Association between Glutathione S-Transferase T1 Null Genotype and Gastric Cancer Risk: A Meta-Analysis of 48 Studies

Background

Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) have proved to be involved in the detoxifying several carcinogens and may play an important role in carcinogenesis of cancer. Previous studies on the association between Glutathione S-transferase T1 (GSTT1) polymorphism and gastric cancer risk reported inconclusive results. To clarify the possible association, we conducted a meta-analysis of eligible studies.

Methods

We searched in the Pubmed, Embase, and Wangfang Medicine databases for studies assessing the association between GSTT1 null genotype and gastric cancer risk. The pooled odds ratio (OR) and its 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was calculated to assess the strength of the association. A total of 48 studies with a total of 24,440 individuals were ultimately eligible for meta-analysis.

Results

Overall, GSTT1 null genotype was significantly associated with increased risk of gastric cancer (Random-effect OR = 1.23, 95%CI 1.13–1.35, P _OR <0.001, I² = 45.5%). Significant association was also found in Caucasians, East Asians, and Indians (P _Caucasians = 0.010; P _{East Asians} = 0.003; P _Indians = 0.017). After adjusting for other confounding variables, GSTT1 null genotype was also significantly associated with increased risk of gastric cancer (Random-effect OR = 1.43, 95%CI 1.20–1.71, P _OR <0.001, I² = 48.1%).

Conclusion

The meta-analysis provides strong evidence for the significant association between GSTT1 null genotype and increased risk of gastric cancer.     

Association of GST Genetic Polymorphisms with the Susceptibility to Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) in Chinese Population Evaluated by an Updated Systematic Meta-Analysis

Background

Due to the possible involvement of Glutathione S-transferase Mu-1 (GSTM1) and Glutathione S-transferase theta-1 (GSTT1) in the detoxification of environmental carcinogens, environmental toxins, and oxidative stress products, genetic polymorphisms of these two genes may play important roles in the susceptibility of human being to hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the existing research results are not conclusive.

Methods

A systematic literature search using databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Chinese Biomedical Database, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, etc.) for the eligible studies meeting the inclusion criteria including case-control studies or cohort studies is evaluated using an updated systematic meta-analysis.

Results

Significant increase in the risk of HCC in the Chinese population is found in GSTM1 null genotype (OR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.21 to 1.79, P<0.001) and GSTT1 null genotype (OR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.14 to 1.65, P<0.001). Analysis using the random-effects model found an increased risk of HCC in GSTM1-GSTT1 dual null population (OR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.26 to 2.53, P<0.001). In addition, subgroup analyses showed a significant increase in the association of GST genetic polymorphisms (GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTM1-GSTT1) with HCC in southeast and central China mainland. However, available data collected by this study fail to show an association between GST genetic polymorphisms and HCC in people from the Taiwan region (for GSTM1: OR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.60 to 1.01, P = 0.06; for GSTT1: OR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.78 to 1.14, P = 0.546; for GSTM1-GSTT1: OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 0.81 to 1.32, P = 0.77). Sensitivity analysis and publication bias diagnostics confirmed the reliability and stability of this meta-analysis.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that both GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes are associated with an increased HCC risk in Chinese population. Peoples with dual null genotypes of GSTM1-GSTT1 are more susceptible to developing HCC. In conclusion, GST genetic polymorphisms play vital roles in the development of HCC in the Chinese population.     

Genetic Polymorphisms of GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 with Prostate Cancer Risk: A Meta-Analysis of 57 Studies

Background and Objectives

The GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1 polymorphisms might be involved in inactivation of procarcinogens that contribute to the genesis and progression of cancers. However, studies investigating the association between GSTM1, GSTT1 or GSTP1 polymorphisms and prostate cancer (PCa) risk report conflicting results, therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to re-examine the controversy.

Methods

Published literature from PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) were searched (updated to June 2, 2012). According to our inclusion criteria, studies that observed the association between GSTM1, GSTT1 or GSTP1 polymorphisms and PCa risk were included. The principal outcome measure was the odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for the risk of PCa associated with GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1 polymorphisms.

Results

Fifty-seven studies involving 11313 cases and 12934 controls were recruited. The overall OR, which was 1.2854 (95% CI = 1.1405–1.4487), revealed a significant risk of PCa and GSTM1 null genotype, and the similar results were observed when stratified by ethnicity and control source. Further, the more important is that the present study first reported the high risks of PCa for people who with dual null genotype of GSTM1 and GSTT1 (OR = 1.4353, 95% CI = 1.0345–1.9913), or who with GSTT1 null genotype and GSTP1 A131G polymorphism (OR = 1.7335, 95% CI = 1.1067–2.7152). But no association was determined between GSTT1 null genotype (OR = 1.102, 95% CI = 0.9596–1.2655) or GSTP1 A131G polymorphism (OR = 1.0845, 95% CI = 0.96–1.2251) and the PCa risk.

Conclusions

Our meta-analysis suggested that the people with GSTM1 null genotype, with dual null genotype of GSTM1 and GSTT1, or with GSTT1 null genotype and GSTP1 A131G polymorphism are associated with high risks of PCa, but no association was found between GSTT1 null genotype or GSTP1 A131G polymorphism and the risk of PCa. Further rigorous analytical studies are highly expected to confirm our conclusions and assess gene-environment interactions with PCa risk.     

GSTT1 Null Genotype Contributes to Lung Cancer Risk in Asian Populations: A Meta-Analysis of 23 Studies

Background

Genetic variation in glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) may contribute to lung cancer risk. Many studies have investigated the correlation between the Glutathione S-transferase T1 (GSTT1) null genotype and lung cancer risk in Asian population but yielded inconclusive results.

Methodology/Principal Findings

We performed a meta-analysis of 23 studies including 4065 cases and 5390 controls. We assessed the strength of the association of GSTT1 with lung cancer risk and performed sub-group analyses by source of controls, smoking status, histological types, and sample size. A statistically significant correlation between GSTT1 null genotype and lung cancer in Asian population was observed (OR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.10, 1.49; P_{heterogeneity}<0.001 and I² = 62.0%). Sub-group analysis revealed there was a statistically increased lung cancer risk in ever-smokers who carried the GSTT1 null genotype (OR = 1.94, 95% CI = 1.27, 2.96; P heterogeneity = 0.02 and I² = 58.1%). It was also indicated that GSTT1 null genotype could increase lung cancer risk among population-based studies (OR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.04, 1.50; P_{heterogeneity} = 0.003 and I² = 56.8%). The positive association was also found in studies of sample size (≤500 participants) (OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.10, 1.62; P_{heterogeneity}<0.001 and I² = 65.4%).

Conclusions

These meta-analysis results suggest that GSTT1 null genotype is associated with a significantly increased risk of lung cancer in Asian population.     

Significant Association of Glutathione S-Transferase T1 Null Genotype with Prostate Cancer Risk: A Meta-Analysis of 26,393 Subjects

Background

Recent studies on the association between Glutathione S-transferase T1 (GSTT1) polymorphism and risk of prostate cancer showed inconclusive results. To clarify this possible association, we conducted a meta-analysis of published studies.

Methods

Data were collected from the following electronic databases: Pubmed, Embase, and Chinese Biomedical Database (CBM). The odds ratio (OR) and its 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was used to assess the strength of the association. We summarized the data on the association between GSTT1 null genotype and risk of prostate cancer in the overall population, and performed subgroup analyses by ethnicity, adjusted ORs, and types of controls.

Results

Ultimately, a total of 43 studies with a total of 26,393 subjects (9,934 cases and 16,459 controls) were eligible for meta-analysis. Overall, there was a significant association between GSTT1 null genotype and increased risk of prostate cancer (OR = 1.14, 95%CI 1.01–1.29, P = 0.034). Meta-analysis of adjusted ORs also showed a significant association between GSTT1 null genotype and increased risk of prostate cancer (OR = 1.34, 95%CI 1.09–1.64, P = 0.006). Similar results were found in the subgroup analyses by ethnicity and types of controls.

Conclusion

This meta-analysis demonstrates that GSTT1 null genotype is associated with prostate cancer susceptibility, and GSTT1 null genotype contributes to increased risk of prostate cancer.     

Genetic Polymorphisms of Glutathione S-Transferase Genes GSTM1, GSTT1 and Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background

A number of case-control studies were conducted to investigate the association of glutathione S-transferase (GST) genetic polymorphisms and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk. However, these studies have yielded contradictory results. We therefore performed a meta-analysis to derive a more precise estimation of the association between polymorphisms on GSTM1, GSTT1 and HCC.

Methodology/Prinicpal Findings

PubMed, EMBASE, ISI web of science and the CNKI databases were systematically searched to identify relevant studies. Data were abstracted independently by two reviewers. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were used to assess the strength of association. Potential sources of heterogeneity were also assessed by subgroup analysis and meta-regression. Funnel plots and Egger’s linear regression were used to test publication bias among the articles. A total of 34 studies including 4,463 cases and 6,857 controls were included in this meta-analysis. In a combined analysis, significantly increased HCC risks were found for null genotype of GSTM1 (OR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.06–1.58; P = 0.01) and GSTT1 (OR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.22–1.68; P<10⁻⁵). Potential sources of heterogeneity were explored by subgroup analysis and meta-regression. Significant results were found in East Asians and Indians when stratified by ethnicity; whereas no significant associations were found among Caucasians and African populations. By pooling data from 12 studies that considered combinations of GSTT1 and GSTM1 null genotypes, a statistically significant increased risk for HCC (OR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.41–2.50; P<10⁻⁴) was detected for individuals with combined deletion mutations in both genes compared with positive genotypes.

Conclusions/Significance

This meta-analysis suggests that the GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotype may slightly increase the risk of HCC and that interaction between unfavourable GSTs genotypes may exist.     

Null Genotypes of GSTM1 and GSTT1 and Endometriosis Risk: A Meta-Analysis of 25 Case-Control Studies

Endometriosis is one of the most frequent benign gynecological disorders. Numerous studies have shown an association between GSTM1 and/or GSTT1 polymorphisms and endometriosis susceptibility. However, these associations remain inconclusive. To derive a more precise estimation, we conducted a comprehensive search to identify all existing studies and then performed a meta-analysis. Electronic literature searches of the PubMed, Chinese Biomedical, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases were performed up to December 2013. GSTM1-, GSTT1-, and dual-null genotypes were analyzed independently, and pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated by comparing the null genotype with other genotypes using the random-effects or fixed-effects model. Twenty-five and 16 independent studies on GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms, respectively, and five GSTM1-GSTT1 interaction analyses were identified and included in this meta-analysis. Both GSTM1- and GSTT1-null genotypes increased risk of endometriosis (OR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.30–1.83, P<0.001; OR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.10–1.82, P = 0.007; respectively). Moreover, we found a significant positive association between the dual null genotype GSTM1-GSTT1 and endometriosis susceptibility (OR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.03–1.72, P = 0.027). This meta-analysis provides evidence that null genotypes of GSTM1 and/or GSTT1 contribute to risk of endometriosis. Further investigations are required to confirm these findings.     

Association of GSTM1 Null Allele with Prostate Cancer Risk: Evidence from 36 Case-Control Studies

Background

Glutathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1) is thought to be involved in detoxifying several carcinogens and may play a vital role in tumorigenesis. Numerous studies have evaluated the association between GSTM1 null/present polymorphism and risk of prostate cancer (PCa). However, the results remain inconsistent. To derive a more precise estimation, we performed a meta-analysis.

Methodology/Principal Findings

A comprehensive search was conducted to identify all eligible case-control studies. We used odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to assess the strength of the association. The overall association was significant (OR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.11–1.48, P = 0.001). Moreover, subgroup analyses showed GSTM1 null genotype significantly associated with PCa risk among Asians (OR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.03–1.78, P = 0.03) but not among Caucasians (OR = 1.12, 95% CI: 0.96–1.31, P = 0.16). In addition, we did not find that smoking modified the genotype effect on the risk of PCa.

Conclusions/Significance

The present meta-analysis suggested that GSTM1 null allele was a low-penetrant risk factor for PCa among Asians.     

Glutathione S-Transferase Polymorphism Interactions with Smoking Status and HPV Infection in Cervical Cancer Risk: An Evidence-Based Meta-Analysis

Background

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is considered the major cause of cervical cancer (CC), but a number of infected women do not develop invasive lesions, suggesting the role of genetic susceptibility and environmental co-factors for cancer outbreak. Glutathione S- transferases (GSTs) are multifunctional enzymes that play a key role in the detoxification of varieties of both endogenous products of oxidative stress and exogenous carcinogens.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched. All studies evaluating the association between GSTM1 polymorphisms and cervical cancer were included. Pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using fixed-or random-effects model.

Results

A total of 23 case-control studies were included in the meta-analysis. The overall result showed that the association between GSTM1 null genotype and risk for cervical cancer was statistically significant (OR = 1.56; 95%CI, 1.39–1.75). Subgroup analyses were performed based on ethnicity, smoking and HPV infection. Our results showed that smokers with null GSTM1 genotype had higher risk of cervical cancer (OR = 2.27, 95%CI, 1.46–3.54). For the ethnicity stratification, significant increased risk of null GSTM1 genotype was found in Chinese and Indian population, but no increased risk in other population was found.

Conclusions

this meta-analysis provided strong evidence that the GSTM1 genotype is associated with CC development, especially in Chinese and Indian populations. Smoking and HPV infection modified the association between the null GSTM1 genotype and CC.     

Null genotypes of GSTM1 and GSTT1 contribute to risk of cervical neoplasia: an evidence-based meta-analysis

Background and Objectives

Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are multifunctional enzymes that play a key role in the detoxification of varieties of both endogenous products of oxidative stress and exogenous carcinogens.

Methods

In this meta-analysis, twenty-five studies were identified by searching PubMed, EMBASE, ISI Web of Science and CBM databases: 23 evaluated GSTM1 and 19 evaluated GSTT1. Crude odds ratios with corresponding 95% confidence intervals were used to estimate the association between GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms and risk of cervical neoplasia. Subgroup analyses were conducted by pathological history, ethnicity, source of DNA for genotyping, quality score, and matching variable.

Results

The null genotypes of GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms were associated with a significantly increased risk of cervical neoplasia (for GSTM1: OR = 1.40; 95%CI, 1.19–1.65; for GSTT1: OR = 1.30; 95%CI, 1.05–1.62, respectively). Subgroup analyses showed that the null genotype of GSTM1 increased the risk of cervical neoplasia in Asians, studies with DNA isolation from white blood cells and tissue samples, both high and low quality studies, and matched studies. In GSTM1-GSTT1 interaction analysis, individuals with dual null genotype were associated with a significantly increased risk of cervical neoplasia (OR = 1.72; 95%CI, 1.18–2.51).

Conclusion

These findings indicate that GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms, particularly GSTM1-GSTT1 interaction, may play critical roles in the development of cervical neoplasia. A conservative manner should be adopted to interpret these results because of obvious heterogeneity between-study, unadjusted data, and relatively small sample size in this meta-analysis. Well designed studies with larger sample size are of great value to confirm these results.     

Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number and Risk of Oral Cancer: A Report from Northeast India

Background

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the sixth most common cancer globally. Tobacco consumption and HPV infection, both are the major risk factor for the development of oral cancer and causes mitochondrial dysfunction. Genetic polymorphisms in xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes modify the effect of environmental exposures, thereby playing a significant role in gene–environment interactions and hence contributing to the individual susceptibility to cancer. Here, we have investigated the association of tobacco - betel quid chewing, HPV infection, GSTM1-GSTT1 null genotypes, and tumour stages with mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content variation in oral cancer patients.

Methodology/Principal Findings

The study comprised of 124 cases of OSCC and 140 control subjects to PCR based detection was done for high-risk HPV using a consensus primer and multiplex PCR was done for detection of GSTM1-GSTT1 polymorphism. A comparative ΔCt method was used for determination of mtDNA content. The risk of OSCC increased with the ceased mtDNA copy number (P_trend = 0.003). The association between mtDNA copy number and OSCC risk was evident among tobacco – betel quid chewers rather than tobacco – betel quid non chewers; the interaction between mtDNA copy number and tobacco – betel quid was significant (P = 0.0005). Significant difference was observed between GSTM1 - GSTT1 null genotypes (P = 0.04, P = 0.001 respectively) and HPV infection (P<0.001) with mtDNA content variation in cases and controls. Positive correlation was found with decrease in mtDNA content with the increase in tumour stages (P<0.001). We are reporting for the first time the association of HPV infection and GSTM1-GSTT1 null genotypes with mtDNA content in OSCC.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that the mtDNA content in tumour tissues changes with tumour stage and tobacco-betel quid chewing habits while low levels of mtDNA content suggests invasive thereby serving as a biomarker in detection of OSCC.     

Copy Number Variation of GSTT1 and GSTM1 and the Risk of Prostate Cancer in a Caribbean Population of African Descent

Background

Deletions of the glutathione S-transferase genes M1 and T1 (GSTM1 and GSTT1) have been studied as potential risk factors for prostate cancer. Conflicting results have been obtained. Moreover, most such studies could not discriminate heterozygous from homozygous carriers of the non-deleted alleles.

Objective

We investigated whether copy number variation (CNV) of the GSTM1 and/or GSTT1 genes contribute to the risk of prostate cancer in the Caribbean population of African descent of Guadeloupe.

Methods

In a population-based case-control study, we compared 629 prostate cancer patients and 622 control subjects. Logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Exact copy numbers of GSTM1 and GSTT1 were determined by real-time PCR.

Results

A higher copy number of GSTM1 was marginally associated with prostate cancer risk. Men with 2 and 3 or more GSTT1 genes were at higher risk of prostate cancer (OR: 1.55, 95% CI: 1.11–2.16 and OR: 4.89, 95% CI: 1.71–13.99, respectively; P_trend<0.001). Men with 3, 4 and 5 or more copies of both GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes were at higher risk of prostate cancer (OR: 2.18, 95% CI: 1.21–3.91, OR: 3.24, 95% CI: 1.63–6.46, and OR: 5.77, 95% CI: 1.40–23.84, respectively; P_trend<0.001).

Conclusions

Copy number of GSTT1 and combined GSTM1/GSTT1 appear to be associated with prostate cancer risk in our population study with gene dose relationship. Our results support the hypothesis that variations in copy number of GSTT1 modulate the risk of prostate cancer.     

Null genotypes of GSTM1 and GSTT1 contribute to increased risk of diabetes mellitus: A meta-analysis

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common disease which results from various causes including genetic and environmental factors. Glutathione S-Transferase M1 (GSTM1) and Glutathione S-Transferase T1 (GSTT1) genes are polymorphic in human and the null genotypes lead to the absence of enzyme function. Many studies assessed the associations between GSTM1/GSTT1 null genotypes and DM risk but reported conflicting results. In order to get a more precise estimate of the associations of GSTM1/GSTT1 null genotypes with DM risk, we performed this meta-analysis. Published literature from PubMed, Embase and China Biology Medicine (CBM) databases was searched for eligible studies. Pooled odds ratios (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated using a fixed- or random-effects model. 11 publications (a total of 2577 cases and 4572 controls) were finally included into this meta-analysis. Meta-analyses indicated that null genotypes of GSTM1/GSTT1 and dual null genotype of GSTM1–GSTT1 were all associated with increased risk of DM (GSTM1: OR _{random-effects} = 1.60, 95%CI 1.10–2.34, P_OR = 0.014; GSTT1: OR _{random-effects} = 1.47, 95%CI 1.12–1.92, P_OR = 0.005; GSTM1–GSTT1: OR _{fixed-effects} = 1.83, 95%CI 1.30–2.59, P_OR = 0.001). Subgroup by ethnicity suggested significant associations between null genotypes of GSTM1 and GSTT1 and DM risk among Asians (GSTM1: OR _{random-effects} = 1.77, 95%CI 1.24–2.53, P_OR = 0.002; GSTT1: OR _{random-effects} = 1.58, 95%CI 1.09–2.27, P_OR = 0.015). This meta-analysis suggests null genotypes of GSTM1/GSTT1 and dual null genotype of GSTM1–GSTT1 are all associated with increased risk of DM, and null genotypes of GSTM1/GSTT1 and dual null genotype of GSTM1–GSTT1 are potential biomarkers of DM.     

Association between GSTM1 and GSTT1 Allelic Variants and Head and Neck Squamous Cell Cancinoma

Backgrounds

GSTM1 and GSTT1 are involved in the detoxification of carcinogens such as smoking by-products, and polymorphisms in these two genes with a result of loss of enzyme activity may increase risk of carcinogenesis. Although many epidemiological studies have investigated the association between GSTM1 or GSTT1 null genotype and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), the results remain conflicting. To elucidate the overall association of GSTM1, GSTT1 and HNSCC, we included all available studies and performed this meta-analysis.

Methodology/Principal Findings

A dataset including 42 articles for GSTM1, 32 articles for GSTT1, and 15 articles for GSTM1 and GSTT1 in combination were identified by a search in PubMed. Associations beween HNSCC and polymorphisms of GSTM1 and GSTT1 alone and in combination were analysed by software RevMan 5.1. Stratification analysis on ethnicity and smoking status, sensitivity analysis, heterogeneity among studies and their publication bias were also tested. Association was found in overall analysis between HNSCC and GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotype. Stratified by ethnicity, we found increased risks of HNSCC in carriers with GSTM1 null genotype in Asian, GSTT1 null genotype in South American, and dual null genotype in European and Asian. When stratified by smoking, a more significant association of GSTM1 null genotype with HNSCC risk was observed in smokers.

Conclusions/Significance

This meta-analysis presented additional evidence of the association between GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms and HNSCC risk.     

Investigation of glutathione S-transferase M1 and T1 deletions in lung cancer

Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) M1 and T1 are known to be polymorphic in humans. Both polymorphisms are due to gene deletions which are responsible for the existence of null genotypes. Previous studies have suggested that GST genotypes may play a role in determining susceptibility to a number of unrelated cancers, including lung cancer. The GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms were determined by PCR-based analysis in 75 lung cancer patients and 55 controls. The unconditional logistic regression analysis was used to calculate ORs and 95% CI. The frequencies of GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes were 37.3 and 22.7% in lung cancer patients and 27.3 and 16.4% in controls, respectively. When analyzed by histology the GSTM1 null genotype was more prevalent in squamous-cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma patients. Whereas, GSTT1 null genotype frequency was lower in small-cell lung cancer patients than controls. But these differences were not statistically significant. According to smoking status, null genotype for both gene are associated with an increase in risk for lung cancer. Our results suggest that GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms may play a role in the development of lung cancer for some histological subtypes and modifies the risk of smoking-related lung cancer.     

Household Ventilation May Reduce Effects of Indoor Air Pollutants for Prevention of Lung Cancer: A Case-Control Study in a Chinese Population

Background

Although the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified various indoor air pollutants as carcinogenic to humans, few studies evaluated the role of household ventilation in reducing the impact of indoor air pollutants on lung cancer risk.

Objectives

To explore the association between household ventilation and lung cancer.

Methods

A population-based case-control study was conducted in a Chinese population from 2003 to 2010. Epidemiologic and household ventilation data were collected using a standardized questionnaire. Unconditional logistic regression was employed to estimate adjusted odds ratios (OR_adj) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

Among 1,424 lung cancer cases and 4,543 healthy controls, inverse associations were observed for good ventilation in the kitchen (OR_adj = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.75, 0.98), bedroom (OR_adj = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.79, 1.03), and both kitchen and bedroom (OR_adj = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.75, 1.00). Stratified analyses showed lung cancer inversely associated with good ventilation among active smokers (OR_adj = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.72, 1.00), secondhand smokers at home (OR_adj = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.63, 0.94), and those exposed to high-temperature cooking oil fumes (OR_adj = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.68, 0.99). Additive interactions were found between household ventilation and secondhand smoke at home as well as number of household pollutant sources.

Conclusions

A protective association was observed between good ventilation of households and lung cancer, most likely through the reduction of exposure to indoor air pollutants, indicating ventilation may serve as one of the preventive measures for lung cancer, in addition to tobacco cessation.     

Glutathione S-transferases gene polymorphisms and risk of male idiopathic infertility: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) polymorphisms have been implicated in susceptibility to male idiopathic infertility, but study results are still controversial. To investigate the genetic associations between GSTs polymorphisms and risk of male idiopathic infertility, a systematic review and meta-analysis were performed. Meta-analysis was performed by pooling odds ratio (OR) with its corresponding 95 % confidence interval (95 % CI) form studies in electronic databases up to March 16, 2012. Glutathione S-transferase M 1 (GSTM1) null genotype, Glutathione S-transferase T 1 (GSTT1) null genotype, and dual null genotype of GSTM1/GSTT1 were analyzed independently. 14 eligible studies with a total of 1,845 idiopathic infertility males and 1,729 controls were included. There were 13 studies on GSTM1 polymorphism, 10 ones on GSTT1 polymorphism and 5 ones on GSTM1-GSTT1 interaction analysis. Meta-analyses of total relevant studies showed GSTM1 null genotype was significantly associated with an increased risk of male idiopathic infertility (OR = 1.40, 95 % CI 1.07–1.84, P _OR = 0.015). The GSTM1-GSTT1 interaction analysis showed dual null genotype of GSTM1/GSTT1 was also significantly associated with increased risk of male idiopathic infertility (OR = 1.85, 95 % CI 1.07–3.21, P _OR = 0.028). Subgroup analyses by ethnicity showed the associations above were still statistically significant in Caucasians (For GSTM1, OR = 1.51, 95 % CI 1.11–2.05, P _OR = 0.009; For GSTM1/GSTT1, OR = 2.10, 95 % CI 1.51–2.91, P _OR < 0.001). This meta-analysis suggests GSTM1 null genotype contributes to increased risk of male idiopathic infertility in Caucasians, and males with dual null genotype of GSTM1/GSTT1 are particularly susceptible to developing idiopathic infertility.     

Glutathione s-transferase m1 gene polymorphism and laryngeal cancer risk: a meta-analysis

Background and Objectives

Studies investigating the association between glutathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1) gene polymorphism and laryngeal cancer risk have reported conflicting results. The aim of the present study was to conduct a meta-analysis assessing the possible associations of GSTM1 gene polymorphism with laryngeal cancer risk.

Methods

The relevant studies were identified through a search of PubMed, Embase, ISI Web of Knowledge and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure until May 2011 and selected on the basis of the established inclusion criteria for publications, then a meta-analysis was performed to quantitatively summarize association of GSTM1 polymorphism with laryngeal cancer susceptibility.

Results

Seventeen studies were included in the present meta-analysis (2,180 cases and 2,868 controls). The combined results based on all studies showed that GSTM1 null genotype was associated with increased laryngeal cancer risk (OR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.04∼1.31). When stratifying for race, GSTM1 null genotype exhibited increased laryngeal cancer risk in Caucasians (OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.01∼1.31), while no significant association was detected in Asians (OR = 1.25, 95% CI = 0.80∼1.96). In the subgroup analysis based on source of controls, significant associations were observed in the population-based studies (OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.01∼1.31) yet not in the hospital-based studies (OR = 1.25, 95% CI = 0.93∼1.67). Furthermore, in the subgroup analysis based on sample size, significant associations were also found in studies with at least 50 cases and 50 controls (OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.02∼1.30) but not in studies with fewer than 50 cases or 50 controls (OR = 1.46, 95% CI = 0.87∼2.46).

Conclusions

This meta-analysis supported that the GSTM1 gene polymorphism was associated with laryngeal cancer, particularly in Caucasians, and these associations varied in different subgroup, which indicated that population-based study with larger sample size was more appropriate in design of future study.     

Parental Smoking and Risk of Childhood Brain Tumors by Functional Polymorphisms in Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Metabolism Genes

Background

A recent meta-analysis suggested an association between exposure to paternal smoking during pregnancy and childhood brain tumor risk, but no studies have evaluated whether this association differs by polymorphisms in genes that metabolize tobacco-smoke chemicals.

Methods

We assessed 9 functional polymorphisms in 6 genes that affect the metabolism of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) to evaluate potential interactions with parental smoking during pregnancy in a population-based case-control study of childhood brain tumors. Cases (N = 202) were ≤10 years old, diagnosed from 1984–1991 and identified in three Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registries in the western U.S. Controls in the same regions (N = 286) were frequency matched by age, sex, and study center. DNA for genotyping was obtained from archived newborn dried blood spots.

Results

We found positive interaction odds ratios (ORs) for both maternal and paternal smoking during pregnancy, EPHX1 H139R, and childhood brain tumors (P _interaction = 0.02; 0.10), such that children with the high-risk (greater PAH activation) genotype were at a higher risk of brain tumors relative to children with the low-risk genotype when exposed to tobacco smoke during pregnancy. A dose-response pattern for paternal smoking was observed among children with the EPHX1 H139R high-risk genotype only (OR_{no exposure} = 1.0; OR_{≤3 hours/day} = 1.32, 95% CI: 0.52–3.34; OR_>3hours/day = 3.18, 95% CI: 0.92–11.0; P _trend = 0.07).

Conclusion

Parental smoking during pregnancy may be a risk factor for childhood brain tumors among genetically susceptible children who more rapidly activate PAH in tobacco smoke.     

Genetic Variation in BCL2 3′-UTR Was Associated with Lung Cancer Risk and Prognosis in Male Chinese Population

Objectives

Bcl-2 is a critical apoptosis inhibitor with established carcinogenic potential, and can confer cancer cell resistance to therapeutic treatments by activating anti-apoptotic cellular defense. We hypothesized that genetic variants of BCL2 gene may be associated with lung cancer susceptibility and prognosis.

Methods

Three selected tagSNPs of BCL2 (rs2279115, rs1801018, and rs1564483) were genotyped in 1017 paired male Chinese lung cancer cases and controls by TaqMan assay. The associations of these variants with risk of lung cancer and overall survival of 242 male advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients were separately investigated.

Results

Compared with the BCL2 3′UTR rs1564483GG genotype, the rs1564483GA, AA, and GA+AA genotypes were associated with significantly decreased susceptibilities of lung cancer in male Chinese (adjusted OR = 0.78, 0.73, and 0.76, P = 0.016, 0.038, and 0.007, respectively), while rs1564483A allele has a inverse dose-response relationship with lung cancer risk (P _trend = 0.010). These effects were more evident in the elders, smokers, and subjects without family history of cancer (P _trend = 0.017, 0.043 and 0.005, respectively). Furthermore, advanced NSCLC males carrying BCL2 rs1564483 GA+AA genotypes had significantly longer median survival time (Long-rank P = 0.036) and decreased death risk (adjusted HR = 0.69, P = 0.027) than patients with rs1564483GG genotype. These effects were more obvious in patients with smoking, stage IIIA, and in patients without surgery but underwent chemotherapy or radiotherapy (adjusted HR = 0.68, 0.49, 0.67, 0.69, 0.50, respectively, all P<0.05).

Conclusion

The BCL2 3′UTR rs1564483A allele was associated with a decreased lung cancer risk and better survival for advanced NSCLC in male Chinese, which may offer a novel biomarker for identifying high-risk population and predicting clinical outcomes.