GSTM1基因多态性与满族人群肺癌易感性关系

目的 研究内蒙古地区GSTM1基因多态性与满族人群肺癌易感性关系.方法 采用多重PCR分析技术对内蒙古地区214例正常满族人及128例满族肺癌患者进行GSTM1基因多态性检测,并联合吸烟状况,分析GSTM1基因多态性及吸烟与肺癌之间的相互关系.结果 ①与GSTM1(+)基因型相比,携带GSTM1(-)基因型的个体患肺癌的危险度升高2.264倍;②吸烟人群较不吸烟人群患肺癌的危险度升高2.143倍;③与携带GSTM1(+)的非吸烟者相比,携带GSTM1(-)吸烟者患肺癌的危险度升高,OR值为5.504(95％ CI=2.837～10.676),且结果具有统计学意义(P＜0.001);携带GSTM1(-)的非吸烟者与携带GSTM1(+)的吸烟者患肺癌的危险度均升高,OR值分别为1.546 (95％ CI=0.771～3.100)和1.154(95％ CI=0.572～2.327),但结果没有显著性差异(P＞0.05).结论 GSTM1(-)、吸烟为内蒙古地区满族人群肺癌的易感因素.     

谷胱甘肽 S-转移酶 M1基因多态性与糖尿病相关性研究

目的：探讨谷胱甘肽 S-转移酶 M1基因（GSTM1）多态性与糖尿病的相关性。方法采用聚合酶链反应（PCR）的方法对正常健康对照组（n ＝110）与糖尿病组（n ＝112）GSTM1基因型进行检测。结果糖尿病组GSTM1缺失率（72．32％）明显高于正常对照组（35．45％）,两者差异有显著统计学意义（P ＜0．01）。结论 GSTM1基因多态性与糖尿病存在相关性,GSTM1基因缺失型可能是糖尿病高危易感因素。     

肺腺癌患者GSTM1基因型与K-ras突变相关性分析

目的探讨肺腺癌患者谷胱苷肽-S-转移酶μ1（GSTM1）基因型与癌基因K-ras突变的相关关系。方法收集45例肺腺癌患者标本,抽提基因组DNA,PCR扩增GSTM1基因和K-ras基因的第12位密码子,利用PCR法来检测肺癌组织中GSTM1基因型和K-ras基因的突变情况,分析两者之间的相关性。结果在人的肺腺癌组织中,K-ras基因突变率为43．2％,GSTM1基因的缺失率迭52．6％,其中GSTM1基因缺失者与非缺失者的K-ras突变率分别为65．6％和13％,二者之间有显著性差异（P〈0．05）。结论在人肺癌组织中,GSTM1基因的多态性与K-ras基因突变明显相关,这些发现提示GSTM1基因的缺失导致肺腺癌易感性部分是K-ras基因的突变引起。     

GSTT1基因、GSTM1基因多态性与乳腺癌关系的对照研究

目的：探讨女性乳腺癌人群中GSTT1基因、GSTM1基因多态性在乳腺癌发生发展中的作用。为筛选易感人群、早期诊断及有效地预防和治疗措施的建立提供参考依据。方法：采用聚合酶链反应（PCR）、限制性片段长度多态性（RFLP）及琼脂糖凝胶电泳法对105例正常人和100例乳腺癌患者GSTT1基因、GSTM1基因的多态性分布进行检测，Logistic回归等方法估计基因、基因与乳腺癌相关危险因素的交互作用对乳腺癌发病的危险度。结果：GSTT1、GSTM1基因和乳腺癌的危险性呈负相关，OR（95％CI）分别为0．322（0．175～0．593）和0．340（0．188～0．615）；GSTT1基因与GSTM1基因的交互作用和乳腺癌的发病有统计学关联，GSTM1基因和GSTT1基因同时缺失的人群OR（95％CI）为12．338（3．621～22．042）；GSIT1基因及GSTM1基因与多个乳腺癌相关危险因素存在交互作用。结论：GSIT1、GSTM1基因的缺失是乳腺癌发病的危险因素；特定的环境暴露背景下，基因在与环境危险因素的相互作用促进乳腺癌的发生。     

GSTT1基因、GSTM1基因多态性与乳腺癌关系的对照研究

目的：探讨女性乳腺癌人群中GSTT1基因、GSTM1基因多态性在乳腺癌发生发展中的作用。为筛选易感人群、早期诊断及有效地预防和治疗措施的建立提供参考依据。方法：采用聚合酶链反应（PCR）、限制性片段长度多态性（RFLP）及琼脂糖凝胶电泳法对105例正常人和100例乳腺癌患者GSTT1基因、GSTM1基因的多态性分布进行检测，Logistic回归等方法估计基因、基因与乳腺癌相关危险因素的交互作用对乳腺癌发病的危险度。结果：GSTT1、GSTM1基因和乳腺癌的危险性呈负相关，OR（95％CI）分别为0．322（0．175～0．593）和0．340（0．188～0．615）；GSTT1基因与GSTM1基因的交互作用和乳腺癌的发病有统计学关联，GSTM1基因和GSTT1基因同时缺失的人群OR（95％CI）为12．338（3．621～22．042）；GSIT1基因及GSTM1基因与多个乳腺癌相关危险因素存在交互作用。结论：GSIT1、GSTM1基因的缺失是乳腺癌发病的危险因素；特定的环境暴露背景下，基因在与环境危险因素的相互作用促进乳腺癌的发生。     

含钾通道四聚化结构域15基因多态性与冠心病的关系及意义

目的：探讨含钾通道四聚化结构域15（KCTD15）基因单核苷酸多态性（SNP）位点rs11084753与冠心病的遗传易感性的关系。方法确诊的冠心病患者426例（男216例,女210例）为病例组,非冠心病患者及正常体检者436例（男224例,女212例）作为对照组,利用聚合酶链式反应（ PCR）分析技术及DNA直接测序技术,对2组EDTA抗凝血KCTD15基因rs11084753（A/G）多态位点进行分型,按该位点等位基因A和G的出现情况将基因型分为AA、AG、 GG三种类型。采用因素回归分析统计该多态位点与冠心病易感性的关系。检测所有研究对象的血脂水平。结果病例组血脂指标中TC、TG、LDL-C与对照组比较明显升高,而HDL-C则明显低于对照组;病例组患者吸烟、饮酒及阳性家族史的比例均高于对照组（ P 均＜0．05）。 AA、AG、GG 基因型在病例组中的分布频率分别为52．4％、32．6％和15．0％,在对照组中分别是76．1％、18．4％和5．5％,2组基因型频率分布差异有统计学意义（χ2＝8．174, P ＝0．0098）。多因素分析显示,携带rs11084753（A/G）多态位点G变异等位基因与冠心病的遗传易感性有明显相关关系（OR＝5．94,95％CI＝3．02～22．31, P ＜0．01）。结论KCTD15基因rs11084753（A/G）多态位点与河北地区汉族人冠心病遗传易感有关。     

RANTES基因多态与2型糖尿病肾病的临床研究

目的探讨RANTES基因启动子G-403A多态与2型糖尿病肾病之间的关系。方法用聚合酶链反应限制性片段长度多态性技术（PCR-RFLP）检测252例RANTES基因启动子G-403A多态的基因型,其中2型糖尿病患者170例（糖尿病非肾病组76例,糖尿病肾病组94例）;正常对照组82例,并对各组间的等位基因频率与基因型频率进行比较。结果糖尿病肾病组的AA基因型频率（24．5％）明显高于正常对照组（14．6％）。糖尿病肾病组的A等位基因频率（52．1％）明显高于正常对照组（40．3％）,差异具有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。结论RANTESG-403A多态与糖尿病肾病的发生有相关性。     

浙江温州地区LRRK2基因多态性与帕金森病相关性研究

目的：探讨LRRK2基因G2385R基因型与中国沿海地区汉族人群PD相关性,分析 G2385R基因型在 PD发病中作用。方法收集 PD患者257例和健康对照259例临床资料与基因组DNA。采用PCR－RFLP技术检测PD患者G2385R基因型;测定变异携带者及非携带者DNA序列。分析G2385R基因型在病例组和对照组中分布频率及其与性别、年龄相互作用,统计G2385R变异人群归因危险度百分比。结果 PD组25例患者GA基因型（9．7％）高于对照组6例GA基因型（2．0％）（χ2＝15．57,P＜0．0001,OR＝5．24,95％ CI＝2．11～12．99）。人群归因危险度百分比7．86％。未发现AA基因型。晚发型PD患者GA基因型为10．0％,与对应年龄对照组 GA基因型2．2％有统计学差异（χ2＝11．88,P ＝0．002,OR＝4．97,95％ CI＝1．83～13．52）。携带 G2385R 患者同非携带患者临床表型在性别、发病年龄、临床症状、UPDRS 评分及 Hoehn－Yahr分级均无统计学差异。结论 G2385R变异在中国沿海地区汉族人群中仅与晚发性帕金森病相关,G2385R变异与东亚人群帕金森病具有相关性,存在不同地区差异。     

eIF3a 2554G>A基因多态性对肺癌患者铂类药物化疗敏感性的影响

目的elF3a在基因转录和翻译过程中起重要的调控作用,近年来研究发现elF3a蛋白在肺癌组织中具有高表达。本研究检测elF3a基因2554G7A此位点的突变,研究这些突变与肺癌发生的易感性以及与肺癌患者化疗药物敏感性的关系。方法在湘雅医院收集肺癌患者和健康对照者血液标本。用半巢式聚合酶链式反应连接的限制性片段长度多态性分析法对16号外显子的2554G〉A进行分型,分析该基因多态性与肺癌易感性及肺癌患者对铂类药物化疗敏感性的相关性。结果elF3a2554G〉A突变在肺癌中的突变频率为10．9％,其中鳞癌突变频率为10．9％,腺癌为5．9％,小细胞癌为13．4％;健康人群中突变频率为15．3％。在肺癌患者中,elF3a2554G〉A三种基因型GG、GA和AA的频率分别为78．8％、20．6％和0．6％。而健康对照者中,GG、GA和AA三种基因型的频率分别为72．9％、23．5％和3．5％。经非条件logistic回归平衡了性别、年龄和吸烟史后,GA、AA、GA＋AA基因型患肺癌的危险性与GG基因型相比均无统计学意义,相对于GG基因型,GA型患肺癌（OR=0．83,95％CI：0．49～1．41）,AA型患肺癌（OR=0．18,95％cI：0．02-1．59）,GA＋AA基因型（OR=0．76,95％CI：0．45～1．27）。小细胞肺癌组GG基因型患者的化疗有效率低于GA基因型（65.0%-75.0%）,而非小细胞肺癌组GG基因型患者的化疗有效率高于GA＋AA基因型（24.3％W16．7％）。结论elF3a2554G〉A基因多态性与肺癌的发生无明显相关性。在小细胞肺癌和非小细胞肺癌中．elF3a2554G〉A不同基因型的个体具有不同的铂娄化疗疗效．     

GSTM1和GSTT1基因多态性与抗结核药物性肝损害的关系

目的 探讨汉族人群谷胱甘肽S转移酶M1(GSTMl)和T1(GSTT1)基因多态性与抗结核药物性肝损害(ATDLI)易感性的关系.方法 回顾性分析抗结核治疗后发生肝损害的结核病患者228例(病例组)及未发生肝损害的结核病患者300例(对照组),应用多重PCR技术检测其GSTM1和GSTT1基因多态性.结果 病例组与对照组GSTM1基因缺失型频率分别为58.3％和50.7％,差异无统计学意义(OR=1.363,95％CI=0.963～1.929); GSTT1基因缺失型频率分别为45.2％和49.3％,差异也无统计学意义.联合分析也未发现两种基因在抗结核药物性肝损害发生中具有协同作用.结论 汉族人群GSTM1和GSTT1基因多态性与抗结核药物性肝损害的发生无关.     

Association between glutathione S-transferase A1, M1 and T1 polymorphisms and hypertension

The importance of oxidative stress in hypertension has recently received increasing attention. The association between the incidence of hypertension and a super family of antioxidant enzymes, glutathione S-transferase (GST)A1, GSTM1 and GSTT1, polymorphisms was investigated in 468 Japanese participants in a health screening program. The frequency of the GSTA1*B allele carriers was significantly higher in hypertensive patients than normotensive participants [adjusted odds ratio (OR): 1.8; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.1-2.9]. The risk of hypertension was significantly increased in the GSTA1*B allele carriers having also the GSTM1 null genotype or both the GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes (adjusted OR: 2.4; 95% CI: 1.2-4.9; adjusted OR: 3.1; 95% CI: 1.0-9.5, respectively). This is the first report identifying the GSTA1*B allele as a genetic risk factor for hypertension. The determination of the GST genotypes may help in identifying individuals at high-risk for hypertension.     

Laryngeal cancer risk in Caucasians is associated with alcohol and tobacco consumption but not modified by genetic polymorphisms in class I alcohol dehydrogenases ADH1B and ADH1C,and glutathione-S-transferases GSTM1 and GSTT1

OBJECTIVE: Alcohol and tobacco consumption are recognized risk factors for upper aerodigestive tract tumours, however individual susceptibility to these environmental factors varies. As part of the Rhein-Neckar Larynx-case-control study, this study investigated the potential risk-modifying effect of genetic polymorphisms in enzymes involved in ethanol and tobacco carcinogen metabolism for laryngeal cancer in Germany. METHODS: Two hundred and forty-five cases and 251 population-based controls, matched by age and gender, were genotyped for genetic polymorphisms in ADH1B, ADH1C, GSTM1 and GSTT1, using genomic DNA isolated from peripheral lymphocytes and employing PCR and PCR/restriction fragment length polymorphism-based methods. RESULTS: Neither the putative risk genotypes ADH1B*2/*1 (OR 0.86, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.41-1.82) or ADH1C*1/*1 (OR 1.06, CI 0.7-1.62) nor GSTM1 null (OR 0.94, CI 0.62-1.42) or GSTT1 null (OR 1.34, CI 0.74-2.42) were associated with an overall increased risk for laryngeal cancer. Stratified analyses were carried out to determine the gene-environment interaction in relation to laryngeal cancer risk. However, ADH1B or ADH1C genotypes did not markedly modify the risk observed after stratification by alcohol consumption, and stratification by cumulative smoking exposure (in packyears) did not show an association of GSTM1 or GSTT1 genotype with laryngeal carcinoma either. CONCLUSION: The lack of risk modification by the studied genotypes emphasizes the importance of environmental exposure to tobacco smoke and alcohol as major risk factors for laryngeal cancer in the German study population.     

Polymorphisms of glutathione S-transferases M1 and T1 do not account for interindividual differences for smoking behavior

To identify whether the polymorphisms of glutathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1) and GSTT1 genes predict a high-tended risk of using tobacco, the GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotypes of 369 Iranian males (254 nonsmokers and 115 smokers) and 314 Iranian females (245 nonsmokers and 69 smokers) were determined. The frequencies of GSTM1 (males: OR=0.98, 95% CI=0.62-1.57, P=.974; females: OR=1.34, 95% CI=0.75-2.39, P=.358) and GSTT1 (males: OR=1.25, 95% CI=0.76-2.04, P=.412; females: OR=0.84, 95% CI=0.46-1.51, P=.626) null genotypes were similar in nonsmokers and smokers. The risk of being a smoker was to be equally frequent in each combination of the genotypes. The present results revealed that there was no difference between smokers and nonsmokers for these two genetic polymorphisms.     

Glutathione-S-transferase M1, M3, T1 and P1 polymorphisms and susceptibility to non-small-cell lung cancer subtypes and hamartomas.

Polymorphic glutathione-S-transferase (GST) genes causing variations in enzyme activity may influence individual susceptibility to lung cancer. In this case-control study (consisting of 389 Caucasian lung cancer patients, including 151 adenocarcinomas (ACs) and 172 squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), and 353 hospital control subjects without malignant disease, genotype frequencies for GSTM1, GSTM3, GSTP1 and GSTT1 were determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)/ restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP)-based methods. While adjusted odds ratios (ORs) indicated no significantly increased risk for lung cancer overall due to any single GST genotype, the risk alleles for GSTM1, GSTM3 and GSTP1 conferring reduced enzyme activity were present at higher frequency in SCC than in AC patients. This is consistent with a reduced detoxification of carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from cigarette smoke that are more important for the development of SCC than for AC. An explorative data analysis also identified statistically significantly increased ORs for the combinations GSTT1 non-null and GSTP1 GG or AG for lung cancer overall (OR 2.23, CI 1.11-4.45), and for SCC (OR 2.69, CI 1.03-6.99). For lung cancer overall, and especially among SCC patients, the GSTT1 null genotype was underrepresented (SCC 11.2% v. control subjects 19%, P = 0.026, OR 0.57, CI 0.30-1.06). Additionally, in 28 patients with hamartomas, the GSTT1 null genotype was also protective (P = 0.013), while GSTP1 variant allele carriers were overrepresented (OR 2.48, CI 1.06-6.51). In conclusion, GST genotypes may act differently, either by detoxifying harmful tobacco carcinogens and/or by eliminating lung cancer chemopreventive agents. The latter role for GSTT1 would explain the observed lower risk of SCC and hamartoma associated with GSTT1 null. Further confirmatory studies are required.     

Glutathione S-transferases mu 1, theta 1, pi 1, alpha 1 and mu 3 genetic polymorphisms and the risk of colorectal and gastric cancers in humans

INTRODUCTION: Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are considered to be cancer susceptibility genes as they play a role in the detoxification of carcinogenic species. This study aimed to elucidate the influence of several GST polymorphisms on colorectal and gastric cancer risk. PATIENTS AND METHODS: GST mu1 (GSTM1), theta1 (GSTT1), pi1 (GSTP1), alpha1 (GSTA1) and mu3 (GSTM3) genotypes were determined in 144 colorectal cancer patients, 98 gastric cancer patients and 329 healthy control individuals. RESULTS: Colorectal cancer: the risk is greater for carriers of the GSTM1 null genotype (odds ratio [OR] = 1.91, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.25-2.91), for carriers of the GSTT1 null genotype (OR = 3.62, 95% CI = 2.34-5.62), and for simultaneous carriers of both GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes (OR = 4.98, 95% CI = 2.77-9.00). Carriers of the GSTP1 104 Val/Val genotype are at a lower risk (OR = 0.31, 95% CI = 0.09-0.88). Among carriers of the GSTP1 Ile/Ile genotype, smoking increases the risk compared with nonsmoking (OR = 2.35, 95% CI = 1.11-4.99). Gastric cancer: the risk is greater for carriers of the GSTT1 null genotype (OR = 2.58, 95% CI = 1.53-4.36) and for simultaneous carriers of both GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes (OR = 3.32, 95% CI = 1.62-6.77). Carriers of the GSTP1 104 Val/Val genotype are at a lower risk (OR = 0.20, 95% CI = 0.02-0.86). DISCUSSION: The GSTT1 null genotype, particularly if it is associated with the GSTM1 null genotype, greatly increases the risk for colorectal and gastric cancers. The GSTP1 104 Val/Val genotype may protect from both malignant tumors. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that GST polymorphisms, in particular the GSTM1/GSTT1 double-null haplotype, can be considered low-penetrance genes for gastrointestinal cancer.     

NAT2 slow acetylation and GSTM1 null genotypes may increase postmenopausal breast cancer risk in long-term smoking women

N-acetyltransferase (NAT) 1 and 2 and glutathione S-transferase (GST) M1 and T1 are phase II enzymes that are important for activation and detoxification of carcinogenic heterocyclic and aromatic amines, as present in cigarette smoke. We studied whether genetic polymorphisms in these genes modifies the relationship between smoking and breast cancer. A nested case-control study was conducted among participants in a Dutch prospective cohort. Breast cancer cases (n=229) and controls (n=264) were frequency-matched on age, menopausal status and residence. Compared to never smoking, smoking 20 cigarettes or more per day increased breast cancer risk statistically significant only in postmenopausal women [odds ratio (OR)=2.17; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04-4.51]. Neither NAT1 slow genotype, or GSTT1 null genotype, alone or in combination with smoking, affected breast cancer risk. However, compared to individuals with rapid NAT2 genotype, women with the very slow acetylator genotype (NAT2*5), who smoked for 20 years showed an increased breast cancer risk (OR=2.29; 95% CI 1.06-4.95). Similarly, the presence of GSTM1 null genotype combined with high levels of cigarette smoking (OR=3.00; 95% CI 1.46-6.15) or long duration (OR=2.53; 95% CI 1.24-5.16), increased rates of breast cancer. The combined effect of GSTM1 null genotype and smoking high doses was most pronounced in postmenopausal women (OR=6.78; 95% CI 2.31-19.89). In conclusion, our results provide support for the view that women who smoke and who have a genetically determined reduced inactivation of carcinogens (GSTM1 null genotype or slow NAT2 genotype (especially very slow NAT2 genotype)) are at increased risk of breast cancer.     

Comparison of GSTM polymorphisms and risk for oral cancer between African-Americans and Caucasians

Two members of the mu class of glutathione S-transferase (GST) genes, GSTM1 and GSTM3, have polymorphic alleles which have been associated with altered levels of GST mu protein expression and may be linked to increased risk for several tobacco-related cancers. Oral cancer is a tobacco-related disease that affects African-American men at a significantly higher incidence than Caucasian men. To examine the potential role of GSTM polymorphisms in risk for oral cancer in African-Americans and Caucasians, the prevalences of the GSTM1 null and GSTM3 intron 6 polymorphisms were examined in 63 African-American and 101 Caucasian patients with histologically confirmed primary oral cancer, as well as in 133 African-American and 213 Caucasian matched control subjects. In African-Americans, the odds ratio for oral cancer associated with the GSTM1 (0/0) genotype was 3.1 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.1-8.5], with the association between the GSTM1 (0/0) genotype and oral cancer risk strongest in heavy smokers [i.e. > 24 pack-years; odds ratio (OR) = 5.4, 95% CI = 1.2-24]. Using the potentially most protective GSTM1 [+]/GSTM3 (B/B) genotype as the reference group, increased risk for oral cancer was observed in African-Americans with the GSTM1 [+]/GSTM3 [(A/A) + (A/B)] (OR = 2.2, 95% CI = 0.82-6.0), GSTM1 (0/0)/GSTM3 (B/B) (OR = 4.3, 95% CI = 1.1-16), and GSTM1 (0/0)/GSTM3 [(A/A) + (A/B)] (OR = 6.6, 95% CI = 1.2-38) genotypes (P < 0.01, trend test). No significant associations were observed between GSTM genotype and oral cancer risk in Caucasians. These results suggest that the GSTM1 null and GSTM3 intron 6 polymorphisms play an important role in risk for oral cancer among African-Americans and implicates the mu class of GSTs as important tobacco carcinogen detoxifying enzymes in this population.     

Polymorphisms of glutathione S-transferase genes (GSTM1, GSTP1 and GSTT1) and bladder cancer susceptibility in the Turkish population

We investigated the effect of the GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes, and GSTP1 313 A/G polymorphism on bladder cancer susceptibility in a case control study of 121 bladder cancer patients, and 121 age- and sex-matched controls of the Turkish population. The adjusted odds ratio for age, sex, and smoking status is 1.94 [95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.15-3.26] for the GSTM1 null genotype, and 1.75 (95% CT 1.03-2.99) for the GSTP1 313 A/G or G/G genotypes. GSTT1 was shown not to be associated with bladder cancer. Combination of the two high-risk genotypes. GSTM1 null and GSTP1 313 A/G or G/G, revealed that the risk increases to 3.91-fold (95% CI 1.88-8.13) compared with the combination of the low-risk genotypes of these loci. In individuals with the combined risk factors of cigarette smoking and the GSTM1 null genotype, the risk of bladder cancer is 2.81 times (95% CI 1.23-6.35) that of persons who both carry the GSTM1-present genotype and do not smoke. Similarly, the risk is 2.38-fold (95% CI 1.12-4.95) for the combined GSTP1 313 A/G and G/ G genotypes and smoking. These findings support the role for the GSTM1 null and the GSTP1 313 AG or GG genotypes in the development of bladder cancer. Furthermore, gene-gene (GSTM1-GSTP1) and gene-environment (GSTM1-smoking, GSTP1-smoking) interactions increase this risk substantially.     

Polymorphisms within glutathione S-transferase genes and initial response to glucocorticoids in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

In children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) treated according to protocols of the Berlin-Frankfurt-Münster (BFM) study group, the initial response to prednisone is the strongest predictor of therapy outcome. Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) have been implicated in glucocorticoid resistance. In order to assess a potential association of phenotypically relevant GST polymorphisms with prednisone response in childhood ALL, we conducted a case-control study of 45 prednisone poor-responders (cases) and 90 prednisone good-responders (controls) who were frequency matched according to initial white blood cell count. In addition, we analysed the association of GST genotypes with relapse of leukaemia. In univariate analysis, homozygous deletion of GSTT1 (null genotype) conferred a 6.7-fold reduction in risk of prednisone poor-response compared to individuals who were either heterozygous or homozygous for GSTT1 [odds ratio (OR) = 0.15, P = 0.071; multivariate odds ratio = 0.18, P = 0.117]. GSTM1 and GSTP1 genotypes did not show any association with prednisone response. In addition, risk of relapse was predicted strongest by the GSTT1 genotype. In univariate analysis, the GSTT1 null genotype conferred a 5.9-fold reduction in risk of relapse compared to the heterozygous or homozygous presence of GSTT1 (OR = 0.17, P = 0.095; multivariate OR = 0.23; P = 0.173). No associations of the GSTM1 genotype with risk of relapse were observed. GSTP1 codon 105 and codon 114 polymorphisms were predominantely associated with central nervous system relapse. Our results add further support to the hypothesis that genetic polymorphisms within specific GST genes might be of clinical importance in childhood ALL.     

Glutathione S-transferase P1 genetic polymorphisms and susceptibility to childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

Glutathione S-transferase pi (GSTP1) is involved in the metabolism of carcinogens. We assessed the association of GSTP1 genetic polymorphisms and the susceptibility to childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) by conducting a case-control study on 278 ALL patients and 303 healthy controls, both of French-Canadian origin. The carriers of the GSTP1*B variant (only the Val105 substitution) were found to be associated with an increased risk of ALL [odds ratio (OR) = 1.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1-2.0], whereas the GSTP1*C variant (both Val105 and Val114) was underrepresented in cases. Thus, genetic variants of GSTP1 that are expressed at the protein level appear to contribute differently to the risk of ALL, probably because of distinct substrate specificities. When combined with other GST genotypes, we found that the combination of GSTP1*B and GSTM1 null genotypes further increased the risk of ALL (OR = 2.1; 95% CI-1.3-3.4). These findings suggest that GSTP1 variants (alone or combined with other GSTs) represent significant genetic determinants of childhood ALL.