GSTT1, GSTM1 and CYP2E1 genetic polymorphisms in gastric cancer and chronic gastritis in a Brazilian population

AIM: To test the hypothesis that, in the Southeastern Brazilian population, the GSTT1, GSTM1 and CYP2E1 polymorphisms and putative risk factors are associated with an increased risk for gastric cancer. METHODS: We conducted a study on 100 cases of gastric cancer (GC), 100 cases of chronic gastritis (CG), and 150 controls (C). Deletion of the GSTT1 and GSTM1 genes was assessed by multiplex PCR. CYP2E1/PstI genotyping was performed using a PCR-RFLP assay. RESULTS: No relationship between GSTT1/GSTM1 deletion and the c1/c2 genotype of CYP2E1 was observed among the three groups. However, a significant difference between CG and C was observed, due to a greater number of GSTT1/GSTM1 positive genotypes in the CG group. The GSTT1 null genotype occurred more frequently in Negroid subjects, and the GSTM1 null genotype in Caucasians, while the GSTM1 positive genotype was observed mainly in individuals with chronic gastritis infected with H pylori. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that there is no obvious relationship between the GSTT1, GSTM1 and CYP2E1 polymorphisms and gastric cancer.