may provide a new avenue for the personalized prevention of breast cancer.     

Marine n-3 fatty acid intake, glutathione S-transferase polymorphisms and breast cancer risk in post-menopausal Chinese women in Singapore

We have previously found marine n-3 fatty acids to be inversely related to post-menopausal breast cancer in Chinese women from Singapore. Post-menopausal women with high [quartiles 2-4 (Q2-Q4)] versus low [quartile 1 (Q1)] intake exhibited a statistically significant reduction in risk of breast cancer after adjustment for potential confounders [relative risk (RR) = 0.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.50, 0.87]. Experimental studies have demonstrated a direct role for the peroxidation products of marine n-3 fatty acids in breast cancer protection. There is a suggestion that the glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) may be major catalysts in the elimination of these beneficial by-products. Therefore, we hypothesized that individuals possessing the low activity genotypes of GSTM1, GSTT1 and/or GSTP1 (i.e. the GSTM1 null, GSTT1 null and GSTP1 AB/BB genotypes, respectively) may exhibit a stronger marine n-3 fatty acid-breast cancer association than their high activity counterparts. The Singapore Chinese Health Study is a prospective investigation involving 35,298 middle-aged and older women, who were enrolled between April 1993 and December 1998. In this case-control analysis, nested within the Singapore Chinese Health Study, we compared 258 incident breast cancer cases with 670 cohort controls. Overall, breast cancer risk was unrelated to GSTM1 and GSTP1 genotypes. However, the GSTT1 null genotype was associated with a 30% reduced risk of breast cancer [odds ratio (OR) = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.52, 0.96]. Among women with high activity GST genotypes (i.e. GSTM1 positive, GSTT1 positive and GSTP1 AA), no marine n-3 fatty acid-breast cancer relationships were observed in either pre-menopausal or post-menopausal women at baseline. However, post-menopausal women possessing the combined GSTM1 null and GSTP1 AB/BB genotypes showed a statistically significant reduction in risk after adjustment for potential confounders (Q2-Q4 versus Q1, OR = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.14, 0.94). A similar relationship was observed among women with the combined GSTT1 null and GSTP1 AB/BB genotypes (OR = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.08, 0.78).     

GSTM1, GSTT1, GSTP1, GSTA1 and colorectal cancer risk: A comprehensive meta-analysis

Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) catalyse reactions between glutathione and lipophilic compounds with electrophilic centres, leading to neutralisation of toxic compounds, xenobiotics and products of oxidative stress. Controversy exists about whether GST polymorphisms (GSTM1 null/present genotype, GSTT1 null/present genotype, GSTP1 Ile105Val and GSTA11A/1B) represent risk factors for colorectal cancer. This meta-analysis aims to examine the associations between the above-mentioned polymorphisms and colorectal cancer risk. Forty-four studies were eligible for GSTM1 (11,998 colorectal cancer cases, 17,552 controls), 34 studies for GSTT1 (8596 cases, 13,589 controls), 19 studies for GSTP1 (5421 cases, 7671 controls) and four studies for GSTA1 polymorphism (1648 cases, 2039 controls). Pooled odds ratios (ORs) were appropriately derived from fixed-effects or random-effects models. Separate analyses were conducted on Caucasian and Chinese populations. Where appropriate, sensitivity analysis concerning the deviation of genotype frequencies in controls from the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium was performed. GSTM1 null allele carriers exhibited increased colorectal cancer risk in Caucasian populations (pooled OR = 1.150, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.060–1.248, random effects); no significant association was detected for Chinese subjects (pooled OR = 1.025, 95% CI: 0.903–1.163, fixed effects). Similarly, GSTT1 null allele carriers exhibited increased colorectal cancer risk in Caucasian populations (pooled OR = 1.312, 95% CI: 1.119–1.538, random effects); the association in Chinese subjects was not significant (pooled OR = 1.068, 95% CI: 0.788–1.449, random effects). Concerning GSTP1 Ile105Val no significant associations were demonstrated in either race. GSTA11A/1B polymorphism was not associated with colorectal cancer risk. GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes confer additional risk for colorectal cancer in Caucasian populations.