Polymorphisms of glutathione S-transferase M1 and T1 modulate blood pressure of individuals chronically exposed to natural sour gas containing sulfur compounds

In order to find the effect of genetic polymorphisms of GSTM1 and GSTT1 on blood pressure of individuals chronically exposed to sulfur compounds, the present study was done. Study subjects (38 males, 38 females) were residents of contaminated areas of Masjid-i-Sulaiman (southwest of Iran). The GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotypes were determined using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based method. The non-parametric Sign test was applied in order to detect differences between the GSTs genotypes of study subjects and the normal mean values according to the sex and age of subjects. From four combination of genotypes, systolic blood pressure significantly decreased in combination of null-GSTM1 and present-GSTT1 (Z=−2.41; P=0.016), and diastolic blood pressure significantly increased in combination of present-GSTM1 and null-GSTT1 (Z=+2.14; P=0.032). It is speculated about polymorphisms of GSTs in individuals chronically exposed to natural sour gas, which contains H₂S, fulfilling a physiological role(s) in regulating blood pressure.     

Modulation of hematology changes by polymorphism of glutathione S-transferase M1 and T1

Workers in the petroleum distribution trades experience relatively low-level exposures to gasoline vapors whose consequences have not been fully elucidated. The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in the hematological parameters among filling station workers who were occupationally exposed to gasoline. The target group for the study consisted of 41 workers from eight filling stations of Shiraz (south of Iran). The control group consisted of 27 healthy subjects matched for age and sex from general population. The complete blood count analysis was done in one laboratory. Using PCR-based method, the genotypes of glutathione S-transferase T1 (GSTT1) and M1 (GSTM1) were determined. Workers were divided into three exposure groups according to employment history: duration less than 1 year, 1-5 years, and more than 5 years. Comparison was performed using Kruskal-Wallis test. In the individuals with the presence of both GSTT1 and GSTM1 functional alleles, comparison between four exposure groups revealed no significant difference for studied hematological variables. There were statistically significant differences between study groups, with only one functional allele, either GSTT1 or GSTM1, for relative number of lymphocytes (chi(2)=9.147, df=3, P=0.027) and neutrophils (chi(2)=9.951, df=3, and P=0.019), and absolute number of lymphocytes (chi(2)=9.135, df=3, and P=0.028), and RBC (chi(2)=10.586, df=3, and P=0.014). These findings could indicate the possible protective effect of concurrent presence of GSTM1 and GSTT1 enzymes on the hematopoietic system of filling station workers.     

Genetic polymorphism of <Emphasis Type="Italic">GSTT1</Emphasis> may be under natural selection in a population chronically exposed to natural sour gas

Objective In order to examine whether chronic exposure to natural sour gas containing sulfur compounds act as natural selection force on genetic polymorphisms of glutathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1) and T1 (GSTT1), the present study was done. Methods The study was performed on two groups of healthy individuals of Masjid-i-Sulaiman (Khozestan province, southwest of Iran) citizens with the mean ages of 47.5 ± 12.4 (36 male and 58 female) and 16.3 ± 2.4 (47 male and 140 female) that were considered as first and second generation, respectively. The GSTT1 and GSTM1 genotypes were determined using a PCR-based method. Results The genotypic frequencies of GSTM1 did not change significantly (χ² = 0.085, df = 1, P = 0.770). The frequency of the GSTT1 null genotype was 52.1% in the first generation and reached to 36.4% in the second generation. There was significant difference between two generations for the GSTT1 polymorphism (χ² = 6.397, df = 1, P = 0.011). Conclusion It was suggested that the GSTT1 polymorphism may be under natural selection because of probably favored ability of GSTT1-active genotype to survival and reproduction.     

Influence of polymorphism of glutathione S-transferase M1 on systolic blood pressure of normotensive individuals

Studies have indicated that systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure are multi-factorial traits and significantly heritable. The aims of the present study are to assess whether the glutathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1) and T1 (GSTT1) genotypes are associated with SBP and DBP of normotensive subjects and to ascertain whether the level of SBP and DBP given exposure to cigarette smoking is modified by the specific genetic polymorphisms of GSTM1 and GSTT1. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 140 subjects (49 females and 91 males) (mean age+/-SD: 38.7+/-14.7). The genotypes were determined using a polymerase chain reaction based method. Individuals were stratified according to the mean values of DBP and SBP, lower than or maximally same as the mean value defines as group I and higher than the mean value defines as group II. The logistic regression analyses were used. The best models fitted by logistic regression analysis for variables were associated with SBP and DBP. For analysis the combination of genotypes, sex, and smoking behavior was used as qualitative variables, and age, body mass index (BMI), and heart rate were used as covariates. Combination of "present-GSTT1, null-GSTM1" genotype (OR=0.001, 95% CI=0.00-0.439, P=0.025), heart rate (OR=1.065, 95% CI=1.018-1.114, P=0.006), and interaction between BMI and combination of "present-GSTT1, null-GSTM1" (OR=1.319, 95% CI=1.058-1.644, P=0.014) was associated with SBP. There was no association between either combination genotypes of GSTs or interaction of genotypes and smoking behavior on DBP. The present results suggest that the GSTM1 gene is one of the candidate genes that alter the baseline of SBP in normotensive individuals.     

Alterations in blood pressure due to chronic exposure to natural sour gas leakage containing sulfur compounds

In order to show the alteration of blood pressure in subjects chronically exposed to natural gas containing sulfur compounds, the present study was done. The blood pressure of 94 (43 males, 51 females) of healthy individuals living in the polluted area of Masjid-i-Sulaiman (Khozestan province, southwest of Iran) was measured. The non-parametric Sign test was applied in order to detect differences between the study subjects and the normal mean values according to the sex and age of subjects. Statistical analysis showed that the systolic blood pressure significantly decreased (Z=-2.74; P=0.0031) while the diastolic blood pressure (Z=+2.11; P=0.0174) and heart rate (Z=+3.62; P<0.001) significantly increased in individuals living in the contaminated areas compared with those of normal mean values. The systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased and increased, respectively, in individuals chronically exposed to natural sour gas containing sulfur compounds.     

GST M1/T1 and MTHFR polymorphisms as risk factors for hypertension

The aim of this study is to investigate GSTM1, GSTT1 and MTHFR genetic polymorphisms and its relation with total plasma glutathione (tGSH) levels in hypertension. Genotype distributions of GSTM1 and GSTT1 deletion polymorphisms and C677T variant of MTHFR were examined in a sample of 94 hypertensive patients with congestive heart failure and 207 healthy unrelated Portuguese individuals using PCR techniques. Plasma GST activity was determined spectrophotometrically. The antioxidant status was evaluated by fluorometric assays of tGSH. Genotype distributions of GSTT1 (chi2 test; p < 0.01) and MTHFR (chi2 test; p < 0.01) differ significantly between control and hypertensive patients with a greater prevalence of "non-null GSTT1/M1" and CT (heterozygous) genotypes. Moreover, GST activity and tGSH were markedly decreased in hypertension but there is no correlation with the studied polymorphisms. GSH depletion confirmed the possible involvement of oxidative stress in this pathology. Deletion of GSTT1 gene might be considered as protective factor for hypertension.     

南京地区青年乳腺癌患者GSTM1、GSTT1 基因多态性与易感性 的初步研究

目的:研究GSTM1、GSTT1基因多态性与乳腺癌遗传易感性的关系。方法:应用PCR技术检测乳腺癌组和对照组人群GSTM1和GST T1基因。结果:GSTM 1和GSTT 1基因缺失率在乳腺癌组分别为63.4%(59/93)和54.8%(51/93),对照组分别为39.3%(35/89)和33.7%(30/89),两组比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01或P<0.05)。结论:GSTM1和GST T1缺失为乳腺癌遗传易感因素。     

Glutathione S-transferase M1, T1 and P1 genetic polymorphisms, cigarette smoking and gastric cancer risk

Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) belong to a superfamily of detoxification enzymes that provide critical defences against a large variety of chemical carcinogens and environmental toxicants. GSTs are present in most epithelial tissues of the human gastrointestinal tract. We investigated associations between genetic variability in specific GST genes (GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1), the interaction with cigarette smoking and susceptibility to gastric cancer. The GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1 polymorphisms were determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and fluorescence resonance energy transfer with Light Cycler Instrument. The study included 70 patients with gastric cancer and 204 controls. Associations between specific genotypes and the development of gastric cancer were examined by use of logistic regression to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The GSTM1 homozygous null genotype was associated with an increased risk of developing gastric cancer (OR = 1.73; 95% CI = 1.10-3.04). GSTT1 homozygous null genotype and GSTP1 genotypes were not associated with the risk of gastric cancer. Also there was no difference between cases and controls in the frequency of val-105 and ile-105 alleles (p = 0.07). After grouping according to smoking status, GSTM1 null genotype was associated with an increased gastric cancer risk for smokers (OR = 2.15; 95% CI, 1.02-4.52). There were no significant differences in the distributions of any of the other GST gene combinations. Our findings suggest that the GSTM1 null genotype may be associated with an increased susceptibility to gastric cancer.     

Null genotype of glutathione S-transferase M1 is associated with senile cataract susceptibility in non-smoker females

In the present study, we investigated whether the polymorphisms of glutathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1) and T1 (GSTT1) genes are risk factors of cataract among Iranian population in a molecular epidemiological way. Blood samples from 150 subjects with cataract (72 male; 78 female) and 150 age- and sex-matched healthy persons were collected. Both patient and control groups were unrelated Iranian Muslims. Using PCR-based method, the genotypes were determined. The null GSTM1 genotype was associated with a 2.38-fold increase in the risk of developing cataract (OR=2.38; 95% CI=1.46-3.89; P = 0.0003). After stratification by sex of subjects, the association was apparent only among women (OR=3.20; 95% CI=1.58-6.52; P = 0.0007). The GSTT1 null genotype was associated with a 1.10-fold increased risk of developing cataract, but this association was not statistically significant. After stratification by sex of subjects, same results were obtained. Female patients with null genotype for GSTM1 and no history of smoking had a 3.45-fold increased cataract risk (P < 0.05), whereas females who were null for GSTM1 and having history of smoking were not at increased risk of cataract.     

Association of glutathione S-transferase M1/T1 polymorphisms with susceptibility to vitiligo

Background

Some studies suggested that Glutathione S-transferases M1/T1(GSTM1/T1) null polymorphisms may be associated with the risk of vitiligo.

Aims

The purpose of this study is to further evaluate the association between GSTM1/T1 null polymorphisms and the susceptibility to vitiligo.

Methods

We carried out a retrieval of studies in the databases. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were used to assess the strength of this association. We analyzed the data using Stata 11.0.

Results

Six case–control studies including 1358 cases and 1673 controls were included in this meta-analysis. Our overall results showed the GSTM1 or GSTT1 null polymorphism was associated with vitiligo (GSTM1:OR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.21–2.08, P = 0.001; GSTT1: OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.12–1.51, P = 0.001). In the subgroup analysis, the GSTM1 null polymorphism might be a genetic risk factor to vitiligo in East Asian (OR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.12–2.63, P = 0.014) but not in the Mediterranean, however individuals with the GSTT1 null polymorphism in the Mediterranean (OR = 1.76, 95% CI: 1.15–2.71, P = 0.010) but not in East Asian have a greater predisposition to vitiligo. In addition there was also a significant trend toward an association with the combination of the GSTM1 null and GSTT1 null in either East Asians or Mediterraneans.

Conclusion

The GSTM1/T1 null polymorphisms may be associated with vitiligo. More studies are needed to confirm this conclusion.     

Polymorphisms of glutathione S-transferases M1, T1, P1 and A1 genes in the Tunisian population: an intra and interethnic comparative approach

Genetic polymorphisms in glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) genes might influence the detoxification activities of the enzymes predisposing individuals to cancer risk. Owing to the presence of these genetic variants, inter-individual and ethnic differences in GSTs detoxification capacity have been observed in various populations. Therefore, the present study was performed to determine the prevalence GSTM1 0/0, GSTT1 0/0, GSTP1 Ile(105)Val, and GSTA1 A/B polymorphisms in 154 healthy individuals from South Tunisia, and to compare them with those observed in North and Centre Tunisian populations and other ethnic groups. GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms were analyzed by a Multiplex-PCR approach, whereas GSTP1 and GSTA1 polymorphisms were examined by PCR-RFLP. The frequencies of GSTM10/0 and GSTT1 0/0 genotypes were 53.9% and 27.9%, respectively. The genotype distribution of GSTP1 was 47.4% (Ile/Ile), 40.9% (Ile/Val), and 11.7% (Val/Val). For GSTA1, the genotype distribution was 24.7% (A/A), 53.9% (A/B), and 21.4% (B/B). The combined genotypes distribution of GSTM1, GSTT1, GSTP1 and GSTA1 polymorphisms showed that thirty one of the 36 possible genotypes were present in our population; eight of them have a frequency greater than 5%. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of GSTs polymorphisms in South Tunisian population. Our findings demonstrate the impact of ethnicity and reveal a characteristic pattern for Tunisian population. The molecular studies in these enzymes provide basis for further epidemiological investigations in the population where these functional polymorphisms alter therapeutic response and act as susceptibility markers for various clinical conditions.     

Genetic polymorphisms of GSTT1, GSTM1, and NQO1 genes and diabetes mellitus risk in Chinese population

OBJECTIVE: The aims of the present study were to assess whether the glutathione S-transferase T1 (GSTT1), M1 (GSTM1), and NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) genotypes are associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2 DM) and to ascertain whether the levels of blood lipids given exposure to diabetes are modified by the specific genetic polymorphisms of GSTT1, GSTM1, and NQO1. METHODS: This case-control study was conducted on 200 subjects. The genotypes were determined using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism. RESULTS: The GSTT1-present genotype conferred a statistically significant 0.49-fold reduction in risk of T2 DM relative to the null genotype. Individuals with GSTT1-null or GSTM1-null genotype had higher levels of low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, and lipoprotein(a), respectively. There was no association between either GSTM1 or NQO1 polymorphism and risk of T2 DM. CONCLUSION: The present results suggest that the GSTT1 gene may contribute to the development of T2 DM and may be one of the candidate genes of T2 DM in Chinese population.     

Association between metabolic gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to peripheral nerve damage in workers exposed to n-hexane: A preliminary study

Chronic exposure to n-hexane may result in peripheral neuropathy. 2,5-Hexanedione (2,5-HD) has been identified as a toxic metabolite of n-hexane. The CYP2E1, CYP1A1 and GST genes are involved in the formation of 2,5-hexanedione from n-hexane as well as the elimination of 2,5-HD-formed electrophile, and these genes are highly polymorphic in the general population. A nested case-control study in an industrial cohort was conducted to evaluate the associations between polymorphisms in these metabolic genes and n-hexane-induced peripheral nerve damage. The study subjects included 22 cases, who worked in a printing factory with symptoms of peripheral nerve damage, and 163 controls, who came from the same factory of cases. DNA was extracted from blood samples and genotyping was conducted for CYP2E1 Pst, CYP2E1 Dra, CYP2E1 Ins96, CYP1A1 Msp, GSTT1 null, GSTM1 null and GSTP1 105V. Unconditional logistic regression was applied to estimate the odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals. There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding age, sex, smoking and alcohol status. A significant association between Dra polymorphism and peripheral nerve damage was found. The frequency of CYP2E1 Dra homozygous mutation in the case group (18.2%) was higher than that in the control group (3.7%, p=0.015). Individuals with homozygote genotype (CC) of CYP2E1 Dra had a significantly higher risk of peripheral nerve damage compared with those with DD genotype (adjusted OR = 5.58, 95% CI = 1.32-23.65) after n-hexane exposure duration, sex, age, smoking and alcohol status were adjusted. No significant association was found that CYP2E1 Pst, CYP2E1 Ins96, CYP1A1 Msp, GSTT1, GSTM1, GSTP gene polymorphisms associated with the susceptibility of peripheral nerve damage. These findings suggested that CYP2E1 gene might increase the susceptibility to n-hexane-induced peripheral damage.     

Polymorphisms of cytochrome P450 1A1, glutathione s-transferases M1 and T1 genes in Ouangolodougou (Northern Ivory Coast)

In this study, the frequencies of CYP1A1, GSTM1, and GSTT1 gene polymorphisms were determined in 133 healthy individuals from Ouangolodougou, a small rural town situated in the north of the Ivory Coast. As appeared in several published studies, ethnic differences in these frequencies have been found to play an important role in the metabolism of a relevant number of human carcinogens. In the studied sample, the frequencies of Ile/Ile (wild type), Ile/Val (heterozygous variant), and Val/Val (homozygous variant) CYP1A1 genotypes were 0.271, 0.692, and 0.037, respectively. Frequencies of GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes were 0.361 and 0.331, respectively. No significant differences were noted between men and women. In contrast to published data for Africans, CYP1A1 *Val Allele frequency (0.383) was significantly high (p < 0.001) in this specific population. For the GSTT1 null genotype, no differences were found between the studied and other African populations, the contrary to what occurred for the GSTM1 null genotype in relation to Gambia and Egypt.     

Association between metabolic gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to peripheral nerve damage in workers exposed to n-hexane: A preliminary study

Abstract

Chronic exposure to n-hexane may result in peripheral neuropathy. 2,5-Hexanedione (2,5-HD) has been identified as a toxic metabolite of n-hexane. The CYP2E1, CYP1A1 and GST genes are involved in the formation of 2,5-hexanedione from n-hexane as well as the elimination of 2,5-HD-formed electrophile, and these genes are highly polymorphic in the general population. A nested case-control study in an industrial cohort was conducted to evaluate the associations between polymorphisms in these metabolic genes and n-hexane-induced peripheral nerve damage. The study subjects included 22 cases, who worked in a printing factory with symptoms of peripheral nerve damage, and 163 controls, who came from the same factory of cases. DNA was extracted from blood samples and genotyping was conducted for CYP2E1 Pst, CYP2E1 Dra, CYP2E1 Ins96, CYP1A1 Msp, GSTT1 null, GSTM1 null and GSTP1 105V. Unconditional logistic regression was applied to estimate the odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals. There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding age, sex, smoking and alcohol status. A significant association between Dra polymorphism and peripheral nerve damage was found. The frequency of CYP2E1 Dra homozygous mutation in the case group (18.2%) was higher than that in the control group (3.7%, p=0.015). Individuals with homozygote genotype (CC) of CYP2E1 Dra had a significantly higher risk of peripheral nerve damage compared with those with DD genotype (adjusted OR?=?5.58, 95% CI?=?1.32–23.65) after n-hexane exposure duration, sex, age, smoking and alcohol status were adjusted. No significant association was found that CYP2E1 Pst, CYP2E1 Ins96, CYP1A1 Msp, GSTT1, GSTM1, GSTP gene polymorphisms associated with the susceptibility of peripheral nerve damage. These findings suggested that CYP2E1 gene might increase the susceptibility to n-hexane-induced peripheral damage.     

GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms as modifiers of age at diagnosis of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) in a homogeneous cohort of individuals carrying a single predisposing mutation

The variability in phenotype that occurs for so-called ‘single-gene disorders’ may be because of germline alterations in numerous primary and “modifier” genes. Within HNPCC families harbouring the same primary predisposing mutation, differences exist in the site of cancer, age of onset of disease symptoms and, consequently, survival until diagnosis of disease. The current study investigated a cohort of 129 individuals, from 13 different families, who harbour the identical nonsense mutation (C1528T) in the hMLH1 gene, predisposing them primarily to Lynch I syndrome. This cohort was screened for previously described polymorphisms in the glutathione-S-transferase genes, viz. GSTT1 and GSTM1. Male null carriers for both GSTT1 and GSTM1 were approximately three times more at risk of developing cancer at an earlier age when compared to non-null males. This work, particularly because of the relatively large “homogeneous” primary mutation cohort, provides evidence that genotypic changes distinct from the primary ‘HNPCC-causing’ mutation, influence the survival period until diagnosis of disease. It provides an impetus for expanding the study to include a wider range of candidate modifier genes. Such work may potentially lead to the development of individualised interval screening regimens for individuals with varying modifier genotypes—an attractive option in a resource-poor country.     

Glutathione S-Transferase M1, T1, P1 Genotypes and Risk for Development of Colorectal Cancer

The glutathione S-transferase (GST) supergene family is an important part of cellular enzyme defense against endogenous and exogenous chemicals, many of which have carcinogenic potential. The present investigation was conducted to detect a possible association between polymorphisms at the GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 genes and the interaction with cigarette smoking and colorectal cancer incidence. We examined 181 patients with colorectal cancer and 204 controls. DNA was extracted from whole blood, and the GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 polymorphisms were determined using a real-time polymerase chain reaction and fluorescence resonance energy transfer with a Light-Cycler instrument. Associations between specific genotypes and the development of colorectal cancer were examined by use of logistic regression analysis to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The GSTM1 polymorphism was associated with an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer (OR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.06–2.46). Also the risk of colorectal cancer associated with the GSTT1 null genotype was 1.64 (95% CI: 1.10–2.59). Statistically no differences were found between patients with colorectal cancer and control groups for the GSTP1 Ile/Ile, Ile/Val and Val/Val genotypes. In addition, the frequencies of the GSTM1 and GSTT1 deletion genotypes differed significantly between the cases and controls for current smokers; the GSTT1 null genotype especially is associated with a greater risk of colorectal cancer (OR = 2.44, 95% CI: 1.24–4.81). The GSTM1 and GSTT1 deletions were associated with an increased risk of developing a transverse or rectal tumor (OR = 1.86, 95% CI: 1.15–3.00; OR = 1.70, 95% CI: 1.02–2.84; respectively). The glutathione S-transferase polymorphisms were not associated with risk in patients stratified by age. The risk of colorectal cancer increased as putative high-risk genotypes increased for the combined genotypes of GSTM1 null, GSTT1 null, and either GSTP1 valine heterozygosity or GSTP1 valine homozygosity (OR = 2.69, 95% CI: 1.02–7.11). In conclusion, the results obtained in this study clearly suggest that those susceptibility factors related to different GST polymorphic enzymes are predisposing for colorectal cancer.     

Genetic polymorphisms of GSTO2, GSTM1, and GSTT1 and risk of gastric cancer

Objective The glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are a superfamily of proteins that participates in detoxification. The GSTs were dividing into several classes including omega (GSTO), mu (GSTM) and theta (GSTT) classes. In human GSTO2, GSTM1, and GSTT1 are polymorphic. In order to study whether GSTO2, GSTM1, and GSTT1 polymorphisms are associated with increased gastric cancer risk in Iranian patients, the present case–control study was done. Methods Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood of 67 gastric cancer patients and 134 control subjects. The genotyping was performed using PCR-based method. The possible association of gastric cancer with the GSTO2 N142D polymorphism was estimated with assuming additive, dominant, and recessive effect of the variant 142D allele. To investigate whether profiles of GST genotypes are associated with the risk of gastric cancer, we used unconditional logistic regression analysis. Results The GSTO2 142D allele in additive, dominant and recessive models was not associated with the risk. Because GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTO2 genes belong to low-penetrance genes which might be involved in the carcinogenesis, patients and controls without family of cancer in first-degree relatives were also analyzes separately. To investigate whether profiles of GST genotypes are associated with the risk of gastric cancer, we used unconditional logistic regression analysis with GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTO2 genotypes as predictor factors. The GSTO2 DD genotype was associated with decreased risk as compared to GSTO2 NN genotype (OR = 0.21, 95% CI: 0.05–0.92, P = 0.038). Conclusions Present findings show that GSTO2 DD genotype decreases the risk of gastric cancer in individuals without history of cancer in their first-degree relatives.     

Association of glutathione S-transferase gene polymorphisms (GSTM1 and GSTT1) of vitiligo in Korean population

Vitiligo is an acquired pigmentary disorder of the skin involving melanocyte dysfunction. It has been reported that melanocyte impairment could be related to increased oxidative stress. The glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are group of polymorphic enzymes that are important in protection against oxidative stress. To find the relationship between GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms with vitiligo susceptibility, GSTM1 and GSTT1 (homozygous deletion vs. non-deleted) polymorphisms between vitiligo patients (n=310) and healthy controls (n=549) were analyzed. We observed significant association in null alleles of the GSTM1 (P<0.001, OR=2.048, 95% CI=1.529-2.743). GSTM1 null type was also statistically different between two vitiligo subtypes and controls (Focal P<0.001, OR=2.224, 95% CI=1.499-3.298; Generalized P=0.001, OR=1.974, 95% CI=1.342-2.904). However, no significant association in GSTT1 (P=0.869, OR=1.024, 95% CI=0.775-1.353) was observed with vitiligo. In combined analysis of GSTM1 and GSTT1, both null type and GSTM1/GSTT1 (null/present) group showed significant differences between controls and vitiligo patients. These results suggest that GSTM1 null type might be associated with vitiligo susceptibility in Korean population.