GSTM1 and GSTT1 Genetic Polymorphisms and Breast Cancer Risk in Selected Filipino Cases

Background: The association of genetic polymorphisms with cancer development has been shown to be race- andtumor site-specific. Thus, this study aimed to determine whether polymorphisms in the GSTM1 and GSTT1 genesare associated with breast cancer among selected Filipinos. Methods: A total of 136 histologically confirmed breastcancer cases were age- and sex-matched with 136 clinically healthy controls. Genomic DNA extracted from bloodsamples of participants were screened for GSTM1 and GSTT1 genetic polymorphisms by multiplex PCR. Results:The frequency of null genotypes among the cases (GSTM1: n=78; 57.4%; GSTT1: n=61; 44.9%) was not significantlydifferent (p>0.05) from the controls (GSTM1: n=93; 68.4%; GSTT1: n=59; 43.4%). It was also demonstrated that riskfor breast cancer was increased in passive smokers carrying the GSTM1 null (OR=2.56; 95% CI=1.38-4.75) or GSTT1positive (OR=2.00; 95% CI=1.05-3.83) genotypes. Moreover, risk was decreased in alcohol users carrying the GSTT1null (OR=0.39; 95% CI=0.16-0.97) genotype. Conclusion: This study suggests that variants of GSTM1 and GSTT1may not be risk factors for breast cancer development among Filipinos. However, the risk may be increased when thesegenotypes were combined with lifestyle or environmental factors.